UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 31, 20162017
OR
o 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: 001-07982
RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
South Dakota
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
46-0246171
(IRSI.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
205 East 6th Street, P.O. Box 5107, Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5107
(Address of principal executive offices)
(605) 336-2750
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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.                     oþ Yes þo No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site,Website, 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).         oþ Yes þo 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, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and" "accelerated filer," “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    o Yes þ No
As of February 10,November 17, 2017 there were 36,076,25935,755,646 shares of common stock, $1 par value, of Raven Industries, Inc. outstanding. There were no other classes of stock outstanding.
 






RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
INDEX
 PAGE
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures






PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)October 31,
2016
 January 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per-share data)October 31,
2017
 January 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
ASSETS          
Current assets          
Cash and cash equivalents$46,313
 $33,782
 $32,287
$36,873
 $50,648
 $46,313
Short-term investments
 
 250
Accounts receivable, net39,554
 38,069
 39,293
59,573
 43,143
 39,554
Inventories42,813
 45,839
 48,636
53,481
 42,336
 42,813
Deferred income taxes
 3,110
 3,296
Other current assets2,747
 4,429
 2,915
3,910
 2,689
 2,747
Total current assets131,427
 125,229
 126,677
153,837
 138,816
 131,427
          
Property, plant and equipment, net108,948
 115,704
 117,206
105,651
 106,324
 108,948
Goodwill40,703
 40,672
 40,712
46,752
 40,649
 40,703
Amortizable intangible assets, net12,511
 12,956
 13,327
11,375
 12,048
 12,511
Other assets3,746
 4,127
 3,859
2,926
 3,672
 3,746
TOTAL ASSETS$297,335
 $298,688
 $301,781
$320,541
 $301,509
 $297,335
          
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities          
Accounts payable$9,377
 $6,038
 $7,160
$13,383
 $8,467
 $9,377
Accrued liabilities14,708
 12,042
 11,597
21,645
 18,055
 14,708
Customer advances1,154
 739
 907
908
 1,860
 1,154
Total current liabilities25,239
 18,819
 19,664
35,936
 28,382
 25,239
          
Other liabilities12,134
 15,640
 14,511
13,456
 13,696
 12,134
          
Commitments and contingencies
 
 

 
 
          
Shareholders' equity          
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized shares 100,000; issued 67,060; 67,006; and 67,006, respectively67,060
 67,006
 67,006
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized shares 100,000; issued 67,088; 67,060; and 67,060, respectively67,088
 67,060
 67,060
Paid-in capital55,703
 53,907
 53,919
58,484
 55,795
 55,703
Retained earnings230,957
 229,443
 232,315
249,034
 230,649
 230,957
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,361) (3,501) (3,026)
Treasury stock at cost, 30,984; 30,500; and 29,447 shares, respectively(90,402) (82,700) (82,700)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3,058) (3,676) (3,361)
Treasury stock at cost, 31,332; 30,984; and 30,984 shares, respectively(100,402) (90,402) (90,402)
Total Raven Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity259,957
 264,155
 267,514
271,146
 259,426
 259,957
Noncontrolling interest5
 74
 92
3
 5
 5
Total shareholders' equity259,962
 264,229
 267,606
Total equity271,149
 259,431
 259,962
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY$297,335
 $298,688
 $301,781
$320,541
 $301,509
 $297,335

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

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEAND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share data)October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Net sales$72,522
 $67,611
 $208,480
 $205,402
Cost of sales52,683
 50,639
 149,609
 150,213
Gross profit19,839
 16,972
 58,871
 55,189
        
Research and development expenses4,151
 4,005
 12,475
 10,757
Selling, general, and administrative expenses8,212
 7,480
 24,174
 25,302
Goodwill impairment loss
 11,497
 
 11,497
Long-lived asset impairment loss87
 3,813
 87
 3,813
Operating income (loss)7,389
 (9,823) 22,135
 3,820
        
Other (expense), net(273) (123) (579) (433)
Income before income taxes7,116
 (9,946) 21,556
 3,387
        
Income taxes provision (benefit)1,375
 (3,780) 5,802
 471
Net income (loss)5,741
 (6,166) 15,754
 2,916
        
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 22
 1
 58
        
Net income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$5,741
 $(6,188) $15,753
 $2,858
        
Net income (loss) per common share:       
      ─ Basic$0.16
 $(0.17) $0.43
 $0.08
      ─ Diluted$0.16
 $(0.17) $0.43
 $0.08
        
Cash dividends paid per common share$0.13
 $0.13
 $0.39
 $0.39
        
Comprehensive income:       
Net income (loss)$5,741
 $(6,166) $15,754
 $2,916
        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Foreign currency translation(201) 2
 146
 (172)
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $2, ($1,606), $4 and ($1,572), respectively(2) 2,794
 (6) 2,995
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(203) 2,796
 140
 2,823
        
Comprehensive income (loss)5,538
 (3,370) 15,894
 5,739
        
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 22
 1
 58
        
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$5,538
 $(3,392) $15,893
 $5,681

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

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
          
 $1 Par Common StockPaid-in CapitalTreasury StockRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Raven Industries, Inc. EquityNon- controlling InterestTotal Equity
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)SharesCost
Balance January 31, 2015$66,947
$53,237
28,897
$(53,362)$244,180
$(5,849)$305,153
$84
$305,237
Net income



2,858

2,858
58
2,916
Other comprehensive income (loss):         
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment




(172)(172)
(172)
Change in Postretirement benefits due to plan amendments after tax (expense) of ($1,591)




2,770
2,770

2,770
Postretirement benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) after tax benefit of $19




225
225

225
Cash dividends ($0.39 per share) 

125


(14,723)
(14,598)
(14,598)
Dividends of less than wholly-owned subsidiary attributable to non-controlling interest






(50)(50)
Share issuance costs related to fiscal 2015 business combination
(15)



(15)
(15)
Shares issued on stock options exercised, net of shares withheld for employee taxes7
(54)



(47)
(47)
Shares issued on vesting of stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes52
(510)



(458)
(458)
Shares repurchased

1,603
(29,338)

(29,338)
(29,338)
Share-based compensation
1,826




1,826

1,826
Income tax impact related to share-based compensation


(690)



(690)
(690)
Balance October 31, 2015$67,006
$53,919
30,500
$(82,700)$232,315
$(3,026)$267,514
$92
$267,606
          
          
Balance January 31, 2016$67,006
$53,907
30,500
$(82,700)$229,443
$(3,501)$264,155
$74
$264,229
Net income



15,753

15,753
1
15,754
Other comprehensive income (loss):         
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment




146
146

146
Postretirement benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) after tax benefit of $4




(6)(6)
(6)
Cash dividends ($0.39 per share)
161


(14,239)
(14,078)
(14,078)
Dividends of less than wholly-owned subsidiary paid to noncontrolling interest






(70)(70)
Shares issued on vesting of stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes35
(291)



(256)
(256)
Director shares issued19
(19)






Shares repurchased

484
(7,702)

(7,702)
(7,702)
Share-based compensation
2,291




2,291

2,291
Income tax impact related to share-based compensation
(346)



(346)
(346)
Balance October 31, 2016$67,060
$55,703
30,984
$(90,402)$230,957
$(3,361)$259,957
$5
$259,962


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



RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSINCOMEAND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands)October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$15,754
 $2,916
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization11,526
 13,201
Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration(41) (1,720)
Goodwill impairment loss
 11,497
Long-lived asset impairment loss87
 3,813
Loss from equity investment223
 126
Deferred income taxes(290) (6,685)
Share-based compensation expense2,291
 1,826
Change in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable(1,620) 16,144
Inventories3,048
 4,820
Other assets(135) 228
Operating liabilities7,834
 (12,580)
Other operating activities, net8
 1,595
Net cash provided by operating activities38,685
 35,181
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Capital expenditures(3,901) (10,771)
Proceeds related to business acquisitions
 351
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments250
 
Purchases of investments(750) 
Proceeds from sale of assets1,145
 1,960
Other investing activities(498) (506)
Net cash used in investing activities(3,754) (8,966)
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Dividends paid(14,148) (14,648)
Payments for common shares repurchased(7,702) (29,338)
Payments of acquisition-related contingent liability(318) (773)
Debt issuance costs paid
 (548)
Restricted stock units vested and issued(256) (458)
Employee stock option exercises net of tax benefit
 (85)
Other financing activities
 (15)
Net cash used in financing activities(22,424) (45,865)
    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash24
 (12)
    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents12,531
 (19,662)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year33,782
 51,949
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$46,313
 $32,287
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Net sales$101,349
 $72,522
 $281,494
 $208,480
Cost of sales68,016
 52,683
 189,692
 149,609
Gross profit33,333
 19,839
 91,802
 58,871
        
Research and development expenses4,083
 4,151
 12,319
 12,475
Selling, general, and administrative expenses11,421
 8,212
 31,476
 24,174
Long-lived asset impairment loss
 87
 259
 87
Operating income17,829
 7,389
 47,748
 22,135
        
Other income (expense), net(34) (273) (327) (579)
Income before income taxes17,795
 7,116
 47,421
 21,556
        
Income tax expense5,798
 1,375
 14,842
 5,802
Net income11,997
 5,741
 32,579
 15,754
        
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest(1) 
 (2) 1
        
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$11,998
 $5,741
 $32,581
 $15,753
        
Net income per common share:       
      ─ Basic$0.33
 $0.16
 $0.90
 $0.43
      ─ Diluted$0.33
 $0.16
 $0.89
 $0.43
        
Cash dividends paid per common share$0.13
 $0.13
 $0.39
 $0.39
        
Comprehensive income (loss):       
Net income$11,997
 $5,741
 $32,579
 $15,754
        
Other comprehensive income (loss):       
Foreign currency translation(185) (201) 637
 146
Postretirement benefits, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $4, $2, $11 and $4, respectively(6) (2) (19) (6)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(191) (203) 618
 140
        
Comprehensive income11,806
 5,538
 33,197
 15,894
        
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest(1) 
 (2) 1
        
Comprehensive income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$11,807
 $5,538
 $33,199
 $15,893


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

RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
 $1 Par Common StockPaid-in CapitalTreasury StockRetained EarningsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Raven Industries, Inc. EquityNon- controlling InterestTotal Equity
(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)SharesCost
Balance January 31, 2016$67,006
$53,907
30,500
$(82,700)$229,443
$(3,501)$264,155
$74
$264,229
Net income



15,753

15,753
1
15,754
Other comprehensive income (loss):         
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment




146
146

146
Postretirement benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) after tax benefit of $4




(6)(6)
(6)
Cash dividends ($0.39 per share) 

161


(14,239)
(14,078)
(14,078)
Dividends of less than wholly-owned subsidiary attributable to non-controlling interest






(70)(70)
Shares issued on vesting of stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes35
(291)



(256)
(256)
Director shares issued19
(19)






Shares repurchased

484
(7,702)

(7,702)
(7,702)
Share-based compensation
2,291




2,291

2,291
Income tax impact related to share-based compensation


(346)



(346)
(346)
Balance October 31, 2016$67,060
$55,703
30,984
$(90,402)$230,957
$(3,361)$259,957
$5
$259,962
          
          
Balance January 31, 2017$67,060
$55,795
30,984
$(90,402)$230,649
$(3,676)$259,426
$5
$259,431
Net income



32,581

32,581
(2)32,579
Other comprehensive income (loss):         
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment




637
637

637
Postretirement benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) after tax benefit of $11




(19)(19)
(19)
Cash dividends ($0.39 per share)
164


(14,196)
(14,032)
(14,032)
Shares issued on stock options exercised, net of shares withheld for employee taxes13
(170)



(157)
(157)
Shares issued on vesting of stock units, net of shares withheld for employee taxes11
(162)



(151)
(151)
Director shares issued4
(4)






Shares repurchased

348
(10,000)

(10,000)
(10,000)
Share-based compensation
2,861




2,861

2,861
Balance October 31, 2017$67,088
$58,484
31,332
$(100,402)$249,034
$(3,058)$271,146
$3
$271,149

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


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:   
Net income$32,579
 $15,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization10,985
 11,526
Change in fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration198
 (41)
Long-lived asset impairment loss259
 87
Loss from equity investment247
 223
Deferred income taxes(1,035) (290)
Share-based compensation expense2,861
 2,291
Other operating activities, net868
 8
Change in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable(8,160) (1,620)
Inventories(9,213) 3,048
Other assets(897) (135)
Operating liabilities2,142
 7,834
Net cash provided by operating activities30,834
 38,685
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Capital expenditures(7,003) (3,901)
Payments related to business acquisitions(12,700) 
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments250
 250
Purchases of investments(255) (750)
(Disbursements) proceeds from settlement of liabilities, sale of assets(333) 1,145
Other investing activities(36) (498)
Net cash used in investing activities(20,077) (3,754)
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
Dividends paid(14,032) (14,148)
Payments for common shares repurchased(10,000) (7,702)
Payments of acquisition-related contingent liability(364) (318)
Restricted stock units vested and issued(151) (256)
Employee stock option exercises(157) 
Net cash used in financing activities(24,704) (22,424)
    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash172
 24
    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(13,775) 12,531
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year50,648
 33,782
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$36,873
 $46,313

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
(Dollarsdollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)




RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
(Dollarsdollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
Raven Industries, Inc. (the Company or Raven) is a diversified technology company providing a variety of products to customers within the industrial, agricultural, energy,geomembrane, construction, and military/aerospaceaerospace/defense markets. The Company is comprised of three unique operating units, or divisions, classified into reportable segments: Applied Technology, Engineered Films, and Aerostar.

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial information,statements, which includes the accounts of Raven and its wholly-owned or controlled subsidiaries, net of intercompany balances and transactions, which have been eliminated, has been prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, it doesthese financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. This financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement ofto fairly present this financial information have been included. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017.

Financial results for the interim three-three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 20162017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending January 31, 2018. The January 31, 2017. The January 31, 2016 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.in an annual report on Form 10-K. Preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. These affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of 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.
Noncontrolling interests represent capital contributions, income and loss attributable to the owners of less than wholly-owned consolidated entities. The Company owns a 75% interest in an entity consolidated under the Aerostar business segment. Given the Company's majority ownership interest, the accounts of the business venture have been consolidated with the accounts of the Company, and a noncontrolling interest has been recorded for the noncontrolling investor interestsinterest in the net assets and operations of the business venture.


(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


As described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, the Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived and intangible assets using fair value measurement techniques if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is below the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset group which contains the long-lived and intangible assets being assessed. The cash flows used for this analysis are similar to those used in the goodwill impairment assessment discussed further below. However, the cash flows are undiscounted and are projected over the life of the "primary asset" within the asset group being assessed.

As also described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, the Company recognizes goodwill as the excess cost of an acquired business over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Management assesses goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever a triggering event indicates there may be an impairment. Impairment tests of goodwill are done at the reporting unit level. When performing goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of reporting units are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. Such valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures).

Based on the Company’s review of its Engineered Films and Applied Technology Division reporting units, the Company identified no indicators of impairment for these reporting units or asset groups, and as such no further impairment analysis was required under the applicable accounting guidance for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.

Aerostar Reporting Unit (related to October 31, 2016)
In the fiscal 2017 third quarter the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Aerostar reporting unit and the aerostat and stratospheric programs (Lighter than Air) and radar product and radar services (Radar) asset groups. Financial expectations for net sales and operating income of the reporting unit and affected asset groups were lowered due to delays and
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


uncertainties regarding the reporting unit’s pursuits of certain opportunities, in particular aerostat orders, certain classified stratospheric balloon pursuits, and radar pursuits. Aerostar is still actively pursuing these opportunities and some are in active negotiations, but the timing of certain stratospheric balloon and aerostat opportunities are being delayed more than previously expected and the likelihood of radar sales is lower due to the Company's decision to no longer actively pursue certain radar product opportunities. As a result of these factors, the Company lowered its financial forecast for the business and performed a Step 1 impairment analysis using fair value techniques as of October 31, 2016 for both goodwill and long-lived assets.

As described in Note 6 Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets and Other Charges, the Company concluded that the Aerostar reporting unit goodwill balance was not impaired but certain long-lived assets associated with the previously impaired Radar asset group, including property, plant, and equipment and patents, were further impaired as of October 31, 2016.
Vista Reporting Unit (related to October 31, 2015)
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Vista reporting unit, a subsidiary of the Aerostar Division, during the fiscal 2016 third quarter. Accordingly, the Company performed a Step 1 impairment analysis using fair value techniques as of October 31, 2015 for both goodwill and long-lived assets.

As described in Note 6 Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets and Other Charges, the Company concluded that the Vista goodwill balance was fully impaired and that certain long-lived assets of the Vista reporting unit, including finite-lived intangible assets, were impaired as of October 31, 2015.
There have been no material changes to the Company's significant accounting policies as described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.

(3) NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares and fully vested stock units outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding which includes the shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options (net of shares assumed purchased with the option proceeds), stock units, and restricted stock units outstanding. Performance share awards are included2017 other than described below in the diluted calculation based upon what would be issued if the end of the most recent reporting period was the end of the term of the award. Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.Accounting Standards Adopted section.
Certain outstanding options and restricted stock units were excluded from the diluted net income per-share calculations because their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.
The options and restricted stock units excluded from the diluted net income per-share share calculation were as follows:Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Anti-dilutive options and restricted stock units653,513 1,216,318 922,041 1,150,227
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)



The computation of earnings per share is presented below:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Numerator:       
Net income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$5,741
 $(6,188) $15,753
 $2,858
        
Denominator:       
Weighted average common shares outstanding36,076,259
 36,785,140
 36,164,468
 37,481,675
Weighted average fully vested stock units outstanding97,716
 92,470
 100,595
 84,597
Denominator for basic calculation36,173,975
 36,877,610
 36,265,063
 37,566,272
        
Weighted average common shares outstanding36,076,259
 36,785,140
 36,164,468
 37,481,675
Weighted average fully vested stock units outstanding97,716
 92,470
 100,595
 84,597
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock units122,270
 
 70,102
 47,773
Denominator for diluted calculation36,296,245
 36,877,610
 36,335,165
 37,614,045
        
Net income (loss) per share - basic$0.16
 $(0.17) $0.43
 $0.08
Net income (loss) per share - diluted$0.16
 $(0.17) $0.43
 $0.08

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(4) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Following are the components of selected items from the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
  October 31, 2016 January 31, 2016 October 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, net:      
     Trade accounts $40,257
 $39,103
 $40,062
     Allowance for doubtful accounts (703) (1,034) (769)
  $39,554
 $38,069
 $39,293
Inventories:      
Finished goods $5,686
 $4,896
 $5,211
In process 2,325
 1,845
 2,157
Materials 34,802
 39,098
 41,268
 
$42,813

$45,839

$48,636
Other current assets:      
Insurance policy benefit $776
 $716
 $728
     Federal tax receivable 228
 1,721
 
Receivable from sale of business 71
 255
 420
     Prepaid expenses and other 1,672
 1,737
 1,767
  $2,747
 $4,429
 $2,915
Property, plant and equipment, net:      
Held for use:      
Land $3,054
 $3,054
 $2,974
Buildings and improvements 78,703
 77,827
 76,775
Machinery and equipment 143,533
 140,996
 138,921
     Accumulated depreciation (115,726) (106,419) (102,263)
Accumulated impairment losses (616) (554) (554)
  $108,948
 $114,904
 $115,853
Held for sale:      
Land $
 $244
 $324
Buildings and improvements 
 1,595
 2,597
Machinery and equipment 
 329
 639
     Accumulated depreciation 
 (1,368) (2,207)
  
 800
 1,353
  $108,948
 $115,704
 $117,206
Other assets:      
Equity investments $2,346
 $2,805
 $2,720
Deferred income taxes 65
 
 
Other 1,335
 1,322
 1,139
  $3,746
 $4,127
 $3,859
Accrued liabilities:      
Salaries and related $3,931
 $1,883
 $1,177
Benefits 3,720
 3,864
 3,925
Insurance obligations 2,022
 1,730
 1,852
Warranties 1,852
 1,835
 1,639
Income taxes 332
 475
 748
Other taxes 1,230
 1,117
 977
Acquisition-related contingent consideration 396
 407
 448
Other 1,225
 731
 831
  $14,708
 $12,042
 $11,597
Other liabilities:      
Postretirement benefits $7,714
 $7,662
 $7,898
Acquisition-related contingent consideration 1,385
 1,732
 1,483
Deferred income taxes 257
 3,247
 2,205
Uncertain tax positions 2,778
 2,999
 2,925
  $12,134
 $15,640
 $14,511

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(5) ACQUISITIONS OF AND INVESTMENTS IN BUSINESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Ag-Eagle Aerial Systems, Inc.
In February 2016, the Applied Technology Division acquired an interest of approximately 5% in AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. (AgEagle). AgEagle is a privately held company that is a leading provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used for agricultural applications. Contemporaneously with the execution of this agreement, AgEagle and the Company entered into a distribution agreement whereby the Company was appointed as the sole and exclusive distributor worldwide of the existing AgEagle system as it pertains to the agriculture market. This investment and distribution agreement will allow the Company to expand into the UAS market for agriculture, enhancing its existing product offerings to provide actionable data that customers can use to make important input decisions.

AgEagle is considered a variable interest entity (VIE) and the Company’s equity ownership interest in AgEagle is considered a variable interest. The Company accounts for its investment in AgEagle under the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating policies of AgEagle through the Company's representation on AgEagle's Board of Directors and the distribution agreement. However, the Company is not the primary beneficiary as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity.

At the acquisition date, the Company determined that the exclusivity of the distribution agreement resulted in an intangible asset. The purchase price was allocated between the equity ownership interest and this intangible asset which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the four-year life of the distribution agreement.

Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration
The Company has contingent liabilities related to prior year acquisitions of SBG Innovatie BV and its affiliate, Navtronics BVBA (collectively, SBG) in May 2014 and Vista Research, Inc. (Vista) in January 2012. The fair value of such contingent consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period, using forecasted cash flows. Projecting future cash flows requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future events, conditions, or revenues being achieved under the subject contingent agreement as well as the appropriate discount rate. Such valuations techniques include one or more significant inputs that are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures).

In connection with the acquisition of SBG, Raven is committed to making additional earn-out payments, not to exceed $2,500, calculated and paid quarterly for ten years after the purchase date contingent upon achieving certain revenues. At October 31, 2016, the fair value of this contingent consideration was $1,375, of which $219 was classified as "Accrued liabilities" and $1,156 was classified as "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At October 31, 2015, the fair value of this contingent consideration was $1,338, of which $329 was classified as "Accrued liabilities" and $1,009 as "Other liabilities." The Company paid $37 and $239 in earn-out payments in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016, respectively. The Company paid $38 and $188 in earn-out payments in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015, respectively. To date, the Company has paid a total of $548 of this potential earn-out liability.

Related to the acquisition of Vista in 2012, the Company is committed to making annual payments based upon earn-out percentages on specific revenue streams for seven years after the purchase date, not to exceed $15,000.

As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, in the fiscal 2016 third quarter the Company (based on a reassessment of its forecasted future revenue projections associated with Vista) determined that the estimated fair value of this contingent consideration should be reduced by $2,273. This adjustment was recognized as a benefit to "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015.

At October 31, 2016, the fair value of this contingent consideration was $325, of which $96 was classified in "Accrued liabilities" and $229 as "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At October 31, 2015 the fair value of this contingent consideration was $550, of which $76 was classified as "Accrued liabilities" and $474 as "Other liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company paid $79 and $585 in the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company made no payments in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2016 or 2015, respectively. To date, the Company has paid a total of $1,471 of this potential earn-out liability.

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(6) GOODWILL, LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND OTHER CHARGES

Pre-contract Deferred Cost Write-offs
From time to time, the Company incurs costs before a contract is finalized and such pre-contract costs are deferred to the balance sheet to the extent they relate to a specific project and the Company has concluded that is probable that the contract will be awarded for more than the amount deferred. Pre-contract cost deferrals are common within the Aerostar Division, particularly with the aerostat and radar business pursuits. Aerostar had been pursuing international opportunities and was in the process of negotiating a large international contract that did not materialize in the fiscal 2016 third quarter as expected. Expectations were lowered as the timing and likelihood of completing other international pursuits became less certain. Corresponding to these lower expectations, the pre-contract costs associated with these pursuits were written off during the fiscal 2016 third quarter. The Aerostar Division recorded a charge of $2,933, (which is comprised of $2,075 of costs capitalized as of July 31, 2015 and additional costs of $858 capitalized during August and September 2015) for the write-off of these pre-contract costs. This charge is recorded in “Cost of sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The pre-contract costs deferred to the balance sheet at October 31, 2016 were not material and there have been no write-offs in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016, respectively.
Inventory write-downs
During the fiscal 2017 third quarter, the Company wrote-down radar inventory, purchased primarily during fiscal 2016, due to the Company's decision in the fiscal 2017 third quarter to no longer actively pursue certain radar opportunities. The decision to write-down for this inventory is consistent with the triggering event identified during the fiscal 2017 third quarter relating to the Aerostar reporting unit and the radar product and radar services (Radar) asset group. This radar specific inventory write-down increased "Cost of sales" by $2,278 for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016. There were no specific radar inventory write-downs for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015.

Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment Loss
The Company performs impairment reviews of goodwill by reporting unit. At the end of fiscal 2016, the Company determined it had four reporting units: Engineered Films Division; Applied Technology Division; and two separate reporting units in the Aerostar Division, one of which was Vista and one of which was all other Aerostar operations (Aerostar excluding Vista).

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, management implemented managerial and financial reporting changes within Vista and Aerostar to further integrate Vista into the Aerostar Division. Integration actions included leadership re-alignment, including selling and business development leadership functions, re-deployment of employees across the division, and consolidation of administrative functions, among other actions. Based on the changes made, the Company consolidated the two separate reporting units within the Aerostar Division into one reporting unit for the purposes of goodwill impairment review. As such, as of April 30, 2016, the Company has three reporting units: Engineered Films Division, Applied Technology Division, and Aerostar Division. The Company reviewed the quantitative and qualitative factors associated with the change in reporting unit and determined there were no indicators of impairment at the time of the reporting unit change.

In the fiscal 2017 third quarter the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Aerostar reporting unit, which had $789 of goodwill as of October 31, 2016. The triggering event was caused by lowering the financial expectations for net sales and operating income of the reporting unit and certain asset groups due to delays and uncertainties regarding the reporting unit’s pursuit of certain opportunities, including aerostat orders, certain classified stratospheric balloon pursuits, and radar pursuits. Aerostar is still actively pursuing these opportunities and some are in active negotiations, but the timing of certain aerostat and classified stratospheric balloon opportunities are being delayed more than previously expected and the likelihood of radar sales is lower due to the Company's decision to no longer actively pursue certain radar product opportunities. The Step 1 impairment analysis was completed using fair value techniques as of October 31, 2016. In determining the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit, the Company was required to estimate a number of factors, including projected revenue growth rates, projected operating results, terminal growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows, and the discount rate. On the basis of these estimates, the October 31, 2016 analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit exceeded the reporting unit carrying value by approximately $9,000, or approximately 30.0%.
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Vista reporting unit, a subsidiary of the Aerostar Division, during the fiscal 2016 third quarter. A Step 1 impairment analysis was completed using fair value techniques as of October 31, 2015 and it was determined that the estimated fair value of the Vista reporting unit was less than the carrying value.
Pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance, the Company performed a Step 2 impairment analysis. Based on this Step 2 impairment analysis the resulting implied fair value of the Vista goodwill was determined to have no value compared to the $11,497 carrying value recorded for the reporting unit. This $11,497 shortfall was recorded in the prior fiscal year third quarter as an
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


impairment charge to operating income reported as "Goodwill impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
The Company reported $11,497 in goodwill impairment losses for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015. Goodwill gross and net of accumulated impairment losses at October 31, 2015 was $52,209 and $40,712, respectively. The Company's cumulative impairment loss recorded as of October 31, 2015 was $11,497.
The Company reported no impairment losses for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016. Goodwill gross and net of accumulated impairment losses at October 31, 2016 was $52,200 and $40,703, respectively. The Company's cumulative impairment loss recorded as of October 31, 2016 was $11,497.
Long-Lived Asset Impairment Loss
Fiscal 2017 third quarter assessment
The Company evaluated the triggering events described in the goodwill impairment analysis and determined there were also triggering events with respect to the assets associated with the aerostat and stratospheric programs (Lighter than Air) and Radar asset groups in the Aerostar reporting unit in the third quarter, which resulted in an asset impairment test.

Using the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with each of the two asset groups, a Step 1 test was performed for each asset group. The undiscounted cash flows for the Lighter than Air asset group exceeded the carrying value of the long-lived assets by approximately $110,000, or 800%, and no Step 2 test was deemed to be necessary based on the recoverability of the long-lived assets. For the Radar asset group, however, the undiscounted cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets and the Company performed a Step 2 impairment analysis for the long-lived assets.

In the Step 2 impairment analysis, the fair value determined was allocated to the assets and liabilities of the Radar asset group. The resulting estimated fair value of the Radar asset group long-lived assets was $175 compared to the carrying value of $262 for the asset group. The shortfall of $87 was recorded in the fiscal 2017 third quarter as an impairment charge to operating income reported as "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The total impairment loss related to property, plant, and equipment and patents was $62 and $25, respectively.

Fiscal 2016 third quarter assessment
As described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, the Company determined that the relevant cash flows for long-lived asset testing (the lowest level of cash flows that are largely independent of other assets) are one level below the Vista reporting unit. For Vista, these levels were determined to be asset groups identified for the client private business (CP) and Radar. Based on the assessment of the forecasts of cash flows and these asset groups, the Company concluded that certain long-lived assets of the Vista reporting unit, including finite-lived intangible assets, were impaired as of October 31, 2015.

Using the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with each of the two asset groups, a Step 1 test was performed for each asset group. The undiscounted cash flows for the CP asset group exceeded the carrying value of the long-lived assets and no Step 2 test was deemed to be necessary based on the recoverability of the long-lived assets. For the Radar asset group, however, the undiscounted cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets, resulting in an estimated fair value of the Radar asset group long-lived assets of $103 compared to the carrying value of $3,916 for the asset group. The shortfall of $3,813 was recorded in fiscal 2016 third quarter as an impairment charge to operating income reported as "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Of the total long-lived asset impairment of $3,813, $3,154 was related to amortizable intangible assets related to radar technology and radar customers, $554 was related to property, plant, and equipment, and $105 was related to patents.

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(7) EMPLOYEE POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company provides postretirement medical and other benefits to certain senior executive officers and senior managers. These plan obligations are unfunded. The components of the net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefits are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Service cost$20
 $49
 $60
 $265
Interest cost83
 92
 249
 302
Amortization of actuarial losses36
 38
 110
 206
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (gains)(40) 
 (120) 
Net periodic benefit cost$99
 $179
 $299
 $773

Postretirement benefit cost components are reclassified in their entirety from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost.  Net periodic benefit costs are reported in net income as “Cost of sales” or “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in a manner consistent with the classification of direct labor and personnel costs of the eligible employees.

(8) WARRANTIES

Accruals necessary for product warranties are estimated based on historical warranty costs and average time elapsed between purchases and returns for each division. Additional accruals are made for any significant, discrete warranty issues. Changes in the warranty accrual were as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Beginning balance$2,076
 $1,752
 $1,835
 $3,120
Accrual for warranties202
 571
 1,288
 1,319
Settlements made(426) (684) (1,271) (2,800)
Ending balance$1,852
 $1,639
 $1,852
 $1,639

(9) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The Company entered into a credit facility on April 15, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch as Canadian Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a syndicated senior revolving credit facility up to $125,000 with a maturity date of April 15, 2020. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (Wells Fargo), a participating lender under the Credit Agreement, holds the majority of the Company's cash and cash equivalents. One member of the Company's Board of Directors, who served through May 2016, is also on the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo & Company, the parent company of Wells Fargo.

Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with this Credit Agreement were $379 and $489 at October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively and are included in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loans or borrowings defined under the Credit Agreement bear interest and fees at varying rates and terms defined in the Credit Agreement based on the type of borrowing as defined. The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including those relating to financial reporting and notification, limits on levels of indebtedness and liens, investments, mergers and acquisitions, affiliate transactions, sales of assets, restrictive agreements, and change in control as defined in the Credit Agreement. Financial covenants include an interest coverage ratio and funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the Credit Agreement. The loan proceeds may be utilized by Raven for strategic business purposes and for working capital needs.

Simultaneous with execution of the Credit Agreement, Raven, Aerostar, Vista, and Integra entered into a guaranty agreement in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association in its capacity as administrator under the Credit Agreement for the benefit of JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Toronto Branch and the lenders and their affiliates under the Credit Agreement.

Letters of credit (LOCs) totaling $850 issued under a previous line of credit with Wells Fargo were outstanding at October 31, 2015. These LOC primarily support self-insured workers' compensation bonding. All but one $50 LOC has been transferred and issued under the Credit Agreement as of October 31, 2016. At October 31, 2016, $464 of LOCs were outstanding under the Credit
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Agreement and $50 issued by Wells Fargo was outstanding. Any draws required under the Wells Fargo LOC would be settled with available cash or borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
There were no borrowings under either credit agreement for any of the fiscal periods covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Availability under the Credit Agreement for borrowings as of October 31, 2016 was $124,536.

The Company has requested and received the necessary covenant waivers relating to its late filing of financial statement information.

(10) CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and litigation. The Company has concluded that the ultimate outcome of these matters is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.

(11) INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state and local taxes, research and development tax credit, tax benefits on qualified production activities, and tax-exempt insurance premiums. The Company’s year-to-date effective tax rates for the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 were 26.9% and 13.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the prior year effective tax rate being significantly lower due to the impact of the affects of the impairment and other charges which is partially offset by the inclusion of an R&D tax credit in the current period provision for income taxes. Congress permanently enacted this credit into law in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. No estimate of the R&D tax credit was included in the provision for income taxes for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015.

As of October 31, 2016, undistributed earnings of approximately $2,365 of the Canadian and European subsidiaries were considered to have been reinvested indefinitely and, accordingly, the Company has not provided United States income taxes on such earnings. This estimated tax liability would be approximately $270 net of foreign tax credits.

(12) RESTRUCTURING COSTS

At October 31, 2016, there are no ongoing restructuring plans or unpaid restructuring costs. No restructuring costs were incurred in the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.

In the fiscal 2015 fourth quarter, the Company announced and implemented a restructuring plan to lower Applied Technology’s cost structure. In the same period, Engineered Films implemented a preemptive restructuring plan to address the decline in demand in the energy sector as the result of falling oil prices. The Company also initiated the exit of Applied Technology’s non-strategic St. Louis, Missouri contract manufacturing facility.

Exit activities related to this sale and transfer of these contract manufacturing operations were substantially completed during the fiscal 2016 first quarter. Gains of $611 were recorded for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2015 as a result of the exit activity. There were no gains recorded in the three-month period ended October 31, 2015. Receivables for inventory and estimated future royalties pursuant to the sale agreements of $420 were included in "Other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at October 31, 2015. At October 31, 2016, such receivables were $71.

In the fiscal 2017 second quarter, the land, building, and remaining equipment in St. Louis that was owned and held for sale was sold. The selling price, net of all selling expenses, exceeded the net book value of the assets held for sale. A gain of $161 was recorded on this sale.

In the fiscal 20162018 first quarter, the Company announced and implemented a restructuring plan to further lower its cost structure. The cost reductions covered all divisions and included the corporate offices, but were weighted to Applied Technology as a result of the decline in this business and the expectation of continued end-market weakness for this division.

The Company incurred restructuring costs for severance benefits of $588 in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2015. This restructuring plan was completed during the fiscal 2016 second quarter so no costs were incurred related to this restructuring plan in the three-month period ended October 31, 2015. The Company reported $407 of these restructuring costs in "Cost of sales" and the remaining $181 were reported in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. There were no unpaid costs at October 31, 2015. Substantially all of these restructuring costs related to the Applied Technology Division.

(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(13) DIVIDENDS AND TREASURY STOCK

Dividends paid to Raven shareholders for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2016 were $4,690 and $14,078 or 13.0 cents and 39.0 cents per share, respectively. Dividends paid to Raven shareholders for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015 were $4,764 and $14,598, or 13.0 cents and 39.0 cents per share, respectively.

Effective March 21, 2016 the Board of Directors (Board) authorized an extension and increase of the authorized $40,000 stock buyback program in place.An additional $10,000 was authorized for share repurchases once the $40,000 authorization limit is reached.

Pursuant to these authorizations, the Company repurchased 484,252 shares , or $7,702, in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016. None of these shares were repurchased in the three-month period ended October 31, 2016. The Company repurchased1,052,587 and 1,602,545 shares in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015. These purchases totaled $18,513 and $29,338, respectively. All such share repurchases were paid at October 31, 2015. The remaining dollar value authorized for share repurchases at October 31, 2016 is $12,959. This authorization remains in place until such time as the authorized spending limit is reached or such authorization is revoked by the Board.

(14) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company reserves shares for issuance pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan effective March 23, 2012, administered by the Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Two types of awards, stock options and restricted stock units, were granted during the nine months endedOctober 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015.

Stock Option Awards
The Company granted 274,200 and 289,600 non-qualified stock options during the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively. None of these options were granted in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2016 or October 31, 2015. Options are granted with exercise prices not less than the market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The stock options vest over a four-year period and expire after five years. Options contain retirement and change-in-control provisions that may accelerate the vesting period. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within this valuation model.

The weighted average assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model by grant year are as follows:
  Nine Months Ended
  October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015
Risk-free interest rate 1.05% 1.33%
Expected dividend yield 3.33% 2.59%
Expected volatility factor 32.61% 36.81%
Expected option term (in years) 4.00
 3.75
     
Weighted average grant date fair value $3.05 $4.77

Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs)
The Company granted 70,947 and 27,696 time-vested RSUs to employees in the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company granted 4,577 and 8,446 awards in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015. The grant date fair value of a time-vested RSU is measured based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The grant date fair value per share of the time-vested RSUs granted in the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 was $15.94 and $19.90, respectively. Time-vested RSUs will vest if, at the end of the three-year period, the employee remains employed by the Company. RSUs contain retirement and change-in-control provisions that may accelerate the vesting period. Dividends are cumulatively earned on the time-vested RSUs over the vesting period.

The Company also granted performance-based RSUs in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016. The exact number of performance shares to be issued will vary from 0% to 150% of the target award, depending on the Company's actual performance over the three-year period in comparison to the target award. The target award for the fiscal 2017 and 2016 grants are based on return on equity (ROE), which is defined as net income divided by the average of beginning and ending shareholders' equity. The performance-based RSUs will vest if, at the end of the three-year performance period, the Company has achieved certain
(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


performance goals and the employee remains employed by the Company. RSUs contain retirement and change-in-control provisions that may accelerate the vesting period. Dividends are cumulatively earned on performance-based RSUs over the vesting period. The number of RSUs that will vest is determined by an estimated ROE target over the three-year performance period. The estimated ROE performance factors used to estimate the number of restricted stock units expected to vest are evaluated at least quarterly. The number of restricted stock units issued at the vesting date will be based on actual results.

The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units is based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the grant date. The number of performance-based RSUs granted is based on 100% of the target award. During the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company granted 72,950 and 68,570 performance-based RSUs, respectively. None of the performance-based RSUs were granted in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the performance-based RSUs granted in the periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was $15.61 and $20.10.

(15) SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company's reportable segments are defined by their product lines which have been grouped in these segments based on common technologies, production methods, and inventories. Raven's reportable segments are Applied Technology, Engineered Films, and Aerostar. The Company measures the performance of its segments based on their operating income excluding administrative and general expenses. Other expense and income taxes are not allocated to individual operating segments, and assets not identifiable to an individual segment are included as corporate assets. Segment information is reported consistent with the Company's management reporting structure.

Business segment net sales and operating income results are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
Net sales       
Applied Technology$25,203
 $21,344
 $79,327
 $74,165
Engineered Films38,551
 36,919
 104,307
 104,029
Aerostar9,003
 9,456
 25,313
 27,338
Intersegment eliminations (a)
(235) (108) (467) (130)
Consolidated net sales$72,522
 $67,611
 $208,480
 $205,402
        
Operating income (loss)       
Applied Technology (b) (c)
$6,415
 $3,299
 $20,280
 $16,081
Engineered Films7,129
 6,145
 17,666
 15,981
Aerostar (d) (e)
(1,375) (15,474) (1,804) (15,013)
Intersegment eliminations (a)
(16) 9
 (21) 93
Total reportable segment income (loss)12,153
 (6,021) 36,121
 17,142
Administrative and general expenses(4,764) (3,802) (13,986) (13,322)
Consolidated operating income (loss)$7,389
 $(9,823) $22,135
 $3,820
(a)Intersegment sales for both fiscal 2017 and 2016 were primarily sales from Engineered Films to Aerostar.
(b)Includes $161 gain for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016 on the disposal of an idle manufacturing plant held for sale.
(c) Includes gains of $611 for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2015 on disposal of assets related to the exit of contract manufacturing operations.
(d) The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015 include pre-contract cost write-offs of $2,933 (which is comprised of $2,075 of costs capitalized as of July 31, 2015 and additional costs of $858 capitalized during August and September 2015), a goodwill impairment loss of $11,497, a long-lived impairment loss of $3,813 and a reduction of $2,273 of an acquisition-related contingent liability for Vista as a result of changes in expected sales and cash flows.
(e) The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 include inventory write-downs of $2,278 as a result of changes in expected sales of a specific product line within radar business.

(16) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

early adopted Accounting Standards Adopted
In November 2015Update (ASU) No. 2017-04 (issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" (ASU 2015-17). Currently GAAP requires the deferred

taxes for each jurisdiction (or tax-paying component of a jurisdiction) to be presented as a net current asset or liability and net noncurrentasset or liability. This requires a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis based on the classification of the assets and liabilities to which the underlying temporary differences relate, or, in the case of loss or credit carryforwards, based on the period in which the attribute is expected to be realized. To simplify presentation, ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting within a jurisdiction - that is, companies are still prohibited from offsetting deferred tax liabilities from one jurisdiction against deferred tax assets of another jurisdiction. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 in the fiscal 2017 first quarter using the prospective method. No current deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet. Since the Company adopted the guidance prospectively, the prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

In September 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments" (ASU 2015-16). The amendments in ASU 2015-16 apply to all entities that have reported provisional amounts for items in a business combination for which the accounting is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs and, during the measurement period, have an adjustment to provisional amounts recognized. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 requires that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this update require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement, or disclose in the notes, the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 when it became effective in the fiscal 2017 first quarter with no impact on its consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

In April 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05,January 2017), "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (CCA)" (ASU 2015-05). The amendments in ASU 2015-05 clarify existing GAAP guidance about a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a CCA with or without a software license. Examples of cloud computing arrangements include software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and other similar hosting arrangements. Under ASU 2015-05, fees paid by a customer in a CCA for a software license are within the scope of the internal-use software guidance if certain criteria are met. If the criteria are not met the fees paid are accounted for as a prepaid service contract and expensed. The Company has historically accounted for all fees in a CCA as a prepaid service contract. The Company adopted ASU 2015-05 in first quarter fiscal 2017 when it became effective using the prospective method. The Company did not pay any fees in a CCA in the current period that met the criteria to be in scope of the internal-use software guidance and it had no impact on the consolidated financial statements, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (ASU 2015-02). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: 1. Modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities; 2. Eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; 3. Affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and 4. Provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17 "Consolidation (Topic 810) - Interests Held through Related Parties that are under common Control" (ASU 2016-17) which amended ASU 2015-02. Under ASU 2016-17, the Company only needs to consider its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party when evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASU 2015-02 required that the common control party's interest be treated as if it was the Company's interest when evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-02 in first quarter fiscal 2017 and early adopted ASU 2016-17 in third quarter fiscal 2017. The Company reevaluated all of it legal entities and one investment accounted for using the equity method during the first quarter. In addition, this guidance was applied to the evaluation of the Company's investment in Ag Eagle in first quarter fiscal 2017 further discussed in Note 5 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies of this Form 10-Q. The Company did not have an indirect interest in any of the entities through an unconsolidated related party. Under ASU 2015-02 and the amended guidance in ASU 2016-17 neither of these equity method investments qualified for consolidation. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the legal entities consolidated or the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. No prior period retrospective adjustments were required.


In January 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (ASU 2015-01). The amendments in ASU 2015-01 eliminate the GAAP concept of extraordinary items and no longer requires that transactions that met the criteria for classification as extraordinary items be separately classified and reported in the financial statements. ASU 2015-01 retains the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently and expands them to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The Company adopted ASU 2015-01when it became effective in fiscal 2017 first quarter using the prospective method. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In August 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" (ASU 2014-15). The amendments in ASU 2014-15 require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. ASU 2014-15 requires certain financial statement disclosures when there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern" within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The Company adopted ASU 2014-15 in the fiscal 2017 first quarter when it became effective. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The UpdateImpairment" (ASU 2017-04) on a prospective basis . This ASU removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. The amount of any impairment may not exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The guidance is effectiveAs discussed in Note 7 Goodwill, Long-lived Assets, and Other Intangibles, management performed an assessment in the fiscal 2018 first, second and third quarters and determined no triggering events had occurred for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluatingof its three reporting units; therefore, the impact theearly adoption of this guidance willdid not have any impact on itsthe consolidated financial statements or the results of operations as of and disclosures. for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments provide a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. If the screen is not met, the amendments require further consideration of inputs, substantive processes and outputs to determine whether the transaction is an acquisition of a business. The new update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 will be implemented on a prospective basis.

In November 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" (ASU 2016-16). Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. The new guidance eliminates the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments in ASU 2016-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company can early adopt ASU 2016-16, but earlier adoption must be in the2018 first quarter ofwhen it became effective, the fiscal year. The amendmentsCompany adopted FASB ASU 2016-09 (issued in ASU 2016-16 will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" (ASU 2016-15. The new guidance clarifies eight cash flow classification issues where current GAAP was either unclear or has no specific guidance. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may elect to early adopt ASU 2016-15 in any interim period. If an entity early adopts it must adopt all eight of the amendments in the same period and if early adopted in an interim period any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the year. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the classification of certain items on its consolidated statements of cash flows.

In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" (ASU 2016-13). Current GAAP generally delays recognition of the full amount of credit losses until

the loss is probable of occurring. The amendments in this guidance eliminate the probable initial recognition threshold and, instead, reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. Previously, when credit losses were measured under GAAP, an entity generally only considered past events and current conditions in measuring the incurred loss. Under ASU 2016-13 the Company will need to create an economic forecast over the entire contractual life of long-dated financial assets. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities may elect to early adopt ASU 2016-13 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 will be applied using the modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the first reporting period. The Company's trade accounts receivable are in-scope under ASU 2016-13. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.

In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-09,2016), "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 amends the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions to require recognition of the tax effects resulting from the settlement of stock-based awards as discrete income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the reporting period in which they occur. In addition, thisThis guidance also requires that all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments, including the excess tax benefits related to the settlement of stock-based awards be classifieddisclosed as operating cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The guidance also requiresflows and that cash paid to taxing authorities on employeethe behalf of employees for withheld shares should be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. In addition, the guidance alsoFinally, this ASU allows
(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


companies to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, consistent with current U.S. GAAP, or account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. The Company is prospectively recognizing excess tax benefits or deficits on vesting or settlement of awards, when they occur, as a discrete income tax benefit or expense instead of as additional paid-in capital as required under previous guidance. This change to the Company's accounting policies resulted in recognition of income tax expense of $2 and $571 for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017. These tax-related cash flows are now classified within operating activities. The Company classifies tax payments made to taxing authorities on the employee's behalf for withheld shares as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows, as such the adoption of this guidance had no impact. Under the new standardguidance, excess tax benefits are no longer included in assumed proceeds under the treasury stock method of calculating earnings per share. The increase in incremental shares used in the weighted average diluted shares calculation was not material to the Company's diluted earnings per share calculation.

In the fiscal 2018 first quarter when it became effective, the Company adopted the FASB ASU No. 2015-11 (issued in July 2015), "Inventory (Topic 330) Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory" (ASU 2015-11) on a prospective basis. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 clarify that an entity should measure inventory within the scope of this update at the lower of cost and 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. Substantial and unusual losses that result from subsequent measurement of inventory should be disclosed in the financial statements. Previously the Company reported its inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market was defined as replacement cost with a ceiling of net realizable value and a floor of net realizable value less a normal profit margin. The Company evaluates its inventory in all three reporting segments quarterly to determine if cost exceeds net realizable value and records a write-down, if necessary. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the consolidated financial statements or the results of operations as of and for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting" (ASU 2017-09). The guidance amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The ASU provides guidance on the types of changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards to which an entity would be required to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards as equity instruments or a liability instruments are the same immediately before and after the modification to the award. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods, in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 with early2017. Early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-09 requires thatis permitted and the various amendments should be adopted using different methods.applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The Company is evaluating the impactcurrently has no plans to modify any of its outstanding awards. The Company will consider early adopting this guidance if modifications to its share-based compensation arrangements are likely to occur. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" (ASU 2017-07). The guidance clarifies where the cost components of the net benefit cost should be reported in the income statement and it allows only the service cost to be capitalized. Currently the Company reports all of the components of the net benefit cost in "Operating income" in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. The net benefit cost for participants that are active employees is reported in the same manner as each participant's compensation cost is classified in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. The net benefit cost attributable to retired (inactive) participants is reported in "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income. Under the new guidance only the service cost component of the net benefit cost will be classified the same as the participant's compensation cost. The other components of the net benefit cost are required to be reported separately as a non-operating income (expense). The guidance is effective for annual periods, including interim periods, in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments should be applied retrospectively. The Company does not expect this guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations and disclosures since it primarily will only change how the net benefit cost is classified in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02). The primary difference between previous GAAP and ASU 2016-02 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The guidance requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. When measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, a lessee (and a lessor) should include payments to be made in optional periods only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. Similarly, optional payments to purchase the underlying asset should be included in the measurement of lease assets and lease liabilities only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that purchase option. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease
(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. An entity that elects to apply the practical expedients will, in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with previous GAAP unless the lease is modified, except that lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating leases at each reporting date based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments that were tracked and disclosed under previous GAAP. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.


In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue"Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive new recognition model that requires recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue"Revenue Recognition," and most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In August 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date (ASU 2015-14) and the standard is now effective for the Company for fiscal 2019 and interim periods therein. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted as of the original effective date, which for the Company is fiscal 2018. The guidance may be applied using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). In addition, FASB has amended Topic 606 prior to it becoming effective. The effective date and transition requirements for these amendments to Topic 606 are the same as ASU 2014-09. The Company is currentlyin its final stages of evaluating the methodimpact that the standard will have on revenue recognition. The Company has reviewed contracts for all material revenue streams across the Company's three divisions, held discussions with key stakeholders, and date of adoption and the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and all subsequent amendments to Topic 606, will haveassessed potential impacts on the Company’s consolidated financial position,statements, results of operations, disclosures, and disclosures. internal controls over financial reporting. The Company currently recognizes a significant majority of its revenue across all three divisions at a point-in-time with some exceptions that are recognized over time. These exceptions primarily relate to certain revenue streams within the Aerostar Division and installation sales within the Engineered Films Division. Management expects that this will remain materially consistent upon adoption of the new standard, but has identified a few exceptions for which further evaluation is necessary, and for which the timing of revenue recognition could be impacted. Additionally, the Company expects to make additional disclosures related to the revenues arising from contracts with customers as required by the new standard. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using the modified retrospective approach.



(3) NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares and fully vested stock units outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding which includes the shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options (net of shares assumed purchased with the option proceeds), stock units, and restricted stock units outstanding. Performance share awards are included in the diluted calculation based upon what would be issued if the end of the most recent reporting period was the end of the term of the award. Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding are excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation if their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.
Certain outstanding options and restricted stock units were excluded from the diluted net income per-share calculations because their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method. The options and restricted stock units excluded from the diluted net income per-share share calculation were as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Anti-dilutive options and restricted stock units338,244 653,513 385,157 922,041

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)



The computation of earnings per share is presented below:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Numerator:       
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc.$11,998
 $5,741
 $32,581
 $15,753
        
Denominator:       
Weighted average common shares outstanding35,829,880
 36,076,259
 36,002,024
 36,164,468
Weighted average fully vested stock units outstanding109,558
 97,716
 105,830
 100,595
Denominator for basic calculation35,939,438
 36,173,975
 36,107,854
 36,265,063
        
Weighted average common shares outstanding35,829,880
 36,076,259
 36,002,024
 36,164,468
Weighted average fully vested stock units outstanding109,558
 97,716
 105,830
 100,595
Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock units380,997
 122,270
 369,339
 70,102
Denominator for diluted calculation36,320,435
 36,296,245
 36,477,193
 36,335,165
        
Net income per share ─ basic$0.33
 $0.16
 $0.90
 $0.43
Net income per share ─ diluted$0.33
 $0.16
 $0.89
 $0.43


(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)



(4) SELECTED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Following are the components of selected items from the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
  October 31, 2017 January 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, net:      
     Trade accounts $60,621
 $43,834
 $40,257
     Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,048) (691) (703)
  $59,573
 $43,143
 $39,554
Inventories:      
Finished goods $7,063
 $5,438
 $5,686
In process 1,035
 2,288
 2,325
Materials 45,383
 34,610
 34,802
 
$53,481

$42,336

$42,813
Other current assets:      
Insurance policy benefit $593
 $802
 $776
     Income tax receivable 269
 604
 228
Receivable from sale of business 17
 28
 71
     Prepaid expenses and other 3,031
 1,255
 1,672
  $3,910
 $2,689
 $2,747
Property, plant and equipment, net:      
Land $3,234
 $3,054
 $3,054
Buildings and improvements 80,009
 77,817
 78,674
Machinery and equipment 147,723
 142,471
 142,946
     Accumulated depreciation (125,315) (117,018) (115,726)
  $105,651
 $106,324
 $108,948
Other assets:      
Equity method investments $1,884
 $2,371
 $2,346
Deferred income taxes 18
 18
 65
Other 1,024
 1,283
 1,335
  $2,926
 $3,672
 $3,746
Accrued liabilities:      
Salaries and related $6,464
 $6,286
 $3,931
Benefits 4,128
 3,960
 3,720
Insurance obligations 3,106
 2,400
 2,022
Warranties 1,217
 1,547
 1,852
Income taxes 1,668
 498
 332
Other taxes 1,446
 1,540
 1,230
Acquisition-related contingent consideration 815
 445
 396
Other 2,801
 1,379
 1,225
  $21,645
 $18,055
 $14,708
Other liabilities:      
Postretirement benefits $8,110
 $8,054
 $7,714
Acquisition-related contingent consideration 2,016
 1,397
 1,385
Deferred income taxes 393
 1,421
 257
Uncertain tax positions 2,584
 2,610
 2,778
Other 353
 214
 
  $13,456
 $13,696
 $12,134


(5) ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

The Company continually analyzes its product and service offerings to ensure we serve market segments with attractive near- and long-term growth prospects that are consistent with our core capabilities. Through this continued evaluation the Company's Aerostar segment finalized a plan ("the Plan") to actively market the sale of its client private and radar product lines, which it has determined constitutes a business. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company determined that it was probable that these product lines would be sold within one year. The Company has identified specific assets and liabilities likely to be sold, including an allocation of goodwill based on the relative fair value of the business to be sold. Currently, the Company estimates
(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


the fair value of the net assets held for sale is in excess of their net book value. As such there is no impact to the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.
Under the Plan, Aerostar will remain focused on serving the aerospace/defense market with its stratospheric balloon product and service offerings.
Amounts classified as held for sale are as follows:
 October 31, 2017
Assets held for sale 
Inventories$3,000
Other current assets79
Total current assets held for sale3,079
Property, plant and equipment, net227
Goodwill102
Amortizable intangible assets, net358
Other assets17
          Total assets held for sale$3,783
  
Liabilities held for sale
 
Current liabilities$392
Other long-term liabilities127
Total liabilities held for sale$519


(6) ACQUISITIONS OF AND INVESTMENTS IN BUSINESSES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Colorado Lining International, Inc.
On September 1, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets ("the acquisition") of Colorado Lining International, Inc., a Colorado corporation, headquartered in Parker, CO (“CLI”). The acquisition will immediately align under the Company’s Engineered Films Division. The acquisition enhances the Company’s geomembrane market position through extended service and product offerings with the addition of new design-build and installation service components, and will advance Engineered Films’ business model into a vertically-integrated, full-service solutions provider for the geomembrane market. The acquisition constitutes a business and as such was accounted for as a business combination.

The purchase price was approximately $15,088. This includes potential earn-out payments with an estimated fair value of $1,256 which are contingent upon achieving certain revenues and operational synergies. The acquisition includes a working capital adjustment to be settled within ninety days after acquisition.

In the initial acquisition accounting, the fair value of the business acquired was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is reflected as goodwill. Goodwill recorded as part of the purchase price allocation was $5,941, all of which is tax deductible. Identifiable intangible assets acquired as part of the acquisition were $610, including definite-lived intangibles, such as customer relationships and order backlog. The estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary and may be adjusted as the Company obtains additional information, primarily related to adjustments for the true up of acquired net working capital in accordance with the asset purchase agreement. If there are adjustments made for these items, the fair value of intangible assets and goodwill could be impacted. Thus, the provisional measurements of fair value are subject to change.

Ag-Eagle Aerial Systems, Inc.
In February 2016, the Applied Technology Division acquired an interest of approximately 5% in AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc. (AgEagle). AgEagle is a privately held company that is a provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used for agricultural applications. Contemporaneously with the execution of this agreement, AgEagle and the Company entered into a distribution agreement whereby the Company was appointed as the exclusive distributor of the existing AgEagle system as it pertains to the agriculture market. The Company’s equity ownership interest is considered a variable interest and it accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. The Company is not the primary beneficiary as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the
(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. The purchase price was allocated between the equity ownership interest and an intangible asset for the exclusive distribution agreement. In April 2017, the Company determined that the investment in AgEagle, was fully impaired, further described in Note 7 Goodwill, Long-lived Assets and Other Intangibles, due to lower than expected cash flows. The Company has no commitments or guarantees related to this equity method investment.
Acquisition-related Contingent Consideration
The Company has contingent liabilities related to the recent acquisition of CLI, as well as the prior acquisitions of SBG Innovatie BV and its affiliate, Navtronics BVBA (collectively, SBG) in May 2014 and Vista Research, Inc. (Vista) in January 2012. The fair value of such contingent consideration is estimated as of the acquisition date, and subsequently at the end of each reporting period, using forecasted cash flows. Projecting future cash flows requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future events, conditions, or revenues being achieved under the subject contingent agreement as well as the appropriate discount rate. Such valuation techniques include one or more significant inputs that are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures).

Changes in the fair value of the liability for acquisition-related contingent consideration are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Beginning balance$1,567
 $1,901
 $1,741
 $2,059
Fair value of contingent consideration acquired1,256
 
 1,256
 
Change in fair value of the liability52
 (165) 198
 (41)
Contingent consideration earn-out paid(44) (36) (364) (318)
Ending balance$2,831
 $1,700
 $2,831
 $1,700
        
Classification of liability in the Consolidated balance sheet       
Accrued Liabilities    $815
 $315
Other Liabilities, long-term    2,016
 1,385
Balance at October 31, 2017    $2,831
 $1,700
        


In the recent CLI acquisition, the Company entered into a contingent earn-out agreement, not to exceed $2,000. The earn-out is paid annually for three years after the purchase date, contingent upon achieving certain revenues and operational synergies. To date, the Company has made no payments on this potential earn-out liability.

In connection with the acquisition of SBG, Raven is committed to making additional earn-out payments, not to exceed $2,500 calculated and paid quarterly for ten years after the purchase date contingent upon achieving certain revenues. To date, the Company has paid a total of $847 of this potential earn-out liability.

Related to the acquisition of Vista in 2012, the Company is committed to making annual payments based upon earn-out percentages on specific revenue streams for seven years after the purchase date, not to exceed $15,000. To date, the Company has paid a total of $1,572 of this potential earn-out liability.

(7) GOODWILL, LONG-LIVED ASSETS, AND OTHER CHARGES

Goodwill

Fiscal 2018
Management assesses goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever a triggering event indicates there may be an impairment. Impairment tests of goodwill are done at the reporting unit level. Management performed an assessment in the fiscal 2018 third quarter and determined that no triggering events had occurred for any of the Company's reporting units. There were no goodwill impairment losses reported in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Fiscal 2017
In the fiscal 2017 third quarter the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Aerostar reporting unit, which had $789 of goodwill as of October 31, 2016. The triggering event was caused by lowering the financial expectations for net sales and operating income of the reporting unit and certain asset groups due to delays and uncertainties regarding the reporting unit’s pursuit of certain opportunities, including aerostat orders, certain classified stratospheric balloon pursuits, and radar pursuits. Aerostar was still actively pursuing these opportunities and some were in active negotiations, but the timing of certain aerostat and classified stratospheric balloon opportunities are being delayed more than previously expected and the likelihood of radar sales is lower due to the Company's decision to no longer actively pursue certain radar product opportunities.

AStep 1 impairment analysis was completed using fair value techniques as of October 31, 2016. In determining the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit, the Company was required to estimate a number of factors, including projected revenue growth rates, projected operating results, terminal growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows, and the discount rate. On the basis of these estimates, the October 31, 2016 analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit exceeded the reporting unit carrying value by approximately $9,000, or approximately 30.0%. There were no goodwill impairment losses reported in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows:
  
Applied
Technology
 
Engineered
Films
 Aerostar Total
Balance at January 31, 2017 $12,342
 $27,518
 $789
 $40,649
Additions due to business combinations 
 5,941
 
 5,941
Divestiture of business 
 
 (52) (52)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 214
 
 
 214
Balance at October 31, 2017 $12,556
 $33,459
 $737
 $46,752
         
Balance at January 31, 2016 $12,365
 $27,518
 $789
 $40,672
Foreign currency translation adjustment 31
 
 
 31
Balance at October 31, 2016 $12,396
 $27,518
 $789
 $40,703


Long-lived Assets and Other Intangibles

Fiscal 2018
The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangibles, equity method investments, and property plant and equipment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. For long-lived and intangible assets, the Company performs impairment reviews by asset groups. When performing long-lived asset testing, the fair values of assets are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information. Such valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures). An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is above the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset.

During first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company determined that the investment in AgEagle, further described in Note 6 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies, was impaired due to lower than expected cash flows. This impairment was determined to be other-than-temporary and an accelerated equity method investment loss of $72 was reported in "Other (expense), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017. The Company also determined the customer relationship intangible asset related to the Ag Eagle exclusive distribution agreement was fully impaired. The total impairment loss reported related to this intangible asset was $259 and was reported in "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017. There were no long-lived asset impairments or accelerated equity method investment losses reported in the three-month period ended October 31, 2017.

Fiscal 2017
The Company evaluated the triggering events described in the goodwill impairment analysis and determined there were also triggering events with respect to the assets associated with the aerostat and stratospheric programs (Lighter than Air) and Radar asset groups in the Aerostar reporting unit in the third quarter, which resulted in an asset impairment test.

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Using the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with each of the two asset groups, a Step 1 test was performed for each asset group. The undiscounted cash flows for the Lighter than Air asset group exceeded the carrying value of the long-lived assets by approximately $110,000, or 800%, and no Step 2 test was deemed to be necessary based on the recoverability of the long-lived assets. For the Radar asset group, however, the undiscounted cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets and the Company performed a Step 2 impairment analysis for the long-lived assets.

In the Step 2 impairment analysis, the fair value determined was allocated to the assets and liabilities of the Radar asset group. The resulting estimated fair value of the Radar asset group long-lived assets was $175 compared to the carrying value of $262 for the asset group. The shortfall of $87 was recorded in the fiscal 2017 third quarter as an impairment charge to operating income reported as "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The total impairment loss related to property, plant, and equipment and patents was $62 and $25, respectively.

The following table provides the gross carrying amount and related accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets:
 October 31, 2017 January 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
  Accumulated   Accumulated   Accumulated 
 AmountamortizationNet AmountamortizationNet AmountamortizationNet
Existing technology$7,218
$(6,854)$364
 $7,136
$(6,553)$583
 $7,157
$(6,490)$667
Customer relationships13,220
(4,503)8,717
 12,987
(3,680)9,307
 13,000
(3,421)9,579
Patents and other intangibles4,708
(2,414)2,294
 4,378
(2,220)2,158
 4,427
(2,162)2,265
Total$25,146
$(13,771)$11,375
 $24,501
$(12,453)$12,048
 $24,584
$(12,073)$12,511


Inventory write-downs
During the fiscal 2017 third quarter, the Company wrote-down radar inventory, purchased primarily during fiscal 2016, due to the Company's decision in the fiscal 2017 third quarter to no longer actively pursue certain radar opportunities. The decision to write-down this inventory is consistent with the triggering event identified during the fiscal 2017 third quarter relating to the Aerostar reporting unit and the radar product and radar services (Radar) asset group. This radar specific inventory write-down increased "Cost of sales" by $2,278 for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016. There were no material inventory write-downs in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.

(8) EMPLOYEE POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company provides postretirement medical and other benefits to certain current and past senior executive officers and senior managers. These plan obligations are unfunded. The components of the net periodic benefit cost for postretirement benefits are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Service cost$21
 $20
 $64
 $60
Interest cost83
 83
 247
 249
Amortization of actuarial losses30
 36
 90
 110
Amortization of unrecognized gains in prior service cost(40) (40) (120) (120)
Net periodic benefit cost$94
 $99
 $281
 $299

Postretirement benefit cost components are reclassified in their entirety from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net periodic benefit cost.  Net periodic benefit costs are reported in net income as “Cost of sales” or “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” in a manner consistent with the classification of direct labor and personnel costs of the eligible employees.

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(9) WARRANTIES

Accruals necessary for product warranties are estimated based on historical warranty costs and average time elapsed between purchases and returns for each division. Additional accruals are made for any significant, discrete warranty issues. Changes in the warranty accrual were as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Beginning balance$2,265
 $2,076
 $1,547
 $1,835
Change in provision(274) 202
 1,504
 1,288
Settlements made(774) (426) (1,834) (1,271)
Ending balance$1,217
 $1,852
 $1,217
 $1,852


(10) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The Company entered into a credit facility on April 15, 2015 with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch as Canadian Administrative Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and each lender from time to time party thereto (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement provides for a syndicated senior revolving credit facility up to $125,000 with a maturity date of April 15, 2020.

Simultaneous with execution of the Credit Agreement, Raven, and its subsidiaries entered into a guaranty agreement in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association in its capacity as administrator under the Credit Agreement for the benefit of JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Toronto Branch and the lenders and their affiliates under the Credit Agreement.

Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with this Credit Agreement were $270, $352 and $379 at October 31, 2017, January 31, 2017, and October 31, 2016, respectively and are included in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loans or borrowings defined under the Credit Agreement bear interest and fees at varying rates and terms defined in the Credit Agreement based on the type of borrowing as defined. The Credit Agreement includes annual administrative and unborrowed capacity fees. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including those relating to financial reporting and notification, limits on levels of indebtedness and liens, investments, mergers and acquisitions, affiliate transactions, sales of assets, restrictive agreements, and change in control as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company requested and received the necessary covenant waivers relating to its late filing of financial information in fiscal 2017. Financial covenants include an interest coverage ratio and funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the Credit Agreement. The loan proceeds may be utilized by Raven for strategic business purposes and for working capital needs.

Letters of credit (LOCs) totaling $1,103 were outstanding at October 31, 2017. Letters of Credit totaling $514 were outstanding at January 31, 2017, and October 31, 2016. Any draws required under the LOCs would be settled with available cash or borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement for any of the fiscal periods covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Availability under the Credit Agreement for borrowings as of October 31, 2017 was $123,947.

(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved as a party in lawsuits, claims, regulatory inquiries, or disputes arising in the normal course of its business, the potential costs and liability of which cannot be determined at this time.  Among these matters is a patent infringement lawsuit filed in federal district court in Kansas, in which Capstan Ag Systems, Inc. has made certain infringement claims against the Company and one of its customers, CNH Industrial America LLC, related to the Applied Technology Division’s Hawkeye® Nozzle Control System. Management does not believe the ultimate outcomes of its legal proceedings are likely to be significant to its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Additionally, because of the present status of the lawsuit, management cannot determine the potential impact, if any, of the patent infringement lawsuit described above.
The Company has insurance policies that provide coverage to various degrees for potential liabilities arising from legal proceedings.
In addition to commitments disclosed elsewhere in the Notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has other unconditional purchase obligations that arise in the normal course of business operations. The majority of these obligations are related to the purchase of raw material inventory for the Applied Technology and Engineered Films divisions.

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


(12) INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the federal statutory rate primarily due to state and local taxes, research and development tax credit, tax benefits on qualified production activities, and tax-exempt insurance premiums. The Company’s effective tax rates for the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016 were 31.3% and 26.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to higher pre-tax income in the current year and recognition of discrete tax expense related to the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the fiscal 2018 as further discussed in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. This ASU requires that the tax effects resulting from the settlement of stock-based awards be recognized as a discrete income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the reporting period in which they occur.

(13) DIVIDENDS AND TREASURY STOCK

Dividends paid to Raven shareholders for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 were $4,648 and $14,032, or 13.0 cents and 39.0 cents per share, respectively. Dividends paid to Raven shareholders for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 were $4,690 and $14,078, or 13.0 cents and 39.0 cents per share, respectively. There were no declared and unpaid shareholder dividends at October 31, 2017 or 2016.

Effective March 21, 2016 the Board of Directors (Board) authorized an extension and increase of the authorized $40,000 stock buyback program in place at that time.An additional $10,000 was authorized for share repurchases once the $40,000 authorization limit is reached.

Pursuant to these authorizations, the Company repurchased 348,286 shares, or $10,000, in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017. The Company repurchased 484,252 shares, or $7,702, in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016. None of these shares were repurchased in the three-month period ended October 31, 2016. There were no share repurchases unpaid at October 31, 2017 or October 31, 2016. The remaining dollar value authorized for share repurchases at October 31, 2017 is $2,959. This authorization remains in place until such time as the authorized spending limit is reached or such authorization is revoked by the Board.

(14) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company reserves shares for issuance pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan effective March 23, 2012, administered by the Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Two types of awards, stock options and restricted stock units, were granted during the nine months endedOctober 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016.

Stock Option Awards
The Company granted 85,800 non-qualified stock options during the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017. The Company granted 274,200 non-qualified stock options during the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016. None of these options were granted in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively. Options are granted with exercise prices based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The stock options vest over a four-year period and expire after five years. Options contain retirement and change-in-control provisions, as well as termination without cause provisions for certain executive officers, which may accelerate the vesting period. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within this valuation model.

The weighted average assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model by grant year are as follows:
 Nine Months Ended
 October 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
Risk-free interest rate1.68% 1.05%
Expected dividend yield1.78% 3.33%
Expected volatility factor33.87% 32.61%
Expected option term (in years)4.25
 4.00
    
Weighted average grant date fair value$7.35 $3.05


(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs)
The Company granted 4,593 and 60,413 time-vested RSUs to employees in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017, respectively. The Company granted 4,577 and 70,947 time-vested RSUs to employees in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016, respectively. The grant date fair value of a time-vested RSU is measured based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of the time-vested RSUs granted in the periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was $29.25 and $15.94. Time-vested RSUs will vest if, at the end of the three-year period, the employee remains employed by the Company. RSUs contain retirement and change-in-control provisions, as well as termination without cause provisions for certain executive officers, which may accelerate the vesting period. Dividends are cumulatively earned on the time-vested RSUs over the vesting period.

The Company also granted performance-based RSUs in the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The exact number of performance shares to be issued will vary from 0% to 150% of the target award, depending on the Company's actual performance over the three-year period in comparison to the target award. The target award for the fiscal 2017 and 2016 grants are based on return on equity (ROE), which is defined as net income divided by the average of beginning and ending shareholders' equity. The performance-based RSUs will vest if, at the end of the three-year performance period, the Company has achieved certain performance goals and the employee remains employed by the Company. RSUs contain retirement and change-in-control provisions, as well as termination without cause provisions for certain executive officers, which may accelerate the vesting period. Dividends are cumulatively earned on performance-based RSUs over the vesting period. The number of RSUs that will vest is determined by an estimated ROE target over the three-year performance period. The estimated ROE performance factors used to estimate the number of restricted stock units expected to vest are evaluated at least quarterly. The number of restricted stock units issued at the vesting date will be based on actual results.

The fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units is based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the day prior to the grant date. The number of performance-based RSUs granted is based on 100% of the target award. During the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company granted 22,745 and 72,950 performance-based RSUs, respectively. None of these awards were granted in the three-month periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of these performance-based RSUs granted in the periods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, was $29.20 and $15.61.

(15) SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company's reportable segments are defined by their product lines which have been grouped in these segments based on technology, manufacturing processes, and end-use application. Raven's reportable segments are Applied Technology, Engineered Films, and Aerostar. The Company measures the performance of its segments based on their operating income excluding general and administrative expenses. Other expense and income taxes are not allocated to individual operating segments, and assets not identifiable to an individual segment are included as corporate assets. Separate financial information is available and regularly evaluated by the Company's chief operating decision-maker (CODM), the President and Chief Executive Officer, in making resource allocation decisions for the Company's reportable segments. Segment information is reported consistent with the Company's management reporting structure.

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Business segment net sales and operating income results are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Net sales       
Applied Technology$25,319
 $25,203
 $94,233
 $79,327
Engineered Films65,108
 38,551
 157,691
 104,307
Aerostar11,103
 9,003
 30,078
 25,313
Intersegment eliminations (a)
(181) (235) (508) (467)
Consolidated net sales$101,349
 $72,522
 $281,494
 $208,480
        
Operating income (loss)(b)
       
Applied Technology 
$5,357
 $6,415
 $25,447
 $20,280
Engineered Films17,115
 7,129
 35,386
 17,666
Aerostar(c)
1,359
 (1,375) 4,165
 (1,804)
Intersegment eliminations 
(12) (16) (3) (21)
Total reportable segment income23,819
 12,153
 64,995
 36,121
General and administrative expenses(d)
(5,990) (4,764) (17,247) (13,986)
Consolidated operating income$17,829
 $7,389
 $47,748
 $22,135

(a) Intersegment sales for both fiscal 2018 and 2017 were primarily sales from Engineered Films to Aerostar.
(b) At the segment level, operating income (loss) does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.
(c) The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 include inventory write-downs of $2,278 as a result of a strategic decision to narrow certain radar product offerings.
(d) At the segment level, operating income (loss) does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses and, as a result, "General and administrative expenses" are reported as a deduction from "Total reportable segment income" to reconcile to "Operating income" reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

(16) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated events up to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following commentary on the operating results, liquidity, capital resources, and financial condition of Raven Industries, Inc. (the Company or Raven) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Form 10-Q) and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016.2017.


The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is organized as follows:

Executive Summary
Results of Operations - Segment Analysis
Outlook
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Accounting Pronouncements

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Raven is a diversified technology company providing a variety of products to customers within the industrial, agricultural, energy,geomembrane, construction, defense/aerospace,aerospace/defense, and situational awareness markets. The Company is comprised of three unique operating divisions, classified into reportable segments: Applied Technology Division (Applied Technology), Engineered Films Division (Engineered Films), and Aerostar.Aerostar Division (Aerostar).

Management uses a number of metrics to assess the Company's performance:


Consolidated net sales, gross margin, operating income, operating margin, net income, and diluted earnings per share
Cash flow from operations and shareholder returns
Return on sales, assets, and equity
Segment net sales, gross profit, gross margin, operating income, and operating marginmargin. At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.


Vision and Strategy
At Raven, our purpose is to solve great challenges. Great challenges require great solutions. Raven’s three unique operating units share resources, ideas, and a passion to create technology that helps the world grow more food, produce more energy, protect the environment, and live safely.


The Raven business model is our platform for success. Our business model is defensible, sustainable, and gives us a consistent approach in the pursuit of quality financial results. This overall approach to creating value, which is employed across the three business segments, is summarized as follows:


Intentionally serve a set of diversified market segments with attractive near- and long-term growth prospects;
Consistently manage a pipeline of growth initiatives within our market segments;
Aggressively compete on quality, service, innovation, and peak performance;
Hold ourselves accountable for continuous improvement;
Value our balance sheet as a source of strength and stability with which to pursue strategic acquisitions; and
Make corporate responsibility a top priority.

As described in the Notes to the Financial Statements, four significant charges were recorded in the Aerostar Division in the fiscal 2016 third quarter. To allow evaluation of operating income and net income for the Company’s core business, the Company used two additional measures. The additional measurements are:
Segment operating income excluding Vista charges (Adjusted Operating Income)
Net income excluding Vista charges (Adjusted Net Income)

Information reported as Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Net Income excluding Vista charges, on both a consolidated and segment basis, do not conform to GAAP and are non-GAAP measures.

Non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management has included this non-GAAP information to assist in understanding the operating performance of the Company and its operating segments as well as the comparability of results. This non-GAAP information provided may not be consistent with the methodologies used by other companies. All non-GAAP information is reconciled with reported GAAP results in the tables that follow.
The following discussion highlights the consolidated operating results for the three- and nine-monthsnine-month periods ended October 31, 20162017 and 2015.2016. Segment operating results are more fully explained in the Results of Operations - Segment Analysis section.

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data) October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 % Change October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 % Change
Net sales $72,522
 $67,611
 7.3 % $208,480
 $205,402
 1.5 %
Gross profit 19,839
 16,972
 16.9 % 58,871
 55,189
 6.7 %
Gross margin (a)
 27.4% 25.1 %   28.2% 26.9%  
Operating income (loss) $7,389
 $(9,823) (175.2)% $22,135
 $3,820
 479.5 %
Operating margin (a)
 10.2% (14.5)%   10.6% 1.9%  
Net income (loss) attributable to Raven Industries, Inc. $5,741
 $(6,188) (192.8)% $15,753
 $2,858
 451.2 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.16
 $(0.17)   $0.43
 $0.08
  
             
Adjusted net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc. (b)
 $5,741
 $4,089
 40.4 % $15,753
 $13,135
 19.9 %
             
Operating cash flow       $38,685
 $35,181
 10.0 %
Capital expenditures       $(3,901) $(10,771) (63.8)%
Cash dividends       $(14,148) $(14,648) (3.4)%
Common share repurchases       $(7,702) $(29,338) (73.7)%
 
(a)The Company's gross and operating margins may not be comparable to industry peers due to the diversity of its operations and variability in the classification of expenses across industries in which the Company operates.
(b) Non-GAAP measure reconciled to GAAP in the following tables.
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data) October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 % Change
Net sales $101,349
 $72,522
 39.7 % $281,494
 $208,480
 35.0 %
Gross profit 33,333
 19,839
 68.0 % 91,802
 58,871
 55.9 %
Gross margin (a)
 32.9% 27.4%   32.6% 28.2%  
Operating income $17,829
 $7,389
 141.3 % $47,748
 $22,135
 115.7 %
Operating margin (a)
 17.6% 10.2%   17.0% 10.6%  
Net income attributable to Raven Industries, Inc. $11,998
 $5,741
 109.0 % $32,581
 $15,753
 106.8 %
Diluted earnings per share $0.33
 $0.16
   $0.89
 $0.43
  
             
Cash flow from operating activities $10,973
 $13,127
 (16.4)% $30,834
 $38,685
 (20.3)%
Cash outflow for capital expenditures $1,780
 $1,733
 2.7 % $7,003
 $3,901
 79.5 %
Cash dividends $4,648
 $4,720
 (1.5)% $14,032
 $14,148
 (0.8)%
Common share repurchases $10,000
 $
 

 $10,000
 $7,702
 29.8 %
 
(a) The Company's gross and operating margins may not be comparable to industry peers due to the diversity of its operations and variability in the classification of expenses across industries in which the Company operates.

The following table reconciles the reported operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure. On both a consolidated and segment basis, adjusted operating income excludes the goodwill impairment loss, long-lived asset impairment loss, pre-contract cost write-offs, and an acquisition-related contingent consideration benefit, all of which relate to the Vista Research, Inc. business within the Aerostar Division.
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands)October 31, 2016 October 31,
2015
 
%
Change
 October 31, 2016 October 31,
2015
 
%
Change
Aerostar           
Reported operating (loss) income$(1,375) $(15,474) (91.1)% $(1,804) $(15,013) (88.0)%
Plus:           
Goodwill impairment loss
 11,497
   
 11,497
  
Long-lived asset impairment loss
 3,813
     3,813
  
Pre-contract costs written off (a)

 2,933
   
 2,933
  
Less:           
Acquisition-related contingent liability benefit
 2,273
   
 2,273
  
Aerostar adjusted operating (loss) income$(1,375) $496
 (377.2)% $(1,804) $957
 (288.5)%
Aerostar adjusted operating income (loss) % of net sales(15.3)% 5.2%   (7.1)% 3.5%  
            
Consolidated Raven           
Reported operating income (loss)$7,389
 (9,823) (175.2)% $22,135
 3,820
 479.5 %
Plus:           
Goodwill impairment loss
 11,497
   
 11,497
  
Long-lived asset impairment loss
 3,813
   
 3,813
  
Pre-contract costs written off (a)

 2,933
   
 2,933
  
Less:           
Acquisition-related contingent liability benefit
 2,273
   
 2,273
  
Consolidated adjusted operating income$7,389
 $6,147
 20.2 % $22,135
 $19,790
 11.8 %
Consolidated adjusted operating income % of net sales

10.2 % 9.1%   10.6 % 9.6%  
 
(a)  The $2,933 pre-contract costs written off is comprised of $2,075 of costs capitalized as of July 31, 2015 and additional costs of $858 capitalized during August and September 2015.

The following table reconciles the reported net income (loss) to adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted net income excludes the goodwill impairment loss, long-lived asset impairment loss, pre-contract cost write-offs, an acquisition-related contingent consideration benefit, and the income tax effect of these items, all of which relate to the Vista Research, Inc. business within the Aerostar Division.

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 31, 2016 October 31,
2015
 
%
Change
 October 31, 2016 October 31,
2015
 
%
Change
Consolidated Raven            
Reported net income (loss) attributable to Raven
Industries
 $5,741
 $(6,188) (192.8)% $15,753
 $2,858
 451.2%
Plus:            
Goodwill impairment 
 11,497
   
 11,497
  
Long-lived asset impairment loss 
 3,813
   
 3,813
  
Deferred cost charge 
 2,933
   
 2,933
  
Less:            
Acquisition earn-out benefit 
 2,273
   
 2,273
  
Net tax benefit 
 5,693
   
 5,693
  
Adjusted net income attributable to Raven
Industries
 $5,741
 $4,089
 40.4 % $15,753
 $13,135
 19.9%
             
Adjusted net income per common share:            
   -basic $0.16
 $0.11
 45.5 % $0.43
 $0.35
 22.9%
   -diluted $0.16
 $0.11
 45.5 % $0.43
 $0.35
 22.9%
 
(a)  The $2,933 pre-contract costs written off is comprised of $2,075 of costs capitalized as of July 31, 2015 and additional costs of $858 capitalized during August and September 2015.


For the fiscal 20172018 third quarter, net sales were $72.5$101.3 million, up $4.9$28.8 million, or 7.3%39.7%, from $67.6$72.5 million in last year’s third quarter. The Company's operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 20172018 was $7.4$17.8 million, up $17.2$10.4 million, or 175.2% compared to third quarter fiscal 2016's operating loss. Last year’s third quarter results include a goodwill impairment charge of $11.5 million, long-lived asset impairment charge of $3.8 million, deferred pre-contract cost write-offs of $2.9 million (of which $2.1 million was related to amounts deferred in prior periods), and a benefit of $2.3 million as the result of a reduction of an acquisition-related contingent liability (earn-out liability), all of which are related to the Company’s Vista business. Excluding these specific Vista items, adjusted operating income for the third quarter fiscal 2017 was up $1.2 million or 20.2%141.3%, compared to $6.1 million adjusted operating income for the third quarter of last year.fiscal 2017. The increase in adjusted operating income was principally due to improved operating leverage on higher sales volumes and lower manufacturing expenses in both Applied Technology and Engineered Films, partially offset by an increase in radar inventory write-downs in Aerostar.volume. Net income for the third quarter of 2017fiscal 2018 was $12.0 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.7 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($6.2) million, or ($0.17) per diluted share, in last year's third quarter. Excluding the goodwill impairment, long-lived asset impairment, pre-contract cost write-offs, and earn-out reduction benefit related to Vista, adjusted net income attributable to Raven Industries for the third quarter of 2016 was $4.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share. The increase in earnings per share was driven primarily by higher sales volumes and lower manufacturing expenses.
For the nine-month period, net sales were $208.5$281.5 million compared to $205.4$208.5 million, up 1.5%35.0% from one year earlier. The Company's operating income was $22.1$47.7 million, up significantly115.7% from the prior year period. Like the third quarter results, the fiscal 2016 year-to-date results were impacted by the Vista goodwill and long-lived asset impairments and write-off of deferred pre-contract costs, partially offset by the reduction of the earn-out liability, all of which are related to the Company’s Vista business. Excluding these specific Vista items, adjusted operating income for the nine-month period was up $2.3 million, or 11.8%, compared to adjusted operating income of $19.8 million in the nine-month period of fiscal 2016. The increase in adjusted operating income was principally driven by lower manufacturing expenses in Applied Technology and Engineered Films, partially offset by an increase in radar inventory write-downs in Aerostar. Fordue to improved operating leverage on higher sales volume. Net income for the same period, adjustedfirst nine months of fiscal 2018 was $32.6 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to Raven Industries wasof $15.8 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, up from $13.1 million, or $0.35for the first nine

months of fiscal 2017. The year-to-date increase in earnings per diluted share was driven by improved performance in fiscal 2016.all three of the Company's reporting segments, with each making significant contributions to the growth.

Net sales for Applied Technology in the third quarter of fiscal 20172018 were $25.2$25.3 million, up 18.1%slightly compared to thefiscal 2017 third quarter net sales of fiscal 2016.$25.2 million. Sales in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) channel were up 42.7%10.3% while sales in the aftermarket channel were down 0.4%10.1% for the fiscal 20172018 third quarter. Geographically, domestic sales were up 14.3 percent3.2% year-over-year while international sales decreased 8.8% year-over-year. Operating income was $5.4 million, down 16.5% compared to $6.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by higher investment in the sales function and research and development activities, and higher legal expenses. These strategic investments will support the Company's long-term growth through new product introductions and an enhanced sales function.

Applied Technology's net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 were $94.2 million, up 18.8% compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2017. For the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017, sales in the OEM channel were up 39.2% while sales in the aftermarket channel were up 3.1%. Geographically, domestic sales were up 26.3% year-over-year and international sales were up 33.0 percent0.4% year-over-year. Operating income for the nine-month year-to-date period was $6.4$25.4 million, up 94.5%25.5% compared to the third quarternine-month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016.2017. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by improved operating leverage on higher sales volume and lower manufacturing costs compared to the previous year.volume.

Applied Technology's net sales for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016 were $79.3 million, up 7.0% compared to the nine-month period of fiscal 2016. For the nine months ended October 31, 2016, sales in the OEM and aftermarket channels were up 11.7% and 4.6% respectively. Geographically, international sales were up 23.8% year-over-year while domestic sales were up

1.3% year-over-year. Operating income for the nine-month year-to-date period was $20.3 million, up 26.1% compared to the nine-month year-to-date period of fiscal 2016.


Engineered Films’ fiscal 2018 third quarter net sales were $65.1 million, an increase of $26.5 million, or 68.9%, compared to fiscal 2017 third quarter net sales wereof $38.6 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 4.4%, compared to the fiscal 2016 third quarter.million. Volume, measured in pounds sold, increased 5.9% while52.6% and average selling price declined 1.4%, in conjunction with lower resin costs year-over-year and competitive dynamics in certain markets. Theincreased 4.5%. There was a significant increase in net sales was driven by higher sales into the geomembrane (which includes energy), industrial, and construction markets, partially offset by a decrease into the agricultural market.to all markets. Operating income for the third quarter of fiscal 20172018 increased 16.0%140.1% to $7.1$17.1 million as compared to $6.1$7.1 million for the prior year third quarter. This increase in operating income was driven primarily by higher sales volumesvolume, improved capacity utilization, and lower manufacturing expenses.continued spending discipline.


For the nine-month period of fiscalended October 31, 2017, Engineered Films' net sales were $104.3$157.7 million, an increase of $0.3$53.4 million, or 0.3%51.2%, versus the prior year comparative period. All markets contributed to the division's higher sales versus the prior year. Operating income for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 increased 100.3% to $35.4 million as compared to $17.7 million in the nine-month period of fiscal 2016.prior year comparative period. The year-over-year increase ofin operating income was driven principally by higher sales into the industrialvolume, improved capacity utilization, and construction markets was mostly offset by decreases in sales into agricultural and geomembrane (which includes energy) markets.continued spending discipline.


Net sales for Aerostar in the third quarter of fiscal 20172018 were $9.0$11.1 million, a decreasean increase of $0.5$2.1 million, or 4.8%23.3%, compared to thefiscal 2017 third quarter net sales of fiscal 2016.$9.0 million. The declineincrease in net sales was primarily driven by growth in the timing of aerostat deliveries.stratospheric balloon platform. Operating lossincome in the third quarter of fiscal 20172018 was ($1.4)$1.4 million compared to an operating loss of ($15.5)1.4) million in the third quarter of last year. Last year’sFiscal 2018 third quarter results include charges of approximately $0.9 million related primarily to a goodwill impairment charge of $11.5 million, long-lived asset impairment charge of $3.8 million, deferred pre-contract cost write-offs of $2.9 million (of which $2.1 million was relatedstrategic decision to amounts deferred in prior periods),narrow aerostat offerings and a benefitthereby further enhance Aerostar’s focus on its stratospheric balloon platform. Fiscal 2017 third quarter results include an inventory write-down adjustment of $2.3 million as the result of a reduction of an acquisition-related contingent liability (earn-out liability), all of which are related to the Company’s Vista business. Excluding these specific Vista items, adjusted operating loss for the third quarter fiscal 2017 decreased $1.9 million or 377.2%, compared to $0.5 million adjusted operating income for the third quarter of last year. This declinecertain radar inventory. The remaining increase in operating income was primarily driven by the $2.3 million radar inventory write-downs relatedhigher sales and reductions to certain radar inventory, discussed inoperating expenses while maintaining a more detail in Note 6 Goodwill, Long-Lived Assets And Other Charges.focused approach to research and development spending.

Aerostar net sales for the nine-month periodfirst nine months of fiscal 20172018 were $25.3$30.1 million, a decreasean increase of $2.0$4.8 million, or 7.4%18.8%, compared to the nine-month periodfirst nine months of fiscal 2016.2017. Operating loss for the nine-month period of fiscal 2017 was ($1.8) million compared to the operating loss of ($15.0) million in the nine-month period of fiscal 2016. Like the third quarter results, the fiscal 2016 year-to-date results were impacted by the Vista goodwill and long-lived asset impairments and write-off of deferred pre-contract costs, partially offset by the reduction of the earn-out liability, all of which are related to the Company’s Vista business. Excluding these specific Vista items, adjusted operating income for the nine-month year-to-date period of fiscal 2018 was down $2.7$4.2 million or 288.5%, compared to adjusted operating incomeloss of $1.0($1.8) million in the nine-month periodprior year comparative period. The first nine months of fiscal 2016. Also consistent with the third quarter results, the decrease in year-to-date adjusted operating income was principally driven by the2018 include charges of approximately $0.9 million related primarily to a strategic decision to narrow aerostat offerings and thereby further enhance Aerostar’s focus on its stratospheric balloon platform. The first nine months of fiscal 2017 include an inventory write-down adjustment of $2.3 million inventory write-downs related to certain radar inventory within the Aerostar Division.inventory. The remaining increase in operating income was driven by higher sales and reductions to operating expenses while maintaining a more focused approach to research and development spending.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SEGMENT ANALYSIS


Applied Technology
Applied Technology designs, manufactures, sells, and services innovative precision agriculture products and information management tools that help growers reduce costs, more precisely control inputs, and improve crop yields for the global agriculture market. Applied Technology’s operations include operations of SBG Innovatie BV and its affiliate, Navtronics BVBA (collectively, SBG), based in the Netherlands.

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change
Net sales $25,203
 $21,344
 $3,859
 18.1% $79,327
 $74,165
 $5,162
 7.0% $25,319
 $25,203
 $116
 0.5 % $94,233
 $79,327
 $14,906
 18.8%
Gross profit 10,636
 7,309
 3,327
 45.5% 32,911
 28,067
 4,844
 17.3% 10,790
 10,636
 154
 1.4 % 41,554
 32,911
 8,643
 26.3%
Gross margin 42.2% 34.2%     41.5% 37.8%     42.6% 42.2%     44.1% 41.5%    
Operating expenses $4,221
 $4,010
 $211
 5.3% $12,631
 $11,986
 $645
 5.4% $5,433
 $4,221
 $1,212
 28.7 % $15,848
 $12,631
 $3,217
 25.5%
Operating expenses as % of sales 16.7% 18.8%     15.9% 16.2%     21.5% 16.7%     16.8% 15.9%    
Operating income $6,415
 $3,299
 $3,116
 94.5% $20,280
 $16,081
 $4,199
 26.1%
Long-lived asset impairment loss $
 $
     $259
 $
 

 

Operating income (loss)(1)
 $5,357
 $6,415
 $(1,058) (16.5)% $25,447
 $20,280
 $5,167
 25.5%
Operating margin 25.5% 15.5%     25.6% 21.7%     21.2% 25.5%     27.0% 25.6%    
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.


The following factors were the primary drivers of the three- and nine-month year-over-year changes:


Market conditions. Aftermarket sales channel demand remains subdued, and growth in the OEM sales channel has become more challenging in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Although agriculture end market conditions deteriorated in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company believes that overall the division is holding market share across product lines. Despite these challenging conditions, Applied Technology's marketplace strategy has capitalized on new product introductions through the first nine months of fiscal 2018. Successful new product introductions and expanded relationships with OEM partners are driving improved sales and market share gains versus the prior year.
Sales volume. Third quarter fiscal 2018 net sales were up slightly compared to $25.2 million in the third quarter of the prior year. Sales in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) channel were up 10.3% while sales in the aftermarket channel were down 10.1% for the fiscal 2018 third quarter. Year-to-date sales increased 18.8% to $94.2 million compared to $79.3 million in the prior year. For the nine months ended October 31, 2017, sales in the OEM channel were up 39.2% while sales in the aftermarket channel were up 3.1% versus the prior year comparative period. The increases in net sales in the three- and nine-month periods were primarily driven by volume as pricing had minimal impact.
International sales. For the three-month period, international sales totaled $5.2 million, down 8.8% from $5.7 million in the prior year comparative period. Lower sales volume in Canada, and Europe were the primary drivers of this decrease. International sales represented 20.7% of segment revenue compared to 22.8% of segment revenue in the prior year comparative period. Year-to-date, international sales totaled $23.2 million, an increase of $0.1 million from a year ago. Year-to-date international sales represented 24.6% of segment sales compared to 29.1% in the prior year comparative period. Higher sales in Latin America, Europe, and Australia were mostly offset by a decrease in Canada. The sales increases in Europe reflect commercial synergies realized by the acquisition of SBG in fiscal 2015 as Applied Technology products are increasingly sold into this market.
Gross margin. Gross margin increased to 42.6% for the three months ended October 31, 2017 from 42.2% in the prior year comparative period. For the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017 gross margin increased to 44.1% from 41.5% in the fiscal 2017 comparative period. The nine-month period benefited more from higher sales volume and improved operating leverage.
Operating expenses. Fiscal 2018 third quarter operating expense as a percentage of net sales was 21.5%, up from 16.7% in the prior year third quarter. This increase is primarily driven by higher investment in the sales function and research and development activities, and higher legal expenses. These strategic investments will support the Company's long-term growth through new product introductions and an enhanced sales function. Year-to-date operating expense as a percentage of net sales was 16.8%, up from 15.9% in the prior year comparative period. The increase in the nine-month period is driven by investment in research and development and selling and marketing expenses related to new product introductions and to enhance our customer experience.
Long-lived asset impairment loss. As described in Note 7 Goodwill, Long-lived Assets, and Other Intangibles of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company determined that the intangible asset related to the investment in AgEagle was fully impaired due to the decrease in expected future cash flows. No impairments were recognized in the three-month period ended October 31, 2017 or the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.

Market conditions. Conditions in the agriculture market remain subdued, however Applied Technology's marketplace strategy has capitalized on new product introductions through the third quarter of fiscal 2017. While OEM and aftermarket sales channel demand remains challenging, Applied Technology achieved third quarter and year-to-date sales growth primarily through the result of market share gains rather than overall growth of the market. New product introductions and expanded relationships with OEM partners are driving market share gains versus the prior year.
Sales volume. Third quarter fiscal 2017 net sales increased 18.1% to $25.2 million compared to $21.3 million in the prior year third quarter. For the third quarter, sales in the OEM channel were up 42.7% while sales in the aftermarket channel were down 0.4%. Year-to-date sales increased 7.0% to $79.3 million compared to $74.2 million in the prior year. For the nine month period ended October 31, 2016, sales in the OEM and aftermarket sales channels were up 11.7% and 4.6%, respectively.
International sales. For the three-month period, international sales totaled $5.7 million, up 33.0% from the prior year comparative period. International sales represented 22.8% of segment revenue compared to 20.2% of segment revenue in the prior year comparative period. Year-to-date, international sales totaled $23.1 million, an increase of $4.4 million from a year ago. Year-to-date international sales represented 29.1% of segment sales compared to 25.1% in the comparable prior year period. Higher sales in Europe and Canada were the main drivers of the increase in both the three- and nine- month periods.
Gross margin. Gross margin increased to 42.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2016 from 34.2% for the three months ended October 31, 2015. Fiscal 2017 year-to-date gross margin increased to 41.5% from 37.8% in the comparative period in fiscal 2016. Both the three- and nine-month periods benefited from higher sales volumes and lower manufacturing costs.
Restructuring expenses. The results for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2015 included severance and other restructuring-related charges totaling $0.6 million. These costs were offset by the completion of the St. Louis contract manufacturing exit activities which resulted in gains of $0.6 million in the same period. There were no impairments recorded as a result of the exit of this business. No restructuring or exit costs were incurred in the three month period ended October 31, 2015. At October 31, 2016, there are no ongoing restructuring plans or unpaid restructuring costs. No restructuring costs were incurred in the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.
Operating expenses. Fiscal 2017 third quarter operating expense as a percentage of net sales was 16.7%, down from 18.8% in the prior year third quarter. Year-to-date operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was 15.9% compared to 16.2% for fiscal 2016. Sales volumes increased more than operating expenses which led to the decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of sales.


Engineered Films
Engineered Films manufactures high performance plastic films and sheeting for energy,geomembrane, agricultural, construction, geomembrane, and industrial applications. Engineered Films' ability to develop value-added innovative products is expanded by its fabrication, conversion, and installation capabilities.
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change
Net sales $38,551
 $36,919
 $1,632
 4.4% $104,307
 $104,029
 $278
 0.3 % $65,108
 $38,551
 $26,557
 68.9% $157,691
 $104,307
 $53,384
 51.2%
Gross profit 8,711
 7,705
 1,006
 13.1% 22,334
 21,266
 1,068
 5.0 % 19,358
 8,711
 10,647
 122.2% 41,631
 22,334
 19,297
 86.4%
Gross margin 22.6% 20.9%     21.4% 20.4%     29.7% 22.6%     26.4% 21.4%    
Operating expenses $1,582
 $1,560
 $22
 1.4% $4,668
 $5,285
 $(617) (11.7)% $2,243
 $1,582
 $661
 41.8% $6,245
 $4,668
 $1,577
 33.8%
Operating expenses as % of sales 4.1% 4.2%     4.5% 5.1%     3.4% 4.1%     4.0% 4.5%    
Operating income $7,129
 $6,145
 $984
 16.0% $17,666
 $15,981
 $1,685
 10.5 %
Operating income (loss)(1)
 $17,115
 $7,129
 $9,986
 140.1% $35,386
 $17,666
 $17,720
 100.3%
Operating margin 18.5% 16.6%     16.9% 15.4%     26.3% 18.5%     22.4% 16.9%    
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.


The following factors were the primary drivers of the three- and nine-month year-over-year changes:


Market conditions. End-market conditions in the geomembrane market, which constituted approximately 29 percent of the division's sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2018, have continued to improve from the market-bottom conditions reached last year. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2018, U.S. land-based rig counts have increased approximately 66% versus the third quarter of fiscal 2017. For the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017, sales into the geomembrane market were up approximately 125% and 135% year-over-year, respectively. As described in Note 6 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 the Company closed on the acquisition of Colorado Lining International Inc. (CLI), further strengthening Engineered Films' presence in the geomembrane market. CLI contributed $5.2 million in sales during the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 which was split between the geomembrane market and installation sales. For the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017, sales into the construction market were up approximately 61.8% and 27.5% year-over-year, respectively, which included $8.4 million in sales of hurricane recovery film. It has been several years since the Company last received a substantial increase in demand for hurricane recovery film. Sales of such film are generally less than $2.0 million on an annual basis. In April 2017, Engineered Films expanded its fabrication capabilities of geomembrane liner materials in south Texas by purchasing a new facility in Pleasanton, Texas and increased fabrication at the Company's location in Midland, Texas by adding production team members to service the increased demand in the geomembrane market. The Company does not model comparative market share position for its divisions, but based on the growth in the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company believes Engineered Films achieved sales growth due to improved end-market demand conditions and increased market share.
Sales volume and selling prices. Third quarter net sales were $65.1 million, an increase of $26.5 million, or 68.9%, compared to fiscal 2017 third quarter net sales of $38.6 million. Volume, measured in pounds sold, increased 52.6% and average selling price increased 4.5%. For the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017, Engineered Films' net sales were $157.7 million, an increase of $53.4 million, or 51.2%, compared to the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016. Volume, measured in pounds sold, increased 44.5% and average selling price increased 2.2%. All markets contributed to the higher sales in the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.
Gross margin. For the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017, gross margin was 29.7% and 26.4%, respectively. The gross margin for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 was 22.6% and 21.4%, respectively. The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to higher sales volume and the resulting improvement in capacity utilization, but also benefited from continued spending discipline.
Operating expenses. Third quarter operating expenses were up $0.6 million or 41.8% compared to the prior year third quarter. As a percentage of net sales, operating expense was 3.4% in the current year three-month period as compared to 4.1% in the prior year comparative period. Year-to-date operating expenses were 4.0% as a percentage of net sales as compared to 4.5% in the prior year comparative period. The increase in sales volume in the three- and nine-month periods more than offset the additional costs to support sales growth and drove operating expenses as percentage of sales down 0.7 and 0.5 percentage points year-over-year, respectively.

Market conditions. End-market conditions have improved in the geomembrane (which includes energy) market in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 for Engineered Films. While U.S. land-based rig counts have decreased approximately 30% from October 2015 to October 2016, they have increased approximately 20% versus the second quarter and are trending favorably. For the nine-month period ended October 3, 2016, sales into the geomembrane (which includes energy) market are down 5.2% year-over-year.

Sales volume and selling prices. Third quarter net sales were up 4.4% to $38.6 million compared to prior year third quarter net sales of $36.9 million.  Higher construction, geomembrane (which includes energy), and industrial market sales primarily drove the improvement, increasing $4.8 million in aggregate. This increase was offset somewhat by

volume declines in the agricultural market. Sales in the nine-month period ended October 31, 2016 were up $0.3 million, or 0.3%, to $104.3 million compared to $104.0 million in the prior year comparative period. Sales volume, as measured by pounds sold, for the fiscal 2017 nine-month period was up 5.5% and average selling prices for the same period were down 4.9% compared to the prior year period.
Gross margin. For the three- and nine-month periods, gross margin was 22.6% and 21.4%, respectively. The gross margin for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015 was 20.9% and 20.4%, respectively. These improvements reflect the impact of value engineering, favorable raw material cost comparisons, and pricing discipline.
Operating expenses. Third quarter operating expense was flat compared to the prior year third quarter. As a percentage of net sales, operating expense was 4.1% in the current three-month period as compared to 4.2% in the prior year comparative period. Year-to-date operating expenses were 4.5% as a percentage of sales as compared to 5.1% in the prior year comparative period. Expense reductions in both periods were due to continued focus on cost containment.


Aerostar
Aerostar serves the defense/aerospaceaerospace/defense and situational awareness markets. Aerostar had also provided significant contract manufacturing services in the past, but largely exited this business in fiscal 2016. Aerostar designs and manufactures proprietary products including stratospheric balloons,high-altitude (stratospheric) balloon systems, tethered aerostats, and radar processing systems for aerospace and situational awareness markets.systems. These products can be integrated with additional third-party sensors to provide research, communications, and situational awareness capabilities to governmental and commercial customers. Aerostar pursues potential product and support services contracts forwith agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. and foreign governments.government.
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 $ Change % Change
Net sales $9,003
 $9,456
 $(453) (4.8)% $25,313
 $27,338
 $(2,025) (7.4)% $11,103
 $9,003
 $2,100
 23.3 % $30,078
 $25,313
 $4,765
 18.8 %
Gross profit 508
 1,949
 (1,441) (73.9)% 3,647
 5,763
 (2,116) (36.7)% 3,197
 508
 2,689
 529.3 % 8,620
 3,647
 4,973
 136.4 %
Gross margin 5.6 % 20.6 %     14.4 % 21.1 %     28.8% 5.6 %     28.7% 14.4 %    
Operating expenses $1,796
 $2,113
 $(317) (15.0)% $5,364
 $5,466
 $(102) (1.9)% $1,838
 $1,796
 $42
 2.3 % $4,455
 $5,364
 $(909) (16.9)%
Operating expenses as % of sales 19.9 % 22.3 %     21.2 % 20.0 %     16.6% 19.9 %     14.8% 21.2 %    
Goodwill impairment loss $
 $11,497
 $(11,497) 

 $
 $11,497
 $(11,497) 

Long-lived asset impairment loss 87
 3,813
 (3,726)   87
 3,813
 $(3,726)   
 87
 (87)   
 87
 $(87)  
Operating (loss) income $(1,375) $(15,474) $14,099
 (91.1)% $(1,804) $(15,013) $13,209
 (88.0)%
Operating income (loss)(1)
 $1,359
 $(1,375) $2,734
 (198.8)% $4,165
 $(1,804) $5,969
 (330.9)%
Operating margin (15.3)% (163.6)%     (7.1)% (54.9)%     12.2% (15.3)%     13.8% (7.1)%    
                
Aerostar adjusted operating income (loss) $(1,375) $496
 $(1,871) (377.2)% $(1,804) $957
 $(2,761) (288.5)%
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.
(1) At the segment level, operating income does not include an allocation of general and administrative expenses.


The following factors were the primary drivers of the year-over-year changes for the three- and nine-month periods:year-over-year changes:


Market conditions. Some of Aerostar's markets are subject to significant variability due to government spending and the timing of awards. Such conditions result in delays and uncertainties in certain opportunities important to the division's growth strategy. Despite these uncertainties, Aerostar is pioneering new markets with leading-edge applications of its stratospheric balloon platform. While it is particularly challenging to measure market share information for the Aerostar division and the Company does not model comparative market share position for any of its divisions, the Company believes that Aerostar's sales growth in the three- and nine-month periods was primarily the result of market share gains rather than overall growth of the market.
Sales volume. Net sales increased 23.3% from $9.0 million for the three-month period ended October 31, 2016 to $11.1 million for the three-month period ended October 31, 2017. Year-to-date sales were $30.1 million, up $4.8 million year-over-year, or 18.8%. The increase in both periods was driven principally by growth in the stratospheric balloon platform.
Gross margin. For the three-month period, gross margin increased from 5.6% to 28.8%. Gross margin increased from 14.4% to 28.7% in the nine-month period. The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 include an inventory write-down adjustment of $0.4 million related to certain aerostat inventory. The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 include an inventory write-down adjustment of $2.3 million related to certain radar inventory. The inventory write downs in the current and prior year were driven by strategic decisions to narrow certain offerings and thereby further enhance Aerostar’s focus on its stratospheric balloon platform. The remaining increase in gross margin for both periods was primarily driven by higher sales volume and the implementation of cost reductions as compared to the previous year.
Operating expenses. Third quarter fiscal 2018 operating expense was $1.8 million, or 16.6% of net sales, a decrease from 19.9% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Year-to-date operating expense as a percentage of net sales was 14.8%, down from 21.2% in the prior year. The three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017 include a $0.5 million loss on the disposal of certain demonstration related equipment driven by strategic decisions to narrow certain offerings and thereby further enhance Aerostar’s focus on its stratospheric balloon platform. The decrease as a percentage of sales in both periods is primarily driven by higher sales and adjustments in operating expenses while focusing on strategic research and development spending.
Market conditions. Aerostar is experiencing delays and uncertainties regarding certain opportunities important to the division's growth strategy, and certain of Aerostar's markets are subject to significant variability due to government spending. Aerostar is pioneering new markets with leading-edge applications of its high-altitude balloons and remains in active collaboration with Google on Project Loon.
Sales volumes. Net sales decreased 4.8% from $9.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015 to $9.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016. Year-to-date sales were $25.3 million, down $2.0 million year-over-year, or 7.4%.  The decline was driven principally by the timing of aerostat deliveries with the U.S. government. However, these declines were partially offset by higher sales of stratospheric balloons, including to Google for Project Loon.
Gross margin. For the three- and nine-month periods, gross margin decreased 15.0 percentage points and 6.7 percentage points, respectively, compared to the prior year period.  The $2.3 million of radar inventory write-downs primarily drove the margin decline year-over-year. The gross margin for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 benefited from improvement in gross profit of $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, from the reduction in depreciation and amortization expense due to $3.8 million of long-lived asset impairment charges recorded for Vista in the prior fiscal year third quarter.
Operating expenses. Third quarter operating expense was $1.8 million, or 19.9% of net sales, a decrease from 22.3% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. This decrease is primarily driven by lower selling expenses. Year-to-date operating expense as a percentage of net sales was 21.2%, up from 20.0% in the prior year. This increase is primarily driven by higher research and development spending partially offset by lower selling expenses.


Corporate Expenses (administrative expenses; other (expense), net; and income taxes)
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
 October 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Administrative expenses $4,764
 $3,802
 $13,986
 $13,322
 $5,990
 $4,764
 $17,247
 $13,986
Administrative expenses as a % of sales 6.6% 5.6% 6.7% 6.5% 5.9% 6.6% 6.1% 6.7%
Other (expense), net $(273) $(123) $(579) $(433)
Other income (expense), net $(34) $(273) $(327) $(579)
Effective tax rate 19.3% 38.0% 26.9% 13.9% 32.6% 19.3% 31.3% 26.9%


Administrative spending for the third quarterthree- and nine-month periods of fiscal 20172018 was up $1.0$1.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Administrative spending for the nine-month period was up $0.7 million as compared to the fiscal 2016 comparable period.2017. The increase in both periodsfor three-month period is primarily due to higher accruals for management incentivesemployee compensation and equity compensation relative to the prior year and higher costs incurred in the beginning stages of a company-wide initiative called Project Atlas. Project Atlas is a strategic long-term investment to replace the Company’s existing enterprise resource planning platform. The increase for nine-month period is primarily due to amended filings. Prior year expense benefited fromhigher employee compensation, director compensation, due diligence related expenses as the reversal of equity compensation accrualsCompany continues to pursue strategic acquisitions, and no short-term incentive payout.costs incurred related to Project Atlas. Costs incurred related to Project Atlas were $0.3 million for both the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2017.


Other income (expense), net consists primarily of activity related to the Company's equity method investments, interest income and expense, and foreign currency transaction gains or losses.


The Company's year-to-dateCompany’s effective tax raterates for the nine months ended October 31, 2016 increased to 26.9% compared to 13.9% in the prior year. The increase in the year-to-date effective rate was primarily due to a significantly higher pre-tax book income year-over-year offset by the inclusion of an R&D tax credit in the current period provision for income taxes. Congress permanently enacted this credit into law in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. No estimate of the R&D tax credit was included in the provision for income taxes for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015.2017 and 2016 were 31.3% and 26.9%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to higher pre-tax income in the current year and recognition of discrete tax expense related to the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the fiscal 2018 as further discussed in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. This ASU requires that the tax effects resulting from the settlement of stock-based awards be recognized as a discrete income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the reporting period in which they occur.


Other items causing the Company's effective tax rate to differ from the statutory tax rate are more fully described in Note 12 Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

OUTLOOK


For Applied Technology has faced a more challenging agriculture market than expected at the division continues to successfully expand market share in an environment of subdued end-market demand. New product introductions and changing industry needs are favorably impacting the sales developmentbeginning of the division. Althoughyear, and we don't foresee anything changing in the end-market demand is not expectednext twelve months to improve in the near term given the lack of upward commodity grain price movement,market conditions. However, its continued focus on new products and expanding OEM relationships is successfully driving additional market share gains are expectedand enabling the division to continue.outperform the market. At the same time, Applied Technology has made the strategic decision to fund several long-term investments for growth, knowing this reduces profit in the short-term. Management believes strongly in the long-term margin potential for Applied Technology and expects improved margins over time with these investments, even if end-market conditions remain challenging.
For Engineered Films, end market conditions are expected to remain favorable and prior capital investments to serve the industrial and geomembrane market (which includes the energy market) appears to have stabilized and is showing signs of strengthening end-market demand. This market continued to strengthen in the fourth quarter and it ismarkets are expected to continue to do so into next fiscal year. The remaining markets, in aggregate, aredrive growth. Additionally, Engineered Films’ integration of CLI is progressing as expected. This acquisition is expected to exhibit growth.be slightly accretive to earnings in fiscal year 2018 and contribute approximately 5 cents per share in fiscal 2019. The sale of recovery film to support hurricane relief efforts favorably impacted the division’s operating leverage in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. We expect approximately $8 to $9 million in sales of such film in fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. Improved volumes,volume, together with cost controls, are expected to result in improvedsustained strong profitability for the division.
For Aerostar, the division is expecting improved volumesvolume in the stratospheric balloon market,platform, driven by increased demand from Google for Project Loon and stratospheric balloon contracts with new customers. Additionally, Aerostar was awarded a $6.8 million aerostat contract with the U.S. Department of Defense and management expects the majority of the revenue from this contract to be realized in fiscal year 2019. Success in growing sales in the stratospheric balloon platform combined with continued cost discipline, are important to delivering sustained division profitability.

For the Company's administrative function, the Company launched a company-wide initiative during the third quarter called Project Atlas. This is a strategic long-term investment to replace the Company’s existing enterprise resource planning platform. Project Atlas is expected to take approximately three years to complete and cost between $8 and $10 million. Of this amount, Management expects that approximately $2 million will be capitalized as a fixed asset with the rest being recognized as expense in the period in which it is incurred. All of the costs associated with this project will be reported within corporate expenses. Project Atlas costs are expected to be approximately $1 million per quarter in fiscal year 2019. This investment will drive efficiencies across the enterprise, enable faster integration of future acquisitions, automate a significant portion of internal controls, and enhance the enterprise’s execution of its long-term growth strategy.

Management expects to expand the meaningful growth in revenues and operating profit for fiscal 2018 through the fourth quarter and sustained into next fiscal year. The timing of a key aerostat contract win is not likely until the first half of next fiscal year. Cost disciplinecontinues to invest in research and attrition management are a key focus, but division profitability is likely to remain challenged until sales volumes improve.
Each quarter this year (including the fourth quarter), the Company has seen year-over-year growth rates improve sequentially for Applied Technology and Engineered Films, and each has shown relatively strong profit margins. While growth in these two divisions has accelerated relative to the prior year, this has been offset somewhat by the performance of Aerostar. All things considered, the Company expects the trends in growth and profitability to strengthen further in the fourth quarter. At this time, we expect consolidated sales to be approximately $277 million, with Applied Technology, Engineered Films, and Aerostar achieving sales of approximately $105 million, $138 million, and $34 million, respectively. While we are not final with our financial results for fiscal year 2017, it is clear that both Applied Technology and Engineered Films will be finishing the year very strong and beginning fiscal year 2018 on a continued growth trajectory. Incremental profits for these two divisions has been very strong and we expect thisdevelopment activities to continue into drive new product momentum for the fourth quarter.intermediate and long term.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


The Company's balance sheet continues to reflect significant liquidity and a strong capital base. Management focuses on the current cash balance and operating cash flows in considering liquidity, as operating cash flows have historically been the Company's primary source of liquidity. Management expects that current cash, combined with the generation of positive operating cash flows, will be sufficient to fund the Company's normal operating, investing, and financing activities.activities beyond the next twelve months.



The Company’s cash balances and cash flows were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)October 31,
2016
 January 31,
2016
 October 31,
2015
(dollars in thousands) October 31,
2017
 January 31,
2017
 October 31,
2016
Cash and cash equivalents$46,313
 $33,782
 $32,287
 $36,873
 $50,648
 $46,313


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(dollars in thousands) 
October 31,
2016
 
October 31,
2015
 
October 31,
2016
 
October 31,
2015
 October 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
Cash provided by operating activities $13,127
 $11,480
 $38,685
 $35,181
 $30,834
 $38,685
Cash used in investing activities (2,114) (3,135) (3,754) (8,966) (20,077) (3,754)
Cash used in financing activities (4,756) (23,365) (22,424) (45,865) (24,704) (22,424)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (67) 5
 24
 (12) 172
 24
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $6,190
 $(15,015) $12,531
 $(19,662)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $(13,775) $12,531


Cash and cash equivalents totaled $46.3$36.9 million at October 31, 2016, an increase2017, a decrease of $12.5$13.7 million from $33.8$50.6 million at January 31, 2016.2017. The comparable balance one year earlier was $32.3$46.3 million. The increasedecrease from fiscal 20162017 year-end was primarily driven by free cash flow generation driven by lower working capital requirementsoutlays for the acquisition of CLI and reduction in capital spending. This wasshare repurchases, partially offset by cash outflows for shares repurchased under the authorized $50.0 million share buyback plan. In the first nine months of fiscal 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares at an average price of $15.91 for a total of $7.7 million. There were no share repurchasesincrease in the third quarter of fiscal 2017.net income.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $6.2 million sequentially for the three-month period ended October 31, 2016 versus the prior quarter. Cash and cash equivalents increased $14.0 million from the comparable balance one year earlier.

At October 31, 2016 the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $3.5 million in accounts outside the United States. These balances included undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries we consider to be indefinitely reinvested. If repatriated, undistributed earnings of approximately $2.4 million would be subject to United States federal taxation. This estimated tax liability is approximately $0.3 million net of foreign tax credits. Our liquidity is not materially impacted by the amount held in accounts outside of the United States.


Operating Activities
Operating cash flows result primarily from cash received from customers, which is offset by cash payments for inventories, services, employee compensation, and income taxes. Strong cash flow from operating activities was sustained year-over year. Cash provided by operating activities was $38.7$30.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 20172018 compared with $35.2$38.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Increased2017. The decrease in operating cash flows year-over-year was primarily due to the increase in net income partiallyworking capital demands which were substantially offset by greater working capital usage principally drove the increase of $3.5 million year-over-year.in net income.


The Company's cash needs arehave minimal seasonal with working capital demands strongest in the first quarter.trends. As a result, the discussion of trends in operating cash flows focuses on the primary drivers of year-over-year variability in net working capital.

Management evaluates Net working capital levels throughand net working capital percentage are metrics used by management as a guide in measuring the computationefficient use of inventory turnovercash resources to support business activities and average days sales outstanding.growth. The inventory turnover ratio is a metric used to evaluate the effectiveness of inventory management, with further consideration given to balancing the disadvantages of excess inventory with the risk of delayed customer deliveries. Average days sales outstanding (DSO) is a measure of the Company's efficiency in enforcing its credit policy and managing credit terms.

Inventory turnover and DSOnet working capital for the comparative periods werewas as follows:

 October 31, 2016 October 31, 2015
Inventory turnover (times/year) - trailing 12 months4.1 3.9
Accounts receivable DSO (in days) - trailing 12 months55
 58
(dollars in thousands) October 31, 2017 October 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, net $59,573
 $39,554
Plus: Inventories 53,481
 42,813
Less: Accounts payable 13,383
 9,377
Net working capital(a)
 $99,671
 $72,990
     
Annualized net sales(b)
 $405,396
 $290,088
Net working capital percentage(c)
 24.6% 25.2%
(a) Net working capital is defined as accounts receivable (net) plus inventories less accounts payable.
(b) Annualized net sales is defined as the most recent quarter net sales times four for each of the fiscal periods, respectively.
(c) Net working capital percentage is defined as Net working capital divided by Annualized net sales for each of the fiscal periods, respectively.

Inventory levelsThe net working capital percentage decreased $5.8 million year-over-year, from $48.6 million25.2% at October 31, 20152016 to 24.6% at October 31, 2017. The decrease was driven by an increase in accounts payable balances as well as managing inventory and receivables proactively with the substantial increase in sales versus the prior year. To emphasize the management of efficient levels of inventory during periods of significant change in sales volume, the Company assembled teams within each operating division. Similar emphasis was placed on managing accounts payable and to a lesser extent, accounts receivable.

Inventory increased $10.7 million, or 25.0%, year-over-year from $42.8 million at October 31, 2016 driven by focused inventory reduction actions in the Applied Technology and Engineered Films divisions and also the

inventory write-downs for certain radar inventoryto $53.5 million at October 31, 2017. In comparison, net sales increased $28.8 million, or 39.7%, year-over-year in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Inventory turn improvements overquarter. The increase in inventory was primarily driven by growth in net sales and backlog in the trailing twelve months is the result of the Company's focusEngineered Films Division, offset somewhat by actions to lower working capital levels, including inventory.reduce inventory in all three divisions.


Accounts receivable levels increased $0.3$20.0 million, or 50.5%, year-over-year to $59.6 million at October 31, 2017 from $39.6 million at October 31, 2016 from $39.32016. In comparison, net sales increased $28.8 million, at October 31, 2015.or 39.7%, year-over-year in the third quarter. The improvementincrease in accounts receivable DSO reflects a decline in the DSO for both our Engineered Films and Applied Technology divisions.was due primarily to increased sales volume.


Improvement in the timing of payments to suppliersAccounts payable increased accounts payable $2.2$4.0 million, or 42.6%, year-over-year tofrom $9.4 million at October 31, 2016 from $7.2to $13.4 million at October 31, 2015.2017. In comparison, net sales increased $28.8 million, or 39.7%, year-over-year in the third quarter. This increase in accounts payable was due to improved timing of payments to suppliers, as well as additional purchases of raw materials to support the increase in sales year-over-year.


Investing Activities
Cash used infor investing activities decreased from $9.0 million infor the first nine months of fiscal 2016 to $3.82018 was up $16.3 million incompared with the first nine months of fiscal 2017. The priorprimary drivers of the increase in current year cash outflows were payments related to the acquisition of CLI, as further described in Note 6 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included a higher levelin Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, and increased capital expenditures. Net capital outlay related to the CLI business acquisition in third quarter of fiscal 2018 was $12.7 million. There were no businesses acquired in the prior fiscal year. Capital expenditures totaled $3.9included $1.7 million and $10.8 millionfor the Pleasanton, Texas facility purchased by Engineered Films in the first nine monthsquarter of fiscal 2018. In addition, the comparative period in fiscal year 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. The fiscal 2016 spending primarily related to Engineered Films capacity expansion. included $1.1 million cash inflows from the sale of assets while there were no significant cash inflows from the sale of assets in the current year.

Management anticipates fiscal 20172018 capital spending to be approximately $6$10 million. There are no significant capacity expansions planned for Engineered Films and the other divisions are expectedThe Company continues to maintain a disciplined approach to capital spending. Maintaining Engineered Films' capacity and Applied Technology's capital spending to advance product development are expected to continue. In addition, management will continue to evaluate strategic acquisitions that result in expanded capabilities and improved competitive advantages.

Cash provided by the proceeds from the sale of assets in both periods reflects the disposal of assets related to the exit of contract manufacturing by Applied Technology and Aerostar. The cash inflows in fiscal 2017 were primarily from selling the idle manufacturing facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The cash inflows in fiscal 2016 were from selling the Company's St. Louis operations and related assets as well as the idle manufacturing facility in Huron, South Dakota.

Cash outflows related to investments and acquisitions in fiscal 2017 was $0.5 million compared to cash inflows of $0.4 million in fiscal 2016. Current year activity represents equity investments activities by made by the Company while the prior year reflects settlement of a working capital adjustment to a prior year acquisition.


Financing Activities
Cash used infor financing activities was $22.4 million for the first nine months ended October 31, 2016of fiscal 2018 was up $2.3 million compared to $45.9 million one year ago.

Inwith the first nine months of fiscal 2016 first quarter, the Company began purchasing common shares as part2017. The primary driver of the $40.0 millionincrease year-over-year was the increase in share repurchase plan authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors. In fiscal 2017 first quarter, the Board of Directors authorized a $10.0 million increase, bringing the total authorized under the plan to $50.0 million. repurchases.

The Company repurchased approximately 0.3 million shares at an average price of $28.71 for a total of $10.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The Company repurchased approximately 0.5 million shares at an average price of $15.91 for a total of $7.7 million and $29.3 million in shares in the nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.first nine months of the prior fiscal year.


Dividends per share were flat at 39.0 cents per share. Total cash outflows for dividends declined $0.5 million in the nine-month periodperiods ended October 31, 2017 and 2016 as compared to the prior year period due to the decrease in outstanding shares as a result of share repurchases made since the end of the prior year period.were $14.0 million and $14.1 million, respectively.

During the nine months ended October 31, 20162017 and October 31, 2015,2016, the Company made payments of $0.3$0.4 million and $0.8$0.3 million, respectively, on acquisition-related contingent liabilities.


During the nine months ended October 31, 2015, the Company paid $0.5 million of debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Agreement previously discussed. No borrowing or repayment occurred on the Credit Agreement during the first nine months of fiscal 20172018 or fiscal 2016.2017.


Financing cash outflows in the first nine months of fiscal 20172018 and 20162017 included employee taxes paid in relation to net settlement of restricted stock units that vested during the year.first quarter and stock options exercised in the period.


Other Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company entered into a credit agreement dated April 15, 2015. This agreement (Credit Agreement), more fully described in Note 9 10 Financing Arrangements of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, provides for a syndicated senior revolving credit facility up to $125 million with a maturity date of April 15, 2020. There were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement for any of the fiscal periods covered by this Form 10-Q. Availability under the Credit Agreement for borrowings as of October 31, 20162017 was $124.5$123.9 million.



Letters of credit (LOCs) totaling $0.9 million issued under a previous line of credit with Wells Fargo were outstanding at October 31, 2015. These LOCs primarily support self-insured workers' compensation bonding. All but one LOC has been transferred and issued under theThe Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including those relating to financial reporting and notification, limits on levels of indebtedness and liens, investments, mergers and acquisitions, affiliate transactions, sales of assets, restrictive agreements, and change in control as of October 31, 2016. At October 31, 2016, $0.5 million of LOCs were outstanding underdefined in the Credit Agreement. One LOC issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A was outstanding. Any draws required under this $50,000 LOC would be settled with available cash or borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Company has requested and received the necessary covenant waivers relating to its late filing of financial statement information.information in the prior fiscal year. Financial covenants include an interest coverage ratio and funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company is in compliance with all financial covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement.


Letters of credit (LOCs) totaling $1.1 million and $0.5 million were outstanding at October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively. Any draws required under the LOCs would be settled with available cash or borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The acquisition of CLI included a contingent consideration arrangement with potential to pay up to $2.0 million in additional earn-out payments over the next three years contingent upon achieving certain revenues and operational synergies. To date, the Company has not made any payments on this potential earn-out liability.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS


Except as described above, thereThere have been no material changes in the Company’s known off-balance sheet debt and other unrecorded obligations since the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.2017.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES


Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of judgment when valuing assets and liabilities on the Company's balance sheet. There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies as described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016.2017.


Goodwill and Long-lived and Intangible Assets

Long-lived and Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangibles, equity method investments, and intangible assetsproperty plant and equipment, using fair value measurement techniques if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. For long-lived and intangible assets, the Company performs impairment reviews by asset groups. Such valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures). An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset is belowabove the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset.


ManagementFiscal 2018
During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company determined that the investment in AgEagle, further described in Note 6 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies of the Notes to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this form 10-Q, was impaired due to lower than expected cash flows and continued operating losses. This impairment was determined to be other-than-temporary and an accelerated equity method investment loss of $72 was reported in "Other (expense), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017. The Company also determined the customer relationship intangible asset related to the Ag Eagle exclusive distribution agreement was fully impaired. The total impairment loss related to this intangible asset was $259 and was reported in "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the nine-month period ended October 31, 2017. There were no long-lived asset impairments or accelerated equity method investment losses reported in the three-month period ended October 31, 2017.

Goodwill

The Company assesses goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequentlythe recoverability of long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangibles, equity method investments, and property plant and equipment, using fair value measurement techniques if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired, using fair value measurement techniques. Theimpaired. For long-lived and intangible assets, the Company performs impairment reviews by asset groups. Such valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures). An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit. Atan asset is above the end of fiscal 2016,estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the Company determined it had four reporting units: Engineered Films Division; Applied Technology Division; and two separate reporting units in the Aerostar Division, one of which was Vista and one of which was all other Aerostar operations.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, management implemented managerial and financial reporting changes within Vista and Aerostar to further integrate Vista into the Aerostar Division. Integration actions included leadership re-alignment, including selling and business development functions, re-deployment of employees across the division, and consolidation of administrative functions, among other actions. Based on the changes made, the Company consolidated the two separate reporting units within the Aerostar Division into one reporting unit for the purposes of goodwill impairment review. As such as of April 30, 2016, the Company has three reporting units: Engineered Films Division, Applied Technology Division, and Aerostar Division. The Company determined there was not a change in the long-lived asset groups as a resultfair value of the reporting unit changes.asset.


The Company recognizes goodwill as the excess cost of an acquired business over the net amount assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Management assesses goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and between annual tests whenever a triggering event indicates there may be an impairment. When performing goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of reporting units are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. Such valuations are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are not observable (Level 3 fair value measures).


Goodwill
In step one of the goodwill impairment analysis (Step 1), the fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Projecting discounted future cash flows requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future revenues and expenses, projected capital expenditures, changes in working capital, and the appropriate discount rate.
In developing the discounted cash flow analysis, assumptions about the revenue growth rate, operating profit margin percentage, capital expenditures, and changes in working capital reference our annual operating plan and long-term business plan for each of the Company’s reporting units, but also reflect the best available information at that time.
Discount rate assumptions for each reporting unit are the value-weighted average of the Company’s estimated cost of capital derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics and take into consideration management’s assessment of risks

inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting unit. One of the metrics considered by the Company in its selection of a discount rate is the relevant small company size premium appropriate to the reporting unit for which the valuation is being assessed. Generally, the lower the revenues associated with a reporting unit, the higher the small company premium and the higher the discount rate for that reporting unit. With other factors such as the optimal capital structure assumed for the reporting unit, this may result in a different discount rate assumption for each reporting unit being evaluated.
The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is then compared with the book value of its net assets. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the book value of the net assets of the reporting unit, an impairment loss is possible and a more refined measurement of the impairment loss takes place. This is the second step of the goodwill impairment testing (Step 2), in which management may use market comparisons and recent transactions to assign the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit. The valuation methodologies in both steps of goodwill impairment testing use significant estimates and assumptions. Management evaluates the merits of each significant assumption and the overall basket of assumptions used to determine the fair value of the reporting unit.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that there were triggering events with respect to the Engineered Films reporting unit in the second quarter and the Vista reporting unit in the third quarter, each of which resulted in goodwill impairment tests. The goodwill impairment test with respect to Vista resulted in an impairment of goodwill.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, as discussed below, the Company determined that there were triggering events with respect to the Aerostar reporting unit in the third quarter, which resulted in a goodwill impairment test. Based on the Company's review, of the quantitative and qualitative factors as outlined above,management concluded there were no indicators of impairmenttriggering events for the Company’s Applied Technology or Engineered FilmsCompany's reporting units and as such no further impairment analysis was required under the applicable accounting guidance forduring the three- orand nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016 for these reporting units.
Long-lived and Intangible Assets
In step one of the long-lived and intangible asset impairment analysis (Step 1), the book value of the asset is compared to the undiscounted cash flows supporting the value of the asset. Projecting undiscounted future cash flows requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding future revenues and expenses, projected capital expenditures, changes in working capital and allocations of certain costs.

In developing the undiscounted cash flow analysis, assumptions about the revenue growth rate, operating profit margin percentage, capital expenditures, and changes in working capital reference our annual operating plan and long-term strategic plan, but also reflect the best available information at that time, and as appropriate, reflect market participant assumptions if such amounts might differ from the Company-specific assumptions for each of the Company’s reporting units. In addition, certain reporting unit costs which are not specific to an asset group are allocated between asset groups to estimate undiscounted cash flows at the asset group level.

If the estimated undiscounted cash flows for the asset group exceed the book value of the asset, there is no impairment. If the estimated undiscounted cash flows for the asset group are below the book value of the asset, an impairment loss is possible and a more refined measurement of the impairment loss would take place. This is the second step of the long-lived and intangible asset impairment testing (Step 2) in which management compares the discounted value of the cash flows of the asset group to the book value of the asset. The difference between the book value of the asset and the present value of the discounted cash flows supporting the asset group determines the amount of the asset impairment. The discount rate for the Step 2 analysis is derived in a similar manner as the discount rate used for goodwill impairment testing. The valuation methodologies in both steps of long-lived and intangible asset impairment testing use significant estimates and assumptions. Management evaluates the merits of each significant assumption and the overall basket of assumptions used to determine the fair value of the asset.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that there were triggering events with respect to the Engineered Films asset group in the second quarter and the client private business (CP) and radar products and radar services (Radar) groups in the Vista reporting unit in the third quarter, each of which resulted in asset impairment tests. The asset impairment test with respect to the Radar asset group resulted in a long-lived asset impairment.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2017 as discussed below, the Company determined that there were triggering events with respect to the assets associated with the aerostat and stratospheric balloon programs (Lighter than Air) and radar products and radar services (Radar) groups in the Aerostar reporting unit in the third quarter, which resulted in an asset impairment test. Based on the Company's review of the quantitative and qualitative factors as outlined above, there were no indicators of impairment for the Company’s Applied Technology or Engineered Films asset groups, and as such no further impairment analysis was required under the applicable accounting guidance for the three- or nine-month periods ended October 31, 2016.

Aerostar Reporting Unit (fiscal 2017 third quarter)
In the fiscal 2017 third quarter the Company determined that a triggering event occurred for its Aerostar reporting unit. The triggering event was caused by lowering the financial expectations for net sales and operating income of the reporting unit and asset groups due to delays and uncertainties regarding the reporting unit’s pursuit of multiple opportunities, including aerostat orders, certain stratospheric balloon pursuits, and radar pursuits. Aerostar is still actively pursuing these opportunities and some are in active negotiations, but the likelihood of radar sales was lowered and the timing of certain aerostat and classified stratospheric balloon opportunities is delayed more than previously expected. In determining the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit, the Company was required to estimate a number of factors, including projected revenue growth rates, projected operating results, terminal growth rates, economic conditions, anticipated future cash flows, and the discount rate.

In the assessment, management evaluated the asset groups for completion of Step 1 of the long-lived asset impairment analysis. Pursuant to the applicable accounting guidance, the Company determined that the relevant cash flows for long-lived asset testing (the lowest level of cash flows that are largely independent of other groups of assets) are one level below the Aerostar reporting unit.

Using the sum of the undiscounted cash flows associated with each of the two asset groups, a Step 1 test was performed for each asset group. The undiscounted cash flows for the Lighter than Air asset group exceeded the carrying value of the long-lived assets by approximately $110 million, or 800%, and no Step 2 test was deemedimpairments to be necessary based on the recoverability of the long-lived assets. For the Radar asset group, however, the undiscounted cash flows did not exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets and the Company performed a Step 2 impairment analysis for the long-lived assets.goodwill were recorded.

In the Step 2 impairment analysis, the fair value determined was allocated to the assets and liabilities of the Radar asset group. The resulting estimated fair value of the Radar asset group long-lived assets was $0.1 million compared to the carrying value of $0.2 million for the asset group. The shortfall of $0.1 million was recorded in the current quarter as an impairment charge to operating income reported as "Long-lived asset impairment loss" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The total impairment loss related to property, plant, and equipment, and patents.

The most significant assumptions used to determine the undiscounted cash flows of the Aerostar assets groups include: revenue growth rate (particularly revenue related to the continued development of a classified stratospheric balloon pursuit and likelihood of success in being awarded the contract, and the timing thereof), and operating profit margin percentage. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit, which is described below.
Subsequent to the impairment determination for long-lived assets, the Company compared the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to its estimated fair value. In calculating the estimated fair value, the Company used the income approach. The income approach is a valuation technique under which the Company estimated future cash flows using the reporting unit's financial forecast from the perspective of an unrelated market participant. Using historical trending and internal forecasting techniques, the Company projected revenues and applied projected gross margins and operating expense ratios to the projected revenue to arrive at the future cash flows. A terminal value was then applied to the projected cash flow stream. Future estimated cash flows were discounted to their present value to calculate the estimated fair value. The discount rate used was the Company’s estimated weighted average cost of capital derived using both known and estimated customary market metrics. The estimated fair value was also compared to comparable market information for reasonableness.

The reporting unit's fair value was estimated based on discounted cash flows and that fair value amount was compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. This analysis indicated that the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit exceeded the net book value by approximately $9 million, or approximately 30%. Therefore, no Step 2 analysis was done.
The most significant assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit include: revenue growth rate (particularly revenue related to the continued development of Project Loon and likelihood of contract based revenues, and the timing thereof), operating profit margin percentage, and the discount rate.
For the third quarter testing, ten-year revenue expectations were built using a bottom-up approach for each of Aerostar's markets that are contract based businesses to determine the project and timing of award status. Another key revenue growth driver for Aerostar relates to the growth of stratospheric balloons and new classified business related to stratospheric balloon projects. The resulting CAGR for net sales for the first 5 years (fiscal 2018-2022) of the forecast was approximately (10%) while the CAGR for net sales for years 6 through 10 (fiscal 2023-2027) of the forecast was approximately 4%. The historical CAGR was approximately 1% from fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2016 (excluding the impact of contract manufacturing). The forecasted growth is heavily influenced by the timing of aerostat contracts and new classified stratospheric balloon opportunities, both of which are in active negotiations. In addition, sales to Google for Project Loon are expected to increase over the first 5 years of the forecast period. Growth in radar based revenues are constant at 3% over the forecast period. The perpetual growth factor selected was

3%, in line with long-term average GDP growth. Using the revenue growth rate to illustrate the sensitivity on this estimated fair value, a one-half percentage decrease in the average revenue growth rate over the 10-year forecast period (and the terminal growth rate in perpetuity) would have reduced the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit by approximately $3 million.
Operating profit margin assumptions for the forecast period for fiscal years 2018 - 2027 averaged approximately 10% of sales. This compares to an average operating margin of approximately 4% of sales during fiscal years 2013-2017, excluding unusual items. The forecasted operating profit margin is higher than historical average referenced primarily due to the impairment of long-lived assets in the third quarter of fiscal year 2016. This impairment of amortizable intangibles and property, plant, and equipment significantly reduced depreciation and amortization expense in the forecast period. In addition, cost reductions executed during fiscal year 2017 are expected to benefit future period sand benefit operating margins in the forecast years. Using the operating profit margin to illustrate the sensitivity on this estimated fair value, a one-half percentage decrease in average operating profit margin over the forecast period would have reduced the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit by approximately $2 million.
The discount rate used in the determination of the fair value was 14.0%. Using the discount rate to illustrate the sensitivity on this estimated fair value, a one-half percentage point increase in the discount rate would have reduced the estimated fair value of the Aerostar reporting unit by approximately $1.5 million.


ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


See Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Standards Adopted
In November 2015 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes" (ASU 2015-17). Currently generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires the deferred taxes for each jurisdiction (or tax-paying component of a jurisdiction) to be presented as a net current asset or liability and net noncurrentasset or liability. This requires a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis based on the classificationPolicies of the assets and liabilities to which the underlying temporary differences relate, or, in the case of loss or credit carryforwards, based on the period in which the attribute is expected to be realized. To simplify presentation, ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The guidance does not change the existing requirement that only permits offsetting within a jurisdiction - that is, companies are still prohibited from offsetting deferred tax liabilities from one jurisdiction against deferred tax assets of another jurisdiction. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 in the fiscal 2017 first quarter using the prospective method. No current deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet. Since the Company adopted the guidance prospectively, the prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.

In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" (ASU 2016-15. The new guidance clarifies eight cash flow classification issues where current GAAP was either unclear or has no specific guidance. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may elect to early adopt ASU 2016-15 in any interim period. If an entity early adopts it must adopt all eight of the amendments in the same period and if early adopted in an interim period any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the year. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the classification of certain items on its consolidated statements of cash flows.

In April 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement (CCA)" (ASU 2015-05). The amendments in ASU 2015-05 clarify existing GAAP guidance about a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a CCA with or without a software license. Examples of cloud computing arrangements include software as a service, platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and other similar hosting arrangements. Under ASU 2015-05, fees paid by a customer in a CCA for a software license are within the scope of the internal-use software guidance if certain criteria are met. If the criteria are not met the fees paid are accounted for as a prepaid service contract and expensed. The Company has historically accounted for all fees in a CCA as a prepaid service contract. The Company adopted ASU 2015-05 in first quarter fiscal 2017 when it became effective using the prospective method. The Company did not pay any fees in a CCA in the current period that met the criteria to be in scope of the internal-use software guidance and it had no impact on the consolidated financial statements, results of operations, or cash flows.

In February 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810) AmendmentsNotes to the Consolidation Analysis" (ASU 2015-02). The amendmentsConsolidated Financial Statements included in ASU 2015-02 affect reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the amendments: 1. Modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable

interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities; 2. Eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; 3. Affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and 4. Provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17 "Consolidation (Topic 810) - Interests Held through Related Parties that are under common Control" (ASU 2016-17) which amended ASU 2015-02. Under ASU 2016-17, the Company only needs to consider its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party when evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. ASU 2015-02 required that the common control party's interest be treated as if it was the Company's interest when evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-02 in first quarter fiscal 2017 and early adopted ASU 2016-17 in third quarter fiscal 2017. The Company reevaluated all of it legal entities and one investment accounted for using the equity method during the first quarter. In addition, this guidance was applied to the evaluation of the Company's investment in Ag Eagle in first quarter fiscal 2017 further discussed in Note 5 Acquisitions of and Investments in Businesses and Technologies Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. The Company did not have an indirect interest in any10-Q for a summary of the entities through an unconsolidated related party. Under ASU 2015-02 and the amended guidance in ASU 2016-17 neither of these equity method investments qualified for consolidation. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the legal entities consolidated or the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. No prior period retrospective adjustments were required.recent accounting pronouncements.
In January 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items" (ASU 2015-01). The amendments in ASU 2015-01 eliminate the GAAP concept of extraordinary items and no longer requires that transactions that met the criteria for classification as extraordinary items be separately classified and reported in the financial statements. ASU 2015-01 retains the presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently and expands them to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. The Company adopted ASU 2015-01when it became effective in fiscal 2017 first quarter using the prospective method. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In August 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern" (ASU 2014-15). The amendments in ASU 2014-15 require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. ASU 2014-15 requires certain financial statement disclosures when there is "substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern" within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The Company adopted ASU 2014-15 in the fiscal 2017 first quarter when it became effective. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The Update removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. The amount of any impairment may not exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The guidance is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments provide a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business. If the screen is not met, the amendments require further consideration of inputs, substantive processes and outputs to determine whether the transaction is an acquisition of a business. The new update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments in ASU 2017-01 will be implemented on a prospective basis.

In November 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" (ASU 2016-16). Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. The new guidance eliminates the exception for an

intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments in ASU 2016-16 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company can early adopt ASU 2016-16, but earlier adoption must be in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The amendments in ASU 2016-16 will be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments" (ASU 2016-15. The new guidance clarifies eight cash flow classification issues where current GAAP was either unclear or has no specific guidance. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. All entities may elect to early adopt ASU 2016-15 in any interim period. If an entity early adopts it must adopt all eight of the amendments in the same period and if early adopted in an interim period any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the year. The amendments in ASU 2016-15 will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method for each period presented. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on the classification of certain items on its consolidated statements of cash flows.

In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" (ASU 2016-13). Current GAAP generally delays recognition of the full amount of credit losses until the loss is probable of occurring. The amendments in this guidance eliminate the probable initial recognition threshold and, instead, reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. Previously, when credit losses were measured under GAAP, an entity generally only considered past events and current conditions in measuring the incurred loss. Under ASU 2016-13 the Company will need to create an economic forecast over the entire contractual life of long-dated financial assets. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities may elect to early adopt ASU 2016-13 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 will be applied using the modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings in the first reporting period. The Company's trade accounts receivable are in-scope under ASU 2016-13. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.

In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" (ASU 2016-09). ASU 2016-09 amends the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions to require recognition of the tax effects resulting from the settlement of stock-based awards as discrete income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the reporting period in which they occur. In addition, this guidance requires that all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments, including the excess tax benefits related to the settlement of stock-based awards, be classified as cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The guidance also requires that cash paid to taxing authorities on employee behalf for withheld shares should be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. In addition, the guidance also allows companies to make an accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest, consistent with current U.S. GAAP, or account for forfeitures when they occur. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-09 requires that the various amendments be adopted using different methods. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.
In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02). The primary difference between previous GAAP and ASU 2016-02 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The guidance requires a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. When measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, a lessee (and a lessor) should include payments to be made in optional periods only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. Similarly, optional payments to purchase the underlying asset should be included in the measurement of lease assets and lease liabilities only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that purchase option. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. An entity that elects to apply the practical expedients will, in effect, continue to account for leases that commence before the effective date in accordance with previous GAAP unless the lease is modified, except that lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all operating leases at each reporting date based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments that were tracked and disclosed under previous GAAP. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, results of operations, and disclosures.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive new recognition model that requires recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. In August 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date (ASU 2015-14) and the standard is now effective for the Company for fiscal 2019 and interim periods therein. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted as of the original effective date, which for the Company is fiscal 2018. The guidance may be applied using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). In addition, FASB has amended Topic 606 prior to it becoming effective. The effective date and transition requirements for these amendments to Topic 606 are the same as ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the method and date of adoption and the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and all subsequent amendments to Topic 606, will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qreport are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future.future, not past or historical events. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans""plans," "should," "estimate," "predict," "project," "would," "will," "potential," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions when made, there is no assurance that such assumptions are correct or that these expectations will be achieved. Assumptions involve important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect results in the future. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to weather conditions and commodity prices, which could affect sales and profitability in some of the Company's primary markets, such as agriculture and construction and oil and gas drilling; or changes in competition, raw material availability, technology or relationships with the Company's largest customers, risks and uncertainties relating to development of new technologies to satisfy customer requirements, possible development of competitive technologies, risks of litigation, ability to scale production of new products without negatively impacting quality and cost, risks of operating in foreign markets, risks relating to acquisitions, including risks of integration or unanticipated liabilities or contingencies, and ability to finance investment and net working capital needs for new development projects, any of which could adversely impact any of the Company's product lines, as well as other risks described in Item 1A., Risk Factors, of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2017. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and the Company disclaims any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.



ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


The exposure to market risks pertains mainly to changes in interest rates on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. The Company has no outstanding long-term debt outstandingbut does have an immaterial amount of capital lease obligations as of October 31, 2016.2017. The Company does not expect operating results or cash flows to be significantly affected by changes in interest rates.


The Company's subsidiaries that operate outside the United States use their local currency as the functional currency. The functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using the period-end exchange rates, and average exchange rates for the statement of income. Cash and cash equivalents held in foreign currency (primarily Euros and Canadian dollars) totaled $5.0 million and $2.6 million at October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016, respectively. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are included as cumulative translation adjustments in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" within shareholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized in the period incurred and are included in "Other income (expense), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Foreign currency fluctuations had no material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
The Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. However, the Company does utilize derivative financial instruments to manage the economic impact of fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates on those transactions that are denominated in currency other than its functional currency, which is the U.S. dollar. Such

transactions are principally Canadian dollar-denominated transactions. The use of these financial instruments had no material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2016.2017. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


Based on their evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of October 31, 20162017 due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting which existed at that date, as described below.


Notwithstanding the existence of the material weaknesses described below, management has concluded that the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented herein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


Material Weaknesses
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.


The Company has identified the followingfive control deficiencies which existed as ofsince October 31, 2016 which constitute material weaknesses and resulted in ineffective disclosure controls and proceduresprocedures. The Company is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the underlying causes of the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses. These remediation efforts are intended to address the identified material weaknesses and to enhance our overall financial control environment. Management has determined that two of the material weaknesses have been remediated, and three of the material weaknesses remain open as of October 31, 2017 as further described below.


Remediation Efforts on Material Weaknesses that date:remain open as of October 31, 2017

With the oversight of the Company’s Audit Committee, management is taking steps intended to address the underlying causes of the remaining open material weaknesses, primarily through the following remediation activities achieved during the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 2018:

The Company’s controls relating to the response to the risks of material misstatement were not effectively designed.
The Company’sDuring the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we have redesigned and enhanced our controls relating to theand procedures around timely and appropriate identification, assessment, and response to the risks of material misstatement were not effectively designed.misstatement. This material weakness contributedincluded formalizing and redefining the risk categorization and risk rating methodology to the following additional material weaknesses.

appropriately assess and monitor identified risks on a quarterly basis.
The Company’s controls over the accounting for goodwill and long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, were not effectively designed and maintained, specifically, the controls related to the identification of the proper unit of account as well as the development and review of assumptions used in interim and annual impairment tests. This control deficiency resulted in the restatement of the Company’s financial statements for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015, the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, and the three-month period ended April 30, 2016.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, management completed the following remediation efforts around the design deficiency:
We have redesigned our specific procedures and controls associated with the identification of the proper unit of account.
We have developed an enhanced risk assessment evaluation for the reporting unit for which a goodwill impairment analysis is being conducted.
We have redesigned our controls associated with the development of a more precise revenue forecast for use in interim and annual impairment tests. For Aerostar, this specifically includes more precise contract-based revenue assumptions.
We have redesigned our controls associated with all significant assumptions, model and data used in management's estimates relevant to assessing the valuation of goodwill and long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets,assets.
Internal Audit has completed a design walkthrough of redesigned controls.
The Company’s controls over the completeness and accuracy of spreadsheets and system-generated reports used in internal control over financial reporting were not effectively designed and maintained
During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we have redesigned our controls for the identification and maintained, specifically,assessment of the controlscompleteness and accuracy of spreadsheets and system-generated reports used in internal control over financial reporting.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we have developed governance policy and procedures that will be used consistently by the organization to appropriately identify, assess, and manage risks related to the identificationdata integrity of spreadsheets and system-generated reports in internal control over financial reporting.
During the proper unitthird quarter of account as well asfiscal 2018, we have completed the development and reviewbaseline testing for those system-generated reports utilized in internal control over financial reporting that are subject to change management.
During the third quarter of assumptions used in interim and annual impairment tests. This control deficiency resultedfiscal 2018, we have redesigned our controls to perform an analysis to identify changes made to system-generated reports utilized in the restatement of the Company’s financial statements for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015, the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, and the three-month period ended April 30, 2016.internal controls.

Efforts on Material Weaknesses that have been Remediated as of October 31, 2017

With the oversight of the Company’s Audit Committee, management took steps to address the underlying causes of the material weaknesses. Implementation of the actions taken and the resulting improvements in controls have strengthened our internal control over financial reporting. As part of our assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2018, management tested and evaluated related internal controls to assess whether they are designed and operating effectively as of October 31, 2017. Management determined that for the material weaknesses related to the Company's controls over the existence of inventories and the Company's controls related to the accounting for income taxes, the controls were designed and operating effectively to prevent and detect a material misstatement due to error or fraud and therefore concluded that these two material weaknesses were remediated as of October 31, 2017. The actions taken are further described below:

The Company’s controls related to the accounting for income taxes were not effectively designed and maintained, specifically the controls to assess that the income tax provision and related tax assets and liabilities are complete and accurate. This control deficiency resulted in adjustments to the income tax provision and related tax asset and liability

The Company’s controls related to the accounting for income taxes were not effectively designed and maintained, specifically the controls to assess that the income tax provision and related tax assets and liabilities are complete and accurate. This control deficiency resulted in adjustments to the income tax provision and related tax asset and liability accounts and related disclosures for the three- and nine-month periods ended October 31, 2015, the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016, and the three-month period ended April 30, 2016.


Management completed the following remediation efforts around the deficiency:
We have redesigned specific processes and controls to augment the review of significant or unusual transactions performed by finance leadership to ensure that the relevant tax accounting implications are identified and considered.
Our Director of Taxation has improved our tax models and implemented multiple reconciliations to ensure the Company’s tax provision is properly reconciled and rolled-forward.
The Company’s controls over the existence of inventories were not effectively designed and maintained. Specifically, the controls to monitor that inventory subject to the cycle count program was counted at the frequency levels and accuracy rates required under the Company’s policy, and the controls to verify the existence of inventory held at third-party locations were not effectively designed and maintained.

The Company’s controls overManagement completed the completeness and accuracy of spreadsheets and system-generated reports used in internal control over financial reporting were not effectively designed and maintained.following remediation efforts around the deficiency:

Additionally, these control deficiencies could result in additional misstatements of account balances or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, our management has determined that these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses.

Management’s Remediation Initiatives

The Company is actively engaged in the planning for, and implementation of, remediation efforts to address the underlying causes of the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weaknesses. These remediation efforts, summarized below are in the process of being implemented, are intended to address the identified material weaknesses and to enhance our overall financial control environment.

With the oversight of the Company’s Audit Committee, management is taking steps intended to address the underlying causes of the material weaknesses identified above, primarily through the following remediation activities:

Controls relating to the response to the risks of material misstatement
We have engaged third-party accounting resources to help management plan for remediationcompleted the transfer of the identified material weaknesses and evaluate and enhance of our risk assessment in our internal controls over financial reporting.
We are establishing an independent internal audit function and hiring additional accounting and internal audit staff to improve the management of risks to the enterprise.
We have begun adding or redesigning specific controls and procedures to proactively address opportunities to augment and enhance controls identified through this assessment.
Controls over accounting for goodwill and long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets
We have begun redesigning our specific procedures and controls associated with the identification of the proper unit of account as well as the development and review of assumptions used in interim and annual impairment tests.
We are developing an enhanced risk assessment evaluation for the reporting unit for which a goodwill impairment analysis is being conducted.
We are redesigning our controls associated with the development of a bottom-up forecast revenue analysis that supports management’s revenue estimates in interim and annual impairment tests. For Aerostar, this includes contract-based revenue assumptions.
We are redesigning our controls associated with all significant assumptions, model and data used in management's estimates relevant to assessing the valuation of goodwill and long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets.
We have engaged third-party valuation experts to evaluate and enhance the processes and procedures we are establishing or enhancing.
Controls over accounting for income taxes
We have begun adding or redesigning specific processes and controls to augment the review of significant or unusual transactions by finance leadership to ensure that the relevant tax accounting implications are identified and considered.
We have engaged third-party tax accounting resources to assist in review and analysis of tax matters associated with significant or unusual transactions.
Our new Director of Taxation has begun re-evaluating our tax models and designing and implementing multiple reconciliations to ensure the Company’s tax provision is properly reconciled and rolled-forward.
Controls over the existence of inventories, specifically controls to monitor that inventory subject to the cycle count program was counted at the frequency levels and accuracy rates required under the Company’s policy, and the controls to verify existencevast majority of inventory held at third-party locations to Company-owned facilities.
We have begun redesigning and enhancingredesigned our cycle count procedure to monitor the completeness and accuracy of cycle count results and establish specific accountability for investigation and analysis of variances.
We have begun redesigning and enhancing controls including those over the completeness and accuracy of underlying information to monitor count dates for each item by location. This will be reviewed annually to ensure that each item was counted the appropriate number of times in accordance with the cycle count policy.
We are redesigning and implementing enhancedhave redesigned our controls including those over the completeness and accuracy of underlying information to calculate and monitor the historical 12 month rollingcycle count accuracy results. We have also formalized procedures to establish specific accountability for investigation and analysis of cycle counts.identified variances.
We are goinghave redesigned our controls over baseline testing for all system-generated reports utilized in the internal controls over existence of inventories subject to complete a full physicalthe cycle count program.
We have completed an analysis to validate that inventory count annually for locations subject to the cycle count program untilis being counted at the completenessfrequency levels and accuracy of the cycle count program has been validated. Also inventory held at third-party locations will be subject to physical inventory counts each quarter until we have completed the transfer of the vast majority of inventory held at third-party locations to Company owned facilities.
Controls over the completeness and accuracy of spreadsheets and system-generated reports used in internal control over financial reporting
We have begun designing additional controls related to the completeness and accuracy of critical spreadsheets and system-generated reports used forrates required under the Company’s financial reporting.policy.
We have begun adding or redesigning controls to require both an evaluation and evidence of that evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of all critical spreadsheets and system-generated reports used in internal controls over financial reporting and the preparation of the financial statements and related footnote disclosures.

We will maintain evidence of a baseline evaluation of completeness and accuracy for relevant system-generated report determined to be a key report for which it is possible to maintain a baseline test.
We will periodically re-baseline system-generated reports whether they are changed or not in accordance with our redesigned procedures and controls over financial reporting.
We will establish a process for evaluating and documenting the completeness and accuracy of all relevant spreadsheets and system-generated reports that cannot be baselined, including spreadsheets prepared or reviewed by management.


Although we have begun implementingremediated two material weaknesses and implemented several remediation actions on the remaining material weaknesses, we have not yet been ableare still in the process of implementing certain actions and validating the impact of such actions on the material weaknesses that remain open as of October 31, 2017. Additionally, for newly implemented control activities a certain number of instances need to completebe completed in order to validate operating effectiveness. The number of instances needed is determined based on the frequency with which the control operates. These remediation of these material weaknesses. These actions are subject to ongoing review by management, as well as oversight by the Internal Audit function, as well as the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Although weWe plan to complete this remediation process as diligently as possible, and we cannot, at this time, estimatewill continue to make progress on the remediation of the remaining open material weaknesses in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. However, uncertainties exist as to when such remediation may occur, and our initiatives may not prove successful in remediating the material weaknesses. Management may determinedecide to enhance other existing controls and/or implement additional controls as part of the implementation progresses. It will take time to determine whether the additional controls we are implementing will be sufficient and functioning as designed to accomplish their intended purpose; accordingly, these material weaknesses may continue for a period of time. While the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and executive management are closely monitoring this implementation, until the remediation efforts discussed herein, including any additional remediation efforts that management identifies as necessary, are complete, tested, and determined to be effective, we will not be able to conclude that the material weaknesses have been remediated. In addition, we may need to incur incremental costs associated with this remediation, primarily due to the engagement of external accounting and tax experts to validate and support remediation activities and the implementation and validation of improved accounting and financial reporting procedures.


We are committed to improving our internal control over financial reporting and processes and intend to proactively review and improve our financial reporting controls and procedures incorporating best practices and leveraging external resources to facilitate periodic evaluations of our internal controlscontrol over financial reporting. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address control deficiencies or modify certain of the remediation measures described above.measures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
ThereAs described above under "Management's Remediation Initiatives," there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarterthree- and nine-month period ended October 31, 20162017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION


ItemItem 1. Legal Proceedings:


The Company is involved as a party in lawsuits, claims, regulatory inquiries, or disputes arising in the normal course of its business. Thebusiness, the potential costs and liability of such claimswhich cannot be determined at this time.  Management believes that any liability resulting fromAmong these matters will be substantially mitigated by insurance coverage or would be immaterial. Accordingly, managementis a patent infringement lawsuit filed in federal district court in Kansas, in which Capstan Ag Systems, Inc. has made certain infringement claims against the Company and one of its customers, CNH Industrial America LLC, related to the Applied Technology Division’s Hawkeye® Nozzle Control System. Management does not believe the ultimate outcomeoutcomes of these matters willits legal proceedings are likely to be significant to its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Additionally, because of the present status of the lawsuit, management cannot determine the potential impact, if any, of the patent infringement lawsuit described above.


The Company has insurance policies that provide coverage to various degrees for potential liabilities arising from legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors:


The Company’s business is subject to a number of risks, including those identified in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016,2017, that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity and that could cause our operating results to vary significantly from fiscal period to fiscal period. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A10-K are not the only risks we face.exhaustive. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial or are unknown to us at this time also could have a material effect onmaterially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and/or liquidity.


(Dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds:


On November 3, 2014 the Company's Board of Directors (Board) authorized a $40,000,000$40.0 million stock buyback program. Effective March 21, 2016 the Board authorized an extension and increase of this stock buyback program.An additional $10,000,000$10.0 million was authorized for share repurchases once the $40,000,000$40.0 million authorization limit is reached. This authorization remains in place until such time as the authorized spending limit is reached or is revoked by the Board.


The Company made no purchases (recorded on trade date basis) of its own equity securities during the third quarter of 2017. The remaining dollar value authorized for share repurchases at October 31, 2016 is $12,959,341.fiscal 2018 as follows:

(dollars in thousands, except per-share amounts)


Period Total number of shares purchased under the plan Weighted average price paid per share (or unit) Total amount purchased including commissions Dollar value of shares (or units) that may be purchased under the plan
August 1 to August 31, 2017 124,700
 $27.66
 $3,448,795
  
September 1 to September 30, 2017 223,586
 29.30
 6,551,197
  
October 1 to October 31, 2017 
   
  
Total as of and for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2017 348,286
 $28.71
 $9,999,992
 $2,959,349

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities: None


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures: None


Item 5. Other Information: None


Item 6. Exhibits:


Exhibit
Number
 Description
   
31.1
Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Colorado Lining International, Inc., John B. Heap, Patrick Elliott, and Raven Industries, Inc. dated August 22, 2017.
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS
XBRL
Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

   
101.SCH
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
   
101.CAL
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
   
101.DEF
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
   
101.LAB
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
   
101.PRE
 XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
   

* The exhibits and schedules to this agreement have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Raven Industries, Inc. will furnish copies of such exhibits and schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

33




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.
 RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC. 
   
  /s/
/s/ Steven E. Brazones

 
 Steven E. Brazones 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 
Date: February 15,November 21, 2017






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