QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended October 31, 2021
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from to
Commission File Number 1-14959
BRADY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin
39-0178960
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
6555 West Good Hope Road,
Milwaukee,
Wisconsin
53223
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(414) 358-6600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
BRC
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☑No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☑No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☑
Accelerated filer
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐No☑
As of November 16, 2021, there were 48,292,661 outstanding shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and 3,538,628 shares of Class B Voting Common Stock. The Class B Voting Common Stock, all of which is held by affiliates of the Registrant, is the only voting stock.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Three Months Ended October 31, 2021
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
NOTE A — Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Brady Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company," "Brady," "we," or "our") without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of the Company, the foregoing statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, its results of operations and comprehensive income for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, and cash flows for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of July 31, 2021, has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts therein. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results in future periods may differ from the estimates.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statement presentation. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2021.
NOTE B — New Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted Standards
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740)." This guidance removes certain exceptions to the general principles in ASC 740 such as recognizing deferred taxes for equity investments, the incremental approach to performing intraperiod tax allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. The standard also simplifies accounting for income taxes under U.S. GAAP by clarifying and amending existing guidance, including the recognition of deferred taxes for goodwill, the allocation of taxes to members of a consolidated group and requiring that an entity reflect the effect of enacted changes in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date. The Company adopted ASC 2019-12 effective August 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
Standards not yet adopted
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." Subject to meeting certain criteria, this guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions to applying contract modification accounting under existing U.S. GAAP, to address the expected phase out of the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") by the end of 2021. This guidance is effective upon issuance and allows application to contract changes as early as January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect a material impact to the financial statements or disclosures from the adoption of this standard.
Inventories as of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, consisted of the following:
October 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Finished products
$
96,034
$
87,489
Work-in-process
22,099
20,189
Raw materials and supplies
34,162
28,429
Total inventories
$
152,295
$
136,107
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is presented net of accumulated depreciation in the amount of $280,696 and $277,246 as of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, respectively.
NOTE D — Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets as of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, consisted of the following:
October 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Book Value
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Book Value
Amortized other intangible assets:
Tradenames
3
$
1,814
$
(530)
$
1,284
3
$
1,821
$
(356)
$
1,465
Customer relationships
9
110,615
(42,152)
68,463
9
110,950
(39,069)
71,881
Technology
5
9,533
(832)
8,701
5
9,578
(335)
9,243
Unamortized other intangible assets:
Tradenames
N/A
9,771
—
9,771
N/A
9,745
—
9,745
Total
$
131,733
$
(43,514)
$
88,219
$
132,094
$
(39,760)
$
92,334
The change in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets as of October 31, 2021 compared to July 31, 2021 was due to the effect of currency fluctuations during the three-month period. Amortization expense on intangible assets was $3,807 and $1,351 for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE E — Leases
The Company leases certain manufacturing facilities, warehouses and office space, computer equipment, and vehicles accounted for as operating leases. Lease terms typically range from one year to ten years. As of October 31, 2021, the Company did not have any finance leases.
Operating lease expense was $4,765 and $4,073 for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which was recognized in either "Cost of goods sold" or "Selling, general and administrative" expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income, based on the nature of the lease. Short-term lease expense, variable lease expenses, and sublease income was immaterial to the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.
Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company's operating leases for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, was as follows:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
4,999
$
4,297
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)
(868)
2,936
(1) During the three months ended October 31, 2021, the Company purchased two buildings which were previously leased. This resulted in an overall decrease in operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities for the period as the remaining lease assets and liabilities were removed from the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
NOTE F – Stockholders' Equity
Incentive Stock Plans
The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance-based restricted stock units ("PRSUs"), or restricted and unrestricted shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors. Certain awards may be subject to pre-established performance goals. The majority of the Company’s annual share-based awards are granted in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Total stock-based compensation expense recognized during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $4,129 and $3,574, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income was $199 and $274 during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of October 31, 2021, total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards was $12,919 pre-tax, net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Stock Options
The stock options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and generally vest ratably over three years, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. Options issued under the plan, referred to herein as “time-based” options, generally expire ten years from the date of grant.
The Company has estimated the fair value of its time-based option awards granted during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model are reflected in the following table:
Three months ended October 31,
Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions
2021
2020
Expected term (in years)
6.14
6.21
Expected volatility
29.98
%
30.71
%
Expected dividend yield
2.29
%
2.49
%
Risk-free interest rate
0.96
%
0.38
%
The following is a summary of stock option activity for the three months ended October 31, 2021:
The total fair value of stock options vested during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $2,446 and $2,371, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $11.29 and $8.65, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, based upon the average market price at the time of exercise during the period, was $319 and $373, respectively.
The cash received from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $151 and $160, respectively. The tax benefit from the exercise of stock options during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $80 and $93, respectively.
RSUs
RSUs issued under the plan have a grant date fair value equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant and generally vest ratably over three years, with one-third vesting one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years.
The following is a summary of RSU activity for the three months ended October 31, 2021:
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested RSUs as of July 31, 2021
156,466
$
45.40
Granted
60,876
49.85
Vested
(67,116)
45.49
Forfeited
—
—
Non-vested RSUs as of October 31, 2021
150,226
$
47.17
The RSUs granted during the three months ended October 31, 2020 had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $39.92. The total fair value of RSUs vested during three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $3,380 and $2,572, respectively.
PRSUs
PRSUs are contingent on the achievement of predetermined market and performance targets. The PRSUs granted under the plan vest at the end of a three-year performance period provided the specified market and performance targets are met. For the PRSUs granted during the three months ended October 31, 2021, the vesting criteria for 50% of the grant is based upon the Company's total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrials Index over a three-year performance period, and the vesting criteria for the other 50% of the grant is based upon Company revenue targets. All other previously granted non-vested PRSUs vest based upon the Company's TSR relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrials Index.
The following is a summary of PRSU activity for the three months ended October 31, 2021:
Number of Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested PRSUs as of July 31, 2021
119,281
$
61.05
Granted (1)
76,743
61.76
Vested (1)
(76,885)
50.70
Forfeited
—
—
Non-vested PRSUs as of October 31, 2021
119,139
$
65.18
(1) Includes 44,350 shares granted and vested during the three months ended October 31, 2021, resulting from the payout of PRSUs granted in fiscal year 2019 due to achievement of performance metrics exceeding the target payout.
The PRSUs granted during the three months ended October 31, 2020 had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $60.73. The total fair value of PRSUs vested during three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was $4,098 and $3,272, respectively.
Other comprehensive loss consists of foreign currency translation adjustments which includes the settlements of net investment hedges, unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges and the unamortized gain on post-retirement plans, net of their related tax effects.
The following table illustrates the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, for the three months ended October 31, 2021:
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
Unamortized gain on post-retirement plans
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning balance, July 31, 2021
$
729
$
1,888
$
(58,570)
$
(55,953)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification
(273)
—
(3,913)
(4,186)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
(425)
(107)
—
(532)
Ending balance, October 31, 2021
$
31
$
1,781
$
(62,483)
$
(60,671)
The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of October 31, 2021, compared to July 31, 2021, was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against certain other currencies during the three-month period.
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the three months ended October 31, 2020, were as follows:
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges
Unamortized gain on post-retirement plans
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning balance, July 31, 2020
$
(200)
$
2,181
$
(68,458)
$
(66,477)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification
701
—
(4,185)
(3,484)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
159
134
—
293
Ending balance, October 31, 2020
$
660
$
2,315
$
(72,643)
$
(69,668)
The increase in the accumulated other comprehensive loss as of October 31, 2020, compared to July 31, 2020, was primarily due to the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against certain other currencies during the three-month period.
Of the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges were reclassified to "Cost of goods sold" and unamortized gains on post-retirement plans was reclassified into "Investment and other income" on the condensed consolidated statements of income.
The following table illustrates the income tax (expense) benefit on the components of other comprehensive loss for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss:
Cash flow hedges
$
(104)
$
(48)
Pension and other post-retirement benefits
—
240
Other income tax adjustments and currency translation
5
7
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss
$
(99)
$
199
NOTE H — Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the product or service transfers to the customer at an amount that represents the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those products and services. The Company’s revenues are primarily from the sale of identification solutions and workplace safety products that are shipped and billed to customers. All revenue is from contracts with customers and is included in “Net sales” on the condensed consolidated statements of income. See Note I, “Segment Information,” for the Company’s disaggregated revenue disclosure.
The Company offers extended warranty coverage that is included in the sales price of certain products, which it accounts for as service warranties. The Company accounts for the deferred revenue associated with extended service warranties as a contract liability. The balance of contract liabilities associated with service warranty performance obligations was $2,589 and $2,519 as of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, respectively. The current portion and non-current portion of contract liabilities are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities," respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized revenue of $289 and $297 during the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the respective period from the amortization of extended service warranties. Of the contract liability balance outstanding at October 31, 2021, the Company expects to recognize 32% by the end of fiscal 2022, an additional 31% by the end of fiscal 2023, and the remaining balance thereafter.
NOTE I — Segment Information
The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within three operating segments, Identification Solutions ("IDS"), Workplace Safety ("WPS"), and People Identification ("PDC"), which aggregate into two reportable segments that are organized around businesses with consistent products and services: IDS and WPS. The IDS and PDC operating segments aggregate into the IDS reporting segment, while the WPS reporting segment is comprised solely of the Workplace Safety operating segment.
The following is a summary of net sales by segment and geographic region for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
Net sales:
ID Solutions
Americas
$
164,910
$
133,267
Europe
56,889
42,582
Asia
26,818
22,343
Total
$
248,617
$
198,192
Workplace Safety
Americas
$
21,142
$
24,031
Europe
38,022
41,266
Australia
13,694
13,738
Total
$
72,858
$
79,035
Total Company
Americas
$
186,052
$
157,298
Europe
94,911
83,848
Asia-Pacific
40,512
36,081
Total
$
321,475
$
277,227
The following is a summary of segment profit for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
The following is a reconciliation of segment profit to income before income taxes and losses of unconsolidated affiliate for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
Total profit from reportable segments
$
51,109
$
48,267
Unallocated amounts:
Administrative costs
(6,774)
(6,079)
Investment and other income
543
155
Interest expense
(182)
(106)
Income before income taxes and losses of unconsolidated affiliate
$
44,696
$
42,237
NOTE J — Net Income per Common Share
Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock are summarized as follows:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
Numerator (in thousands):
Net income (Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share)
$
35,046
$
33,481
Less:
Preferential dividends
(803)
(808)
Preferential dividends on dilutive stock options
(8)
(4)
Numerator for basic and diluted income per Class B Voting Common Share
$
34,235
$
32,669
Denominator (in thousands):
Denominator for basic income per share for both Class A and Class B
51,973
52,021
Plus: Effect of dilutive equity awards
463
271
Denominator for diluted income per share for both Class A and Class B
52,436
52,292
Net income per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:
Basic
$
0.67
$
0.64
Diluted
$
0.67
$
0.64
Net income per Class B Voting Common Share:
Basic
$
0.66
$
0.63
Diluted
$
0.65
$
0.62
Potentially dilutive securities attributable to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share where the combined exercise price and average unamortized fair value were greater than the average market price of the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. The amount of anti-dilutive shares were 479,602 and 740,745 for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE K — Fair Value Measurements
In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, the Company determines fair value based on the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:
Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that are accessible as of the reporting date.
Level 2 — Other significant pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3 — Significant unobservable pricing inputs, which result in the use of management's own assumptions.
The following table summarizes the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021:
October 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Fair Value Hierarchy
Assets:
Trading securities
$
18,543
$
20,135
Level 1
Foreign exchange contracts
141
150
Level 2
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange contracts
124
51
Level 2
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
Trading securities: The Company’s deferred compensation investments consist of investments in mutual funds, which are included in "Other assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these investments trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Foreign exchange contracts: The Company’s foreign exchange contracts were classified as Level 2 as the fair value was based on the present value of the future cash flows using external models that use observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield curves and foreign exchange rates. See Note L, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities,” for additional information.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and other liabilities approximated carrying values due to their short-term nature.
NOTE L — Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign currency denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed rate on a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges under the accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The primary objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management program is to minimize the impact of currency movements due to transactions in other than the respective subsidiaries’ functional currency and to minimize the impact of currency movements on the Company’s net investment denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges a portion of known exposures using forward foreign exchange currency contracts.
Main foreign currency exposures are related to transactions denominated in the British Pound, Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican Peso, Chinese Yuan, Malaysian Ringgit and Singapore dollar. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to minimize the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions.
The U.S. dollar equivalent notional amounts of outstanding forward exchange contracts were as follows:
October 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Designated as cash flow hedges
$
23,052
$
30,724
Non-designated hedges
3,521
3,580
Total foreign exchange contracts
$
26,573
$
34,304
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company has designated a portion of its forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and recorded these contracts at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and reclassified into income in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects income. As of October 31, 2021 and July 31, 2021, unrealized gains of $73 and $770 have been included in OCI, respectively.
The following table summarizes the amount of pre-tax gains and losses related to foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
(Losses) gains recognized in OCI
$
(26)
$
697
Gains (losses) reclassified from OCI into cost of goods sold
568
(211)
Fair values of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
October 31, 2021
July 31, 2021
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other current liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Other current liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts (cash flow hedges)
$
141
$
104
$
150
$
51
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
The income tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 was 21.6% and 20.3%, respectively. The income tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2021 was slightly higher than the expected income tax rate primarily due to a reduction in tax benefits from stock-based compensation compared to the three months ended October 31, 2020. The Company expects its ongoing annual income tax rate to be approximately 20% based on its current global business mix.
NOTE N — Subsequent Events
On November 17, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock of $0.225 per share payable on January 31, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 10, 2022.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
Overview
Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions and workplace safety products that identify and protect premises, products and people. The IDS segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture, and distribution of high-performance and innovative safety, identification and healthcare products. The WPS segment manufactures a broad range of stock and custom identification products and sells a broad range of resale products.
The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized and diverse products for use in various applications across multiple industries and geographies, along with a commitment to quality and service, have made Brady a leader in many of its markets. The long-term sales growth and profitability of our segments will depend not only on improved demand in end markets and the overall economic environment, but also on our ability to continuously improve the efficiency of our global operations, deliver a high level of customer service, develop and market innovative new products, and to advance our digital capabilities. In our IDS business, our strategy for growth includes an increased focus on certain industries and products, a focus on improving the customer buying experience, and the development of technologically advanced, innovative and proprietary products. In our WPS business, our strategy for growth includes a focus on workplace safety critical industries, innovative new product offerings, compliance expertise, customization expertise, and improving our digital capabilities.
The following are key initiatives supporting our strategy in fiscal 2022:
•Investing in organic growth by enhancing our research and development process and utilizing customer feedback to develop innovative new products.
•Investing in acquisitions that enhance our strategic position and accelerate long-term sales growth.
•Providing our customers with the highest level of customer service.
•Expanding and enhancing our sales capabilities through an improved digital presence and the use of data-driven marketing automation tools.
•Driving operational excellence and executing sustainable efficiency gains within our global operations and within our selling, general and administrative structures and within our global operations including insourcing of critical products and manufacturing activities.
•Building on our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion to increase employee engagement and enhance recruitment and retention practices.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Business
Brady Corporation is deemed an essential business under the majority of local government orders. Our products support first responders, healthcare workers, food processing companies, and many other critical industries. During the three months ended October 31, 2021, our facilities were operating globally with enhanced safety protocols designed to protect the health and safety of our employees.
The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, increased input material cost inflation as a result of increased global demand, government-mandated actions in response to COVID-19 and labor shortages. The Company has taken action to mitigate inflation issues, which has offset some, but not all, of the impact of these trends. As a result, these trends negatively impacted the Company's gross profit margin and may continue to negatively impact profitability in fiscal 2022.
We believe we have the financial strength to continue to invest in organic sales growth opportunities, inorganic sales opportunities, sales and marketing, and research and development ("R&D"), while continuing to drive sustainable efficiencies and automation in our operations and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") functions. At October 31, 2021, we had cash of $157.6 million, a credit facility with $130.1 million available for future borrowing, which can be increased up to $330.1 million at the Company's option and subject to certain conditions, for total available liquidity of approximately $487.7 million.
We believe that our financial resources including the remaining undrawn amount of the credit facility and our ability to increase that credit line as necessary and liquidity levels are sufficient to manage the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the spread of variants that could result in additional government actions around the world to contain the virus or prevent further spread which may result in reduced sales, reduced net income, and reduced cash provided by operating activities. Refer to Risk Factors, included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2021, as well as the updates contained within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for further discussion of the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
The comparability of the operating results for the three months ended October 31, 2021, to the prior year has been impacted by the following acquisitions:
Acquisitions
Segment
Date Completed
Magicard Holdings Limited ("Magicard")
IDS
May 2021
Nordic ID Oyj ("Nordic ID")
IDS
May 2021
The Code Corporation ("Code")
IDS
June 2021
A comparison of results of operating income for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Three months ended October 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2021
% Sales
2020
% Sales
Net sales
$
321,475
$
277,227
Gross margin
154,988
48.2
%
135,428
48.9
%
Operating expenses:
Research and development
13,907
4.3
%
10,203
3.7
%
Selling, general and administrative
96,746
30.1
%
83,037
30.0
%
Total operating expenses
110,653
34.4
%
93,240
33.6
%
Operating income
$
44,335
13.8
%
$
42,188
15.2
%
References in this Form 10-Q to “organic sales” refer to sales calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and sales recorded from acquired companies prior to the first anniversary date of their acquisition. The Company's organic sales disclosures exclude the effects of foreign currency translation as foreign currency translation is subject to volatility that can obscure underlying business trends. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of organic sales is meaningful to investors as it provides them with useful information to aid in identifying underlying sales trends in our businesses and facilitating comparisons of our sales performance with prior periods.
Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2021, increased 16.0% to $321.5 million, compared to $277.2 million in the same period in the prior year. The increase consisted of organic sales growth of 7.0%, sales growth from acquisitions of 8.3% and an increase from foreign currency translation of 0.7%. Organic sales grew 13.2% in the IDS segment and declined 8.6% in the WPS segment during the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to the same period in the prior year.
The most significant impact on organic sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic began in the second half of fiscal 2020 when varied government responses to the pandemic impacted a large demographic of our customers and the overall global economy. The IDS business realized reduced demand across all major product lines beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2020 continuing through the second quarter of fiscal 2021, while the WPS business realized strong organic sales growth beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 continuing through the first quarter of fiscal 2021 due to increased sales of personal protective equipment and other pandemic-related products. As a result, the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on organic sales during the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with the impact varying between the IDS and WPS businesses due to sales patterns realized during the height of the pandemic in fiscal 2021.
Gross margin increased 14.4% to $155.0 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $135.4 million in the same period in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin decreased to 48.2% compared to 48.9% in the same period in the prior year. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to an increase in the cost of materials, labor and freight expense, which was partially mitigated by our ongoing efforts to streamline manufacturing processes and drive sustainable operational efficiencies.
R&D expenses increased 36.3% to $13.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $10.2 million in the same period in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, R&D expenses increased to 4.3% compared to 3.7% in the same period in the prior year. The increase in R&D spending was primarily due to the acquisitions of Code and Nordic ID, as these companies operate with a greater amount of R&D spend as a percentage of net sales compared to the organic business, in addition to an increase in R&D headcount in the IDS business. The Company remains committed to investing in new product development to increase sales within our IDS and WPS businesses. Investments in new printers, materials, and the building out of a comprehensive industrial track and trace solution continue to be the primary focus of R&D expenditures for the remainder of fiscal 2022.
SG&A expenses include selling and administrative costs directly attributed to the IDS and WPS segments, as well as certain other corporate administrative expenses including finance, information technology, human resources, and other administrative expenses. SG&A expenses increased 16.5% to $96.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $83.0 million in the same period in the prior year. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to the acquisitions of Code, Magicard and Nordic ID, and to a lesser extent an increase in sales and marketing personnel in the IDS business and increased advertising and personnel costs in the WPS business. As a percentage of sales, SG&A was consistent at 30.1% for the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to 30.0% in the same period in the prior year, as increased costs were largely offset by ongoing efficiency activities throughout SG&A.
Operating income increased 5.1% to $44.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $42.2 million in the same period in the prior year. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the increase in segment profit in the IDS segment as a result of organic sales growth which was partially offset by the decline in segment profit in the WPS segment.
OPERATING INCOME TO NET INCOME
Three months ended October 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2021
% Sales
2020
% Sales
Operating income
$
44,335
13.8
%
$
42,188
15.2
%
Other income (expense):
Investment and other income
543
0.2
%
155
0.1
%
Interest expense
(182)
(0.1)
%
(106)
—
%
Income before income tax and losses of unconsolidated affiliate
44,696
13.9
%
42,237
15.2
%
Income tax expense
9,650
3.0
%
8,582
3.1
%
Income before losses of unconsolidated affiliate
35,046
10.9
%
33,655
12.1
%
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliate
—
—
%
(174)
(0.1)
%
Net income
$
35,046
10.9
%
$
33,481
12.1
%
Investment and other income increased to $0.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $0.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the market value of securities held in deferred compensation plans.
Interest expense increased to $0.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $0.1 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in interest expense was due to increased borrowing on our credit facility compared to the same period in the prior year.
The Company’s income tax rate was 21.6% for the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to 20.3% in the same period in the prior year. Refer to Note M "Income Taxes" for additional information on the Company's income tax rate.
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliate of $0.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2020 represented the Company's proportionate share of the loss in its equity interest in React Mobile, Inc., an employee safety software and hardware company based in the United States. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge for the Company's remaining equity interest in React Mobile, Inc.
Business Segment Operating Results
The Company evaluates short-term segment performance based on segment profit and customer sales. Interest expense, investment and other income, income tax expense, equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliate, and certain corporate administrative expenses are excluded when evaluating segment performance.
The following is a summary of segment information for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended October 31,
2021
2020
SALES GROWTH INFORMATION
ID Solutions
Organic
13.2
%
(8.4)
%
Currency
0.6
%
0.6
%
Acquisitions
11.6
%
—
%
Total
25.4
%
(7.8)
%
Workplace Safety
Organic
(8.6)
%
5.5
%
Currency
0.8
%
4.3
%
Total
(7.8)
%
9.8
%
Total Company
Organic
7.0
%
(4.9)
%
Currency
0.7
%
1.5
%
Acquisitions
8.3
%
—
%
Total
16.0
%
(3.4)
%
SEGMENT PROFIT
ID Solutions
$
48,816
$
40,279
Workplace Safety
2,293
7,988
Total
$
51,109
$
48,267
SEGMENT PROFIT AS A PERCENT OF NET SALES
ID Solutions
19.6
%
20.3
%
Workplace Safety
3.1
%
10.1
%
Total
15.9
%
17.4
%
ID Solutions
IDS net sales increased 25.4% to $248.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $198.2 million in the same period in the prior year, which consisted of organic sales growth of 13.2%, sales growth from acquisitions of 11.6% and an increase from foreign currency translation of 0.6%. Organic sales grew in all major product lines with growth in the wire identification, safety and facility identification, product identification and healthcare identification product lines.
Organic sales in the Americas increased nearly 12%, organic sales in Europe increased in the mid-teens, and organic sales in Asia increased over 15% in the three months ended October 31, 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year. Organic sales grew in all major product lines and in all geographies as our businesses continue to recover from the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Segment profit increased 21.2% to $48.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $40.3 million in the same period in the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, segment profit was 19.6% compared to 20.3% in the same period in the prior year. The increase in segment profit was primarily due to increased sales volumes in all regions and all product lines globally. The decrease in segment profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to gross margin compression resulting from an increase in the cost of materials, labor and freight expense, as well as incremental amortization expense of $2.5 million from businesses acquired in fiscal 2021.
Workplace Safety
WPS net sales declined 7.8% to $72.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $79.0 million in the same period in the prior year, which consisted of an organic sales decline of 8.6% and an increase from foreign currency translation of 0.8%. The economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on organic sales trends during the prior year. The WPS business realized strong organic sales growth beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 continuing through the first quarter of fiscal 2021 due to increased sales of personal protective equipment and other pandemic-related products. As a result, WPS organic sales declined in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 primarily due to the increase in sales of COVID-19 products during the height of the pandemic last year.
Organic sales in Europe declined in the high-single digits, organic sales in North America declined by approximately 12% and organic sales in Australia declined in the low-single digits in the three months ended October 31, 2021 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in demand for core safety and identification products did not make up for the decrease in demand for personal protective equipment and other social distancing signage and floor markings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital channel sales and sales through the catalog channel both decreased in the high-single digits in the global WPS business.
Segment profit decreased 71.3% to $2.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $8.0 million in the same period of the prior year. As a percentage of net sales, segment profit was 3.1% compared to 10.1% in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in segment profit was primarily due to the decrease in sales volumes and gross margin compression resulting from an increase in the cost of materials, labor and freight expense, as well as increased investments in advertising and selling resources in certain businesses in North America.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's cash balances are generated and held in numerous locations throughout the world. At October 31, 2021, approximately 94% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held outside the United States. The Company's organic and inorganic growth has historically been funded by a combination of cash provided by operating activities and debt financing. The Company believes that its cash flow from operating activities and its borrowing capacity are sufficient to fund its anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, common stock repurchases, and dividend payments for the next 12 months. Although the Company believes these sources of cash are currently sufficient to fund domestic operations, annual cash needs could require repatriation of cash to the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions, which may result in additional tax payments.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents were $157.6 million at October 31, 2021, an increase of $10.2 million from July 31, 2021. The following summarizes the cash flow statement for the three months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
Three months ended October 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2021
2020
Net cash flow provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
27,491
$
62,838
Investing activities
(11,326)
(9,202)
Financing activities
(4,592)
(16,551)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(1,355)
1,605
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
10,218
$
38,690
Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $62.8 million in the same period of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to cash outflows for inventory purchases in order to reduce the risk of supply chain disruption, and to a lesser extent an increase in accounts receivable due to increased sales during the quarter.
Net cash used in investing activities was $11.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, compared to $9.2 million used in the same period of the prior year. The increase in cash used in investing activities was due to the purchase of two facilities in Europe which were previously leased.
Net cash used in financing activities was $4.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2021, which consisted of dividend payments of $11.6 million and share repurchases of $18.9 million, partially offset by $29.0 million of net borrowing on the credit facility. Net cash used in financing activities of $16.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2020 primarily consisted of dividend payments of $11.4 million, as well as share repurchases and tax withholding from stock-based awards of $5.3 million.
Credit Facilities
On August 1, 2019, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an unsecured $200 million multi-currency revolving loan agreement with a group of five banks. Under this revolving loan agreement, the Company has the option to select either a Eurocurrency rate loan that bears interest at the London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin based on the Company's consolidated net leverage ratio or a base interest rate (based upon the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, the prime rate of the Bank of Montreal plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, or the
Eurocurrency base rate at the LIBOR rate plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio plus 1%). At the Company's option, and subject to certain conditions, the available amount under the revolving loan agreement may be increased from $200 million to $400 million.
As of October 31, 2021, the outstanding balance on the credit facility was $67.0 million which was also the maximum amount outstanding on the Company's revolving loan agreement during the three months ended October 31, 2021. The borrowings bear interest at 0.84% as of October 31, 2021. The Company had letters of credit outstanding under the loan agreement of $2.9 million as of October 31, 2021 and there was $130.1 million available for future borrowing, which can be increased to $330.1 million at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. The revolving loan agreement has a final maturity date of August 1, 2024. As such, borrowings were classified as long-term on the consolidated balance sheets.
Covenant Compliance
The Company's revolving loan agreement requires it to maintain certain financial covenants, including a ratio of debt to the trailing twelve months EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreements, of not more than a 3.5 to 1.0 ratio (leverage ratio) and the trailing twelve months EBITDA to interest expense of not less than a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio (interest expense coverage). As of October 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with these financial covenants, with a ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, equal to 0.3 to 1.0 and the interest expense coverage ratio equal to 441.0 to 1.0.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does not have material off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company is not aware of factors that are reasonably likely to adversely affect liquidity trends, other than the risk factors described in this and other Company filings. However, the following additional information is provided to assist those reviewing the Company’s financial statements.
Purchase Commitments - The Company has purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services, and property, plant and equipment as part of the ordinary conduct of its business. In the aggregate, such commitments are not in excess of current market prices and are not material to the financial position of the Company. Due to the proprietary nature of many of the Company’s materials and processes, certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for early termination. The Company does not believe a material amount of penalties will be incurred under these contracts based upon historical experience and current expectations.
Other Contractual Obligations - The Company does not have material financial guarantees or other contractual commitments that are reasonably likely to adversely affect liquidity.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, statements that are not reported financial results or other historic information are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the Company's future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, income, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations.
The use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain and are subject to risks, assumptions, and other factors, some of which are beyond Brady's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For Brady, uncertainties arise from:
•Adverse impacts of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic or other pandemics
•Adverse impacts of vaccination mandates issued by U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities
•Decreased demand for the Company's products
•Ability to compete effectively or to successfully execute its strategy
•Ability to develop technologically advanced products that meet customer demands
•Increased cost of raw materials, labor and freight as well as raw material shortages
•Ability to identify, integrate, and grow acquired companies, and to manage contingent liabilities from divested businesses
•Difficulties in protecting websites, networks, and systems against security breaches
•Risks associated with the loss of key employees
•Extensive regulations by U.S. and non-U.S. governmental and self-regulatory entities
•Potential write-offs of goodwill and other intangible assets
•Changes in tax legislation and tax rates
•Differing interests of voting and non-voting shareholders
•Numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including major public health crises and government responses thereto and those of a political, economic, business, competitive, and regulatory nature contained from time to time in Brady's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, those factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section set forth in this report and within Item 1A of Part I of Brady's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2021.
These uncertainties may cause Brady's actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Brady does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Refer to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2021. There has been no material change in this information since July 31, 2021.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Brady Corporation maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the Company's most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of Brady's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2021. Other than as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth in the 2021 Form 10-K. The following risk factor is an additional risk within out "COVID-19 Risks" category.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") emergency temporary standard ("ETS") mandating either fully vaccination or weekly testing of employees could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
On November 4, 2021, OSHA announced an ETS requiring that employers with 100 or more employees to implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering in the workplace. On November 5, 2021, the ETS was stayed by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals pending additional court review. Multiple other lawsuits were filed regarding the ETS in various jurisdictions. The pending lawsuits are expected to be consolidated before a federal circuit court, which circuit is then expected to rule on whether previous grants or denials of temporary stays will stand and to weigh in on the constitutionality of and other challenges to the ETS mandate. Additional vaccine mandates may be announced in jurisdictions in which our businesses operate. Our implementation of any such requirements if and when they are deemed to be enforceable may result in attrition, including attrition of critically skilled labor, and difficulty securing future labor needs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition, and may result in costs of compliance that are difficult to quantify at this time and may also impact our financial condition.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company has a share repurchase program for the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. The plan may be implemented by purchasing shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with repurchased shares available for use in connection with the Company's stock-based plans and for other corporate purposes. On September 1, 2021, Brady’s Board of Directors authorized an increase in the Company’s share buyback program, bringing the amount of the Company’s Class A Common Stock authorized for repurchase up to a total of two million shares, inclusive of the shares in the existing share buyback program. As of October 31, 2021, 1,625,000 shares remained authorized to purchase in connection with this share repurchase program.
The following table provides information with respect to the purchases by the Company of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock during the three months ended October 31, 2021:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans
XBRL Instance Document (The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.)
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.
