UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549 
 
Form 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,September 30, 2015
or 
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                    
Commission file number 000-04065 
   
Lancaster Colony Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
 
Ohio 13-1955943
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
  
37 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio
 43215
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
614-224-7141
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large Accelerated filer ýAccelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer 
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of April 24,October 22, 2015,, there were 27,357,00027,365,823 shares of Common Stock, without par value, outstanding.





LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
  
   
Item 1. 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
  
   
Item 1A.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 6.
  
  

2




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)March 31, 
 2015
 June 30, 
 2014
September 30, 
 2015
 June 30, 
 2015
ASSETS
Current Assets:      
Cash and equivalents$161,417
 $211,539
$199,410
 $182,202
Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts, March-$194; June-$432)69,374
 57,808
Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts, September-$147; June-$206)74,141
 62,437
Inventories:      
Raw materials29,951
 28,069
34,158
 30,655
Finished goods42,319
 46,447
55,997
 47,244
Total inventories72,270
 74,516
90,155
 77,899
Deferred income taxes and other current assets26,128
 23,428
18,273
 20,460
Total current assets329,189
 367,291
381,979
 342,998
Property, Plant and Equipment:      
Land, buildings and improvements112,836
 107,690
113,938
 113,844
Machinery and equipment253,537
 238,791
256,789
 253,143
Total cost366,373
 346,481
370,727
 366,987
Less accumulated depreciation190,878
 177,807
199,640
 194,676
Property, plant and equipment-net175,495
 168,674
171,087
 172,311
Other Assets:      
Goodwill126,723
 89,840
143,788
 143,788
Other intangible assets-net51,696
 5,376
47,025
 47,771
Other noncurrent assets8,127
 7,449
8,148
 8,076
Total$691,230
 $638,630
$752,027
 $714,944
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:      
Accounts payable$43,796
 $37,907
$48,798
 $38,823
Accrued liabilities33,226
 31,165
47,694
 35,821
Total current liabilities77,022
 69,072
96,492
 74,644
Other Noncurrent Liabilities20,868
 22,208
23,694
 23,654
Deferred Income Taxes23,969
 18,753
35,119
 35,728
Commitments and Contingencies
 

 
Shareholders’ Equity:      
Preferred stock-authorized 3,050,000 shares; outstanding-none
 

 
Common stock-authorized 75,000,000 shares; outstanding – March-27,356,804 shares; June-27,339,421 shares107,020
 104,789
Common stock-authorized 75,000,000 shares; outstanding – September-27,364,707 shares; June-27,360,581 shares108,448
 107,767
Retained earnings1,206,136
 1,167,211
1,234,161
 1,219,119
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7,874) (8,061)(9,976) (10,057)
Common stock in treasury, at cost(735,911) (735,342)(735,911) (735,911)
Total shareholders’ equity569,371
 528,597
596,722
 580,918
Total$691,230
 $638,630
$752,027
 $714,944
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3




LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)2015 2014 2015 20142015 2014
Net Sales$263,400
 $241,849
 $826,798
 $782,267
$294,085
 $259,987
Cost of Sales206,775
 189,941
 634,096
 591,565
226,118
 202,563
Gross Margin56,625
 51,908
 192,702
 190,702
67,967
 57,424
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses25,417
 23,073
 76,674
 69,251
26,079
 22,820
Operating Income31,208
 28,835
 116,028
 121,451
41,888
 34,604
Interest Income and Other-Net(138) (204) (177) (328)122
 8
Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes31,070
 28,631
 115,851
 121,123
Income Before Income Taxes42,010
 34,612
Taxes Based on Income10,667
 9,731
 39,733
 41,038
14,382
 11,851
Income From Continuing Operations20,403
 18,900
 76,118
 80,085
Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax:       
Income from discontinued operations
 325
 
 3,175
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
 (29,601) 
 (29,601)
Total discontinued operations
 (29,276) 
 (26,426)
Net Income (Loss)$20,403
 $(10,376) $76,118
 $53,659
Income Per Common Share From Continuing Operations:       
Net Income$27,628
 $22,761
Net Income Per Common Share:   
Basic and diluted$0.75
 $0.69
 $2.78
 $2.93
$1.01
 $0.83
Loss Per Common Share From Discontinued Operations:       
Basic and diluted$
 $(1.07) $
 $(0.97)
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share:       
Basic$0.75
 $(0.38) $2.78
 $1.97
Diluted$0.75
 $(0.38) $2.78
 $1.96
          
Cash Dividends Per Common Share$0.46
 $0.44
 $1.36
 $1.28
$0.46
 $0.44
          
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:          
Basic27,303
 27,261
 27,294
 27,258
27,319
 27,286
Diluted27,330
 27,297
 27,323
 27,303
27,344
 27,316
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


4




LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Amounts in thousands)2015 2014 2015 20142015 2014
Net Income (Loss)$20,403
 $(10,376) $76,118
 $53,659
Net Income$27,628
 $22,761
Other Comprehensive Income:          
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans:          
Amortization of loss, before tax100
 109
 300
 325
131
 100
Amortization of prior service asset, before tax(1) (1) (3) (3)(1) (1)
Total Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax99
 108
 297
 322
130
 99
Tax Attributes of Items in Other Comprehensive Income:          
Amortization of loss, tax(38) (41) (111) (120)(49) (36)
Amortization of prior service asset, tax1
 1
 1
 1

 
Total Tax Expense(37) (40) (110) (119)(49) (36)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax62
 68
 187
 203
81
 63
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$20,465
 $(10,308) $76,305
 $53,862
Comprehensive Income$27,709
 $22,824
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


5




LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Amounts in thousands)2015 20142015 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income$76,118
 $53,659
$27,628
 $22,761
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization14,937
 15,596
6,039
 4,766
Deferred income taxes and other noncash changes2,527
 5,144
(791) (1,218)
Stock-based compensation expense2,211
 1,777
785
 811
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation(456) (927)(186) (167)
Gain on sale of property
 (6)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations
 44,027
Pension plan activity(444) (182)(74) (148)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Receivables(8,981) (10,813)(11,633) (5,336)
Inventories5,996
 7,901
(12,256) (4,095)
Other current assets(1,853) (13,602)2,587
 7,317
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities6,508
 (3,779)21,212
 11,227
Net cash provided by operating activities96,563
 98,795
33,311
 35,918
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired(92,217) 
(12) 
Payments on property additions(15,752) (8,143)(3,360) (7,940)
Proceeds from sale of property
 6
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
 25,616
Other-net(1,410) (854)(331) (93)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(109,379) 16,625
Net cash used in investing activities(3,703) (8,033)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Purchase of treasury stock(569) (3,120)
Payment of dividends(37,193) (34,960)(12,586) (12,030)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation456
 927
186
 167
Decrease in cash overdraft balance
 (324)
Net cash used in financing activities(37,306) (37,477)(12,400) (11,863)
Net change in cash and equivalents(50,122) 77,943
17,208
 16,022
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year211,539
 123,385
182,202
 211,539
Cash and equivalents at end of period$161,417
 $201,328
$199,410
 $227,561
Supplemental Disclosure of Operating Cash Flows:      
Cash paid during the period for income taxes$37,835
 $36,941
$2,237
 $478
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


6




LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and SEC Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and financial position for such periods. All such adjustments reflected in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are considered to be of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto contained in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Prior-year results reflect the classification of the sold candle manufacturing and marketing operations as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise noted, the term “year” and references to a particular year pertain to our fiscal year, which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30; for example, 20152016 refers to fiscal 20152016, which is the period from July 1, 20142015 to June 30, 20152016.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, except for those acquired as part of a business combination, which are stated at fair value at the time of purchase. Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and excluded from the property additions and the change in accounts payable in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were as follows: 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
Construction in progress in accounts payable$489
 $1,465
Accrued Distribution
Accrued distribution costs included in accrued liabilities were $6.1 million and $6.4 million at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Construction in progress in accounts payable$616
 $1,081
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights) outstanding during each period. Unvested shares of restricted stock granted to employees are considered participating securities since employees receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under the two-class method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which includes the dilutive potential common shares associated with nonparticipating restricted stock and stock-settled stock appreciation rights.

Basic and diluted net income per common share were calculated as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Net income$27,628
 $22,761
Net income available to participating securities(35) (39)
Net income available to common shareholders$27,593
 $22,722
    
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic27,319
 27,286
Incremental share effect from:   
Nonparticipating restricted stock5
 5
Stock-settled stock appreciation rights20
 25
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted27,344
 27,316
    
Net income per common share – basic and diluted$1.01
 $0.83

7


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Basic and diluted income per common share from continuing operations were calculated as follows:

 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Income from continuing operations$20,403
 $18,900
 $76,118
 $80,085
Income from continuing operations available to participating securities(26) (21) (109) (139)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders$20,377
 $18,879
 $76,009
 $79,946
        
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic27,303
 27,261
 27,294
 27,258
Incremental share effect from:       
Nonparticipating restricted stock2
 2
 3
 3
Stock-settled stock appreciation rights25
 34
 26
 42
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted27,330
 27,297
 27,323
 27,303
        
Income per common share from continuing operations – basic and diluted$0.75
 $0.69
 $2.78
 $2.93
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
2015 2014 2015 20142015 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of period$(7,936) $(8,256) $(8,061) $(8,391)$(10,057) $(8,061)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items:          
Amortization of unrecognized net loss (1)
107
 115
 321
 345
135
 107
Postretirement Benefit Plan Items:          
Amortization of unrecognized net gain (1)
(7) (6) (21) (20)(4) (7)
Amortization of prior service asset (1)
(1) (1) (3) (3)(1) (1)
Total other comprehensive income, before tax99
 108
 297
 322
130
 99
Total tax expense(37) (40) (110) (119)(49) (36)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax62
 68
 187
 203
81
 63
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period$(7,874) $(8,188) $(7,874) $(8,188)$(9,976) $(7,998)
(1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit income/cost. See Notes 79 and 810 for additional information.
Significant Accounting Policies
There were no changes to our Significant Accounting Policies from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

8


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014,July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customersnew accounting guidance which requires entities to measure most inventory “at the lower of cost or net realizable value,(“ASU 14-09”)thereby simplifying current guidance. Under current guidance an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market, where market is defined as one of three different measures, one of which createsis net realizable value. The guidance will be effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating this guidance, but do not believe it will have a comprehensive set of guidelinesmaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for the recognition of revenue under the principle: “Recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The requirementsFollowing a one-year deferral of ASU 14-09 arethe effective date, the guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 20162017 and will require either retrospective application to each prior period presented or retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASUguidance.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which allows entities to prospectively reflect adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized for a business combination during the measurement period. Under the current guidance these adjustments need to be reflected retrospectively as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015 but can be adopted early if financial statements have not been issued. We are adopting this guidance effective July 1, 2015, but it is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.statements.

Note 2 – Acquisition
On March 13, 2015, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Flatout Holdings, Inc. (“Flatout”), a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of flatbread wraps and pizza crusts based in Saline, Michigan. The purchase price, net of cash acquired, was $92.2 million and was funded by cash on hand. The purchase price is subject to the finalization of cash and net working capital adjustments. Flatout is reported in our Specialty Foods segment, and its results of operations have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition, but such results were not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
The following preliminary purchase price allocation is based on the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, as adjusted for the estimate of the final net working capital of $0.2 million recorded as of March 31:
Balance Sheet CaptionsAllocation
Receivables$2,532
Inventories3,748
Other current assets512
Property, plant and equipment7,198
Goodwill (not tax deductible)36,883
Other intangible assets47,100
Current liabilities(2,310)
Deferred tax liabilities(3,225)
Net assets acquired$92,438
Further adjustments are expected to the allocation above as the third-party valuation is finalized and certain tax aspects of the transaction and a customary post-closing review are completed during the measurement period.
The goodwill recognized above arose because the purchase price for Flatout reflects a number of factors including the future earnings and cash flow potential of Flatout and the avoidance of the time and costs which would be required (and the associated risks that would be encountered) to enhance our existing product offerings and enter the supermarket deli department. Goodwill also results from the workforce acquired with Flatout.
We have determined the preliminary values and lives of the other intangible assets listed in the allocation above as: $37.6 million for the tradename with an indefinite life; $5.0 million for the customer relationships with a 10-year life; $3.9 million for the technology / know-how with a 10-year life and $0.6 million for the non-compete agreements with a 5-year life. We will continue to evaluate these values and lives during the measurement period.
Pro forma results of operations have not been presented herein as the acquisition was not considered material to our results of operations.acquisition.

98


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill attributable toThe following preliminary purchase price allocation is based on the Specialty Foods segment was $126.7 million and $89.8 million at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The increase in goodwill is the resultfair value of the acquisition of Flatout on March 13, 2015. See further discussion in Note 2.
The following table is a rollforward of goodwill from June 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015:net assets acquired:
 Carrying Value
Goodwill at beginning of year$89,840
Goodwill acquired during the period36,883
Goodwill at end of period$126,723
Balance Sheet CaptionsAllocation
Receivables$2,479
Inventories3,748
Other current assets212
Property, plant and equipment6,937
Goodwill (not tax deductible)53,948
Other intangible assets44,000
Current liabilities(2,445)
Deferred tax liabilities(16,651)
Net assets acquired$92,228

The following table summarizes our identifiable other intangible assets, all included in the Specialty Foods segment. The intangible asset values and lives relatedFurther adjustments may occur to the Flatout acquisition, whichallocation above as certain tax aspects of the transaction are included in the table below, are preliminary and subject to further review overfinalized during the measurement period. See further discussion in Note 2.
 March 31, 
 2015
 June 30, 
 2014
Tradename (indefinite life)   
Gross carrying value$37,600
 $
Trademarks (40-year life)   
Gross carrying value$370
 $370
Accumulated amortization(221) (214)
Net carrying value$149
 $156
Customer Relationships (10 to 15-year life)   
Gross carrying value$18,020
 $13,020
Accumulated amortization(8,531) (7,800)
Net carrying value$9,489
 $5,220
Technology / Know-how (10-year life)   
Gross carrying value$3,900
 $
Accumulated amortization(32) 
Net carrying value$3,868
 $
Non-compete Agreements (5-year life)   
Gross carrying value$600
 $
Accumulated amortization(10) 
Net carrying value$590
 $
Total net carrying value$51,696
 $5,376
Amortization expense for our other intangible assets was as follows:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Amortization expense$308
 $236
 $780
 $709


10


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Total annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is estimated to be as follows:
  
2016$1,785
2017$1,614
2018$1,614
2019$1,614
2020$1,574

Note 43 – Long-Term Debt
At March 31,September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014,2015, we had an unsecured credit facility (“Facility”) under which we may borrow, on a revolving credit basis, up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time, with potential to expand the total credit availability to $200 million based onsubject to us obtaining consent of the issuing banks and certain other conditions. The Facility expires on April 18, 2017, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to LIBOR or an alternative base rate defined in the credit agreement, at our option. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. Based on the long-term nature of this Facility, whenWhen we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt.debt due to the long-term nature of this Facility.
At March 31,September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014,2015, we had no borrowings outstanding under this Facility. At March 31,September 30, 2015, we had $4.24.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the Facility. We paid no interest for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 and 2014. At March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins.
The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions. There are two principal financial covenants: an interest expense test that requires us to maintain an interest coverage ratio not less than 2.5 to 1 at the end of each fiscal quarter; and an indebtedness test that requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio not greater than 3 to 1 at all times. The interest coverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated EBIT (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated Interest Expense (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement), and the leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Consolidated Debt (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement) by Consolidated EBITDA (as defined more specifically in the credit agreement).

Note 54Income Taxes
Prepaid Federal, stateCommitments and local income taxes of $10.3 million and $9.7 million were included in deferred income taxes and other current assets at March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively.Contingencies
The gross tax contingency reserve atAt March 31,September 30, 2015 was $1.0 million, we were a party to various claims and consistedlitigation matters arising in the ordinary course of tax liabilities of $0.6 million and interest and penalties of $0.4 million. We havebusiness. Such matters did not classified any of the gross tax contingency reserve as current liabilities as none of these amounts are expected to be resolved within the next 12 months. The entire liability of $1.0 million was included in other noncurrent liabilities. We expect that the amount of these liabilities will change within the next 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to have a significantmaterial effect on the current-year results of operations and, in our opinion, their ultimate disposition will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We recognize interest and penalties related to these tax liabilities in income tax expense.statements.

Note 65Stock-Based CompensationGoodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Our shareholders previously approved the adoption of and subsequent amendmentsGoodwill attributable to the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan reservedSpecialty Foods segment was $143.8 million at 2,000,000September 30, 2015 common shares for issuance to our employees and directors, and all awards granted under the 2005 Plan will be exercisable at prices not less than fair market value as of the date of the grant. The vesting period for awards granted under the 2005 Plan varies as to the type of award granted, but generally these awards have a maximum term of five yearsJune 30, 2015.
Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights
We use periodic grants of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSSARs”) as a vehicle for rewarding certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value. We calculate the fair value of SSSARs grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our policy is to issue shares upon SSSARs exercise from new shares that had been previously authorized.

119


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


In the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we granted SSSARs under the terms of the 2005 Plan. The following table summarizes information relating to these grants:our identifiable other intangible assets, all included in the Specialty Foods segment:
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
SSSARs granted149
 146
Weighted average grant date fair value per right$9.94
 $11.84
Weighted average assumptions used in fair value calculations:   
Risk-free interest rate0.86% 0.75%
Dividend yield2.02% 1.97%
Volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock19.62% 22.35%
Weighted average expected life in years2.71
 3.12
 September 30, 
 2015
 June 30, 
 2015
Tradename (30-year life)   
Gross carrying value$34,500
 $34,500
Accumulated amortization(623) (365)
Net carrying value$33,877
 $34,135
Trademarks (40-year life)   
Gross carrying value$370
 $370
Accumulated amortization(225) (223)
Net carrying value$145
 $147
Customer Relationships (10 to 15-year life)   
Gross carrying value$18,020
 $18,020
Accumulated amortization(9,241) (8,882)
Net carrying value$8,779
 $9,138
Technology / Know-how (10-year life)   
Gross carrying value$3,900
 $3,900
Accumulated amortization(211) (114)
Net carrying value$3,689
 $3,786
Non-compete Agreements (5-year life)   
Gross carrying value$600
 $600
Accumulated amortization(65) (35)
Net carrying value$535
 $565
Total net carrying value$47,025
 $47,771
For these grants, the volatility factor was estimated based on actual historical volatility of our stock for a time period equal to the term of the SSSARs. The expected average life was determined based on historical exercise experience for this type of grant. The SSSARs we grant vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date, one-third on the second anniversary of the grant date and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant date. As needed, we estimate a forfeiture rateAmortization expense for our SSSARs grants based on historical experience.
We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period. Compensation expense wasother intangible assets, which is reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We recorded tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to SSSARs. These excess tax benefits were included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our continuing operations SSSARs compensation expense and tax benefits recorded:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Compensation expense$308
 $304
 $893
 $804
Tax benefits$108
 $106
 $313
 $281
Intrinsic value of exercises$207
 $2,343
 $863
 $2,431
Excess tax benefits$72
 $820
 $302
 $851
The total fair values of SSSARs vested werewas as follows:
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
Fair value of vested rights$1,245
 $1,138

12


 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Amortization expense$746
 $236
LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


The following table summarizes the activity relating to SSSARs granted under the 2005 PlanTotal annual amortization expense for the nine months ended March 31, 2015:
 
Number
of Rights
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in
Years
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at beginning of year358
 $76.75
    
Exercised(54) $63.54
    
Granted149
 $91.13
    
Forfeited(31) $79.42
    
Outstanding at end of period422
 $83.35
 3.73 $4,984
Exercisable and vested at end of period154
 $74.70
 2.66 $3,150
Vested and expected to vest at end of period412
 $83.35
 3.73 $4,873
At March 31, 2015, there was $2.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to SSSARs that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 2 years.
Restricted Stock
We use periodic grants of restricted stock as a vehicle for rewarding our nonemployee directors and certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value.
In the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we granted shares of restricted stock to various employees under the termseach of the 2005 Plan. The following table summarizes information relatingnext five years is estimated to these grants:
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
Employees   
Restricted stock granted9
 24
Grant date fair value$845
 $2,190
Weighted average grant date fair value per award$91.13
 $89.21
The restricted stock under these employee grants vests on the third anniversary of the grant date. As needed, we estimate a forfeiture rate for our restricted stock grants based on historical experience. Under the terms of our grants, employees receive dividends on unforfeited restricted stock regardless of their vesting status. In the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 19,000 and 6,000 shares, respectively, of employee restricted stock vested.
In November 2014 and 2013, we granted shares of restricted stock to our nonemployee directors under the terms of the 2005 Plan. The following table summarizes information relating to each of these grants:
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
Nonemployee directors   
Restricted stock granted7
 6
Grant date fair value$639
 $490
Weighted average grant date fair value per award$92.92
 $84.42
The 2015 grant vests over a one-year period, and all of these shares are expected to vest. Dividends earned on the stock during the vesting period will be paid to the directors at the time the stock vests. In the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 6,000 and 7,000 shares, respectively, of nonemployee director restricted stock vested, and the directors were paid the related dividends.

13


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period. Compensation expense was reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We recorded tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to restricted stock. These excess tax benefits were included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The following table summarizes our continuing operations restricted stock compensation expense and tax benefits recorded:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Compensation expense$384
 $366
 $1,318
 $1,027
Tax benefits$134
 $128
 $461
 $359
Excess tax benefits$142
 $68
 $154
 $76
The total fair values of restricted stock vested were as follows:
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014
Fair value of vested shares$1,818
 $877
The following table summarizes the activity relating to restricted stock granted under the 2005 Plan for the nine months ended March 31, 2015:
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Unvested restricted stock at beginning of year58
 $79.09
Granted16
 $91.89
Vested(25) $71.86
Forfeited(3) $79.22
Unvested restricted stock at end of period46
 $87.61
At March 31, 2015, there was $2.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 2 years.

  
2017$2,764
2018$2,764
2019$2,764
2020$2,729
2021$2,644
Note 76Pension BenefitsIncome Taxes
Accrued Federal income taxes of $8.9 million were included in Accrued Liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2015. Prepaid Federal income taxes of $3.8 million were included in Deferred Income Taxes and Other Current Assets at June 30, 2015. Prepaid state and local income taxes of $0.3 million and $0.6 million were included in Deferred Income Taxes and Other Current Assets at September 30, 2015 and June 30, 2015, respectively.
The gross tax contingency reserve at September 30, 2015 was $1.5 million and consisted of tax liabilities of $1.0 million and interest and penalties of $0.5 million. We sponsor multiple defined benefit pension plans that covered certain union workers. However,have not classified any of the gross tax contingency reserve at September 30, 2015 as a resultcurrent liability as none of prior-years' restructuring activities, for all periods presented, we no longer have any active employees continuingthese amounts are expected to accrue service cost or otherwise eligible to receive plan benefits. Benefits being paid underbe resolved within the plans are primarily based on negotiated rates and yearsnext 12 months. Consequently, the entire liability of service.$1.5 million was included in other noncurrent liabilities. We contribute toexpect that the amount of these plans at leastliabilities will change within the minimum amount required by regulation.
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit income for our pension plans:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Components of net periodic benefit income       
Interest cost$403
 $439
 $1,209
 $1,315
Expected return on plan assets(658) (614) (1,974) (1,842)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss107
 115
 321
 345
Net periodic benefit income$(148) $(60) $(444) $(182)
For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, we made no pension plan contributions andnext 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to make any contributionshave a significant effect on our financial position or results of operations. We recognize interest and penalties related to our pension plans during these tax liabilities in income tax expense.2015.


1410


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


Note 7 – Business Segment Information
The September 30, 2015 identifiable assets by reportable segment are consistent with that of June 30, 2015. The following summary of financial information is consistent with the basis of segmentation and measurement of segment profit or loss presented in our June 30, 2015 consolidated financial statements:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Net Sales$294,085
 $259,987
Operating Income   
Specialty Foods$44,961
 $37,499
Corporate Expenses(3,073) (2,895)
Total$41,888
 $34,604
Note 8 – PostretirementStock-Based Compensation
Our shareholders previously approved the adoption of and subsequent amendments to the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan reserved 2,000,000 common shares for issuance to our employees and directors, and all awards granted under the 2005 Plan were exercisable at prices not less than fair market value as of the date of the grant. The vesting period for awards granted under the 2005 Plan varies as to the type of award granted, but generally these awards have a maximum term of five years. As the 2005 Plan expired in May 2015, we are seeking shareholder approval for adoption of a new equity compensation plan at our November 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The new plan will not affect any currently outstanding equity awards granted under the 2005 Plan.
In general, varying levels of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSSARs”) and restricted stock awards are granted to certain employees in the third fiscal quarter each year. Restricted stock grants to our nonemployee directors generally occur in the second fiscal quarter each year.
We recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant. Compensation expense is reflected in Cost of Sales or Selling, General and Administrative Expenses based on the grantees’ salaries expense classification. We record tax benefits and excess tax benefits related to SSSARs and restricted stock awards. These excess tax benefits are included in the financing section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights
We use periodic grants of SSSARs as a vehicle for rewarding certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value. We calculate the fair value of SSSARs grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Our policy is to issue shares upon SSSARs exercise from new shares that had been previously authorized.
The following table summarizes our SSSARs compensation expense recorded:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Compensation expense$347
 $354
At September 30, 2015, there was $1.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to SSSARs that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 2 years.
Restricted Stock
We use periodic grants of restricted stock as a vehicle for rewarding our nonemployee directors and certain employees with long-term incentives for their efforts in helping to create long-term shareholder value.

11


LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)


The following table summarizes our restricted stock compensation expense recorded:
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Compensation expense$438
 $457
At September 30, 2015, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that we will recognize over a weighted-average period of 2 years.
Note 9 – Pension Benefits
We sponsor multiple defined benefit pension plans that covered certain workers under collective bargaining contracts. However, as a result of prior-years’ restructuring activities, for all periods presented, we no longer have any active employees continuing to accrue service cost or otherwise eligible to receive plan benefits. Benefits being paid under the plans are primarily based on negotiated rates and certainyears of our operating subsidiaries provide multiple postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans.service. We recognizecontribute to these plans at least the cost of benefits as the employees render service. Postretirement benefits are funded as incurred.minimum amount required by regulation.
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costincome for our postretirementpension plans:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost       
Service cost$8
 $8
 $24
 $24
Interest cost27
 33
 81
 97
Amortization of unrecognized net gain(7) (6) (21) (20)
Amortization of prior service asset(1) (1) (3) (3)
Net periodic benefit cost$27
 $34
 $81
 $98
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Components of net periodic benefit income   
Interest cost$421
 $403
Expected return on plan assets(630) (658)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss135
 107
Net periodic benefit income$(74) $(148)
For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015, we made $20,000no pension plan contributions and $74,000, respectively, inwe do not expect to make any contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We expect to make approximately $0.1 million more in contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefitpension plans during the remainder of 20152016.

Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies
At March 31, 2015, we were a party to various claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Such matters did not have a material effect on the current-year results of operations and, in our opinion, their ultimate disposition will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 10 – Business Segment InformationPostretirement Benefits
We and certain of our operating subsidiaries provide multiple postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We recognize the cost of benefits as the employees render service. Postretirement benefits are funded as incurred.
The following summarytable summarizes the components of financial information by business segment is consistent with the basis of segmentation and measurement of segment profit or loss presented innet periodic benefit cost for our June 30, 2014 consolidated financial statements. The March 31, 2015 identifiable assets by reportable segment are generally consistent with that of June 30, 2014. However, due to the acquisition of Flatout in March 2015, the amount of Specialty Foods assets increased and Corporate assets declined as compared to June 30, 2014. The increase in Specialty Foods assets reflects goodwill and other intangible assets related to the acquisition of Flatout. Corporate assets declined because of a decrease in cash, which is treated as a Corporate asset, due to cash paid for the acquisition of Flatout.postretirement plans:
 Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
 2015 2014 2015 2014
Net Sales - Specialty Foods$263,400
 $241,849
 $826,798
 $782,267
Operating Income       
Specialty Foods$34,170
 $31,408
 $124,909
 $130,364
Corporate Expenses(2,962) (2,573) (8,881) (8,913)
Total$31,208
 $28,835
 $116,028
 $121,451
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 2015 2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost   
Service cost$7
 $8
Interest cost30
 27
Amortization of unrecognized net gain(4) (7)
Amortization of prior service asset(1) (1)
Net periodic benefit cost$32
 $27

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we made $29,000 in contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans. We expect to make approximately $0.1 million more in contributions to our postretirement medical and life insurance benefit plans during the remainder of 2016.

1512





Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year; for example, 20152016 refers to fiscal 20152016, which is the period from July 1, 20142015 to June 30, 20152016.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, all included elsewhere in this report. The forward-looking statements in this section and other parts of this report involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, including statements regarding our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, and financial performance. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to these factors. For more information, see the section below entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”
OVERVIEW
Business Overview
Lancaster Colony Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products for the retail and foodservice markets.
In March 2015 we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Flatout Holdings, Inc. (“Flatout”), a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of flatbread wraps and pizza crusts based in Saline, Michigan. The purchase price was $92.2 million, net of cash acquired. This transaction is discussed in further detail in Note 2.
Part of our future growth may result from acquisitions. We also manufactured and marketed candles for the food, drug and mass markets untilcontinue to review potential acquisitions that business was sold on January 30, 2014. The financial results of these operations, previously includedwe believe will complement our existing product lines, enhance our gross margins and/or offer good expansion opportunities in a manner that fits our Glassware and Candles segment, are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented herein.overall strategic goals.
Our operations are organized into one reportable segment: “Specialty Foods.” TheOur sales of this segment are predominately domestic.
We view this segment as havingOur business has the potential to achieve future growth in sales and profitability due to attributes such as:
leading retail market positions in several branded products with a high-quality perception;
recognized innovation in retail products;
a broad customer base in both retail and foodservice accounts;
well-regarded culinary expertise among foodservice accounts;
recognized leadership in foodservice product development;
experience in integrating complementary business acquisitions; and
historically strong cash flow generation that supports growth opportunities.
Our goal is to grow both retail and foodservice sales over time by:
leveraging the strength of our retail brands to increase current product sales;
introducing new retail products and expanding into new channels;
growing our foodservice sales through the strength of our reputation in product development and quality; and
pursuing acquisitions that meet our strategic criteria.
Consistent with our current acquisition strategy, in March 2015 we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Flatout Holdings, Inc. (“Flatout”), a privately owned manufacturer and marketer of flatbread and pizza crusts based in Saline, Michigan. The purchase price was $92.2 million, net of cash acquired. This transaction is discussed in further detail in Note 2.
We have made substantial capital investments to support our existing food operations and future growth opportunities. For example, in 2015 we completed a significant processing capacity expansion at our Horse Cave, Kentucky dressing facility to help meet demand for our dressing products. Based on our current plans and expectations, we believe our capital expenditures for 20152016 could total approximately $15 to $20 million. We anticipate we will total between $18 and $20 million.be able to fund all of our capital needs in 2016 with cash generated from operations.

16




RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Net Sales and Gross Margin
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
     Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
    Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
    
(Dollars in thousands)2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change2015 2014 Change
Net Sales - Specialty Foods$263,400
 $241,849
 $21,551
 9% $826,798
 $782,267
 $44,531
 6%
Net Sales$294,085
 $259,987
 $34,098
 13%
Gross Margin$56,625
 $51,908
 $4,717
 9% $192,702
 $190,702
 $2,000
 1%$67,967
 $57,424
 $10,543
 18%
Gross Margin as a Percentage of Net Sales21.5% 21.5%     23.3% 24.4%    23.1% 22.1%    

13




In March 2015 we acquired Flatout and its results of operations have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition but such results were not materialwith Flatout contributing $12 million in net sales to our condensed consolidated financial statements.results for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
Net sales for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 increased 9% and 6%, respectively, and the13%. The growth was primarily driven by volumethe contribution from Flatout, as well as increased retail and mix.foodservice volumes on our existing business. Net pricing actions relating to our ingredient cost changes and lower new product placement costs also contributed to our net sales growth. Retail net sales increased 14% and 6%16% during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 respectively. This year's earlier Easter holiday shifted seasonal retail sales intoon the third quarter. Third quarter retail sales growth was also attributed toaddition of Flatout and higher sales of certain product lines including New York BRANDOlive Garden® frozen garlic bread,retail dressings, Marzetti® Simply Dressed® refrigerated dressings and New York BRAND® croutons and salad toppings and Olive Garden® retail dressings. For the nine months ended March 31, 2015, retail sales increased on higher sales of New York BRAND® frozen garlic bread and Olive Garden® retail dressings, but were offset in part by increased promotional spending on some retail product offerings and by placement costs for new products.toppings. Foodservice net sales improved 4% and 5% for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, primarily due to increased sales to11% as demand from national chain restaurants. The segment'srestaurants remained strong. Our overall sales volume, as measured by pounds shipped, is estimated to have improved by 5% and 4% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, respectively. The impact of a more favorable sales mix was estimated to be 4% and 1% for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015, respectively.8%. In general, the impactsnet impact of higher pricing for both retail and foodservice were less than 1% of segment net sales for both the three and nine months ended March 31, 2015.
Gross margin percentages were unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2015 while the year-to-date percentages declined as the benefits from the improved sales volumes were offset by increased operating costs due to capacity constraints in our dressing manufacturing, higher freight expense, and the increased promotional spending on some retail product offerings and placement costs for new products. We estimate that lower ingredient costs beneficially affected the segment's gross margins by less thanrepresented 1% of net sales for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015.
Excluding sales contributed by Flatout, net sales increased 9% for the three months ended September 30, 2015.
Gross margin percentages improved for the three months ended September 30, 2015 due to the benefits of a more favorable retail sales mix, improved operating efficiencies in our dressing and sauce manufacturing, lower new product placement costs and lower soybean oil and dairy-based ingredient costs. These benefits were offset, in part, by higher egg costs attributed to the avian influenza outbreak. Excluding any pricing actions, we estimate total ingredient costs negatively affected our gross margins by nearly 2% of net sales for the quarter.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
     Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
    Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
    
(Dollars in thousands)2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change2015 2014 Change
SG&A Expenses$25,417
 $23,073
 $2,344
 10% $76,674
 $69,251
 $7,423
 11%$26,079
 $22,820
 $3,259
 14%
SG&A Expenses as a Percentage of Net Sales9.6% 9.5%     9.3% 8.9%    8.9% 8.8%    
Consolidated selling,Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 10% and 11%14% for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 respectively, andbut were generally consistent as a percentage of net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 and 2014. The third quarter and year-to-date periods include $0.4 million of transaction expenses related to2015. In general, the acquisition of Flatout in March 2015. The year-to-date increase in these costs also reflectedreflects the influence of higher consumer promotional spending on new products, as well as increased consumer spending on certain branded retail products.sales volumes and amortization expense attributable to the Flatout intangible assets.

17




Operating Income
The foregoing factors contributed to consolidated operating income totaling $31.2$41.9 million and $116.0 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015, respectively.. Our operating income can be summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
     Nine Months Ended 
 March 31,
    Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
    
(Dollars in thousands)2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change2015 2014 Change
Operating Income                      
Specialty Foods$34,170
 $31,408
 $2,762
 9% $124,909
 $130,364
 $(5,455) (4)%$44,961
 $37,499
 $7,462
 20%
Corporate Expenses(2,962) (2,573) (389) 15% (8,881) (8,913) 32
  %(3,073) (2,895) (178) 6%
Total$31,208
 $28,835
 $2,373
 8% $116,028
 $121,451
 $(5,423) (4)%$41,888
 $34,604
 $7,284
 21%
Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales                      
Specialty Foods13.0% 13.0%     15.1% 16.7%    15.3% 14.4%    
Total11.8% 11.9%     14.0% 15.5%    14.2% 13.3%    

Looking forward, we are entering what is typically our strongest sales quarter due to the holiday impact. We expect continued incremental benefit from our Flatout business, as we enter the final quarter of our fiscal year, wewell as volume-driven growth from both retail and foodservice channels. We anticipate continued investment in certain branded retail productshigher marketing and promotional costs in support of our retail brands, especially Sister Schubert's,® for the holiday season. High egg costs remain a concern, with pricing actions helping to support products introduced since last spring as well as new productsoffset some of the impact. Excluding eggs, commodity costs are expected to be introduced in the fourth quarter. We expect slightly higher freight costs, but we anticipate material costs to beremain modestly favorable for the fourth quarter; however, this is tempered byquarter. Finally, the possibilitylevel of a sizeable outbreak of Avian influenza within U.S. laying flocks and its unknown impacts on the price of our egg-based ingredients. Finally, although Easter sales will be absent from the upcoming quarter dueefficiency gains we are ultimately able to the earlier holiday in 2015, we will capture a full quarter of contributionachieve from our recently acquired Flatout® flatbread business, but this contributiondressing capacity expansion and our other cost-saving initiatives will be lessened by transitional costs expected to be approximately $0.8 million.impact our results.
Interest Income and Other – Net
Interest income and other was not material infor the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 and 2014 due to the nominal interest rates earned by us on our cash balances, our customers being largely invoiced in U.S. dollars and our capital structure.

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Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
As impacted by the factors discussed above, income from continuing operations before income taxes for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 increased by $2.5$7.4 million to $31.1$42.0 million from the prior-year total of $28.6$34.6 million.
Taxes Based on Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the nine months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $115.9 million and $121.1 million, respectively.
Consistent with our expectations, our effective tax rate was 34.3%34.2% for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2015, as compared to and was unchanged from the prior-year rateprior year.
Net Income
First quarter net income for 2016 of 33.9%.
Income From Continuing Operations
Third quarter income from continuing operations for 2015 of $20.4$27.6 million increased from the preceding year'syear’s net income from continuing operations for the quarter of $18.9$22.8 million, as influenced by the factors noted above. OurDiluted weighted average shares outstanding have remained fairly consistent for all periodsrelatively stable. As a result, and due to the limited levels of share grants and share repurchases. Consequently, and as largely influenced by the increasechange in income from continuing operations, diluted income per common share from continuing operations increased from $0.69 for the prior year to $0.75 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2015. Year-to-date income from continuing operations of $76.1 million decreased from the prior year-to-date total of $80.1 million. Year-to-date income from continuing operations per share was $2.78 per diluted share compared to $2.93 per diluted share for the prior-year period.
Discontinued Operations
There were no discontinued operations in 2015. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, totaled $29.3 million and $26.4 million for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. These amounts included an after-tax loss of $29.6 million on the January 2014 sale of our candle manufacturing and marketing operations. Loss from discontinued operations per share for the third quarter of 2014 was $1.07 per diluted share. Year-to-date loss from discontinued operations per share was $0.97 per diluted share for the nine months ended March 31, 2014.

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Net Income (Loss)
Third quarter net income for 2015 of $20.4 million increased from the preceding year’seach year, net loss for the quarter of $10.4 million, as influenced by the factors noted above. Year-to-date net income of $76.1 million was higher than the prior year-to-date total of $53.7 million. Net income per share for the thirdfirst quarter of 20152016 totaled $0.75$1.01 per diluted share, as compared to a net lossincome of $0.38$0.83 per diluted share in the prior year. Year-to-date net income per share was $2.78 per diluted share, as compared to $1.96 per diluted share for the prior-year period.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
For the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2015,, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $96.6$33.3 million, as compared to $98.8$35.9 million in the prior-year period. This changeThe decrease was largely influenceddue to higher working capital requirements as partially offset by the increase in net income and depreciation and amortization. In general, the increased levels of working capital requirements reflect higher sales volumes, the influence of inventory builds for our second quarter seasonal sales and the impact of our recent Flatout acquisition. Additionally, the changes in other current assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities reflect the timing of estimated tax payments and the favorable tax impact of the loss on sale of discontinued operations resulting fromin prior years. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects the saleamortization of our candle manufacturingintangibles relating to the Flatout acquisition and marketing operations, which were sold in January 2014.the related depreciation on its acquired fixed assets, as well as additional depreciation on recent capital expenditures.
Cash used in investing activities for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 was $109.43.7 million, as compared to cash provided of $16.68.0 million in the prior year. The cash used in investing activities in the current year reflects $92.2 million paid for the acquisition of Flatout in March 2015, as well asThis decrease reflected a higherlower level of capital expenditures in 2016. Our 2015 the majority of this being spent on ourcapital expenditures included a processing capacity expansion project at our Horse Cave, Kentucky dressing facility which was essentially complete at December 31, 2014. The prior year cash provided by investing activities reflected the impact of the proceeds received on the January 2014 sale of our candle manufacturing and marketing operations.
Cash used in financing activities for the ninethree months ended March 31,September 30, 2015 of $37.312.4 million deincreased slightly from the prior-year total of $37.5 million.$11.9 million. This decreaseincrease was primarily due to a lower level ofhigher dividend payments. There were no share repurchases in the current year, as partially offset by higher dividend payments.three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. At March 31,September 30, 2015,, 1,420,000 1,419,682 shares remained authorized for future buyback under the existing share repurchase program.
Under our unsecured revolving credit facility (“Facility”), we may borrow up to a maximum of $120 million at any one time. Loans may be used for general corporate purposes. We had no borrowings outstanding under this Facility at March 31,September 30, 2015. At March 31,September 30, 2015, we had $4.24.7 million of standby letters of credit outstanding, which reduced the amount available for borrowing on the Facility. The Facility expires in April 2017, and all outstanding amounts are then due and payable. Interest is variable based upon formulas tied to LIBOR or an alternative base rate defined in the credit agreement, at our option. We must also pay facility fees that are tied to our then-applicable consolidated leverage ratio. Based on the long-term nature of this Facility, whenWhen we have outstanding borrowings under this Facility, they will be classified as long-term debt.debt due to the long-term nature of this Facility.
The Facility contains certain restrictive covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, asset sales and acquisitions, and financial covenants relating to interest coverage and leverage. At March 31,September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all applicable provisions and covenants of the Facility, and we exceeded the requirements of the financial covenants by substantial margins.
We currently expect to remain in compliance with the Facility’s covenants for the foreseeable future. However, a default under the Facility could accelerate the repayment of any outstanding indebtedness and limit our access to additional credit available under the Facility. Such an event could require a reduction in or curtailment of cash dividends or share repurchases, reduce or delay beneficial expansion or investment plans, or otherwise impact our ability to meet our obligations when due. At March 31,September 30, 2015, we were not aware of any event that would constitute a default under the Facility.
We believe that internally generated funds and our existing balances in cash and equivalents, in addition to our currently available bank credit arrangements, should be adequate to meet our cash requirements through 20152016. If we were to borrow outside of our Facility under current market terms, our average interest rate may increase significantly and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
We have various contractual obligations that are appropriately recorded as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain other items, such as purchase obligations, are not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Examples of such purchase obligationsitems not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated financial statements are commitments to purchase raw materials or inventory that has not yet been received as of March 31,September 30, 2015 and future minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements. Aside from expected changes in raw-material needs due to changes in product demand and the impact of commodity prices, there have been no significant changes to the contractual obligations disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
There have been no changes in critical accounting policies from those policies disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RECENTLY ISSUEDRECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDSPRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 14-09”) which creates a comprehensive set of guidelines for the recognition of revenue under the principle: “Recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” The requirements of ASU 14-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016 and will require either retrospective application to each prior period presented or retrospective application with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on our financial position and results of operations.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
There were no recently adoptedRecent accounting pronouncements that impactedand their impact on our consolidated financial statements.statements are disclosed in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We desire to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the PSLRA and other applicable securities laws. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “hope” or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations; contain projections regarding future developments, operations or financial conditions; or state other forward-looking information. Such statements are based upon assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements involve various important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which we have no, or limited, control including, without limitation, the specific influences outlined below. Management believes these forward-looking statements to be reasonable; however, one should not place undue reliance on such statements that are based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Items which could impact these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
the abilitypotential for another large outbreak of avian influenza in the U.S. and the resulting fluctuations in the cost and availability of egg-based ingredients;
fluctuations in the cost and availability of other raw materials and packaging;
the reaction of customers or consumers to successfully integrate the acquisitioneffect of Flatout;price increases we may implement;
the potential for loss of larger programs or key customer relationships;
the effect of consolidation of customers within key market channels;
price and product competition;
the success and cost of new product development efforts;
the lack of market acceptance of new products;
price and product competition;
the reaction of customers or consumers to the effect of price increases we may implement;
the possible occurrence of product recalls or other defective or mislabeled product costs;
changes in demand for our products, which may result from loss of brand reputation or customer goodwill;
maintenance of competitive position with respect to other manufacturers;
the extent to which future business acquisitions are completed and acceptably integrated;
efficienciesadverse changes in plant operations;
fluctuations in the cost and availabilityfreight, energy or other costs of raw materials and packaging;producing, distributing or transporting our products;
capacity constraints that may affect our ability to meet demand or may increase our costs;
dependence on contract manufacturers;
efficiencies in plant operations;
stability of labor relations;

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adverse changes in freight, energythe outcome of any litigation or other costs of producing, distributing or transporting our products;arbitration;
the impact of fluctuations in our pension plan asset values on funding levels, contributions required and benefit costs;
the ability to successfully grow the Flatout business;
the extent to which future business acquisitions are completed and acceptably integrated;
dependence on key personnel;
changes in financial markets;

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access to any required financing;
changes in estimates in critical accounting judgments;
the outcome of any litigation or arbitration; and
certain other factors, including the information disclosed in our discussion of risk factors under Item 1A of our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our market risks have not changed materially from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,September 30, 2015 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is 1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and 2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c) In November 2010, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 shares, of which 1,420,0001,419,682 shares remained authorized for future repurchases at March 31,September 30, 2015. This share repurchase authorization does not have a stated expiration date. In the thirdfirst quarter, we made the following repurchasesdid not repurchase any of our common stock:stock.
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans
January 1-31, 2015
 $
 
 1,425,949
February 1-28, 2015 (1)6,267
 $90.76
 6,267
 1,419,682
March 1-31, 2015
 $
 
 1,419,682
Total6,267
 $90.76
 6,267
 1,419,682
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet be
Purchased
Under the
Plans
July 1-31, 2015
$

1,419,682
August 1-31, 2015
$

1,419,682
September 1-30, 2015
$

1,419,682
Total
$

1,419,682
 
(1) Represents shares that were repurchased in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock granted to employees under the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 stock plan.

Item 6. Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits following Signatures.


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
      
   
LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION
     (Registrant)
Date:May 7,November 3, 2015 By: 
/s/ JOHN B. GERLACH, JR.
     John B. Gerlach, Jr.
     
    Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
     
    President and Director
     
    (Principal Executive Officer)
      
Date:May 7,November 3, 2015 By: 
/s/ DOUGLAS A. FELL
     Douglas A. Fell
     
    Treasurer, Vice President,
     
    Assistant Secretary and
     
    Chief Financial Officer
     
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


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LANCASTER COLONY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
     
Exhibit
Number
  Description  Located at
     
10.1*2.1 FormFirst Amendment, dated as of RestrictedSeptember 30, 2015, to Stock AwardPurchase Agreement, for employeesdated as of March 13, 2015, by and consultants underamong T. Marzetti Company, as Buyer, Flatout Holdings, Inc., as the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock PlanFiled herewith
10.2*FormCompany, the Shareholders of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement for employeesthe Company, as Sellers, and consultants under the Lancaster Colony Corporation 2005 Stock PlanNCP-Flatout Seller Rep LLC, as Sellers’ Representative Filed herewith
     
31.1  Certification of CEO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  Filed herewith
    
31.2  Certification of CFO under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  Filed herewith
    
32  Certification of CEO and CFO under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  Furnished herewith
    
101.INS  XBRL Instance Document  Filed herewith
    
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document  Filed herewith
    
101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document  Filed herewith
    
101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document  Filed herewith
    
101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document  Filed herewith
    
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document  Filed herewith
*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which any Director or any Executive Officer participates.


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