SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

 

Commission File Number 1-11024

 

CLARCOR Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

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

 

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

 

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 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 þ No o

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer þ          Accelerated filer o          Non-accelerated filer o

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the Common Stock was last sold as of the last day of registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $1,672,210,963.

 

The number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as of January 24, 2007 was 51,202,271 shares.

 

Certain portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement dated February 9, 2007 for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 26, 2007 are incorporated by reference in Part III. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 2, 2006.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

(a) General Development of Business

 

CLARCOR Inc. (“CLARCOR”) was organized in 1904 as an Illinois corporation and in 1969 was reincorporated in the State of Delaware. As used herein, the “Company” and terms such as “we” or “our” refers to CLARCOR and its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires.

 

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to November 30. For fiscal year 2006, the year ended on December 2, 2006, and included 52 weeks. For fiscal year 2005, the year ended December 3, 2005, and included 53 weeks. For fiscal year 2004, the year ended November 27, 2004, and included 52 weeks. In this Form 10-K, all references to fiscal years are shown to begin on December 1 and end on November 30 for clarity of presentation.

 

Certain Significant Developments.

 

Acquisitions

 

As reported in our second-quarter Form 10-Q dated June 22, 2006, the Company completed two small acquisitions during 2006 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3 million. The first acquisition was of a filtration distribution company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota which has since been made part of a Company subsidiary, Total Filtration Services, Inc. (“TFS”). The second acquisition was an Oklahoma-based manufacturer of heavy-duty engine filters, principally for the railroad industry. The Company closed the Oklahoma facility immediately following the acquisition and relocated its production to the Company’s facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Neither acquisition had a material impact on the financial results of the Company.

 

EDS Litigation

 

On June 6, 2006, the Company initiated legal proceedings against Electronic Data Systems Corporation, A.T. Kearney Inc. and other affiliated defendants (collectively, “EDS”) in response to EDS’ refusal to pay for filtration products supplied by TFS. These products were sold by TFS to EDS in EDS’ capacity as a third party supplier to a major U.S. auto manufacturer, and were destined for use in more than 20 factories where cars are produced. The legal dispute centers around whether the products in question were intended to be part of a fixed fee arrangement between EDS and TFS or fell outside of such arrangement, as well as whether EDS was obliged to pay for inventory that was in its control at the time TFS terminated the underlying agreement.

 

The Company has reserved approximately $2.7 million in respect of the dispute with EDS, notwithstanding the Company’s belief that its underlying positions in the legal dispute are correct. The case is currently before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, although EDS has filed a motion to transfer venue to the Eastern District of Michigan. While the Court determines its ruling, the parties are conducting discovery. If the matter goes to trial, such trial is currently scheduled to occur in 2008.

 

Although unrelated to the lawsuit against EDS, TFS elected to terminate the underlying agreement with EDS on March 30, 2006, resulting in the loss of approximately $10 million in annual revenue, but almost no operating profit, to the Company’s Industrial/Environmental Filtration business segment.

 

HVAC Production Restructuring

 

In July of 2006 the Company announced a major three-year restructuring of the HVAC filter manufacturing operations within its Industrial/Environmental Filtration business segment. This restructuring is anticipated to cost approximately $22 million in capital investment and an additional $4 million of expense over three years and result in a $14 million annual increase in operating profits of the Company’s Industrial/Environmental Filtration business segment. The Company hopes to achieve these profit increases by more fully automating its HVAC filter production processes and more rationally locating its production facilities throughout the United States. By the end of fiscal year 2006, the restructuring efforts were largely on schedule and on budget, with the Company having placed orders for several million dollars of capital equipment, having successfully closed a production facility in Kenly,

North Carolina and having executed a long term lease for a new facility in Pittston, Pennsylvania which will serve customers located in the Northeastern United States.

 

(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments

 

During 2006, the Company conducted business in three principal industry segments: (1) Engine/Mobile Filtration, (2) Industrial/Environmental Filtration and (3) Packaging. These segments are discussed in greater detail below. Financial information for each of the Company’s business segments for the fiscal years 2004 through 2006 is included in Note R to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See pages F-28 through F-29 in this 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2006 Form 10-K”).

 

(c) Narrative Description of the Business

 

Engine/Mobile Filtration

 

The Company’s Engine/Mobile segment sells filtration products used on engines and in mobile equipment applications, including trucks, automobiles, buses, locomotives, and marine, construction, industrial, mining and agricultural equipment. The segment’s filters are sold throughout the world, primarily in the replacement market. In addition, some “first-fit” filters are sold to original equipment manufacturers.

 

The products in this segment include a full line of oil, air, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic fluid filters which are used in a wide variety of applications and in processes where filter efficiency, reliability and durability are essential. Most of these applications involve a process where impure air or fluid flows through semi-porous paper, corrugated paper, cotton, synthetic, chemical or membrane filter media with varying filtration efficiency characteristics. The impurities contained on the media are disposed of when the filter is changed.

 

Industrial/Environmental Filtration

 

The Company’s Industrial/Environmental segment centers around the manufacture and marketing of filtration products used in industrial and commercial processes, and in buildings and infrastructures of various types. The segment’s products are sold throughout the world, and include process filtration products and air filtration products and systems used to maintain high interior air quality and to control exterior pollution.

 

The segment’s process filtration products include specialty industrial process liquid filters; filters for pharmaceutical processes and beverages; filtration systems for aircraft refueling, anti-pollution, sewage treatment and water recycling; bilge separators; sand control filters for oil and gas drilling; and woven wire and metallic products for filtration of plastics and polymer fibers. These filters use a variety of string wound, meltblown, and porous and sintered and non-sintered metal media, woven wire, and absorbent media.

 

The segment’s air filtration products represent a complete line of air filters and cleaners, including anti-microbial treated filters and high efficiency electronic air cleaners. These products are used in commercial buildings, hospitals, factories, residential buildings, paint spray booths, gas turbine systems, medical facilities, motor vehicle cabins, aircraft cabins, clean rooms, compressors and dust collector systems.

 

Packaging

 

The Company’s consumer and industrial packaging products business is conducted by a wholly-owned subsidiary, J. L. Clark, Inc. (“J. L. Clark”).

 

J.L. Clark manufactures a wide variety of different types and sizes of containers and packaging specialties. Metal, plastic and combination metal/plastic containers and closures manufactured by the Company are used in packaging a wide variety of dry and paste form products, such as food specialties (e.g., tea, coffee, spices, cookies, candy, mints and other confections); cosmetics and toiletries; playing cards; cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Other packaging products include shells for dry batteries, film canisters, candles, spools for insulated and fine wire, and custom decorated flat metal sheets.

 

Containers and packaging specialties are manufactured only upon orders received from customers, and individualized containers and packaging specialties are designed and manufactured, usually with distinctive decoration, to meet each customer’s marketing and packaging requirements and specifications.

 

Distribution

 

Products in both the Engine/Mobile Filtration and Industrial/Environmental Filtration segments are sold primarily through a combination of independent distributors, dealers for original equipment manufacturers, retail stores and directly to end-use customers such as truck and equipment fleet users, manufacturing companies and contractors. In addition, both segments distribute products worldwide through their respective foreign subsidiaries and through export sales from the United States to end-use customers.

 

During fiscal 2006, the Company continued its development and expansion of its Total Filtration Program, as a distribution channel for all of the Company’s filtration products. Under this Program, the Company (principally through its subsidiary, TFS) offers customers the ability to purchase all of their filters for their respective facilities and manufacturing, transportation and construction equipment — effectively a “one-stop shopping” approach to filtration. During fiscal 2006, the Company continued to integrate branch operations, train sales people to be cross-functional and cross-disciplinary with respect to the Company’s array of filtration products and services, and began developing new technology to assist with quoting and monitoring customers’ filter purchases. In addition, the Company has more aggressively sought to expand the Program from traditional U.S.-based automotive clients to other industries and to the U.S. facilities of non-U.S. automotive manufacturers.

 

In the Packaging segment, J.L. Clark uses an internal sales force and sells its products directly to customers for containers and packaging specialties. Each salesperson is trained in all aspects of J.L. Clark’s manufacturing processes with respect to the products sold and is qualified to consult with customers and prospective customers concerning the details of their particular requirements. In addition, salespersons with expertise in specific areas, such as flat-sheet decorating, are focused on specific customers and markets.

 

Class of Products

 

No class of products accounted for 10% or more of the total sales of the Company in any of the Company’s last three fiscal years.

 

Raw Materials

 

Steel, filter media, cartons, aluminum sheet and coil, stainless steel, chrome vanadium, chrome silicon, resins, gaskets, roll paper, corrugated paper, bulk and roll plastic materials and cotton, wood and synthetic fibers and adhesives are the most important raw materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s products. All of these are purchased or are available from a variety of sources. The Company has no long-term purchase commitments. During fiscal 2006 the prices of steel and certain hydrocarbon based products (such as resins) purchased by the Company were generally stable but remained at relatively historically high levels. The Company was able to procure adequate supplies of raw materials.

 

Patents, Trademarks and Tradenames

 

Certain features of some of the Company’s products are covered by domestic and, in some cases, foreign patents or patent applications. While these patents are valuable and important for certain products, the Company does not believe that its competitive position is dependent upon patent protection, although as discussed under the heading of “Risk Factors”, the Company believes that patent-related litigation may become more commonplace across all of its business segments, particularly with respect to its engine aftermarket business.

 

With respect to trademarks and tradenames, the Company believes that its trademarks used in connection with certain products and certain tradenames (such as “Baldwin”, “Purolator” and “Facet”) are valuable and significant to its business.

 

Customers

 

The largest 10 customers of the Engine/Mobile Filtration segment accounted for 26% of the $399,090,000 of fiscal year 2006 sales of such segment.

 

The largest 10 customers of the Industrial/Environmental Filtration segment accounted for 22% of the $420,435,000 of fiscal year 2006 sales of such segment.

 

The largest 10 customers of the Packaging segment accounted for 67% of the $84,822,000 of fiscal year 2006 sales of such segment.

 

No single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated fiscal year 2006 sales.

 

Backlog

 

At November 30, 2006, the Company had a backlog of firm orders for products amounting to approximately $94,047,000. The backlog figure for November 30, 2005 was approximately $91,602,000. Substantially all of the orders on hand at November 30, 2006 are expected to be filled during fiscal 2007. The Company does not view its backlog as being excessive or problematic, or a significant indication of fiscal 2007 sales levels.

 

Competition

 

The Company encounters strong competition in the sale of all of its products. The Company competes in a number of filtration markets against a variety of competitors. The Company is unable to state its relative competitive position in all of these markets due to a lack of reliable industry-wide data. However, in the replacement market for heavy-duty liquid and air filters used in internal combustion engines, the Company believes that it is among the top five companies worldwide measured by annual sales. In addition, the Company believes that it is a leading manufacturer of liquid and air filters for diesel locomotives. The Company believes that for industrial and environmental filtration products, it is among the top ten companies worldwide measured by annual sales.

 

In the Packaging segment, its principal competitors include several manufacturers that often compete on a regional basis only and whose specialty packaging segments are smaller than the Company’s. Strong competition is also presented by manufacturers of paper, plastic and glass containers. The Company’s competitors generally manufacture and sell a wide variety of products in addition to packaging products of the type produced by the Company and do not publish separate sales figures relative to these competitive products. Consequently, the Company is unable to state its relative competitive position in those markets.

 

The Company believes that it is able to maintain its competitive position because of the quality and breadth of its products and services and the broad geographic scope of its operations.

 

Product Development

 

The Company develops products on its own and in consultation or partnership with its customers. The Company’s Technical Centers and laboratories test product components and completed products to insure high-quality manufacturing results, evaluate competitive products, aid suppliers in the development of product components, and conduct controlled tests of newly designed filters, filtration systems and packaging products for particular uses. Product development departments are concerned with the improvement and creation of new filters and filtration media, filtration systems, containers and packaging products in order to increase their performance characteristics, broaden their respective uses, counteract obsolescence and evaluate other products available in the marketplace.

 

In fiscal 2006, the Company employed approximately 92 professional employees on either a full-time or part-time basis on research activities relating to the development of new products or the improvement or redesign of its existing products. During this period the Company spent approximately $9,748,000 on such activities as compared with $9,490,000 for fiscal year 2005 and $7,950,000 for fiscal year 2004.

 

During fiscal 2006, the Company completed its new aviation fuel test facility in Greensboro, North Carolina and its new media development center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The new media development center, known as the

CLARCOR Filtration Research Center (“CFRC”), employs 4 full time researchers dedicated to the discovery, refinement and commercial application of new media technologies. In 2006 the CFRC successfully developed unique nanofiber technology applicable to engine air filters and dust collection cartridges. The Company has placed orders for specialized capital equipment intended to allow the Company to commercialize dust collection cartridges employing this technology late in 2007.

 

Finally, in 2006 the Company successfully launched the sale of Channel Flow^® engine air filters. The introduction of this product in 2006 has exceeded our initial sales targets and represents a potentially exciting product line in the future.

 

Environmental Factors

 

The Company is not aware of any facts which would cause it to believe that it is in material violation of existing applicable standards with respect to emissions to the atmosphere, discharges to waters, or treatment, storage and disposal of solid or hazardous wastes.

 

The Company is party to various proceedings relating to environmental issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or other responsible state agencies have designated the Company as a potentially responsible party (PRP), along with other companies, in remedial activities for the cleanup of waste sites under the federal Superfund statute.

 

Although it is not certain what future environmental claims, if any, may be asserted, the Company currently believes that its potential liability for known environmental matters does not exceed its present accrual of $50,000. However, environmental and related remediation costs are difficult to quantify for a number of reasons, including the number of parties involved, the difficulty in determining the extent of the contamination, the length of time remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulation and the continuing advancement of remediation technology. Applicable federal law may impose joint and several liability on each PRP for the cleanup of a contaminated site.

 

The Company does anticipate, however, that it may be required to install additional pollution control equipment to augment or replace existing equipment in the future in order to meet applicable environmental standards. The Company is presently unable to predict the timing or the cost of any other project of this nature and cannot give any assurance that the cost of such projects may not have an adverse effect on earnings. However, the Company is not aware, at this time, of any other additional significant current or pending requirements to install such equipment at any of its facilities.

 

Employees

 

As of November 30, 2006, the Company had approximately 5,048 employees.

 

(d) Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

 

Financial information relating to export sales and the Company’s operations in the United States and other countries is included in Note R to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See page F-29 in this 2006 Form 10-K.

 

Internet Website

 

The Company’s Internet address is www.clarcor.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, on this website, its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, its current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In addition, the following corporate governance documents can be found on this website: (a) charters for the Audit Committee, the Director Affairs/Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors; (b) Code of Conduct; (c) Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers; (d) Corporate Governance Guidelines; (e) Disclosure Controls and Procedures; (f) Procedures Regarding Reports of Misconduct or Alleged Misconduct; and (g) the Company’s By-laws. Copies of all of these documents

can also be obtained, free of charge, upon written request to the Corporate Secretary, CLARCOR Inc., 840 Crescent Centre Drive, Suite 600, Franklin, TN 37067.

 

 

Our business faces a variety of risks. These risks include those described below and may include additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations may suffer, and the trading price of our common stock could decline. These risk factors should be read in conjunction with the other information in this 2006 Form 10-K.

 

Our business is affected by the health of the markets we serve.

 

Our financial performance depends, in large part, on varying conditions in the markets that we serve, particularly the general industrial and trucking markets. Demand in these markets fluctuates in response to overall economic conditions and is particularly sensitive to changes in fuel costs, although the replacement nature of our products helps mitigate the effects of these changes. Economic downturns in the markets we serve may result in reductions in sales and pricing of our products, which could reduce future earnings and cash flow.

 

Our manufacturing operations are dependent upon third-party suppliers.

 

We obtain materials and manufactured components from third-party suppliers. Although the majority of these materials and components can be obtained from multiple sources, and while we historically have not suffered any significant limitations on our ability to procure them, any delay in our suppliers’ abilities to provide us with necessary materials and components may affect our capabilities at a number of our manufacturing locations. Delays in obtaining supplies may result from a number of factors affecting our suppliers, including capacity constraints, labor disputes, the impaired financial condition of a particular supplier, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, weather emergencies or acts of war or terrorism. Any delay in receiving supplies could impair our ability to deliver products to our customers and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We could be adversely impacted by environmental laws and regulations.

 

Our operations are subject to U.S. and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations governing emissions to air; discharges to water; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials; and the cleanup of contaminated properties. Currently, we believe that environmental costs with respect to our former or existing operations are not material, but there is no assurance that we will not be adversely impacted by such costs, liabilities or claims in the future, either under present laws and regulations or those that may be adopted or imposed in the future.

 

Our operations outside of the United States are subject to political, investment and local business risks.

 

Approximately 23% of our sales result from exports to countries outside of the United States and from sales of our foreign business units. As part of our business strategy, we intend to expand our international operations through internal growth and acquisitions. Sales and operations outside of the United States, particularly in emerging markets, are subject to a variety of risks which are different from or additional to the risks the Company faces within the United States. Among others, these risks include:

 

 

 

The occurrence of one or more of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our international operations or upon the financial condition and results of operations.

 

We face significant competition in the markets we serve.

 

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and highly fragmented. We compete worldwide with a number of other manufacturers and distributors that produce and sell similar products. Our products primarily compete on the basis of price, performance, speed of delivery, quality and customer support. Some of our competitors are companies, or divisions or operating units of companies, that have greater financial and other resources than we do. Any failure by us to compete effectively in the markets we serve could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Increasing costs for manufactured components, raw materials, transportation, health care and energy prices may adversely affect our profitability.

 

We use a broad range of manufactured components and raw materials in our products, including raw steel, steel-related components, filtration media, resins, plastics, paper and packaging materials. Materials comprise the largest component of our costs, representing over 40% of the costs of our net sales in fiscal 2006. Further increases in the price of these items could further materially increase our operating costs and materially adversely affect our profit margins. Similarly, transportation and health care costs have risen steadily over the past few years and represent an increasingly important burden for the Company. Although we try to contain these costs wherever possible, and although we try to pass along increased costs in the form of price increases to our customers, we may be unsuccessful in doing so for competitive reasons, and even when successful, the timing of such price increases may lag significantly behind our incurrence of higher costs.

 

We face heightened legal challenges with respect to intellectual property.

 

We have developed and actively pursue developing proprietary technology in the industries in which we operate, and rely on intellectual property laws and a number of patents to protect such technology. In doing so, we incur ongoing costs to enforce and defend our intellectual property. Despite our efforts in this regard, we may face situations where our own intellectual property rights are invalidated or circumvented, to our material detriment. We also face increasing exposure to claims by others for infringement of intellectual property rights, particularly with respect to our aftermarket products. These claims could result in significant costs or losses.

 

Our success depends in part on our development of improved products, and we may fail to meet the needs of customers on a timely or cost-effective basis.

 

Our continued success depends on our ability to maintain technological capabilities, machinery and knowledge necessary to adapt to changing market demands as well as to develop and commercialize innovative products, such as innovative filtration media and higher efficiency filtration systems. We may not be able to develop

new products as successfully as in the past or be able to keep pace with technological developments by our competitors and the industry generally. In addition, we may develop specific technologies and capabilities in anticipation of customers’ demands for new innovations and technologies. If such demand does not materialize, we may be unable to recover the costs incurred in such programs. If we are unable to recover these costs or if any such programs do not progress as expected, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

The introduction of new and improved products and services could reduce our future sales.

 

Substantial changes or technological developments in the industries in which our products are used could reduce sales if these changes negatively impact the need for our products. For example, improvements in engine technology may reduce the need to make periodic filter changes and thus negatively impact our aftermarket filter sales for such engines.

 

Our ability to operate our company effectively could be impaired if we fail to attract and retain key personnel.

 

Our ability to operate our business and implement our strategies depends, in part, on the efforts of our executive officers and other key employees. Our management philosophy of cost-control means that we operate what we consider to be a very lean company with respect to personnel, and our commitment to a less centralized organization (discussed further below) also places greater emphasis on the strength of local management. Our future success will depend on, among other factors, our ability to attract and retain other qualified personnel, particularly management, research and development engineers and technical sales professionals. The loss of the services of any of our key employees or the failure to attract or retain other qualified personnel, domestically or abroad, could have a material adverse effect on our business or business prospects.

 

Our acquisition strategy may be unsuccessful.

 

As part of our growth strategy, we plan to pursue the acquisition of other companies, assets and product lines that either complement or expand our existing business. We may be unable to find or consummate future acquisitions at acceptable prices and terms. We continually evaluate potential acquisition opportunities in the ordinary course of business, including those that could be material in size and scope. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks and factors, including:

 

 

Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of investigation regarding the operating and financial condition of the businesses we purchase, an unavoidable level of risk remains regarding the actual operating condition of these businesses. Until we actually assume operating control of these business assets and their operations, we may not be able to ascertain the actual value or understand the potential liabilities of the acquired entities and their operations. This is particularly true with respect to non-U.S. acquisitions.

 

We compete for potential acquisitions based on a number of factors, including price, terms and conditions, size and ability to offer cash, stock or other forms of consideration. In pursuing acquisitions, we compete against other strategic and financial buyers, some of which are larger than we are and have greater financial and other resources than we have. Increased competition for acquisition candidates could result in fewer acquisition opportunities for us

and higher acquisition prices. In addition, the negotiation of potential acquisitions may require members of management to divert their time and resources away from our operations.

 

We are a decentralized company, which presents certain risks.

 

The Company is relatively decentralized in comparison with its peers. While we believe this practice has catalyzed our growth and enabled us to remain responsive to opportunities and to our customers’ needs, it necessarily places significant control and decision-making powers in the hands of local management. This means that “company-wide” business initiatives, such as our Total Filtration Program and the integration of disparate information technology systems, are often more challenging and costly to implement, and their risk of failure higher, than they would be in a more centralized environment. Depending on the nature of the initiative in question, such failure could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Company has no unresolved SEC comments.

 

We consider the various properties owned and leased by the Company and its operating units to be in good repair and well maintained. Plant asset additions in fiscal 2007 are estimated at $45-$55 million for land, buildings, furniture, production equipment and machinery, and computer and communications equipment.

 

The following is a description of the real property owned or leased by the Company or its affiliated entities, broken down by Business Segment. All acreage and square foot measurements are approximate.

 

Corporate Headquarters.

 

The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in Franklin, Tennessee, and housed in 23,000 sq ft of office space under lease to the Company. The Company also owns a parcel of undeveloped land in Rockford, Illinois totaling 6 acres.

 

Engine/Mobile Filtration Segment.  

 

United States Facilities

 

 

International Facilities

 

 

 

 

In addition to the above properties, the Engine/Mobile Filtration segment leases and operates smaller facilities in Australia, Belgium, Mexico, South Africa and the United Kingdom in order to manufacture and/or distribute applicable filtration products.

 

Industrial/Environmental Filtration Segment.  

 

United States Facilities

 

 

International Facilities

 

 

In addition to the above properties, the Industrial/Environmental segment leases and operates smaller facilities in the following locations in order to manufacture, distribute and/or service applicable filtration products: United States: Anaheim, CA; Atlanta, GA; Auburn, WA; Chantilly, VA; Cincinnati, OH; Clover, SC; Columbus, OH; Commerce City, CO; Dalton, GA; Dallas, TX; Davenport, IA; Fresno, CA; Hayward, CA; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Jackson, MS; Jasper, IN; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; Stillwell, OK; Tulsa, OK; Wichita, KA. International: France; Germany; Italy; Malaysia; Netherlands; Singapore; United Kingdom. In addition, the Company owns the facility that it vacated in Kenly, NC, which property is currently being marketed for sale.

 

Packaging Segment.  

 

 

In addition to the above properties, the Packaging segment leases and operates a smaller facility in Lathrop, California to manufacture packaging products.

 

The Company is involved in legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that the outcome of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

None.

 

ADDITIONAL ITEM: Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The following individuals are the executive officers of the Company as of February 1, 2007:

 

 

Each executive officer of the Company is elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one year which begins at the Board of Directors Meeting at which he or she is elected, held at the time of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and ends on the date of the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or upon the due election and qualification of his or her successor.

 

The Company’s Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange; it is traded under the symbol CLC.

 

The following table sets forth the high and low market prices as quoted during the relevant periods on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends per share paid for each quarter of the last two fiscal years.

 

 

 

As set forth above, the quarterly dividend rate was increased in fiscal year 2006, and the Company expects to continue making dividend payments to shareholders. The Company’s right to make dividend payments is subject to restrictions contained in the credit agreements to which the Company is a party. The Company has never been prevented from making dividend payments under such agreements and does not anticipate being so restricted in the foreseeable future.

 

The approximate number of holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock at January 24, 2006 was 1,413. In addition, the Company believes that there are approximately 6,100 beneficial owners whose shares are held in street names.

 

On June 17, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-year Stock Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the Company from time to time may purchase up to an aggregate of $150 million worth of shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares under the program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares to be purchased depend on market conditions and the Company’s then-current liquidity needs.

 

Of the $150 million authorized, the Company had $139,538,836 in remaining availability to effect share repurchases as of December 1, 2005. During fiscal year 2006, the Company repurchased approximately one million shares of its Common Stock, at a median price of $28.91 per share, and an aggregate cost of $28,909,000. This left a balance of $110,629,836 available to repurchase shares as of December 2, 2006. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the last fiscal quarter of 2006.

 

COMPANY PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES(1)

 

 

 

 

The information required hereunder is included as Exhibit 13 to this 2006 Form 10-K.

 

The information presented in this discussion should be read in conjunction with other financial information provided in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The analysis of operating results focuses on the Company’s three reportable business segments: Engine/Mobile Filtration, Industrial/Environmental Filtration and Packaging. Except as otherwise set forth herein, references to particular years refer to the applicable fiscal year of the Company.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Management Discussion Snapshot
(Dollars in millions except per share data)

 

 

Fiscal 2006 was the 14th consecutive year of both sales and earnings growth for CLARCOR. Fiscal 2006 was a 52-week year compared to fiscal 2005 which was a 53-week year. Fiscal 2006 sales, operating profit and net earnings increased from fiscal 2005 by 3.5%, 6.6% and 8.3%, respectively. On a same-weeks basis, the increases were approximately 6%, 9% and 10%. Operating margins improved to 14.0% in 2006. Continued strong demand, both domestically and internationally, for heavy-duty engine filtration products used in both on-road and off-road applications, and for filters used in diesel locomotive applications and increased demand for filter products used in off-shore oil drilling, aviation, aviation fuel, aerospace, resin and fiber applications, had a positive impact on sales and operating profit. In addition, the Company was able to increase prices to offset most cost increases for raw materials, freight, employee benefits and energy. The Company also improved capacity utilization and production efficiencies, particularly in its aviation cartridge filter manufacturing operations and in its Packaging segment.

 

CLARCOR’s financial position remains strong. Cash and short-term investments increased from nearly $29 million at the end of 2005 to over $61 million at the end of 2006 even after repurchasing $29 million of the Company’s common stock. Cash flow from operating activities totaled $63.5 million, of which $17.6 million was invested in plant asset additions and $14.2 million was used to pay dividends to shareholders.

 

The following are significant items that occurred during the periods presented:

 

 

OPERATING RESULTS

 

SALES

 

Net sales in fiscal 2006 were $904.3 million, a 3.5% increase from $874.0 million in fiscal 2005. The 2006 sales increase was the 20th consecutive year of sales growth for the Company despite having one less week in 2006 than in 2005, which reduced sales by approximately two percentage points or $17 million. Acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2005 and during 2006 contributed an incremental $18.0 million to sales in 2006. Fluctuations in foreign currencies impacted sales in 2006 by less than one percent.

 

Comparative net sales information related to CLARCOR’s operating segments is shown in the following tables. Fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2004 were fifty-two week years; fiscal 2005 was a fifty-three week year.

 

 

The Engine/Mobile Filtration segment’s sales increased 8.4% in 2006 from 2005 and 15.0% in 2005 from 2004. On a same-weeks basis, sales increased approximately 11%. These increases were primarily due to additional sales of heavy-duty filters through independent distributors, in both domestic and international aftermarkets, OEM dealers, truck fleets and national accounts and sales to railroads and railroad equipment maintenance companies. Filter markets for on-road trucks and for off-road applications for construction, mining and agricultural equipment were strong. Sales of engine filters in overseas markets increased and were led by sales increases of over 15% in China, Europe and Mexico. New product introductions and the breadth of the segment’s filter product line, as well as price increases which averaged 1% to 2%, contributed to sales growth in both years. A small acquisition in 2006 contributed $1.0 million of sales. The additional fiscal week in 2005 added approximately $7 million to fiscal 2005 sales. Changes in currency translation rates had little impact in either year.

 

The Company’s Industrial/Environmental Filtration segment reported a $7.1 million or 1.6% decrease in 2006 sales over 2005; however, the additional week in 2005 added approximately $8 million to 2005 fiscal sales. Therefore, on a same-weeks basis, the segment’s fiscal sales were slightly greater (approximately 0.2%) than for 2005. This segment had to absorb the loss of $11 million in annual sales to a customer who decided late in 2005 to begin manufacturing certain HVAC filter products at its manufacturing plants outside the United States. In addition, on March 30, 2006, the Company terminated a $10 million annual sales contract with Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), which had refused to pay amounts of $2.7 million owed to CLARCOR, which also negatively impacted 2006 sales. The Company has initiated legal proceedings against EDS to recover amounts owed to the Company plus associated costs and expenses and punitive damages.

 

Acquisitions made during the fourth quarter of 2005 and during 2006 contributed approximately $17 million of sales. In addition, 2006 sales grew strongly in several specialty filtration markets, both in domestic and in international markets, including aviation fuel filtration systems, aerospace filters, dust collector cartridges, plastic and polymer applications, and rainwater runoff systems. Sales of filters sold into the oil and gas market were lower in both 2006 and 2005 as customer demand was weaker than expected. However, CLARCOR saw a rebound in orders for sand control filters used in off-shore oil drilling during the fourth quarter of 2006. The Company expects this demand will continue throughout 2007 due to expected increases in drilling and exploration as a result of anticipated continuing demand and high prices for oil and gas. The segment’s operations in Europe that sell primarily aviation and specialty filtration products, such as waste water filtration and rainwater runoff filtration, grew in 2006 and 2005 and additional growth is expected in 2007. Sales levels in 2006 were lower for environmental filtration equipment and HVAC filters used in industrial, commercial and residential applications. Lower HVAC sales were due in part to lower filter usage in automotive and automotive parts manufacturing plants and in commercial and industrial applications and also due to competitive pricing pressures. The segment continues to implement price increases to offset material cost increases.

 

The Industrial/Environmental segment’s sales increased 7.8%, or $30.9 million, in 2005 over 2004. The 2005 sales growth included approximately $24 million due to acquisitions in 2004 and approximately $8 million due to the additional fiscal week in 2005. The fourth quarter 2005 acquisition of Martin Kurz & Co., Inc. (MKI) did not materially affect sales in fiscal 2005. Sales of specialty filters sold to industrial markets used in aviation, defense and fluid power applications were higher in 2005 than in fiscal 2004. Sales in 2005 on a same-weeks basis were nearly even with 2004 sales of HVAC filters for industrial and commercial markets and in automotive manufacturing facilities. Sales of HVAC filters for the retail market increased in 2005. Price increases improved the segment’s sales by approximately one percentage point in 2005. Changes in currency translation rates did not significantly impact sales growth in 2006 or 2005.

 

The Packaging segment’s sales of $84.8 million in 2006 grew 8.3% from 2005 (or approximately 10% on a same-weeks basis) due to the introduction of a wide array of new packaging designs, primarily in partnership with major consumer product companies and price increases. Customer demand for fabricated metal packages, combination metal/plastic packages and plastic packaging remained strong. The segment’s sales were $78.3 million in 2005, a 10.3% increase from 2004. Sales in 2005 increased approximately $2 million due to the additional fiscal week in 2005 and approximately $4 million due to price increases to customers, primarily to offset increased metal costs. The remaining increase was due to increased customer demand for metal and plastic packaging mainly related to confectionery packaging and flat sheet metal decorating.

 

Operating Profit

 

Operating profit for 2006 increased 6.6% to $126.3 million from the 2005 level or approximately 9% on a same-weeks basis. The additional week in 2005 added approximately $2 million to operating profit. Operating margin improved to 14.0% from 13.6% in 2005 and 12.5% in 2004. The improvement resulted primarily from higher Engine/Mobile segment sales, various acquisitions which contributed $3.5 million of incremental operating profit, a gain on an insurance recovery, elimination of a reserve related to an overseas subsidiary, cost reductions and improved capacity utilization. These positive items were offset by stock option expense of $1.8 million, charges of $2.7 million arising from the refusal by EDS to pay for products which it had ordered and used, and approximately $0.6 million in costs associated with the restructuring of a European aviation cartridge filter manufacturing facility and the closing of an HVAC manufacturing facility in North Carolina. The cost savings during 2006 related to restructurings were not significant. The Company expects the savings to approximate $1.5 million annually beginning in fiscal 2007 related to the European restructuring. The HVAC restructuring plan is discussed more thoroughly below and in the Outlook section.

 

Operating profit of $118.5 million in 2005 reflected increased sales levels over 2004 for each segment, including the 2004 acquisitions, and continued improvements in capacity utilization and production efficiencies. The 2005 increase also includes approximately $2 million related to the additional fiscal week in 2005. Cost increases for raw materials and petroleum-related expenses persisted throughout 2005 and were primarily offset by price increases to customers. Operating profit of $98.2 million in fiscal 2004 included costs of $2.2 million related to the Company’s headquarters relocation to Tennessee.

 

Foreign currency fluctuations did not have a material impact on consolidated operating profit in any year presented. Comparative operating profit information related to the Company’s business segments is as follows.

 

 

 

 

The Engine/Mobile Filtration segment reported operating profit of $92.6 million in 2006, an increase of 15.2% from 2005 (or approximately 17% on a same-weeks basis), primarily due to the sales volume increase, cost reduction efforts and related increased capacity utilization. The additional week in 2005 contributed nearly $2 million to operating profit. Although costs for purchased materials, including metal products, filter media and

petroleum-based products, and for freight have increased significantly over the past two years, price increases to customers have been implemented which have substantially offset the cost increases. The segment’s operating margin improved to 23.2% from 21.8% in 2005 and 20.8% in 2004. Operating margin improved in 2005 as a result of increased sales and capacity utilization, discretionary spending controls, and significant improvement in the operations of a manufacturing facility in the U.K. In 2005, the U.K. manufacturing facility eliminated approximately $2.0 million of costs primarily through productivity improvements and reduced spending. Operating profit in 2004 reflected the poor performance of this manufacturing facility in the U.K.

 

The Industrial/Environmental segment’s operating profit decreased 18.3% to $25.5 million in 2006 (or approximately $0.5 million on a same-weeks basis) from $31.3 million in 2005 and $28.7 million in 2004 due to reduced sales of HVAC filters, environmental filtration equipment and oil and gas filter products. The productivity from these facilities was significantly less in 2006 due to lower than expected sales and production levels. Operating profit was also impacted by problems with installing a new computer system, maintaining proper levels of inventory, bad debt expense and the restructuring charges noted previously. The segment’s operating margin was 6.1% in 2006, 7.3% in 2005 and 7.2% in 2004. Although margins were lower overall in 2006 than in 2005, there was margin improvement during the latter half of 2006.

 

As announced in July 2006, the Company began a restructuring program focused on the HVAC filter manufacturing operations within its Industrial/Environmental Filtration segment. The goal of the program is to achieve an overall 10% segment operating margin from its current margins of mid-single digits. The Company plans to spend $22 million in capital and incur up to $4 million in restructuring costs over a three-year period in order to achieve its goal. As part of this effort, the Company closed its Kenly, North Carolina HVAC manufacturing facility in November 2006 and recorded severance costs of $0.2 million. The Company also signed a lease to open a new HVAC facility in Pittston, Pennsylvania, which is expected to be in production by the end of the second quarter of 2007. This plant will be focused on serving customers in the Northeast.

 

The Industrial/Environmental Filtration segment’s operating profit of $31.3 million in 2005 was an increase of 9.1% over the 2004 profit of $28.7 million. In 2005, the additional profit from the 2004 acquisitions and an increase in sales of aviation products more than offset reduced profit due to lower sales of oil and gas drilling filtration products. Operating profit related to HVAC product sales improved slightly in 2005. The segment’s operating results were impacted by continued costs to restructure and integrate manufacturing facilities, to integrate the HVAC branch network and to implement a related business system conversion. Over the past several years, the segment has been actively integrating newly acquired businesses (primarily acquired from 1999 through 2002) and making organizational changes that have reduced ongoing overhead and administrative costs.

 

The Packaging segment’s operating profit of $8.2 million in 2006 increased 20.2% from $6.8 million in 2005. The increase was due to improved sales levels, and price increases to customers to offset cost increases during 2006. Sales increases and an ongoing focus on improving manufacturing efficiency through closely monitoring productivity measures and implementing cost reduction initiatives contributed to an improvement in operating margin to 9.7% in 2006 from 8.7% in 2005 and 7.3% in 2004. This segment’s performance also reflects multi-year investments in new product development initiatives, such as rapid prototype systems, digital plate making systems and high-speed fabrication lines. Fiscal 2005 operating profit increased to $6.8 million from $5.2 million in 2004 primarily from pricing programs, increased sales of higher margin products and continued cost reduction programs.

 

OTHER INCOME(EXPENSE)

 

Net other income totaled $0.6 million in 2006 compared to net other expense of $0.6 in 2005 and net other income of $0.9 million in 2004. The most significant change from 2005 relates to $0.8 million in increased interest income due to higher interest rates and increased investment balances during 2006. Interest expense did not vary substantially year over year as the amount of debt outstanding and its related interest rates have not significantly changed.

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rate for 2006 was 34.5% as compared to 34.7% in 2005 and 35.0% in 2004 due to a greater increase in earnings from international operations compared to growth in the U.S., lower state tax charges, and the domestic manufacturing deduction. The effective tax rate in 2007 is expected to be approximately 34.5% to 35.0% and reflects an expected continued increase in pretax income from lower tax rate locales, primarily in Asia, and a decline in the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion deduction. Also, since Congress did not pass the Research and Experimentation Tax Credit extension until December 2006, CLARCOR was not able to record this benefit during the last eleven months of fiscal 2006. The Company will recognize a cumulative benefit from this credit covering the last eleven months of fiscal 2006 and the first quarter of 2007 in the first quarter of 2007. The estimated tax reduction to be recorded in fiscal 2007 related to the 2006 period will be approximately $0.5 million. The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing the Company for fiscal years 2005 and 2004; however, any outcome from the audit is unknown.

 

The provision for income taxes in 2005 resulted in an effective tax rate of 34.7% compared to 35.0% in 2004. A tax benefit of approximately $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2005 resulted from the favorable settlement of a tax position related to a foreign subsidiary. The 2004 provision included a $1.2 million reduction of tax expense related to the reversal of a foreign tax credit valuation allowance due to the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 which extended the period for utilizing tax credits from five years to ten years. These one-time benefits reduced the effective rates in 2005 and 2004 by approximately one percentage point.

 

NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Net earnings were $82.7 million in 2006, or $1.59 per share on a diluted basis. Earnings per share was reduced by approximately $0.02 per share related to the implementation of stock option expense accounting. Net earnings were $76.4 million in 2005, or diluted earnings per share of $1.46, compared to $64.0 million in 2004, or diluted earnings per share of $1.24 in 2004. As described in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements, diluted earnings per share would have been $1.31 and $1.17 for 2005 and 2004, respectively, had compensation expense for stock options been recorded in accordance with Statement of Financial Accountings Standards (SFAS) No. 123. In 2007, the impact of stock option expense is expected to be approximately $0.03 per share. The slight decrease of 0.1% in diluted average shares outstanding for fiscal 2006 compared to 2005 was due to the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares in 2006 under the Company’s $150 million share repurchase authorization offset by grants of stock-based incentives. The increase in diluted average shares outstanding in 2005 from 2004 was primarily due to stock-based incentive activity partially offset by 368,200 shares that were repurchased in 2005.

 

Same-Weeks Comparison

 

Although the comparison of fiscal year data on a same-weeks basis is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP, the Company believes it is useful in understanding the impact of having an additional week in its 2005 fiscal year and fourth quarter. Removing the impact of the additional week in the prior year provides a comparable measure of the changes in net sales and operating profit year over year. The additional week amount shown is an estimate based on the number of weeks and does not consider certain factors or allocations that may occur only on an annual basis. The estimated amount is based on the average week for the actual 2005 year rather than the specific last week of the year. Management does not intend these items to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures. Following are reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP financial measures of these non-GAAP financial measures.

 

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

CLARCOR’s financial position remains strong. CLARCOR is essentially a debt-free company with significant cash reserves as of year-end 2006. Cash and short-term investments increased to $61.2 million at year-end 2006 from $28.9 million at year-end 2005. Total assets increased 7.7% to $727.5 million at the end of fiscal 2006 compared to $675.3 million at the beginning of the fiscal year. The current ratio improved to 3.2 at year-end 2006 compared to 2.7 at year-end 2005. Long-term debt of $15.9 million at year-end 2006 relates primarily to industrial revenue bonds and is approximately the same as at year-end 2005. Shareholders’ equity increased to $537.5 million from $482.8 million at year-end 2005 primarily as a result of net earnings and stock option activity offset by stock repurchases of $28.9 million and dividend payments of $14.2 million. Total debt was 2.9% of total capitalization at year-end 2006 compared to 3.3% at year-end 2005.

 

In the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash generated from operating activities decreased $25.7 million to $63.6 million for 2006 primarily due to the net increase in purchases of short-term investments of $16.5 million, inventories of $10.9 million and income taxes of $9.0 million. The increase in inventory was a normal seasonal increase. In addition, due to the adoption of new accounting rules for stock-based compensation effective at the beginning of 2006, cash flow provided by operating activities was reduced by $3.4 million due to tax benefits associated with tax deductions that exceeded the amount of compensation expense recognized in net earnings. Cash flow from operating activities was $89.3 million in 2005 and $71.8 million in 2004. The 2005 increase compared to the 2004 level resulted from increased net earnings and reduced investment in working capital. These were ordinary working capital fluctuations due to business level activities and mainly resulted from the timing of payments made to vendors, the receipt of payments from customers, changes in inventory requirements and the timing of income tax payments. In 2004, the Company made a voluntary contribution of $6.5 million to its defined benefit pension trust for covered U.S. employees. A contribution was not made in either 2006 or 2005. Under the current assumptions for pension plan asset returns, benefit payments and costs, and interest rates, annual contributions are not expected to be required for at least eight years for the qualified U.S. defined benefit plan.

 

For 2006, cash flows used in investing activities of $21.3 million were lower than the $51.5 million in 2005 and $62.2 million in 2004 primarily due to lower spending on plant asset additions and business acquisitions. The Company made two acquisitions in 2005 for a total investment of $28.1 million and two acquisitions in 2004 for a total investment of $41.9 million. The Company spent $4.6 million on acquisitions in 2006. Additions to plant assets of $17.6 million were primarily for new products, facility additions and improvements and cost reduction programs. Although a substantial amount of new equipment had been ordered late in 2006, it was not delivered as quickly as expected. Therefore, 2006 capital spending was lower than anticipated. The Company expects capital expenditures to be much higher in 2007 due to the HVAC restructuring program and potential expansion of manufacturing facilities in its Engine/Mobile Filtration segment to meet anticipated increases in product demand. Plant asset additions totaled $24.0 million in 2005 and $22.4 million in 2004.

 

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $33.6 million in 2006 and $35.7 million in 2005. Net cash from financing activities totaled $1.1 million in 2004 as a result of proceeds from a revolving credit agreement that were used primarily for a fourth quarter acquisition. This amount was repaid in 2005. The Company paid dividends of $14.2 million, $13.4 million and $12.8 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The quarterly dividend rate was increased in September 2006 by 7%. The Company expects to continue to make quarterly dividend payments to shareholders and to increase the dividend in future years. In June 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $150 million share repurchase program of CLARCOR common stock in the open market and through private transactions over a two-year period. In 2006 and 2005, respectively, the Company acquired 1,000,000 shares for $28.9 million and 368,200 shares for $10.5 million. At year-end 2006, CLARCOR had 51,082,083 shares of common stock outstanding compared to 51,594,781 shares outstanding at the end of 2005.

 

CLARCOR believes that its current operations will continue to generate cash and that sufficient lines of credit remain available to fund current operating needs, pay dividends, invest in development of new products and filter media, fund planned capital expenditures and expansion of current facilities, complete the HVAC restructuring plans, and service and repay long-term debt. A $165 million credit facility with a group of financial institutions will expire in April 2008. As of year-end 2006, there were no outstanding borrowings against the facility. Under a related

$40 million letter of credit subline, $8.5 million had been issued for letters of credit for industrial revenue bonds. The Company’s long-term debt totaled $15.9 million at year-end 2006 and consists principally of industrial revenue bonds. Required principal payments on long-term debt will be approximately $0.1 million in 2007 based on scheduled payments in current debt agreements. The Company is in compliance with all covenants related to its borrowings, as described in Note H to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As a part of the HVAC restructuring strategy, over the next three years, CLARCOR plans to invest approximately $22 million, primarily in new facilities and state-of-the-art production equipment, and to spend $4 million to restructure current facilities. This is anticipated to result in an improvement in operating profit of $14 million annually by the end of three years. The goal is to have the Company’s HVAC operations become the “lowest delivered cost” and most productive HVAC filtration operation in the industry and for operating margins to reach 10%. Specifically for 2007, the Company anticipates incurring approximately $2.1 million in expenses, mainly in the second and third quarters, and realizing approximately $3.4 million in cost reductions mainly in the third and fourth quarters. Therefore, the net benefit for 2007 is estimated to be $1.3 million. We believe the future annual benefit will be much larger as the restructuring costs are a one-time item whereas the cost reductions are expected to recur every year going forward. Total capital equipment spending related to the restructuring program is estimated to be approximately $15 million in 2007.

 

In addition, the Company expects to continue to use future additional cash flow for dividends, capital expenditures and acquisitions. Additional common stock repurchases may be made under the remaining authorized amount at year-end 2006 of $110.6 million after considering cash flow requirements for internal growth (including working capital requirements), capital expenditures, acquisitions and the current stock price. Capital expenditures for normal facility maintenance and improvements, expansion of manufacturing and technical facilities, productivity improvements, the HVAC restructuring program, new products and filter media development are expected to total $45 to $55 million in 2007. The Company has no material long-term purchase commitments. It is committed to restructure its HVAC operations as discussed in the previous paragraph although no significant purchase commitments were signed as of year-end 2006. The Company enters into purchase obligations with suppliers on a short-term basis in the normal course of business.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s current fixed cash obligations as of November 30, 2006 for the fiscal years indicated:

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements relate to various operating leases as discussed in Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company had no significant derivative, swap, hedge, variable interest entity or special purpose entity agreements at fiscal year-end 2006 or 2005 or any time during those years.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company’s market risk is primarily related to the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations. However, based on the low level of debt obligations as of year-end 2006, interest rate risk is not expected to be significant to the Company in fiscal 2007, and as a result, it is anticipated that a 1% change in rates would not have a material impact on the Company’s net earnings or cash flows in fiscal 2007. The Company’s debt obligations are primarily at variable rates and are denominated in U.S. dollars. In order to minimize the long-term costs of borrowing, the Company manages its interest rate risk by monitoring trends in rates as a basis for determining whether to enter into fixed rate or variable rate agreements.

 

Although the Company continues to evaluate derivative financial instruments, including forwards, swaps and purchased options, to manage foreign currency exchange rate changes, the Company did not hold derivatives during 2006, 2005 or 2004. The effect of changes in foreign currency translation rates was not material to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in fiscal 2006. The impact of future changes in foreign currency translation rates is difficult to estimate; however, if the U.S. dollar strengthened or weakened 10% relative to the currencies where the Company’s foreign income and cash flows are derived, there would not be a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. As a result of continued foreign sales and business activities, the Company will continue to evaluate the use of derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate changes in the future.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The Company’s critical accounting policies, including the assumptions and judgments underlying them, are disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies have been consistently applied in all material respects and address such matters as revenue recognition, depreciation methods, inventory valuation, asset impairment recognition, business combination accounting and pension and postretirement benefits. These critical accounting policies may be affected by recent relevant accounting pronouncements discussed in the following section.

 

While the estimates and judgments associated with the application of these critical accounting policies may be affected by different assumptions or conditions, the Company believes the estimates and judgments associated with the reported amounts are appropriate in the circumstances. The following lists the most critical accounting estimates used in preparing the consolidated financial statements which require the Company’s management to use significant judgment and estimates of amounts that are inherently uncertain:

 

 

 

RECENT RELEVANT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”. This statement requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in the statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. SFAS No. 158 also requires measurement of the funded status of a plan as of the date of the statement of financial position. SFAS No. 158 is effective for recognition of the funded status of the benefit plans for the Company’s fiscal year 2007 and is effective for the measurement date provisions for fiscal year 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of SFAS No. 158 on its consolidated financial statements. However, based on the Company’s funded status as of November 30, 2006, the adoption of SFAS No. 158 is expected to decrease total shareholders’ equity by approximately $14,000, or 2.6%, net of deferred taxes. The ultimate amounts recorded are dependent on a number of factors, including the discount rate in effect at the next measurement date, the actual rate of return on pension assets for 2007 and the tax effects of the adjustment upon adoption. Changes in those factors as well as any funding in 2007 could increase or decrease the expected impact of implementing SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements at November 30, 2007.

 

In September 2006, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Adoption of this statement, which will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2008, is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements, although additional disclosures may be required.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). The Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and will be effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2008. FIN 48 prescribes guidance for recognizing, measuring, reporting and disclosing a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company is currently evaluating the effects FIN 48 will have on its financial statements.

 

OUTLOOK

 

The Company expects that sales and diluted earnings per share will continue to grow in 2007, which would result in the 15th consecutive year of both sales and earnings per share growth. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.67 to $1.77 in 2007. In future years, continued emphasis on cost reductions and price increases to customers within each business unit are expected to offset anticipated increased costs for energy and purchased materials, primarily metal and petroleum-based products, freight, energy and employee benefits.

These costs for the Company may change significantly based on future changes in the U.S. and world economies. The Company fully anticipates that sales and profits will improve as a result of sales initiatives, manufacturing productivity programs and cost reductions. If unfavorable economic conditions occur, the Company expects to implement cost reduction programs in response.

 

CLARCOR’s international growth is expected to continue at a rate higher than the Company’s domestic growth rate and significant currency movements could have an impact on sales and operating profit. Generally, a weaker U.S. dollar will contribute to higher sales and profits. During December 2006, the Company’s Chinese operation relocated to a larger manufacturing, warehouse and technical center complex to accommodate expected sales growth for the Company’s products in China and Asia.

 

CLARCOR anticipates that the development of its nanofiber technology will provide additional opportunities for its filter product lines. The Company expects delivery of a nanofiber manufacturing line in February 2007 and anticipates having that line in production later in the year.

 

Continued sales growth and increased operating profits are expected for the Engine/Mobile Filtration segment as product demand for aftermarket heavy-duty filtration products remains strong due in part to high levels of freight transport and railway usage to move goods worldwide. Growth is also expected due to new product introductions and from sales and marketing initiatives, including growth in sales to OEM dealers and increased sales of off-road filter applications for construction, mining and agricultural equipment. The Company does not expect the 2007 emissions regulations for heavy-duty trucks to have a material impact on sales.

 

During 2006, the Company began implementing a restructuring program in its Industrial/Environmental segment primarily to rationalize and relocate certain HVAC manufacturing plants to improve operating efficiencies and reduce manufacturing costs. The program will include eliminating certain unprofitable product lines and discontinuing sales of products to certain customers where the margins are unacceptable. The Company also expects to realize significant cost savings and efficiency benefits beginning in 2007 and continuing over the next several years which the Company expects will be substantially greater than the costs incurred to complete the restructuring program.

 

Sales growth for the Industrial/Environmental segment is also expected primarily due to continued growth in sales of specialty process liquid filters. The Company expects to begin manufacturing dust collector cartridges and filters used in oil drilling and fiber resin manufacturing in its new plant in China. The Company also remains optimistic that there will be a continued increase in demand for filtration systems sold into the capital goods markets. Although demand was weak earlier in 2006 for filters sold into the oil and gas market, an upturn in sales of these products in late 2006 is expected to continue in fiscal 2007 as a result of anticipated increases in drilling and exploration due to continuing demand and high prices for oil and gas.

 

The Packaging segment’s sales and profits are expected to grow more slowly in 2007 as customers continue to shift from metal packaging to plastic or plastic/metal combination packaging.

 

The Company expects to continue to make capital investments to improve productivity, increase manufacturing and distribution capacity, develop new filter media and new products and implement new enterprise planning systems.

 

The Company continues to assess acquisition opportunities, primarily in related filtration businesses. It is expected that these acquisitions, if completed, would expand the Company’s market base, distribution coverage or product offerings. However, prices of filtration company acquisitions have significantly increased in recent years and that may impact the Company’s successful completion of acquisitions. The Company has established financial standards that will continue to be vigorously applied in the review of all acquisition opportunities. CLARCOR believes that it has sufficient cash flow and borrowing capacity to continue its acquisition program.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This 2006 Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements made in this 2006 Form 10-K, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements from use of the words “may,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intent,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target,” “is likely,” “will,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include, among other things:

 

 

The Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. However, these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from the Company’s expectations of future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate its future results. These and other uncertainties are discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this 2006 Form 10-K. The future results of the Company may fluctuate as a result of these and other risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this 2006 Form 10-K. Except as otherwise required by applicable laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or the risk factors described in this 2006 Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this 2006 Form 10-K.

 

 

The information required hereunder is included as part of Item 7 of this 2006 Form 10-K, under the subheading “QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK”.

 

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes thereto and the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, required hereunder with respect to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in this 2006 Form 10-K on pages F-1 through F-30.

 

 

None.

 

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 2, 2006, the end of the period covered by this annual report.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The management of CLARCOR is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), for the Company. Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was conducted based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 2, 2006.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 2, 2006, which report appears on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

 

None.

 

Certain information required hereunder is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement dated February 9, 2007 (the “Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 26, 2007 under the caption “Election of Directors — Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors,” “— Information Concerning Nominees and Directors”, and “The Board of Directors — Committees of the Board of Directors” and “The Board of Directors — Code of Ethics” and is incorporated herein by reference. Additional information required hereunder is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s Common Stock — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

On March 27, 2006, the Company filed with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) the Annual CEO Certification regarding the Company’s compliance with the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards, as required by Section 303A-12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. In addition, the Company has filed as exhibits to this 2006 Form 10-K and to the annual report on form 10-K for the year ended December 3, 2005, the applicable certifications of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, regarding the quality of the Company’s public disclosures.

 

The information required hereunder is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation of Executive Officers and Other Information”, and “Report of the Compensation Committee”, “The Board of Directors — Mettings and Fees” and “Performance Graph” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The information required hereunder is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s Common Stock” and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

None.

 

The information required herein is set forth in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Report of the Audit Committee — Amounts Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.”

 

(a)(1) Financial Statements

 

 

Financial statements and schedules other than those listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not applicable, are not required, or the information is included in the financial statements or the footnotes therein.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: February 1, 2007

CLARCOR Inc.

(Registrant)

 

Norman E. Johnson

Chairman of the Board, President &

Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

CLARCOR Inc.

 

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the years ended November 30,
2006, 2005 and 2004

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

CLARCOR Inc.

 

We have completed integrated audits of CLARCOR Inc.’s consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 2, 2006, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

 

Consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CLARCOR and its subsidiaries at December 2, 2006 and December 3, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 2, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Internal control over financial reporting

 

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 2, 2006 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 2, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made

only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

Louisville, Kentucky

January 31, 2007

CLARCOR Inc.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

November 30, 2006 and 2005

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

 

 

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

CLARCOR Inc.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

for the years ended November 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

 

 

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

CLARCOR Inc.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

for the years ended November 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)