UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
 [x]                Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934
               For the Quarterly Period Ended January 31, 2010
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended April 30, 2010

or
 
 [ ]                     Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                                  Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 For the transition period from _____________ to ______________
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ______________

Commission File Number 001-12622

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
36-2048898
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
     
 
410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
60611-4213
(Zip Code)
 
The registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 321-1515

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.Yes x   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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o   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.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company 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 x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of January 31,April 30, 2010.

Common Stock – 5,203,9375,232,241 Shares and Class B Stock – 1,919,476 Shares

 
 

 

 

 
CONTENTS
   
   Page
  PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
 Item 1: Financial Statements 316
   
 Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results Of Operations17 - 2526
   
 Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 2526 - 2627
   
 Item 4: Controls and Procedures       2728
   
   
  PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
 Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds28
 Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders       29
   
 Item 6: Exhibits29
 Signatures         30
   
 ExhibitsSignatures        31
   
 Exhibits  32

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including, but not limited to, those under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and those statements elsewhere in this report and other documents we file with the Commission contain forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our future performance, our business, our beliefs, and our management’s assumptions.  In addition, we, or others on our behalf, may make forward-looking statements in press releases or written statements, or in our communications and discussions with investors and analysts in the normal course of business through meetings, webcasts, phone calls, and conference calls.  Words such as “expect,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “would”, “could,” “should,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe”, “may,” “assume,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially, including those described in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.  Should one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, intended, expected, believed, estimated, projected or planned.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  Except to the extent required by law, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
 
 
TRADEMARK NOTICE

Agsorb, Calibrin, Cat’s Pride, ConditionAde, Flo-Fre, Jonny Cat, KatKit, Oil-Dri, Pel-Unite, Perform, Poultry Guard, Pro Mound, Pure-Flo, Rapid Dry, Select, Terra-Green, and Ultra-Clear are all registered trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America or of its subsidiaries.  Pro’s Choice, Saular and Verge are trademarks of Oil-Dri Corporation of America.  Fresh Step is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company.

 
2

 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
  
ITEM 1. Financial Statements 
  
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited) 
       
ASSETS 
January 31,
2010
  
July 31,
2009
 
       
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $20,864  $11,839 
Investment in securities  5,999   7,998 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $578 and        
  $652 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively  27,210   29,000 
Inventories  16,985   17,795 
Deferred income taxes  1,080   1,080 
Prepaid repairs expense  3,992   4,345 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  1,903   1,660 
               Total Current Assets  78,033   73,717 
         
Property, Plant and Equipment        
Cost  172,617   169,130 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (112,247)  (109,645)
               Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net  60,370   59,485 
         
Other Assets        
Goodwill  5,162   5,162 
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization        
 of $366 and $351 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009,   respectively  634   649 
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization        
 of $498 and $473 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively  281   306 
Licensing agreements and non-compete agreements, net of        
 accumulated amortization of $3,486 and $3,361 at
 January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively
  1,253   1,378 
Deferred income taxes  4,026   4,144 
Other  4,107   4,420 
               Total Other Assets  15,463   16,059 
         
Total Assets $153,866  $149,261 
         
         
         
         
         
         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited) 
       
ASSETS 
April 30,
2010
  
July 31,
2009
 
       
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $21,639  $11,839 
Investment in securities  3,999   7,998 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $595 and        
  $652 at April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively  26,721   29,000 
Inventories  17,390   17,795 
Deferred income taxes  1,080   1,080 
Prepaid repairs expense  3,926   4,345 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  1,637   1,660 
               Total Current Assets  76,392   73,717 
         
Property, Plant and Equipment        
Cost  175,757   169,130 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (113,892)  (109,645)
               Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net  61,865   59,485 
         
Other Assets        
Goodwill  5,162   5,162 
Trademarks and patents, net of accumulated amortization        
 of $359 and $351 at April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009,   respectively  627   649 
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization        
 of $511 and $473 at April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively  268   306 
Licensing agreements and non-compete agreements, net of        
 accumulated amortization of $3,548 and $3,361 at
 April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively
  1,190   1,378 
Deferred income taxes  3,894   4,144 
Other  4,141   4,420 
               Total Other Assets  15,282   16,059 
         
Total Assets $153,539  $149,261 
         
         
         
         
         
         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 
3

 


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIESOIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES    
Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets    
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars)    
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited)    
       
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
January 31,
2010
  
July 31,
2009
  
April 30,
2010
  
July 31,
2009
 
      
Current Liabilities            
Current maturities of notes payable $4,500  $3,200  $3,500  $3,200 
Accounts payable  5,450   5,304   5,974   5,304 
Dividends payable  997   994   1,003   994 
Accrued expenses:                
Salaries, wages and commissions  5,061   5,794   6,291   5,794 
Trade promotions and advertising  2,386   2,073   2,548   2,073 
Freight  1,725   1,073   2,038   1,073 
Other  5,881   5,330   5,122   5,330 
Total Current Liabilities  26,000   23,768   26,476   23,768 
                
Noncurrent Liabilities                
Notes payable  16,800   18,300   14,800   18,300 
Deferred compensation  6,281   5,892   6,503   5,892 
Pension and postretirement benefits  11,269   10,491   10,736   10,491 
Other  1,269   1,247   1,282   1,247 
Total Noncurrent Liabilities  35,619   35,930   33,321   35,930 
                
Total Liabilities  61,619   59,698   59,797   59,698 
                
Stockholders’ Equity                
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued                
7,516,458 shares at January 31, 2010 and 7,475,171
shares at July 31, 2009
  752   747 
7,618,991 shares at April 30, 2010 and 7,475,171
shares at July 31, 2009
  762   747 
Class B Stock, par value $.10 per share, issued                
2,244,217 shares at January 31, 2010 and 2,240,201
shares at July 31, 2009
  224   224 
2,244,217 shares at April 30, 2010 and 2,240,201
shares at July 31, 2009
  224   224 
Additional paid-in capital  23,847   23,366   24,851   23,366 
Restricted unearned stock compensation  (310)  (383)  (234)  (383)
Retained earnings  114,042   111,593   115,579   111,593 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income                
Unrealized gain on marketable securities  55   40   64   40 
Pension and postretirement benefits  (4,487)  (4,584)  (4,439)  (4,584)
Cumulative translation adjustment  319   282   555   282 
  134,442   131,285   137,362   131,285 
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,312,521 Common and 324,741        
Class B shares at January 31, 2010 and 2,282,521 Common and        
Less Treasury Stock, at cost (2,386,650 Common and 324,741        
Class B shares at April 30, 2010 and 2,282,521 Common and        
324,741 Class B shares at July 31, 2009)  (42,195)  (41,722)  (43,620)  (41,722)
Total Stockholders’ Equity  92,247   89,563   93,742   89,563 
                
Total Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity $153,866  $149,261  $153,539  $149,261 
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 

 
4



OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIESOIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained EarningsCondensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings 
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)(in thousands, except for per share amounts) (in thousands, except for per share amounts) 
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited) 
 
For The Six Months Ended
 January 31,
  
For The Nine Months Ended
 April 30,
 
 2010  2009  2010  2009 
            
Net Sales $108,138  $122,258  $164,397  $180,311 
Cost of Sales  (83,145)  (97,969)  (126,234)  (142,802)
Gross Profit  24,993   24,289   38,163   37,509 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  (18,158)  (17,080)  (27,527)  (26,711)
Income from Operations  6,835   7,209   10,636   10,798 
                
Other Income (Expense)                
Interest expense  (715)  (983)  (1,052)  (1,453)
Interest income  74   261   103   321 
Other, net  82   (232)  304   9 
Total Other Income (Expense), Net  (559)  (954)  (645)  (1,123)
                
Income Before Income Taxes  6,276   6,255   9,991   9,675 
Income taxes  (1,820)  (1,637)  (2,949)  (2,641)
Net Income  4,456   4,618   7,042   7,034 
                
Retained Earnings                
Balance at beginning of year  111,593   105,966   111,593   105,966 
Cash dividends declared and treasury stock issuances  (2,007)  (1,947)  (3,056)  (2,947)
Retained Earnings – January 31 $114,042  $108,637 
Retained Earnings – April 30 $115,579  $110,053 
                
Net Income Per Share                
Basic Common $0.67  $0.70  $1.06  $1.07 
Basic Class B $0.50  $0.53  $0.80  $0.80 
Diluted $0.61  $0.64  $0.96  $0.97 
                
Average Shares Outstanding                
Basic Common  5,200   5,129   5,215   5,136 
Basic Class B  1,885   1,868   1,889   1,872 
Diluted  7,259   7,196   7,285   7,193 
                
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. 

 
 
5


 

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIESOIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive IncomeCondensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited) 
      
 
For The Six Months Ended
 January 31,
  
For The Nine Months Ended
 April 30,
 
 2010  2009  2010  2009 
            
Net Income $4,456  $4,618  $7,042  $7,034 
                
Other Comprehensive Income:                
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities  15   (38)  24   (27)
Pension and postretirement benefits  97   24   145   36 
Cumulative translation adjustment  37   (877)  274   (770)
                
Total Comprehensive Income $4,605  $3,727  $7,485  $6,273 
                



































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

 
6

 




OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIESOIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained EarningsCondensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings 
(in thousands, except for per share amounts)(in thousands, except for per share amounts) (in thousands, except for per share amounts) 
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited) 
 
For The Three Months Ended
 January 31
  
For The Three Months Ended
 April 30,
 
 2010  2009  2010  2009 
            
Net Sales $54,734  $59,130  $56,259  $58,053 
Cost of Sales  (42,064)  (47,217)  (43,089)  (44,833)
Gross Profit  12,670   11,913   13,170   13,220 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses  (9,187)  (8,342)  (9,369)  (9,631)
Income from Operations  3,483   3,571   3,801   3,589 
                
Other Income (Expense)                
Interest expense  (341)  (478)  (337)  (470)
Interest income  34   96   29   60 
Other, net  45   (11)  222   241 
Total Other Income (Expense), Net  (262)  (393)  (86)  (169)
                
Income Before Income Taxes  3,221   3,178   3,715   3,420 
Income taxes  (959)  (806)  (1,129)  (1,004)
Net Income $2,262  $2,372  $2,586  $2,416 
                
Net Income Per Share                
Basic Common $0.34  $0.36  $0.39  $0.37 
Basic Class B $0.26  $0.27  $0.29  $0.27 
Diluted $0.31  $0.33  $0.35  $0.33 
                
Average Shares Outstanding                
Basic Common  5,206   5,131   5,245   5,149 
Basic Class B  1,890   1,873   1,897   1,880 
Diluted  7,269   7,199   7,309   7,187 
                













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

 
7

 


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited) 
    
  
For The Three Months Ended
 January 31
 
  2010  2009 
       
Net Income $2,262  $2,372 
         
Other Comprehensive Income:        
  Unrealized loss on marketable securities  (2)  (22)
  Pension and postretirement benefits  43   12 
  Cumulative translation adjustment  50   (103)
         
Total Comprehensive Income $2,353  $2,259 
         































OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited) 
   ��
  
For The Three Months Ended
 April 30,
 
  2010  2009 
       
Net Income $2,586  $2,416 
         
Other Comprehensive Income:        
  Unrealized gain on marketable securities  9   11 
  Pension and postretirement benefits  48   12 
  Cumulative translation adjustment  237   107 
         
Total Comprehensive Income $2,880  $2,546 
         





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

 
8


 

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIESOIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsCondensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(in thousands of dollars)(in thousands of dollars) (in thousands of dollars) 
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited) 
 For The Six Months Ended January 31,  For The Nine Months Ended April 30, 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Net Income $4,456  $4,618  $7,042  $7,034 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash                
provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization  3,711   3,684   5,512   5,427 
Amortization of investment discount  (6)  (109)  (8)  (115)
Non-cash stock compensation expense  173   257   252   353 
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments  (88)  (169)  (296)  (189)
Deferred income taxes  67   (5)  104   5 
Provision for bad debts  (52)  73   (18)  50 
Loss on the sale of fixed assets  63   24   65   35 
(Increase) Decrease in:                
Accounts receivable  1,842   (89)  2,297   2,623 
Inventories  810   (1,491)  405   (2,392)
Prepaid expenses  109   (803)  442   (1,018)
Other assets  329   (1,321)  491   (1,042)
Increase (Decrease) in:                
Accounts payable  285   (972)  1,114   (1,424)
Accrued expenses  783   (2,784)  1,729   (1,676)
Deferred compensation  388   119   611   252 
Other liabilities  893   914   354   384 
Total Adjustments  9,307   (2,672)  13,054   1,273 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities  13,763   1,946   20,096   8,307 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Capital expenditures  (4,818)  (7,757)  (7,945)  (12,682)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  337   11   345   22 
Purchases of investment securities  (14,995)  (52,969)  (17,993)  (73,965)
Dispositions of investment securities  17,000   59,500   22,000   91,000 
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities  (2,476)  (1,215)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities  (3,593)  4,375 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
Principal payments on notes payable  (200)  (4,080)  (3,200)  (5,580)
Dividends paid  (1,991)  (1,838)  (2,995)  (2,760)
Purchase of treasury stock  (538)  (649)  (2,028)  (656)
Proceeds from issuance of treasury stock  52   70   78   107 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  297   272   1,099   272 
Excess tax benefits for share-based payments  88   169   296   189 
Other, net  26   (349)  151   (312)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities  (2,266)  (6,405)  (6,599)  (8,740)
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  4   1,098   (104)  890 
                
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents  9,025   (4,576)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  9,800   4,832 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year  11,839   6,848   11,839   6,848 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 31 $20,864  $2,272 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, April 30 $21,639  $11,680 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 

 
9

 

OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.  BASIS OF STATEMENT PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  The financial statements and the related notes are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended July 31, 2009 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statements contained herein.  Operating results for the three and the sixnine months ended January 31,April 30, 2010 are not necessarily an indication of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010.

The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures.  Estimates are revised periodically.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Under the terms of our sales agreements with customers, we recognize revenue when risk of loss and title are transferred.  Upon shipment an invoice is generated that sets the fixed and determinable price.  Promotional reserves are provided for sales incentives made directly to consumers and customers and are netted against sales.  Sales returns and allowances are not material.  Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages and benefits associated with staff outside the manufacturing and distribution functions, all marketing related costs, any miscellaneous trade spending expenses not required to be included in net sales, research and development costs,  depreciation and amortization related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution process and all other non-manufacturing and non-distribution expenses.
 
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts utilizing a combination of a historical experience and a periodic review of our accounts receivable aging and specific customer account analysis.  A customer account is determined to be uncollectible when we have completed our internal collection procedures, including termination of shipments, direct customer contact and formal demand of payment.  We maintain and monitor a list of customers whose creditworthiness has diminished.
 
As part of our overall operations, we mine sorbent materials on property that we either own or lease.  A significant part of our overall mining cost is incurred during the process of removing the overburden (non-usable material) from the mine site, thus exposing the sorbent material that is then used in a majority of our production processes.  These stripping costs are treated as a variable inventory production cost and are included in cost of sales in the period they are incurred.  We defer and amortize the pre-production overburden removal costs associated with opening a new mine.
 
During the normal course of our overburden removal activities we perform ongoing reclamation activities.  As overburden is removed from a pit, it is hauled to previously mined pits and used to refill older sites.  This process allows us to continuously reclaim older pits and dispose of overburden simultaneously, therefore minimizing the liability for the reclamation function.
 
Additionally, it is our policy to capitalize the purchase cost of land and mineral rights, including associated legal fees, survey fees and real estate fees.  The costs of obtaining mineral patents, including legal fees and drilling expenses, are also capitalized.  Pre-production development costs on new mines and any prepaid royalties that can be offset against future royalties due upon extraction of the mineral are also capitalized.  All exploration related costs are expensed as incurred.
 
 
10

 
2.SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2010 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2.   NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2010 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The results of operations for the sixnine months ending January 31,April 30, 2010 included an increase in cost of sales of approximately $400,000 related to an overstatement of supplies inventory at one of our manufacturing facilities as of July 31, 2009.  The overstatement of inventory had accumulated over a number of years and was the result of alleged theft.  This increase was offset by the expected receipt of insurance proceeds, related to the supplies inventory overstatement; a receivable for which was recordedwere received in the firstthird quarter of fiscal 2010.  The net effect of the two adjustments resulted in2010; therefore, there was no impact to net income.  We have determined that the adjustment to supplies inventory was not material to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 or any previously reported period.

3.  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

ForWe adopted the required portions of FASB guidance issued in January 2010 under ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  The guidance effective for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending January 31,April 30, 2010, we adopted the FASBrequired enhanced disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance issuedalso required new disclosures about transfers in February 2010 under ASC 855-10 Subsequent Events.  This guidance amended several definitions and removed the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.  The adoption of this guidance resulted in revisedenhanced disclosures and had no impact on ourin Note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2008, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 715-20 Compensation – Retirement Benefits that will require expanded disclosure for employers’ pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets fair value measurements, investment policies and strategies for the major categories of plan assets and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  The adoption of the guidance will result in enhanced disclosures in our fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K but will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010.

In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements that will require new disclosures and provides clarification of existing disclosures aboutrelated to Level 3 fair value measurements.  Adoption of certain provisions related to the reconciliation of changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputsthis guidance will result in enhanced disclosures in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending October 31, 2010.  Other provisions of this guidance will require enhanced disclosures for fair value measurements in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending April 30, 2010.  Adoption of this guidance in either period affects disclosures only and will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

4.  INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories is as follows (in thousands of dollars):

 January 31,  July 31,  April 30,  July 31, 
 2010  2009  2010  2009 
Finished goods
 $10,808  $10,568  $11,177  $10,568 
Packaging  2,783   3,474   2,854   3,474 
Other  3,394   3,753   3,359   3,753 
 $16,985  $17,795  $17,390  $17,795 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.  Inventory costs include the cost of raw materials, packaging supplies, labor and other overhead costs.  We perform a quarterly review of our inventory items to determine if an obsolescence reserve adjustment is necessary.  The review surveys all of our operating facilities and sales groups to ensure that both historical issues and new market trends are considered.  The allowance not only considers specific items, but also takes into consideration the overall value of the inventory as of the balance sheet date.  The inventory obsolescence reserve values at January 31,April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009 were $282,000$294,000 and $274,000, respectively.
 
 
 
11


 
5.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
5.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized into one of three categories based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The categories in the hierarchy are:
 
   Level 1:Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   Level 2:Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on:
 1) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.
 2) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
 3) Valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
   Level 3:Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  These inputs may reflect estimates of the assumptions that market participants would use in valuing the financial assets and liabilities.

 
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:

 
Fair Value at January 31, 2010
(in thousands)
  
Fair Value at April 30, 2010
(in thousands)
 
 Total  Level 1  Level 2  Total  Level 1  Level 2 
Assets                  
Cash equivalents $11,222  $11,222  $--  $17,635  $17,635  $-- 
Marketable equity securities  58   58   --   67   67   -- 
Cash surrender value of life insurance  3,707   --   3,707   3,816   --   3,816 
                        

Cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they were valued using quoted market prices in active markets.  These cash instruments are primarily money market mutual funds.

Marketable equity securities were valued using quoted market prices in active markets and as such are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.  These securities represent stock we own in one publicly traded company.company and are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Cash surrender value of life insurance is classified as Level 2.  The value was determined by the underwriting insurance company’s valuation models, which take into account the passage of time, mortality tables, interest rates, cash values for paid-up additions and dividend accumulations.  The cash surrender value represents the guaranteed value we would receive upon surrender of these policies as of January 31, 2010.  These life insurance policies are held on key employees.employees as of April 30, 2010.  The cash surrender value of life insurance is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The carrying values of investments in securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable and notes payable approximate their fair values at January 31,April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009, due to the short maturity and nature of those balances and are not included in the above table.  The investments in securities consisted of U.S. Treasury securities carried at amortized cost.  The estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was approximately $21,422,000$18,220,000 and $21,523,000 as of January 31,April 30, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively.

We apply fair value techniques on a non-recurring basis associated with: (1) valuing potential impairment loss related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and (2) valuing potential impairment loss related to long-lived assets.
 

 
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6.PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS
6.  PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The components of net periodic pension benefits cost of our sponsored defined benefit plans were as follows:

 
PENSION PLAN
(dollars in thousands)
  
PENSION PLAN
(dollars in thousands)
 
 Three Months Ended January 31,  
Six Months Ended
January 31,
  Three Months Ended April 30,  
Nine Months Ended
April 30,
 
 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Components of net periodic pension benefit cost:                        
Service cost $301  $211  $569  $421  $284  $210  $853  $631 
Interest cost  252   334   708   668   354   334   1,062   1,002 
Expected return on plan assets  (217)  (325)  (583)  (650)  (292)  (324)  (875)  (974)
Net amortization  59   (12)  137   24   70   11   207   35 
 $395  $232  $831  $463  $416  $231  $1,247  $694 

We have funded the plan based upon actuarially determined contributions that take into account the amount deductible for income tax purposes, the normal cost and the minimum contribution required and the maximum contribution allowed underrequirements of various regulations.  During the Employee Retirement Income Security Actthird quarter of 1974, as amended.  We did not makefiscal 2010 we made a contribution of approximately $922,000 to our pension plan during the six months ended January 31, 2010.  We intend to make a contribution to the pension plan during the current fiscal year approximately equal to the annual actuarial determined cost.  We currently estimate this amount to be approximately $900,000.plan.  See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.

The components of the net periodic postretirement health benefit cost were as follows:

 
POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS
(dollars in thousands)
  
POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS
(dollars in thousands)
 
 Three Months Ended January 31,  Six Months Ended January 31,  Three Months Ended April 30,  
Nine Months Ended
 April 30,
 
 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost:                        
Service cost $16  $15  $37  $31  $18  $15  $55  $46 
Interest cost  16   24   48   47   24   23   72   70 
Amortization of net transition obligation  4   4   8   8   4   4   12   12 
Net actuarial loss  5   4   10   7   6   4   16   11 
 $41  $47  $103  $93  $52  $46  $155  $139 

Our plan covering postretirement health benefits is an unfunded plan.

Assumptions used in the previous calculations were as follows:

 PENSION PLAN  POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS  PENSION PLAN  POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS 
 For three and six months ended:  For three and nine months ended: 
 
January 31,
2010
  
January 31,
2009
  
January 31,
2010
  
January 31,
2009
  
April 30,
2010
  
April 30,
2009
  
April 30,
2010
  
April 30,
2009
 
Discount rate for net periodic benefit cost  6.00%  7.00%  6.00%  7.00%  6.00%  7.00%  6.00%  7.00%
Rate of increase in compensation levels  4.00%  4.00%  --   --   4.00%  4.00%  --   -- 
Long-term expected rate of return on assets  7.50%  7.50%  --   --   7.50%  7.50%  --   -- 
Measurement date 7/31/2009  7/31/2008  7/31/2009  7/31/2008  7/31/2009  7/31/2008  7/31/2009  7/31/2008 
Census date 8/1/2009  8/1/2007  8/1/2009  8/1/2007  8/1/2009  8/1/2008  8/1/2009  8/1/2008 

The medical cost trend assumption for postretirement health benefits was a graded rate starting at 9% and decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5% in 1% annual increments.
 
 
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7.  SEGMENT REPORTING

We have two operating segments:  Retail and Wholesale Products and Business to Business Products.  These segments are managed separately because each business has different customer characteristics.  Net sales and operating income for each segment are provided below.  Revenues by product line are not provided because it would be impracticable to do so.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009 filed with the SEC.

We do not rely on any operating segment asset allocations and we do not consider them meaningful because of the shared nature of our production facilities; however, we have estimated the segment asset allocations below for those assets for which we can reasonably determine.  The unallocated asset category is the remainder of our total assets.  The asset allocation is estimated and is not a measure used by our chief operating decision maker about allocating resources to the operating segments or in assessing their performance.  The corporate expenses line includes certain unallocated expenses, including primarily salaries, wages and benefits, purchased services, rent, utilities and depreciation and amortization associated with corporate functions such as research and development, information systems, finance, legal, human resources and customer service.  Corporate expenses also include the annual incentive plan bonus accrual.

 Assets 
 Assets  April 30,  July 31, 
 January 31,  July 31,  2010  2009 
 2010  2009       
 (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Business to Business Products $43,144  $42,581  $44,481  $42,581 
Retail and Wholesale Products  64,801   69,300   65,854   69,300 
Unallocated Assets  45,921   37,380   43,204   37,380 
Total Assets $153,866  $149,261  $153,539  $149,261 

   Nine Months Ended April 30, 
  Net Sales  Operating Income 
  2010  2009  2010  2009 
     (in thousands)    
Business to Business Products $57,577  $58,841  $15,329  $11,991 
Retail and Wholesale Products  106,820   121,470   9,101   11,908 
Total $164,397  $180,311   24,430   23,899 
Less:                
           Corporate Expenses          13,490   13,092 
           Interest Expense, net of Interest Income          949   1,132 
Income before Income Taxes          9,991   9,675 
Income Taxes          (2,949)  (2,641)
Net Income         $7,042  $7,034 
  Six Months Ended January 31, 
  Net Sales  Operating Income 
  2010  2009  2010  2009 
  (in thousands) 
Business to Business Products $36,133  $38,849  $9,426  $7,906 
Retail and Wholesale Products  72,005   83,409   6,332   7,215 
Total Sales/Operating Income $108,138  $122,258   15,758   15,121 
Less:                
           Corporate Expenses          8,841   8,144 
           Interest Expense, net of Interest Income          641   722 
Income before Income Taxes          6,276   6,255 
Income Taxes          (1,820)  (1,637)
Net Income         $4,456  $4,618 

 Three Months Ended January 31,  Three Months Ended April 30, 
 Net Sales  Operating Income  Net Sales  Operating Income 
 2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009  2010  2009 
 (in thousands)     (in thousands)   
Business to Business Products $18,563  $18,204  $4,917  $3,480  $21,444  $19,992  $5,903  $4,085 
Retail and Wholesale Products  36,171   40,926   3,116   4,053   34,815   38,061   2,769   4,693 
Total Sales/Operating Income $54,734  $59,130   8,033   7,533 
Total $56,259  $58,053   8,672   8,778 
Less:                                
Corporate Expenses          4,505   3,973           4,649   4,948 
Interest Expense, net of Interest Income          307   382           308   410 
Income before Income Taxes          3,221   3,178           3,715   3,420 
Income Taxes          (959)  (806)          (1,129)  (1,004)
Net Income         $2,262  $2,372          $2,586  $2,416 



 
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8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
8.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We determine the fair value of stock options and restricted stock issued under our long term incentive plans as of the grant date.  We recognize the related compensation expense over the period from the date of grant to the date when the award is no longer contingent on the employee providing additional service to the company.

Stock Options

Our 1995 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “1995 Plan”) provided for grants of both incentive and non-qualified stock options principally at an option price per share of 100% of the fair market value of our Class A Common Stock or, if no Class A Common Stock is outstanding, our Common Stock (“Stock”) on the date of grant.  Stock options were generally granted with a five-year vesting period and a 10-year term.  The stock options generally vest 25% two years after the grant date and 25% in each of the three following anniversaries of the grant date.  This plan expired for purposes of issuing new grants on August 5, 2005.  All stock issued from option exercises under this plan was from authorized but unissued stock.  All restricted stock issued was from treasury stock.

The Oil-Dri Corporation of America 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2006 Plan”) permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards.  Our employees and non-employee directors are eligible to receive grants under the 2006 Plan.  The total number of shares of stock subject to grants under the 2006 Plan may not exceed 937,500.  Option grants covering 25,000 shares have been issued to our outside directors with a vesting period of one year and option grants covering 32,500 shares have been issued to employees with vesting similar to the vesting described above under the 1995 Plan.  In addition, 95,182 restricted shares have been issued under the 2006 Plan.

The Oil-Dri Corporation of America Outside Director Stock Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for grants of stock options to our directors, who are considered employees, at an option price per share of 100% of the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant.  Stock options have been granted to our directors for a 10-year term with a one year vesting period.  There are 56,25052,250 stock options outstanding as of January 31,April 30, 2010 and no stock options are available for future grants under this plan.  All stock issued under this plan were from treasury stock.

Our Board announced a five-for-four stock split on June 6, 2006.  The equitable adjustment of outstanding options to reflect a change in capitalization (such as a stock split) may require the recognition of incremental compensation expense if the adjustment is not determined to have been required by the actual terms of the equity incentive plan.  In keeping with historical practices, we adjusted the number of shares and the option prices to equitably adjust all outstanding stock options; however, the Directors’ Plan and the 1995 Plan may be deemed to have been discretionary, rather than required by the actual terms of these plans.  We therefore recognized additional stock-based compensation expense as a result of the modification in the secondthird quarter and the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 of approximately $9,000$8,000 and $61,000,$69,000, respectively.  As of the end of fiscal 2009, all additional compensation expense had been recognized; therefore, no additional expense has been recognized in fiscal 2010.

There were no stock options granted in the first sixnine months of fiscal years 2010 or 2009.

Changes in our stock options during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were as follows:

 Number of Shares (in thousands)  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)  Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)  Number of Shares (in thousands)  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)  Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) 
Options outstanding, July 31, 2009  505  $9.14     $3,426   505  $9.14     $5,737 
Exercised  (44) $7.92     $342   (150) $7.82     $1,493 
Canceled  (2) $11.65     $8   (2) $11.65     $17 
Options outstanding, January 31, 2010  459  $9.25   3.5  $3,067 
Options exercisable, January 31, 2010  446  $9.03   3.4  $3,064 
Options outstanding, April 30, 2010  353  $9.69   3.4  $3,810 
Options exercisable, April 30, 2010  343  $9.48   3.3  $3,775 

 
 
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The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 20102010 was $296,000$827,000 and the related tax benefit was $93,000.  The$334,000.  The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009 was $209,000$36,000 and the related tax benefit was $110,000.$19,000.  The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $350,000$1,177,000 and the related tax benefit was $99,000.$433,000.  The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options during the first sixnine month of fiscal 2009 was $343,000$379,000 and the related tax benefit was $173,000.$192,000.

Restricted Stock

Our 1995 Plan and 2006 Plan both provide for grants of restricted stock.  The vesting schedule under the 1995 Plan has varied, but has generally been three years or less.  Grants issued under the 2006 Plan to date have vesting periods between two and five years.

Under the 2006 Plan, 5,182 restricted shares of Class B Stock were granted in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010.  No shares of restricted stock were granted in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.

 
Included in our stock-based compensation expense in the secondthird quarter of fiscal years 2010 and 2009 was $79,000$76,000 and $73,000,$71,000, respectively, related to unvested restricted stock.  In the first sixnine months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the expense related to the unvested restricted stock was $151,000$227,000 and $148,000,$219,000, respectively.

Changes in our restricted stock outstanding during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were as follows:

 (shares in thousands) 
 Restricted Shares  Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value  
Restricted Shares
(in thousands)
  Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 
Unvested restricted stock at July 31, 2009  35  $15.37   35  $15.37 
Vested  (17)      (17) $15.37 
Granted  5       5  $15.10 
Unvested restricted stock at January 31, 2010  23  $15.31 
Unvested restricted stock at April 30, 2010  23  $15.31 


 
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ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSISANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operationsoperations should be read together with the financial statements and the related notes included herein and our consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2009.  This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009.

OVERVIEW

We develop, manufacture and market sorbent products principally produced from clay minerals and, to a lesser extent, other sorbent materials. Our principal products include cat litter, industrial and automotive absorbents, bleaching clay and clarification aids, agricultural chemical carriers, animal health and nutrition and sports field products.  Our products are sold to two primary customer groups, including customers who resell our products as originally produced to the end customer and those who use our products as part of their production process or use them as an ingredient in their final finished product.  We have two reportable segments, the Retail and Wholesale Products Group and the Business to Business Products Group, as described in Note 7 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31,APRIL 30, 2010 COMPARED TOSIX
NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31,APRIL 30, 2009

Consolidated net sales for the sixnine months ended January 31,April 30, 2010 were $108,138,000,$164,397,000, a decrease of 12%9% from net sales of $122,258,000$180,311,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Net income for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $4,456,000,$7,042,000, a decrease of 4%slight increase from net income of $4,618,000$7,034,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Diluted net income per share for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $0.61$0.96 compared to $0.64$0.97 for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.

Net income for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was negatively affected by decreased tons sold; however, the impactincreased sales of the decrease was partially offset byhigher margin products and lower costs thatfor packaging, freight and materials had a significant positive impact on our results.  Lower costs for freight, materials and packaging partially offset the decrease in net sales.  Material costs decreased due primarily to the lower cost of fuel used to dry our clay-based products and to transport raw materials.  Freight costs declined due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices, which impacted our truck, rail and shipocean freight distribution channels.  Packaging costs declined due to price decreases in the resin and paper markets.  The Business to Business Products Group experienced improved segment operating income as lower costs and a greater proportion of sales offrom higher margin products, accompanied by lower costs, outweighed the reducedimpact of fewer tons sold; however, in thesold.  The Retail and Wholesale Products Group the declineGroup’s segment operating income declined as a reduction in tons sold prevailed over the benefit of lower costs.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were $36,133,000,$57,577,000, a decrease of $2,716,000,$1,264,000, or 7%2%, from net sales of $38,849,000$58,841,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The decrease wasresulted primarily attributed tofrom a 9%4% decrease in tons sold for the Group; however, increased sales of higher priced products partially offset the decline in tons sold.  Net sales and tons sold were down for all product lines, except for bleaching earth and fluid purification products.  Our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter net sales decreased 18%14% with 7%4% fewer tons sold in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 were adversely affected by a lower net selling price; however, the net selling price increased in April 2010 under the terms of the agreement with our co-packaging partner andpartner.  In addition, both the loss of a small co-packaging customer during the laterlatter part of fiscal 2009.2009 and a decline in the coarse cat litter market contributed to the decreased net sales and tons sold.  Net sales of agricultural chemical carriers decreased 18%22% and tons sold decreased 20% compared to the first sixnine months of 2009 due primarily to the continued downturn in the agricultural chemical carriers market.  Net sales of our flowability aid product were down 20%18% compared to the first sixnine months of 2009.  The demand was lower for flowability aid products used in animal feed due to pricePrice competition including with respect to freight charges, and due to the naturally varying levellow levels of protein in the soybean crop, which is a determining factorinhibited the use of flowability aids in animal feed, formulations.  Net sales of animal health and nutrition products decreased 5% indrove the first six months of fiscal 2010.  Net sales of our traditional animal health and nutrition products declined as sales efforts focused on our mycotoxin binding products outside the United States, which were introduced during fiscal 2009.lower sales.  Net sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products increased 8%16% in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 due to 5%17% more tons sold.  Sales in export markets improved as lower freight costs and a weaker U.S. dollar relative to certain foreign currencies during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year made our products more competitive in the global marketplace.  Some export markets also experienced a decline in the quality of soybean oil that resulted in increased demand for our bleaching earth products.  In addition, sales of our fluid purification products used in the biodiesel industry and in palm oil processing increased compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of animal health and nutrition products increased 1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  Increased sales of our enterosorbent products, which were introduced during fiscal 2009, were partially offset by a decline in net sales of our traditional animal health and nutrition products.  Baseball-related sports products net sales were slightly higher than inincreased 11% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  We had no golf-related sports products sales2009 due to customer purchases earlier in the first six months of fiscal 2010 due to the loss of the distributor in fiscal 2009.baseball season and sales incentives.
 

 
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The Business to Business Products Group’s segment operating income for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $9,426,000,$15,329,000, an increase of $1,520,000,$3,338,000, or 19%28%, from operating income of $7,906,000$11,991,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  This increase was due primarily to an approximately 10% decrease in combineddriven by a combination of a greater proportion of net sales of higher margin products and lower costs.  Combined freight, materials and packaging costs.costs decreased approximately 7%.  Freight costs decreased approximately 15%10% due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices and export freight costs.prices.  Packaging costs decreased approximately 11%7% due to lower prices for resin and paper used in packaging.  Material costs were impacted by lower energy-related costs in our mining and manufacturing processes, which contributed to an approximately 7% decrease in material costs.  Operating income was also positively impacted by a greater proportion of sales for higher margin products.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group were up 7%3% higher due to increased personnel, market research and promotion costs associated with our upcoming launch of a new agricultural engineered granule product, as well as with investigation of potential new markets for existing products.product.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were $72,005,000,$106,820,000, a decrease of $11,404,000,$14,650,000, or 14%12%, from net sales of $83,409,000$121,470,000 reported in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The net sales decline was driven by decreases in both average net selling prices and tons sold.  The Group’s total tons sold were down 10%9% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Cat litter net sales were down approximately 19%18% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 12%11% lower tons sold.  The average net selling price for cat litter also declined in part due to increased trade spending for product promotions, which were deducted from net sales.  Net sales of branded cat litter decreased 29% compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 18% fewer tons sold.  As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, Wal-MartWalmart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”Walmart”) began to carry a reduced number of cat litter brands in August 2009.  The impactDuring the third quarter of this decision is reflected in the sales decline of both our branded and private label cat litter.  In a recent development, Wal-Mart notified us that they are reinstatingfiscal 2010, Walmart reinstated our branded scoopable litter in a limited number of stores; however, the new store count remains materially reduced from the store count at the end of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of branded cat litter decreased 31% compared to the first six months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 20% fewer tons sold.  Customer loyalty to our branded cat litter and increased trade spending drove incremental sales at customers other than Wal-Mart,Walmart, which partially offset the overall sales decline.  Net sales of private label cat litter decreased 7%6% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 due to 9%8% fewer tons sold.  Purchases by several of our larger private label customers declined due to general economic conditions and a continued overall decline in the coarse cat litter category.  Industrial absorbents net sales decreased 9%4% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 with 12%7% lower volumetons sold due primarily to weak economic conditions in the manufacturing and automotive industries.

The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $6,332,000,$9,101,000, a decrease of $883,000,$2,807,000, or 12%24%, from operating income of $7,215,000$11,908,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The decrease is attributed to the lower net sales described above that prevailed over a decrease of approximately 6%3% for the Group’s combined freight, materials and packaging costs compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Packaging costs decreased approximately 14%12% due to lower prices for resin and paper used in packaging.  Freight costs decreased approximately 8%5% in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices.  Material costs were slightlyincreased 2% as the benefit of lower compared toenergy-related costs in our mining and manufacturing processes was more than offset by the same period in fiscal 2009.negative cost impact of lower tons produced at some of our manufacturing facilities.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group decreased 5%2% compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to a lower currency translation loss reported by our foreign operations in the first six months of fiscal 2009 which was not incurred in the first six month of fiscal 2010.operations.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was 23% compared to 20%21% in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Gross profit was positively impacted by increased sales of higher margin products and lower costs for packaging, freight, packaging, material, and fuel used in our manufacturing processes and increased sales of higher margin products.processes.  The cost of fuel was 41%38% lower in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  We use natural gas, fuel oil and coal in the manufacturing process to operate kilns that dry our clay.  As described in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk below, we have contracted for a portion of our planned fuel needs for fiscal 2010.  Gross profit for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was negatively impacted by a 13%12% increase in non-fuel manufacturing costs per ton produced, which include depreciation and amortization.  This cost increase per ton was driven primarily by 12%10% fewer tons produced and increased expenditures for employee benefits and repairs.  Many of the other non-fuel manufacturing costs, such as salaries and certain labor costs, and depreciation, were relatively consistent with fiscal 2009 levels, despite the reduced number of tons produced, due to their generally fixed nature.
 
 
18


 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were 17% compared to 14%15% in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The discussions of the Groups’ segment operating income above describe the fluctuation in the selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments.  The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 included a highergreater estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.  The higher incentive bonus expense was based on performance targets that are established for each fiscal year.  The higherincreased bonus expense was partially offset by reduced spending for research and development as we moved further through the development cycle for several new products.products and lower costs for outside legal services.

Interest expense was $268,000$401,000 less for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 due to continued debt reduction and capitalized interest expense for a new product-related capital project.project and continued debt reduction.  Interest income was $187,000$218,000 lower in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, despite a higher average investment balance, due to a lower average interest rate and a lower average investment balance.rate.

Our effective tax rate was 29%30% of pre-tax income for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, which is comparablecompared to thea 28% effective tax rate for the full year of fiscal 2009.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 is based on the projected composition and level of our taxable income for the year.  The percentage of income attributableWe expect our effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 to higher margin Business to Business Group products is expected to be greater in fiscal 2010increase compared to fiscal 2009.2009 as our tax deduction for depletion is projected to decrease due primarily to fewer tons sold.

Total assets increased $4,605,000,$4,278,000, or 3%, during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010.  Current assets increased $4,316,000,$2,675,000, or 6%4%, from fiscal 2009 year end balances due primarily to increased cash and cash equivalents and prepaid expenses.  These increases wereequivalents.  This increase was partially offset by decreases in investment in securities, accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid repairs expense.  The changes in current assets are described below in Liquidity and Capital Resources.  Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, increased $885,000$2,380,000 during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 due to additions in excess of depreciation expense.  Additions were primarily for land, mineral rights, replacement of machinery and other capital projects at our manufacturing facilities.  During the second quarterfirst nine months of fiscal 2010, we acquired approximately 800 acres of land and mineral rights for approximately $2,300,000$3,000,000 near our Georgia production plant, which we believe contain deposits of high quality mineral reserves.plant.  Other noncurrent assets decreased $596,000$777,000 from fiscal 2009 year end balances due to payments received on a lease receivable related to a co-packaging agreement, lower deferred income taxes and amortization of certain other assets.

Total liabilities increased $1,921,000, or 3%,$99,000 during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010.  Current liabilities increased $2,232,000,$2,708,000, or 9%11%, from fiscal 2009 year end balances due primarily to increased accrued freight, accounts payable, accrued salaries, accrued trade promotions and current maturities of notes payable.  Current maturities of notes payable accrued freight, accrued trade promotions andincreased as the amount reclassified from noncurrent liabilities was greater than debt payments.  Lower other accrued expenses.  Lower accrued salariesexpenses partially offset these increases.  The changes in current liabilities are described below in Liquidity and Capital Resources.  Noncurrent liabilities decreased $311,000,$2,609,000, or 1%7%, from fiscal 2009 year end balances due to the reclassification of notes payable from noncurrent to current that was partially offset by higher accruals for pension and postretirement benefits and deferred compensation.  The accrued pension and postretirement benefit liability was based on the most recent actuarial estimates.  The increase in the deferred compensation liability was due to ongoing deferrals and accrued interest in excess of payouts.

The results of operations for the first sixnine months of fiscalending April 30, 2010 included an increase in cost of sales of approximately $400,000 related to an overstatement of supplies inventory at one of our manufacturing facilities as of July 31, 2009.  The overstatement of inventory had accumulated over a number of years and was the result of alleged theft.  This increase was offset by the expected receipt of insurance proceeds, related to the supplies inventory overstatement; a receivable for which was recordedwere received in the firstthird quarter of fiscal 2010.  The net effect of the two adjustments resulted in2010; therefore, there was no impact to net income.  We have determined that the adjustment to supplies inventory was not material to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 or to any previously reported period.

THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31,APRIL 30, 2010 COMPARED TO
THREE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY,APRIL 30, 2009

Consolidated net sales for the three months ended January 31,April 30, 2010 were $54,734,000,$56,259,000, a decrease of 7%3% from net sales of $59,130,000$58,053,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net income for the secondthird quarter fiscal 2010 was $2,262,000, a decrease$2,586,000, an increase of 5%7% from net income of $2,372,000$2,416,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Diluted net income per share for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was $0.31$0.35 compared to $0.33 for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.

Net income for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was negativelypositively affected by decreased tons sold; however, the impactincreased sales of the decrease was partially offset byhigher margin products, lower costs that had a significant positive impact on the quarter’s results.  Material costs decreased due primarily to theselling, general and administrative expenses and lower cost of fuel usedsales, which more than offset the decline in net sales due to dry our clay-based productsfewer tons sold.  The change in selling, general and to transport raw materials.  Freightadministrative expenses is described in the operating segments and consolidated results discussions below.  A decline in packaging costs, declined due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices, which impacted our truck, rail and ship distribution channels.  Packaging costs declined primarily due to price decreases in the resin and paper markets.markets, more than offset increased freight and materials costs.  Freight costs increased due to higher diesel fuel prices, which impacted our truck, rail and ocean freight distribution channels.  Materials costs increased as the benefit of lower energy-related costs in our mining and manufacturing processes was offset by the negative cost impact of lower tons produced at some of our manufacturing facilities.  The Business to Business Products Group’s segment operating income improved due to lower costs and a greater proportion of sales from higher margin products, which outweighed the reducedlower costs and higher tons sold; however, segment operating income declined in the Retail and Wholesale Products Group the decline indue to fewer tons sold, prevailed overa lower average net selling price and slightly higher costs.
 
 
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BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Business to Business Products Group for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 were $18,563,000,$21,444,000, an increase of $359,000,$1,452,000, or 2%7%, from net sales of $18,204,000$19,992,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Group benefited from a greater proportion of sales from higher pricedmargin products that offsetalong with a 1% decline4% increase in tons sold.  Net sales and tons sold were up for bleaching earth and fluid purification products, but were down for most other product categories in this Group.  Net sales of bleaching earth and fluid purification products increased 28%33% with approximately 27%47% more tons sold in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  LowerExport sales improved as lower freight costs and a weaker U.S. dollar relative to certain foreign currencies during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year made our products more competitive in the global marketplace, which resulted in improved export sales.marketplace.  Some export markets also experienced increased demand for our bleaching earth products due to a decline in the quality of soybean oil.oil that resulted in increased demand for our bleaching earth products.  In addition, sales also increased for bleaching earth andof our fluid purification products used in the biodiesel industry and in palm oil processing.processing increased compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Animal health and nutrition products net sales increased 16% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  Increased net sales of our enterosorbent products, which were introduced during fiscal 2009, offset lower sales of our traditional animal health and nutrition products.  Baseball-related sports products sales were also slightly15% higher compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.2009 due to customer purchases earlier in the baseball season and sales incentives.  These increased sales were partially offset by a 29% decrease in net sales and a 20% decrease in tons sold for our agricultural chemical carriers due to the continued downturn in the agricultural chemical carrier market.  Our co-packaged traditional coarse cat litter net sales decreased 12% with 1% fewer5%, although 3% more tons were sold compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were adversely affected by a lower net selling price; however, the net selling price increased in April 2010 under the terms of the agreement with our current co-packaging partner and thepartner.  The loss of a small co-packaging customer during the laterlatter part of fiscal 2009.  Net2009 contributed to the decreased net sales, of agricultural chemical carriers decreased 17% andbut the increase in tons sold decreased 22% compared to our remaining co-packaging partner more than offset the second quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to the downturn in the agricultural market.  Net sales of our flowability aid product were also down 13% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  The demand was lower for flowability aid products used in animal feed due to price competition, including with respect to freight charges, and due to the naturally varying level of protein in the soybean crop, which is a determining factor in feed formulations.  Animal health and nutrition products net sales decreased 10% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of our traditional animal health and nutrition products declined as sales efforts focused on our mycotoxin binding products outside the United States, which were introduced during fiscal 2009.  Increased sales of mycotoxin binding products partially offset this decline.tons lost.

The Business to Business Products Group’s segment operating income for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was $4,917,000,$5,903,000, an increase of $1,437,000,$1,818,000, or 41%45%, from operating income of $3,480,000$4,085,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  This increase was due primarily to an approximately 9% decrease in combineddriven by a combination of a greater proportion of net sales from higher margin products and lower costs.  Combined freight, materials and packaging costs.  Freight costs decreased approximately 9% due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices.  Packaging costs decreased approximately 4% due primarily to lower prices for paper used in packaging.3%.  Material costs were impacted by lower energy-related costs in our mining and manufacturing processes, which contributed to an approximately 10%6% decrease in material costs.  Freight costs increased approximately 3% due primarily to higher diesel fuel prices.  Packaging costs also increased slightly.  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group were up 10%down 4% compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, due to increasedcosts were incurred for the launch of new animal health and nutrition products which were not incurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  This decrease was partially offset by higher costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 for personnel, market research, and promotion coststechnical services associated with our upcoming launch of a new agricultural engineered granule product, as well as with investigation of potential new markets for existing products.

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE PRODUCTS GROUP

Net sales of the Retail and Wholesale Products Group for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 were $36,171,000,$34,815,000, a decrease of $4,755,000$3,246,000, or 9%, from net sales of $40,926,000$38,061,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  The net sales decline was driven by decreases in both average net selling prices and tons sold.  The Group’s total tons sold were down 9%7% compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Cat litter net sales were down approximately 17%16% compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 11%9% lower tons sold.  The average net selling price declined in part due to increased trade spending for product promotions, which are deducted from net sales.  Net sales of branded cat litter decreased approximately 27% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 14% fewer tons sold.  As discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, Wal-MartWalmart Stores, Inc. (“Walmart”) began to carry a reduced number of cat litter brands in August 2009.  The impactDuring the third quarter of this decision is reflected in the sales decline of both our branded and private label cat litter.  In a recent development, Wal-Mart notified us that they are reinstatingfiscal 2010, Walmart reinstated our branded scoopable litter in a limited number of stores; however, the new store count remains materially reduced from the store count at the end of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of branded cat litter decreased 29% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2009 due primarily to 22% fewer tons sold.  Customer loyalty to our branded cat litter and increased trade spending drove incremental sales at customers other than Wal-Mart,Walmart, which partially offset the overall sales decline.  Net sales of private label cat litter decreased 5%approximately 4% in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 due to 6%7% fewer tons sold.  Purchases by several of our larger private label customers declined we believe due to general economic conditionconditions and a continued overall decline in the coarse cat litter category.  IndustrialIn contrast, industrial absorbents net sales decreased 6%increased 5% compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009 with 10% lower4% higher volume due primarily to weak economic conditions in the manufacturing and automotive industries.increased demand from industrial distributors.
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The Retail and Wholesale Products Group’s segment operating income for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was $3,116,000,$2,769,000, a decrease of $937,000,$1,924,000, or 23%41%, from operating income of $4,053,000$4,693,000 in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Group’s combined freight, materials and packaging costs decreasedincreased approximately 1%4% from the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Freight costs were down approximately 1% due primarily to lower diesel fuel prices.  Packaging costs decreased approximately 15% due primarily to lower prices for resin and paper used in packaging.  Material costs increased 2%10% as the benefit of lower energy-related costs in our mining and manufacturing processes was more than offset by the negative cost impact of lower tons produced at some of our manufacturing facilities.  Freight costs increased approximately 4% due primarily to higher diesel fuel prices.  Packaging costs decreased approximately 9% due primarily to lower prices for resin and paper used in packaging.    Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Group were 1%7% higher compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.
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  Expenses increased due primarily to a currency exchange loss reported by our foreign operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to a corresponding currency exchange gain reported in the same period of fiscal 2009.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Our consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was 23% compared to 20%, the same as in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Gross profit was positively impacted by lower costs for freight, packaging material and fuel used in our manufacturing processes.  The cost of fuel was 37%29% lower in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  We use natural gas, fuel oil and coal in the manufacturing process to operate kilns that dry our clay.  As described in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk below, we have contracted for a portion of our planned fuel needs for fiscal 2010.  Gross profit for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 was negatively impacted by a 14%10% increase in non-fuel manufacturing cost per ton produced, which includes depreciation and amortization.  This cost increase per ton was driven primarily by 7% fewer tons produced and increased expenditures for employee benefits and repairs.  Many of the other non-fuel manufacturing costs, such as salaries and certain labor costs, and depreciation, were relatively consistent with the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009 levels, despite the reduced number of tons produced, due to their generally fixed nature.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 were 17% compared to 14% in, the secondsame as for the third quarter of fiscal 2009.  The discussions of the Groups’ operating income above describe the fluctuation in the selling, general and administrative expenses that were allocated to the operating segments.  The remaining unallocated corporate expenses in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 included lower costs for outside legal services and a higherlower quarterly estimated annual incentive plan bonus accrual.  The higherquarter’s incentive bonus expense was based on performance targets that are established for each fiscal year.  The higher bonus expense was partially offset by reduced spending for research and development as we moved further through the development cycle for several new products.

Interest expense was $137,000$133,000 less for the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 due to continued debt reduction and capitalized interest expense for a new product-related capital project.project and continued debt reduction.  Interest income was $62,000$31,000 lower in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010, despite higher average investment balances, due to a lower average interest rate.

Our effective tax rate was 30% of pre-tax income in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010, which brought ourcompared to the 28% effective tax rate for the first six monthsfull year of fiscal 2010 to 29%.2009.  The effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 is based on the projected composition and level of our taxable income for the year and is comparable to the 28%year.  We expect our effective tax rate for the full year of fiscal 2009.  The percentage of income attributable to higher margin Business to Business Group products is expected to be greater in fiscal 2010 to increase compared to fiscal 2009.2009 as our tax deduction for depletion is projected to decrease due primarily to fewer tons sold.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 were $7,462,000,$10,621,000, an increase of 5%4% from net sales of $7,089,000$10,206,000 during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented 7% of our consolidated net sales during the first six months of fiscal 2010 and 6% of our consolidated net sales during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, the same percentage as during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of our Canadian subsidiary increased due to higher net sales of both industrial products and cat litter, including sales to a new customer.  In addition, the Canadian Dollar was about 8%12% stronger on average against the U.S. Dollar for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009, which resulted in higher sales values after translation to U.S. Dollars.  NetPartially offsetting the higher Canadian net sales was a decline in net sales of industrial absorbents by our United Kingdom subsidiary were down due primarily to the continued slump in the manufacturing industry in its principal market.

For the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, our foreign subsidiaries reported net income of $168,000, an increase of $601,000 from the $433,000a net loss reportedof $152,000, compared to a net loss of $496,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The increasedecrease in the net incomeloss was due in part to the higher sales for our Canadian subsidiary, which more than offset the sales decline of our United Kingdom subsidiary.   In addition, the currency translation loss reported by our foreign operations in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was significantly less than the loss reported in the first nine months of fiscal 2009.  The British Pound declined significantly in value compared to the U.S. Dollar during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009, which resulted in a substantial currency translation loss; however,loss.  Partially offsetting the average exchange rateincreases to net income was higher freight costs in Canada for the British Pound for the first six months of fiscal 2010 was approximately the same as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2009.a multi-year withholding tax charge on our leased railcars.
 
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Identifiable assets of our foreign subsidiaries as of January 31,April 30, 2010 were $8,997,000$9,455,000 compared to $9,103,000$9,186,000 as of January 31,April 30, 2009.  The decreaseincrease is primarily due to lower accounts receivablehigher cash and inventoriescash equivalents that were partially offset by higher cashlower accounts receivable, net fixed assets and cash equivalents.inventories.

Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 were $3,645,000,$3,159,000, an increase of 13%1% from net sales of $3,219,000$3,117,000 during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net sales by our foreign subsidiaries represented 7%6% of our consolidated net sales during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 and 5% of our consolidated net sales during the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Net sales of our Canadian subsidiary increased due to higher net sales of both industrial products and cat litter, including sales to a new customer.  Netwhich more than offset lower net sales of industrial absorbents by our United Kingdom subsidiary were down due primarily to the continued slump in the manufacturing industry in its principal market.  In addition, the Canadian Dollar was about 17% stronger on average against the U.S. Dollar in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009, which resulted in higher sales values after translation to U.S. Dollars.

For the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010, our foreign subsidiaries reported a net loss of $132,000, an increase of $122,000 from the $254,000$322,000, compared to a $63,000 net loss reported in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  The increase in the net incomeloss was due in part to the higher salescosts for our Canadian subsidiary, which more thanwere partially offset the sales declineby lower material costs in our United Kingdom subsidiary.  The higher costs in Canada included an additional freight cost for a multi-year withholding tax charge on our leased railcars.  In addition, in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 we did not incurincurred a significant currency translation loss compared to the currency translation gain that was reported by our foreign operations in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.  Compared to the U.S. Dollar, the average value of the Canadian Dollar was about 14% higher and the average value of the British Pound was about 10%approximately 6% higher in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009.
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal capital requirements include funding working capital needs, the purchasing and upgrading of real estate, equipment and facilities, funding new product development and investing in infrastructure and potential acquisitions.  We principally have used cash generated from operations and, to the extent needed, issuance of debt securities and borrowings under our credit facilities to fund these requirements.  Cash and cash equivalents increased $9,025,000$9,800,000 during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 to $20,864,000$21,639,000 at January 31,April 30, 2010.

The following table sets forth certain elements of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):

 Six Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 January 31, 2010  January 31, 2009  April 30, 2010  April 30, 2009 
Net cash provided by operating activities $13,763  $1,946  $20,096  $8,307 
Net cash used in investing activities  (2,476)  (1,215)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (3,593)  4,375 
Net cash used in financing activities  (2,266)  (6,405)  (6,599)  (8,740)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  4   1,098   (104)  890 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $9,025  $(4,576)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $9,800  $4,832 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Net cash provided by operations was $13,763,000$20,096,000 for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, compared to $1,946,000$8,307,000 for the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The increase was due primarily to changes in working capital that offset lower net income.capital.  For the first sixnine months of fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the primary components of working capital that impacted operating cash flows were as follows:

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, decreased $1,790,000$2,297,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 due to lower2010.  Net sales in the secondlast month of the third quarter ofin fiscal 2010 compared towere less than net sales in the last month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts, increased $16,000decreased $2,623,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.   Net sales in the secondthird quarter of fiscal 2009 were slightly lowersignificantly less than net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.2008, particularly in the comparison of the last month of each quarter.  The change in both periods is also subject to timing of sales and collections and the payment terms provided to various customers.  The quality of our accounts receivable inIn terms of aging and days sales outstanding, hasour accounts receivable had improved as of January 31,April 30, 2010 compared to January 31,April 30, 2009.

Inventories decreased $810,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $1,491,000 in the same period in fiscal 2009.  Packaging inventories decreased in the first six months of fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales requirements and lower costs.  Supplies inventories decreased due to the adjustment of an overstatement described in Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  In the first six months of fiscal 2009, finished goods and packaging inventories increased due primarily to higher costs and increased tons in inventory to cover downtime for planned maintenance.
 
 
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Other liabilitiesAccrued expenses increased $893,000$1,729,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $914,000 in the same period of fiscal 2009.  Accruals for postretirement benefits increased during the first six months of both fiscal years.  The change in other liabilities also included the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries.  The fluctuation in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to both the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar was less for the first six months of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period of fiscal 2009.

Accrued expenses increased $783,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to a decrease of $2,784,000$1,676,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Accrued expenses included the discretionary bonus accrual.  The bonus accrual net changed in both years by the payout of the prior fiscal year’s bonus accrual less the current fiscal year’s first six month bonus accrual.  The net decrease in the first six months of fiscal 2009 was significantly greater than in the first six months of fiscal 2010 due to a higher payout and a lower accrual.  Accrued freight and other accrued expenses increased in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to a decrease in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 due primarily to an increase in freight costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 and the timing of payments.  Accrued expenses included the discretionary bonus accrual.  The bonus accrual in both years decreased by the payout of the prior fiscal year’s bonus accrual and increased by the current fiscal year’s first nine month bonus accrual.  In the first nine months of fiscal 2010, the net bonus accrual increased as the current fiscal year’s bonus accrual was higher than the payout of the prior fiscal year’s bonus.  In contrast, in the first nine months of fiscal 2009, the net bonus accrual decreased as the current fiscal year’s bonus accrual was lower than the prior year’s bonus payout.  In addition, the increase in the accrual for trade promotions was higher in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 due to the timing and level of promotional activities.

Accounts payable increased $1,114,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to a decrease of $1,424,000 in the same period in fiscal 2009.  The increase in fiscal 2010 reflected a higher income tax rate and a higher accrual for the tax impact of stock option exercises.  The decrease in fiscal 2009 reflected a recent decline in manufacturing fuel costs combined with fewer tons of clay processed at our plants, particularly during the last month of the fiscal 2009 third quarter.  Both years were subject to normal fluctuations in the timing of payments.

Deferred compensation increased $388,000$611,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $119,000$252,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The increase in both years is due to continued employee deferrals and interest on accumulated deferred compensation balances in excess of payouts.

Other assets decreased $329,000$491,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $1,321,000$1,042,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  The change in other assets included the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-cash assets held by our foreign subsidiaries.  The change in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to both the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar was significantly less forresulted in a small decrease in other assets in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, compared to the same period of fiscal 2009.

Accounts payable increased $285,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2010 compared to a decrease of $972,000while in the same period in fiscal 2009.  Both years were subject to normal fluctuations in2009 the timing of payments.result was a significant increase.

Prepaid expenses decreased $109,000$442,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $803,000$1,018,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Prepaid repair expense decreased in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009 due to the timing of repairs and the implementation of a new process during fiscal 2009 to manage spare parts inventory.  The timing of insurance premium payments also resulted in an increase in prepaid expenses in both years.

Inventories decreased $405,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $2,392,000 in the same period in fiscal 2009.  Packaging inventories decreased in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 primarily due to lower sales requirements and lower costs.  Supplies inventories decreased due to the adjustment of an overstatement described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.  Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in finished goods inventory due primarily to mix of products.  In the first nine months of fiscal 2009, finished goods and packaging inventories increased due primarily to higher costs and increased tons in inventory to cover downtime for planned maintenance.

Other liabilities increased $354,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to an increase of $384,000 in the same period of fiscal 2009.  Accruals for postretirement benefits increased during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 and decreased slightly in the same period in fiscal 2009.  The change in other liabilities also included the effect of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries.  The fluctuation in the relative value of the U.S. Dollar to both the British Pound and the Canadian Dollar resulted in a small decrease in other liabilities in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to a larger increase in the same period of fiscal 2009.

Net cash used in(used in) provided by investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $2,813,000$3,593,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to $1,215,000cash provided by investing activities of $4,375,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Cash used for capital expenditures of $4,818,000$7,945,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 included approximately $2,300,000$3,000,000 to purchase approximately 800 acres of land purchasedand mineral rights near our Georgia production plant, which we believe contain deposits of high quality mineral reserves.plant.  Capital expenditures of $7,757,000$12,682,000 in the same period of fiscal 2009 included approximately $7,000,000 for capital projects related to new product development at our manufacturing facilities.facilities and land purchases.  In the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010, net cash provided by dispositions of investment securities was $2,005,000$4,007,000 compared to $6,531,000$17,035,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  In the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009, more cash was needed to fund capital expenditures and payments on long-term debt compared to the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010.  Purchases and dispositions of investment securities in both periods are subject to variations in the timing of investment maturities.  In addition, in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 we received $337,000 from the sale of land and buildings at our United Kingdom subsidiary.
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Net cash used in financing activities

Cash used in financing activities was $2,266,000$6,599,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to $6,405,000$8,740,000 in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  Cash used for payment of long-term debt in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 was $3,880,000$2,380,000 less than in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2009.  In addition, $111,000 lesscash provided by issuance of Common Stock in connection with stock option exercises was $827,000 higher in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.  Conversely, $1,372,000 more cash was used to purchase treasury stockrepurchase Common Stock in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009.  Conversely,Also, cash used for dividend payments were $153,000was $235,000 higher in the first sixnine months of fiscal 2010 due to a dividend increase.

Other

Total cash and investment balances held by our foreign subsidiaries at January 31,April 30, 2010 and 2009 were $1,490,000$1,808,000 and $1,262,000,$1,125,000, respectively.  Our foreign subsidiaries’ cash and investment balances increased during fiscal 2010 as a result of increased profitability.
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improvements in working capital.

As part of our normal course of business, we guarantee certain debts and trade payables of our wholly owned subsidiaries.  These arrangements are made at the request of the subsidiaries’ creditors because separate financial statements are not distributed for the wholly owned subsidiaries.  As of January 31,April 30, 2010, the value of these guarantees was $257,000$193,000 of lease liabilities.

Our $15,000,000 unsecured revolving credit agreement with Harris N.A. (“Harris”) is effective until December 31, 2011.  The credit agreement provides that we may select a variable rate based on either Harris’ prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate, plus a margin which varies depending on our debt to earnings ratio, or a fixed rate as agreed between us and Harris.  At January 31,April 30, 2010, the variable rates would have been 3.25% for the Harris’ prime-based rate or 1.23%1.46% for the LIBOR-based rate.  The credit agreement contains restrictive covenants that, among other things and under various conditions (including a limitation on capital expenditures), limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or to dispose of assets.  The agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum fixed coverage ratio and a minimum consolidated net worth.  As of January 31,April 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no outstanding borrowings under this credit facility and we were in compliance with its covenants.

As of April 30, 2010, we had remaining authority to repurchase 410,114 shares of common stock under a repurchase plan approved by the Board of Directors.  These repurchases may be made on the open market (pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans or otherwise) or in negotiated transactions and the timing and amount of shares repurchased will be determined by our management.

We believe that cash flow from operations, availability under our revolving credit facility and current cash and investment balances will provide adequate cash funds for foreseeable working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.  We currently expect cash requirements for capital expenditures in fiscal 2010 to decrease from fiscal 2009 due primarily to completion of certain capital projects at our manufacturing facilities.  Our capital requirements are subject to change as business conditions warrant and opportunities arise.  Our ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make scheduled debt payments and to remain in compliance with all of the financial covenants under debt agreements, including, but not limited to, the credit agreement, depends on our future operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors.  The timing and size of any new business ventures or acquisitions that we complete may also impact our cash requirements.
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The tables in the following subsection summarize our contractual obligations and commercial commitments at January 31,April 30, 2010 for the time frames indicated.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

 Payments Due by Period  Payments Due by Period 
Contractual Obligations Total  Less Than 1 Year  1 – 3 Years  4 – 5 Years  After 5 Years  Total  Less Than 1 Year  1 – 3 Years  4 – 5 Years  After 5 Years 
Long-Term Debt $21,300,000  $4,500,000  $7,900,000  $8,500,000  $400,000  $18,300,000  $3,500,000  $7,400,000  $7,000,000  $400,000 
Interest on Long-Term Debt  3,624,000   1,209,000   1,676,000   715,000   24,000   2,970,000   1,067,000   1,432,000   459,000   12,000 
Capital Leases  106,000   49,000   57,000           93,000   49,000   44,000   --   -- 
Operating Leases  12,927,000   2,710,000   3,514,000   2,463,000   4,240,000   14,122,000   3,059,000   3,516,000   2,673,000   4,874,000 
Unconditional Purchase Obligations  3,553,000   2,874,000   679,000   --   --   3,357,000   2,947,000   410,000   --   -- 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations $41,510,000  $11,342,000  $13,826,000  $11,678,000  $4,664,000  $38,842,000  $10,622,000  $12,802,000  $10,132,000  $5,286,000 

We plan to makeIn the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we made a contribution of $922,000 to our defined benefit pension plan in fiscal 2010 of approximately $900,000.plan.  We have not presented this obligation in the table above because the funding requirement can vary from year to year based on changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial assumptions.  See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk below for a discussion of the potential impact of financial market fluctuations on pension plan assets and future funding contributions.

As of January 31,April 30, 2010, our non-current liability for uncertain tax positions was approximately $200,000.  We have not presented this obligation in the table above because the timing of future cash flows is dependent on examinations by taxing authorities and can not reasonably be estimated.

The unconditional purchase obligations include forward purchase contracts we have entered into for a portion of our natural gas fuel needs for fiscal 2010 and 2011.  As of January 31, 2009,April 30, 2010, the remaining purchase obligation for fiscal 2010 was $2,189,000$1,369,000 for 290,000220,000 MMBtu and for fiscal 2011 was $1,364,000$1,988,000 for 160,000360,000 MMBtu.  These contracts were entered into in the normal course of business and no contracts were entered into for speculative purposes.

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  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period 
  Total  Less Than 1 Year  1 – 3 Years  4 – 5 Years  After 5 Years 
Other Commercial Commitments $27,800,000  $21,389,000  $5,631,000  $780,000  $-- 
  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period 
  Total  Less Than 1 Year  1 – 3 Years  4 – 5 Years  After 5 Years 
Other Commercial Commitments $32,875,000  $24,415,000  $8,000,000  $460,000  $-- 

The other commercial commitments represent open purchase orders, including blanketblanket purchase orders, for items such as packaging, additives and pallets used in the normal course of operations.  The expected timing of payments of these obligations is estimated based on current information.  Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services, or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Estimates are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

See the information concerning our critical accounting policies included under Management’s Discussion of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q.

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Recently Adopted Accounting StandardsStandards

ForWe adopted the required portions of FASB guidance issued in January 2010 under ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  The guidance effective for this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending January 31,April 30, 2010, we adopted the FASBrequired enhanced disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance issuedalso required new disclosures about transfers in February 2010 under ASC 855-10 Subsequent Events.  This guidance amended several definitions and removed the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements.  The adoption of this guidance resulted in revisedenhanced disclosures and had no impact on ourin Note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2008, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 715-20 Compensation – Retirement Benefits that will require expanded disclosure for employers’ pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets fair value measurements, investment policies and strategies for the major categories of plan assets and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  The adoption of the guidance will result in enhanced disclosures in our fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K but will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010.

In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance under ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements that will require new disclosures and provides clarification of existing disclosures aboutrelated to Level 3 fair value measurements.  Adoption of certain provisions related to the reconciliation of changes in fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputsthis guidance will result in enhanced disclosures in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending October 31, 2010.  Other provisions of this guidance will require enhanced disclosures for fair value measurements in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending April 30, 2010.  Adoption of this guidance in either period affects disclosures only and will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to interest rate risk and employ policies and procedures to manage our exposure to changes in the market risk of our cash equivalents and short-term investments.  We hadAs of April 30, 2010, the process to unwind our two interest rate swap agreements as of January 31, 2010.  We believe that the market risk arising from holding these financial instruments is not material.was completed.

We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risk, primarily U.S. Dollar/British Pound, U.S. Dollar/Euro and U.S. Dollar/Canadian Dollar, as it relates to certain accounts receivables and our foreign operations.  Foreign currency denominated accounts receivable is a small fraction of our consolidated accounts receivable.  We are also subject to translation exposure of our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements.  In recent years, our foreign subsidiaries have not generated a substantial portion of our consolidated sales or net income.  We do not enter into any hedge contracts in an attempt to offset any adverse effect of changes in currency exchange rates.  We believe that the foreign currency fluctuation risk is not material to our consolidated financial statements.

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We are exposed to market risk at it relates to the investments that make up our plan assets under our defineddefined benefit pension plan.  The fair value of these assets is subject to change due to fluctuations in the financial markets.  The decline in the equity markets resulted in a lower value of our pension plan assets as of July 31, 2009.  The lower asset value increased our expense for fiscal 2010 and may increase the amount and accelerate the timing of future funding contributions.

We are exposed to regulatory risk in the fluid purification, animal health and agricultural markets, principally as a result of the risk of increasing regulation of the food chain in the United States and Europe. We actively monitor developments in this area, both directly and through trade organizations of which we are a member.

We are exposed to commodity price risk with respect to fuel.  We have contracted for a portion of our anticipated fuel needs using forward purchase contracts to mitigate the volatility of our kiln fuel prices.  As of January 31,April 30, 2010, we have purchased natural gas contracts representing approximately 45%50% of our planned kiln fuel needs for fiscal 2010.  We estimate the weighted average cost of these natural gas contracts in fiscal 2010 to be approximately 38% lower than the contracts in fiscal 2009; however, this average will change if we continue to buy natural gas contracts.  We have also purchased contracts for a portion of our fuel requirements for fiscal 2011 to take advantage of declines in natural gas prices.  All contracts are related to the normal course of business and no contracts are entered into for speculative purposes.

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The tables below provide information about our natural gas purchase contracts, which are sensitive to changeschanges in commodity prices, specifically natural gas prices. For the purchase contracts outstanding at January 31,April 30, 2010, the table presents the notional amounts in MMBtu’s, the weighted average contract prices, and the total dollar contract amount, which will mature by July 31 of 2010 and 2011.  The Fair Value was determined using the “Most Recent Settle” price for the “Henry Hub Natural Gas” option contract prices as listed by the New York Mercantile Exchange on March 4,May 26, 2010.
 
 
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Six Months Ending July 31, 2010
 
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Three months Ending July 31, 2010
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Three months Ending July 31, 2010
 Expected 2010 Maturity  Fair Value  Expected 2010 Maturity  Fair Value
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)  290,000   --   220,000   --
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu) $7.55   --  $6.23   --
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands) $2,189.0  $1,406.1  $1,369.5  $933.6

Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2011
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2011
 
Commodity Price Sensitivity
Natural Gas Future Contracts
For the Year Ending July 31, 2011
 Expected 2011 Maturity  Fair Value  Expected 2011 Maturity  Fair Value
Natural Gas Future Volumes (MMBtu)  160,000   --   360,000   --
Weighted Average Price (Per MMBtu) $8.53   --  $5.52   --
Contract Amount ($ U.S., in thousands) $1,364.4  $862.8  $1,987.7  $1,703.9

Factors that could influence the fair value of the natural gas contracts, include, but are not limited to, the creditworthiness of our natural gas suppliers, the overall general economy, developments in world events, and the general demand for natural gas by the manufacturing sector, seasonality and the weather patterns throughout the United States and the world.  Some of these same events have allowed us to mitigate the impact of the natural gas contracts by the continued, and in some cases expanded, use of recycled oil in our manufacturing processes.  Accurate estimates of the impact that these contracts may have on our financial results are difficult to make due to the inherent uncertainty of future fluctuations in option contract prices in the natural gas options market.

 
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ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDPROCUERESDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectivenesseffectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The controls evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Based upon the controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended January 31,April 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 1A, 3 and 5 of this Part II are either inapplicable or are answered in the negative and are omitted pursuant to the instructions to Part II.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USEUSE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended January 31,April 30, 2010, we did not sell any securities which were not registered under the Securities Act.  The following chart summarizes Common Stock repurchases during this period.

 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES1
     
For the Three Months Ended  January 31, 2010(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased
(b) Average Price Paid
per Share
(c) Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
(d) Maximum Number of Shares
 that may yet be Purchased Under
 Plans or Programs2
     
November 1, 2009 to    
November 30, 2009------272,243
     
     
December 1, 2009 to    
December 31, 2009------272,243
     
     
January 1, 2010 to    
January 31, 201034,000$15.8334,000238,243
     
  ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES1
     
For the Three Months Ended  April 30, 2010(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased(b) Average Price Paid per Share(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(d) Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under Plans or Programs2
     
February 1, 2010 to    
February 28, 20106,300$15.896,300231,943
     
     
March 1, 2010 to    
March 31, 201028,203$18.4128,203453,740
     
     
April 1, 2010 to    
April 30, 201043,626$19.9543,626410,114
     

1 The table summarizes repurchases of (and remaining authority to repurchase) shares of our Common Stock.  We did not repurchase any shares of our Class B Stock during the period in question, and no shares of our Class A Common Stock are currently outstanding.  Descriptions of our Common Stock, Class B Stock and Class A Common Stock are contained in Note 7 of the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.SEC.

2 On October 10, 2005, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock, with repurchases to be made from time to time in the discretion of our management and in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations.  This authorization does not have a stated expiration date.  On March 11, 2010, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 250,000 shares of Common Stock.  The share numbers in this column indicate the number of shares of Common Stock that may yet be repurchased under this authorization.these authorizations.  The share numbers were not affected by the five-for-four stock split that occurred on September 8, 2006.  We do not have any current authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase shares of Class B Stock, and no shares of Class A Common Stock are currently outstanding.

 
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ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECUR6.  EIXTY HOLDERSHIBITS

On December 8, 2009, we held our 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the purpose of considering and voting on two matters, summarized below.

1.        Election of Directors

The following schedule sets forth the results of the vote to elect eight directors.  As of the record date of the meeting, a total of 7,112,985 shares of Common Stock and Class B Stock were eligible to cast a total of 24,352,125 votes.  At the meeting, shares representing a total of 22,791,042 votes were present in person or by proxy.

Director Votes For  Votes Withheld 
J. Steven Cole  22,650,671   140,371 
Arnold W. Donald  22,631,269   159,773 
Daniel S. Jaffee  21,726,367   1,064,675 
Richard M. Jaffee  21,708,104   1,082,938 
Joseph C. Miller  21,634,019   1,157,023 
Michael A. Nemeroff  21,027,664   1,763,378 
Allan H. Selig  22,632,428   158,614 
Paul E. Suckow  22,659,749   131,293 

2.        Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending July 31, 2010 was ratified by receiving 22,737,155 votes of a total 22,791,042 eligible votes, with 37,349 votes against and 16,538 votes to abstain.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

(a)  EXHIBITS:

Exhibit No.Description SEC Document Reference
    
10.1Amendment, dated April 15, 2010, to the Letter Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2010, between Oil-Dri Corporation of America and Brian K. Bancroft.* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Oil-Dri’s (File No. 001-12622) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2010.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as amended and restated effective January 12, 2010.1, 2009)*Filed herewith.
    
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share. Filed herewith.
    
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a). Filed herewith.
    
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
    
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.



 
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SIGNATURESIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this reportreport to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


OIL-DRI CORPORATION OF AMERICA
(Registrant)



BY /s/ Andrew N. Peterson                                                           
Andrew N. Peterson
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



BY /s/ Daniel S. Jaffee                                                           
Daniel S. Jaffee
President and Chief Executive Officer




Dated:  March 10,June 8, 2010


 
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EXEHXHIBITSIBITS

Exhibit No.Description
  
10.11
Amendment, dated April 15, 2010, to the Letter Agreement, dated as of January 11, 2010, between Oil-Dri Corporation of America and Brian K. Bancroft.*
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009)*
  
Statement re: Computation of Earnings per Share.
  
Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a).
  
Certifications pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
  
1Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Oil-Dri’s (File No. 001-12622) Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 12,April 16, 2010.

Note:Stockholders may receive copies of the above listed exhibits, without fee, by written request to Investor Relations, Oil-Dri Corporation of America, 410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois  60611-4213, by telephone (312) 321-1515 or by e-mail to info@oildri.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 
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