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


FORM 10-K/A10‑K
Amendment No. 1

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 ORof 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OFof the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2017
or 
Transition Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014Transition Period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number 0-09115No. 0‑09115

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

COMMONWEALTH OF
PENNSYLVANIA25-064432025‑0644320
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
  
TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER, PITTSBURGH, PA15212-585115212‑5851
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(412) 442-8200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code(412) 442-8200code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x☒                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 x

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. x

Yes ☒                No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405a 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.   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website,Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes x
No o

Yes ☒                No ☐
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitionthe definitions of "large accelerated filer",filer," "accelerated filer",filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerx
Accelerated filer o
 ☒
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting companyo
 ☐
Accelerated filer ☐Emerging growth company ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐(Do not check if a 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 o                No x

The aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock outstanding and held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market on March 31, 2014,2017, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, of 2014, was approximately $1.1$2.1 billion.

As of JulyOctober 31, 2015,2017, shares of common stock outstanding were: Class A Common Stock 32,964,476 shares

32,148,579 shares.
Documents incorporated by reference: Specified portions of the Proxy Statement for the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.


The index to exhibits is on pages 85-87.


EXPLANATORY NOTE

Matthews International Corporation (the "Company") is filing this amendment on Form 10-K/A (this "Amendment") to amend its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, as filed on November 26, 2014 (the "Form 10-K" or "Original Filing"), to revise (1) its consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, (2) its selected financial data for all years presented, (3) its quarterly results of operations for all fiscal quarters in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, (4) its Management's Discussion and Analysis, and Business and Properties descriptions, (5) its Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as of September 30, 2014, (6) its Item 9A "Controls and Procedures" disclosures as of September 30, 2014 and (7) reissue the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to update the Firm's opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014.

In order to permit the incorporation by reference of prior period financial statement into future Securities Act of 1933 filings, prior period segment information is being revised.  On October 1, 2014, the Company changed its segment reporting to reflect a realignment of its operations, and changes in the management of its business.  The Company's segment information for years prior to fiscal 2015 has been revised to conform with the current presentation. Certain other amounts in the consolidated financial statements have been revised for years prior to fiscal 2015, which are not material to the prior years' presentation.  Refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 17, "Segment Information" in Item 8-"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further information.

In addition, as disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 30, 2015, the Company identified a theft of funds from the Company by an employee that had occurred over a multi-year period through May 2015 which had not been recorded in the Company's financial statements.  Pursuant to the guidance of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99, "Materiality", the Company evaluated the materiality of these amounts quantitatively and qualitatively and has concluded that the amounts described above were not material to any of its annual or quarterly prior period financial statements or trends of financial results. However, because of the significance of the cumulative out-of-period adjustment to the fiscal 2015 third quarter, the financial statements for years prior to fiscal 2015 have been revised in accordance with SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements".  As a result of this matter, a reassessment was conducted on the internal controls in the Company's treasury process.  Specifically, the design of the internal controls over segregation of duties within the treasury process has been determined to constitute a "material weakness" (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures at September 30, 2014, as discussed in Part II, Item 9A "Controls and Procedures" of this Amendment.  In response to this matter, the Company has taken immediate action and implemented changes in the design of this internal control to ensure appropriate segregation of duties within the Company's treasury process.

Except as required to reflect the effects of the adjustments for the items above, no additional modifications or updates have been made to the Original Filing and are set forth in this Amendment. Information not affected by these adjustments remains unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the Original Filing. This Amendment does not describe other events occurring after the Original Filing, including exhibits, or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events. This Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Company's filings made with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the Original Filing, as information in such reports and documents may update or supersede certain information contained in this Amendment. Accordingly, this Amendment only amends and revises Items 1 and 2 of Part I, Items 6, 7, 8 and 9A of Part II and Item 15 of Part IV of the Original Filing, in each case, solely as a result of, and to reflect, the adjustments noted above, and no other information in the Original Filing is amended hereby. Additionally, pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Item 15 of Part IV of the Original Filing has been amended to contain the currently dated certifications of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the certifications of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and the consent of its independent registered public accounting firm, are attached to this Amendment as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1, 32.2 and 23, respectively.



2


PART I



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (specifically those contained in Item 1, "Business","Business," Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations") are included in this report pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct.  FactorsIn addition to the risk factors previously disclosed and those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, changes in deathmortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions, including the risks associated withcybersecurity concerns, effectiveness of the Company's recent acquisition of Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk"),internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company's control.control, and other factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K.  In addition, although the Company does not have any customers that would be considered individually significant to consolidated sales, changes in the distribution of the Company's products or the potential loss of one or more of the Company's larger customers are also considered risk factors.

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

Matthews, founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a designer, manufacturer and marketerprovider principally of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial products.technologies.  Brand solutions include brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Industrial productstechnologies include marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation productssolutions and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

Beginning October 1, 2014, the Company realigned its operations into three reporting segments, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization, and Industrial. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is comprised of the graphics imaging business, including Schawk, and the merchandising solutions operations.  The Memorialization segment is comprised of the Company's cemetery products, funeral home products and cremation operations.  The Industrial segment is comprised of the Company's marking and automation products and fulfillment systems.  All periods have been revised to conform with the current presentation.  Segment information is set forth in this report in Note 17, "Segment Information" in item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

At October 31, 2014,2017, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries had approximately 9,40011,000 employees. The Company's principal executive offices are located at Two NorthShore Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, its telephone number is (412) 442-8200 and its internet website is www.matw.com.www.matw.com.  The Company files or furnishes all required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the Exchange Act.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly reportsReports on Form 10-Q, current reportsCurrent Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company's website as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed or furnished to the SEC. The Company's reports filed or furnished with the SEC, including exhibits attached to such reports, are also available to read and copy at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by contacting the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.  All Company reports filed with or furnished to the SEC can be found on its website at www.sec.gov.

3


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

The Company has three reporting segments, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization, and Industrial Technologies. The following table sets forth reported sales and operating profit for the Company's business segments for the past three fiscal years.  Detailed financial information relating to business segments and to domestic and international operations is presented in Note 17 ("Segment18, "Segment Information") to the Consolidated Financial in Item 8 - "Financial Statements included in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-KA.and Supplemental Data."

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

  Years Ended September 30, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  Amount  Percent  Amount  Percent  Amount  Percent 
  (Dollars in Thousands) 
Sales to unaffiliated customers:         
SGK Brand Solutions  497,328   45.0   373,941   38.0   332,829   37.0 
Memorialization  508,420   45.9   517,911   52.5   492,867   54.7 
Industrial  100,849   9.1   93,505   9.5   74,621   8.3 
Total $1,106,597   100.0% $985,357   100.0% $900,317   100.0%
                         
Operating profit:                        
SGK Brand Solutions  2,536   3.1   13,999   14.8   19,927   21.5 
Memorialization  67,937   83.3   71,754   75.8   62,597   67.6 
Industrial  11,049   13.6   8,862   9.4   10,061   10.9 
Total $81,522   100.0% $94,615   100.0% $92,585   100.0%

 Years Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
 (Amounts in thousands)
Sales to unaffiliated customers:     
SGK Brand Solutions$770,181
 $755,975
 $798,339
Memorialization615,882
 610,142
 508,058
Industrial Technologies129,545
 114,347
 119,671
Consolidated$1,515,608
 $1,480,464
 $1,426,068
Operating profit:     
SGK Brand Solutions$24,919
 $42,909
 $21,864
Memorialization80,652
 68,252
 70,064
Industrial Technologies7,032
 7,654
 13,095
Consolidated$112,603
 $118,815
 $105,023

In fiscal 2014,2017, approximately 61%67% of the Company's sales were made from the United States, and 35%, 2%, 1% and 1%26% were made from Europe, 3% were made from Asia, Australia and Canada, respectively.4% were made from other regions. For further information on segments, see Note 17 ("Segment18, "Segment Information") in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on pages page 6969-70 of this report.Report. Products and services of the SGK Brand Solutions segment are sold primarilythroughout the world, with principal locations in the United States, Europe and Asia.  Memorialization segment products are sold throughout the world, with the segment's principal operations located in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.  The Industrial Technologies segment sells equipment and consumables directly to industrial consumers and distributors in the United States and internationally through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden, Germany and China, and through other foreign distributors.  Matthews owns a minority interest in Industrial Technologies product distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.

SGK Brand Solutions:

The SGK Brand Solutions segment provides brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, embossing tools, and creative designimaging services principally tofor consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and the primary packagingmarketing and corrugated industries. With the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014, thedesign services). The Company significantly expanded itshas extensive product offerings and capabilities related to brand development and brand management, serving the consumer packaged goods and retail industries.  The primary packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed packaging materials such as boxes, flexible packaging, folding cartons and bags commonly displayed at retailers of consumer goods. The corrugated packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed corrugated containers.  Other major industries served include the wallpaper, flooring, automotive, and textile industries. In addition, the segment provides merchandising, retail graphics and printing solutions for brand owners and retailers.  The segment designs, manufactures and installs merchandising and display systems, and provides total turnkey project management services.  The segment also provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.

The principal products and services of this segment include brand development, deployment, delivery, brand management, pre-media graphics services, 3-D graphics renderings, printing plates, gravure cylinders, steel bases, embossing tools, special purpose machinery, engineering assistance, print process assistance, print production management, digital asset management, content management, and package design.  These products and services are used by brand owners and packaging manufacturers to develop and print packaging graphics that help identify and sell the product in the marketplace.  Other packaging graphics can include nutritional information, directions for product use, consumer warning statements and UPC codes. The primary packaging manufacturer produces printed packaging from paper, film, foil and other composite materials used to display, protect and market the product. The corrugated packaging manufacturer produces printed containers from corrugated sheets.  Using the Company's products, these sheets are printed and die cut to make finished containers.
4

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)


The segment offers a wide array of value-added services and products.  These include print process and print production management services; print engineering consultation; pre-media preparation, which includes computer-generated art, film and proofs; plate mounting accessories and various press aids; and press-side print production assurance.  The segment also provides creative digital graphics services to brand owners and packaging markets.

The segment's sales are also derived from the design, engineering, manufacturing and execution of merchandising and display systems.  These systems include permanent and temporary displays, custom store fixtures, brand concept shops, interactive media, custom packaging, and screen and digitally printed promotional signage.  Design and engineering services include concept and model development, graphics design and prototyping.  Merchandising and display systems are manufactured to specifications developed by the segment in conjunctioncollaboration with the customer.

The Company works closely with manufacturers to provide the proper printing forms and tooling required to print the packaging to the user's specifications.  The segment's printing plate products are made principally from photopolymer resin and sheet materials.  Upon customer request, plates can be pre-mounted press-ready in a variety of configurations that maximize print quality and minimize press set‑up time.  Gravure cylinders, manufactured from steel, copper and chrome, can be custom engineered for multiple print processes and specific customer print applications.

The SGK Brand Solutions segment customer base consists primarily of brand owners and packaging industry converters.  Brand owners are generally large, well-known consumer products companies and retailers with a national or global presence.  These types of companies tend to purchase their graphics needs directly, and supply the printing forms, or the electronic files to make the printing plates and gravure cylinders, to the packaging printer for their products.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment serves customers primarilythroughout the world, with principal locations in Europe, the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Major raw materials for this segment's products include photopolymers, steel, copper, film, wood, particleboard, corrugated materials, structural steel, plastic, laminates, inks and graphic art supplies.  All such materials are presently available in adequate supply from various industry sources.

The SGK Brand Solutions segment is one of several providers of brand management, brand development and pre-media services and manufacturers of printing plates and cylinders with an international presence. The combination of the Company's businesses in North America, Europe the United States and Asia is an important part of Matthews' strategy to becomebe a worldwide leader in the graphics industry inby providing consistent service to multinational customers on a global basis.  Competition is on the basis of product quality, timeliness of delivery and price.  The merchandising and display business operates in a fragmented industry consisting primarily of a number of small, locally operated companies.  Industry competition is intense and theThe segment competes on the basis of reliability, creativity and providingability to provide a broad array of merchandising products and services.  The segment is unique in its ability to provide in-depth marketing and merchandising services as well as design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. These capabilities allow the segment to deliver complete turnkey merchandising solutions quickly and cost effectively. The Company differentiates itself from the competition by consistently meeting these customer demands, its abilityproviding service to service customers both nationally and globally, and its ability to provideproviding a variety of value-added support services.

Memorialization:Memorialization:

The Memorialization segment manufactures and markets a full line of memorialization products used primarily in cemeteries.cemeteries, funeral homes and crematories. The segment's memorialization products, which are sold principally in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, include cast bronze memorials, granite memorials, caskets, cremation equipment and other memorialization products.  The segment also manufactures and markets architectural products that are produced from bronze, aluminum and other metals, which are used to identify or commemorate people, places, events and accomplishments.

The segment is a leading manufacturer and distributor of caskets and other funeral home products in North America.  The segment produces and markets metal, wood and cremation caskets. Caskets are offered in a variety of colors, interior designs, handles and trim in order to accommodate specific religious, ethnic or other personal preferences. The segment also markets other funeral home products such as urns, jewelry, stationery and other funeral home products. The segment offers individually personalized caskets and urns through the Company-owned distribution network.
5

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

The segment also provides the following groups of products and services:

·Cremation Systems
·Waste Management/Incineration Systems
·Environmental and Energy Systems
·Service and Supplies
·Crematory Management/Operations
·Cremation Urns and Memorialization Products

Servicing the human, pet and specialized incineration markets, the segment's primary market areas are North America and Europe, and it also sells into Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.

Memorial products include flush bronze and granite memorials, upright granite memorials and monuments, cremation memorialization products, granite benches, flower vases, crypt plates and letters, cremation urns, niche units, cemetery features and statues, along with other related products and services. Flush memorials are bronze plaques or granite memorials which contain personal information about a deceased individual (such as name, birth date, and death date), photos and emblems.  Flush bronze and granite memorials are even or "flush" with the ground and therefore are preferred by many cemeteries for easier lawn mowing and general maintenance.  The segment's memorial products also include community and family mausoleums within North America.  In addition, the segment's other memorial products include bronze plaques, letters, emblems, vases, lights and photo ceramics that can be affixed to granite monuments, mausoleums, crypts and flush memorials.  Principal customers for memorial products are cemeteries and memorial parks, which in turn sell the Company's products to the consumer.

Customers of the Memorialization segment can also purchase memorials and vases on a "pre-need" basis.  The "pre-need" concept permits families to arrange for these purchases in advance of their actual need.  Upon request, the Company will manufacture the memorial to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date) and place it in storage for future delivery.  Memorials in storage have been paid in full with title conveyed to each pre-need purchaser.

The segment is also a leading manufacturer and distributor of caskets and other funeral home products in North America.  The segment produces and markets metal, wood and cremation caskets. Caskets are offered in a variety of colors, interior designs, handles and trim in order to accommodate specific religious, ethnic or other personal preferences. The segment also markets other funeral home products such as urns, jewelry and stationery. The segment offers individually personalized caskets through its distribution network.

Metal caskets are made from various gauges of cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze.  Metal caskets are generally categorized by whether the casket is non-gasketed or gasketed, and by material (i.e., bronze, copper, or steel) and in the case of steel, by the gauge (thickness) of the metal.  Wood caskets are primarily manufactured from nine different species of wood.  The species of wood used are poplar, pine, ash, oak, pecan, maple, cherry, walnut and mahogany.  The Memorialization segment is a leading manufacturer of all-wood constructed caskets, which are manufactured using pegged and dowelled construction, and include no metal parts.  Cremation caskets are made primarily from wood or cardboard covered with cloth or veneer.  These caskets appeal primarily to cremation consumers, environmentally concerned consumers, and value buyers.

The Memorialization segment also produces casket components.  Casket components include stamped metal parts, metal locking mechanisms for gasketed metal caskets, adjustable beds and interior panels.  Metal casket parts are produced by stamping cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze sheets into casket body parts.  Locking mechanisms and adjustable beds are produced by stamping and assembling a variety of steel parts.  The segment purchases from sawmills and lumber distributors various species of uncured wood, which it dries and cures.  The cured wood is processed into casket components.

In addition, the segment provides product and service assortment planning, as well as merchandising and display products to funeral service businesses. These products assist funeral service professionals in providing information, value and satisfaction to their client families.

The segment also provides cremation systems, crematory management, cremation service and supplies, waste management and incineration systems, and environmental and energy solutions to the human, pet and specialized incineration markets.  The primary market areas for these products and services are North America and Europe, although the segment also sells into Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)



Cremation systems include flame-based systems for cremation of humans and pets, as well as equipment for processing the cremated remains and other related equipment (ventilated work stations, tables, cooler racks, vacuums).  The principal markets for these products are funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, pet crematories, animal disposers and veterinarians. These products primarily are marketed directly by segment personnel.  Human crematory management/operations represent the actual operation and management of client-owned crematories.  Currently the segment provides these services primarily to municipalities in Europe and private operators in the United States.  Cremation service and supplies consist of operator training, preventative maintenance and "at need" service work performed on various makes and models of equipment. This work can be as simple as replacing defective bulbs or as complex as complete reconstruction and upgrading or retro-fitting on site. Supplies are consumable items associated with normal operations.

Waste management/incineration systems encompass both batch load and continuous feed, static and rotary systems for incineration of all waste types, as well as equipment for in-loading waste, out-loading ash and energy recovery. The principal markets for these products are medical waste disposal, oil and gas "work camp" wastes, industrial wastes and bio-mass generators.  Environmental and energy systems include emissions filtration units, waste heat recovery equipment, waste gas treatment products, as well as energy recovery.  The principal markets are municipalities or public/state agencies, the cremation industry and other industries which utilize incinerators for waste reduction and energy production.

The Memorialization segment also manufactures a full line of memorializationother products, for cremation, including urns in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes as well as standard and custom designed granite cremation pedestals and benches.  The segment also manufactures bronze and granite niche units, which are comprised of numerous compartments used to display cremation urns in mausoleums and churches.  In addition, theThe Company also markets turnkey cremation gardens, which include the design and all related products for a cremation memorial garden.

Architectural products include cast bronze and aluminum plaques, etchings and letters that are used to recognize, commemorate and identify people, places, events and accomplishments.  The Company's plaques are frequently used to identify the name of a building or the names of companies or individuals located within a building.  Such products are also used to commemorate events or accomplishments, such as military service or financial donations.  The principal markets for the segment's architectural products are corporations, fraternal organizations, contractors, churches, hospitals, schools and government agencies.  These products are sold to and distributed through a network of independent dealers including sign suppliers, awards and recognition companies, and trophy dealers.

Metal caskets are made from various gauges of cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze.  Metal caskets are generally categorized by whether the casket is non-gasketed or gasketed, and by material (i.e., bronze, copper, or steel) and in the case of steel, by the gauge (thickness) of the metal.  Wood caskets are manufactured from nine different species of wood, as well as from veneer.  The species of wood used are poplar, pine, ash, oak, pecan, maple, cherry, walnut and mahogany.  The Memorialization segment is a leading manufacturer of all-wood constructed caskets, which are manufactured using pegged and dowelled construction, and include no metal parts.  All-wood constructed caskets are preferred by certain religious groups. Cremation caskets are made primarily from wood or cardboard covered with cloth or veneer.  These caskets appeal primarily to cremation consumers, the environmentally concerned, and value buyers.

6


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

The Memorialization segment also produces casket components.  Casket components include stamped metal parts, metal locking mechanisms for gasketed metal caskets, adjustable beds and interior panels.  Metal casket parts are produced by stamping cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze sheets into casket body parts.  Locking mechanisms and adjustable beds are produced by stamping and assembling a variety of steel parts.  The segment purchases from sawmills and lumber distributors various species of uncured wood, which it dries and cures.  The cured wood is processed into casket components.

The segment provides product and service assortment planning, as well as merchandising and display products to funeral service businesses. These products assist funeral service professionals in providing information, value and satisfaction to their client families.

Cremation systems includes both traditional flame-based and water-based bio-cremation systems for cremation of humans and pets, as well as equipment for processing the cremated remains and other related equipment (ventilated work stations, tables, cooler racks, vacuums).  The principal markets for these products are funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, pet crematories, animal disposers and veterinarians. These products primarily are marketed directly by segment personnel.

Waste management/incineration systems encompass both batch load and continuous feed, static and rotary systems for incineration of all waste types, as well as equipment for in-loading waste, out-loading ash and energy recovery. The principal markets for these products are medical waste disposal, oil and gas "work camp" wastes, industrial wastes and bio mass generators.

Environmental and energy systems include emissions filtration units, waste heat recovery equipment, waste gas treatment products, as well as energy recovery.  The principal markets are municipalities or public/state agencies, the cremation industry and other industries which utilize incinerators for waste reduction and energy production.

Service and supplies consists of operator training, preventative maintenance and "at need" service work performed on various makes and models of equipment. This work can be as simple as replacing defective bulbs or as complex as complete reconstruction and upgrading or retro-fitting on site. Supplies are consumable items associated with normal operations.

Crematory management/operations represent the actual operation and management of client-owned crematories.  Currently the segment provides these services primarily to municipalities in Europe and private operators in the U.S.

Cremation urns and memorialization products include urns which support various forms of memorialization (burial, niche, scattering, and home décor).  Merchandise includes any other family-related products such as cremation jewelry, mementos, remembrance products and other assorted at-need merchandise.

Raw materials used by the Memorialization segment to manufacture memorials consist principally of bronze and aluminum ingot, granite, sheet metal, coating materials, photopolymers and construction materials and are generally available in adequate supply.  Ingot is obtained from various North American, European and Australian smelters. The primary materials required for casket manufacturing are cold-rolled steel and lumber. The segment also purchases copper, bronze, stainless steel, particleboard, corrugated materials, paper veneer, cloth, ornamental hardware and coating materials. Purchase orders or supply agreements are typically negotiated with large, integrated steel producers that have demonstrated timely delivery, high quality material and competitive prices.  Lumber is purchased from a number of sawmills and lumber distributors.  The Company purchases most of its lumber from sawmills within 150 miles of its wood casket manufacturing facility in York, Pennsylvania.  Raw materials used to manufacture cremation and incineration products consist principally of structural steel, sheet metal, electrical components, combustion devices and refractory materials. These are generally available in adequate supply from numerous suppliers.

Competition from other cemetery product manufacturers of memorial products is on the basis of reputation, product quality, delivery, price, and design availability. The Company believes that its superior quality, broad product lines, innovative designs, delivery capability, customer responsiveness, experienced personnel and consumer-oriented merchandising systems are competitive advantages in its markets.  Competition in the mausoleum construction industry includes various construction companies throughout North America and is on the basis of design, quality and price.  Competitors in the architectural market are numerous and include companies that manufacture cast and painted signs, plastic materials, sand-blasted wood and other fabricated products.

7


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)


The Memorialization segment markets its casket products in the United States through a combination of Company-owned and independent casket distribution facilities.  The Company operates approximately 60100 distribution centers in the United States.  Over 70%Approximately 85% of the segment's casket products are currently sold through Company-owned distribution centers.

The casket business is highly competitive. The segmentcompetitive and the Company competes with other manufacturers on the basis of product quality, price, service, design availability and breadth of product line.  The Memorialization segment provides a line of casket products that it believes is as comprehensive as any of its major competitors.  There are a large number of casket industry participants operating in North America and the industry has recently seenalso a few new foreign casket manufacturers, primarily from China, enterparticipating in the North American market.market. 

The Company competes with several manufacturers in the cremation and accessory equipment market principally on the basis of product design, quality and price.  The Memorialization segment and its three largest global competitors account for a substantial portion of the U.S. and European cremation equipment marketmarket.

The Memorialization segment works to provide a total solution to customers that own and operate businesses in both the cemetery and funeral home markets. The Company's memorial and casket products serve the relatively stable casketed and in-ground burial death market, while its memorial products and cremation equipment also serve the growing cremation market.

Industrial: Technologies:

The Industrial Technologies segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation solutions, and related consumables.order fulfillment systems.  Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors worldwide rely on Matthews' integrated systems to identify, track, controlconvey and pick their products.

Marking systems range from mechanical marking solutions to microprocessor-based ink-jet printing systems that integrate into a customer's manufacturing, inventory tracking and material handling control systems.  The Company manufactures and markets products and systems that employ different marking technologies, including contact printing, indenting, etching, laser and ink-jet printing.  Customers frequently use a combination of these methods to achieve an appropriate mark.  These technologies apply product information required for identification and traceability, as well as to facilitate inventory and quality control, regulatory compliance and brand name communication.

Fulfillment systems complement the tracking and distribution of a customer's products with automated order fulfillment technologies, motor-driven rollers for product conveyance, and controls for material handling systems.  Material handling customers include some of the largest automated assembly distribution and mail sortingdistribution companies in the United States.  The Company also
engineers innovative, custom solutions to address specific customer requirements in a variety of industries, including oil exploration and security scanning.

A significant portion of the revenue of the Industrial Technologies segment is attributable to the sale of consumables and replacement parts required by the marking, coding and tracking hardwareproducts sold by Matthews.  The Company develops inks, rubber and steel consumables in conjunction with the marking equipment in which they are used, which is critical to ensure ongoing equipment reliability and mark quality.  Most marking equipment customers use Matthews' inks, solvents and cleaners.

The principal customers for the Company's marking and fulfillment systems products are manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of durable goods, building products, consumer goods manufacturers (including food and beverage processors) and producers of pharmaceuticals.  The Company also serves a wide variety of industrial markets, including metal fabricators, manufacturers of woven and non-woven fabrics, plastic, rubber and automotive products.



8


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

A portion of this segment's sales are outside the United States, with distribution sourced through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden, Germany and China in addition to other international distributors.  The Company owns a minority interest in distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)



Major raw materials for this segment's products include precision components, electronics, printing components, tool steels, rubber and chemicals, all of which are presently available in adequate supply from various sources.

Competitors in the marking and fulfillment systems industries are diverse, with some companies offering limited product lines for well-defined specialty markets, while others operate similarly to the Company, offering a broad product line and competing in multiple product markets and countries.  Competition for marking and fulfillment systems products is based on product performance, ease of integration into the manufacturing and/or distribution process, service and price.  The Company typically competes with specialty companies in specific brand marking solutions and traceability applications.  The Company believes that, in general, itits Industrial Technologies segment offers one of the broadest lines of products to address a wide variety of marking, coding and industrial automation applications.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES:

The Company holds a number of trademarks and in excess of 100 domestic and foreign patents for its products and trademarks.related technologies.  However, the Company believes the loss of any individual or a significant number of patents or trademarks would not have a material impact on consolidated operations or revenues.

BACKLOG:

Because the nature of the Company's Memorialization, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses are primarily custom products made to order and services with short lead times, backlogs are not generally material except for mausoleums and cremation equipment in the Memorialization segment, roto-gravure engineering projects in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, mausoleums and cremation equipment in the Memorialization segment and industrial automation and order fulfillment systems in the Industrial Technologies segment.  Backlogs vary in a range of approximately one yearsix to twelve months of sales for mausoleums and roto-gravure engineering projects.projects and mausoleums. Cremation equipment sales backlogs vary in a range of eight to ten months of sales.  Backlogs for Industrial Technologies segment sales generally vary in a range of up to six weeks for standard products and twelve weeks for custom systems.  The Company's current backlog is expected to be substantially filled in fiscal 2015.2018.

REGULATORY MATTERS:

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

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  Thesematters which include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate. Refer to Note 16, "Environmental Matters" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details.



ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)




9


ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

At September 30, 2014, an accrual of approximately $4.9 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1.1 million was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's businesses that could adversely affect its operating performance and financial condition.  Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that the Company currently believes to be material.  Additional risks not currently known or deemed immaterial may also result in adverse effects on the Company.

Changes in Economic Conditions.  Generally, changes in domestic and international economic conditions affect the industries in which the Company and its customers and suppliers operate.  These changes include changes in the rate of consumption or use of the Company's products due to economic downturns, volatility in currency exchange rates, and changes in raw material prices resulting from supply and/or demand conditions.

Uncertainty about current global economic conditions poses a risk, as consumers and businesses may continue to postpone or cancel spending.  Other factors that could influence customer spending include energy costs, conditions in the credit markets, consumer confidence and other factors affecting consumer spending behavior.  These and other economic factors could have an effect on demand for the Company's products and services and negatively impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Operations.  The Company conducts business in more than 25 countries around the world, and in fiscal 2017 approximately 33% of the Company's sales to external customers were to customers outside the United States. In addition, the Company's manufacturing operations, suppliers and employees are located in many places around the world.  As such, the Company's future success depends in part on its ability to grow sales in non-U.S. markets. Sales and operations outside of the United States are subject to certain inherent risks, including fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies, global economic uncertainties, tariffs, quotas, taxes and other market barriers, political and economic instability, restrictions on the export or import of technology, potentially limited intellectual property protection, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, potentially adverse tax consequences, and required compliance with non-U.S. laws and regulations.

Changes in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. Manufacturing and sales of a significant portion of the Company's products are outside the United States, and accordingly, the Company holds assets, incurs liabilities, earns revenue and pays expenses in a variety of currencies.  The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, and therefore, the Company must translate the reported values of its foreign assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses into U.S. dollars.  Increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of these items in the Company's consolidated financial statements, even though their value has not changed in local currency.

Increased Prices for Raw Materials.  The Company's profitability is affected by the prices of the raw materials used in the manufacture of its products.  These prices may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including changes in supply and demand, domestic and global economic conditions, and volatility in commodity markets, currency exchange rates, labor costs and fuel-related costs.  If suppliers increase the price of critical raw materials, alternative sources of supply, or an alternative material,materials, may not exist.exist or be readily available.

The Company has standard selling price structures (i.e., list prices) in severalcertain of its segments, which are reviewed for adjustment generally on an annual basis.  In addition, the Company has established pricing terms with several of its customers through contracts or similar arrangements.  Based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.  Significant raw material price increases that cannot be mitigated by selling price increases or productivity improvements will negatively affect the Company's results of operations.



ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

10

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

Changes in Mortality and Cremation Rates.  Generally, life expectancy in the United States and other countries in which the Company's Memorialization businesses operatesegment operates has increased steadily for several decades and is expected to continue to do so in the future.  The increase in life expectancy is also expected to impact the number of deaths in the future.  Additionally, cremations have steadily grown as a percentage of total deaths in the United States since the 1960's, and are expected to continue to increase in the future.  The Company expects that these trends will continue in the future and sales of the resultCompany's Memorialization segment may benefit from the continued growth in the number of cremations; however, such trends may adversely affect the volume of bronze and granite memorialization products and burial caskets sold in the United States.  However, sales of the Company's Memorialization segment may benefit from the growth in cremations.

Changes in Product Demand or Pricing.The Company's businesses have and will continue to operate in competitive markets. Changes in product demand or pricing are affected by domestic and foreign competition and an increase in consolidated purchasing by large customers operating in both domestic and global markets. The Memorialization businesses generally operate in markets with ample supply capacity and demand which is correlated to death rates.  The Brand Solutions businesses serve global customers
that are requiring their suppliers to be global in scope and price competitive.price-competitive.  Additionally, in recent years the Company has witnessed an increase in products manufactured offshore, primarily in China, and imported into the Company's U.S. markets.  It is expected that these trends will continue and may affect the Company's future results of operations.

Changes in the Distribution of the Company's Products or the Loss of a Large Customer.  Although the Company does not have any customer that is individually significant to consolidated sales, it does have contracts with several large customers in both the Memorialization and SGK Brand Solutions segments.  While these contracts provide important access to large purchasers of the Company's products, they can obligate the Company to sell products at contracted prices for extended periods of time.  Additionally, any significant divestiture of business properties or operations by current customers could result in a loss of business if the Company is not able to maintain the business with the subsequent owners of the businesses.

Risks in Connection with Acquisitions.  The Company has grown in part through acquisitions, and continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen its businesses.  There is no assurance however that future acquisition opportunities will arise, or that if they do, that they will be consummated.  In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, or that synergies expected from the integration of the acquisitions will not be achieved as rapidly as expected, if at all. Failure to effectively integrate acquired businesses could prevent the realization of expected rates of return on the acquisition investment and could have a negative effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

In July 2014,Protection of Intellectual Property.  Certain of the Company's businesses rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements, to establish proprietary rights.  If the Company completed the acquisition of Schawk.  In connection with the acquisition, additional risks and uncertaintiesdoes not enforce its intellectual property rights successfully, its competitive position may suffer which could affectharm the Company's financial performance and actualoperating results. Specifically, the acquisition could cause actual results for fiscal 2015 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made byIn addition, the Company's management.patents, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights may not provide a significant competitive advantage. The Company may need to spend significant resources monitoring its intellectual property rights and may or may not be able to detect infringement by third parties. The Company's competitive position may be harmed if it cannot detect infringement and enforce its intellectual property rights quickly or at all. In some circumstances, the Company may choose to not pursue enforcement because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons. In addition, competitors might avoid infringement by designing around the Company's intellectual property rights or by developing non-infringing competing technologies. Intellectual property rights and the Company's ability to enforce them may be unavailable or limited in some countries which could make it easier for competitors to capture market share and could result in lost revenues.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)


Environmental Remediation and Compliance.  The Company is subject to the risk of environmental liability and limitations on its operations due to environmental laws and regulations. The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety laws and regulations concerning matters such as air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal and the investigation and remediation of contamination. The risks associated with the Schawk acquisition include risksof potentially substantial costs and liabilities related to combiningcompliance with these laws and regulations are an inherent part of the businessesCompany's business, and achieving expected cost savingsfuture conditions may develop, arise or be discovered that create substantial environmental compliance or remediation liabilities and synergies, assimilatingcosts. Compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements may prove to be more limiting and costly than the Schawk businesses,Company anticipates, and the factthere is no assurance that merger integration costssignificant expenditures related to such compliance may not be required in the acquisition are difficultfuture.

From time to predict with a level of certainty, andtime, the Company may be greater than expected.subject to legal proceedings brought by private parties or governmental authorities with respect to environmental matters, including matters involving alleged noncompliance with or liability under environmental, health and safety laws, property damage or personal injury. New laws and regulations, including those which may relate to emissions of greenhouse gases, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require the Company to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Technological Factors Beyond the Company's Control.  The Company operates in certain markets in which technological product development contributes to its ability to compete effectively.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop new products, that new products can be manufactured and marketed profitably, or that new products will successfully meet the expectations of customers.

ChangesCybersecurity and Data Breaches.  In the course of business, the Company collects and stores sensitive data and proprietary business information. The Company could be subject to service outages or breaches of security systems which may result in the Distributiondisruption, unauthorized access, misappropriation, or corruption of this information. Security breaches of the Company's Productsnetwork or the Lossdata including physical or electronic break-ins, vendor service outages, computer viruses, attacks by hackers or similar breaches can create system disruptions, shutdowns, or unauthorized disclosure of a Large Customer.confidential information. Although the Company does not have any customer that is considered individually significant to consolidated sales, it does have contracts with several large customers in both the Memorialization and Brand Solutions businesses.  While these contracts provide important access to large purchasers of the Company's products, they can obligate the Company to sell products at contracted prices for extended periods of time.  Additionally, any significant divestiture of business properties or operations by current customers could result in a loss of business if the Company is not ableaware of any significant incidents to maintaindate, if it is unable to prevent such security or privacy breaches, its operations could be disrupted or the businessCompany may suffer legal claims, loss of reputation, financial loss, property damage, or regulatory penalties because of lost or misappropriated information.

Compliance with Foreign Laws and Regulations.  Due to the subsequent ownersinternational scope of the properties.Company's operations, Matthews is subject to a complex system of commercial and trade regulations around the world, and the Company's foreign operations are governed by laws, rules and business practices that often differ from those of the United States. The Company cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which the Company's operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted, which could have a material and negative impact on the Company's business and results of operation.  For example, recent years have seen an increase in the development and enforcement of laws regarding trade compliance and anti-corruption, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries. While Matthews maintains a variety of internal policies and controls and takes steps, including periodic training and internal audits, that the Company believes are reasonably calculated to discourage, prevent and detect violations of such laws, the Company cannot guarantee that such actions will be effective or that individual employees will not engage in inappropriate behavior in contravention of the Company's policies and instructions. Such conduct, or even the allegation thereof, could result in costly investigations and the imposition of severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt the Company's business, and could materially and adversely affect the Company's reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)


Further, the Company is subject to laws and regulations worldwide affecting its operations outside the United States in areas including, but not limited to, intellectual property ownership and infringement, tax, customs, import and export requirements, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions, foreign investment, data privacy requirements, anti-competition, pensions and social insurance, employment, and environment, health, and safety. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be onerous and expensive and requirements may differ among jurisdictions.  Further, the promulgation of new laws, changes in existing laws and abrogation of local regulations by national laws may have a negative impact on the Company's business and prospects.  In addition, certain laws and regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. There can be no assurance that any of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

Effectiveness of Internal Controls.  Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a comprehensive evaluation of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, the Company is required to document and test its internal control over financial reporting, management is required to assess and issue a report concerning internal control over financial reporting, and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to and report on the Company's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls could cause the Company to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in the consolidated financial statements, and substantial costs and resources may be required to rectify these or other internal control deficiencies. If the Company cannot produce reliable financial reports, investors could lose confidence in the Company's reported financial information, the market price of the Company's common stock could decline significantly, and its business, financial condition, and reputation could be harmed.

Compliance with Securities Laws and Regulations; Conflict Minerals Reporting.  The Company is required to comply with various securities laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"). Dodd-Frank contains provisions, among others, designed to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply chains of certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries that are believed to be benefiting armed groups ("Conflict Minerals"). While Dodd-Frank does not prohibit companies from using Conflict Minerals, the SEC mandates due diligence, disclosure and reporting requirements for companies for which Conflict Minerals are necessary to the functionality or production of a product. The Company's efforts to comply with Dodd-Frank and other evolving laws, regulations and standards could result in increased costs and expenses related to compliance and potential violations.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable.



ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

11

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

Principal properties of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries as of October 31, 20142017 were as follows (properties are owned by the Company except as noted):

Location Description of Property
 
SGK Brand Solutions:   
Des Plaines, ILDivision Offices
Pittsburgh, PAManufacturing
Antwerp, Belgium Manufacturing 
Atlanta, GAManufacturing
Atlanta, GAOperating facility(1)
Battle Creek, MIOperating facility(1)
Bristol, EnglandOperating facility
Budapest, HungaryManufacturing
Chenai, ChinaChennai, India Operating facility(1)
Chicago, IL Operating facility(1)
Chicago, ILOperating facility(1)
Chicago, ILSublettingfacilities(1)
Cincinnati, OH Operating facility(1)
Cincinnati, OHCleckheaton, England Operating facility(1)
Cincinnati, OHManufacturing(1)
Des Plaines, IL Operating facility(1)
Duchow,Dachnow, PolandManufacturing
Gateshead, EnglandOperating facility(1)
East Butler, PA Manufacturing 
Goslar, Germany Manufacturing(1)
Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany Manufacturing 
Hilversum, NetherlandsIstanbul, Turkey Operating facilityManufacturing(1)
Izmir, Turkey Manufacturing 
Julich, Germany Manufacturing 
Kalamazoo, MI Operating facility 
Leeds, EnglandKempen, GermanyManufacturing(1)
Kowloon, Hong Kong Operating facility(1)
London, England Operating facility(1)
Los Angeles, CAOperating facility(1)
Manchester, England Manufacturing(1)
Marietta, GAManufacturing
Minneapolis, MN ManufacturingOperating facility 
Mississauga, Canada Operating facility(1)
Monchengladbach, Germany Manufacturing 
Mt. Olive, NJMonchengladbach, Germany Operating facilityManufacturing(1)
Munich, Germany Manufacturing(1)
New Berlin, WI Manufacturing(1)
New York, NYNovgorod, Russia Operating facility(1)
New, York, NYManufacturing Operating facility(1)
Newcastle, EnglandOperating facility(1)
Northbrook, ILVacant(1)
North Sydney, AustraliaOperating facility(1)
Nuremberg, Germany Manufacturing(1)
Oakland, CAOperating facility(1)
Paris, FranceOperating facility(1)
Penang, Malaysia Operating facility 
Poznan, PolandPortland, OROperating facility(1)
Queretaro, MexicoOperating facility
Redmond, WAOperating facility(1)
St. Louis, MO Manufacturing 
Queretaro, MexicoSan Francisco, CA ManufacturingOperating facility(1)
Shanghai, China Operating facilities(1)
Redmond, WAShenzhen, China Operating facility(1)
    
    

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

12


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES, (continued)

Location Description of Property 
    
SGK Brand Solutions, (continued):   
St. Louis, MOManufacturing
San Francisco, CAOperating facility(1)
San Francisco, CAOperating facility(1)
Shanghai, ChinaOperating facility(1)
Shanghai, ChinaOperating facility(1)
Shenzhen, ChinaManufacturing(1)
Singapore, SingaporeOperating facility(1)
Stamford, CTOperating facility(1)
Sterling Heights, MIOperating facility(1)
Swindon, EnglandSubletting(1)
Toronto, CanadaManufacturing(1)
Vienna, AustriaTarnowo Podgorne, Poland Manufacturing(1)
Vreden, Germany Manufacturing 
Wan Chai, Hong KongManufacturing(1)
Woburn, MAVreden, Germany Operating facility(1)
East Butler, PAManufacturing / Division Offices
Portland,Wilsonville, OR Sales OfficeOperating facility(1)
    
Memorialization (2)(2):
   
Pittsburgh, PA Manufacturing / Division Offices 
Pittsburgh, PADivision Offices(1)
Apopka, FLManufacturing / Division Offices
Apopka, FLOperating facility
Aurora, INManufacturing
Bristol, TNDistribution
Colorno, ItalyManufacturing(1)
Dallas, TXDistribution Hub(1)
Dandenong, AustraliaManufacturing(1)
Edmunston, CanadaManufacturing
Elberton, GA Manufacturing(1)
Fontana, CADistribution Hub(1)
Harrisburg, PADistribution Hub(1)
Hyde, EnglandManufacturing(1)
Indianapolis, INDistribution Hub(1)
Kingwood, WV Manufacturing 
Melbourne, AustraliaManufacturing(1)
Monterrey, MexicoManufacturing(1)
Parma, ItalyManufacturing / Warehouse(1)
Searcy, ARManufacturing
Whittier, CAKingwood, WV Manufacturing(1)
Monterrey, Mexico Manufacturing(1)
Richmond, IN Manufacturing(1)
Richmond, IN Manufacturing / Metal Stamping 
York, PASearcy, AR Manufacturing 
Apopka, FLStone Mountain, GA Manufacturing / Division Offices
Manchester, EnglandManufacturingDistribution Hub(1)
Udine, Italy Manufacturing(1)
Vestone, ItalyManufacturing(1)
West Point, MSDistribution
Whittier, CAManufacturing(1)
York, PAManufacturing
    
Industrial:Industrial Technologies:   
Pittsburgh, PA Manufacturing / Division Offices 
Beijing, China Manufacturing(1)
Cincinnati, OH Manufacturing(1)
Cincinnati, OHManufacturing
Germantown, WI Manufacturing(1)
Gothenburg, Sweden Manufacturing / Distribution(1)
Ixonia, WILima, Costa Rica Manufacturing(1)
Tualatin,Portland, OR Manufacturing(1)
Tianjin City, China Manufacturing(1)

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

13


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES, (continued)

Location Description of Property 
    
Corporate Office:   
Pittsburgh, PA General Offices 


(1)These properties are leased by the Company under operating lease arrangements. Rent expense incurred by the Company for all leased facilities was approximately $21.8 million in fiscal 2014.
(2)In addition to the properties listed, the Memorialization segment leases warehouse facilities totaling approximately 1.01.1 million square feet in 3038 states under operating leases.

Rent expense incurred by the Company for all leased facilities was approximately $36.4 million in fiscal 2017.

All of the owned properties are unencumbered.  The Company believes its facilities are generally well suited for their respective uses and are of adequate size and design to provide the operating efficiencies necessary for the Company to be competitive.  The Company's facilities provide adequate space for meeting its near-term production requirements and have availability for additional capacity.  The Company intends to continue to expand and modernize its facilities as necessary to meet the demand for its products.


ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

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


ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.
14


OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT

The following information is furnished with respect to officers and executive management as of November 15, 2014:October 31, 2017:

Name Age Positions with Registrant
Joseph C. Bartolacci 5457 President and Chief Executive Officer
Gregory S. Babe 59 Chief Technology Officer
David F. Beck 6265 
Vice President and Controller
Marcy L. Campbell 5154 Vice President, Human Resources
Brian J. Dunn 5760 Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development
Steven D. Gackenbach 5154 Group President, Memorialization
Robert M. Marsh 49 Vice President and Treasurer
Steven F. Nicola 5457 Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Paul F. Rahill 5760 President, CremationEnvironmental Solutions Division
David A. Schawk 5861 Group President, SGK Brand Solutions
Brian D. Walters 4548 Vice President and General Counsel


Joseph C. Bartolacci was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 2006.

Gregory S. Babe was appointed Chief Technology Officer effective November 2015. Prior thereto he had been the interim Executive Vice President, Global Information Technology and Integration since November 2014 when he joined the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Babe was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liquid X Printed Metals, Inc., from June 2013 to November 2014 and Chief Executive Officer of Orbital Engineering, Inc., from July 2012 to June 2013.

David F. Beck was appointed Vice President and Controller effective February 2010.  Prior thereto he had been Controller since September 15, 2003.

Marcy L. Campbell was appointed Vice President, Human Resources effective November 2014.  Ms. Campbell served as Director, Regional Human Resources from January 2013, and as Manager, Regional Human Resources from November 2005 to December 2012.

Brian J. Dunn was appointed Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development effective July 24, 2014.  Prior thereto, he served as Group President, Brand Solutions since February 2010, and Group President, Graphics and Marking Products from September 2007 to January 2010.

Steven D. Gackenbach was appointed Group President, Memorialization effective October 31, 2011. Prior thereto he had been Chief Commercial Officer, Memorialization

Robert M. Marsh was appointed Vice President and Treasurer in February 2016. He served as Treasurer since January 2011December 2014 when he joined the Company.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gackenbach served asMarsh was a partner of PNC Mezzanine Capital, the Senior Directorprincipal mezzanine investment business of Strategy for Kraft Foods' Cheese and Dairy Division from 2002 to 2010.The PNC Financial Services Group, LLC ("PNC").  Mr. Marsh joined PNC in 1997.

Steven F. Nicola was appointed Chief Financial Officer Secretary and TreasurerSecretary effective December 2003.

Paul F. Rahill was appointed President, CremationEnvironmental Solutions Division in October 2002.

David A. Schawkjoined the Company in July 2014 as President, SGK Brand Solutions upon Matthews' acquisition of Schawk.  Mr. Schawk served as Schawk's Chief Executive Officer from July 2012 and Chief Executive Officer and President for more than five years prior thereto. Mr. Schawk was a member of the Schawk Board of Directors since 1992.

Brian D. Walters was appointed Vice President and General Counsel effective February 2009.

15


PART II



ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Market Information:

The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1$1.00 par value.  At September 30, 2014, 32,879,8652017, 32,148,579 shares were outstanding.  The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MATW".  The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices as reported by NASDAQNasdaq for the periods indicated:

  High  Low  Close 
Fiscal 2014:      
Quarter ended:          September 30, 2014
 $47.60  $40.99  $43.89 
June 30, 2014  43.32   39.54   41.57 
March 31, 2014  44.33   37.08   40.81 
December 31, 2013  42.80   37.58   42.61 
             
Fiscal 2013:            
Quarter ended:    September 30, 2013 $40.50  $36.27  $38.08 
June 30, 2013  39.37   32.81   37.70 
March 31, 2013  35.31   31.43   34.92 
December 31, 2012  32.95   27.42   32.10 

 High Low Close
Fiscal 2017:     
Quarter ended:   September 30, 2017$66.65
 $57.40
 $62.25
June 30, 201772.60
 60.40
 61.25
March 31, 201777.85
 64.45
 67.65
December 31, 201677.10
 57.65
 76.85
Fiscal 2016:     
Quarter ended:   September 30, 2016$62.85
 $54.76
 $60.76
June 30, 201656.05
 49.37
 55.64
March 31, 201654.80
 45.00
 51.47
December 31, 201561.10
 46.05
 53.45

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 965,881 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2014.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.

 Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,816,146 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2017. All purchases of the Company's common stock during fiscal 20142017 were part of this repurchase program.
16


ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, (continued)
In May 2016, the Company purchased 970,000 common shares under the buy-back program from members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The purchase price for the shares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of the average of the high and low trading prices for the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 12, 2016. 




ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, (continued)

The following table shows the monthly fiscal 20142017 stock repurchase activity:

Period Total number of shares purchased  Average price paid per share  Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan  Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan 
         
October 2013  509  $40.83   509   1,194,161 
November 2013  86,287   40.95   86,287   1,107,874 
December 2013  15,381   41.67   15,381   1,092,493 
January 2014  6,428   42.39   6,428   1,086,065 
February 2014  -   -   -   1,086,065 
March 2014  -   -   -   1,086,065 
April 2014  -   -   -   1,086,065 
May 2014  3,806   40.17   3,806   1,082,259 
June 2014  452   41.09   452   1,081,807 
July 2014  -   -   -   1,081,807 
August 2014  46,060   45.12   46,060   1,035,747 
September 2014  69,866   45.63   69,866   965,881 
    Total  228,789  $43.29   228,789     

Period Total number of shares purchased Weighted-average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
October 2016 
 $
 
 2,028,570
November 2016 83,293
 67.49
 83,293
 1,945,277
December 2016 11,936
 73.63
 11,936
 1,933,341
January 2017 
 
 
 1,933,341
February 2017 39,918
 66.98
 39,918
 1,893,423
March 2017 
 
 
 1,893,423
April 2017 126
 67.66
 126
 1,893,297
May 2017 38,499
 63.70
 38,499
 1,854,798
June 2017 260
 62.55
 260
 1,854,538
July 2017 5,500
 65.60
 5,500
 1,849,038
August 2017 13,666
 65.45
 13,666
 1,835,372
September 2017 19,226
 58.22
 19,226
 1,816,146
Total��212,424
 $66.03
 212,424
  

Holders:

Based on records available to the Company, the number of registeredrecord holders of the Company's common stock was 596611 at October 31, 2014.2017.

Dividends:

A quarterly dividend of $.13$0.19 per share was paid for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014declared to shareholders of record on November 24, 2014.16, 2017. The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.11$0.17, $0.15, and $0.13 per share for each of the first three quarters ofduring fiscal 20142017, 2016, and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.10 per share for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.  The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.09 per share for the first three quarters of fiscal 2012 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.2015, respectively. 

Cash dividends have been paid on common shares in every year for at least the past forty-fiveforty-eight years.  It is the present intention of the Company to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock.  However, there is no assurance that dividends will be declared and paid as the declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and is dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans:

See Equity Compensation Plans in Item 12 "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" on page 7779of this report.
17


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, (continued)


PERFORMANCE GRAPH


COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN *
AMONG MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,
S&P 500 INDEX, S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX AND S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX **




*  Total return assumes dividend reinvestment
** Fiscal year ended September 30

Note: Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 20092012 in Matthews International Corporation Common Stock, Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P MidCap 400 Index and S&P SmallCap 600 Index.  The results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

18

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.


 Years Ended September 30,
 2017(1) 2016(2) 2015(3) 2014(4) 2013(5)
 
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Net sales$1,515,608
 $1,480,464
 $1,426,068
 $1,106,597
 $985,357
          
Operating profit112,603
 118,815
 105,023
 81,522
 94,615
          
Interest expense26,371
 24,344
 20,610
 12,628
 12,925
          
Net income attributable to
  Matthews shareholders
$74,368
 $66,749
 $63,449
 $42,625
 $54,121
          
Earnings per common share:         
Basic$2.31
 $2.04
 $1.93
 $1.51
 $1.96
Diluted2.28
 2.03
 1.91
 1.49
 1.95
          
Weighted-average common         
shares outstanding:         
Basic32,240
 32,642
 32,939
 28,209
 27,255
Diluted32,570
 32,904
 33,196
 28,483
 27,423
          
Cash dividends per share$0.68
 $0.60
 $0.54
 $0.46
 $0.41
          
Total assets$2,244,649
 $2,091,041
 $2,143,611
 $2,008,026
 $1,209,245
Long-term debt, non-current881,602
 844,807
 891,217
 714,027
 351,068

  Years Ended September 30, 
  
2014(1)
  
2013(2)
  
2012(3)
  
2011(4)
  
2010(5)
 
  (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 
  (Unaudited) 
           
Net sales $1,106,597  $985,357  $900,317  $898,821  $821,829 
                     
Operating profit  81,522   94,615   92,585   117,589   116,581 
                     
Interest expense  12,628   12,925   11,476   8,241   7,419 
                     
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders  42,625   54,121   55,276   72,106   68,874 
                     
                     
Earnings per common share:                    
Basic  $1.51   $1.96   $1.96   $2.46   $2.32 
Diluted  1.49   1.95   1.95   2.45   2.30 
                     
Weighted-average common                    
shares outstanding:                    
Basic  28,209   27,255   27,753   28,775   29,656 
Diluted  28,483   27,423   27,839   28,812   29,706 
                     
Cash dividends per share  $.460   $.410   $.370   $.330   $.290 
                     
Total assets $2,024,048  $1,209,262  $1,122,171  $1,092,151�� $988,787 
Long-term debt, non-current  714,027   351,068   298,148   299,170   225,256 

All periods have been revised to reflect additional expense related to a theft of funds from the Company by an employee, as described in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8-"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data". Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders was adjusted by $1,049, $767, $567, $266 and $183 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Diluted earnings per share was adjusted by $0.04, $0.03, $0.03, $0.01 and $0.01 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Basic earning per share was adjusted by $0.03, $0.03, $0.02 and $0.01 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(1)Fiscal 2017 included net pre-tax charges of $38,458 and income of $10,483, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. These pre-tax charges primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, and strategic cost-reduction initiatives. The pre-tax income primarily consisted of loss recoveries, net of related costs, related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee.
(2)Fiscal 2016 included net pre-tax charges of $36,057 and income of $78, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. These amounts primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs and strategic cost-reduction initiatives.
(3)Fiscal 2015 included pre-tax charges of $36,883 and income of $8,726, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively, and also included the unfavorable effect of related adjustments of $1,334 to income tax expense.  These amounts primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, trade name write-offs, strategic cost-reduction initiatives, and losses related to a theft of funds, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of a multi-employer pension plan obligation, and the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses.
(4)Fiscal 2014 included net pre-tax charges of approximately $41,289, (pre-tax), primarily related to acquisition-related costs, strategic cost reductioncost-reduction initiatives, and litigation expenses related to a legal dispute in the Memorialization segment.  Charges of $38,598 and $2,691 impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2014 included the unfavorable effect of adjustments of $1,347 to income tax expense related to non-deductible expenses related to acquisition activities.
(2)
(5)Fiscal 2013 included net pre-tax charges of approximately $15,352, (pre-tax), which primarily related to strategic cost reductioncost-reduction initiatives, incremental costs related to an ERP implementation in the Memorialization segment, acquisition-related costs and an impairment charge related to the carrying value of a trade name. The unusual charges were partially offset by a gain on the final settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries and the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration.

(3)Fiscal 2012 included net charges of approximately $8,779 (pre-tax), which primarily consisted of charges related to cost reduction initiatives and incremental costs related to an ERP implementation in the Memorialization segment.  In addition, fiscal 2012 included the favorable effect of an adjustment of $528 to income tax expense primarily related to changes in estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.

(4)Fiscal 2011 included the favorable effect of an adjustment of $606 to income tax expense primarily related to changes in estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.

(5)Fiscal 2010 included the favorable effect of an adjustment of $838 to income tax expense primarily related to changes in estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.
19

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Matthews and related notes thereto.  In addition, see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:OPERATIONS:

The following table sets forth sales and operating profit for the Company's SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies segments for each of the last three fiscal years.

  Years Ended September 30, 
  2014  2013  2012 
  (Dollars in Thousands) 
Sales:
      
    SGK Brand Solutions $497,328  $373,941  $332,829 
    Memorialization  508,420   517,911   492,867 
    Industrial  100,849   93,505   74,621 
    Consolidated $1,106,597  $985,357  $900,317 
             
Operating Profit:
            
    SGK Brand Solutions $2,536  $13,999  $19,927 
    Memorialization  67,937   71,754   62,597 
    Industrial  11,049   8,862   10,061 
    Consolidated $81,522  $94,615  $92,585 
             
 Years Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
 (Dollars in thousands)
Sales to unaffiliated customers:     
SGK Brand Solutions$770,181
 $755,975
 $798,339
Memorialization615,882
 610,142
 508,058
Industrial Technologies129,545
 114,347
 119,671
Consolidated$1,515,608
 $1,480,464
 $1,426,068
      
Operating Profit:     
SGK Brand Solutions$24,919
 $42,909
 $21,864
Memorialization80,652
 68,252
 70,064
Industrial Technologies7,032
 7,654
 13,095
Consolidated$112,603
 $118,815
 $105,023

Comparison of Fiscal 20142017 and Fiscal 2013:2016:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 20142017 were $1.1$1.52 billion, compared to $985.4 million$1.48 billion for the year ended September 30, 2013.2016.  The increase in fiscal 20142017 sales of $35.1 million principally reflected the acquisitionhigher sales of Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") in July 2014, highercemetery memorial products and cremation equipment, increased sales in the Company's SGK Brand SolutionsU.K. and Industrial segments, the incremental impactAsia Pacific brand markets, higher sales of acquisitions completed in fiscal 2013marking products, and the impact of significant projectsbenefits from recently completed acquisitions (see "Acquisitions" below). These increases were partially offset by slower market conditions in North America and Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, lower unit sales of caskets, and Memorialization segments.  Consolidated sales for fiscal 2014 also reflected the benefitunfavorable impact of favorable changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $6.2 million.$12.8 million compared to a year ago.

Sales forIn the SGK Brand Solutions segment, insales for fiscal 20142017 were $497.3$770.2 million, compared to $373.9$756.0 million a year ago.in fiscal 2016.  The increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014 ($75.1 million), higher sales volumereflected sales growth in the segment's principalU.K. and Asia Pacific markets, and the incremental impactcompletion of the acquisition of Wetzel Holding AG, Wetzel GmbH and certain related affiliates (collectively, "Wetzel") in November 2012, a significant merchandising display projectthree acquisitions during the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2017. These sales increases were partially offset by slower brand market conditions in the U.S. and fourth fiscal quarters of 2014Europe, and a $5.9 million favorablethe unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar.dollar of approximately $12.1 million. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 20142017 were $508.4$615.9 million compared to $517.9$610.1 million for fiscal 2013.2016.  The decrease primarilysales increase reflected lower unit volumehigher sales of memorialscemetery memorial products and caskets and traditional crematorcremation equipment, partially offset by a large waste incineration projectlower unit sales of caskets (reflecting an estimated decline in Saudi Arabia and higher mausoleum sales.  Based on published CDC data, the Company estimated that the number ofU.S. casketed in-ground burial deaths in the U.S. declined in fiscal 2014 compared to a year ago, which was the primary factor in the decrease in unit volume of both memorials and caskets.deaths). Industrial Technologies segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2014fiscal 2017 were $100.8$129.5 million, compared to $93.5$114.3 million for fiscal 2013.2016.  The increase resulted principally fromreflected higher sales of marking products and OEM solutions, and the favorable impact of recently completed acquisitions, partially offset by lower sales of fulfillment systems and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. and the incremental impactdollar of the acquisition of Pyramid Control Systems ("Pyramid") in December 2012.approximately $690,000.
20

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)


Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 20142017 was $392.5$563.4 million, or 35.5% of sales, compared to $356.5$556.5 million or 36.2% of sales, for fiscal 2013.2016.  The increase in fiscal 2014 consolidated gross profit compared to fiscal 2013primarily reflected the impact of higher sales and the benefit offrom recent acquisitions, the benefits of productivity initiatives, and realization of acquisition synergies, partially offset by higher material costsunfavorable changes in foreign currency values against the MemorializationU.S. dollar, and slower market conditions in North America and Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment. In addition, fiscal 2014Fiscal 2017 gross profit also included an expense of $9.5$2.0 million for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to the Schawk acquisition.   The decrease incurrent year acquisitions. Fiscal 2016 gross profit as a percentageincluded an expense of sales primarily reflectedapproximately $4.0 million for the impact of thepartial write-off of the inventory step-up and higher material costsvalue related to the acquisition of Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") in the Memorialization segment.August 2015.

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 20142017 were $311.0$450.8 million, or 28.1% of sales, compared to $261.9$437.6 million or 26.6% of sales, for fiscal 2013.  Fiscal 20142016.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses included expenses relatedas a percent of sales were 29.7% for fiscal 2017, compared to acquisition activities (primarily the Schawk acquisition) of $18.2 million, the Company's strategic cost structure initiatives of $4.5 million and litigation expenses of $3.0 million related to a legal dispute29.6% in the Memorialization segment.  Fiscal 2013fiscal 2016.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses included expensesreflected the impact of $13.6 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives, $3.4 million related to acquisition activities, $1.8 million related to litigation-related expenses in the Memorialization segment, and $2.2 million related to asset adjustments.  These fiscal 2013 expenses wererecently completed acquisitions, partially offset by the benefitbenefits from cost-reduction initiatives, including acquisition integration synergies. Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2017 also included an increase of adjustments$3.7 million in intangible asset amortization related to contingent considerationrecently completed acquisitions, and $3.3 million of $6.2incremental stock-based compensation expense that was recognized in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2017 as a result of required accounting treatment for retirement-eligible employees. Selling and administrative expenses also included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges in connection with cost structure initiatives totaling $35.2 million and a gain of $3.0in fiscal 2017, compared to $32.1 million on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries.fiscal 2016.

Operating profit for fiscal 20142017 was $81.5$112.6 million, compared to $94.6$118.8 million for fiscal 2013.2016.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment reported operating profit of $2.5for fiscal 2017 was $24.9 million, compared to $42.9 million for fiscal 2014,2016.  Fiscal 2017 operating profit for the SGK Brand Solutions segment included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $29.7 million, compared to $14.0$25.0 million for 2013.  The decrease in fiscal 2014 primarily2016. Segment operating profit in fiscal 2017 also included an increase of $3.1 million in intangible asset amortization related to recently completed acquisitions. Additionally, fiscal 2017 operating profit for SGK Brand Solutions reflected slower market conditions in North America and Europe, and the unfavorable impact of acquisition-related expenseschanges in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of $17.8approximately $1.3 million, the $9.5 million write-off of inventory step-up value and expenses related to strategic cost-structure initiatives of $4.1 million.  Fiscal 2013 SGK Brand solutions segment operating profit included expenses of $3.2 million related to acquisition activities, $5.3 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives and a $1.6 million impairment charge related to the carrying value of a trade name.  These fiscal 2013 expenses were partially offset by a gainthe favorable impact of $3.0 million on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one the Company's subsidiaries.  Excluding these net charges from both years, SGK Brand Solutions operating profit increased $12.8 million as a result of higher sales and the acquisition of Schawk.recent acquisitions. Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 20142017 was $67.9$80.7 million, compared to $71.8$68.3 million for fiscal 2013.  Memorialization segment fiscal 2014 operating profit included $4.0 million of expenses related to strategic cost-structure initiatives and litigation expenses of $3.0 million related to a legal dispute with one of its competitors.  Fiscal 2013 Memorialization2016.  The increase in segment operating profit includedreflected higher cemetery memorial and cremation equipment sales, and the impactbenefits of expenses of $10.1 million related to strategic cost-structureacquisition synergies and other productivity initiatives, litigation expenses of $1.8 million, and a $6.3 million benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration. Excluding the impact of these expenses from both years, fiscal 2014 operating profit decreased by $2.5 million, compared to fiscal 2013, primarily reflecting lower sales, partially offset by the productivity benefits from strategic cost-structure initiatives.impact of lower casket sales. Fiscal 2017 operating profit for the Memorialization segment also included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $7.8 million, compared to $10.4 million in fiscal 2016. Operating profit for the Industrial Technologies segment for fiscal 20142017 was $11.0$7.0 million, compared to $8.9$7.7 million a year ago.in fiscal 2016. The segment's fiscal 2014 and 2013 operating profit included expenses related to strategic cost-structure initiatives of $220,000 and $1.4 million respectively.  Excluding these expenses from both years, Industrial segment operating profit increased $1.0 million, primarily as a resultbenefits of higher sales.sales were offset by higher investments in the segment's product development, and an increase in acquisition related charge.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 20142017 was $2.1$2.5 million, compared to $2.3$2.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.  Interest expense for fiscal 2014 was $12.6 million, compared to $12.9 million last year.  The decrease in interest expense reflected lower interest rates, partially offset by increased debt levels in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 to finance the Schawk acquisition.

Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2014 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $4.9 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $3.8 million in 2013. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains or losses on certain intercompany debt.2016.  The increase in other deductions, net, principally reflected the write-off of prior deferred bank fees upon the amendment of the Company's domestic Revolving Credit Facility in conjunction with the Schawk acquisition.  Other income and deductions also included expenses related to a theft of funds by an employee totaling $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

21


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

As the Company disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filing on July 30, 2015, the Company identified a theft of funds by an employee that had occurred over a multi-year period through May 2015 which was not previously reflected in the Company's results of operations.  The cumulative amount of the loss has been determined to be approximately $14.8 million.  The corresponding pre-tax earnings amounts applicable to fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $1.7 million, $1.3 million and $929,000, respectively.

Pursuant to the guidance of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99, "Materiality", the Company evaluated the materiality of these amounts quantitatively and qualitatively, and has concluded that the amounts described above were not material to any of its annual or quarterly prior period financial statements or trends of financial results. However, because of the significance of the cumulative out-of-period correction to the fiscal 2015 third quarter, the financial statements for years prior to fiscal 2015 have been revised, in accordance with SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements".  Additional information, including reconciliations of the effects of these adjustments on previously reported amounts, is set forth in this report in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8-"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was 34.5%, compared to 32.6% for fiscal 2013. The increase in the fiscal 2014 effective tax rate, compared to fiscal 2013, primarily reflected the impact of non-deductible acquisition expenses in fiscal 2014. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected the impact of state taxes, offset by lower foreign income taxes.

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was a deduction of $646,000 for fiscal 2014, compared to income of $116,000 in fiscal 2013.  The change related principally to higher operating income recorded by the Company's less than wholly-owned operations in the U.K.

Comparison of Fiscal 2013 and Fiscal 2012:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2013 were $985.4 million, compared to $900.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.  The increase in fiscal 2013 sales principally reflected higher sales in the Memorialization and SGK Brand Solutions segments and the benefit of acquisitions.

Sales for the SGK Brand Solutions segment in fiscal 2013 were $373.9 million, compared to $332.9 million for fiscal 2012.  The increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Wetzel in November 2012 and higher merchandising display sales, partially offset by lower sales volume in the segment's principal markets due to soft economic conditions, particularly in Europe. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2013 were $517.9 million compared to $492.9 million for fiscal 2012.  The increase primarily reflected the full year impact of the acquisition of Everlasting Granite Memorial Co., Inc. ("Everlasting Granite") in May 2012, the benefit of a small U.K. cremation equipment acquisition completed in fiscal 2012, higher casket unit volume and product mix, higher sales of cremation equipment in the U.S., partially offset by lower international cremation equipment sales.  Industrial segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2013 were $93.5 million, compared to $74.6 million for fiscal 2012.  The increase resulted principally from higher sales in the U.S. market and the acquisition of Pyramid in December 2012.

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $356.5 million, or 36.2% of sales, compared to $336.6 million, or 37.4% of sales, for fiscal 2012.  The increase in fiscal 2013 consolidated gross profit compared to fiscal 2012 reflected higher sales and the benefit of acquisitions, partially offset by expenses of $2.3 million related to the Company's strategic cost reduction initiatives.  Gross profit for fiscal 2012 included expenses of $3.0 million related to the Company's strategic cost reduction initiatives.  The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales primarily reflected lower margins in the SGK Brand Solutions segment.

22


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2013 were $261.9 million, or 26.6% of sales, compared to $244.0 million, or 27.1% of sales, for fiscal 2012.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses was attributable to the impacts of acquisitions and higher sales in the Memorialization segment.  In addition, fiscal 2013 selling and administrative expenses included expenses of $13.6 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives, $3.4 million related to acquisition activities, $1.8 million related to litigation-related expenses in the Memorialization segment, and $2.2 million related to asset adjustments.  These expenses were partially offset by the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration of $6.2 million and a gain of $3.0 million on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries.  Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2012 included expenses of $5.0 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives, $3.8 million related to acquisition activities, and $1.5 million related to asset adjustments.  These expenses were partially offset by the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration of $3.7 million, a gain of $884,000 on the sale of a business investment and a gain of $837,000 on the settlement of the purchase price of one of the Company's subsidiaries.  The reduction in selling and administrative costs as a percent of sales was due primarily to the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration and the Company's cost containment efforts in fiscal 2013.

Operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $94.6 million, compared to $92.6 million for fiscal 2012.  SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $14.0 million, compared to $19.9 million for 2012.  The decrease in fiscal 2013 reflected lower sales (excluding the Wetzel acquisition), expenses of $3.2 million related to acquisition activities and $5.3 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives and a $1.6 million impairment charge related to the carrying value of a trade name.  The decreases were partially offset by a gain on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries.  SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit in fiscal 2012 included expenses of $3.8 million related to acquisition activities and $1.3 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives, partially offset by a $740,000 benefit from an adjustment to contingent consideration and a gain of $884,000 on the sale of a business investment.  Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2013 was $71.8 million, compared to $62.6 million for fiscal 2012.  The increase in fiscal 2013 operating profit compared to fiscal 2012 primarily reflected the impact of higher sales, the benefit of improved production and distribution efficiencies in the segment's casket operations, and the $6.3 million benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration.  These increases were partially offset by $10.1 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives and litigation expenses $1.8 million related to a legal dispute.  Memorialization segment fiscal 2012 operating profit included a $3.0 million benefit of an adjustment to contingent consideration and a gain of $837,000 on the settlement of the purchase price of one of the Company's subsidiaries in fiscal 2012, partially offset by expenses of $8.3 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives.  Operating profit for the Industrial segment for fiscal 2013 was $8.9 million, compared to $10.1 million for fiscal 2012.  The decrease in the Industrial segment operating profit principally reflected the impact of expenses of $1.4 million related to strategic cost-structure initiatives, partially offset by the benefit of the Pyramid acquisition and higher sales in the U.S.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $2.3 million, compared to $3.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012.  The decrease principally reflected lower rates of return on investments held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for fiscal 20132017 was $12.9$26.4 million, compared to $11.5$24.3 million forin fiscal 2012.2016.  The increase in interest expense reflected higher average debt levels.

interest rates in the current fiscal year and an increase in average borrowing levels, primarily related to acquisitions. Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 20132017 represented a decreasean increase in pre-tax income of $3.8$7.6 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $2.0$1.3 million in 2012.fiscal 2016. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains orand losses on certain intercompany debt. Otherdebt and foreign denominated cash balances.  Fiscal 2017 other income and deductions also included expensesloss recoveries of $11.3 million related to athe previously disclosed theft of funds by ana former employee totaling $1.3 million and $929,000 for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.initially identified in fiscal 2015.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 20132017 was 32.6%23.2%, compared to 34.2%30.5% for fiscal 2012.2016. Fiscal 2012 included2017 reflects the favorable impact of adjustments totaling $528,000benefits from lower foreign taxes, organizational structure changes, primarily initiated in income tax expense primarily related to changes in the estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.  Excluding this adjustmentconnection with acquisition integration, increased benefits from fiscal 2012, the Company's effective tax rate was 34.8%.  The decrease in the fiscal 2013 effective tax rate, compared to fiscal 2012 primarily reflectedcredits and incentives, and the impact of other tax benefits specific to the Company's European tax structure initiatives, including the fiscal 2013 benefit of a European tax loss carryback.current year. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected lower foreign income taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, offset by the impact of state taxes, offset by lower foreign income taxes.
23


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Net earningslosses attributable to noncontrolling interests was $435,000 in fiscal 2017, compared to $588,000 in fiscal 2016.  The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses.

Comparison of Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2016 were $1.48 billion, compared to $1.43 billion for the year ended September 30, 2015.  The increase in fiscal 2016 sales of $54.4 million principally reflected the acquisition of Aurora and higher sales volume of memorial products.  The unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $25.2 million partially offset this increase.

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for fiscal 2016 were $756.0 million, compared to $798.3 million in fiscal 2015.  The decrease in sales reflected the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $21.4 million and the fiscal 2015 divestiture of a small software business. In addition, the segment experienced slower market conditions in the U.S. and Europe during fiscal 2016. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2016 were $610.1 million compared to $508.1 million for fiscal 2015.  The increase in sales resulted principally from the acquisition of Aurora ($113.3 million) and higher sales of bronze and granite memorials, partially offset by lower unit sales of caskets and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $2.8 million. Based on published CDC data, the Company estimated that the number of casketed deaths in the U.S. declined compared to fiscal 2015. Industrial Technologies segment sales for fiscal 2016 were $114.3 million, compared to $119.7 million for fiscal 2015.  Industrial Technologies segment sales reflected lower fulfillment systems sales primarily due to slower market conditions in the current year. Changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar also had an unfavorable impact of approximately $1.0 million on the segment's sales. These declines in segment sales were partially offset by the favorable impact of the Digital Designs, Inc. ("DDI") acquisition.

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2016 was $556.5 million, compared to $529.4 million for fiscal 2015.  Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 37.6% and 37.1% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.  The increase in gross profit primarily reflected the impact of higher sales.  Gross profit included expenses for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to the Aurora acquisition totaling $4.0 million and $1.8 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The improvement in gross profit as a percent of sales reflected the favorable impact of cost-reduction initiatives (including acquisition synergy realization), and lower commodity costs, partially offset by the write-off of Aurora inventory step-up value.

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2016 were $437.6 million, compared to $424.4 million for fiscal 2015.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 29.6% for fiscal 2016, compared to 29.8% in fiscal 2015.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Aurora, partially offset by benefits from cost-reduction initiatives in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, resulting primarily from acquisition integration activities. In addition, fiscal 2016 selling and administrative expenses included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $32.1 million, and an increase of $3.1 million in intangible asset amortization related to the Aurora acquisition. Fiscal 2015 selling and administrative expenses included acquisition-related expenses of $37.1 million primarily related to the Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") acquisition integration activities and Aurora transaction expenses, trade name write-offs of $4.8 million and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives of $2.2 million, partially offset by the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses, in the Memorialization segment of $9.0 million.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



Operating profit for fiscal 2016 was $118.8 million, compared to $105.0 million for fiscal 2015.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit for fiscal 2016 was $42.9 million, compared to $21.9 million for fiscal 2015.  The increase in segment operating profit principally resulted from cost reductions primarily as a result of acquisition integration activities, partially offset by a decline in sales, and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $1.2 million. Additionally, operating profit for the SGK Brand Solutions segment included expenses of $25.0 million for cost reduction initiatives (primarily related to acquisition integration) in fiscal 2016. SGK Brand Solutions operating profit in fiscal 2015 included charges totaling $39.5 million representing acquisition integration expenses, trade name write-offs, and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives. Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2016 was $68.3 million, compared to $70.1 million for fiscal 2015.  Segment operating profit was favorably impacted by the Aurora acquisition, which was more than offset by charges totaling $10.4 million primarily representing acquisition integration costs, a $3.1 million increase in intangible asset amortization as a result of the Aurora acquisition, and lower casket sales. Memorialization segment operating profit in fiscal 2015 was unfavorably impacted by charges totaling $6.4 million, primarily consisting of acquisition-related costs, and expenses related to productivity improvements and strategic cost-reduction initiatives. Memorialization segment operating profit in fiscal 2015 also reflected the favorable impact of the settlement of litigation, net of related expenses, of $9.0 million. Operating profit for the Industrial Technologies segment for fiscal 2016 was $7.7 million, compared to $13.1 million in fiscal 2015, primarily reflecting lower sales and an unfavorable change in product mix in fiscal 2016. 

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2016 was $2.1 million, compared to $175,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015.  The increase reflected higher rates of return on investments held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for fiscal 2016 was $24.3 million, compared to $20.6 million in fiscal 2015.  The increase in interest expense primarily reflected higher average debt levels resulting from the acquisition of Aurora in August 2015. Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2016 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $116,000$1.3 million, compared to an increase in pre-tax income of $5.1 million in fiscal 2015. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated receivables and payables.  Fiscal 2015 other income and deductions included an $11.5 million gain on the settlement of a multi-employer pension plan installment payment obligation, and $2.3 million of losses related to a theft of funds by an employee that had occurred over a multi-year period.

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2013,2016 was 30.5%, compared to 29.4% for fiscal 2015. The effective tax rates for both years primarily reflected the favorable impact of the utilization of certain tax attributes with the Company’s U.S. and foreign legal entity structure. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected lower foreign income taxes offset by the impact of $639,000state taxes.

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests was $588,000 in fiscal 2012.  The decrease related principally2016, compared to higher operating income recorded by the Company's Turkish operation$161,000 in fiscal 2013.2015.  The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $90.7$149.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014,2017, compared to $108.1$140.3 million and $82.4$141.1 million for fiscal 2013years 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 20142017 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and non-cash pension expense, and a decrease in working capital items, partially offset by cash contributions of $8.7 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2016 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and non-cash pension expense, and a decrease in working capital items, partially offset by cash contributions of $18.9 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2015 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, trade name write-offs, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items and a cash contributioncontributions of $3.0$3.3 million to the Company's principal pension plan.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2013 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) and a cash contribution of $2.5 million to the Company's principal pension plan.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2012 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) and a cash contribution of $5.0 million to the Company's principal pension plan.other postretirement plans.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



Cash used in investing activities was $411.1$141.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2014,2017, compared to $98.6$47.1 million and $45.3$263.2 million for fiscal years 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively.  Investing activities for fiscal 20142017 primarily includedreflected capital expenditures of $44.9 million and acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $98.2 million (see "Acquisitions" below).  Investing activities for fiscal 2016 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $41.7 million and acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $6.9 million, primarily for the DDI acquisition.  Investing activities for fiscal 2015 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $48.3 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired) of $382.1$213.5 million, primarily for the SchawkAurora acquisition, net proceeds of $10.4 million from the sale of a subsidiary, and $29.2payment of $12.9 million related to a letter of credit issued for capital expenditures.  Investing activities for fiscal 2013 primarily included payments (net of cash acquired) of $74.0 million for acquisitions and $24.9 million for capital expenditures. Investing activities for fiscal 2012 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $33.2 million and payments (net of cash acquired) of $12.5 million for acquisitions.a customer (see discussion below).

Capital expenditures were $29.2$44.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2014,2017, compared to $24.9$41.7 million and $33.2$48.3 million for fiscal 20132016 and 2012,2015, respectively.  Capital expenditures in fiscal 2012 were higher due to new investments in gravure equipment in Germany and Turkey and investments in information technology systems.  Capital expenditures in each of the last three fiscal years reflected reinvestments in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new manufacturingproduction machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements.  Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $45.0 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash.

Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $29.1 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital spending for fiscal 20152018 is currently expected to be approximately $60.0in the range of $45 million to $50 million.  The increase in fiscal 2015 expected capital spending reflects the addition of the historical capital requirements of Schawk, and additional information technology capital spending related to the Company's systems integration activities arising from the Schawk acquisition.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Cash provided byused in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 20142017 was $338.1$7.2 million, reflectingand reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $357.3$28.6 million, purchases of treasury stock of $9.9 million, payment of contingent consideration of $3.7 million, proceeds from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises) of $8.0$14.0 million, and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $13.4$21.8 million ($0.460.68 per share).  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 20132016 was $10.8$108.8 million, reflectingand reflected repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $30.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $58.0 million, proceeds from stock option exercises of $6.4 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $19.4 million ($0.60 per share), acquisition of noncontrolling interest of $5.6 million, and payment of deferred financing fees of $2.3 million.  Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2015 was $131.2 million, and reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $33.2$179.2 million, purchases of treasury stock of $21.6$14.6 million, payment of contingent consideration of $11.3$484,000, proceeds from stock option exercises of $4.0 million, and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $11.3$17.8 million ($0.410.54 per share).  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2012 was $41.0 million, reflecting purchases of treasury stock of $31.0 million,, and payment of dividends$18.2 million to the Company's shareholders of $10.3 million ($0.37 per share).

24


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)
settle a multi-employer pension plan installment payment obligation.

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facilitycredit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In connection with the acquisitioninstitutions that includes a $900.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million senior secured amortizing term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of Schawk in July 2014, the Company amended certain terms5.0% of the Revolving Credit Facility to increaseoutstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  The balance of the maximum amountrevolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of borrowings available under the facility from $500.0 million to $900.0 million.April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the amendedrevolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .75%0.75% to 2.00% (1.75% at September 30, 2014)2017) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from .15%0.15% to .25%0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

The Revolving Credit Facilitydomestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $30.0$35.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facilityrevolving credit facility at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 were $680.0$525.0 million and $305.0$608.0 million, respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $232.5 million and $246.4 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 was 2.53%3.01% and 2.81%2.59%, respectively.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



During fiscal 2017, the Company entered into a two-year $115.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. The Company had $95.8 million in outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility as of September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was 1.98%.

The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges:
  September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
  (Dollars in thousands)
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $414,063
 $403,125
Net unrealized gain (loss) $3,959
 $(5,834)
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 3.3
 3.9
Weighted-average received rate 1.23% 0.53%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.34% 1.26%

The Company has enteredenters into the following interest rate swaps:

Effective DateAmountFixed Interest RateInterest Rate Spread at September 30, 2014
 
Maturity Date
October 2011  $25 million1.67%1.75%October 2015
November 2011  25 million2.13%1.75%November 2014
March 2012  25 million2.44%1.75%March 2015
June 2012  40 million1.88%1.75%June 2022
August 2012  35 million1.74%1.75%June 2022
September 2012  25 million3.03%1.75%December 2015
September 2012  25 million1.24%1.75%March 2017
November 2012  25 million1.33%1.75%November 2015
May 2014  25 million1.35%1.75%May 2018

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $4.0 million ($2.4 million after tax) and an unrealized loss, net of unrealized gains, of $330,000$5.8 million ($201,000 after tax) and $908,000 ($554,0003.6 million after tax) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2014,2017, a lossgain (net of tax) of approximately $905,000$666,000 included in accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings as interest expense over the next twelve months.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank.bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is 25.0€35.0 million Euros ($31.641.3 million).  The credit facility matures in December 2018 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the creditthis facility totaled 17.5were €22.1 million Euros ($22.1 million) and 22.5 million Euros ($30.426.1 million) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.2017. There were no outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2016. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under thethis facility at September 30, 20142017 was 1.75%.

In November 2016, the Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, issued €15.0 million ($17.7 million at September 30, 2017) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation and 2013mature in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2017 was 1.35% and 1.37%, respectively.1.40%.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



The Company, through its German subsidiary, Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG ("Saueressig"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 1.2 million Euros ($1.6 million) and 1.7 million Euros ($2.3 million) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 3.96% and 4.04%, respectively.

25


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The Company, through its German subsidiary, Wetzel, has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 2.9 million Euros ($3.6 million) and 7.4 million Euros ($10.0 million) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 5.67% and 7.48%, respectively.

The Company, through its wholly-ownedItalian subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 5.5€2.6 million Euros ($6.93.1 million) and 5.1€3.2 million Euros ($6.93.5 million) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.  The maturity dates for these loans range from October 2017 through November 2019. Matthews International S.p.A. also has threemultiple on-demand lines of credit totaling 11.3€11.3 million Euros ($14.313.4 million) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 4.8€4.0 million Euros ($6.14.7 million) and 5.6€5.2 million Euros ($7.65.8 million) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 was 3.15%2.2% and 3.16%1.8%, respectively.

Other debt totaled $1.0 million and $4.6 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 5.04% and 3.31% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company approximating $14.0of £8.6 million was filed($11.5 million at September 30, 2017) with respect to a performance guarantee on a project for a customer.in Saudi Arabia. Management has assessed the claimcustomer's demand to be without merit and basedinitiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on information availablethe draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the Court ruled completely in favor of this filing, expects thatMatthews following a trial on the ultimatemerits. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter will notcould have a material adverse effectan unfavorable financial impact on Matthews' financial condition,Matthews’ results of operations or cash flows.operations. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has reclassified the funded letter of credit from other current assets to other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve. As of September 30, 2016, the Company presented the funded letter of credit within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 965,881 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2014.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,816,146 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2017.

In May 2016, the Company purchased 970,000 common shares under the buy-back program from members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The purchase price for the shares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of the average of the high and low trading prices for the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 12, 2016. 

At September 30, 2014,2017, approximately $48.0$56.2 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by international subsidiaries whose undistributed earnings are considered permanently reinvested. The Company's intent is to reinvest these funds in our international operations and current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund U.S. operations. If the Company decides at a later date to repatriate these funds to the U.S., it wouldmay be required to provide taxes on these amounts based on the applicable U.S. tax rates net of credits for foreign taxes already paid.

Consolidated working capital was $312.9$309.9 million at September 30, 2014,2017, compared to $212.5$314.8 million at September 30, 2013.  The increase in working capital at September 30, 2014 primarily reflected the acquisition of Schawk.2016.  Cash and cash equivalents were $63.0$57.5 million at September 30, 2014,2017, compared to $48.1$55.7 million at September 30, 2013.2016.  The Company's current ratio was 2.22.1 and 2.12.2 at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

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

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  Thesematters which include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate. Refer to Note 16, "Environmental Matters" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details.

26


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

At September 30, 2014, an accrual of approximately $4.9 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1.1 million was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual, which reflects previously established reserves assumed with the acquisition of York and additional reserves recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment, does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  Changes in the accrued environmental remediation obligation from the prior fiscal year reflect payments charged against the accrual.

While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.
ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2014:

On July 29, 2014, the Company acquired Schawk, a leading global brand development, activationRefer to Note 19, "Acquisitions" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and brand deployment company, headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. Under the terms of the transaction, Schawk shareholders received $11.80 cash and 0.20582 shares of Matthews' common stockSupplementary Data," for each Schawk share held.  Basedfurther details on the closing price of Matthews' stock on July 28, 2014, the transaction represented an implied price of $20.74 per share and a total enterprise value (which included net outstanding debt, net of cash acquired) of $616.7 million.  Schawk provides comprehensive brand development and brand deployment services to clients primarily in the consumer packaged goods, retail and life sciences markets.  Schawk creates and sells its clients' brands, produces brand assets and protects brand equities to help drive brand performance.  Schawk currently delivers its services through more than 155 locations in over 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Fiscal 2013:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2013 totaled $74.0 million.  The acquisitions were not individually significant to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations, and primarily included the following:

In March 2013, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 38.5% interest in Kroma, completing the option arrangement in connection with the July 2011 acquisition of a 61.5% interest in Kroma.

In December 2012, the Company acquired Pyramid, a provider of warehouse control systems and conveyor control solutions for distribution centers.  The acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' fulfillment products and services in the warehouse management market.  The initial purchase price for the transaction was $26.2 million, plus additional consideration of $3.7 million paid in fiscal 2014 based on operating results. 

In November 2012, the Company acquired Wetzel, a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, with manufacturing operations in Germany and Poland.  Wetzel's products and services are sold primary within Europe, and the acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' products and services in the global graphics imaging market.  The purchase price for Wetzel was 42.6 million Euros ($54.7 million) on a cash-free, debt-free basis.  The Company has completed the allocation of purchase price for all fiscal 2013 acquisitions.

Fiscal 2012:

In May 2012, the Company acquired Everlasting Granite, a supplier of granite memorials, columbariums and private mausoleum estates. The transaction is intended to expand the Company's presence and product breadth in the granite memorial business.
27


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Matthews has a three-prongedThe Company's current strategy to attain annual growth in earnings per share. This strategyshare primarily consists of the following:  internal growth (which includes organic growth, cost structure and productivity improvements, new product development and the expansion into new markets with existing products), acquisitions and share repurchases under the Company's stock repurchase program (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources").integration activities to achieve synergy benefits.

With respect to fiscal 2015,2018, the Company expects to continue to devote a significant level of effort to the integration of Schawk.recent acquisitions, including systems integration.  Due to the size of this acquisitionthese acquisitions and the projected synergy benefits from integration, this effort isthese efforts are anticipated to continue for an extended period of time.  The costs associated with this integration, and acquisition-related step-up expense,these integrations will impact the Company's operating results for fiscal 2015.2018.  Consistent with its practice, the Company plans to identify these costs on a quarterly basis as incurred.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT:

On November 17, 2014, the Company entered into a Release, Settlement Agreement, and Covenant Not To Sue (the "Settlement Agreement"), which concludes litigation arising out of allegations initiated against Harry Pontone, Scott Pontone, Pontone Casket Company and Batesville Casket Company ("Batesville").  Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Batesville will pay $17.0 million in one lump sum payment to the Company and an additional $1.75 million for attorney fees of Harry and Scott Pontone, for a total settlement value of $18.75 million. The Settlement Agreement contains customary mutual releases of claims.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

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

The Company's significant accounting policies are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide useful and reliable financial information about the Company's operating results and financial condition.  The following accounting policies involve significant estimates, which were considered critical to the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2014.2017.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.

28


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Long-Lived Assets:Assets, including Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangibleLong-lived assets are carriedrecorded at cost.their respective cost basis on the date of acquisition.  Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Property,  Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairmentand intangibles with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Goodwill isand Indefinite-Lived Intangibles:

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but is subject to periodic revieware tested annually for impairment.impairment, or when circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist.  In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unitthese assets exceeds itsthe implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, unless such lives are considered to be indefinite.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.  For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales volumes and pricing, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, working capital changes, and discount rates.  The Company estimates future cash flows using volume and pricing assumptions based largely on existing customer relationships and contracts, and operating cost assumptions management believes are reasonable based on historical performance and projected future performance as reflected in its most recent operating plans and projections. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analyses are developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes the discount rates appropriately reflect the risks associated with the Company's operating cash flows.  In order to further validate the reasonableness of the estimated fair values of the reporting units as of the valuation date, a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of all reporting units to market capitalization is performed using a reasonable control premium.

The Company performed its annual impairment reviewsreview of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quartersquarter of fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 and2017. The Company determined that the estimated fair value for all goodwill reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying valuesvalue of goodwill were necessary at those times.  Recent economic conditions in Europe have unfavorably impactedMarch 31, 2017.  There were no impairments identified during the operating resultsCompany's annual assessment of the Graphics Imaging business.  For the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%, resulting in no goodwill impairment for the unit.  While the Graphics Imaging reporting unit passed the first step of the impairment test, if its operating profits or another significant assumption were to deteriorate in the future, it could adversely affect the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  Factors that could have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of the Graphics Imaging reporting unit include a further delay in the recovery of the European market, continued pricing pressure, declines in expected volumes, and an increase in discount rates.  If the Company is unsuccessful in its plans to recover the profitability of this business, the estimated fair value could decline and lead to a potential goodwill impairment in the future.

The Carrying amount of trade names with indefinite lives as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 totaled $142.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively.  The carrying amount as of September 30, 2014 includes $119.7 million related to the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014.  These trade names are tested for impairment annually in the second quarter.  Matthews performed a quantitative impairment evaluation of its trade names for 2014, and the test indicated the trade names were not impaired.

Share-Based Payment:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards.indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits:

Pension assets and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and the discount rate used to determine the present value of benefit obligations.  Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets, the expected return on plan assets and changes in the selected discount rate will affect the amount of pension cost.

The Company's principal pension plan maintains a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities in accordance with the investment policy established by the Company's pension board.  Based on an analysis of the historical performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 7.75%6.75% at September 30, 20142016 for purposes of determining fiscal 2017 pension cost and funded status.cost.   The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices as of September 30, 20142017 and September 30, 20132016 for the fiscal year end valuation. The discount rate was 4.25%3.76%, 5.00%3.51% and 4.00%4.25% in fiscal 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. Refer to Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for disclosure about the hypothetical impact of changes in actuarial assumptions.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

29


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Environmental:

Environmental liabilities are recorded when the Company's obligation is probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for losses from environmental remediation obligations do not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.

Income Taxes:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  To the extent earnings are expected to be returned in the foreseeable future, the associated deferred tax liabilities are provided.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.practicable, due to the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2014, the Company held 319,134 memorials and 224,204 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain cremation units, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

30


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:

The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at September 30, 2014,2017, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

  Payments due in fiscal year: 
          After 
  Total  2015  2016 to 2017  2018 to 2019  2019 
Contractual Cash Obligations: (Dollar amounts in thousands) 
Revolving credit facility $702,055  $-  $22,055  $680,000  $- 
Notes payable to banks  13,315   6,674   6,115   526   - 
Short-term borrowings  6,410   6,410   -   -   - 
Capital lease obligations  9,167   2,400   2,154   773   3,840 
Pension withdrawal liability  38,645   1,973   3,946   3,946   28,780 
Non-cancelable operating leases  65,067   21,410   27,199   11,894   4,564 
Total contractual cash obligations $834,659  $38,867  $61,469  $697,139  $37,184 
   Payments due in fiscal year:
 Total 2018 2019 to 2020 2021 to 2022 
After
2022
Contractual Cash Obligations:(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Revolving credit facilities$551,126
 $
 $26,126
 $525,000
 $
Securitization facility95,825
 
 95,825
 
 
Senior secured term loan232,479
 20,313
 50,000
 162,166
 
Notes payable to banks21,831
 3,375
 18,456
 
 
Short-term borrowings4,735
 4,735
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations6,519
 1,281
 1,371
 1,074
 2,793
Non-cancelable operating leases75,708
 21,939
 27,554
 13,835
 12,380
Total contractual cash obligations$988,223
 $51,643

$219,332
 $702,075
 $15,173

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates.  At September 30, 2014,2017, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.53%3.01% on the Company's domestic Revolving Creditcredit facility, 1.98% on the Company's Securitization Facility, 1.35%1.75% on the credit facility through the Company's European subsidiaries, 3.96%1.40% on bank loans to itsnotes issued by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Saueressig, 5.67% on bank loans to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wetzel, and 3.15%Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, 2.20% on bank loans to the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., and 5.04% on other outstanding debt.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are funded from the Company's operating cash. Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributionsa $5.1 million contribution to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2014, however, in fiscal 2014, the Company made a contribution of $3.0 million to its principal retirement plan.2017.

The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2015.2018.  The Company estimates that benefit payments to participants under its retirement plans (including its supplemental retirement plan) and postretirement benefit payments will be approximately $7.7$10.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in fiscal 2015.2018.  The amounts are expected to increase incrementally each year thereafter, to $9.6$12.8 million and $1.3$1.1 million, respectively, in 2019.2022.  The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)



Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities.  If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.  As of September 30, 2014,2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest, of approximately $4.3$8.0 million.  The timing of potential future payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits is not presently determinable. The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.


INFLATION:

Except for the volatility in the cost of bronze ingot, steel, wood and fuel (see "Results of Operations"), inflation has not had a material impact on the Company over the past three years nor is it anticipated to have a material impact for the foreseeable future.

31


ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")Refer to Note 3, "Accounting Pronouncements" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details on recently issued new guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  This guidance is effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2016 and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.pronouncements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606". This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. This standard is effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for certain receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps.  This guidance provides companies with a practical expedient to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.  The guidance is effective for Matthews beginning in fiscal 2015, and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance takes into account these losses and carryfowards as well as the intended or likelihood of use of the unrecognized tax benefit in determining the balance sheet classification as an asset or liability. This guidance was effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2014 and did not have a material impact.
ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

The following discussion about the Company's market risk involves forward-looking statements.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  The Company has market risk related to changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates.  The Company does not generally use derivative financial instruments in connection with these market risks, except as noted below.

Interest Rates - The Company's most significant long-term debt instrument is the domestic Revolving Credit Facility,credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR.

The Company hasfollowing table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the following interest rate swaps:Company and designated as cash flow hedges:
Effective DateAmountFixed Interest RateInterest Rate Spread at September 30, 2014
 
Maturity Date
October 2011  $25 million1.67%1.75%October 2015
November 2011  25 million2.13%1.75%November 2014
March 2012  25 million2.44%1.75%March 2015
June 2012  40 million1.88%1.75%June 2022
August 2012  35 million1.74%1.75%June 2022
September 2012  25 million3.03%1.75%December 2015
September 2012  25 million1.24%1.75%March 2017
November 2012  25 million1.33%1.75%November 2015
May 2014  25 million1.35%1.75%May 2018

  September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
  (Dollars in thousands)
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $414,063
 $403,125
Net unrealized gain (loss) $3,959
 $(5,834)
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 3.3
 3.9
Weighted-average received rate 1.23% 0.53%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.34% 1.26%

The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments under the Revolving Credit Facility which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company's assessment, all

32


ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK, (continued)

the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $330,000$4.0 million ($201,000 after tax)2.4 million after-tax) at September 30, 20142017 that is included in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.AOCI.  A decrease of 10% in market interest rates (e.g., a decrease from 5.0% to 4.5%) would result in an increasea decrease of approximately $500,000$223,800 in the fair value liability of the interest rate swaps.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK, (continued)



Commodity Price Risks - In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price fluctuations related to the purchases of certain materials and supplies (such as bronze ingot, steel, fuel and wood) used in its manufacturing operations. The Company obtains competitive prices for materials and supplies when available.  In addition, based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers through contracts or similar arrangements, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates - The Company is subject to changes in various foreign currency exchange rates, primarily including the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar Swedish Krona, Chinese Yuan, Hong Kong Dollar, Polish Zloty, Turkish Lira, Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit in the conversion from local currencies to the U.S. dollar of the reported financial position and operating results of its non-U.S. based subsidiaries.  An adverse change (strengthening U.S. dollar) of 10% in exchange rates would have resulted in a decrease in reported sales of $45.5$50.1 million and a decrease in reported operating income of $1.2$4.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014.2017.

Actuarial Assumptions - The most significant actuarial assumptions affecting pension expense and pension obligations include the valuation of retirement plan assets, the discount raterates and the estimated return on plan assets.  The estimated return on plan assets is currently based upon projections provided by the Company's independent investment advisor, considering the investment policy of the plan and the plan's asset allocation.  The fair value of plan assets and discount raterates are "point-in-time" measures, and the recent volatility of the debt and equity markets makes estimating future changes in fair value of plan assets and discount rates more challenging.  The Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using a modified assumption of future mortality that reflects a significant improvement in life expectancy over the previous mortality assumptions.  Refer to Note 12, "Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" in Item 8 – "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.

The following table summarizes the impact on the September 30, 20142017 actuarial valuations of changes in the primary assumptions affecting the Company's retirement plans and supplemental retirement plan.

  Impact of Changes in Actuarial Assumptions 
  Change in Discount Rate  Change in Expected Return  Change in Market Value of Assets 
   +1%   -1%   +1%   -1%   +5%   -5% 
  (Dollar amounts in thousands) 
Increase (decrease) in net benefit cost   $(3,399)   $4,319   $(1,286)   $1,286   $(1,320)   $1,320 
                         
Increase (decrease) in projected benefit obligation    (27,816)   35,433   -   -   -   - 
                         
Increase (decrease) in funded status    27,816   (35,433)   -   -   6,588   (6,588) 
 Impact of Changes in Actuarial Assumptions
 Change in Discount Rates Change in Expected Return Change in Market Value of Assets
 +1% -1% +1% -1% +5% -5%
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Decrease) increase in net benefit cost$(3,931) $4,830
 $(1,502) $1,502
 $(1,473) $1,473
            
(Decrease) increase in projected benefit obligation(31,982) 39,902
 
 
 
 
            
Increase (decrease) in funded status31,982
 (39,902) 
 
 7,782
 (7,782)





33

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Description Pages
   
Management's Report to Shareholders 35-36
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 37-38
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
Financial Statements:  
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 39-40
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 41
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 42
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 43
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 44
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 45-75
   
Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited) 76
   
Financial Statement Schedule – Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying  
Accounts for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 77










34


MANAGEMENT'S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Matthews International Corporation:

Management's Report on Financial Statements
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Matthews International Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts that are based on management's best judgments and estimates. The other financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as amended is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (as reissued)

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.Company, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15f. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting management has conducted an assessment using the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992)(2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). The Company's internalInternal controls over financial reporting is a process under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the Company's board of directors, management and other personnel 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 and 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.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Schawk, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Schawk") have been excluded from management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination in July 2014.  Schawk is a 100% owned subsidiary whose total assets and total sales represent approximately 9% and 7%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts of the Company as of and for the year ended September 30, 2014.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992)(2013) issued by the COSO, originally concludingand has concluded that wethe Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014.  It was subsequently determined that a material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting existed as of September 30, 2014 as follows.


35


MANAGEMENT'S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS (continued)


The design of the internal controls over segregation of duties within the treasury process was determined to constitute a material weakness, which resulted in a cumulative loss of $14.8 million that was not previously recorded in the Company's financial statements.  Specifically, an individual with the ability to execute cash transactions was responsible for providing the third party source documents used in the cash reconciliation process.  This resulted in an overstatement of our previously reported cash balance and resulted in the revision to our previously issued consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.  Additionally, it was determined that this could have resulted in further misstatements of the aforementioned accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.  Accordingly, the internal control over segregation of duties within the treasury process was determined to constitute a material weakness.

Accordingly, management has reissued its report on internal control over financial reporting to reflect the determination that, solely as a result of this item, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the COSO.

2017.  The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 20142017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopersErnst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as restatedstated in their report which is included herein.
 
Management's Certifications
 
The certifications of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been included as Exhibits 31 and 32 in the Company'sthis Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended.10-K.



36



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders andThe Board of Directors and Shareholders of
   Matthews International Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Matthews International Corporation and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2014Subsidiaries:

We have audited Matthews International Corporation and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Management and we previously concluded that the Company maintained effectiveSubsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014.  However, management has subsequently determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the design of internal control over segregation of duties within the treasury process existed as of that date.  Accordingly, management's report has been restated and our present opinion on internal control over financial reporting, as presented herein, is different from that expressed in our previous report.  In our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 20142017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - IntegratedControl-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the design of internal control over segregation of duties within the treasury process existed as of that date.  A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  The material weakness referred to above is described in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing,(2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). Matthews International Corporation and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2014 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.  The Company'sSubsidiaries’ management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management's report referred to above.the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements andan opinion on the Company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  audit.

We conducted our auditsaudit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the auditsaudit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also includedrisk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provideaudit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.opinion.

A company'scompany’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'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i)(1) 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)(2) 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)(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


37






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (continued)

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.

As describedIn our opinion, Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained, in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") from its assessment ofall material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014 because it was acquired by2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company in a purchase business combination in July 2014.  Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries and our report dated November 21, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 21, 2017



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. Our audits also excluded Schawk fromincluded the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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 includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries at September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.  Schawk is a 100% owned subsidiary whose total assets and total sales represent approximately 9% and 7%, respectively,reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the relatedTreadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated November 21, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 21, 2017

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and Board of Directorsof
Matthews International Corporation:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statement amountsstatements of the Company as ofincome, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year ended September 30, 2014.2015 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Matthews International Corporation and its subsidiaries for the year ended September 30, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule for the year ended September 30, 2015 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 financial statement schedule based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial 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 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.



/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 25, 2014, except with respect to our opinion on the consolidated financial statements insofar as it relates to the change in segments described in Note 17, and except for the effects of the revision described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements and the matter described in the penultimate paragraph of Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, as to which the date is August 7,24, 2015

38






MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 20142017 and 20132016
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


ASSETS 2014  2013 
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $63,003  $48,078 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $10,937 and $10,009, respectively
  282,730   177,623 
Inventories  152,842   129,811 
Deferred income taxes  18,197   14,069 
Other current assets  49,456   30,736 
         
Total current assets  566,228   400,317 
         
Investments  23,130   22,288 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net  209,315   180,731 
         
Deferred income taxes  4,019   1,871 
         
Other assets  20,027   14,402 
         
Goodwill  819,467   524,551 
         
Other intangible assets, net  381,862   65,102 
         
Total assets $2,024,048  $1,209,262 
ASSETS2017 2016
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$57,515
 $55,711
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $11,622 and $11,516, respectively
319,566
 294,915
Inventories171,445
 162,472
Other current assets46,533
 61,086
    
Total current assets595,059
 574,184
    
Investments37,667
 31,365
    
Property, plant and equipment, net235,533
 219,492
    
Deferred income taxes2,456
 775
    
Other assets51,758
 19,895
    
Goodwill897,794
 851,489
    
Other intangible assets, net424,382
 393,841
    
Total assets$2,244,649
 $2,091,041


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
39





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued
September 30, 20142017 and 20132016
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY2017 2016
Current liabilities:   
Long-term debt, current maturities$29,528
 $27,747
Trade accounts payable66,607
 58,118
Accrued compensation62,210
 63,737
Accrued income taxes21,386
 15,527
Other current liabilities105,401
 94,219
Total current liabilities285,132
 259,348
    
Long-term debt881,602
 844,807
    
Accrued pension103,273
 110,941
    
Postretirement benefits19,273
 22,143
    
Deferred income taxes139,430
 107,038
    
Other liabilities25,680
 37,430
Total liabilities1,454,390
 1,381,707
    
Shareholders' equity-Matthews: 
  
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized
70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued
36,334
 36,334
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued
 
Additional paid-in capital123,432
 117,088
Retained earnings948,830
 896,224
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(154,115) (181,868)
Treasury stock, 4,185,413 and 4,192,307 shares, respectively, at cost(164,774) (159,113)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews789,707
 708,665
Noncontrolling interests552
 669
Total shareholders' equity790,259
 709,334
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,244,649
 $2,091,041

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

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2014  2013 
Current liabilities:    
Long-term debt, current maturities $15,228  $23,587 
Trade accounts payable  72,040   45,232 
Accrued compensation  60,690   41,916 
Accrued income taxes  7,079   5,910 
Deferred income taxes  235   - 
Other current liabilities  98,011   71,139 
Total current liabilities  253,283   187,784 
         
Long-term debt  714,027   351,068 
         
Accrued pension  78,550   61,642 
         
Postretirement benefits  20,351   17,956 
         
Deferred income taxes  129,335   20,332 
         
Other liabilities  53,296   24,188 
Total liabilities  1,248,842   662,970 
         
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:        
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized
70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued
  36,334   36,334 
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  113,225   47,315 
Retained earnings  798,353   769,124 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (66,817)  (26,940)
Treasury stock, 3,454,127 and 9,083,910 shares, respectively, at cost  (109,950)  (283,006)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews  771,145   542,827 
Noncontrolling interests  4,061   3,465 
Total shareholders' equity  775,206   546,292 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,024,048  $1,209,262 

 2017 2016 2015
Sales$1,515,608
 $1,480,464
 $1,426,068
Cost of sales(952,221) (924,010) (896,693)
      
Gross profit563,387
 556,454
 529,375
      
Selling expense(144,174) (140,924) (143,299)
Administrative expense(306,610) (296,715) (281,053)
      
Operating profit112,603
 118,815
 105,023
      
Investment income2,468
 2,061
 175
Interest expense(26,371) (24,344) (20,610)
Other income (deductions), net7,587
 (1,298) 5,064
      
Income before income taxes96,287
 95,234
 89,652
      
Income taxes(22,354) (29,073) (26,364)
      
Net income73,933
 66,161
 63,288
      
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests435
 588
 161
      
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders$74,368
 $66,749
 $63,449
      
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders: 
  
  
      
Basic$2.31
 $2.04
 $1.93
      
Diluted$2.28
 $2.03
 $1.91

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
40





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)thousands)


  2014  2013  2012 
Sales $1,106,597  $985,357  $900,317 
Cost of sales  (714,101)  (628,839)  (563,747)
             
Gross profit  392,496   356,518   336,570 
             
Selling expense  (119,274)  (107,140)  (104,651)
Administrative expense  (191,700)  (154,763)  (139,334)
             
Operating profit  81,522   94,615   92,585 
             
Investment income  2,063   2,284   3,891 
Interest expense  (12,628)  (12,925)  (11,476)
Other income (deductions), net  (4,881)  (3,795)  (2,008)
             
Income before income taxes  66,076   80,179   82,992 
             
Income taxes  (22,805)  (26,174)  (28,355)
             
Net income  43,271   54,005   54,637 
             
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  (646)  116   639 
             
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $42,625  $54,121  $55,276 
             
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:            
             
Basic  $1.51   $1.96   $1.96 
             
Diluted  $1.49   $1.95   $1.95 

 Year Ended September 30, 2017
 Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total
Net income (loss)$74,368
 $(435) $73,933
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment9,352
 119
 9,471
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits12,427
 
 12,427
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives: 
  
  
Net change from periodic revaluation7,043
 
 7,043
Net amount reclassified to earnings(1,069) 
 (1,069)
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
5,974
 
 5,974
Other comprehensive income, net of tax27,753
 119
 27,872
Comprehensive income (loss)$102,121
 $(316) $101,805
      
 Year Ended September 30, 2016
 Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total
      
Net income (loss)$66,749
 $(588) $66,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment(17,655) (89) (17,744)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits(12,576) 
 (12,576)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives: 
  
  
Net change from periodic revaluation(3,230) 
 (3,230)
Net amount reclassified to earnings1,919
 
 1,919
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
(1,311) 
 (1,311)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(31,542) (89) (31,631)
Comprehensive income (loss)$35,207
 $(677) $34,530
      
 Year Ended September 30, 2015
 Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total
      
Net income (loss)$63,449
 $(161) $63,288
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 
  
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment(77,237) (150) (77,387)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits(3,823) 
 (3,823)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives: 
  
  
Net change from periodic revaluation(4,841) 
 (4,841)
Net amount reclassified to earnings2,392
 
 2,392
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
(2,449) 
 (2,449)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(83,509) (150) (83,659)
Comprehensive loss$(20,060) $(311) $(20,371)
      

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
41






MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

  Year Ended September 30, 2012 
  
Matthews
  Noncontrolling Interest  
Total
 
       
Net income (loss) $55,276  $(639) $54,637 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:            
   Foreign currency translation adjustment  (1,895)  (29)  (1,924)
   Pension plans and other postretirement benefits  (3,327)  -   (3,327)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:            
   Net change from periodic revaluation  (3,288)  -   (3,288)
   Net amount reclassified to earnings  2,085   -   2,085 
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
  (1,203)  
-
   (1,203)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (6,425)  (29)  (6,454)
Comprehensive income (loss) $48,851  $(668) $48,183 
             
  Year Ended September 30, 2013 
  
Matthews
  Noncontrolling Interest  
Total
 
             
Net income (loss) $54,121  $(116) $54,005 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:            
   Foreign currency translation adjustment  3,779   82   3,861 
   Pension plans and other postretirement benefits  29,347   -   29,347 
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:            
   Net change from periodic revaluation  2,474   -   2,474 
   Net amount reclassified to earnings  2,543   -   2,543 
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
  
5,017
   
-
   
5,017
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  38,143   82   38,225 
Comprehensive income (loss) $92,264  $(34) $92,230 
             
  Year Ended September 30, 2014 
  
Matthews
  Noncontrolling Interest  
Total
 
             
Net income (loss) $42,625  $646  $43,271 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:            
   Foreign currency translation adjustment  (31,081)  115   (30,966)
   Pension plans and other postretirement benefits  (9,551)  -   (9,551)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:            
   Net change from periodic revaluation  (1,879)  -   (1,879)
   Net amount reclassified to earnings  2,634   -   2,634 
      Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on
        derivatives
  
755
   
-
   
755
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  (39,877)  115   (39,762)
Comprehensive income (loss) $2,748  $761  $3,509 
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
42






MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
(net of tax)
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Non-
controlling
Interests
 Total
Balance, September 30, 2014$36,334
 $113,225
 $798,353
 $(66,817) $(109,950) $4,061
 $775,206
Net income
 
 63,449
 
 
 (161) 63,288
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 (3,823) 
 
 (3,823)
Translation adjustment
 
 
 (77,237) 
 (150) (77,387)
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 (2,449) 
 
 (2,449)
Total comprehensive income 
  
  
  
  
  
 (20,371)
Stock-based compensation
 9,097
 
 
 
 
 9,097
Purchase of 304,859 shares
 of treasury stock

 
 
 
 (14,567) 
 (14,567)
Issuance of 334,850 shares
 of treasury stock

 (7,336) 
 
 10,768
 
 3,432
Cancellation of 34,789 shares of
treasury stock

 1,284
 
 
 (1,284) 
 
Dividends, $.54 per share
 
 (17,847) 
 
 
 (17,847)
Distribution to noncontrolling
  interests

 
 
 
 
 (95) (95)
Acquisition of noncontrolling
interests

 (380) 
 
 
 (429) (809)
Balance, September 30, 201536,334
 115,890
 843,955
 (150,326) (115,033) 3,226
 734,046
Net income
 
 66,749
 
 
 (588) 66,161
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 (12,576) 
 
 (12,576)
Translation adjustment
 
 
 (17,655) 
 (89) (17,744)
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 (1,311) 
 
 (1,311)
Total comprehensive income 
  
  
  
  
  
 34,530
Stock-based compensation
 10,612
 
 
 
 
 10,612
Purchase of 1,132,452 shares
 of treasury stock

 
 
 
 (57,998) 
 (57,998)
Issuance of 404,307 shares
 of treasury stock

 (5,972) 
 
 14,162
 
 8,190
Cancellation of 5,237 shares of
treasury stock

 244
 
 
 (244) 
 
Dividends
 
 (14,480) 
 
 
 (14,480)
Transactions with
  noncontrolling interests

 (3,686) 
 
 
 (1,880) (5,566)
Balance, September 30, 201636,334
 117,088
 896,224
 (181,868) (159,113) 669
 709,334
Net income
 
 74,368
 
 
 (435) 73,933
Minimum pension liability
 
 
 12,427
 
 
 12,427
Translation adjustment
 
 
 9,352
 
 119
 9,471
Fair value of derivatives
 
 
 5,974
 
 
 5,974
Total comprehensive income 
  
  
  
  
  
 101,805
Stock-based compensation
 14,562
 
 
 
 
 14,562
Purchase of 212,424 shares
 of treasury stock

 
 
 
 (14,025) 
 (14,025)
Issuance of 221,958 shares
 of treasury stock

 (8,397) 
 
 8,543
 
 146
Cancellation of 2,640 shares of
treasury stock

 179
 
 
 (179) 
 
Dividends
 
 (21,762) 
 
 
 (21,762)
Transactions with
  noncontrolling interests

 
 
 
 
 199
 199
Balance, September 30, 2017$36,334
 $123,432
 $948,830
 $(154,115) $(164,774) $552
 $790,259
        Accumulated       
        Other       
    Additional    Comprehensive    Non-   
  Common  Paid-in  Retained  Income (Loss)  Treasury  controlling   
  Stock  Capital  Earnings  (net of tax)  Stock  interests  Total 
Balance, September 30, 2011 $36,334  $48,554  $676,354  $(58,658) $(243,246) $3,451  $462,789 
Net income  -   -   55,276   -   -   (639)  54,637 
Minimum pension liability  -   -   -   (3,327)  -   -   (3,327)
Translation adjustment  -   -   -   (1,895)  -   (29)  (1,924)
Fair value of derivatives  -   -   -   (1,203)  -   -   (1,203)
Total comprehensive income                          48,183 
Stock-based compensation  -   5,472   -   -   -   -   5,472 
Purchase of 1,015,879 shares                            
  of treasury stock  -   -   -   -   (31,017)  -   (31,017)
Issuance of 196,076 shares
 of treasury stock
  -   (6,426)  -   -   6,057   -   (369)
Cancellations of 7,931 shares                            
   of treasury stock  -   293   -   -   (293)  -   - 
Dividends, $.37 per share  -   -   (10,325)  -   -   -   (10,325)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests  -   -   -   -   -   (170)  (170)
Balance, September 30, 2012  36,334   47,893   721,305   (65,083)  (268,499)  2,613   474,563 
Net income  -   -   54,121   -   -   (116)  54,005 
Minimum pension liability  -   -   -   29,347   -   -   29,347 
Translation adjustment  -   -   -   3,779   -   82   3,861 
Fair value of derivatives  -   -   -   5,017   -   -   5,017 
Total comprehensive income                          92,230 
Stock-based compensation  -   5,562   -   -   -   -   5,562 
Purchase of 619,981 shares
 of treasury stock
  -   -   -   -   (21,622)  -   (21,622)
Issuance of 295,079 shares
 of treasury stock
  -   (8,125)  -   -   9,100   -   975 
Cancellation of 47,084 shares                            
   of treasury stock  -   1,985   -   -   (1,985)  -   - 
Dividends, $.41 per share  -   -   (11,282)  -   -   -   (11,282)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests  -   -   -   -   -   (767)  (767)
Arrangement-noncontrolling interest  -   -   4,980   -   -   1,653   6,633 
Balance, September 30, 2013  36,334   47,315   769,124   (26,940)  (283,006)  3,465   546,292 
Net income  -   -   42,625   -   -   646   43,271 
Minimum pension liability  -   -   -   (9,551)  -   -   (9,551)
Translation adjustment  -   -   -   (31,081)  -   115   (30,966)
Fair value of derivatives  -   -   -   755   -   -   755 
Total comprehensive income                          3,509 
Stock-based compensation  -   6,812   -   -   -   -   6,812 
Purchase of 228,789 shares
 treasury stock
  -   -   -   -   (9,905)  -   (9,905)
Issuance of 5,936,169 shares
 treasury stock
  -   55,942   -   -   186,117   -   242,059 
Cancellations of 77,597 shares                            
   of treasury stock      3,156   -   -   (3,156)  -   - 
Dividends, $.46 per share  -   -   (13,396)  -   -   -   (13,396)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests  -   -   -   -   -   (165)  (165)
Balance, September 30, 2014 $36,334  $113,225  $798,353  $(66,817) $(109,950) $4,061  $775,206 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
43





MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)thousands)


 2014  2013  2012 2017 2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:           
Net income $43,271  $54,005  $54,637 $73,933
 $66,161
 $63,288
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
             
  
  
Depreciation and amortization  42,864   37,865   28,821 67,981
 65,480
 62,620
Stock-based compensation expense  6,812   5,562   5,472 14,562
 10,612
 9,097
Increase in deferred taxes  5,222   3,322   5,688 
Change in deferred taxes9,725
 (3,971) 9,188
Gain on sale of assets  (228)  (347)  (2,418)(776) (73) (276)
Gain on sale of investment  (1,064)  (1,666)  (2,839)
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments(2,660) (1,426) 377
Trade name write-offs
 
 4,842
Changes in working capital items  (6,165)  (3,003)  (16,403)5,784
 13,715
 (2,751)
Decrease in other assets  944   1,628   4,456 
(Increase) decrease in other assets(17,256) (5,591) 4,064
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities  (3,568)  2,789   (3,854)(7,150) 5,397
 (8,041)
Increase in pension and postretirement
benefit obligations
  3,755   11,839   7,634 
Other, net  (1,164)  (3,925)  1,203 
Increase (decrease) in pension and postretirement
benefit obligations
9,689
 (2,465) 8,652
Other operating activities, net(4,533) (7,565) (9,996)
Net cash provided by operating activities  90,679   108,069   82,397 149,299
 140,274
 141,064
Cash flows from investing activities:             
  
  
Capital expenditures  (29,237)  (24,924)  (33,236)(44,935) (41,682) (48,251)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired  (382,104)  (73,959)  (12,541)(98,235) (6,937) (213,470)
Proceeds from sale of assets  262   252   1,461 3,764
 1,478
 1,062
Purchases of investment securities  -   -   (958)
Proceeds from dispositions of investments  -   -   - 
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
 
 10,418
Purchases of investments(2,211) 
 
Restricted cash
 
 (12,925)
Net cash used in investing activities  (411,079)  (98,631)  (45,274)(141,617) (47,141) (263,166)
Cash flows from financing activities:             
  
  
Proceeds from long-term debt  415,709   116,482   53,330 417,043
 90,421
 279,377
Payments on long-term debt  (58,431)  (83,293)  (53,056)(388,447) (120,380) (100,218)
Payment on contingent consideration  (3,703)  (11,315)  - 
 
 (484)
Purchases of treasury stock  (9,905)  (21,622)  (31,017)(14,025) (57,998) (14,567)
Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock  7,951   974   267 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options14
 6,406
 4,015
Dividends  (13,396)  (11,282)  (10,325)(21,762) (19,413) (17,847)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests  (165)  (767)  (170)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  338,060   (10,823)  (40,971)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests
 (5,566) (904)
Settlement of multi-employer pension plan obligation
 
 (18,157)
Other financing activities
 (2,318) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(7,177) (108,848) 131,215
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (2,735)  828   (484)1,299
 (770) 80
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  14,925   (557)  (4,332)1,804
 (16,485) 9,193
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  48,078   48,635   52,967 55,711
 72,196
 63,003
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $63,003  $48,078  $48,635 $57,515
 $55,711
 $72,196
                 
Cash paid during the year for:             
  
  
Interest $12,570  $13,059  $11,464 $26,271
 $24,133
 $19,663
Income taxes  16,177   29,428   22,765 8,472
 11,855
 11,663
            
Non-cash investing and financing activities:            
Acquisition of equipment under capital lease $949  $1,276  $1,125 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
44





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


1.
1.     NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

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

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


2.2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control. Investments in certain companies over which the Company exerts significant influence, but does not control the financial and operating decisions, are accounted for as equity method investments.  Investments in certain companies over which the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for as cost method investments. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates:

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

Foreign Currency:

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the local currency.  Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded in other income (deductions), net.
45





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

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, theThe Company considers all investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.

Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost generally determined under the average cost method. Inventory costs include material, labor, and applicable manufacturing overhead (including depreciation) and other direct costs.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment.  Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged against incometo expense as incurred.  Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis. No such charges were recognized during the years presented.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years, and are reviewed when appropriate for possible impairment, similar to property, plant and equipment.  Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are subject to annual reviewtested annually for impairment.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years.impairment, or when circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist.  In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unitthese assets exceeds itsthe implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets. For purposes of testing indefinite–livedgoodwill for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows. For purposes of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company generally uses a relief from royalty method.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:

Pension assets and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and the discount rate used to determine the present value of benefit obligations.  Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets, the expected return on plan assets and changes in the selected discount rate will affect the amount of pension cost. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of the obligations and plan assets are initially recognized through other comprehensive income and subsequently amortized to the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Environmental:

Costs that mitigate or prevent future environmental issues or extend the life or improve equipment utilized in current operations are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.  Costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are expensed.  Environmental liabilities are recorded when the Company's obligation is probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for losses from environmental remediation obligations do not consider the effects of inflation, and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.

Derivatives and Hedging:
46

Derivatives are held as part of a formal documented hedging program.  All derivatives are held for purposes other than trading.  Matthews measures effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of the hedged item.  If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains and losses on the derivative will be recorded in other income (deductions) at that time.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"), net of tax, and are reclassified to earnings in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.  The cash flows from derivative activities are recognized in the statement of cash flows in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Foreign Currency:

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency.  Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are presented in the Statement of Income in a consistent manner with the underlying transaction based upon the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 830 "Foreign Currency Matters."

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income adjusted for changes, net of any related income tax effect, in cumulative foreign currency translation, the fair value of derivatives, unrealized investment gains and losses and minimum pension liability.

Treasury Stock:

Treasury stock is carried at cost.  The cost of treasury shares sold is determined under the average cost method.

Income Taxes:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  To the extent earnings are expected to be returned in the foreseeable future, the associated deferred tax liabilities are provided.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2014,2017, the Company held 319,134330,716 memorials and 224,204221,713 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain roto-gravure projects, cremation units and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Revenues from brand developmentShipping and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically whenHandling Fees and Costs:

All fees billed to the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangementsfor shipping and handling are classified as a component of net revenues. All costs associated with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.shipping and handling are classified as a component of cost of sales or selling expense.

Share-Based Payment:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $16,362, $14,793 and $13,033 for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.

47

Income Taxes:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amountsDeferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in thousands, except per share data)


2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Derivatives and Hedging:

Derivatives are held as part of a formal documented hedging program.  All derivatives are straight forward and held for purposes other than trading.  Matthews measures effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of the hedged item.  If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains and losses on the derivative will be recorded in other income (deductions) at that time.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and are reclassified to earnings in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.  The cash flows from derivative activities are recognized in the statement of cash flows in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $7,814, $11,449 and $9,274effect for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.in which the differences are expected to reverse.  Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely.  To the extent earnings are expected to be returned in the foreseeable future, the associated deferred tax liabilities are provided.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable, due to the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.

Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes the issuance of common stock for all dilutive securities.

Reclassifications and Revision:

The Company identified a theft of funds by an employee that had occurred over a multi-year period through May 2015 which was not previously reflected in the Company's results of operations.  The cumulative amount of the loss has been determined to be approximately $14,771.  The corresponding pre-tax earnings amounts applicable to fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $1,720, $1,257 and $929, respectively.3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

PursuantIssued

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the guidanceterms or conditions of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 99, "Materiality",share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for the Company evaluatedbeginning in fiscal year 2019. The Company is in the materialityprocess of these amounts quantitativelyassessing the impact this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and qualitatively, and has concluded thatNet Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the amounts described above were not material to any of its annual or quarterly prior period financial statements or trends of financial results. However, because of the significance of the cumulative out-of-period correctiondisclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2015 third quarter,year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements for years prior to fiscal 2015 have been revised, in accordance with SAB No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements".statements.

The table below reconciles the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 (including related tax effect):

48


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

  September 30, 2014  September 30, 2013 
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Balance Sheet            
Cash and cash equivalents $75,604  $(12,601) $63,003  $58,959  $(10,881) $48,078 
Deferred income taxes  13,283   4,914   18,197   9,826   4,243   14,069 
Total current assets  573,915   (7,687)  566,228   406,955   (6,638)  400,317 
Total assets  2,031,735   (7,687)  2,024,048   1,215,900   (6,638)  1,209,262 
Retained earnings  806,040   (7,687)  798,353   775,762   (6,638)  769,124 
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews  778,832   (7,687)  771,145   549,465   (6,638)  542,827 
Total shareholders' equity  782,893   (7,687)  775,206   552,930   (6,638)  546,292 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  2,031,735   (7,687)  2,024,048   1,215,900   (6,638)  1,209,262 

The following tables reconcile the effects of the adjustments to the previously reported Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
      September 30, 2014   
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Income      
Other income (deductions), net $(4,530
 
)
 $(351)* $(4,881)
Income before income taxes  67,796   (1,720)  66,076 
Income taxes  (23,476)  671   (22,805)
Net income  44,320   (1,049)  43,271 
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders  43,674   (1,049)  42,625 
Comprehensive income4,558(1,049)3,509
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:            
  Basic  1.54   (0.03)  1.51 
  Diluted  1.53   (0.04)  1.49 
    September 30, 2013 
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Income      
Other income (deductions), net $(3,715
 
)
 $(80)* $(3,795)
Income before income taxes  81,436   (1,257)  80,179 
Income taxes  (26,664)  490   (26,174)
Net income  54,772   (767)  54,005 
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders  54,888   (767)  54,121 
Comprehensive income92,997(767)92,230
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:            
  Basic  1.99   (0.03)  1.96 
  Diluted  1.98   (0.03)  1.95 
             September 30, 2012   
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Income      
Other income (deductions), net $(2,071
 
)
 $63* $(2,008)
Income before income taxes  83,921   (929)  82,992 
Income taxes  (28,717)  362   (28,355)
Net income  55,204   (567)  54,637 
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders  55,843   (567)  55,276 
Comprehensive income48,750(567)48,183
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:            
  Basic  1.98   (0.02)  1.96 
  Diluted  1.98   (0.03)  1.95 
(*)Certain other reclassification adjustments between other income (deductions), net and administrative expense totaling $1,369, $1,177 and $992 in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, are also reflected in the adjustment amounts in order to conform to the current presentation, which began in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. These reclassification adjustments are not material to the prior years presentation.
49


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

3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, (continued)


2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill and removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment process.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2021, and does allow for early adoption. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

In August 2016, the adjustments to the previously reported Consolidated StatementsFASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, September 30, 2013year 2019, and September 30, 2012:

  September 30, 2014 
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows      
Net income $44,320  $(1,049) $43,271 
Increase in deferred taxes  5,893   (671)  5,222 
Net cash provided by operating activities  92,399   (1,720)  90,679 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  16,645   (1,720)  14,925 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  58,959   (10,881)  48,078 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  75,604   (12,601)  63,003 

  September 30, 2013 
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows      
Net income $54,772  $(767) $54,005 
Increase in deferred taxes  3,812   (490)  3,322 
Net cash provided by operating activities  109,326   (1,257)  108,069 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  700   (1,257)  (557)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  58,259   (9,624)  48,635 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  58,959   (10,881)  48,078 

  September 30, 2012 
  Previously Reported  
Adjustment
  As Adjusted 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows      
Net income $55,204  $(567) $54,637 
Increase in deferred taxes  6,050   (362)  5,688 
Net cash provided by operating activities  83,326   (929)  82,397 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (3,403)  (929)  (4,332)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  61,662   (8,695)  52,967 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  58,259   (9,624)  48,635 

There was no impactearly adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income or the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for any of the respective periods other than thehave a material impact on Net Income. The retained earnings balance as of September 30, 2011 was adjusted by $(5,304) as a result of this matter.  In addition, the immaterial corrections did not affect the Company's compliance with debt covenants.consolidated financial statements.

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


50

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

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which provides new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new inventory measurement requirements are effective for the Company's 2018 fiscal year, and will replace the current inventory valuation guidance that requires the use of a lower of cost or market framework.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016, the FASB issued four ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of completing its initial detailed review of all global revenue arrangements in accordance with these ASUs and assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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

3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, (continued)
2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)


Adopted

Certain other amountsIn March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the accounting surrounding share-based compensation. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation are recognized as a component of income tax expense, and will no longer be recognized within additional paid-in capital. The Company has early adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 financial statements were revised to conform to2017, which, under the prospective method,  includes retroactive application of the ASU beginning October 1, 2016 (beginning of the fiscal 2014 presentation. Specifically, costsyear).  This ASU allows for an accounting policy election to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company elected to maintain its current forfeitures policy and will continue to include an estimate of those forfeitures when recognizing stock-based compensation expense. The adoption of this ASU in excess of billings related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Assets for all periods. Additionally, billings in excess of costs and customer prepayments related to the Company's percentage-of-completion arrangements are presented in Other Current Liabilities for all periods. The revision resulted in an $11,739 increase to Other Current Assets with a corresponding decrease to Accounts Receivable and Inventory at September 30, 2013. It alsofiscal 2017 resulted in a $2,805 increasereduction to Other Current Liabilities withincome tax expense of $1,234, and a decrease to Other Liabilities at September 30, 2013. In addition, certain reclassificationscorresponding favorable impact on diluted earnings per share of $0.04, both of which have been made to adjust for bank overdraftsretroactively included in the Consolidated Statementfirst quarter results for fiscal 2017.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the diverse accounting treatment for certain share-based payments.  Share-based payments with performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period should be treated as performance conditions under the existing guidance in ASC Topic 718.  The adoption of Cash Flows forthis ASU in the yearfirst quarter ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 andDecember 31, 2016 had no impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. These revisions were not material to any of the prior years presented.Company's consolidated financial statements.

3.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

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

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

As of September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:
  September 30, 2014 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets:        
   Derivatives (1)
 $-  $2,457  $-  $2,457 
   Trading securities  19,038   -   -   19,038 
Total assets at fair value $19,038  $2,457  $-  $21,495 
                 
Liabilities:                
   Derivatives (1)
 $-  $2,127  $-  $2,127 
Total liabilities at fair value $-  $2,127  $-  $2,127 
                 
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 

 September 30, 2017
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:       
Derivatives (1)$
 $3,990
 $
 $3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds
 21,649
 
 21,649
Other investments
 5,810
 
 5,810
Total assets at fair value$
 $31,449
 $
 $31,449
        
Liabilities: 
  
  
  
   Derivatives (1)$
 $31
 $
 $31
Total liabilities at fair value$
 $31
 $
 $31
        
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
51






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

4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, (continued)

3.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (continued)
 September 30, 2013 September 30, 2016
 Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:               
Derivatives (1)
 $-  $3,736  $-  $3,736 $
 $193
 $
 $193
Trading securities  17,929   -  $-   17,929 
Equity and fixed income mutual funds
 19,790
 
 19,790
Other investments
 5,127
 
 5,127
Total assets at fair value $17,929  $3,736   -  $21,665 $
 $25,110
 $
 $25,110
                       
Liabilities:                 
  
  
  
Derivatives (1)
 $-  $4,644  $-  $4,644 $
 $6,027
 $
 $6,027
Total liabilities at fair value $-  $4,644  $-  $4,644 $
 $6,027
 $
 $6,027
                       
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

4.

5.    INVENTORIES:

Inventories at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 consisted of the following:

  2014  2013 
     
Raw materials $46,152  $40,931 
Work in process  38,631   24,336 
Finished goods  68,059   64,544 
  $152,842  $129,811 
 2017 2016
Raw materials$29,396
 $29,597
Work in process61,917
 54,357
Finished goods80,132
 78,518
 $171,445
 $162,472

5.

6.    INVESTMENTS:

Investment securities are recorded at estimated marketfair value at the consolidated balance sheet date and are classified as trading securities.   Short-term investments consisted principally of corporate obligations with purchased maturities of over three months but less than one year.  The cost of short-term investments approximated market value at September 30, 2014 and 2013.  Accrued interest on these investment securities was classified with short-term investments.  Investments classified as non-current and trading securities primarily consisted of equity and fixed income mutual funds.

At September 30, 2014 and 2013, non-current  The market value of these investments were as follows:

  2014  2013 
Trading securities:    
       Mutual funds $19,038  $17,929 
Equity investments  4,092   4,359 
  $23,130  $22,288 

Non-current investments classified as trading securities are recorded at market value.  Market value exceeded cost by $343$785 and $157$414 at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 were not material.

Equity  Other investments primarily includedinclude ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost method of accounting.
52


At September 30, 2017 and 2016, non-current investments were as follows:


 2017 2016
Equity and fixed income mutual funds$21,649
 $19,790
Other investments16,018
 11,575
 $37,667
 $31,365



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


6.PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:


7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 were as follows:

  2014  2013 
Buildings $91,540  $77,936 
Machinery and equipment  340,942   303,674 
   432,482   381,610 
Less accumulated depreciation  (250,073)  (233,791)
   182,409   147,819 
Land  16,453   15,534 
Construction in progress  10,453   17,378 
  $209,315  $180,731 
 2017 2016
Buildings$104,604
 $102,153
Machinery and equipment412,980
 378,650
 517,584
 480,803
Less accumulated depreciation(335,346) (305,613)
 182,238
 175,190
Land16,845
 19,705
Construction in progress36,450
 24,597
 $235,533
 $219,492

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under capital lease, was $35,546, $31,303$44,668, $44,659 and $24,630$43,820 for each of the three years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.

7.

8.    LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 consisted of the following:

  2014  2013 
Revolving credit facilities $702,055  $335,420 
Notes payable to banks  13,315   21,530 
Short-term borrowings  6,410   8,612 
Capital lease obligations  7,475   9,093 
   729,255   374,655 
Less current maturities  (15,228)  (23,587)
  $714,027  $351,068 
 2017 2016
Revolving credit facilities$551,126
 $608,000
Securitization facility95,825
 
Senior secured term loan232,479
 246,449
Notes payable to banks21,831
 5,301
Short-term borrowings4,735
 8,617
Capital lease obligations5,134
 4,187
 911,130
 872,554
Less current maturities(29,528) (27,747)
 $881,602
 $844,807

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facilitycredit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In connection with the acquisitioninstitutions that includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of Schawk in July 2014, the Company entered into amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility to amend certain terms5.0% of the Revolving Credit Facilityoutstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and increase10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  The balance of the maximum amountrevolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of borrowings available under the facility from $500,000 to $900,000.April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the amendedrevolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .75%0.75% to 2.00% (1.75% at September 30, 2014)2017) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from .15%0.15% to .25%0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

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

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)


The Revolving Credit Facilitydomestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $30,000)$35,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facilityrevolving credit facility at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 were $680,000$525,000 and $305,000,$608,000, respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $232,479 and $246,449, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 was 2.53%3.01% and 2.81%2.59%, respectively.




53





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amountsDuring fiscal 2017, the Company entered into a two-year $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in thousands, except per share data)


7.LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)

turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. The Company had $95,825 in outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility as of September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was 1.98%.
The Company hasfollowing table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the following interest rate swaps:Company and designated as cash flow hedges:

Effective DateAmountFixed Interest RateInterest Rate Spread at September 30, 2014
 
Maturity Date
October 2011  $25,0001.67%1.75%October 2015
November 2011  25,0002.13%1.75%November 2014
March 2012  25,0002.44%1.75%March 2015
June 2012  40,0001.88%1.75%June 2022
August 2012  35,0001.74%1.75%June 2022
September 2012  25,0003.03%1.75%December 2015
September 2012  25,0001.24%1.75%March 2017
November 2012  25,0001.33%1.75%November 2015
May 2014  25,0001.35%1.75%May 2018
  September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount $414,063
 $403,125
Net unrealized gain (loss) $3,959
 $(5,834)
Weighted-average maturity period (years) 3.3
 3.9
Weighted-average received rate 1.23% 0.53%
Weighted-average pay rate 1.34% 1.26%

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $330$3,959 ($2012,415 after tax) and an unrealized loss, net of unrealized gains, of $908$5,834 ($5543,559 after tax) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2014,2017, a lossgain (net of tax) of approximately $905$666 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense over the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives
 2014  2013 
Current assets    
Other current assets $324  $427 
Long-term assets        
Other assets  2,133   3,309 
Current liabilities:        
Other current liabilities  (1,808)  (2,590)
Long-term liabilities:        
Other liabilities  (319)  (2,054)
Total derivatives $330  $(908)
         

54





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

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)


7.LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)
At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected on a gross-basis in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives:2017 2016
Current assets:   
Other current assets$1,098
 $43
Long-term assets: 
  
Other assets2,892
 150
Current liabilities: 
  
Other current liabilities(7) (1,529)
Long-term liabilities: 
  
Other liabilities(24) (4,498)
Total derivatives$3,959
 $(5,834)

The lossgains (losses) recognized on derivatives was as follows:

 Location ofAmount of
Derivatives inLossLoss
Cash Flow HedgingRecognized inRecognized in Income
RelationshipsIncome on Derivativeson Derivatives
        20142013
             
Interest rate swapsInterest expense$(4,318)$(4,170)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
    2017 2016 2015
Interest rate swaps Interest expense $1,752 $(3,146) $(3,922)

The Company recognized the following lossesgains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"):AOCI:

      
   Location of Gain Amount of Loss 
   or (Loss) Reclassified from 
Derivatives in Amount of Gain or Reclassified from AOCI 
Cash Flow (Loss) Recognized in AOCI into Income 
Hedging AOCI on Derivatives into Income (Effective Portion*) 
Relationships 2014  2013 (Effective Portion*) 2014  2013 
          
Interest rate swaps  $(1,879)   $2,474 Interest expense  $(2,634)   $(2,544) 
                  
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships  Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income(Effective Portion*)
  2017 2016 2015 (Effective Portion*) 2017 2016 2015
               
Interest rate swaps $7,043 $(3,230) $(4,841) Interest expense $1,069 $(1,919) $(2,392)
    ��          
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.  

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank.bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is 25.0€35.0 million Euros ($31,580)41,345).  The credit facility matures in December 2018 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the creditthis facility totaled 17.5were €22.1 million Euros ($22,055) and 22.5 million Euros ($30,434)26,126) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on2017. There were no outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 20142016. The weighted-average interest rate on this facility at September 30, 2017 was 1.75%.

In November 2016, the Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, issued €15.0 million ($17,719 at September 30, 2017) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews International Corporation and 2013mature in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2017 was 1.35% and 1.37%, respectively.1.40%.

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

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)


The Company, through its German subsidiary, Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG ("Saueressig"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 1.2 million Euros ($1,576) and 1.7 million Euros ($2,310) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 3.96% and 4.04%, respectively.

The Company, through its German subsidiary, Wetzel GmbH ("Wetzel"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 2.9 million Euros ($3,624) and 7.4 million Euros ($10,000) at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 5.67% and 7.48%, respectively.

The Company, through its wholly-ownedItalian subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 5.5€2.6 million Euros ($6,922)3,079) and 5.1€3.2 million Euros ($6,871)3,538) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.  The maturity dates for these loans range from October 2017 through November 2019. Matthews International S.p.A. also has threemultiple on-demand lines of credit totaling 11.3€11.3 million Euros ($14,312)13,384) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 4.8€4.0 million Euros ($6,063)4,735) and 5.6€5.2 million Euros ($7,639)5,801) at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 was 3.15%2.20% and 3.16%1.80%, respectively.

Other debt totaled $1,032 and $4,579 at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 5.04% and 3.31% at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ($11,477 at September 30, 2017) with respect to a performance guarantee on a project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has reclassified the funded letter of credit from other current assets to other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve. As of September 30, 2016, the Company presented the funded letter of credit within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

55





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


7.LONG-TERM DEBT (continued)

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, is as follows:

2015 $15,228 
2016  6,115 
2017  23,853 
2018  680,803 
2019  213 
Thereafter  3,043 
  $729,255 

2018$29,528
2019166,012
202025,487
2021687,504
2022242
Thereafter2,357
 $911,130

8.

9.     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1$1.00 par value.

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,0005,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 965,8811,816,146 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2014.2017.

Comprehensive income consists of net income adjusted for changes, net of any related income tax effect, in cumulative foreign currency translation, the fair value of derivatives, unrealized investment gains and losses and minimum pension liability.  The deferred income tax expense (benefit) related to minimum pension liabilities and fair value of derivatives was $(5,853), $22,005, $(2,896) for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:

  2014  2013 
Cumulative foreign currency translation $(27,367) $3,714 
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $129 and $354, respectively  201   (554)
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $25,058 and $18,979, respectively  (39,651)  (30,100)
  $(66,817) $(26,940)

56





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


9.
10.     SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  The Company also maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2007 Equity Incentive Plan") and a stock incentive plan (the "1992 Incentive Stock Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-yearten years term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 2,500,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan or the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan.  At September 30, 2014,2017, there were 1,907,538589,238 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. All plans areThe 2012 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

The option price for each stock option granted under any of the plans may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stockClass A Common Stock on the date of grant.  OutstandingAs of September 30, 2017, there were no stock options are generally exercisable in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  In addition, options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the market value thresholds).  The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company generally settles employee stock option exercises with treasury shares.outstanding.

With respect to outstanding restricted share grants, for grants made prior to fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vestvested on the third anniversary of the grant, with the remaining one-half of the shares vesting in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  For grants made in and after fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted earnings per share, and the remaining one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  Additionally, restricted shares cannot vest until the first anniversary of the grant date.  Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of three or five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.

For the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, stock-based compensation cost totaled $6,812, $5,562$14,562, $10,612 and $5,472,$9,097, respectively. The year ended September 30, 2017 included $3,337 of stock-based compensation cost that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $2,657, $2,169$5,534, $4,139 and $2,134$3,548 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.

The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $7,951, $974$14, $6,406 and $267,$4,015, for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $698, $99$3, $932 and $22$350 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.

The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 20142017 were as follows:

    Weighted- 
    average 
    grant-date 
  Shares  fair value 
Non-vested at September 30, 2013  641,399   $29.46 
Granted  296,231   38.23 
Vested  (285,063)  29.39 
Expired or forfeited  (77,417)  30.84 
Non-vested at September 30, 2014  575,150   33.83 

57

 Shares 
Weighted-
average
Grant-date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2016522,710
 $45.10
Granted216,655
 66.61
Vested(231,231) 46.57
Expired or forfeited(6,950) 50.29
Non-vested at September 30, 2017501,184
 $53.65


As of September 30, 2017, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $7,205 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.



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


10.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, (continued)
9.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

As of September 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $8,114 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

The transactions for shares under options for the year ended September 30, 20142017 were as follows:

      Weighted-   
    Weighted-  average  Aggregate 
    average  remaining  intrinsic 
  Shares  exercise price  contractual term  value 
Outstanding, September 30, 2013  744,824   $37.76     
Granted  -   -     
Exercised  (211,956)  35.54     
Expired or forfeited  (20,546)  39.08     
Outstanding, September 30, 2014  512,322   38.62   1.4   $2,699 
Exercisable, September 30, 2014  199,880   38.43   1.4   $1,091 
 Shares 
Weighted-
average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
average
Remaining
Contractual Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding, September 30, 201677,733
 $40.56
    
Exercised(333) 40.56
    
Expired or forfeited(77,400) 40.56
    
Outstanding, September 30, 2017
 $
 
 $
Exercisable, September 30, 2017
 $
 
 $

No options vested during the year ended September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.   The intrinsic value of options (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options on the date of exercise) exercised during the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 was $1,653, $294$9, $2,692 and $57,$931, respectively.

The transactions for non-vested option shares for the year ended September 30, 20142017 were as follows:

    Weighted- 
    average 
    grant-date 
  Shares  fair value 
Non-vested at September 30, 2013  331,755   $11.29 
Granted  -   - 
Vested  -   - 
Expired or forfeited  (19,313)  12.65 
Non-vested at September 30, 2014  312,442   11.21 
 Shares 
Weighted-
average
Grant-date
Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 201677,400
 $12.29
Expired or forfeited(77,400) 12.29
Non-vested at September 30, 2017
 $

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012.2015.

  2014  2013  2012 
Expected volatility  26.6%  29.5%  30.4%
Dividend yield  1.1%  1.2%  1.0%
Average risk-free interest rate  1.4%  0.6%  0.9%
Average expected term (years)  2.0   2.0   2.0 
58





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


9.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)
 2017 2016 2015
Expected volatility20.2% 20.7% 22.2%
Dividend yield1.1% 1.0% 1.0%
Average risk-free interest rate1.7% 1.7% 1.7%
Average expected term (years)2.1
 2.1
 1.8

The risk-free interest rate is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock price over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  The expected term for grants in the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 represents an estimate of the average period of time for restricted shares to vest.  The option characteristics for each grant are considered separately for valuation purposes.

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

10.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, (continued)

The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan (the "1994 Director Fee Plan"), and after approval by the Company's shareholders in February 2014, theAmended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan (the "2014 Director Fee Plan") (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  After adoption of the 2014 Director Fee Plan, thereThere will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) who are not also officers of the Company each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2017, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $60.$75.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2017 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $130.$175.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 17,00516,139 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2014.2017.  Additionally, non-employee directors who are not also officers of the Company each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $100.$125 for fiscal year 2017.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2014,2017, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 120,503161,724 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 37,45758,574 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan. 25,157 shares of restricted stock are unvested at September 30, 2014.2017.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.


10.11.     EARNINGS PER SHARE:

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

  2014  2013  2012 
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders $42,625  $54,121  $55,276 
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings
allocated to participating securities
  121   583   861 
Net income available to Matthews shareholders $42,504  $53,538  $54,415 
             
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):            
Basic shares  28,209   27,255   27,753 
Effect of dilutive securities  274   168   86 
Diluted shares  28,483   27,423   27,839 
             

 2017 2016 2015
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders$74,368
 $66,749
 $63,449
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings
 allocated to participating securities

 
 10
Net income available to Matthews shareholders$74,368
 $66,749
 $63,439
      
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands): 
  
  
Basic shares32,240
 32,642
 32,939
Effect of dilutive securities330
 262
 257
Diluted shares32,570
 32,904
 33,196
      

Options to purchase 271,075 and 782,942 shares of common stockAnti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilutive calculation were not included ininsignificant for the computation of diluted earnings per share for thefiscal years ended September 30, 20132017, 2016, and 2012, respectively, because the inclusion of these options would be anti-dilutive.2015.
59





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


11.
12.    PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 20142017 and 2013:2016:

  Pension  Other Postretirement 
  2014  2013  2014  2013 
Change in benefit obligation:
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year $186,077  $195,860  $18,881  $28,831 
Acquisitions  -   9,437   -   - 
Service cost  6,150   7,160   436   796 
Interest cost  8,927   8,024   919   1,129 
Actuarial (gain) loss  18,412   (27,179)  1,929   (11,124)
Exchange (gain) loss  (703)  -   -   - 
Benefit payments  (7,827)  (7,225)  (807)  (751)
Benefit obligation, end of year  211,036   186,077   21,358   18,881 
                 
Change in plan assets:
                
Fair value, beginning of year  123,713   116,577   -   - 
Actual return  10,792   10,838   -   - 
Benefit payments  (7,827)  (7,225)  (807)  (751)
Employer contributions  5,075   3,523   807   751 
Fair value, end of year  131,753   123,713   -   - 
                 
  Funded status  (79,283)  (62,363)  (21,358)  (18,881)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)  69,153   56,148   (987)  (3,001)
Unrecognized prior service cost  (1,411)  (1,935)  (1,306)  (1,502)
Net amount recognized $(11,541) $(8,150) $(23,651) $(23,384)
                 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
                
Current liability $(733) $(721) $(1,007) $(925)
Noncurrent benefit liability  (78,550)  (61,642)  (20,351)  (17,956)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  67,742   54,213   (2,293)  (4,503)
Net amount recognized $(11,541) $(8,150) $(23,651) $(23,384)
                 
Amounts recognized in accumulated
                
      other comprehensive loss:
��               
Net actuarial loss (income) $69,153  $56,148  $(987) $(3,001)
Prior service cost  (1,411)  (1,935)  (1,306)  (1,502)
Net amount recognized $67,742  $54,213  $(2,293) $(4,503)
                 

60

 Pension Other Postretirement
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Change in benefit obligation:       
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$263,566
 $238,727
 $23,290
 $20,424
Service cost8,553
 7,446
 392
 402
Interest cost7,362
 9,725
 626
 845
Actuarial (gain) loss(4,264) 26,841
 (2,600) 2,931
Exchange loss (gain)589
 (6) 
 
Benefit payments(16,134) (19,167) (1,392) (1,312)
Benefit obligation, end of year259,672
 263,566
 20,316
 23,290
        
Change in plan assets: 
  
  
  
Fair value, beginning of year151,864
 142,225
 
 
Actual return12,586
 11,244
 
 
Benefit payments (1)(16,134) (19,167) (1,392) (1,312)
Employer contributions7,318
 17,562
 1,392
 1,312
Fair value, end of year155,634
 151,864
 
 
        
Funded status(104,039) (111,701) (20,317) (23,291)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)73,616
 92,310
 (1,469) 1,130
Unrecognized prior service cost(690) (1,048) (720) (916)
Net amount recognized$(31,113) $(20,439) $(22,506) $(23,077)
        
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: 
  
  
  
Current liability$(766) $(760) $(1,044) $(1,148)
Noncurrent benefit liability(103,273) (110,941) (19,273) (22,143)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)72,926
 91,262
 (2,189) 214
Net amount recognized$(31,113) $(20,439) $(22,506) $(23,077)
        
Amounts recognized in accumulated 
  
  
  
       other comprehensive loss (income):
 
  
  
  
Net actuarial loss (income)$73,616
 $92,310
 $(1,469) $1,130
Prior service cost(690) (1,048) (720) (916)
Net amount recognized$72,926
 $91,262
 $(2,189) $214


(1) Pension benefit payments in fiscal 2017 and 2016 include $5,655 and $9,300 of lump sum distributions, respectively, that were made to certain terminated vested employees as settlements of the employees' pension obligations. These distributions did not meet the threshold to qualify as settlements under U.S. GAAP and therefore, no unamortized actuarial losses were recognized in the Statements of Income upon completion of the lump sum distributions.


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


12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)
11.PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (continued)

Based upon actuarial valuations performed as of September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $180,265$238,307 and $156,661$240,329 at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $211,036$259,672 and $186,077$263,566 at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Service cost$8,553
 $7,446
 $6,764
 $392
 $402
 $454
Interest cost7,362
 9,725
 8,740
 626
 845
 885
Expected return on plan assets(9,249) (9,625) (10,151) 
 
 
Amortization: 
  
  
  
  
  
Prior service cost(181) (183) (180) (195) (195) (195)
Net actuarial loss (gain)10,034
 7,468
 6,203
 
 
 
Net benefit cost$16,519
 $14,831
 $11,376
 $823
 $1,052
 $1,144

  Pension  Other Postretirement 
  2014  2013  2012  2014  2013  2012 
             
Service cost $6,150  $7,160  $5,852  $436  $796  $730 
Interest cost  8,927   8,024   7,842   919   1,129   1,283 
Expected return on plan assets  (9,666)  (9,071)  (7,836)  -   -   - 
Amortization:                        
Prior service cost  (206)  (206)  (45)  (195)  (272)  (451)
Net actuarial loss  3,927   7,903   6,814   (87)  439   535 
Net benefit cost $9,132  $13,810  $12,627  $1,073  $2,092  $2,097 
Effective September 30, 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for its pensions. This change, compared to the previous method, resulted in a decrease in the service and interest components for pension cost beginning in fiscal 2017. Historically, the Company estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Matthews has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This change was made to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations. The Company has accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly, has accounted for it prospectively. This change resulted in a reduction of service and interest costs of approximately $1,960 in fiscal 2017.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating cash.  Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributionsa $5,109 contribution to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2014.2017. The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2015.2018.

Contributions made in fiscal 20142017 are as follows:

Contributions Pension  Other Postretirement 
     
   Principal retirement plan $3,000  $- 
   Supplemental retirement plan  725   - 
   Other retirement plan  1,350   - 
   Other postretirement plan  -   807 

Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2015 include:

    Other 
  Pension  Postretirement 
  Benefits  Benefits 
     
Net actuarial loss $6,258  $- 
Prior service cost  (180)  (195)
61

ContributionsPension Other Postretirement
Principal retirement plan$6,180
 $
Supplemental retirement plan725
 
Other retirement plans413
 
Other postretirement plan
 1,392





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


12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)
11.PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (continued)

Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2018 include:

 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
Net actuarial loss$7,010
 $
Prior service cost(138) (195)

The weighted-average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30, for fiscal 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012.2015.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:
 Pension 
  
Other Postretirement   
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
Discount rate3.76% 3.51% 4.25% 3.72% 3.42% 4.25%
Return on plan assets6.75% 7.25% 7.75% 
 
 
Compensation increase3.50% 3.50% 3.50% 
 
 

  Pension  Other Postretirement 
  2014  2013  2012  2014  2013  2012 
Discount rate  4.25%  5.00%  4.00%  4.25%  5.00%  4.00%
Return on plan assets  7.75   8.00   8.00   -   -   - 
Compensation increase  3.50   3.50   3.50   -   -   - 
In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries' Retirement Plans Experience Committee (RPEC) released new mortality tables known as RP 2014. Each year, RPEC releases an update to the mortality improvement assumption that was released with the RP 2014 tables. The Company considered the RPEC mortality and mortality improvement tables and performed a review of its own mortality history to assess the appropriateness of the RPEC tables for use in generating financial results.  In fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 , the Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using the base RP 2014 mortality table and a slightly modified fully generational mortality improvement assumption. The revised assumption uses the most recent RPEC mortality improvement table for all years where the RPEC tables are based on finalized data, and the most recently published Social Security Administration Intermediate  mortality improvement for subsequent years.

The underlying basis of the investment strategy of the Company's defined benefit plans is to ensure the assets are invested to achieve a positive rate of return over the long term sufficient to meet the plans' actuarial interest rate and provide for the payment of benefit obligations and expenses in perpetuity in a secure and prudent fashion, maintain a prudent risk level that balances growth with the need to preserve capital, diversify plan assets so as to minimize the risk of large losses or excessive fluctuations in market value from year to year, achieve investment results over the long term that compare favorably with other pension plans and appropriate indices.  The Company's investment policy, as established by the Company's pension board, specifies the types of investments appropriate for the plans, asset allocation guidelines, criteria for the selection of investment managers, procedures to monitor overall investment performance as well as investment manager performance.  It also provides guidelines enabling plan fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Effective August 1, 2017, the Company merged the IDL, Inc. retirement income plan and the Aurora Casket Company, LLC pension plan into the Company’s principal pension plan. No changes were made to the benefit formulas, vesting provisions, or to the employees covered by the plans.

The Company's primary defined benefit pension plan'splans' weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:

  Plan Assets at  Target 
Asset Category 2014  2013  Allocation 
Equity securities $66,984  $67,954   55%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents  44,341   36,817   30%
Other investments  20,428   18,942   15%
  $131,753  $123,713   100%

Plan assets in the fixed income, cash and cash equivalents category include cash of 2% of plan assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013, which reflects cash contributions to the Company's principal pension plan immediately prior to the end of each fiscal year.
 Plan Assets at Target
Asset Category2017 2016 Allocation*
Equity securities$77,245
 $58,849
 50%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents49,008
 72,495
 30%
Other investments29,381
 20,520
 20%
 $155,634
 $151,864
 100%
      
* Target allocation relates to the Company's primary defined benefit pension plan     

Based on an analysis of the historical and expected future performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for theseits primary defined benefit pension plans' assets at 7.75%6.75% in 20142017 for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under current guidance.  The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices.

The Company categorizes plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy (see Note 34 for a further discussion of the fair value hierarchy). The valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of pension assets, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each type of pension plan asset is classified as follows.

Equity securities consist of direct investments in the stocks of publicly traded companies.  Such investments are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded.  As such, the direct investments are classified as Level 1.

62






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


11.PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (continued)

Mutual funds are valued at the net asset valuesclosing price of shares held by the Plan at year end.  As such, these mutual fund investments are classified as Level 1.

Fixed income securities consist of publicly traded fixed interest obligations (primarily U.S. government notes and corporate and agency bonds).  Such investments are valued through consultation and evaluation with brokers in the institutional market using quoted prices and other observable market data.  As such, U.S. government notes are included in Level 1, and the remainder of the fixed income securities isare included in Level 2.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of direct cash holdings and short-term money market mutual funds.  These values are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value, and as such, are classified as Level 1.

Other investments consist primarily of real estate, commodities, private equity holdings and hedge fund investments.  These holdings are valued by investment managers based on the most recent information available.  The valuation information used by investment managers may not be readily observable.  As such, these investments are classified as Level 3.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

  September 30, 2014 
Asset Category Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Equity securities - stocks $35,310  $-  $-  $35,310 
Equity securities - mutual funds  30,694   980   -   31,674 
Fixed income securities  20,042   9,503   -   29,545 
Cash and cash equivalents  14,796   -   -   14,796 
Other investments  6,098   -   14,330   20,428 
Total $106,940  $10,483  $14,330  $131,753 

  September 30, 2013 
Asset Category Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Equity securities - stocks $36,127  $-  $-  $36,127 
Equity securities - mutual funds  30,507   1,320   -   31,827 
Fixed income securities  17,912   9,487   -   27,399 
Cash and cash equivalents  9,418   -   -   9,418 
Other investments  -   -   18,942   18,942 
Total $93,964  $10,807  $18,942  $123,713 

Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

 Fair Value,     Fair Value, 
 Beginning of   Realized Unrealized End of 
Asset CategoryPeriod Acquisitions Dispositions Gains (Losses) Gains Period 
Other investments:
      
Fiscal Year Ended:      
September 30, 2014 $18,942  $-  $(5,439) $1,118  $(291) $14,330 
September 30, 2013  18,173   -   -   48   721   18,942 

63






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

11.PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (continued)
12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 September 30, 2017
Asset CategoryLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Equity securities - stocks$42,731
 $
 $
 $42,731
Equity securities - mutual funds34,514
 
 
 34,514
Fixed income securities30,032
 14,870
 
 44,902
Cash and cash equivalents4,106
 
 
 4,106
Other investments19,901
 
 9,480
 29,381
Total$131,284
 $14,870
 $9,480
 $155,634

 September 30, 2016
Asset CategoryLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Equity securities - stocks$35,912
 $
 $
 $35,912
Equity securities - mutual funds22,937
 
 
 22,937
Fixed income securities41,099
 11,732
 
 52,831
Cash and cash equivalents19,664
 
 
 19,664
Other investments7,694
 10
 12,816
 20,520
Total$127,306
 $11,742
 $12,816
 $151,864

Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:

Asset CategoryFair Value, Beginning of Period Acquisitions Dispositions Realized Gains Unrealized Gains (Losses) Fair Value, End of Period
Other investments:           
Fiscal Year Ended:           
September 30, 2017$12,816
 $
 $(3,286) $418
 $(468) $9,480
September 30, 201613,982
 
 (941) 449
 (674) 12,816

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

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:
    Other 
  Pension  Postretirement 
Years ending September 30: Benefits  Benefits 
     
2015 $7,747  $1,007 
2016  8,116   1,098 
2017  8,550   1,205 
2018  9,039   1,282 
2019  9,611   1,347 
2020-2024  57,292   6,847 
  $100,355  $12,786 
Years ending September 30:Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
    
2018$10,137
 $1,044
201910,586
 1,072
202010,983
 1,013
202111,447
 1,044
202212,811
 1,094
2023-202772,463
 6,004
 $128,427
 $11,271

For measurement purposes, a rate of increase of 7.0%7.3% in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 2014;2018; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.0% for 20692058 and remain at that level thereafter.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 20142017 by $1,053$718 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $71.$47.  A decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 20142017 by $926$822 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $62.$54.

Prior to its acquisition by Matthews, Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") participated in a multi-employer pension fund pursuant to certain collective bargaining agreements. In 2012, Schawk bargained to withdraw from the fund, and recorded a withdrawal liability at the conclusion of the negotiations.  The withdrawal liability was included innegotiations, based on the balance sheet aspresent value of the date of Matthews acquisition of Schawk at its discounted fair value, and as of September 30, 2014 the liability is $30,423.  Annualinstallment payments of this obligation are expected to be $1,973paid through 2034. During fiscal 2015, the Company finalized an agreement to settle this installment payment obligation in exchange for a lump-sum payment of $18,157, which is presented within cash flows from financing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This settlement also resulted in an $11,522 gain recognized in other income (deductions), net during fiscal 2015.

The Company sponsors defined contribution plans for hourly and salary employees. The expense associated with the contributions made to these plans was $8,620, $8,117, and $6,819 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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


12.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

13.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the yearyears ended September 30, 20142017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

  
Postretirement Benefit Plans
  Currency Translation Adjustment  
Derivatives
  
Total
 
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2013 $(30,100) $3,714  $(554) $(26,940)
OCI before reclassification  (11,649)  (31,081)  (1,879)  (44,609)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (a) 2,098   -  (b) 2,634   4,732 
Net current-period OCI  (9,551)  (31,081)  755   (39,877)
Balance, September 30, 2014 $(39,651) $(27,367) $201  $(66,817)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:                
Balance, September 30, 2013 $-  $401  $-  $401 
OCI before reclassification  -   115   -   115 
Net current-period OCI  -   115   -   115 
Balance, September 30, 2014 $-  $516  $-  $516 
  Postretirement Benefit Plans Currency Translation Adjustment Derivatives Total
Attributable to Matthews:        
Balance, September 30, 2014 $(39,651) $(27,367) $201
 $(66,817)
OCI before reclassification (7,378) (77,237) (4,841) (89,456)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(a)3,555
 
(b)2,392
 5,947
Net current-period OCI (3,823) (77,237) (2,449) (83,509)
Balance, September 30, 2015 $(43,474) $(104,604) $(2,248) $(150,326)
OCI before reclassification (16,901) (17,655) (3,230) (37,786)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(a)4,325
 
(b)1,919
 6,244
Net current-period OCI (12,576) (17,655) (1,311) (31,542)
Balance, September 30, 2016 $(56,050) $(122,259) $(3,559) $(181,868)
OCI before reclassification 6,536
 9,352
 7,043
 22,931
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(a)5,891
 
(b)(1,069) 4,822
Net current-period OCI 12,427
 9,352
 5,974
 27,753
Balance, September 30, 2017 $(43,623) $(112,907) $2,415
 $(154,115)
         
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:  
  
  
  
Balance, September 30, 2014 $
 $516
 $
 $516
OCI before reclassification 
 (150) 
 (150)
Net current-period OCI 
 (150) 
 (150)
Balance, September 30, 2015 $
 $366
 $
 $366
OCI before reclassification 
 (89) 
 (89)
Net current-period OCI 
 (89) 
 (89)
Balance, September 30, 2016 $
 $277
 $
 $277
OCI before reclassification 
 119
 
 119
Net current-period OCI 
 119
 
 119
Balance, September 30, 2017 $
 $396
 $
 $396
(a)Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 11)12).
(b)Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 7)8).
64



Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:


 2017 2016
Cumulative foreign currency translation$(112,907) $(122,259)
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $1,544 and $2,275, respectively2,415
 (3,559)
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $27,114 and $35,426, respectively(43,623) (56,050)
 $(154,115) $(181,868)

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

12.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (continued)
13.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, (continued)


Reclassifications out of AOCI for the yearyears ended September 30, 20142017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 
Details about AOCI Components
  
Year ended
 September 30, 2014
 Affected line item in the Statement of Income
        
Postretirement benefit plans      
     Prior service (cost) credit(a) $401  
     Actuarial losses(a)  (3,840) 
 (b)  (3,439)Total before tax
    (1,341)Tax provision (benefit)
    $(2,098)Net of tax
Derivatives        
     Interest rate swap contracts  $(4,318)Interest expense
 (b)  (4,318)Total before tax
    (1,684)Tax provision (benefit)
    $(2,634)Net of tax
 Details about AOCI Components
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 Affected line item in the Statement of Income
Postretirement benefit plans          
Prior service (cost) credit(a)$376
 $378
 $375
  
Actuarial losses(a)(10,034) (7,468) (6,203)  
 (b)(9,658) (7,090) (5,828) Income before income tax
  (3,767) (2,765) (2,273) Income taxes
  $(5,891) $(4,325) $(3,555) Net income
Derivatives  
  
  
    
Interest rate swap contracts $1,752
 $(3,146) $(3,922) Interest expense
 (b)1,752
 (3,146) (3,922) Income before income tax
  683
 (1,227) (1,530) Income taxes
  $1,069
 $(1,919) $(2,392) Net income

(a)Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 11.12.
(b)For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.
(b)For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.


13.14.     INCOME TAXES:

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$1,542
 $18,733
 $655
State628
 1,829
 1,466
Foreign10,459
 12,482
 10,599
 12,629
 33,044
 12,720
Deferred:     
Federal11,887
 (3,066) 13,279
State905
 (2,412) 645
Foreign(3,067) 1,507
 (280)
 9,725
 (3,971) 13,644
Total$22,354
 $29,073
 $26,364

  2014  2013  2012 
Current:      
Federal $7,371  $15,703  $14,060 
State  3,612   3,423   2,483 
Foreign  10,427   4,804   6,437 
   21,410   23,930   22,980 
Deferred  1,395   2,244   5,375 
Total $22,805  $26,174  $28,355 
             
During 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09 and recorded current year tax benefits related to share-based payments as a component of income tax expense (See Note 3, Accounting Pronouncements). The tax benefits related to share-based payments recorded as a component of income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2017 were $1,234. The tax benefits related to share-based payments recorded directly to additional paid-in capital for the years ended September 30, 2016, and 2015 were $1,720, and $418, respectively.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14.     INCOME TAXES, (continued)


The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:

  2014  2013  2012 
Federal statutory tax rate  35.0%  35.0%  35.0%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction  3.8   2.7   2.1 
Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate  (2.1)  (3.1)  (0.6)
Other  (2.2)  (2.0)  (2.3)
Effective tax rate  34.5%  32.6%  34.2%

65

 2017 2016 2015
Federal statutory tax rate35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction1.4 % (0.6)% 1.8 %
Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate(7.2)% (3.5)% (3.2)%
Share-based compensation(1.2)%  %  %
Other(4.8)% (0.4)% (4.2)%
Effective tax rate23.2 % 30.5 % 29.4 %





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amountsThe Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 23.2%, compared to 30.5% for fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2017 reflects the benefits from lower foreign taxes, organizational structure changes, primarily initiated in thousands, except per share data)


13.INCOME TAXES (continued)
connection with acquisition integration, increased benefits from credits and incentives, and the impact of other tax benefits specific to the current year. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected lower foreign income taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, offset by the impact of state taxes.

The Company's foreign subsidiaries had income before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 20122015 of approximately $23,835, $23,662$24,118, $48,864 and $24,654,$40,024, respectively.  Deferred income taxes for U.S. tax purposes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely. At September 30, 2014,2017, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred U.S. income taxes have not been provided approximated $259,354.$596,281.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.practicable due to the complexity of the hypothetical calculation.

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 20142017 and 20132016 are as follows:
 2017 2016
Deferred tax assets:   
Pension and postretirement benefits$45,654
 $46,282
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible20,579
 26,214
Income tax credit carryforward3,313
 10,080
Operating and capital loss carryforwards23,610
 25,258
Stock options8,614
 6,544
Other2,782
 5,246
Total deferred tax assets104,552
 119,624
Valuation allowances(20,866) (22,412)
Net deferred tax assets83,686
 97,212
    
Deferred tax liabilities: 
  
Depreciation(4,763) (5,207)
Unrealized gains and losses(10,446) (5,640)
Goodwill and intangible assets(203,957) (190,541)
Other(1,494) (2,087)
 (220,660) (203,475)
    
Net deferred tax liability$(136,974) $(106,263)

  2014  2013 
Deferred tax assets:    
Pension and postretirement benefits $34,309  $26,780 
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible  28,090   20,939 
Income tax credit carryforward  9,839   - 
Operating and capital loss carryforwards  25,419   3,733 
Stock options  8,366   10,691 
Other  21,089   8,034 
Total deferred tax assets  127,112   70,177 
    Valuation allowances  (24,540)  (2,234)
Net deferred tax assets  102,572   67,943 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Depreciation  (7,651)  (3,693)
Goodwill and intangible assets  (183,685)  (67,012)
Other  (18,590)  (1,630)
   (209,926)  (72,335)
         
Net deferred tax liability $(107,354) $(4,392)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14.     INCOME TAXES, (continued)


At September 30, 2014,2017, the Company had U.S. state net operating loss carryforwards of $70,130, foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $66,688,$84,175 and foreign capital loss carryforwards of $25,862,$20,930. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $2,232 for state net operating loss carryforwards, and various U.S. and non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards of $5,260 and $4,579, respectively,$3,080 which will be available to offset future income tax liabilities. If not used, state net operating losses will begin to expire in 2017.  Foreign2018.  Certain of the foreign net operating losses begin to expire in 2018 while the majority of the Company's foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. Certain of these carryforwards are subject to limitations on use due to tax rules affecting acquired tax attributes, loss sharing between group members, and business continuation.  Therefore, the Company has established tax-effected valuation allowances against these tax benefits in the amount of $24,540$20,866 at September 30, 2014.  U.S. tax attributes acquired in the Schawk transaction totaled $6,346.  At September 30, 2014, the Company had total foreign tax credit carryforwards of $3,120, offset by a valuation allowance of $689. The Company has the ability to claim a deduction for these credits prior to expiration, and the net carrying value of the credits of $2,431 assumes that a deduction will be claimed instead of a tax credit. If unutilized, these U.S. foreign tax credits will begin to expire in 2016.
66






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


13.INCOME TAXES (continued)
2017. 

Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:

  2014  2013  2012 
Balance, beginning of year $4,516  $4,501  $4,721 
Increase from acquisition  385   -   - 
Increases for tax positions of prior years  369   -   742 
Decreases for tax positions of prior years  (863)  (124)  (74)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year  623   708   137 
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities  (12)  (250)  (602)
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation  (707)  (319)  (423)
Balance, end of year $4,311  $4,516  $4,501 
 2017 2016 2015
Balance, beginning of year$13,820
 $4,086
 $4,311
Increase from acquisition
 
 
Increases for tax positions of prior years839
 5,762
 475
Decreases for tax positions of prior years(5,890) (166) (155)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year378
 5,456
 635
Decreases due to settlements with taxing authorities
 
 (27)
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation(1,179) (1,318) (1,153)
Balance, end of year$7,968
 $13,820
 $4,086

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $4,311 and $4,516$7,968 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, all of2017, which if recorded, would impact the annual effective tax rate.  It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could changedecrease by approximately $801$3,587 in the next 12 months primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation related to specific tax positions.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,135$1,779 and $2,401$2,088 at September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.  These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions.

The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitation expires for those tax jurisdictions. 

As of September 30, 2014,2017, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:

United States - Federal20112013 and forward
United States - State20102013 and forward
Canada20092013 and forward
EuropeGermany20082009 and forward
United Kingdom20122015 and forward
Australia20102013 and forward
AsiaSingapore20082012 and forward

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




14.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:

The Company operates various production, warehouse and office facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Annual rentals under these and other operating leases were $21,849, $17,664$36,400, $32,716 and $16,908$31,766 in fiscal 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements for fiscal years 20152018 through 20192022 are $21,410, $15,788, $11,411, $6,885$21,939, $15,562, $11,992, $8,559 and $5,009,$5,276, respectively.

The Company is party to various legal proceedings, the eventual outcome of which are not predictable.  Although the ultimate disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management is of the opinion that they should not result in liabilities in an amount which would materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees, the terms of which expire at various dates between fiscal 20152017 and 2019.  The agreements generally provide for base salary and bonus levels and include non-compete provisions.  The aggregate commitment for salaries under these agreements at September 30, 20142017 was $13,397.
67

$5,652.


The Company is involved in a dispute with a customer related to a project in Saudi Arabia. It is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. See further discussion in Note 8.



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


15.16.    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

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

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.

At September 30, 2014,2017, an accrual of $4,873$2,928 had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1,088$750 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of known remediation obligations for one of the Company's known remediation obligations.subsidiaries.  The accrual which reflects previously established reserves assumed with the acquisition of York and additional reserves recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment, does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

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

16.SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:



17. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:

  2014  2013  2012 
Current assets:      
Accounts receivable $(13,492) $(2,786) $(5,175)
Inventories  4,429   3,827   (3,463)
Other current assets  (9,531)  1,350   (7,034)
   (18,594)  2,391   (15,672)
Current liabilities:            
Trade accounts payable  5,720   (1,205)  1,024 
Accrued compensation  (2,504)  7,143   (1,476)
Accrued income taxes  1,330   (2,278)  (2,649)
Other current liabilities  7,883   (9,054)  2,370 
   12,429   (5,394)  (731)
Net change $(6,165) $(3,003) $(16,403)

 2017 2016 2015
Current assets:     
Accounts receivable$(7,045) $(10,632) $7,566
Inventories(2,289) 10,453
 17,001
Other current assets4,447
 12,434
 (14,567)
 (4,887) 12,255
 10,000
Current liabilities: 
  
  
Trade accounts payable5,672
 (11,083) (9,103)
Accrued compensation(2,469) 147
 (183)
Accrued income taxes5,054
 4,079
 3,389
Other current liabilities2,414
 8,317
 (6,854)
 10,671
 1,460
 (12,751)
Net change$5,784
 $13,715
 $(2,751)

68



18. SEGMENT INFORMATION:




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


17.SEGMENT INFORMATION:

Beginning October 1, 2014, theThe Company realignedmanages its operations intobusinesses under three reporting segments,segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial.Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is comprisedincludes brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of the graphicsbrand management, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging business, including Schawk,services for consumer packaged goods and theretail customers, merchandising solutions operations.display systems, and marketing and design services).  The Memorialization segment is comprisedconsists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the Company's cemetery products,and funeral home products and cremation operations.industries. The Industrial Technologies segment is comprised of the Company'sincludes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems.  All periods have been revised to conform with the current presentation.systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.  Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interests.interest amongst the segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 2).  Intersegment sales are accounted for at negotiated prices.  Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses.  Segment assets include those assets that are used in the Company's operations within each segment.  Assets classified under "Other" principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred income taxes and corporate headquarters' assets.  Long-lived
assets include property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation), goodwill, and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

18. SEGMENT INFORMATION, (continued)


Information about the Company's segments follows:


  SGK Brand Solutions  Memorialization  Industrial  Other  Consolidated 
Sales to external customers: 
2014 $497,328  $508,420  $100,849  $-  $1,106,597 
2013  373,941   517,911   93,505   -   985,357 
2012  332,829   492,867   74,621   -   900,317 
Intersegment sales: 
2014  463   35   31   -   529 
2013  464   12   10   -   486 
2012  681   -   22   -   703 
Depreciation and amortization: 
2014  27,700   11,486   2,203   1,475   42,864 
2013  24,292   10,652   1,675   1,246   37,865 
2012  16,505   10,067   1,048   1,201   28,821 
Operating profit: 
2014  2,536   67,937   11,049   -   81,522 
2013  13,999   71,754   8,862   -   94,615 
2012  19,927   62,597   10,061   -   92,585 
Total assets: 
2014  1,278,869   557,089   115,470   72,620   2,024,048 
2013  495,808   536,890   113,420   63,144   1,209,262 
2012  422,628   551,552   75,217   72,774   1,122,171 
Capital expenditures: 
2014  16,734   8,257   3,325   921   29,237 
2013  9,764   10,988   2,904   1,268   24,924 
2012  20,189   6,747   2,513   3,787   33,236 
                     

 SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Other Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2017$770,181
 $615,882
 $129,545
 $
 $1,515,608
2016755,975
 610,142
 114,347
 
 1,480,464
2015798,339
 508,058
 119,671
 
 1,426,068
Intersegment sales:
2017356
 
 2
 
 358
2016346
 43
 99
 
 488
2015478
 77
 25
 
 580
Depreciation and amortization:
201741,941
 19,808
 2,863
 3,369
 67,981
201641,238
 19,223
 2,503
 2,516
 65,480
201546,594
 12,410
 2,294
 1,322
 62,620
Operating profit:
201724,919
 80,652
 7,032
 
 112,603
201642,909
 68,252
 7,654
 
 118,815
201521,864
 70,064
 13,095
 
 105,023
Total assets:
20171,276,295
 741,148
 161,472
 65,734
 2,244,649
20161,177,816
 735,985
 122,179
 55,061
 2,091,041
20151,157,771
 762,028
 115,664
 108,148
 2,143,611
Capital expenditures:
201722,941
 8,078
 4,622
 9,294
 44,935
201622,043
 11,870
 3,461
 4,308
 41,682
201523,676
 10,922
 5,866
 7,787
 48,251

69

Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:
 United States Central and South America Canada Europe Australia Asia Consolidated
Sales to external customers:            
2017$1,014,906
 $6,518
 $29,018
 $396,242
 $21,507
 $47,417
 $1,515,608
20161,018,129
 10,160
 27,589
 360,678
 20,043
 43,865
 1,480,464
2015936,513
 8,806
 30,367
 398,533
 21,225
 30,624
 1,426,068
              
Long-lived assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
20171,027,891
 13,882
 41,971
 382,940
 24,887
 66,138
 1,557,709
20161,000,870
 13,267
 41,393
 334,847
 23,768
 50,677
 1,464,822
20151,016,703
 17,488
 41,690
 349,533
 22,072
 50,650
 1,498,136





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


17.SEGMENT INFORMATION (continued)

Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:

  United States  Central and South America  Canada  Europe  Australia  
Asia
  Consolidated 
               
Sales to external customers:             
2014 $676,764  $3,272  $14,471  $380,229  $13,994  $17,867  $1,106,597 
2013  617,371   -   12,014   328,266   13,534   14,172   985,357 
2012  569,435   -   11,967   290,283   13,778   14,854   900,317 
                             
Long-lived assets:                         
2014  918,996   10,739   36,543   391,944   21,300   31,122   1,410,644 
2013  421,697   3,731   483   324,731   6,338   13,404   770,384 
2012  395,565   4,743   507   260,809   7,041   10,580   679,245 


18.19.    ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2014:2017:

On July 29, 2014,March 1, 2017, the Company acquired Schawk,GJ Creative Limited ("Equator") for £30.5 million ($37,596) (net of cash acquired). Equator provides design expertise capable of taking brands from creation to shelf under one roof, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Equator acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2017, and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

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

On January 13, 2017, the Company acquired VCG (Holdings) Limited ("VCG") for £8.8 million ($10,695) (net of cash acquired). VCG is a leading global brand development, activationgraphics, plate-making, and brand deploymentcreative design company headquarteredand is included in Des Plaines, Illinois.  Under the termsCompany's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the VCG acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2017, and is subject to change as the transaction, Schawk shareholders received $11.80 cashCompany obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and 0.20582 shares of Matthews' common stockother assets and liabilities.

On January 3, 2017, the Company acquired A. + E. Ungricht GmbH + Co KG ("Ungricht") for each Schawk share held.  Based on the closing price of Matthews' stock on July 28, 2014, the transaction represented an implied price of $20.74 per share and a total enterprise value (which included net outstanding debt, net€24.0 million ($25,185) (net of cash acquired). Ungricht is a leading European provider of $616,686.  Schawk provides comprehensive brand developmentpre-press services and brand deployment services to clients primarilygravure printing forms, located in Germany, and is included in the consumer packaged goods, retailCompany's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Ungricht acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2017, and life sciences markets.  Schawk creates and sells its clients' brands, produces brandis subject to change as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and protects brand equities to help drive brand performance.  Schawk currently delivers its services through more than 155 locationsother assets and liabilities.

On November 30, 2016, the Company acquired Guidance Automation Limited ("Guidance") for £8.0 million ($9,974) (net of cash acquired). Guidance provides technological solutions for autonomous warehouse vehicles and is included in over 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.  Schawk's revenue totaled $442,640 in 2013.  the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price exceededrelated to the fair valueGuidance acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset accounts.

Fiscal 2016:

On February 1, 2016, the identifiableCompany acquired certain net assets of Digital Design, Inc. ("DDI") for $8,773 (net of cash acquired and accordingly, $312,558 was allocatedholdback amount). DDI is a manufacturer and seller of ink jet printing systems and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to goodwill, substantially none of which is tax deductible.the DDI acquisition during fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

Fiscal 2015:

On August 19, 2015, the Company acquired Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") for $210,026 (net of cash acquired). Aurora provides burial, cremation, and technology products to funeral home clients and distributors in the United States and Canada.  The acquisition was made at prices abovedesigned to expand the fair valueCompany's memorialization product offerings and geographic distribution footprint in the United States. During fiscal 2016, the Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Aurora acquisition, resulting in immaterial adjustments to property, plant and equipment, goodwill, certain working capital accounts and deferred taxes. The final allocation of the acquired identifiable assets, resultingpurchase price resulted in goodwill dueof $73,927, which was assigned to expectationsthe Memorialization segment, $76,340 of intangible assets, of which $30,540 is not subject to amortization, $26,268 of property, plant and equipment, and $33,491 of other net assets, primarily working capital. Approximately $44,000 of the synergies that willgoodwill is expected to be realized by combining the businesses.  These synergies include the elimination of redundant facilities, functions and staffing; use of the Company's existing commercial infrastructure to expand sales of the acquired businesses' products; and use of the commercial infrastructure of the acquired business to cost-effectively expand sales of Company products.  The acquisition has been accounteddeductible for using the purchase method of accounting, and the acquired company's results have been included in the accompanying financial statements from their date of acquisition.  Acquisition transaction costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.  The net assets acquired have been recorded based on estimates of fair value and are subject to adjustment upon finalization of the valuation process.  The Company is not aware of any information that indicates the final valuation will differ materially from preliminary estimates.

70

tax purposes.





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


18.ACQUISITIONS (continued)

20.     GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, follow.
 SGK Brand Solutions Memorialization Industrial Technologies Consolidated
Goodwill$466,647
 $346,946
 $52,887
 $866,480
Accumulated impairment losses(5,752) (5,000) 
 (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2015460,895
 341,946
 52,887
 855,728
        
Additions during period
 
 3,958
 3,958
Translation and other adjustments(8,137) 170
 (230) (8,197)
Goodwill458,510
 347,116
 56,615
 862,241
Accumulated impairment losses(5,752) (5,000) 
 (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2016452,758
 342,116
 56,615
 851,489
        
Additions during period21,361
 158
 11,694
 33,213
Translation and other adjustments12,024
 233
 835
 13,092
Goodwill491,895
 347,507
 69,144
 908,546
Accumulated impairment losses(5,752) (5,000) 
 (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2017$486,143
 $342,507
 $69,144
 $897,794

The preliminaryCompany performed its annual impairment review of goodwill in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary.

In fiscal 2017, the additions to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of Equator, VCG and Ungricht. The additions to Industrial Technologies goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of RAF and Guidance.

In fiscal 2016, the addition to Industrial Technologies goodwill reflects the acquisition of DDI.

In fiscal 2015, the addition to Memorialization goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of Aurora, and the addition to Industrial Technologies goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of a small printing products business. The amount reflected in translation and other adjustments for the SGK Brand Solutions segment includes the impact of purchase price allocation related to the Schawk acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2014, and is based upon a preliminary valuation which is subject to change as the Company obtains additional information, including with respect to fixed assets, intangible assets, certain liabilities and related taxes.  The preliminary purchase price allocation for the Schawk acquisition is as follows:adjustments.

Purchase Price  
  Cash paid $309,524 
  Treasury stock (5,398,829 shares issued, $43.45 per share)  234,579 
  Cash for debt repayment  83,882 
  Cash acquired  (11,299)
  $616,686 
Net Assets Acquired    
  Trade receivables $91,407 
  Inventory  27,459 
  Other current assets  16,537 
  Property, plant and equipment  43,236 
  Definite-lived intangible assets:    
    Customer relationships  203,270 
    Product technology  2,890 
    Tradenames and other  1,610 
  Indefinite-lived intangible assets:    
    Tradenames  119,650 
  Goodwill  312,558 
  Other assets  7,864 
  Trade accounts payable  (21,088)
  Other current liabilities  (50,265)
  Multi-employer plan withdrawal liability  (30,622)
  Non-current liabilities  (107,820)
  $616,686 

The weighted-average amortization periods for intangible assets acquired are 20 years for customer relations, 5 years for product technology and 3 years for non-compete agreements.  The weighted average amortization period for all definite-lived intangible assets acquired is 19.7 years.

Transaction-related costs related to the acquisition totaled $5,627.

The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Schawk as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2012:

  Schawk  Pro Forma Combined 
  Acquisition date through September 30, 2014  2014  2013 
Sales $75,060  $1,458,277  $1,430,843 
Income before income taxes  (8,453)  89,779   41,271 
Net income  (5,888)  63,586   29,470 
Earnings per share $(.21) $1.93  $.89 

71






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


18.ACQUISITIONS (continued)


The Schawk results from the acquisition date through September 30, 2014 included acquisition-related expenses and the write-off of inventory step-up value of $3,401 and $9,537, respectively

These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and include certain adjustments, such as interest expense on acquisition debt and acquisition related costs.  The pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on the date indicated, or which may result in the future.

Fiscal 2013:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2013 totaled $73,959.  The acquisitions were not individually material to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations, and primarily included the following:

In March 2013, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 38.5% interest in Kroma Pre-Press Preparation Systems Industry & Trade, Inc. ("Kroma"), completing the option arrangement in connection with the July 2011 acquisition of a 61.5% interest in Kroma.

In December 2012, the Company acquired Pyramid Controls, Inc. and its affiliate, Pyramid Control Systems (collectively, "Pyramid").  Pyramid is a provider of warehouse control systems and conveyor control solutions for distribution centers.  The acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' fulfillment products and services in the warehouse management market.   The initial purchase price for the transaction was $26,178, plus additional consideration of $3,703 paid in fiscal 2014 based on operating results. 

In November 2012, the Company acquired Wetzel Holding AG, Wetzel GmbH and certain related affiliates (collectively, "Wetzel").  Wetzel is a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, with manufacturing operations in Germany and Poland.  Wetzel's products and services are sold primary within Europe, and the acquisition is designed to expand Matthews' products and services in the global graphics imaging market.  The purchase price for Wetzel was 42.6 million Euros ($54,748) on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

The Company has completed the allocation of purchase price for all fiscal 2013 acquisitions.

Fiscal 2012:

In May 2012, the Company acquired Everlasting Granite Memorial Co., Inc. ("Everlasting Granite"), a supplier of granite memorials, columbariums and private mausoleum estates.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase and was designed to expand the Company's presence and product breadth in the granite memorial business.

72






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


19.GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Goodwill related to business combinations is not amortized, but is subject to annual review for impairment.  In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss may need to be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a discounted cash flow technique.  A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales volumes and pricing, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, working capital changes, and discount rate.  The Company estimates future cash flows using volume and pricing assumptions based largely on existing customer relationships and contracts, and operating cost assumptions management believes are reasonable based on historical performance and projected future performance as reflected in its most recent operating plans and projections.  The discount rate used in the discounted cash flow analysis was developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes it appropriately reflects the risks associated with the Company's operating cash flows.  In order to further validate the reasonableness of the estimated fair values of the reporting units as of the valuation date, a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of all reporting units to market capitalization was performed using a reasonable control premium.

The Company performed its annual impairment review in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 and determined that for all reporting units, except Graphics Imaging, the estimated fair value significantly exceeded carrying value so no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary. Recent economic conditions in Europe have unfavorably impacted the operating results of the Graphics Imaging business. For the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, the estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%, resulting in no goodwill impairment for the unit.  While the Graphics Imaging reporting unit passed the first step of the impairment test, if its operating profits or another significant assumption were to deteriorate in the future, it could adversely affect the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  Factors that could have a negative impact on the estimated fair value of the Graphics Imaging reporting unit include a further delay in the recovery of the European market, continued pricing pressure, declines in expected volumes, and an increase in discount rates.  If the Company is unsuccessful in its plans to recover the profitability of this business, the estimated fair value could decline and lead to a potential goodwill impairment in the future.  Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, follow.


         
  SGK Brand Solutions  Memorialization  Industrial  Consolidated 
         
Goodwill $178,312  $277,805  $30,816  $486,933 
Accumulated impairment losses  (5,752)  (5,000)  -   (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2012  172,560   272,805   30,816   476,181 
                 
Additions during period  21,361   1,382   19,677   42,420 
Translation and other adjustments  4,658   1,139   153   5,950 
Goodwill  204,331   280,326   50,646   535,303 
Accumulated impairment losses  (5,752)  (5,000)  -   (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2013  198,579   275,326   50,646   524,551 
                 
Additions during period  312,403   -   288   312,691 
Translation and other  adjustments  (15,684)  (2,044)  (47)  (17,775)
Goodwill  501,050   278,282   50,887   830,219 
Accumulated impairment losses  (5,752)  (5,000)  -   (10,752)
Balance at September 30, 2014 $495,298  $273,282  $50,887  $819,467 



73






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


19.20.     GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, (continued)

In fiscal 2014, the addition to goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of Schawk.

In fiscal 2013, the addition to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill primarily reflects the acquisition of Wetzel; the addition to Industrial goodwill reflects the acquisition of Pyramid; the addition to Memorialization goodwill reflects the acquisition of two small manufacturers in Europe, and the effect of an adjustment to the purchase price for a small casket distributor.

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
  Carrying  Accumulated  Impairment   
  Amount  Amortization  Loss  Net 
September 30, 2014:        
Trade names $144,150  $-* $(1,621) $142,529 
Trade names  2,854   (2,121)  -   733 
Customer relationships  258,441   (24,785)  -   233,656 
Copyrights/patents/other  14,528   (9,584)  -   4,944 
  $419,973  $(36,490) $(1,621) $381,862 
                 
September 30, 2013:                
Trade names $24,496  $-* $(1,618) $22,878 
Trade names  3,034   (2,142)  -   892 
Customer relationships  59,061   (19,099)  -   39,962 
Copyrights/patents/other  10,116   (8,746)  -   1,370 
  $96,707  $(29,987) $(1,618) $65,102 
*Not subject to amortization                

 
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
September 30, 2017     
Trade names$168,467
 $
*$168,467
Trade names5,522
 (2,030) 3,492
Customer relationships333,632
 (84,560) 249,072
Copyrights/patents/other14,787
 (11,436) 3,351
 $522,408
 $(98,026) $424,382
      
September 30, 2016 
  
  
Trade names$168,467
 $
*$168,467
Trade names1,814
 (1,802) 12
Customer relationships286,595
 (61,706) 224,889
Copyrights/patents/other11,066
 (10,593) 473
 $467,942
 $(74,101) $393,841
*Not subject to amortization 
  
  

The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 20142017 included an increase for the acquisitionimpact of Schawk, foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, and additional amortization.  The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 2013 included an increase foradditions related to the acquisitions of WetzelGuidance, Ungricht, VCG, RAF and Pyramid of $12,027, offset by an impairment loss in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and additional amortization.Equator acquisitions.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $7,318, $4,156,$23,313, $20,821, and $3,886$18,800 in fiscal 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012,2015, respectively. Fiscal year amortization expense is estimated to be $20,517 in 2015, $19,654 in 2016, $18,671 in 2017, $17,513$24,187 in 2018, $22,731 in 2019, $21,281 in 2020, $20,237 in 2021 and $16,513$19,161 in 2019.2022.

74



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

20.ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  This guidance is effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2016 and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.21.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION:

In May 2014,2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "RevenueCompany purchased 970,000 common shares from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606". This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition.members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The standard prescribes a five-step modelpurchase price for recognizing revenue, the applicationshares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of which will require significant judgment. This standard is effectivethe average of the high and low trading prices for Matthews beginning October 1, 2017. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for certain receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps.  This guidance provides companies with a practical expedient to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.  The guidance is effective for Matthews beginning in fiscal 2015, and will not have a material impactcommon stock as reported on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidanceNasdaq Global Select Market on the presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance takes into account these losses and carryfowards as well as the intended or likelihood of use of the unrecognized tax benefit in determining the balance sheet classification as an asset or liability. This guidance was effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2014 and did not have a material impact.


21.SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
May 12, 2016.

On November 17, 2014,

22.     LEGAL MATTER:

During fiscal 2017, the Company entered into a Release, Settlement Agreement, and Covenant Not To Sue (the "Settlement Agreement"), which concludes litigation arising outrecognized loss recoveries of allegations initiated against Harry Pontone, Scott Pontone, Pontone Casket Company and Batesville Casket Company ("Batesville").  Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Batesville will pay $17,000 in one lump sum payment$11,325 related to the Company and an additional $1,750 for attorney feespreviously disclosed theft of Harry and Scott Pontone, forfunds by a total settlement value of $18,750. The Settlement Agreement contains customary mutual releases of claims.former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.




75






SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 20142017 and fiscal 2013.  All periods have been revised to reflect additional expense related to a theft of funds from the Company by an employee, as described in Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in Item 8-"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".  Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders was adjusted by $127, $341, $222 and $359 for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share was adjusted by $0.01, $0.01 and $0.01 for the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively.  Basic earnings per share was adjusted by $0.01 and $0.02 for the second and  fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, respectively.  Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders was adjusted by $114, $203, $228 and $222 for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share was adjusted by $0.01, $0.01 and $0.01 for the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2013, respectively.  Basic earnings per share was adjusted by $0.01, $0.01 and $0.01 for the first, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, respectively.
     
  Quarter Ended   
  December 31  March 31  June 30  September 30  
Year Ended
September 30
 
  (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)   
FISCAL YEAR 2014:          
           
Sales $229,945  $246,837  $279,983  $349,832  $1,106,597 
                     
Gross profit  81,376   90,182   104,230   116,708   392,496 
                     
Operating profit  14,679   20,543   31,830   14,470   81,522 
                     
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders  7,787   10,992   19,041   4,805   42,625 
                     
Earnings per share:                    
Basic  $.29   $.40   $.70   $.15   $1.51 
Diluted  .29   .40   .69   .15   1.49 
                     
                     
FISCAL YEAR 2013:                    
                     
Sales $225,609  $256,390  $250,652  $252,706  $985,357 
                     
Gross profit  79,974   94,866   91,391   90,287   356,518 
                     
Operating profit  16,244   24,767   30,450   23,154   94,615 
                     
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders  8,141   13,989   17,763   14,228   54,121 
                     
Earnings per share                    
Basic  $.29   $.51   $.64   $.52   $1.96 
Diluted  .29   .50   .64   .52   1.95 

2016. 
76

 Quarter Ended  
 December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 
Year Ended
September 30
 (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)  
FISCAL YEAR 2017:         
          
Sales$348,998
 $380,916
 $389,630
 $396,064
 $1,515,608
          
Gross profit127,267
 138,422
 144,094
 153,604
 563,387
          
Operating profit19,063
 26,828
 36,786
 29,926
 112,603
          
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders10,322
(1)14,920
 29,485
 19,641
 74,368
          
Earnings per share: 
  
  
  
  
Basic$0.32
(1)$0.46
 $0.91
 $0.61
 $2.31
Diluted0.32
(1)0.46
 0.91
 0.60
 2.28
          
          
FISCAL YEAR 2016: 
  
  
  
  
          
Sales$354,232
 $367,176
 $382,061
 $376,995
 $1,480,464
          
Gross profit126,567
 137,760
 145,297
 146,830
 556,454
          
Operating profit12,038
 26,435
 40,670
 39,672
 118,815
          
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders4,614
 14,357
 23,915
 23,863
 66,749
          
Earnings per share: 
  
  
  
  
Basic$0.14
 $0.44
 $0.73
 $0.74
 $2.04
Diluted0.14
 0.43
 0.73
 0.74
 2.03

(1)Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 have been revised to reflect the adoption of ASU 2016-09. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a reduction to income tax expense of $1,234 and a corresponding favorable impact on earnings per share of $0.04.



FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE



SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

    Additions     
  Balance at    Charged to     
  beginning of  Charged to  other    Balance at 
Description period  expense  
Accounts(1)
  
Deductions(2)
  end of period 
  (Dollar amounts in thousands)   
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:          
Fiscal Year Ended:          
September 30, 2014 $10,009  $2,223  $883  $(2,178) $10,937 
September 30, 2013  11,177   595   306   (2,069)  10,009 
September 30, 2012  10,736   1,558   -   (1,117)  11,177 
   Additions    
DescriptionBalance at Beginning of Period Charged to Expense Charged to other Accounts(1) Deductions(2) Balance at End of Period
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)  
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:         
Fiscal Year Ended:         
September 30, 2017$11,516
 $1,733
 $642
 $(2,269) $11,622
September 30, 201610,015
 3,055
 435
 (1,989) 11,516
September 30, 201510,937
 2,101
 (134) (2,889) 10,015

(1)Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions.acquisitions, and amounts reclassified to other accounts.
(2)Amounts determined not to be collectible (including direct write-offs), net of recoveries.

DescriptionBalance at Beginning of Period Provision Charged (Credited) To Expense(1) Allowance Changes(2) Other Deductions(3) Balance at End of Period
 (Dollar amounts in thousands)  
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance:         
Fiscal Year Ended:         
September 30, 2017$22,412
 $(1,279) $
 $(267) $20,866
September 30, 201620,977
 2,438
 
 (1,003) 22,412
September 30, 201524,540
 399
 (1,705) (2,257) 20,977

         
    Provision       
  Balance at  Charged    Other   
  beginning of  (Credited)  Allowance  Additions  Balance at 
Description period  
To expense(1)
  
Changes(2)
  
(Deductions)(3)
  end of period 
  (Dollar amounts in thousands)   
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance:          
Fiscal Year Ended:          
September 30, 2014 $2,234  $1,224  $22,098  $(1,016) $24,540 
September 30, 2013  1,627   512   -   95   2,234 
September 30, 2012  1,061   484   -   82   1,627 

(1)Amounts relate primarily to the adjustments in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use.
(2)Amounts comprisedFiscal 2015 amounts primarily reflect a release of reductionsa valuation allowance resulting from a fiscal 2015 legal structure reorganization in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from useforeign jurisdictions that enabled the utilization of $1,332 and purchase accounting adjustments of $23,430.certain tax attributes.
(3)Consists principally of adjustments related to foreign exchange.


77



ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

There have been no changes in accountants or disagreements on accounting or financial disclosure between the Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended)amended (the "Exchange Act")) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed under thatthe Exchange Act, (the "Exchange Act"), such as this Annual Report on Form 10-K, isare recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These disclosure controls and procedures also are designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Subsequent to the original filing of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, it was determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of September 30, 2014 as described in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Accordingly, management,Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, reassessedevaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures in effect as of September 30, 2014.2017. Based solely on this item, it was determined that evaluation, the Company did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2014.

Notwithstanding the material weakness, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2017, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and properly reported within the appropriate time period, relating to the Company and its consolidated financial statementssubsidiaries, required to be included in the Exchange Act reports, including this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Remediation Plan

In responseThe Company is in the process of implementing a global operating and financial reporting information technology system, SAP, as part of a multi-year plan to integrate and upgrade its systems and processes. As the phased implementation of this system occurs, certain changes will be made to the material weakness, management has taken immediate actionCompany's processes and procedures which, in turn, result in changes to remediate the material weakness and implemented changes in the design of thisits internal control to ensure appropriate segregation of duties within the Company's treasury process.  Specifically,over financial reporting. While the Company implemented changes overexpects to strengthen its internal financial controls by automating certain manual processes and standardizing business processes and reporting across its global organization, management will continue to evaluate and monitor its internal controls as processes and procedures in each of the segregation of duties related to obtaining the third party source documents used in the cash reconciliation process.

While these changes have been implemented, a sufficient number of periods must be attained and tested in order for the material weakness to be deemed remediated.  We expect that the material weakness will be deemed remediated by September 30, 2015.affected areas evolve.

(b) Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting as reissued, is included in Management's Report to Shareholders in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K.

(c) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
The Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 20142017 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopersErnst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in Item 8 of this Amendment.Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
ThereOther than changes with respect to the SAP implementation described above, there have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 20142017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

78

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION.


None.



PART III



ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS and EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT.AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

In addition to the information reported in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption "Officers and Executive Management of the Registrant",Registrant," the information required by this item as to the directors of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "General Information Regarding Corporate Governance – Audit Committee",Committee," "Proposal No. 1 – Elections of Directors" and "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of the directors and is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.2017.

The Company's Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management is set forth in Exhibit 14.1 hereto.  Any amendment to the Company's Code of Ethics or waiver of the Company's Code of Ethics for senior financial officers, executive officers or Directorsdirectors will be posted on the Company's website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver, and such information will remain available on the website for at least a twelve-month period.


ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item as to the compensation of directors and executive management of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "Compensation of Directors" and "Executive Compensation and Retirement Benefits" in the Company's definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the CommissionSEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.2017.  The information contained in the "Compensation Committee Report" is specifically not incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

The information required by this item as to the ownership by management and others of securities of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption "Stock Ownership" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the CommissionSEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.2017.

Equity Compensation Plans:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  The Company also maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2007 Equity Incentive Plan") and a stock incentive plansplan (the "1992 Incentive Stock Plan" and the "2007 Equity Incentive Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-yearten years term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 2,500,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan or the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan.  At September 30, 2014,2017, there were 1,907,538589,238 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. All plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

79






ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued


The option price for each stock option granted under any of the plans may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stockClass A Common Stock on the date of grant.  OutstandingAs of September 30, 2017, there were no stock options are generally exercisable in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  In addition, options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the market value thresholds).  The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company generally settles employee stock option exercises with treasury shares.  outstanding.

With respect to outstanding restricted share grants, for grants made prior to fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, with the remaining one-half of the shares vesting in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-definedlevels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  For grants made in fiscal 2013 and in Novemberafter fiscal 2013, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted earnings per share, and the remaining one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock.  Additionally, restricted shares cannot vest until the first anniversary of the grant date.  For grants made in July 2014, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, with the remaining one-half of the shares vesting in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted EBITDA. Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.

The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan (the "1994 Director Fee Plan"), and after approval by the Company's shareholders in February 2014, theAmended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan (the "2014 Director Fee Plan") (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  After adoption of the 2014 Director Fee Plan, thereThere will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) who are not also officers of the Company each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2017, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $60,000.$75,000.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2017 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $130,000.$175,000.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 17,00516,139 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2014.2017.  Additionally, non-employee directors who are not also officers of the Company each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $100,000.$125,000 for fiscal year 2017.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2014,2017, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 120,503161,724 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 37,45758,574 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan. 25,157 shares of restricted stock are unvested at September 30, 2014.2017.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.



ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued
80






ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued

The following table provides information about grants under the Company's equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2014:2017:

 Equity Compensation Plan Information   
     Number of securities 
     remaining available 
     for future issuance 
 Number of securities  Weighted-average  under equity 
 to be issued upon  exercise price  compensation plans 
 exercise of  of outstanding  (excluding 
 outstanding options,  options, warrants  securities reflected Equity Compensation Plan Information   
Plan category warrants and rights  and rights  in column (a)) 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))
 
 (a)  (b)  (c) (a) (b) (c) 
Equity compensation plans            
approved by security holders:            
1992 Stock Incentive Plan  512,322  $38.62   -(1)
 $
 
(1)
2007 Equity Incentive Plan  -   -   -(2)
 
 
(2)
2012 Equity Incentive Plan  -   -   1,907,538(3)
 
 589,238
(3)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan  -   -   1,594,096(4)
 
 1,531,567
(4)
1994 Director Fee Plan  17,005   -   -(5)10,105
 
 
(5)
2014 Director Fee Plan  -   -   132,647(6)
Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan6,034
 
 85,392
(6)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders None  None  None None
 None
 None
 
Total  529,327  $38.62   3,634,281 16,139
 $
 2,206,197
 
(1)As a result of the approval of the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan.
(2)As a result of the approval of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan.
(3)The 2012 Equity Incentive Plan was approved in February 2013.  The Plan provides for the grant or award of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock based awards, with a maximum of 2,500,000 shares available for grants or awards.
(4)Shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") are purchased in the open market by employees at the fair market value of the Company's stock.  The Company provides a matching contribution of 10% of such purchases subject to certain limitations under the Plan.  As the Plan is an open market purchase plan, it does not have a dilutive effect.
(5)As a result of the approval of the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.
(6)Shares of restricted stock may be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.  The maximum number of shares authorized to be issued under the Director Fee Planthis plan is 150,000 shares.

81






ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item as to certain relationships and transactions with management and other related parties of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors" and "Certain Transactions" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the CommissionSEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.2017.


ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item as to the fees billed and the services provided by the principal accounting firm of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption "Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the CommissionSEC pursuant to the Exchange Act within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.

2017.
82





PART IV



ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a) 1.  Financial Statements:

The following items are included in Part II, Item 8:

 Pages
Management's Report to Shareholders35-36
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm37-38
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20142017 and 2013201639-40
  
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012201541
  
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016
      and 20122015
42
  
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012201543
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2014, 20132017, 2016 and 2012201544
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements45-75
  
Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited)76


2.Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts2. Financial Statement Schedules:

The following item is included on page 77 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.8:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

3. Exhibits Filed:
Exhibits Index

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS INDEX



The following Exhibits to this report are filed herewith or, if marked with an asterisk (*), are incorporated by reference.  Exhibits marked with an "a" represent a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to be filed by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

3.
Exhibits Filed:
Exhibit No.DescriptionPrior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
2.1Exhibit Number 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2015
3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation*Exhibit Number 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1994
3.2Exhibit Number 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2017
4.1 aForm of Revised Option Agreement of Repurchase (effective October 1, 1993)*Exhibit Number 4.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1993
4.2Form of Share Certificate for Class A Common Stock*Exhibit Number 4.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1994
10.1Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2016
10.2Exhibit Number 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2014
10.3 aExhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 20, 2015
10.4 aExhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS INDEX, Continued


Exhibit No.DescriptionPrior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
10.5 aExhibit Number 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010
10.6 aExhibit Number 10.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009
10.7 aExhibit Number 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
10.8 aExhibit Number 10.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.9 aExhibit Number 10.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.10 aExhibit Number 10.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013
10.11 aExhibit Number 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017
10.12 aExhibit Number 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995
10.13 aExhibit Number 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.14 aExhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 22, 2013
10.15 aExhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 19, 2016
14.1Exhibit Number 14.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004
21Filed Herewith
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS INDEX, Continued


Exhibit No.DescriptionPrior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
23.1Filed Herewith
23.2Filed Herewith
31.1Filed Herewith
31.2Filed Herewith
32.1Furnished Herewith
32.2Furnished Herewith
101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentFiled Herewith
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension SchemaFiled Herewith
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation LinkbaseFiled Herewith
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition LinkbaseFiled Herewith
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label LinkbaseFiled Herewith
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation LinkbaseFiled Herewith

The indexCopies of any Exhibits will be furnished to exhibits is on pages 85-87.shareholders upon written request.  Requests should be directed to Mr. Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Registrant.



83





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, on August 7, 2015.November 21, 2017.


  MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
  (Registrant)
   
   
 By/s/ Joseph C. Bartolacci
  Joseph C. Bartolacci
  President and 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 indicated on August 7, 2015:November 21, 2017:


/s/ Joseph C. Bartolacci /s/ Steven F. Nicola
Joseph C. Bartolacci Steven F. Nicola
President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer) (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
   
   
/s/ John D. Turner /s/ Morgan K. O'Brien
John D. Turner, Chairman of the Board Morgan K. O'Brien, Director
   
   
   
/s/ Gregory S. Babe /s/ John P. O'Leary,Don W. Quigley, Jr.
Gregory S. Babe, Director John P. O'Leary,Don W. Quigley, Jr., Director
   
   
   
/s/ Katherine E. Dietze /s/ David A. Schawk
Katherine E. Dietze, Director David A. Schawk, Director
   
   
   
/s/ Terry L. Dunlap /s/ Jerry R. Whitaker
Terry L. Dunlap, Director Jerry R. Whitaker, Director
   
   
   
/s/ Alvaro Garcia-Tunon  
Alvaro Garcia-Tunon, Director  
   

84






MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS
INDEX

The following Exhibits to this report are filed herewith or, if marked with an asterisk (*), are incorporated by reference.  Exhibits marked with an "a" represent a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to be filed by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit No.DescriptionPrior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of March 16, 2014, by and among Matthews International Corporation, Moonlight Merger Sub Corp., Moonlight Merger Sub LLC and Schawk, Inc.*
Exhibit Number 2.1 to Form 8-K
filed on March 19, 2014
3.1Restated Articles of Incorporation*
Exhibit Number 3.1 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1994
3.2Restated By-laws*
Exhibit Number 99.1 to Form 8-K
dated October 18, 2007
4.1 aForm of Revised Option Agreement of Repurchase (effective October 1, 1993)*
Exhibit Number 4.5 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1993
4.2Form of Share Certificate for Class A Common Stock*
Exhibit Number 4.9 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1994
10.1First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 8-K
dated July 18, 2013
10.2First Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 8-K
filed on August 1, 2014
10.3Second Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.2 to Form 8-K
filed on August 1, 2014
10.4Third Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.4 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2014
10.5Voting and Support Agreement, dated March 16, 2014, by and among Matthews International Corporation and the Stockholders of Schawk, Inc.*
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 8-K
filed on March 19, 2014
85






MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX, Continued
Exhibit
No.
Description
Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
10.6Shareholder's Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2014, by and among Matthews International Corporation, the Shareholders named therein and David A. Schawk, in his capacity as the Family Representative*
Exhibit Number 10.2 to Form 8-K
filed on March 19, 2014
10.7 aSupplemental Retirement Plan (as amended through April 23, 2009)*
Exhibit Number 10.5a to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2010
10.8 a
Officers Retirement Restoration Plan (effective
April 23, 2009)*
Exhibit Number 10.6 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2009
10.9 a
1992 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended through
April 25, 2006)*
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
10.10 aForm of Stock Option Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.7 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.11 aForm of Restricted Stock Agreement*
Exhibit Number 10.8 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.12 a
1994 Director Fee Plan (as amended through
April 22, 2010)*
Exhibit Number 10.7 to Form 10-K
For the year ended September 30, 2013
10.13 a2014 Director Fee Plan*Exhibit A to 2014 Proxy Statement
10.14 a1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan*
Exhibit Number 10.2 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 1995
10.15 a2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended through September 26, 2008)*
Exhibit Number 10.11 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.16 a2010 Incentive Compensation Plan*Exhibit A to 2011 Proxy Statement
10.17 a2012 Equity Incentive Plan*Exhibit A to 2013 Proxy Statement
14.1Form of Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management *
Exhibit Number 14.1 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2004
21Subsidiaries of the RegistrantFiled Herewith
23Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFiled Herewith
86



MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX, Continued
Exhibit
No.
Description
Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
31.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer for Joseph C. BartolacciFiled Herewith
31.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer for Steven F. NicolaFiled Herewith
32.1Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Joseph C. BartolacciFiled Herewith
32.2Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Steven F. NicolaFiled Herewith
Copies of any Exhibits will be furnished to shareholders upon written request.  Requests should be directed to Mr. Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Registrant.




87