UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended:  September 30, 2016March 31, 2017
 
OR 
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                           to                           
 
Commission file number:  1-13429
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Delaware 94-3196943
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation (I.R.S. Employer
or organization) Identification No.)
 
5956 W. Las Positas Blvd., Pleasanton, CA 94588
(Address of principal executive offices) 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code):  (925) 560-9000
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ý  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ý  No o
 
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 accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filerý  Accelerated filero 
       
Non-accelerated filero(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting companyo 
Emerging growth companyo
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).  Yes o  No ý

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2016:   47,546,822

March 31, 2017:   47,654,309.


NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on numerous assumptions and subject1995. All statements relating to risks and uncertainties (some of whichevents or results that may occur in the future are beyondforward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements regarding our control), such as statements below regarding future plans, sales, sales trends, product price changes, revenues, profits, costs, inventories, expenses, unrecognized costs (including those with respect to unvested stock-based compensation), cost savings, repatriation of funds, factory utilization rates, results of operations, tax liabilities, losses, capital spending, price changes (including product prices or inflation (includingand raw material (such as steel) prices), profit margins, effective tax rates, depreciation or amortization expenses, amortization periods, stock repurchases, dividends, compensation arrangements, plans or awards ofamendments (including those related to profit sharing and stock-based compensation,compensation), record dates, valuescompany policies, corporate governance practices, documents or amendments (including charter or bylaw amendments, stockholder rights plans or similar arrangements), capital and corporate structure (including major stockholders, board structure and board composition), prospective adoption of stock repurchases, dividends or stock-based compensation, unrecognized costs with respect to unvested stock-based compensation, repatriation of funds,new accounting standards, effects of changes in accounting standards, effects and expenses of (including eventual gains or losses related to) mergers and acquisitions and related integrations, effects and expenses of equity investments, effects and expenses of relocating manufacturing facilities, effects of changes in foreign exchange rates or interest rates.rates, effects and costs of facility consolidations and expansions (including related savings), effects and costs of software program implementations (including related capital expenditures and savings), relationships with distributors, labor relations, needs for additional facilities, materials and personnel, effects and costs of credit facilities and capital lease obligations, and the projected impact of any of the foregoing on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “continue,” “predict,” “project,” “will be,“change,” “result,” “future,” “will, continue,“will likely result,“could,"could potentially," and“may,” “likely,” “potentially,” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, are based on numerous assumptions, and it can be expectedinvolve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors (some of which are beyond our control) that some or all of the assumptions of the forward-looking statements we furnish will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Although we believe that the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not and cannot give any assurance that our beliefs and expectations will prove to be correct, and our actual results might differ materially from results suggested by any forward-looking statement in this document. Many factors could significantly affect our operations and may cause our actual actions, results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differbe substantially different from those reflected in theany future actions, results, financial condition, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any such forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to: (i) general businesseconomic cycles and construction business conditions; (ii) customer acceptance of the Company'sour products; (iii) product liability claims, contractual liability, engineering and design liability and similar liabilities or claims, (iv) relationships with key customers; (v) materials and manufacturing costs; (vi) the financial conditionconditions of customers, competitors and suppliers; (vii) technological developments, including software development; (viii) increased competition; (ix) changes in regulations (including changes in trade regulations) or industry practices or regulations;practices; (x) litigation risks, (xi) changes in capital and credit market conditions; (xii) governmental and business conditions in countries where the Company'sour products are manufactured and sold; (xiii) changes in trade regulations;effects of merger or acquisition activities; (xiv) the effect of acquisition activity;actual or potential takeover or other change-of-control threats; (xv) changes in the Company'sour plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company'sour filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Item“Item 1A - Risk Factors." See below “Part II,I, Item 1A - Risk Factors.” Each forward-looking statement contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is specifically qualified in its entirety by the aforementioned factors. In light of the foregoing, investors are advised to carefully read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in connection with the important disclaimers set forth above and are urged not to rely on any forward-looking statements in reaching any conclusions or making any investment decisions about us or our securities. All forward-looking statements hereunder are made as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Except as required by law, we do not intend and undertake no obligation to update, revise or publicly release the results of any revisionupdates or revisions to theseany forward-looking statements hereunder, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, the change of circumstances or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, investors are urged not to rely on our forward-looking statements in making an investment decision about our securities. We further do not accept any responsibility for any projections or reports published by analysts, investors or other third parties.

Each of the terms the “Company,” “we,” “our,” "us"“us” and similar terms used herein refer collectively to Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., unless otherwise stated.

“Strong-Tie” and our other trademarks appearing in this report are our property. This report contains additional trade names and trademarks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of us by such companies, or any relationship with any of these companiescompanies.



PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Financial Statements.
 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
September 30, December 31,March 31, December 31,
2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
ASSETS 
  
  
 
  
  
Current assets 
  
  
 
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$218,720
 $242,795
 $258,825
$167,059
 $232,028
 $226,537
Trade accounts receivable, net141,716
 132,727
 106,011
148,506
 135,123
 112,423
Inventories220,207
 200,282
 195,757
256,271
 210,787
 232,274
Deferred income taxes
 14,782
 16,203
Other current assets12,321
 10,302
 12,476
13,744
 13,284
 14,013
Total current assets592,964
 600,888
 589,272
585,580
 591,222
 585,247
          
Property, plant and equipment, net229,670
 202,885
 213,716
250,465
 216,660
 232,810
Goodwill126,845
 123,277
 123,950
135,113
 125,614
 124,479
Equity investment2,607
 
 2,500
Intangible assets, net24,629
 28,570
 27,675
31,713
 26,719
 22,864
Other noncurrent assets10,195
 4,426
 6,696
12,722
 8,746
 12,074
Total assets$984,303
 $960,046
 $961,309
$1,018,200
 $968,961
 $979,974
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
  
 
  
  
Current liabilities 
  
  
 
  
  
Capital lease obligation - current portion$521
 $
 $
Trade accounts payable$24,777
 $24,934
 $21,309
38,219
 29,023
 27,674
Accrued liabilities62,714
 52,881
 54,761
67,183
 49,849
 60,477
Income taxes payable3,420
 2,000
 
2,290
 2,824
 
Accrued profit sharing trust contributions5,157
 4,383
 5,799
2,514
 2,245
 6,549
Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions17,153
 12,566
 8,502
9,256
 11,133
 10,527
Accrued workers’ compensation4,161
 4,486
 4,593
3,578
 4,472
 3,569
Total current liabilities117,382
 101,250
 94,964
123,561
 99,546
 108,796
          
Capital lease obligation - net of current portion1,610
 
 
Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities5,817
 14,415
 16,521
6,076
 5,159
 5,336
Total liabilities123,199
 115,665
 111,485
131,247
 104,705
 114,132
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 7)

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)

 

 

Stockholders’ equity 
  
  
 
  
  
Common stock, at par value486
 493
 481
475
 484
 473
Additional paid-in capital243,900
 225,788
 238,212
259,167
 238,040
 255,917
Retained earnings687,052
 679,673
 639,707
Retained Earnings656,959
 648,321
 642,422
Treasury stock(47,002) (39,529) 

 (3,502) 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(23,332) (22,044) (28,576)(29,648) (19,087) (32,970)
Total stockholders’ equity861,104
 844,381
 849,824
886,953
 864,256
 865,842
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$984,303
 $960,046
 $961,309
$1,018,200
 $968,961
 $979,974


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, September 30,March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Net sales$230,974
 $216,139
 $660,470
 $609,295
$219,867
 $199,523
Cost of sales117,499
 115,798
 342,985
 333,138
119,711
 107,000
Gross profit113,475
 100,341
 317,485
 276,157
100,156
 92,523
Operating expenses:          
Research and development and other engineering10,932
 13,935
 33,807
 34,648
13,108
 11,423
Selling24,304
 22,535
 74,313
 68,156
29,483
 25,187
General and administrative32,543
 28,648
 96,786
 86,875
34,986
 29,298
Net gain on disposal of assets(81) (26) (763) (57)(51) (26)
67,698
 65,092
 204,143
 189,622
77,526
 65,882
Income from operations45,777
 35,249
 113,342
 86,535
22,630
 26,641
Loss in equity method investment, before tax(28) 
Interest expense, net(82) (175) (400) (264)(189) (235)
Gain on bargain purchase of a business8,388
 
Income before taxes45,695
 35,074
 112,942
 86,271
30,801
 26,406
Provision for income taxes15,898
 13,479
 40,601
 33,115
7,680
 10,063
Net income$29,797
 $21,595
 $72,341
 $53,156
$23,121
 $16,343
          
Earnings per common share: 
  
     
  
Basic$0.62
 $0.44
 $1.50
 $1.08
$0.49
 $0.34
Diluted0.62
 0.44
 1.49
 1.08
0.48
 $0.34
          
Number of shares outstanding 
  
     
  
Basic48,119
 48,998
 48,231
 49,157
47,616
 48,297
Diluted48,352
 49,239
 48,429
 49,377
47,906
 48,450
          
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.18
 $0.16
 $0.52
 $0.46
$0.18
 $0.16
 


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, September 30,March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Net income$29,797
 $21,595
 $72,341
 $53,156
$23,121
 $16,343
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Translation adjustment, net of tax (expense) of ($37), ($36), ($166) and ($33), respectively, for each period on the right232
 (6,162) 5,244
 (14,864)
Translation adjustment, net of tax expense3,322
 9,489
Comprehensive income$30,029
 $15,433
 $77,585
 $38,292
$26,443
 $25,832
 


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015At March 31, 2016 and 2016,2017, and December 31, 20152016
(In thousands except per-share amounts, unaudited)
    Additional   
Accumulated
Other
        Additional   
Accumulated
Other
    
Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Treasury  Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Treasury  
Shares Par Value Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Stock TotalShares Par Value Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Stock Total
Balance, January 1, 201548,966
 $489
 $220,982
 $649,174
 $(7,180) $
 $863,465
Balance at January 1, 201648,184
 $481
 $238,212
 $639,707
 $(28,576) $
 $849,824
Net income
 
 
 53,156
 
 
 53,156

 
 
 16,343
 
 
 16,343
Translation adjustment, net of tax
 
 
 
 (14,864) 
 (14,864)
 
 
 
 9,489
 
 9,489
Options exercised239
 2
 7,017
 
 
 
 7,019
35
 1
 1,012
 
 
 
 1,013
Stock-based compensation
 
 8,744
 
 
 
 8,744

 
 2,350
 
 
 
 2,350
Tax benefit of options exercised
 
 (244) 
 
 
 (244)
 
 24
 
 
 
 24
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units205
 2
 (3,648) 
 
 
 (3,646)196
 2
 (3,873) 
 
 
 (3,871)
Repurchase of common stock(1,149) 
 (7,615) 
 
 (39,529) (47,144)(106) 
 
 
 
 (3,502) (3,502)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.46 per share
 
 
 (22,657) 
 
 (22,657)
Common stock issued at $34.32 per share for stock bonus16
 
 552
 
 
 
 552
Balance, at September 30, 201548,277
 493
 225,788
 679,673
 (22,044) (39,529) 844,381
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.16 per share
 
 
 (7,729) 
 
 (7,729)
Common stock issued at $32.45 per share for stock bonus10
 
 315
 
 
 
 315
Balance at March 31, 201648,319
 484
 238,040
 648,321
 (19,087) (3,502) 864,256
Net income
 
 
 14,732
 
  
 14,732

 
 
 73,391
 
  
 73,391
Translation adjustment, net of tax
 
 
 
 (6,075) 
 (6,075)
 
 
 
 (13,409) 
 (13,409)
Pension adjustment, net of tax
 
 
 
 (457) 
 (457)
 
 
 
 (474) 
 (474)
Options exercised92
 1
 2,700
 
 
 
 2,701
235
 2
 6,961
 
 
 
 6,963
Stock-based compensation
 
 2,253
 
 
 
 2,253

 
 10,836
 
 
 
 10,836
Tax benefit of options exercised
 
 (74) 
 
 
 (74)
 
 227
 
 
 
 227
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units5
 
 (70) 
 
 
 (70)21
 
 (147) 
 
 
 (147)
Repurchase of common stock(190) 
 7,615
 
 
 (7,615) 
(1,138) 
 
 
 
 (50,000) (50,000)
Retirement of common stock
 (13) 
 (47,131) 
 47,144
 

 (13) 
 (53,489) 
 53,502
 
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.16 per share
 
 
 (7,567) 
 
 (7,567)
Balance, December 31, 201548,184
 481
 238,212
 639,707
 (28,576) 
 849,824
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.54 per share
 
 
 (25,801) 
 
 (25,801)
Balance at December 31, 201647,437
 473
 255,917
 642,422
 (32,970) 
 865,842
Net income
 
 
 72,341
 
 
 72,341

 
 
 23,121
 
 
 23,121
Translation adjustment, net of tax
 
 
 
 5,244
 
 5,244

 
 
 
 3,322
 
 3,322
Options exercised227
 3
 6,692
 
 
 
 6,695
11
 
 314
 
 
 
 314
Stock-based compensation
 
 9,039
 
 
 
 9,039

 
 7,650
 
 
 
 7,650
Tax benefit of options exercised
 
 140
 
 
 
 140
Shares issued from release of Restricted Stock Units216
 2
 (3,998) 
 
 
 (3,996)197
 2
 (5,126) 
 
 
 (5,124)
Repurchase of common stock(1,090) 
 (6,500) 
 
 (47,002) (53,502)
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.52 per share
 
 
 (24,996) 
 
 (24,996)
Common stock issued at $32.45 per share for stock bonus10
 
 315
 
 
 
 315
Balance, September 30, 201647,547
 $486
 $243,900
 $687,052
 $(23,332) $(47,002) $861,104
Cash dividends declared on common stock, $0.18 per share
 
 
 (8,584) 
 
 (8,584)
Common stock issued at $44.26 per share for stock bonus9
 
 412
 
 
 
 412
Balance at March 31, 201747,654
 $475
 $259,167
 $656,959
 $(29,648) $
 $886,953


Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands, unaudited)
Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30,March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities 
  
 
  
Net income$72,341
 $53,156
$23,121
 $16,343
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Gain on sale of assets(763) (57)(51) (26)
Depreciation and amortization21,485
 21,664
8,363
 7,437
Write-off of software development project153
 3,140

 153
Gain on contingent consideration adjustment
 (245)
Loss in equity method investment, before tax28
 
Gain on bargain purchase of a business(8,388) 
Deferred income taxes1,481
 1,701
1,163
 2,499
Noncash compensation related to stock plans9,707
 9,528
7,976
 2,750
Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested(162) (67)
 (28)
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts(131) 153
13
 (266)



 



 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 
  
 
  
Trade accounts receivable(35,463) (42,851)(30,254) (28,228)
Inventories(22,992) 13,567
(9,796) (13,912)
Trade accounts payable2,806
 3,026
3,209
 7,273
Income taxes payable6,745
 8,151
3,681
 6,289
Accrued profit sharing trust contributions(637) (997)(4,036) (3,552)
Accrued cash profit sharing and commissions8,636
 6,577
(1,287) 2,605
Other current assets(2,751) 4,293
(695) (3,230)
Accrued liabilities2,615
 (6,716)(845) (6,192)
Long-term liabilities(1,222) (3,093)87
 (1,853)
Accrued workers’ compensation(432) 385
9
 (121)
Other noncurrent assets1,471
 954
210
 2,162
Net cash provided by operating activities62,887
 72,269
Net cash used in operating activities(7,492) (9,897)
Cash flows from investing activities 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures(29,934) (19,163)(15,760) (6,972)
Asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired(5,361) (779)(26,289) 
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment1,278
 136
53
 40
Loan repayment by customer
 244
Net cash used in investing activities(34,017)
(19,562)(41,996)
(6,932)
Cash flows from financing activities 
  
 
  
Deferred and contingent consideration paid for asset acquisition(27) (1,177)(65) (27)
Repurchase of common stock(53,502) (47,144)
 (3,502)
Repayment of debt and line of credit borrowings
 (18)
Debt issuance costs(1,125) 
Capital lease borrowings2,131
 
Issuance of common stock6,695
 7,019
314
 1,012
Excess tax benefit of options exercised and restricted stock units vested162
 67

 28
Dividends paid(24,152) (21,628)(8,538) (7,709)
Cash paid on behalf of employees for shares withheld(5,124) (3,871)
Net cash used in financing activities(71,949) (62,881)(11,282) (14,069)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents2,974
 (7,338)1,292
 4,101
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(40,105) (17,512)(59,478) (26,797)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period258,825
 260,307
226,537
 258,825
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$218,720
 $242,795
$167,059
 $232,028
Noncash activity during the period 
  
 
  
Noncash capital expenditures$726
 $
$4,817
 $266
Dividends declared but not paid8,559
 $7,872
8,578
 $7,729
Contingent consideration for acquisition1,139
 
Issuance of Company’s common stock for compensation315
 552
412
 315
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)




1.    Basis of Presentation
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). There were no investments in affiliates that would render such affiliates to be considered variable interest entities. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Interim Period Reporting
 
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
 
The unaudited quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the financial information set forth therein, in accordance with GAAP. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data provided herein were derived from audited financial statements, but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The Company’s quarterly results fluctuate. As a result, the Company believes the results of operations for this interim period presented are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future periods.

Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue when the earnings process is complete, net of applicable provision for discounts, returns and incentives, whether actual or estimated, based on the Company’s experience. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the sales agreement or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss pass to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. The Company’s general shipping terms are F.O.B. shipping point, and title is transferred and revenue is recognized when the products are shipped to customers. When the Company sells F.O.B. destination point, title is transferred and the Company recognizes revenue on delivery or customer acceptance, depending on terms of the sales agreement. Service sales, representing after-market repair and maintenance, engineering activities and software license sales and services, though significantly less than 0.1%1.0% net sales and not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements, are recognized as the services are completed or the software products and services are delivered. If actual costs of sales returns, incentives and discounts were to significantly exceed the recorded estimated allowance, the Company’s sales would be adversely affected.
 
Net Earnings Per Common Share
 
Basic earnings per common share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Potentially dilutive securities, using the treasury stock method, are included in the diluted per-share calculations for all periods when the effect of their inclusion is dilutive.
 

The following is a reconciliation of basic earnings per common share to diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Net income available to common stockholders$29,797
 $21,595
 $72,341
 $53,156
$23,121
 $16,343
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding48,119
 48,998
 48,231
 49,157
47,616
 48,297
Dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents — stock options and restricted stock units233
 241
 198
 220
290
 153
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding48,352
 49,239
 48,429
 49,377
47,906
 48,450
Earnings per common share: 
  
  
  
 
  
Basic$0.62
 $0.44
 $1.50
 $1.08
$0.49
 $0.34
Diluted$0.62
 $0.44
 $1.49
 $1.08
$0.48
 $0.34
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from earnings per diluted share because their effect is anti-dilutive
 
 
 

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
 
With the approval of the Company’s stockholders on April 26, 2011, theThe Company adoptedcurrently maintains an equity incentive plan, the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Plan (the “Original“2011 Plan”), which was originally adopted on April 26, 2011 Plan”). With the approval of the Company's stockholdersand was subsequently amended and restated on April 21, 2015, the Company adopted the amended and restated Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2011 Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan"), which amended and restated in its entirety, and incorporated and superseded, the Original 2011 Plan.2015. The Original 2011 Plan amended and restated in their entirety, and incorporated and superseded, both the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”), which was principally for the Company’s employees, and the Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1995 Independent Director Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), which was for its independent directors. Awards previously granted under the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan were not affected by the adoption of the Original 2011 Plan or the 2011 Plan and will continuecontinued to be governed by the 1994 Plan or the 1995 Plan, respectively.

Under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan, the Company could grant incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, although the Company granted only granted non-qualified stock options under both plans. As of September 30, 2016, there were no unvestedthereunder. The Company generally granted stock options outstandingunder each of the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan once every year. Stock options vest and expire according to terms established at the grant date. Stock options granted under the 1994 Plan typically vested evenly over the requisite service period of four years and have a term of seven years. Stock options granted under the 1995 Plan typically fully vested on the date of grant. Shares of common stock issued on exercise of stock options under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan.Plan are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

Under the 2011 Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs"), although the Company currently intends to award primarily restricted stock unitsperformance-based and/or time-based RSUs and to a lesser extent, if at all, non-qualified stock options.options (see "Note 9 Stock-Based Incentive Plans"). The Company does not currently intend to award incentive stock options or restricted stock. Under the 2011 Plan, no more than 16.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock in aggregate may be issued (including shares already issued) pursuant to all awards under the 2011 Plan, including shares already issued pursuant to prior awards and shares reserved for issuance on exercise of options previously granted under the 1994 Plan and the 1995 Plan.

Shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to the 1994 Plan, the 1995 Plan and the 2011 Plan are registered under the Securities Act,Act.

Subject to certain adjustments, the following limits shall apply with respect to any awards under the 2011 Plan that are intended to qualify for the performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Securities Act").

from time to time: (i) the maximum aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be subject to stock options granted in any calendar year to any one participant shall be 150,000 shares; and (ii) the maximum aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable or deliverable under RSUs granted in any calendar year to any one participant shall be 100,000 shares.

The following table represents the Company’s stock option and restricted stock unitstock-based compensation activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in operating expenses$3,141
 $2,794
 $8,995
 $8,869
$7,586
 $2,480
Less: Tax benefit of stock-based compensation expense in provision for income taxes1,112
 1,005
 3,262
 3,144
2,791
 895
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax$2,029
 $1,789
 $5,733
 $5,725
$4,795
 $1,585
Fair value of shares vested$3,088
 $2,749
 $9,039
 $8,744
$7,650
 $2,350
Proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock-based compensation$4,166
 $1,443
 $6,695
 $7,019
$314
 $1,012
Tax effect from the exercise of stock-based compensation, including shortfall tax benefits$121
 $(58) $140
 $(244)$1,104
 $24
 At September 30,
(in thousands)2016 2015
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory$463
 $464

The Company allocates stock-based compensation expenses among cost of sales, research and development and other engineering expense, selling expense, or general and administrative expense based on the job functions performed by the employees to whom the stock-based compensation is awarded.
The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock-based compensation are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company’s experience.
The following table shows the expense related to the Company's stock-based compensation capitalized in inventory for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:

 At March 31,
(in thousands)2017 2016
Stock-based compensation cost capitalized in inventory$521
 $253
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset’s or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

TheAs of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2017, the Company’s investments consisted of only money market funds, and as of March 31, 2016, its investments consisted of only United States Treasury securities and money market funds, which are the Company’s primary financial instruments, maintained in cash equivalents and carried at cost, approximating fair value, based on Level 1 inputs. The balances of the Company’sCompany's primary financial instruments at the dates indicated were as follows:
At September 30, At December 31,At March 31, At December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
United States Treasury securities and money market funds$13,334
 $76,488
 $76,047
$3,545
 $71,442
 $2,832
 
The carrying amounts of trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s contingent consideration related to acquisitions is classified

as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy as it is based on unobserved inputs and assumptions. In 2017, the fair value of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of CG Visions, Inc. ("CG Visions"), an Indiana company, was $1.1 million.
 

Income Taxes
 
The Company uses an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the tax benefit or tax expense recognized in each interim period. The effective tax rate was lower in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 than in the third quarter and first nine
months of 2015, primarily due to lower quarter-to-date and year-to-date operating losses, mostly occurring in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded. The following table presents the Company’s effective tax rates and income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Effective tax rate34.8% 38.4% 35.9% 38.4%24.9% 38.1%
Provision for income taxes$15,898
 $13,479
 $40,601
 $33,115
$7,680
 $10,063

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 24.9% from 38.1%. The decrease was primarily due to a nonrecurring gain on a bargain purchase related to the Gbo Fastening Systems acquisition (see "Gain on Bargain Purchase" below), which was not taxable, and the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 in January 1, 2017 (see "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" below), which recognizes the excess tax benefits of stock-based awards as a reduction to income tax expense instead of the previous methodology which recorded the benefit on the balance sheets as a component of stockholders' equity.
 
Acquisitions
 
Under the business combinations topic of the FASB ASC 805, the Company accounts for acquisitions as business combinations and ascribes acquisition-date fair values to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Provisional fair value measurements are made at the time of the acquisitions. Adjustments to those measurements may be made in subsequent periods, up to one year from the acquisition date, as information necessary to complete the analysis is obtained. Fair value of intangible assets are generally based on Level 3 inputs.
 
In December 2015, the Company purchased all of the business assets, including intellectual property rights, from Blue Heron Enterprises, LLC, and Fox Chase Enterprises, LLC, both New Jersey limited liability companies (collectively, "EBTY"), for $3.4 million in cash. EBTY manufactured and sold hidden deck clips and products and systems using a patented design. The Company believes that EBTY's patented design for hidden deck clips and products and systems complements the Company's hidden clips and fastener systems. The Company's provisional measurement of assets acquired included goodwill of $2.0 million which was assigned to the Company's North American segment, and intangible assets of $1.1 million, both of which are subject to tax-deductible amortization. Net assets consisting of inventory and equipment accounted for the balance of the purchase price. The estimated weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 7 years.

In August 2016, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of Multi Services Dêcoupe S.A. ("MSD"MS Decoupe"), a Belgium public limited company, for $6.9 million. MSDMS Decoupe primarily manufactures and distributes wood construction, labeling,plastic, and wrappingmetal labeling products in Belgium and the Netherlands, including distributing the Company's products manufactured at the Company's production facility in France. With this acquisition, the Company could potentially offer the Belgium market a wider-range of its products, shorten delivery lead times, and expand the Company's sales presence into the Netherlands market. The Company's provisional measurement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed included cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 million, other current assets of $2.1 million, non-currentnoncurrent assets of $5.0 million, current liabilities of $0.7 million and non-currentnoncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $1.0 million. Included in non-currentnoncurrent assets was goodwill of $1.9 million, which was assigned to the Europe segment, and intangible assets of $1.2 million, both of which are not subject to tax-deductible amortization. The estimated weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 7 years.

In January 2017, the Company acquired CG Visions for up to approximately $20.8 million subject to specified holdback provisions and post-closing adjustments. CG Visions provides scalable technologies and services in building information modeling ("BIM") technologies, estimation tools and software solutions to a number of the top 100 mid-sized to large builders in the United States, which are expected to complement and support the Company's sales in North America. The Company's provisional measurement of assets acquired and liabilities assumed included other current assets of $0.5 million, noncurrent assets of $20.4 million, current liabilities of $0.07 million and contingent consideration of $1.1 million. Included in noncurrent assets was goodwill of $10.1 million, which was assigned to the North America segment, and intangible assets of $10.3 million, both of which are not subject to tax-deductible amortization. The estimated weighted-average amortization period for the intangible assets is 7 years.

In January 2017, the Company acquired Gbo Fastening Systems AB ("Gbo Fastening Systems"), a Sweden limited company, for approximately $10.2 million. Gbo Fastening Systems manufactures and sells a complete line of CE-marked structural fasteners as well as unique fastener dimensioning software for wood construction applications, currently sold mostly in northern and eastern Europe, which are expected to complement the Company's line of wood construction products in Europe.

The results of operations of the businesses acquired in 20152016 through 2016 are2017 were included in the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations since the date of the applicable acquisition. They wereSuch businesses are not material to the Company on an individual or aggregate basis, and accordingly, pro forma results of operations haveare not been presented.

Sales Office ClosingGain on Bargain Purchase

The Company substantially completedrecorded a preliminary nontaxable bargain purchase gain of $8.4 million, which was included in the liquidationcondensed consolidated statements of its Asia sales officesoperations. This nonrecurring bargain purchase gain represents an estimate of the excess fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration exchanged as of December 31, 2015,the acquisition date. The fair value measurement and does not expect to recognize significant additional costs inrecognition of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on preliminary purchase price allocation and pro forma data for future periods, relatedwithout speculating as to this event.the seller's motivation. The Company concluded that the valuation procedures and resulting measures, including when repeated, appropriately reflect consideration of all available information as of the acquisition date.

Additional compensation expensesThe following table represents the preliminary allocation of $0.2 million were incurredthe purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and paidliabilities assumed at the acquisition date of the Gbo Fastening Systems acquisition:

(In thousands) 
Assets *
 
 Cash and cash equivalents$3,956
 Accounts receivable4,914
 Inventory13,063
 Other current assets760
 Property, plant, equipment and noncurrent assets5,744
  28,437
Liabilities 
 Accounts payable4,500
 Other current liabilities5,381
  9,881
   
Total net assets18,556
 Gain on bargain purchase of a business, net of tax(8,388)
 Total purchase price$10,168
*Intangible assets acquired were determined to have little to no value, thus were not recognized.

The Company believes it is possible that during the third quarterpreliminary measurement period or after the final purchase price allocation is determined, the fair value measurement of 2016. Estimated accrued closing costs, including additional compensation expense, retention bonuses and professional fees, were reduced by $0.2acquired assets or liabilities could change, which could affect the estimated $8.4 million during the third quarter of 2016. Estimated closing costs of $0.1 million were accrued and not paid as of September 30, 2016.provisional gain.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2015,March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Income Taxes2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 740)718),
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Balance Sheet Classification("ASU 2016-09"), which amends existing guidance related to accounting for employee share-based payments affecting the income tax consequences of Deferred Taxes ("awards, classification of awards as equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2015-17").2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09.

This new guidance requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. The objective isCompany prospectively adopted this guidance with the tax impact of a $1.1 million tax benefit recognized in the consolidated income statements and classified it as an

operating activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The guidance also requires a policy election either to simplifyestimate the presentationnumber of deferred income taxes;awards that are expected to vest or to account for forfeitures whenever they occur. The Company did not change its policy for calculating accrual compensation costs by estimating the amendments requirenumber of awards that deferredare expected to vest. Therefore, when the Company adopted this guidance, there was no recognized cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. In addition, this guidance requires cash paid by an employer, when directly withholding shares for tax assets and liabilitieswithholding purposes, to be classified in the statement of cash flows as noncurrenta financing activity, which differs from the Company's previous method of classification of such cash payments as an operating activity. Accordingly, the Company applied this provision retrospectively and for the first quarter of 2017 and 2016 reclassified $5.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, from operating activities to financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting ("ASU 2016-07"), which eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting retrospectively when a classified consolidated balance sheets.reporting entity obtains significant influence over a previously held investment. The amendments in ASU 2015-17 will be2016-07 are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.therein, with early adoption permitted. The amendment may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company elected to early-adopt ASU 2015-17 and applied the guidance prospectively with no change to prior period amounts disclosed in our consolidated balance sheets and related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Prospective adoption of ASU 2015-17, in the first quarter of 2016, resulted in the Company offsetting all of its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as of January 1, 2016, by taxing jurisdiction and classifying those balances as noncurrent. The result was a $4.1 million increase in "Other noncurrent assets," from $6.7 million to $10.8 million, and a $12.1 million decrease in "Deferred income tax and other long-term liabilities," from $16.5 million to $4.4 million.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, (Topic 330), Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”). The objective is to reduce the complexity related to inventory subsequent measurement and disclosure requirements. ASU 2015-11 amendments do not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out or the retail inventory method. The amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. Inventory within the scope of the new guidance should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments more closely align with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in ASU 2015-11standard should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted asfor investments that qualify for the equity method of accounting after the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. During the first quarter of 2016,effective date. On January 1, 2017, the Company elected to early-adoptprospectively adopted ASU 2015-11 and applied the guidance prospectively. As of September 30, 2016, adoption2016-07. Adoption of ASU 2015-112016-07 has had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"), which changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. The new guidance clarifies that a business must also include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. On January 1, 2017, the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2017-01. Adoption of ASU 2017-01 has had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.

All other issued and effective accounting standards during 2017 were determined to be not relevant or material to the Company.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
 
Other than the following, there have been no new developments to those recently issued accounting standards disclosed in the Company’s 20152016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In March 2016,May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 (Topic 718),2014-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment AccountingRevenue from Contracts with Customers (“("ASU 2016-09”2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The amendments simplify several aspects ofprovide a revenue recognition five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. In 2016, the FASB issued final amendments to clarify the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions including accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements,licenses of intellectual property. ASU 2014-09 and classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 isits 2016 final amendments are effective for fiscal years,annual and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016.2017. The Company expects to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2018. The new standard also permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application (the modified retrospective method). The Company is currently in the process of determining its method of adoption, which depends in part upon the completion of the analysis on the impact this guidance will have on the Company's revenue arrangements. The Company expects to complete its analysis of the impact of the updated revenue-recognition guidance on the Company's revenue arrangements by October 2017. The Company’s approach includes performing a detailed review of key contracts representative of the Company’s products. In addition, comparing historical accounting policies and practices to the new standard on the Company’s revenue arrangements. Based on current information, and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company does not know whether the new revenue recognition standard will have a material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, (Topic 842), Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 core requirement is to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including those leases classified as operating leases. The amendments require 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. 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. The lessor accounting application is largely unchanged from that applied previously under the previous GAAP.

In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The amendments in this ASU are2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application ofyears, with early adoption permitted. While the amendmentsCompany expects adoption to lead to a material increase in this Updatethe assets and liabilities recorded on its condensed consolidated balance sheets, the Company is permitted for all entities.still evaluating the overall impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014,October 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09,2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740), Revenue from Contracts with CustomersIntra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory ("("ASU 2014-09"2016-16"). ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition, which requires companies to account for the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Current guidance under GAAP.requires companies to defer the income tax effects of intercompany transfers of assets until the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized. The amendments provide a revenue recognition five-step modelamendment is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2016-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Based on current information and subject to all revenue contracts with customers.future events and circumstances, the Company does not know whether ASU 2014-09 provides alternative2016-16 will have a material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

methods of adoption of the guidance. In 2016,January 2017, the FASB issued final amendmentsAccounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"), which eliminates the requirement to clarifycalculate the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations andimplied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge or Step 2 of the accounting for licensesgoodwill impairment analysis. Instead, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the excess of intellectual property.a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value using Step 1 of the goodwill impairment analysis. The standard is effectiverequired to be adopted for annual and interim periods beginningimpairment tests performed after December 15, 2017.

2019. The amendment is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company is currently evaluating the effects of these new accounting standards described abovedoes not know whether ASU 2017-04 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, and has not yet selected a transition approach.upon adoption.

2.    Trade Accounts Receivable, Net
 
Trade accounts receivable at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
At September 30, At December 31,At March 31, At December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
Trade accounts receivable$145,966
 $136,748
 $109,859
$153,542
 $139,198
 $116,368
Allowance for doubtful accounts(945) (919) (1,142)(1,284) (918) (895)
Allowance for sales discounts and returns(3,305) (3,102) (2,706)(3,752) (3,157) (3,050)
$141,716
 $132,727
 $106,011
$148,506
 $135,123
 $112,423
 

3.    Inventories
 
Inventories at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
At September 30, At December 31,At March 31, At December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
Raw materials$83,613
 $82,194
 $75,950
$90,545
 $82,056
 $86,524
In-process products20,313
 19,485
 18,828
26,010
 20,827
 20,902
Finished products116,281
 98,603
 100,979
139,716
 107,904
 124,848
$220,207
 $200,282
 $195,757
$256,271
 $210,787
 $232,274
 


4.    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
 
Property, plant and equipment, net, at the dates indicated consisted of the following: 
At September 30, At December 31,At March 31, At December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
Land$30,217
 $28,899
 $28,698
$32,370
 $30,535
 $32,127
Buildings and site improvements176,430
 172,300
 171,890
186,974
 173,605
 183,882
Leasehold improvements5,682
 5,593
 5,560
5,515
 5,616
 5,550
Machinery, equipment, and software249,227
 231,467
 232,560
254,405
 239,264
 248,861
461,556
 438,259
 438,708
479,264
 449,020
 470,420
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(275,096) (255,431) (257,115)(279,607) (264,398) (273,302)
186,460
 182,828
 181,593
199,657
 184,622
 197,118
Capital projects in progress43,210
 20,057
 32,123
50,808
 32,038
 35,692
$229,670
 $202,885
 $213,716
$250,465
 $216,660
 $232,810
 


5.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net
 
Goodwill at the dates indicated was as follows: 
At September 30, At December 31,At March 31, At December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
North America$85,988
 $84,074
 $85,834
$95,574
 $86,038
 $85,488
Europe39,402
 37,863
 36,720
38,080
 38,107
 37,616
Asia/Pacific1,455
 1,340
 1,396
1,459
 1,469
 1,375
Total$126,845
 $123,277
 $123,950
$135,113
 $125,614
 $124,479
 
Amortizable and indefinite-lived intangibleIntangible assets, net, at the dates indicated were as follows: 
At September 30, 2016At March 31, 2017
Gross   NetGross   Net
Carrying Accumulated CarryingCarrying Accumulated Carrying
(in thousands)Amount Amortization AmountAmount Amortization Amount
North America$27,488
 $(17,347) $10,141
$33,862
 $(14,815) $19,047
Europe31,090
 (16,602) 14,488
28,110
 (15,444) 12,666
Total$58,578
 $(33,949) $24,629
$61,972
 $(30,259) $31,713
 
At September 30, 2015At March 31, 2016
Gross   NetGross   Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America$29,402
 $(17,143) $12,259
$27,490
 $(15,743) $11,747
Europe30,070
 (13,759) 16,311
30,107
 (15,135) 14,972
Total$59,472
 $(30,902) $28,570
$57,597
 $(30,878) $26,719
 

At December 31, 2015At December 31, 2016
Gross   NetGross   Net
(in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Carrying
Amount
North America$27,475
 $(14,941) $12,534
$23,562
 $(13,811) $9,751
Europe29,590
 (14,449) 15,141
27,880
 (14,767) 13,113
Total$57,065
 $(29,390) $27,675
$51,442
 $(28,578) $22,864
 
Intangible assets consist of definite-lived and indefinite-lived assets. Definite-lived intangible assets include customer relationships, patents, unpatented technology and non-compete agreements.Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets during the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, totaled $1.5$1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, totaled $4.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2016, an approximatelyapproximate $1.5 million in-process research and development asset was transferred to definite-lived intangible assets from indefinite-lived intangible assets, andwhich is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's useful life.

Indefinite-lived intangible asset, consisting of a trade name, totaled $0.6 million at September 30, 2016, and indefinite-lived assets, consisting of an in-process research and development asset and a trade name, totaled $2.2 million at September 30, 2015, and $2.1 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2015.

2017.

At September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, estimated future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was as follows: 
(in thousands)  
  
Remaining three months of 2016$1,589
20174,626
Remaining nine months of 2017$4,658
20183,683
5,250
20193,654
5,102
20203,609
5,072
20213,063
4,592
20222,737
Thereafter3,789
3,686
$24,013
$31,097
 
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, were as follows: 
  Intangible  Intangible
(in thousands)Goodwill AssetsGoodwill Assets
Balance at December 31, 2015$123,950
 $27,675
Balance at December 31, 2016$124,479
 $22,864
Acquisitions1,848
 1,212
10,066
 10,301
Amortization
 (4,558)

 (1,683)
Foreign exchange1,047
 300
568
 231
Balance at September 30, 2016$126,845
 $24,629
Balance at March 31, 2017$135,113
 $31,713


6.    Investments

On December 23, 2016, the Company acquired a 25.0% equity interest in Ruby Sketch Pty Ltd. (“Ruby Sketch”), an Australian proprietary limited company, for $2.5 million, for which the Company accounts for its ownership interest using the equity accounting method. Ruby Sketch develops software that assists in designing residential structures, primarily used in Australia, and potentially for the North America market. The Company has no obligation to make any additional capital contributions to Ruby Sketch.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded an equity loss of $28 thousand with respect to its Ruby Sketch investment. However, the investment increased $135 thousand due to the foreign currency translation, primarily related to the weakening Australian dollar against United States dollar, resulting in a $2.6 million balance as of March 31, 2017.




7.    Debt
 
Credit Facilities

The Company has revolving lines of credit with various banks in the United States and Europe. Total available credit at September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, was $303.9$303.8 million including revolving credit lines and an irrevocable standby letter of credit in support of various insurance deductibles.
 
The Company’s primary credit facility is a revolving line of credit with $300 million in available credit. On July 25, 2016, the Company entered into a second amendment (the "Amendment") to the credit facility. For additional information about the Amendment, see the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016. As amended, this credit facility expireswill expire on July 23, 2021. Amounts borrowed under this credit facility will bear interest at an annual rate equal to either, at the Company’s option, (a) the rate for Eurocurrency deposits for the corresponding deposits of U.S. dollars appearing on Reuters LIBOR1screen page (the “LIBOR Rate”), adjusted for any reserve requirement in effect, plus a spread of 0.60% to 1.45%, determined quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio (at September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the LIBOR Rate was 0.53%0.93%), or (b) a base rate, plus a spread of 0.00% to 0.45%, determined quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The base rate is defined in a manner such that it will not be less than the LIBOR Rate. The Company will pay fees for standby letters of credit at an annual rate equal to the applicable spread described above, and will pay market-based fees for commercial letters of credit. The Company is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.15% to 0.30% of the available commitments under the credit facility, regardless of usage, with the applicable fee determined on a quarterly basis based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Theratio.The Company was also required to pay customary fees as specified in a separate fee agreement to the agent under the credit facility.
The Company’s unused borrowing capacity under other revolving credit lines and a term note totaled $3.9$3.8 million at September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The other revolving credit lines and the term note charge interest ranging from 0.50%0.47% to 7.50%8.0%, currently have maturity dates from December 2016 to July 2017 andto December 2017. The Company had no outstanding balances at September 30,debt balance as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015 or December 31, 2015.2016, respectively. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

Capital Lease Obligation

In March 2017, the Company leased office equipment from Cisco Systems Capital Corporation for four years, with lease payments totaling approximately $2.3 million through May, 2021. At the inception of the lease, the Company evaluated the agreement and determined it to be a capital lease. Accordingly, the leased equipment was capitalized and a liability of $2.2 million was recorded. The terms of the lease considered in such evaluation included the transfer of ownership of the equipment to the Company at the end of the lease, a bargain purchase option, the exercise of which can be reasonably assured, and the sum of present value of lease payments, and the leased equipment's residual value amounting to substantially all of its fair value at the end of the lease. As of March 31, 2017, the current portion of the outstanding liability for the leased equipment was approximately $0.5 million and the long-term portion was approximately $1.6 million.



7.8.    Commitments and Contingencies

Pending ClaimsEnvironmental

The Company’s policy with regard to environmental liabilities is to accrue for future environmental assessments and remediation costs when information becomes available that indicates that it is probable that the Company is liable for any related claims and assessments and the amount of the liability is reasonably estimable. The Company does not believe that any such matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business.  At this time, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Other
Corrosion, hydrogen enbrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, misuse, design and assembly flaws, manufacturing defects, labeling defects, product formula defects, inaccurate chemical mixes, adulteration, environmental conditions, or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors, anchors, adhesives, specialty chemicals, such as fiber reinforced polymers, and tool products.  In addition, inaccuracies may occur in product information, descriptions and instructions found in catalogs, packaging, data sheets, and the Company’s website.


As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Potential Third-Party Claims

Nishimura v. Gentry Homes, Ltd., Civil No. 11-1-1522-07, was filed in the Hawaii First Circuit court on July 20, 2011. The Nishimura case involves claims by homeowners at a Honolulu development, Ewa by Gentry, related to alleged corrosion of strap-tie holdowns and mud-sill anchor products supplied by the Company. Ewa by Gentry consists of approximately 2,400 homes.

The Company is not currently a party to the Nishimura case. The plaintiff homeowners originally sued the developer Gentry Homes, Ltd. (“Gentry”) as well as the Company. In 2012 and 2013, the Hawaii First Circuit granted the Company’s motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, resulting in the dismissal of all of the plaintiff homeowners’ claims against the Company, and the Company is not currently a party to the proceedings. The dismissed claims against the Company remain subject to potential appeal by the plaintiffs. Further, Gentry may in the future seek to sue the Company for indemnity or contribution if Gentry is ultimately found liable for any loss suffered by the plaintiff homeowners.

The Company initially understood from Gentry there were no significant damages claims related to Ewa by Gentry development. In May 2015, the plaintiff homeowners filed a second amended complaint to name a new representative plaintiff because the original representative plaintiffs had not suffered damage. In August 2016, Gentry advised the Company for the first time that other plaintiff homeowners had claimed serious corrosion of mudsill anchors and strap-tie holdowns in a substantial number of homes. The plaintiff homeowners and Gentry are currently proceeding in arbitration and the Hawaii state court lawsuit has been stayed pending the conclusion of arbitration. Gentry has not incurredasserted any materialthird party claim against the Company, but has reserved the right to seek to do so.

In the Nishimura case and in the arbitration, the plaintiff homeowners seek damages according to proof. At this time, the Company cannot reasonably ascertain the likelihood that Gentry will be found responsible for substantial damages to the homeowners; whether, if so, Gentry would proceed against the Company; whether any legal theory against the Company might be viable, or the extent of the liability resultingthe Company might face if Gentry were to proceed against it.

The Company admits no liability in connection with the Nishimura case. It will vigorously defend any claims, whether appeal by the plaintiff homeowners, or third party claims by Gentry. Based on facts currently known to the Company and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company believes that all or part of any claims that any party might seek to allege against it related to the Nishimura case may be covered by its insurance policies.

Charles Vitale, et al. v. D.R. Horton, Inc. and D.R. Horton-Schuler Homes, LLC, Civil No. 15-1-1347-07, a putative class action lawsuit, was filed in the Hawaii First Circuit on July 13, 2015, in which homeowner plaintiffs allege that all homes built by D.R Horton/D.R. Horton-Schuler Homes (collectively "Horton Homes") in the State of Hawaii have strap-tie holdowns that are suffering premature corrosion. The complaint alleges that various manufacturers make strap-tie holdowns that suffer from such corrosion, but does not identify the Company’s products specifically. The Company is not currently a party to the Vitale lawsuit, but the lawsuit in the future could potentially involve the Company’s strap-tie holdowns.

If claims are asserted against the Company in the Vitale case, it will vigorously defend any such failures and/claims, whether brought by the plaintiff homeowners, or inaccuracies.third party claims by Horton Homes. Based on facts currently known to the Company and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company believes that all or part of any claims that any party might seek to allege against it related to the Vitale case may be covered by its insurance policies.

Given the nature and the complexities involved in the Nishimura and Vitale proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate reasonably a likelihood of possible loss or range of possible loss until the Company knows, among other factors, (i) whether it will be named in the lawsuit by any party; (ii) the specific claims and the legal theories on which they are based (iii) what claims, if any, will survive dispositive motion practice, (iv) the extent of the claims, including the size of any potential class, particularly as damages are not specified or are indeterminate, (v) how the discovery process will affect the litigation, (vi) the settlement posture of the other parties to the litigation, (vii) the extent to which the Company’s insurance policies will cover the claims or any part thereof, if at all, (viii) whether class treatment is appropriate; and (ix) any other factors that may have a material effect on the litigation.

While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of proceedings, to which the Company is not currently a party, or reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss for the Company related to such matters, in the opinion of the Company, either the likelihood of loss from such proceedings is remote or any reasonably possible loss associated with the resolution of such proceedings is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows either individually or in the aggregate. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.


8.9.    Stock-Based Incentive Plans
 
The Company currently has one stock-based incentive plan, the 2011 Plan, which incorporates and supersedes its two previous plans except for awards previously granted under the two plans (see Note"Note 1 “BasisBasis of Presentation — Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”). Participants areGenerally, participants of the 2011 Plan have been granted stock-based awards, only if the applicable Company-wide and/or profit-center operating goals, or strategic goals, established at the beginning of the year by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee (the "Committee") of the Company's Board of Directors are met. Certain participants may have additional goals based on strategic initiativesat the beginning of the Company.year, were met. In 2017, some of the grants made will vest only if Company-wide and/or profit-center operating goals established by the Committee at the beginning of the year are met.
 
The Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the 2011 Plan in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The fair value of each restricted stock unit award is estimated on the measurement date as determined in accordance with GAAP and is based on the closing market price of the underlying Company's common stock on the day of the grant or the immediately preceding the measurement.trading date. The fair value excludes the present value of the dividends that the restricted stock unitsRSUs do not participate in.On February 1, 2016, 431,439 restricted stock units were awarded to the Company's employees, including officers, at an estimated value of $32.63 per share, based on the closing price on January 29, 2016. The RSUs may be time-based, performance-based or time- and performance-based. The restrictions on these awards willthe time-based RSUs granted to our named executive officers and certain members of our senior management in 2017 and prior generally lapse one quarter on the date of the award and one quarter on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of the award, except thataward. The restrictions on somethe time-based RSUs granted in 2017 generally lapse on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the awards made to eachdate of the Company'saward. The restrictions on the performance-based RSUs granted to our named executive officers and certain members of the Company'sCompany’s senior management wherein 2017 and prior, in addition to their time-based RSUs, generally lapse following a performance period set for the RSUs on the date of the award, and shares of the Company'sour common stock underlying such awards are subject to performance-based adjustment before becoming vested, will lapse fullyvested. In addition, the restrictions on the time- and performance-based RSUs granted to our employees in 2017 generally lapse on the first, second, third anniversaryand fourth anniversaries of the date of the award. award, provided that the applicable performance goals are achieved within the year of grant. Generally, performance-based awards (including time- and performance-based awards) granted under the 2011 Plan may vest following the end of the performance periods only if the applicable performance goals are achieved within such periods.

Under the 2011 Plan, or the applicable grant agreement, the vesting of RSUs granted thereunder may accelerate in four situations: (1) retirement after meeting certain age and/or service tenure conditions, (2) death, (3) disability, and (4) certain situations linked to a change in our control or our sale of assets. In case of early vesting of performance-based awards in any one of the four situations, shares of the underlying stock that could eventually vest in favor of the officer will be prorated based on the early-vesting date and the date when the applicable vesting period is scheduled to expire.

On April 20, 2016, 1,800 restricted stock unitsFebruary 4, 2017, 606,299 RSUs were awarded to each of the Company’s six non-employee directorsCompany's employees, including officers, at an estimated fair value of $38.00$43.42 per share, based on the closing price on April 19, 2016. There are no restrictions on the non-employee directors’ restricted stock units granted on April 20, 2016.February 4, 2017.


The following table summarizes changes to the Company’s unvested restricted stock unit activityunits for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016:March 31, 2017: 
Shares 
Weighted-
Average Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Shares 
Weighted-
Average Price
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Unvested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)(in thousands) (in thousands)(in thousands) (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016527
 $31.56
  
Outstanding at January 1, 2017615
 $31.81
 26,915
Awarded442
  
  
606
  
  
Vested(341)  
  
(314)  
  
Forfeited(11)  
  
(2)  
  
Outstanding at September 30, 2016617
 $31.81
 $27,108
Outstanding and expected to vest at September 30, 2016602
 $31.81
 $26,470
Outstanding at March 31, 2017905
 $36.90
 $38,993
Outstanding and expected to vest at March 31, 2017881
 $36.87
 $37,983
             

*The intrinsic value is calculated using the closing price per share of $43.95$43.09 of the underlying Company's common stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.
 
BasedThe total intrinsic value of RSUs vested during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $10.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively, based on the market value on the award date, the total intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, was $10.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively.date.
 
No stock options were granted in 20152016 or in the first ninethree months of 2016. As of September 30, 2016, there were no unvested options outstanding. 2017.

The following table summarizes the changes to the Company’s outstanding non-qualified stock option activityoptions for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016:March 31, 2017: 
 Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
 Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value *
Non-Qualified Stock Options (in thousands)   (in years) (in thousands) (in thousands)   (in years) (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2016 523
 $29.55
    
Outstanding at January 1, 2017 251
 $29.66
 1.1 3,538
Exercised (227)  
    
 (11)  
    
Forfeited (1)  
  
 
  
  
Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2016 295
 $29.62
 1.3 $4,221
Outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2017 240
 $29.66
 0.8 $3,230
            
*The intrinsic value represents the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of the underlying Company's common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option, using the closing price per share of $43.95$43.09 of such stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.
 
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $0.2 million during the nine-monthboth three-month periods ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 and 2015, was $2.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.2016.

As of September 30, 2016, $25.4March 31, 2017, there was $20.0 million of unrecognized cost was related to unvested stock-based compensation arrangements under the 2011 Plan for awards made through February 2016 and those expected to be made through January 2017. The portion of this cost related to restricted stock units awarded through February 20162017 (as discussed above) is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.92.5 years.
 

9.10.    Segment Information
 
The Company is organized into three reportable segments. The segments are defined by the regions where the Company’s products are manufactured, marketed and distributed to the Company’s customers. The three regional segments are the North America segment, comprising primarily the United States and Canada,Canada; the Europe segment, comprising continental Europe and the United Kingdom,Kingdom; and the Asia/Pacific segment, which the Company believes is not significant to its overall performance, comprising the Company’s operations in China, Hong Kong, the South Pacific and the Middle East. China and Hong Kong operations are

manufacturing and administrative support locations, respectively. These three reportable segments are similar in several ways, including the types of materials, the production processes, the distribution channels and the product applications.
 
The Company’s measure of profit or loss for its reportable segments is income (loss) from operations. The reconciling amount between consolidated income before tax and consolidated income from operations is interest expense, which is primarily attributed to Administrativethe "Administrative and All Other.

all other" segment.

The following tables illustrate certain measurements used by management to assess the performance as of or for the following periods: 

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
Net Sales 
  
  
  
 
  
North America$197,459
 $184,515
 $569,198
 $518,221
$183,772
 $174,454
Europe31,485
 29,728
 86,003
 83,143
34,381
 23,698
Asia/Pacific2,030
 1,896
 5,269
 7,931
1,714
 1,371
Total$230,974
 $216,139
 $660,470
 $609,295
$219,867
 $199,523
Sales to Other Segments* 
  
  
  
 
  
North America$732
 $680
 $1,994
 $2,284
$850
 $501
Europe157
 250
 338
 641
147
 92
Asia/Pacific10,821
 5,623
 22,550
 16,287
4,949
 5,181
Total$11,710
 $6,553
 $24,882
 $19,212
$5,946
 $5,774
Income (Loss) from Operations 
  
  
  
 
  
North America$42,356
 $33,432
 $112,924
 $89,148
$26,767
 $30,452
Europe3,899
 3,563
 4,180
 5,259
(1,835) (1,618)
Asia/Pacific250
 (945) 1,257
 (3,119)(195) 155
Administrative and all other(728) (801) (5,019) (4,753)(2,107) (2,348)
Total$45,777
 $35,249
 $113,342
 $86,535
$22,630
 $26,641
            
* The sales to other segments are eliminated in consolidation.
 
    At    At
At September 30, December 31,At March 31, December 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 20152017 2016 2016
Total Assets 
  
  
 
  
  
North America$795,339
 $730,333
 $748,241
$877,408
 $771,732
 $853,826
Europe178,428
 176,208
 168,305
187,614
 171,352
 165,121
Asia/Pacific26,291
 25,586
 24,366
25,944
 25,915
 25,118
Administrative and all other(15,755) 27,919
 20,397
(72,766) (38) (64,091)
Total$984,303
 $960,046
 $961,309
$1,018,200
 $968,961
 $979,974
 
Cash collected by the Company’s United States subsidiaries is routinely transferred into the Company’s cash management accounts and, therefore, has been included in the total assets of “Administrative and all other.” Cash and cash equivalent balances in the “Administrative and all other” segment were $128.6$92.1 million, $153.8$153.0 million, and $164.1$137.4 million, as of September 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. Total "Administrative and all other" assets are net of inter-segment due to and from accounts which eliminateeliminated in consolidation.

The
While the Company manages its business by geographic segment, presented as additional information, the following table illustrates the distribution of the Company’s net sales by product group for the following periods:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
          
Wood Construction Products$193,513
 $182,869
 $562,025
 $518,381
Concrete Construction Products37,461
 33,229
 98,445
 90,614
Wood construction products$190,877
 $171,777
Concrete construction products28,817
 27,745
Other
 41
 
 300
173
 1
Total$230,974
 $216,139
 $660,470
 $609,295
$219,867
 $199,523

Wood construction products include connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and pre-fabricated shearwalls and are used for connecting and strengthening wood-based construction primarily in the residential construction market. Concrete construction products include adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, carbide drill bits, powder actuated tools and fiber reinforcing materials and are used for restoration, protection or strengthening concrete, masonry and steel construction in residential, industrial, commercial and infrastructure construction.


10.11.    Subsequent Events
 
In October 2016,April 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18$0.21 per share, estimated to be $8.6$10.0 million in total, to be paid on January 26,July 27, 2017, to stockholders of record on January 5,July 6, 2017. The BoardThis is an increase of Directors also scheduled$0.03 per share, or 17%, over the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders for Monday, April 24, 2017.

In November 2016,last dividend declared by the Company repurchased 154,156 shares of the Company's common stock pursuant to the Company's $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program (the "ASR Program") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, which constituted the final delivery under the ASR Program. The Company so far has repurchased 1,244,003 shares of its common stock during 2016, which included 1,137,656 shares from the ASR Program, at a cost of $53.5 million.in January 2017.



Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the Company for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Part I, Item 1, "Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion and analysis contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs as discussed in the “Note About Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our actual results could differ materially from those plans, estimates, and beliefs. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.
 
Business Overview
 
The Company designs, manufacturesWe design, manufacture and sellssell building construction products that are of high quality and performance, easy touse and cost-effective for customers. It operatesWe operate in three business segments determined by geographic region: North America,Europe and Asia/Pacific. The Company’s current focus

Our primary business strategy is to grow through expansion into new markets and products while leveraging our strengths in engineering, sales and distribution, and our strong brand name. We are currently focused on strengthening its core wood constructionincreasing our sales of building materials by introducing new products expanding its global footprintinto markets we currently operate in as well as growing our international presence, which allows us to be gradually less dependent on housing starts in the United States and continuing to investStates.

We are also focused on investing in strategic initiatives, suchas expanding its offeringour offerings of concrete construction products particularly(including specialty chemicals, andchemicals), wood construction products particularly fasteners,(particularly truss platesplate and truss design software.fasteners) and software solutions. In support of this effort, we acquired Multi Services Dêcoupe S.A. (“MS Decoupe”) in August 2016 as well as Gbo Fastening Systems AB (“Gbo Fastening Systems”) and CG Visions, Inc. (“CG Visions”) in January 2017. These three acquisitions fit our business model and growth strategy of acquiring products or businesses to improve and increase our manufacturing capabilities and product offerings. We expect to continue these growth initiatives in fiscal 2017, including exploring new acquisition opportunities.

The Company benefited from above averageFactors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to housing starts, our products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. Our products are generally used in a sequential process that follows the construction process. Residential and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and then the installation of our products, which flow into a project or a house according to these schedules. Foundation product sales growthcould be considered a leading indicator for our product sales. Sales of foundation products in the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016, primarily due2017 decreased compared to a mild winter, whilethe same period in 2016.

Our sales growth moderatedalso tend to be seasonal, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter. With some exceptions, our sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of 2016. Based on current information,a fiscal year, as our customers tend to purchase construction materials in the Company is uncertain as to whether the moderate sales growth will continuelate spring and summer months for the restconstruction season. In addition, weather conditions, such as extended cold or wet weather, which affect and sometimes delay installation of 2016some of our products, could negatively affect our results of operations. Political and economic events can also affect our sales and profitability.

Acquisitions

North America

In January 2017, we acquired CG Visions for approximately $20.8 million subject to specified holdback provisions and post-closing adjustments. CG Visions was founded in 2000 in Lafayette, Indiana, and provides its scalable technologies and services to a number of the first quartertop 100 mid-sized to large builders in the United States of 2017. Income from operations, asAmerica. This acquisition is expected to enable us to build closer partnerships with builders by offering software and services to help them control costs and increase efficiency at all stages of the home building process. We expect to look for opportunities to incorporate our products into CG Visions' building information modeling ("BIM") packages and apply CG Visions’ expertise to our existing and future software initiatives.

Europe

In January 2017, we acquired Gbo Fastening Systems for approximately $10.2 million. Gbo Fastening Systems is headquartered in Gunnebo, Sweden, with fastener production and surface treatment capabilities in Sweden and Poland. Gbo Fastening Systems

has over 200 employees located in Sweden, Poland, Norway and Romania. Gbo Fastening Systems manufactures and sells a percentagecomplete line of net sales, has increasedEuropean approved CE-marked structural fasteners and provides unique fastener dimensioning software for wood construction applications, mostly in northern and eastern Europe, which we expect to eventually distribute and sell in western Europe. We also expect this acquisition will enable us to develop and expand distribution into northern Europe. Further, we expect to access Gbo Fastening Systems' expertise in product development and testing, and proficiency in fastener manufacturing, surface treatment and painting, to strengthen Gbo Fastening Systems' global presence and contribute engineering expertise in automatic fastening systems and fastener collation to help Gbo Fastening Systems broaden both the three monthsits fastener and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, due to increased gross profit margins as a percentage of net sales, while the operating expenses for the first nine months of 2016 were lower than the operating expenses for the first nine months of 2015, as a percentage of net sales.structural connectors lines.

ERP Integration

In July 2016, the Company'sour Board of Directors approved a plan to replace the Company'sour current in-house enterprise resource planning ("ERP") and accounting platforms with a fully integrated ERP platform from SAP America, Inc. ("SAP"). Management currently plans to replace the current platforms in multiple phases over a period of three to four years, minimize project scope expansion and focus on configuring, instead of customizing, the standard SAP modules. Management anticipatesWe anticipate the new platform toERP project will cost approximately $30 million, including capital expenditures, which will increase annual operating expenses during the implementation phase from 2017 to 2019. WhenOnce fully implemented, however, the Company anticipateswe anticipate annual savings approximately equal to 1% of net sales from improved production scheduling and inventory management as well as lower labor, administrative and compliance costs.

The ERP project progressed well in the first quarter of 2017 and is currently on track and on budget. We expect its phase-in rollout to begin in the first quarter of 2018. We have capitalized most of the cost associated with the ERP project, including the approximately $1 million incurred as expenses in the first quarter of 2017. We anticipate that, as the project progresses further into 2018, we will spend more time and resources in training our staff for the new platform as opposed to configuring the SAP modules, and we expect to record the cost associated with such training as expense.

Business Segment Information

Our North America segment generates morehas generated revenues primarily from wood construction products thancompared to concrete construction products. Due to improved economic conditions, including an increase in housing starts, net sales in most regions of the segment have trended up, primarily due to increases in unit sales volumes. NetDespite that North America’s historic first quarter 2017 wet winter in its west coast regions hampered sales, increased housing starts, construction activity in areas outside the west coast regions, as well as added revenues from recently acquired companies, together with an approximately 6% price increase for our connector products in the United Stated effective on December 1, 2016, enabled us to grow net sales in this segment. See “North America” below. Our truss sales decreased slightly in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016 increased moderately, which was in line with net sales increases2017, primarily due to tough weather conditions in the second quarterWestern region of 2016. The Company announced a sales price increase the third quarter of 2016, mostly dueNorth America. Our truss specialists continue to increased steel prices, which is effective in the latter part of the fourth quarter of 2016. Basedconvert and train customers on current informationour truss design and subject to future events and circumstances, including the announced product sales price increases, the Company currently does not know if this sales trend will continue in the fourth quarter of 2016. management software.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Companywe initiated a multi-year plan to increase itsour North America factory production efficiency, aiming to achieve a 75% factory utilization rate on two full shifts by moving high-volume connector production from both itsour Riverside and Western Canada facilities to itsour other majorthree manufacturing locations in North America. As of September 30, 2016, the Company hasMarch 31, 2017, we had relocated 40%approximately 90% of the high-volume connector production, which is aheadproduction. We expect to complete the transition by the end of schedule.the third quarter of 2017. Our factory utilization was around 45% when this project began and we are currently operating at an approximately 60% factory utilization. Once the transition is completed, based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimateswe estimate this transition will save approximately $3.0 million per year, mostly in production costs. Both the Riverside and Western Canada locations will continue as sales and distribution locations, and maintain the capability to manufacture custom orders to continue to meet the Company's service and product availability commitments to customers in the Southwestern region of the United States and Western region of Canada.

In late 2016, we collaborated with The Home Depot, Inc. (“The Home Depot”) to roll out our mechanical anchors and Outdoor Accents® line of products that are available at The Home Depot. This collaboration increased a portion of our finished goods inventory and we expect to continue to introduce our mechanical anchors and Outdoor Accents® line of products through The Home Depot stores throughout 2017 and beyond. Once the rollout is completed, we anticipate this opportunity will meaningfully contribute to our concrete and DIY business lines going forward and estimate that on an annualized basis it could potentially increase our net sales by approximately $30 million. In addition, we are presenting the BIM platform acquired from CG Visions to various builders to showcase the software and for us to determine which modules and services that builders might be interested in using to support their business.

Our Europe segment also generateshas generated more revenues from wood construction products than concrete construction products. NetIn connection with the Gbo Fastening Systems acquisition, we have determined the estimated demand for wood connector products for the Nordic region and have placed inventory in Sweden. Our Western European locations are working on sales reportedand marketing

plans for a complete line of fastener products and expect to introduce them to our customers by the end of 2017. See “Europe” below.

Our Asia/Pacific segment has generated revenues from both wood and concrete construction products. We have closed our sales offices located in both the United States dollarChina, Thailand and Dubai; and discontinued our selling activities in local currencies increasedHong Kong, due to continued losses in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015. Given the number of factors influencing the Europe segment, including the United Kingdom voting to exit the European Union, the Company cannot reasonably predict whether this is a trendregions. We believe that will continue in the fourth quarter

of 2016. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that the Europe segment will report an operating profit in 2016.

Due to the closure of the Asia sales offices in 2015, consolidated net sales in the Asia/Pacific segment decreased approximately $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2016 comparedis not significant to the first nine months of 2015 and overhead expenses also decreased approximately $3.2 million mostly related to decreased personnel costs from staff reductions and additional closure expenses that occurred in 2015 but not in 2016. See Note 1 "Basis of Presentation - Sales Office Closing" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company expects the Asia/Pacific segment to break-even or report a small operating profit in 2016.
Admin and all other includes expenses such as stock compensation for certain members of management, interest expense, self-insured workers compensation claims, if any, for certain members of management, foreign exchange gains or losses and income tax expense related to its United States activity. It also includes revenues and expenses related to real estate activities, such as rental income and associated expenses on the Company’s facility in Vacaville, California, which the Company has leased to a third party for a term expiring in August 2020.
Unlike lumber or other products that have a more direct correlation to housing starts, the Company’s products are used to a greater extent in areas that are subject to natural forces, such as seismic or wind events. The Company’s products are used in a sequential process that follows the construction process. Residential and commercial construction begins with the foundation, followed by the wall and the roof systems, and the installation of the Company’s products flow into a project or a house according to these schedules. Foundation product sales could be considered a leading indicator for the Company. Sales of these products in the third quarter of 2016 increased compared to the same period in 2015.

The Company’s sales also tend to be seasonal, with operating results varying from quarter to quarter. With some exceptions, the Company’s sales and income have historically been lower in the first and fourth quarters than in the second and third quarters of the year, as customers purchase construction materials in the late spring and summer months for the construction season. In addition, weather conditions, such as extended cold or wet weather, which affect and sometimes delay installation of some of the Company’s products, could negatively affect the Company’s results of operations. Political and economic events can also affect the Company’s sales and profitability.our overall performance.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016
 
Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” "remained" or “compared to”), compare the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, against the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

March 31, 2016. Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when referencing “both quarters,” refer to the three months ended March 31, 2016 and the three months ended March 31, 2017. To avoid fractional percentages, all percentages presented below were rounded to the nearest whole number.

Net sales increased 7%Unless otherwise stated, the Company’s results below, when referencing “recent acquisitions,” refer to $231.0 million from $216.1 million. The Company had net incomethe August 2016 acquisition of $29.8 million comparedMS Decoupe and the January 2017 acquisitions of Gbo Fastening Systems and CG Visions. When referencing the “recent North America acquisition,” the Company’s results below refer to $21.6 million. Diluted net income per common share was $0.62 comparedthe CG Vision acquisition; and when referencing “recent Europe acquisitions,” refer to $0.44.the MS Decoupe and Gbo Fastening Systems acquisitions.

First Quarter 2017 Consolidated Financial Highlights

The following table illustrates the differences in the Company’sour operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, from the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 
Three Months Ended         Three Months EndedThree Months Ended         Three Months Ended
 Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment  Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment 
September 30, North   Asia/ Admin & September 30,March 31, North   Asia/ Admin & March 31,
(in thousands)2015 America Europe Pacific All Other 20162016 America Europe Pacific All Other 2017
Net sales$216,139
 $12,944
 $1,757
 $134
 $
 $230,974
$199,523
 $9,318
 $10,683
 $343
 $
 $219,867
Cost of sales115,798
 1,293
 603
 (199) 4
 117,499
107,000
 4,041
 8,189
 520
 (39) 119,711
Gross profit100,341
 11,651
 1,154
 333
 (4) 113,475
92,523
 5,277
 2,494
 (177) 39
 100,156
Research and development and other engineering expense13,935
 (3,188) 63
 122
 
 10,932
11,423
 1,506
 169
 10
 
 13,108
Selling expense22,535
 1,278
 324
 167
 
 24,304
25,187
 2,752
 1,433
 110
 1
 29,483
General and administrative expense28,648
 4,660
 455
 (1,143) (77) 32,543
29,298
 4,717
 1,108
 66
 (203) 34,986
Gain on sale of assets(26) (23) (24) (8) 
 (81)(26) (13) 1
 (13) 
 (51)
Income from operations35,249

8,924

336

1,195

73
 45,777
26,641

(3,685)
(217)
(350)
241
 22,630
Loss in equity method investment, before tax
 (28) 
 
 
 (28)
Interest expense, net(175) 3
 (10) (2) 102
 (82)(235) 34
 131
 3
 (122) (189)
Gain on bargain purchase of a business
 
 8,388
 
 
 8,388
Income before income taxes35,074
 8,927
 326
 1,193
 175
 45,695
26,406
 (3,679) 8,302
 (347) 119
 30,801
Provision for income taxes13,479
 2,390
 34
 (23) 18
 15,898
10,063
 (1,355) 230
 (100) (1,158) 7,680
Net income$21,595
 $6,537
 $292
 $1,216
 $157
 $29,797
$16,343
 $(2,324) $8,072
 $(247) $1,277
 23,121
 
Net sales increased 10% to $219.9 million from $199.5 million. Recent acquisitions accounted for $12.6 million of the increase in net sales. Net sales to lumber dealers, dealer distributors and home centers increased, primarily due to increased home construction activity, while net sales to contractor distributors decreased. Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 87% and 86% of the Company's total net sales in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals,

mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 13% and 14% of the Company's total net sales in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Gross profit increased to $100.2 million from $92.5 million. Gross profit margin was 46% in both quarters. The companies that we acquired in recent acquisitions had an average gross profit margin of 30%. The gross profit margins, including some inter-segment expenses, which were eliminated in consolidation, and excluding other expenses that are allocated according to product group, decreased to 47% from 48% for wood construction products and was 32% for both quarters for concrete construction products. This quarter’s lower operating income, however, was almost offset by a nonrecurring, non-operating income gain on a bargain purchase (see "Gain on bargain purchase" below).

Research and development and engineering expense increased 15% to $13.1 million from $11.4 million, primarily due to an increase of $1.3 million in personnel costs, mainly related to the recent North America acquisition as well as the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2017, and a $0.4 million increase in stock-based compensation (see "Stock-based compensation" below), most of which occurred in North America. Recent acquisitions increased research and development and engineering expense by $1.1 million.

Selling expense increased 17% to $29.5 million from $25.2 million, primarily due to increases of $2.6 million in personnel costs, $1.1 million in advertising costs and $0.9 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by decreases of $0.5 million in professional fees and $0.3 million in cash profit sharing and sales commissions expenses. Recent acquisitions increased selling expense by $1.8 million.

General and administrative expense increased 19% to $35.0 million from $29.3 million, primarily due to increases of $3.0 million in stock-based compensation, $3.0 million in legal and professional fees, mostly related to strategic initiatives such as software and systems integration and compensation and governance changes, $1.0 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2017, $0.6 million in software licensing and maintenance fees, $0.3 million in bad debt expense, and $0.2 million in intangible amortization expense related to recent acquisitions. That was partly offset by decreases of $1.4 million in cash profit sharing expense on lower operating income and reduced payouts under our executive officer cash profit sharing plan, $0.4 million in depreciation expense, and a $1.0 million decrease in net foreign currency losses. Recent acquisitions increased general and administrative expenses by $1.0 million.

Stock-based compensation expense increased $5.1 million, primarily due to a $3.7 million increase from an updated retirement eligibility requirement for stock-based awards that were granted in February 2017, as well as a $1.6 million increase in expense related to 2017 awards, whose vesting is subject to achieving future performance goals. The updated retirement eligibility requirement increased the number of employees that were eligible for retirement and accelerated recognition of the expense related to those awards in the first quarter of 2017. For the 2017 awards, an expense was first recorded in the first quarter of 2017, whereas the expense related to similar awards in 2016 was first recorded in the second quarter of 2016. The acceleration of the recognition of the stock-based compensation expense in the first quarter of 2017 is expected to reduce the stock-based compensation expense related to the same awards in future periods through early fiscal 2021.

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 25% from 38%. The decreases was primarily due to a nonrecurring gain on a bargain purchase related to the Gbo Fastening Systems acquisitions (see "Gain on bargain purchase" below), which was not taxable, and the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Update No. 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”) in 2017, which recognizes the excess tax benefits of stock-based awards as a reduction to income tax expense instead of the previous methodology which recorded the benefit on the balance sheet as a component of stockholders' equity.

Gain on bargain purchase - On January 3, 2017, we acquired Gbo Fastening Systems for approximately $10.2 million. This transaction was recorded as a business combination in accordance with the business acquisition method. We recorded a preliminary bargain purchase gain of $8.4 million, which represents an estimate of the excess fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed over the consideration exchanged as of the acquisition date. We assessed the preliminary recognition and measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on historical and pro forma data for future periods and concluded that our valuation procedures and resulting measures were reasonably appropriate. This nonrecurring, non-operating income gain is included in the line item “Gain on bargain purchase of a business” in our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Net income was $23.1 million compared to $16.3 million. Diluted net income per common share was $0.48 compared to $0.34. The increase in net income was primarily due to the nonrecurring $8.4 million gain on a bargain purchase (see "Gain on bargain purchase" above), which increased diluted net income $0.18 per common share.


26



Net sales
 
The following table represents net sales by segment for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2016,2017, respectively:
 North   Asia/  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific Total
Three months ended 
  
  
  
September 30, 2015$184,515
 $29,728
 $1,896
 $216,139
September 30, 2016197,459
 31,485
 2,030
 230,974
Increase (decrease)$12,944
 $1,757
 $134
 $14,835
Percentage increase (decrease)7% 6% 7% 7%
 North   Asia/  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific Total
Three months ended 
  
  
  
March 31, 2016$174,454
 $23,698
 $1,371
 $199,523
March 31, 2017183,772
 34,381
 1,714
 219,867
Increase$9,318
 $10,683
 $343
 $20,344
Percentage increase5% 45% 25% 10%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2016,2017, respectively:
 
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 Total
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 Total
Percentage of total 2015 net sales85% 14% 1% 100%
Percentage of total 2016 net sales85% 14% 1% 100%87% 12% 1% 100%
Percentage of total 2017 net sales84% 16% % 100%
 
The Company's net sales increased in all segments.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 7%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity as well as a slight increase in average net sales unit prices. Canada's net sales were not significantly affected by effects of foreign currency translation.
Europe - Net sales increased 6%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes, partly offset by a decrease in average net sales unit prices. Europe's net sales were negatively affected by approximately $1.0 million due to the weakening of the British pound against the United States dollar.



22



Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to dealer distributors, contractor distributors and home centers increased, primarily due to increased home construction activity, while net sales to lumber dealers decreased.
Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 84% and 85% of the Company's total net sales in the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 16% and 15% of the Company's total net sales in the third quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Gross profit
 
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2016,2017, respectively:
 
 North   Asia/ Admin &  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific All Other Total
Three months ended 
  
  
  
  
September 30, 2015$87,873
 $12,346
 $178
 $(56) $100,341
September 30, 201699,524
 13,500
 511
 (60) 113,475
Increase$11,651
 $1,154
 $333
 $(4) $13,134
Percentage increase13% 9% *
 *
 13%
 North   Asia/ Admin &  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific All Other Total
Three months ended 
  
  
  
  
March 31, 2016$83,713
 $8,562
 $306
 $(58) $92,523
March 31, 201788,990
 11,056
 129
 (19) 100,156
Increase (decrease)$5,277
 $2,494
 $(177) $39
 $7,633
Percentage increase (decrease)6% 29% *
 *
 8%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
 
The following table represents gross profit as a percentage of sales by segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2016,2017, respectively:
 
(in thousand)
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 Total
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 Total
2015 gross profit percentage48% 42% 9% * 46%
2016 gross profit percentage50% 43% 25% * 49%48% 36% 22% * 46%
2017 gross profit percentage48% 32% 8% * 46%
                         
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.

Gross profit increased to $113.5 million from $100.3 million. Gross profit as a percentage of netNorth America

Net sales increased to 49% from 46%.

North America - Gross profit margin increased to 50% from 48%5%, primarilymostly due to decreases in material and labor costs as well as a slight increase inincreased average net sales unit prices in the United States as well as an increase in sales volumes. Canada's net sales increased, primarily due to increased sales volumes on flat average net sales unit prices. Canada's net sales were not significantly affected by foreign currency translation. The recent North America acquisition increased net sales by $1.5 million.

Gross profit margin was unchanged at 48%, as the effects of price partlyincreases were offset by increases in factory overhead, partly due to increased stock–based compensation expense, labor, shipping and warehouse costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Europe - Gross profit margin increased to 43% from 42%, as a result of decreases in factory overhead and material costs, partly offset by increases in shipping costs and warehouse costs, each as a percentage of net sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, with concrete construction products having lower gross profit margins, increased to 16% from 15%, mostly due to the increase in gross profit margins for wood construction products exceeding the increase in gross profit margins for concrete construction products.
Steel prices - The market prices for steel have increased since the beginning of 2016. The Company currently anticipates that, subject to changing economic conditions, it is possible that steel prices will remain relatively stable during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 gross profit margin will be between approximately 47% and 48%.



warehousing costs.

2327




Research and development and engineering expense

Research increased 15% to $11.8 million from $10.3 million, primarily due to an increase of $1.2 million in personnel costs, primarily related to the recent North America acquisition as well as the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2017, and a $0.3 million increase in stock-based compensation (see "First Quarter 2017 Consolidated Financial Highlights - Stock-based compensation" above). The recent North America acquisition increased research and development and engineering expensedecreased 22% to $10.9 million from $13.9 million, primarily due to a non-recurring $4.1 million write-off of a software development project in the third quarter of 2015, partly offset by an increase of $0.8 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, all of which occurred in the North America segment.$1.1 million.

Selling expense

Sellingexpense increased 8% to $24.3 million from $22.5$2.8 million, primarily due to increases of $1.2$1.1 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2017, $1.1 million in advertising costs, and $0.9 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by decreases of $0.3 million in cash profit sharing and sales commissioncommissions expenses on higher operating profits and net sales, partly offset by a decrease of $0.5$0.3 million in professional fees.

North America - SellingGeneral and administrative expense increased $1.3$4.7 million, primarily due to increases of $2.8 million in legal and professional fees, $2.2 million in stock-based compensation, $0.8 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016,2017, $0.5 million in software licensing and $0.8maintenance fees, $0.2 million in intangible amortization expense, and $0.2 million in bad debt expense, partly offset by decreases of $0.9 million in cash profit sharing expense and sales commission$0.3 million in depreciation expense, as well as a $0.9 million decrease in net foreign currency losses. The recent North America acquisition increased general and administrative expense by $0.4 million.

Operating profit decreased $3.7 million, mostly due to increased operating expenses, partlywhich were partially offset by a decreasehigher gross profits.

Europe

Net sales increased 45%, mostly due to the recent Europe acquisitions. The recent Europe acquisitions had the effect of $0.4increasing net sales by $11.1 million, which was offset by the negative effects of approximately 5% or $1.3 million in professional fees.foreign currency translations, primarily related to the weakening of the British pound against the United States dollar in the latter half of 2016.

Gross profit margin decreased to 32% from 36%, primarily due to recent Europe - acquisitions, and our operating profit decreased by $0.2 million. The companies acquired in the recent Europe acquisitions had an average gross profit margin of 21%.

Selling expense increased $0.3$1.4 million, primarily due to an increase of $0.2$1.3 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff.staff, partly offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in professional fees. The recent Europe acquisitions increased selling expense by $1.7 million.

General and administrative expense

General and administrativeexpense increased 14% to $32.5 million from $28.6$1.1 million, primarily due to increases of $1.8 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, $0.9 million in software subscription and licensing fees, $0.8$0.3 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016, $0.5 million in professional and legal fees primarily related to strategic initiatives and $0.42017, $0.2 million in stock-based compensation, and $0.2 million in in software licensing and maintenance fees. Recent Europe acquisitions increased general and administrative expense by $0.6 million.

Asia/Pacific

For information about the Company's Asia/Pacific segment, please refer to the additional financial data of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, above.

Administrative and All Other

General and administrative expenses partly offset bydecreased, primarily due to a net decrease of $0.7 million in foreign currency losses.

North America - General and administrativeexpense increased $4.7 million, primarily due to increases of $1.7 million in cash profit sharing expense, $1.4 million in personnel costs, $0.9 million in software subscription and licensing fees, $0.2 million in professional and legal fees and $0.2partly offset by an increase of $0.6 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - General and administrativeexpense increased $0.5 million, primarily due to an increase of $0.2 million in cash profit sharing expense.
Asia/Pacific - General and administrativeexpense decreased $1.1 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million in personnel costs related to the sales office closures in 2015 and a net decrease of $0.2 million in foreign currency losses.

Income taxesBusiness Outlook

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 35% from 38%, primarily due to reduced operating losses in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no income tax benefit was recorded. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimates that its full-year 2016 effective tax rate will be between 36% and 37%.currently estimates:

Market prices for steel to remain relatively stable during the second quarter of 2017.
Results of OperationsGross profit margin for the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30, 2016, Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015full-year of 2017 to be approximately 45% to 46%.
Unless otherwise stated, the results announced below, when providing comparisons (which are generally indicated by words such as “increased,” “decreased,” "remained" or “compared to”), compare the results of operationsDepreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, against the results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

To avoid fractional percentages, all percentages presented below were roundedfull-year 2017 to the nearest whole number.

Net sales increased 8%be approximately $25 million to $660.5 million from $609.3$26 million. The Company had net income of $72.3 million compared to $53.2 million. Diluted net income per common share was $1.49 compared to $1.08.


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The following table illustratesAmortization expense for the differences in the Company’s operating results in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, from the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the increases or decreases for each category by segment:
 Nine Months Ended         Nine Months Ended
  Increase (Decrease) in Operating Segment 
 September 30, North   Asia/ Admin & September 30,
(in thousands)2015 America Europe Pacific All Other 2016
Net sales609,295
 $50,977
 $2,860
 $(2,662) $
 $660,470
Cost of sales333,138
 13,362
 1,140
 (4,148) (507) 342,985
Gross profit276,157
 37,615
 1,720
 1,486
 507
 317,485
Research and development and other engineering expense34,648
 (895) 75
 (21) 
 33,807
Selling expense68,156
 5,175
 1,662
 (680) 
 74,313
General and administrative expense86,875
 10,265
 1,082
 (2,209) 773
 96,786
Gain on sale of assets(57) (706) (20) 20
 
 (763)
Income from operations86,535
 23,776
 (1,079) 4,376
 (266) 113,342
Interest expense, net(264) (65) (277) (7) 213
 (400)
Income before income taxes86,271
 23,711
 (1,356) 4,369
 (53) 112,942
Provision for income taxes33,115
 7,276
 (70) 148
 132
 40,601
Net income$53,156
 $16,435
 $(1,286) $4,221
 $(185) $72,341
Net sales
full-year 2017 to be approximately $6 million to $7 million.
The following table represents net sales by segmenteffective tax rate for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015full-year of 2017 to be between 34% and 2016, respectively:
 North   Asia/  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific Total
Nine Months Ended 
  
  
  
September 30, 2015$518,221
 $83,143
 $7,931
 $609,295
September 30, 2016569,198
 86,003
 5,269
 660,470
Increase (decrease)$50,977
 $2,860
 $(2,662) $51,175
Percentage increase (decrease)10% 3% (34)% 8%

The following table represents segment net sales as percentages of total net sales for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 Total
Percentage of total 2015 net sales85% 14% 1% 100%
Percentage of total 2016 net sales86% 13% 1% 100%

The Company's net salesincreased in both North America and Europe segments.

Segment net sales:
North America - Net sales increased 10%36%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes in the United States on improved economic activity, partly offset by a slight decrease in average sales prices. Canada's net sales were negatively affected by the Canadian dollar weakening againstnonrecurring gain on a bargain purchase recorded in this quarter and the United States dollar. In the local currency, Canada's net sales increased.

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Europe - Net sales increased 3%, mostly due to increased unit sales volumes, partly offset by a decrease in average sales prices. Europe's net sales were negatively affected by the European currencies weakening against the United States dollar.
Asia/Pacific - Net sales decreased 34%, primarily due to the continued effectsadoption of the closing of sales offices in China, Thailand and Dubai late in the first quarter of 2015, which accounted for an approximately $4.0 million decrease in consolidated net sales.

Consolidated net sales channels and product groups:
Net sales to dealer distributors, lumber dealers, contractor distributors and home centers increased, primarily due to increased home construction activity.
Wood construction product net sales, including sales of connectors, truss plates, fastening systems, fasteners and shearwalls, represented 85% of the Company's total net sales in the first nine months of both 2016 and 2015.
Concrete construction product net sales, including sales of adhesives, chemicals, mechanical anchors, powder actuated tools and reinforcing fiber materials, represented 15% of the Company's total net sales in the first nine months of both 2016 and 2015.

Gross profit
The following table represents gross profit by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
 North   Asia/ Admin &  
(in thousands)America Europe Pacific All Other Total
Nine Months Ended 
  
  
  
  
September 30, 2015$243,325
 $33,026
 $381
 $(575) $276,157
September 30, 2016280,940
 34,746
 1,867
 (68) 317,485
Increase$37,615
 $1,720
 $1,486
 $507
 $41,328
Percentage increase15% 5% *
 *
 15%
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.
The following table represents gross profit as a percentage of sales by segment for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively:
(in thousand)
North
America
 Europe 
Asia/
Pacific
 
Admin &
All Other
 Total
2015 gross profit percentage47% 40% 5% * 45%
2016 gross profit percentage49% 40% 35% * 48%
* The statistic is not meaningful or not material.

Gross profit increased to $317.5 million from $276.2 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 48% from 45%.


North America - Gross profit margin increased to 49% from 47%, primarily as a result of decreases in material costs, factory overhead (on increased production volumes) and labor, partly offset by an increase in warehouse costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Europe - Gross profit margin remained at 40%. Decreased material costs and factory overhead (on increased production costs) were offset by increased shipping labor costs, each as a percentage of sales.
Product mix - The gross profit margin differential between wood construction products and concrete construction products, with concrete construction products having lower gross profit margins, decreased to 14% from 16%.


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Research and development and engineering expense

Research and development and engineering expensedecreased 2% to $33.8 million from $34.6 million, primarily due to a non-recurring $4.1 million write-off of a software development project in the third quarter of 2015, partly offset by increases of $1.9 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, $0.5 million in personnel costs and $0.3 million in computer costs, all of which occurred in the North America segment.

Selling expense

Sellingexpense increased 9% to $74.3 million from $68.2 million, primarily due to increases of $4.1 million in personnel costs and $2.3 million in cash profit sharing expense on increased profits, partly offset by decreases of $0.2 million in professional fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.

North America - Selling expense increased $5.2 million, primarily due to increases of $3.7 million in personnel costs, mostly related to the addition of staff and pay rate increases instituted on January 1, 2016, and $2.2 million in cash profit sharing expense, partly offset by decreases of $0.4 million in professional fees and $0.2 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - Selling expense increased $1.7 million, primarily due to increases of $1.1 million in personnel costs mostly related to the addition of staff and $0.1 million in cash profit sharing expense.
Asia/Pacific - Selling expense decreased $0.7 million, primarily due to a decrease of $0.7 million in personnel costs, related to closing three sales offices and downsizing one sales office in 2015.

General and administrative expense

General and administrativeexpense increased 11% to $96.8 million from $86.9 million, primarily due to increases of $4.7 million in cash profit sharing expense, $2.4 million in legal and professional fees primarily related to strategic initiatives, acquisition opportunities and shareholder engagement activities, $1.2 million in computer and information technology expense, $1.1 million in personnel costs and $0.7 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in facility rent and maintenance expenses.

North America - General and administrativeexpense increased $10.3 million, primarily due to increases of $4.2 million in cash profit sharing expense, $2.5 million in personnel costs, $1.8 million in legal and professional fees, $1.3 million in computer and information technology expense and $0.3 million in stock-based compensation.
Europe - General and administrativeexpense increased $1.1 million, primarily due to increases of $0.6 million in legal and professional fees and $0.5 million in personnel costs.
Asia/Pacific - General and administrativeexpense decreased $2.2 million primarily due to decreases of $1.4 million in personnel costs and $0.3 million in facility rent and maintenance expense due to the sales office closures.
Administrative and All Other - General and administrativeexpense increased $0.8 million, primarily due to increases of $0.4 million in cash profit sharing expense and $0.6 million in stock-based compensation, partly offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in personnel costs.

Income taxes

The Company's effective income tax rate decreased to 36% from 38%, primarily due to reduced operating losses in the Asia/Pacific segment, for which no tax benefit was recorded.ASU 2016-09.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

See Note"Note 1 “BasisBasis of Presentation - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” and “Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted” to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

The Company’sOur primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and the Company’sour cash flow from operations. The CompanyWe also receivesreceive proceeds from the issuance of itsour common stock through the exercise of stock options by itsour employees. The Company'sHowever, we anticipate that we will receive up to $7.1 million from stock option exercises through February 2018 as our stock options that are outstanding, all of which are currently in-the-money, will either be exercised or expire by then. As of March 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents consisted of United States Treasury securities and deposits and money market funds held with established national financial institutions.

The Company'sOur principal uses of liquidity are payinginclude the costs and expenses associated with the Company'sour operations, continuing itsour capital allocation strategy, which includes growing itsour business by internal improvements or acquisitions, repurchasing the

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Company’sour common stock, paying cash dividends, and meeting other liquidity requirements for the next twelve months. Depending, however, on the Company’sour future growth and possible acquisitions, it may become necessary to secure additional sources of financing, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all.

On July 25, 2016, the Companywe entered into a second amendment (the “Amendment”) to itsour $300.0 million credit facility. Among other things, the Amendment extendsextended the term of the credit facility from July 27, 2017, to July 23, 2021. For additional information about the Amendment, see our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 28, 2016.

Cash and cash equivalents of $88.2$72.6 million are held by the Company in the local currencies of itsour foreign operations and could be subject to additional taxation if it were repatriated to the United States. The Company hasWe have no current plans to repatriate cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States, as it is expected to be used to fund future international growth and acquisitions.

The Company believes that the effect of inflation has not been material in recent years, as general inflation rates have remained relatively low. The Company’s main raw material is steel; increases in steel prices may adversely affect the Company’s gross profit margin if it cannot recover the higher costs through price increases.

The following table presents selected financial information as of September 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively:
 At September 30, At December 31, At September 30, At March 31, At December 31, At March 31,
(in thousands) 2016 2015 2015 2017 2016 2016
            
Cash and cash equivalents $218,720
 $258,825
 $242,795
 $167,059
 $226,537
 $232,028
Property, plant and equipment, net 229,670
 213,716
 202,885
 250,465
 232,810
 216,660
Goodwill and intangible assets 151,474
 151,625
 151,847
Working capital * 475,582
 494,308
 499,638
Goodwill, intangible assets and equity investment 169,433
 149,843
 152,333
Working capital 462,019
 476,451
 491,676
*Due to the adoption of ASU 2015-17, $16.2 million of current deferred income taxes included in current assets and working capital, as of January 1, 2016, were reclassified to non-current assets and long-term liabilities, resulting in decreases in current assets from $589.3 million to $573.1 million and in working capital from $494.3 million to $478.1 million.

The following table provides cash flow indicators for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, respectively:
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands) 2016 2015 2017 2016
Net cash used in:        
Operating activities $62,887
 $72,269
 $(7,492) $(9,897)
Investing activities (34,017) (19,562) (41,996) (6,932)
Financing activities (71,949) (62,881) (11,282) (14,069)

Cash flows from operating activities result primarily from the Companyour earnings, or losses, and are also affected by changes in operating assets and liabilities which consist primarily of working capital balances. As a building materials manufacturer, the Company'sour operating cash flows are subject to the seasonality and are cyclically associated with the volume and timing of construction project starts. For example, trade accounts receivable, net, is generally at its lowest at the end of the fourth quarter and increases during the first, second and third quarters.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, operating activities provided $62.9used $7.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, as a result of $72.3$23.1 million from net income and $31.8$7.9 million from non-cash adjustments to net income which includes depreciation and amortization expenses, a nonrecurring gain on a bargain purchase of a business, stock-based compensation expenses and changes in deferred income taxes, partly offset by a decrease of $41.2$39.7 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities, including net change decreases in cash and cash equivalents due to increases of $35.5$30.3 million in trade accounts receivable, net, and $23.0$9.8 million in inventory. Cash used in investing activities of $34.0$42.0 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, consisted primarily of $29.9$26.3 million, net of acquired cash of $4.0 million, for the acquisitions of Gbo Fastening Systems and CG Visions, and $15.8 million for property, plant and equipment expenditures, related to real estate improvements, machinery and equipment purchases and software in development, and $5.4 million, net of acquired cash of $1.5 million, for the acquisition of Multi Services Dêcoupe S.A. ("MSD"), partly offset by $1.3 million in proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.development. Cash used in financing activities of $71.9$11.3 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, consisted primarily of $24.2$8.5 million used to pay cash dividends and $53.5$5.1 million used to pay income taxes on behalf of employees for the repurchase of the Company's

28



commonshares withheld with respect to their vested restricted stock including a $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program,units, partly offset by $6.7$2.1 million in capital lease borrowings and $0.3 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, operating activities provided $72.3used $9.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, as a result of $53.2$16.3 million from net income and $35.9$12.5 million from non-cash adjustments to net income which includes depreciation and amortization expenses, stock-based compensation expenses, software development write-offs and changes in deferred income taxes, partly offset by a decrease of $16.7$38.7 million in the net change in operating assets and liabilities, including a net change decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to increases of $42.9$28.2 million in trade accounts receivable, net, and net change increases of $8.2$13.9 million in income taxes payable and $6.6 million in cash profit sharing.inventory. Cash used in investing activities of $19.6$6.9 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, consisted primarily of $19.2$7.0 million for property, plant and equipment expenditures, primarily to increase manufacturing capacity in North America and to improve information technology support systems. Cash used in financing activities of $62.9$14.1 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, consisted primarily of $21.6$7.7 million used to pay cash dividends, $47.1$3.9 million used to pay income taxes on behalf of employees for shares withheld with respect to their vested restricted stock units and $3.5 million for the repurchase of the Company's common stock, and $1.2 million in contingent consideration mostly related to asset acquisitions, partly offset by $7.0$1.0 million from the issuance of common stock on the exercise of stock options.

Capital Allocation Strategy

The Company hasWe have a strong cash position and remainsremain committed to seeking growth opportunities in the building products range where itwe can leverage itsour expertise in engineering, testing, manufacturing and distribution to invest in and grow itsour business. Those opportunities include internal improvements or acquisitions that fit within the Company’sour strategic growth plan. Additionally, the Company haswe have financial flexibility and isare committed to providing returns to its shareholders.our stockholders. Below are highlights of the Company’sour capital allocation strategy since the beginning of 2015.

In December 2015,August 2016, we acquired all the Company acquired the assetsstock of Blue Heron Enterprises, LLC, and Fox Chase Enterprises, LLC (collectively, "EBTY"MS Decoupe, (a former customer of a subsidiary of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.) for $3.4 million in cash. The Company believes EBTY's patented design for hidden deck clips and products and systems complements the Company's linea net cost of hidden clips and fastener systems. The Company's provisionalapproximately $5.4 million. Our preliminary measurement of EBTYMS Decoupe assets acquired included goodwill and intangible assets of $3.1 million. In August 2016. the CompanyJanuary 2017, we acquired all the sharesGbo Fastening Systems for approximately $10.2 million and CG Visions for approximately $20.8 million subject to specified holdback provisions and post-closing adjustments. Our preliminary measurement of MSD, (a former customerGbo Fastening Systems' assets acquired resulted in a $8.4 million gain on a bargain purchase of the Company) for a net costbusiness. Our preliminary measurement of $5.4CG Visions assets acquired included goodwill and intangible assets of $20.4 million. The Company believes the acquisition of MSD could potentially increase its sales by expanding the available product line in Belgium as well as expanding into the Netherlands market. See Note 1 "Basis of Presentation - Acquisitions""Note 2 — Acquisitions" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

In December 2016, we acquired a 25.0% equity interest in Ruby Sketch Pty Ltd. (“Ruby Sketch”) for $2.5 million, for which we account for our ownership interest using the equity accounting method. See "Note 6 — Investments" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our capital spending in the first quarter of 2017 was $15.7 million primarily related to our Texas facility expansion to increase warehouse, office and training center capacity and for improving our West Chicago chemical facility. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimateswe estimate that itsour full-year 20162017 capital spending will be approximately $42$50 million to $45$55 million, which includes expenditures forfinishing the build-out ofwork on our Texas facility and West Chicago chemical facility, (for the relocation of our two existing chemical facilities anticipated in early 2017) and for the beginning of the expansion of our facility in Texas to increase warehouse, office and training center capacity (which expenditures are expected to continue into 2017) , as well as for the purchase of manufacturing equipment and development and licensing of software. Capitalsoftware, assuming all such projects will be completed by the end of 2017. Our capital spending in 20152016 was $34.2$42.0 million and was primarily used for the purchase and build-out of theour West Chicago, Illinois, chemical facility, and manufacturing equipment and development of software.

software development. Based on current information and subject to future events and circumstances, the Company estimateswe estimate that itsour full-year 20162017 depreciation and amortization expense willto be approximately $22$31 million to $23$33 million, and that its full-year amortization expense will beof which approximately $6 million.$25 million to $26 million is related to depreciation.

The following table presents the Company’s dividends paid and share repurchases for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 and the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2015, respectively, in aggregated amounts:

(in thousands)Dividends Paid Open Market Share Repurchases Accelerated Share Repurchases Total
January 1 - September 30, 2016$24,152
 $3,502
 $50,000
*$77,654
January 1 - December 31, 201529,352
 22,144
 25,000
 76,496
Total$53,504
 $25,646
 $75,000
 $154,150

*Including the $6.5 million delivered under the Company's $50 million accelerated share repurchase program after September 30, 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.


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In April 2016, the Company’s2017, our Board of Directors raised the quarterly cash dividend by 12.5%16.7% (compared to $0.18 per share. In October 2016, the Company’s Board of Directorslast dividend declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18by the Company in January 2017) to $0.21 per share, estimated to be $8.6$10.0 million in total,total. Such dividend is scheduled to be paid in dividends on January 26,July 27, 2017, to stockholders of record on January 5,July 6, 2017.

In AugustThe following table presents our dividends paid and share repurchases for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 and the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2016 the Company'sand 2015, respectively, in aggregated amounts:

(in thousands)Dividends Paid Open Market Share Repurchases Accelerated Share Repurchases Total
January 1 - March 31, 2017$8,583
 $
 $
 $8,583
January 1 - December 31, 201632,711
 3,502
 50,000
 86,213
January 1 - December 31, 201529,352
 22,144
 25,000
 76,496
Total$70,646
 $25,646
 $75,000
 $171,292

Our Board of Directors increased and extended the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016 by authorizing the Company to repurchase up tohas authorized a $125.0 million of the Company's common stock through December 2017 including from the public securities market and through one or more accelerated share repurchase programs. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company received the initial delivery of 983,500 shares of its common stock at an average price of $44.23 per share under the Company’s $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.which is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2017. We did not repurchase shares of our common stock in the first quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2016, $78.0March 31, 2017, approximately $71.0 million remained available under such $125.0 million authorization. The final delivery under the accelerated share repurchase program was made in early November 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

Inflation

We believe that the effect of inflation has not been material in recent years, as general inflation rates have remained relatively low. Our main raw material is steel. As such, increases in steel prices may adversely affect our gross profit margin if we cannot recover the higher costs through price increases.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
We have operations both within the United States and internationally, and we are exposed to market risks in the ordinary course
of our business.

Foreign Exchange Risk

The Company has foreign exchange rate risk in its international operations, and through purchases from foreign vendors. Changes in the values of currencies of foreign countries affect our financial position, income statement and cash flows when translated into U.S. dollars. The Company does not currently hedge this risk. The Company estimates that if the exchange rate were to change by 10% in any one country where the Company has operations, the change in net income would not be material to the Company’s operations taken as a whole.

Foreign currency translation adjustment on the Company's underlying assets and liabilities resulted in accumulated other comprehensive income of $0.2$3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarilyMarch 31, 2017, due to the effect of the strengthening of the United States dollar in relation to the Canadian dollar and the British pound, partly offset by the weakening of the United States dollar in relation to most of the other currencies. Foreign currency translation adjustments resulted in a $5.2 million other comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the effect of the strengthening of the Unites States dollar in relation to the British pound and the Chinese yuan, partly offset by the weakening of the United States dollar in relation to most of theall other currencies.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company has no variable interest-rate debt outstanding. The Company estimates that a hypothetical 100 basis point change in U.S. interest rates would not be material to the Company’s operations taken as a whole.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer (“CEO”) and the chief financial officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures designed reasonably to assure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed reasonably to assure that this information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


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The Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, does not, however, expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or the Company’s internal control over financial reporting will prevent all fraud and material errors. Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the facts that there are resource constraints and that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. The inherent limitations in internal control over financial reporting include the realities that judgments can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls also can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of controls. The design of any system of internal control is also based in part on assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential events and conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in circumstances, or the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. During the three months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the Company made no changes to its internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Pending Claims
 
From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business. At this time, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any claim or litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Other
Corrosion, hydrogen enbrittlement, cracking, material hardness, wood pressure-treating chemicals, misinstallations, misuse, design and assembly flaws, manufacturing defects, labeling defects, product formula defects, inaccurate chemical mixes, adulteration, environmental conditions, or other factors can contribute to failure of fasteners, connectors, anchors, adhesives, specialty chemicals, such as fiber reinforced polymers, and tool products.  In addition, inaccuracies may occur in product information, descriptions and instructions found in catalogs, packaging, data sheets, and the Company’s website.

The Company hascurrently is not incurreda party to any legal proceedings, which the Company expects individually or in the aggregate to have a material liability resulting fromadverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Nonetheless, the resolution of any such failures and/claim or inaccuracies.litigation is subject to inherent uncertainty and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. See “Note 8 Commitments and Contingencies” to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for potential third-party claims.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
We are affected by risks specific to us, as well as risks that generally affect businesses operating in global markets. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 (available at www.simpsonmfg.com/docs/10K-2015.pdf10K-2016.pdf or www.sec.gov). The risks disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and information provided elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. While we believe there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2016, additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
At its meeting in August 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $125.0 million of the Company’s common stock through 2017. This authorization increased and extended the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016 and will remain in effect through the end of 2017. In August 2016, the Company entered into a Supplemental Confirmation for a $50.0 million accelerated share repurchase program (the “ASR Program”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”). Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Program, Wells Fargo made an initial delivery of 983,500 shares

of the Company’s common stock in September 2016 at an average price of $44.23 per share, which represented approximately 85% of the total shares expected to be delivered under the ASR Program.

The Company publicly announced the $125 million authorization on August 24, 2016. The following table presents the monthly repurchases made by the Company of its common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2016:

  (a) (b) (c) (d)
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs
July 1 - July 31, 2016 
 N/A
 
 $46.5 million *
August 1 - August 31, 2016 983,500
 $44.23
 983,500
 $78.0 million
September 1 - September 30, 2016 
 N/A
 
 $78.0 million
     Total 983,500
      
*    Pursuant to the $50.0 million repurchase authorization from February 2016.


The Company recorded the $50.0 million payment as a reduction to stockholders’ equity, consisting of a $43.5 million increase in treasury stock and a $6.5 million reduction in additional paid-in capital. At the completion of the ASR Program, the Company may be entitled to receive additional shares of its common stock from Wells Fargo, or, under certain circumstances, may be required to make a cash payment or, at the Company’s option, deliver shares to Wells Fargo. The final settlement of the ASR Program was completed in early November 2016. See Note 10 "Subsequent Events" to the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Item 6. Exhibits.
 
The following exhibits are either incorporated by reference into this report or filed or furnished with this report, as indicated below.
 
3.1Certificate of Incorporation of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., as amended, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.2007 and to Exhibit 3.2 of its Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 28, 2017.
 
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., as amended, through October 19, 2016, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of its Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 19, 2016.March 28, 2017.

4.1Amended Rights Agreement dated as of June 15, 2009, between Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., which includes as Exhibit B the form of Rights Certificate, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated June 15, 2009.
4.2Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Participating Preferred Stock of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., dated July 30, 1999, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of its Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated August 4, 1999.

10.1Second amendment to the unsecured credit agreement, dated as of July 25, 2016, among the Company, as Borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo"), MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (f/k/a Union Bank, N.A.), HSBC Bank USA, N.A., and Bank of Montreal, as lenders, Wells Fargo in its separate capacities as Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer and as Administrative Agent, and Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., and Simpson Strong-Tie International, Inc. as Guarantors, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2016.

31.1Chief Executive Officer's Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications is filed herewith.

31.2Chief Financial Officer's Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications is filed herewith.
 
32Section 1350 Certifications are furnished herewith.

99.1Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. 1994 Employee Stock Bonus Plan, as amended through December 7, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.’s Schedule 14A Proxy Statement dated March 10, 2016.
101Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL, are filed herewith and include: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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.
 

  Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
  (Registrant)
   
   
DATE:November 7, 2016May 9, 2017  By /s/Brian J. Magstadt
  Brian J. Magstadt
  Chief Financial Officer
 ��(principal accounting and financial officer)
     


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