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

FORM 10-K

x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007
Commission File Number 0-09115

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

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
25-0644320
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER, PITTSBURGH, PA
15212-5851
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes x                      No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o                      No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  x

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405a of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x                                                        Accelerated filer o                                            Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨    No x

The aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock outstanding and held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market System on March 30, 2007, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $1.3 billion.

As of  October 31, 2007, shares of common stock outstanding were: Class A Common Stock 31,014,646 shares
Documents incorporated by reference: Specified portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.  The index to exhibits is on pages 70-72.



PART I

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

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


ITEM 1.
BUSINESS.

Matthews, founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer principally of memorialization products and brand solutions.  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Brand solutions include graphics imaging products and services, marking products, and merchandising solutions. The Company's products and operations are comprised of six business segments:  Bronze, Casket, Cremation, Graphics Imaging, Marking Products and Merchandising Solutions.  The Bronze segment is a leading manufacturer of cast bronze memorials and other memorialization products, cast and etched architectural products and is a leading builder of mausoleums in the United States.  The Casket segment is a leading casket manufacturer in North America and produces a wide variety of wood and metal caskets.  The Cremation segment is a leading designer and manufacturer of cremation equipment and cremation caskets primarily in North America. The Graphics Imaging segment manufactures and provides brand solutions, printing plates, pre-press services and imaging services for the primary packaging and corrugated industries.  The Marking Products segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding equipment and consumables, and industrial automation products for identifying, tracking and conveying various consumer and industrial products, components and packaging containers.  The Merchandising Solutions segment designs and manufactures merchandising displays and systems and provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.

At October 31, 2007, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries had approximately 4,100 employees.  The Company's principal executive offices are located at Two NorthShore Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, its telephone number is (412) 442-8200 and its internet website is www.matw.com.

The following table sets forth reported sales and operating profit for the Company's business segments for the past three fiscal years.  Detailed financial information relating to business segments and to domestic and international operations is presented in Note 15 (Segment Information) to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2


ITEM 1.
BUSINESS, continued

   
Years Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
                         
Memorialization:
                                   
Bronze
  $
229,850
      30.7 %   $
218,004
      30.4 %   $
205,675
      32.1 %
Casket
   
210,673
     
28.1
     
200,950
     
28.1
     
135,512
     
21.2
 
Cremation
   
25,166
     
3.3
     
25,976
     
3.6
     
21,497
     
3.4
 
     
465,689
     
62.1
     
444,930
     
62.1
     
362,684
     
56.7
 
Brand Solutions:
                                               
Graphics Imaging
   
146,049
     
19.5
     
140,886
     
19.7
     
143,159
     
22.4
 
Marking Products
   
57,450
     
7.7
     
52,272
     
7.3
     
45,701
     
7.1
 
Merchandising Solutions
   
80,164
     
10.7
     
77,803
     
10.9
     
88,278
     
13.8
 
     
283,663
     
37.9
     
270,961
     
37.9
     
277,138
     
43.3
 
Total
  $
749,352
      100.0 %   $
715,891
      100.0 %   $
639,822
      100.0 %
                                                 
Operating profit:
                                               
Memorialization:
                                               
Bronze
  $
66,298
      59.3 %   $
65,049
      57.1 %   $
59,722
      60.7 %
Casket
   
11,801
     
10.6
     
16,971
     
14.9
     
12,645
     
12.8
 
Cremation
   
3,631
     
3.2
     
3,372
     
3.0
     
701
     
.7
 
     
81,730
     
73.1
     
85,392
     
75.0
     
73,068
     
74.2
 
Brand Solutions:
                                               
Graphics Imaging
   
14,439
     
12.9
     
16,554
     
14.5
     
14,861
     
15.1
 
Marking Products
   
9,931
     
8.9
     
9,066
     
8.0
     
7,373
     
7.5
 
Merchandising Solutions
   
5,724
     
5.1
     
2,872
     
2.5
     
3,111
     
3.2
 
     
30,094
     
26.9
     
28,492
     
25.0
     
25,345
     
25.8
 
Total
  $
111,824
      100.0 %   $
113,884
      100.0 %   $
98,413
      100.0 %


In fiscal 2007, approximately 75% of the Company's sales were made from the United States, and 21%, 2%, 1% and 1% were made from Europe, Canada, Australia and China, respectively.  Bronze segment products are sold throughout the world with the segment's principal operations located in the United States, Italy, Canada, and Australia.  Casket segment products are primarily sold in the United States and Canada. Cremation segment products and services are sold primarily in North America, as well as Asia, Australia, and Europe.  Products and services of the Graphics Imaging segment are sold primarily in the United States and Europe.  The Marking Products segment sells equipment and consumables directly to industrial consumers and distributors in the United States and internationally through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden, China and through other foreign distributors.  Matthews owns a minority interest in Marking Products distributors in Singapore, Australia, France, Germany and the Netherlands.  Merchandising Solutions segment products and services are sold principally in the United States.



3


ITEM 1.
BUSINESS, continued

MEMORIALIZATION PRODUCTS AND MARKETS:

Bronze:

The Bronze segment manufactures and markets products used primarily in the cemetery and funeral home industries.  The segment's products, which are sold principally in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, include cast bronze memorials and other memorialization products used primarily in cemeteries.  The segment also manufactures and markets cast and etched architectural products, that are produced from bronze, aluminum and other metals, which are used to identify or commemorate people, places, events and accomplishments.

Memorial products, which comprise the majority of the Bronze segment's sales, include flush bronze memorials, flower vases, crypt plates and letters, cremation urns, niche units, cemetery features and statues, along with other related products and services. Flush bronze memorials are bronze plaques which contain personal information about a deceased individual such as name, birth date, death date and emblems.  These memorials are used in cemeteries as an alternative to upright and flush granite monuments.  The memorials are even or "flush" with the ground and therefore are preferred by many cemeteries for easier mowing and general maintenance.  In order to provide products for the granite memorial and mausoleum markets, the Company's other memorial products include community and family mausoleums, granite monuments and benches, bronze plaques, letters, emblems, vases, lights and photoceramics that can be affixed to granite monuments, mausoleums, crypts and flush memorials. Matthews is a leading builder of mausoleums within North America.  Principal customers for memorial products are cemeteries and memorial parks, which in turn sell the Company's products to the consumer.

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

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

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

Raw materials used by the Bronze segment consist principally of bronze and aluminum ingot, sheet metal, coating materials, photopolymers and construction materials and are generally available in adequate supply.  Ingot is obtained from various North American, European and Australian smelters.

Competition from other bronze memorialization product manufacturers is on the basis of reputation, product quality, delivery, price and design availability. The Company also competes with upright granite monument and flush granite memorial providers. The Company believes that its superior quality, broad product lines, innovative designs, delivery capability, customer responsiveness, experienced personnel and consumer-oriented merchandising systems are competitive advantages in its markets.  Competition in the



4


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

mausoleum construction industry includes various construction companies throughout North America and is on the basis of design, quality and price.  Competitors in the architectural market are numerous and include companies that manufacture cast and painted signs, plastic materials, sand-blasted wood and other fabricated products.

Casket:

The Casket segment is a leading manufacturer of caskets in North America.  The segment produces two types of caskets: metal and wood.  Caskets can be customized with many different options such as color, interior design, handles and trim in order to accommodate specific religious, ethnic or other personal preferences.

Metal caskets are made from various gauges of cold rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze.  Metal caskets are generally categorized by whether the casket is non-gasketed or gasketed, and by material (i.e., bronze, copper, or steel) and in the case of steel, by the gauge, or thickness, of the metal.

The segment's wood caskets are manufactured from nine different species of wood, as well as from veneer.  The species of wood used are poplar, pine, ash, oak, pecan, maple, cherry, walnut and mahogany.  The Casket segment is a leading manufacturer of all-wood constructed caskets, which are manufactured using pegged and dowelled construction, and include no metal parts.  All-wood constructed caskets are preferred by certain religious groups.

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

Additionally, the segment provides assortment planning and merchandising and display products to funeral service businesses. These products assist funeral service professionals in providing value and satisfaction to their client families.

The primary materials required for casket manufacturing are cold rolled steel and lumber. The segment also purchases copper, bronze, stainless steel, cloth, ornamental hardware and coating materials. Purchase orders or supply agreements are typically negotiated with large, integrated steel producers that have demonstrated timely delivery, high quality material and competitive prices.  Lumber is purchased from a number of sawmills and lumber distributors.  The Company purchases most of its lumber from sawmills within 150 miles of its wood casket manufacturing facility in York, Pennsylvania.

Prior to July 2005, the segment marketed its casket products primarily through independent distributors.  With the acquisition of Milso Industries Corporation in July 2005, the segment significantly expanded its internal casket distribution capabilities.  The segment now markets its casket products in the United States through a combination of Company-owned and independent casket distribution facilities.  The Company operates approximately 50 distribution centers in the United States.  Over 70% of the segment’s casket products are currently sold through Company-owned distribution centers.

The casket business is highly competitive. The segment competes with other manufacturers on the basis of product quality, price, service, design availability and breadth of product line.  The segment provides a line of casket products that it believes is as comprehensive as any of its major competitors.  There are a large number of casket industry participants operating in North America, and the industry has recently seen a few new foreign casket manufacturers, primarily from China, enter the North American market. The Casket segment and its two largest competitors account for a substantial portion of the finished caskets produced in North America.

5


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

Historically, the segment's operations have experienced seasonal variations. Generally, casket sales are higher in the second quarter and lower in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. These fluctuations are due in part to the seasonal variance in the death rate, with a greater number of deaths generally occurring in cold weather months.

Cremation:

The Cremation segment has four major groups of products and services: cremation equipment, cremation caskets, equipment service and repair, and supplies and urns.

The Cremation segment is the leading designer and manufacturer of cremation equipment in North America.  Cremation equipment includes systems for cremation of humans and animals, as well as equipment for processing the cremated remains and other related equipment such as handling equipment (tables, cooler racks, vacuums).  Cremation equipment and products are sold primarily to funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, animal disposers and veterinarians within North America, Asia, Australia and Europe.

Cremation casket products consist primarily of three types of caskets: cloth-covered wood, cloth-covered corrugated material and paper veneer-covered particleboard.  These products are generally used in cremation and are marketed principally to funeral homes through independent distributors in the United States.

Service and repair consists of maintenance work performed on various makes and models of cremation equipment.  This work can be as simple as routine maintenance or as complex as complete on-site reconstruction.  The principal markets for these services are the owners and operators of cremation equipment.  These services are marketed principally in North America through Company sales representatives.

Supplies and urns are consumable items associated with cremation operations.  Supplies distributed by the segment include operator safety equipment, identification discs and combustible roller tubes.  Urns distributed by the segment include products ranging from plastic containers to bronze urns for cremated remains.  These products are marketed primarily in North America.

Raw materials used by the Cremation segment consist principally of structural steel, sheet metal, electrical components, cloth, wood, particleboard, corrugated materials, paper veneer and masonry materials and are generally available in adequate supply from numerous suppliers.

The Company competes with several manufacturers in the cremation equipment market principally on the basis of product quality and price.  The Cremation segment and its three largest competitors account for a substantial portion of the U.S. cremation equipment market.  The cremation casket business is highly competitive. The segment competes with other cremation casket manufacturers on the basis of product quality, price and design availability.  Although there are a large number of casket industry participants, the Cremation segment and its two largest competitors account for a substantial portion of the cremation caskets sold in the United States.

Historically, the segment’s cremation casket operations have experienced seasonal variations.  These fluctuations are due in part to the seasonal variance in the death rate, with a greater number of deaths generally occurring in cold weather months.

6


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

BRAND SOLUTIONS PRODUCTS AND MARKETS:

Graphics Imaging:

The Graphics Imaging segment provides brand management, pre-press services, printing plates and creative design services to the primary packaging and corrugated industries. The primary packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed packaging materials such as boxes, flexible packaging, folding cartons and bags commonly seen at retailers of consumer goods. The corrugated packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed corrugated containers.

The principal products and services of this segment include brand management, pre-press graphics services, printing plates, print process assistance, print production management, digital asset management, content management, and package design.  These products and services are used by brand owners and packaging manufacturers to develop and print packaging graphics that identify and help sell the product in the marketplace.  Other packaging graphics can include nutritional information, directions for product use, consumer warning statements and UPC codes. The primary packaging manufacturer produces printed packaging from paper, film, foil and other composite materials used to display, protect and market the product. The corrugated packaging manufacturer produces printed containers from corrugated sheets.  Using the Company's products, this sheet is printed and die cut to make a finished container.

The segment offers a wide array of value-added services and products.  These include print process and print production management services; pre-press preparation, which includes computer-generated art, film and proofs; plate mounting accessories and various press aids; and rotary and flat cutting dies used to cut out intricately designed containers and point-of-purchase displays.  The segment also provides creative digital graphics services to brand owners and packaging markets.

The Company works closely with manufacturers to provide the proper printing plates and tooling used to print the packaging to the user's specifications.  The segment's printing plate products are made principally from photopolymer resin and sheet materials.  Upon customer request, plates can be pre-mounted press-ready in a variety of configurations that maximize print quality and minimize press set-up time.

The Graphics Imaging segment customer base consists primarily of brand owners and packaging industry converters.  Brand owners are generally large, well-known consumer products companies and retailers with a national or global presence.  These types of companies tend to purchase their graphics needs directly and supply the printing plates, or the electronic files to make the printing plates, to the packaging printer for their products.  The Graphics Imaging segment serves customers primarily in the United States and Europe.  In Europe, Matthews has subsidiaries principally in the U.K., Germany and Austria.  Products and services of these operations include pre-press packaging, digital and analog flexographic printing plates, design, artwork, lithography and color separation.

Major raw materials for this segment's products include photopolymers, film and graphic art supplies.  All such materials are presently available in adequate supply from various industry sources.

The Graphics Imaging segment is one of several manufacturers of printing plates and providers of pre-press services with an international presence in the United States and Europe.  The segment competes in a fragmented industry consisting of a few multi-plant regional printing plate suppliers and a large number of local single-facility companies located across the United States and Europe.  The combination of the Company's Graphics Imaging business in the United States and Europe is an important part of Matthews’ strategy to become a worldwide leader in the graphics industry and service multinational customers on a global basis.  Competition is on the basis of product quality, timeliness of delivery, price and value-added services.  The Company differentiates itself from the competition by consistently meeting customer demands, its ability to service customers nationally and globally, and its ability to provide value-added services.

7


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

Marking Products:

The Marking Products segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding products and related consumables, as well as industrial automation products.  The Company’s products are used by manufacturers and suppliers to identify, track and convey their products and packaging.  Marking products can range from a simple hand stamp to microprocessor-based ink-jet printing systems.  Coding systems often integrate into the customer’s manufacturing, inventory tracking and conveyance control systems.  The Company manufactures and markets products and systems that employ the following marking methods to meet customer needs:  contact printing, indenting, etching and ink-jet printing.  Customers will often use a combination of these methods in order to achieve an appropriate mark.  These methods apply product information required for identification and traceability as well as to facilitate inventory and quality control, regulatory compliance and brand name communication.

The segment’s industrial automation products are based upon embedded control architecture to create innovative custom solutions which can be “productized.”  Industries that products are created for include oil exploration, material handling and security scanning.  The material handling industry customers include the largest automated assembly and mail sorting companies in the United States.

A significant portion of the revenue of the Marking Products segment is attributable to the sale of consumables and replacement parts in connection with the marking, coding and tracking hardware sold by the Company.  The Company develops inks, rubber and steel consumables in harmony with the marking equipment in which they are used, which is critical to assure ongoing equipment reliability and mark quality.  Many marking equipment customers also use the Company's inks, solvents and cleaners.

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

A portion of the segment's sales are outside the United States and are distributed through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden and China in addition to other international distributors.  Matthews owns a minority interest in distributors in Singapore, Australia, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The marking products industry is diverse, with companies either offering limited product lines for well-defined specialty markets, or similar to the Company, offering a broad product line and competing in various product markets and countries.  In the United States, the Company has manufactured and sold marking products and related consumable items since 1850.

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

Competition for marking products is intense and based on product performance, integration into the manufacturing process, service and price.  The Company normally competes with specialty companies in specific brand marking solutions and traceability applications.  The Company believes that, in general, it offers the broadest line of marking products to address a wide variety of industrial marking applications.

8


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

Merchandising Solutions:

The Merchandising Solutions segment provides merchandising and printing solutions for manufacturers and retailers.  The segment designs, manufactures and installs merchandising and display systems, and also provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.

The majority of the segment’s sales are derived from the design, engineering, manufacturing and installation of merchandising and display systems.  These systems include permanent and temporary displays, custom store fixtures, brand concept shops, interactive kiosks, custom packaging, and screen and digitally printed promotional signage.  Design and engineering services include concept and model development, graphics design and prototyping.  Merchandising and display systems are manufactured to specifications developed by the segment in conjunction with the customer.  These products are marketed and sold primarily in the United States.

The segment operates in a fragmented industry consisting primarily of a number of small, locally operated companies.  Industry competition is intense and the segment competes on the basis of reliability, creativity and providing a broad array of merchandising products and services.  The segment is unique in its ability to provide in-depth marketing and merchandising services as well as design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.  These capabilities allow the segment to deliver complete turnkey merchandising solutions quickly and cost effectively.

Major raw materials for the segment’s products include wood, particleboard, corrugated materials, structural steel, plastic, laminates, inks, film and graphic art supplies.  All of these raw materials are presently available in adequate supply from various sources.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES:

The Company holds a number of domestic and foreign patents and trademarks.  However, the Company believes the loss of any or a significant number of patents or trademarks would not have a material impact on consolidated operations or revenues.

BACKLOG:

Because the nature of the Company's Bronze, Graphics Imaging and Merchandising Solutions businesses are primarily custom products made to order with short lead times, backlogs are not generally material except for mausoleums. Backlogs vary in a range of approximately one year of sales for mausoleums. Backlogs for the Casket segment and the cremation casket businesses are not material. Cremation equipment sales backlogs vary in a range of eight to ten months of sales.  Backlogs generally vary in a range of up to four weeks of sales in the Marking Products segment.

REGULATORY MATTERS:

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

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.  In addition, prior to its acquisition, The York Group, Inc. was identified, along with others, by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potentially responsible party for remediation of a


9


ITEM 1.                      BUSINESS, continued

landfill site in York, Pennsylvania.  At this time, the Company has not been joined in any lawsuit or administrative order related to the site or its clean-up.

At September 30, 2007, an accrual of approximately $8.7 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $865,000 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

Risk factors specific to the Company relate primarily to the legal proceedings described more fully in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” of this Form 10-K. Other general risk factors that could affect the Company’s future results principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company’s products, changes in death rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions, and technological factors beyond the Company's control.  In addition, although the Company does not have any customers that would be considered individually significant to consolidated sales, changes in the distribution of the Company’s products or the potential loss of one or more of the Company’s larger customers are also considered risk factors.  These factors are also included in this Form 10-K under the caption “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”


ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable.





10


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES.

Principal properties of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries as of October 31, 2007 were as follows (properties are owned by the Company except as noted):

Location
 
Description of Property
 
Square Feet
Bronze:
       
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
97,000    
Kingwood, WV
 
Manufacturing
 
121,000    
Melbourne, Australia
 
Manufacturing
 
26,000(1)
Parma, Italy
 
Manufacturing / Warehouse
 
231,000(1)
Searcy, AR
 
Manufacturing
 
113,000    
Seneca Falls, NY
 
Manufacturing
 
21,000    
         
Casket (3):
       
Monterrey, Mexico
 
Manufacturing
 
178,000(1)
Richmond, IN
 
Manufacturing
 
55,000(1)
Richmond, IN
 
Manufacturing / Metal Stamping
 
92,000    
Richmond, IN
 
Injection Molding
 
18,000(1)
York, PA
 
Manufacturing
 
307,000    
         
Cremation:
       
Apopka, FL
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
40,000    
Richmond, IN
 
Manufacturing
 
129,000(1)
         
Graphics Imaging:
       
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
56,000    
Julich, Germany
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
24,000    
Atlanta, GA
 
Manufacturing
 
16,000    
Beverly, MA
 
Manufacturing
 
14,500(1)
Dallas, TX
 
Manufacturing
 
15,000(1)
Denver, CO
 
Manufacturing
 
12,000(1)
Goslar, Germany
 
Manufacturing
 
39,000(1)
Kansas City, MO
 
Manufacturing
 
42,000(1)
Leeds, England
 
Manufacturing
 
64,000(1)
Munich, Germany
 
Manufacturing
 
10,000(1)
Nuremberg, Germany
 
Manufacturing
 
27,000(1)
Oakland, CA
 
Manufacturing
 
21,000(1)
St. Louis, MO
 
Manufacturing
 
25,000    
Vienna, Austria
 
Manufacturing
 
38,000(1)
         
Marking Products:
       
Pittsburgh, PA
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
85,000    
Gothenburg, Sweden
 
Manufacturing / Distribution
 
28,000(1)
    Tualatin, OR
 
Manufacturing
 
15,000(1)
    Beijing, China
 
Manufacturing
 
100,000(1)
         
Merchandising Solutions:
       
East Butler, PA
 
Manufacturing / Division Offices
 
630,000(2)
         
Corporate Office:
       
Pittsburgh, PA
 
General Offices
 
48,000    

(1)  
These properties are leased by the Company under operating lease arrangements. Rent expense incurred by the Company for all leased facilities was approximately $12.4 million in fiscal 2007.
(2)  
Approximately ten percent of this building is leased to unrelated parties.
(3)  
In addition to the properties listed, the Casket division leases warehouse facilities totaling approximately 789,000 square feet in 21 states under operating leases.

11


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES, continued

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


ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

In August 2005, The York Group, Inc. (“York”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was served with Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) from the Attorneys General in Maryland and Florida.  Thereafter, in October 2005, York was also served with a CID from the Attorney General in Connecticut.  The pending CIDs are part of a multi-state investigation in which the Attorneys General from Maryland, Florida and Connecticut have requested information from various sources, including several national owners and operators of funeral homes, as well as several manufacturers of caskets, regarding alleged anti-competitive practices in the funeral service industry.  As one of many potential sources of information, York has already timely responded to the document production request communicated through the CIDs.  Presently, the investigation continues to remain in the preliminary stages and the scope of the investigation has been limited to evaluating the sale of caskets in the funeral service industry.

On May 30, 2007, York resolved the legal claim filed by Harry Pontone and Scott Pontone (the “Pontones”) concerning their employment agreements.  Under the resolution, York agreed to accelerate the timing of scheduled payments totaling $8.0 million as originally contemplated at the time of the acquisition of Milso Industries and consistent with the earn-out provisions of the Pontones’ employment agreements.

On July 20, 2007, York reached a settlement agreement with Yorktowne Caskets, Inc. (“Yorktowne”) and its shareholders finally resolving all outstanding litigation between the parties.  In exchange for the mutual releases, the principal terms of the settlement included the assignment by Yorktowne of certain customer and employment-related contracts to York Distribution Company (“YDC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of York, and the purchase by YDC of certain assets, including York-product inventory, of Yorktowne.  The purchase price for the assets was $7.7 million, plus the value of the inventory.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, York’s lawsuit against the additional co-defendant, Batesville Casket Company, Inc. (“Batesville”), filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, remains pending.

On July 30, 2007, Batesville filed a complaint against York for damages and injunctive relief in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio alleging, in part, that York’s settlement with Yorktowne resulted in the commission of the tort of intentional interference of Batesville’s supply agreement with Yorktowne dated April 15, 2007 (the “Complaint”).  York has preliminarily filed a responsive pleading to the allegations pled by Batesville in the Complaint.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against the allegations set forth in the pending Complaint and does not presently believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

On September 12, 2007, York reached a settlement agreement with Horizon Casket Group, Inc. (“Horizon”), Delta Casket Enterprises, Inc., Delta Casket Company, Inc., Delta-Southern Casket Company, William W. Grubbs, Jr. and Gerald Kilpatrick (collectively the “Delta Defendants”) addressing litigation previously pending in the United Stated District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.  In exchange for mutual releases, Horizon and the Delta Defendants agreed to pay York the lump sum payment of $3.5 million. In connection with the same claims, York reached a settlement agreement with York Southern, Inc. and affiliates earlier in fiscal 2007.


ITEM 4.                      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

12


OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT

The following information is furnished with respect to officers and executive management as of October 31, 2007:

Name
 
Age
 
Positions with Registrant
         
Joseph C. Bartolacci
 
47
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
         
David F. Beck
 
55
 
Controller
         
David J. DeCarlo
 
62
 
Vice Chairman
         
C. Michael Dempe
 
51
 
Chief Operating Officer, Cloverleaf Group, Inc.
         
James P. Doyle
 
56
 
Group President, Memorialization
         
Brian J. Dunn
 
50
 
Group President, Graphics and Marking Products
         
Steven F. Nicola
 
47
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
       
and Treasurer
         
Timothy S. O’Brien
 
43
 
President, Bronze Division
         
Paul F. Rahill
 
50
 
President, Cremation Division
         
Franz J. Schwarz
 
59
 
President, Graphics Europe
         

Joseph C. Bartolacci was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2006.  He had been President and Chief Operating Officer since September 1, 2005.  Mr. Bartolacci was elected to the Board of Directors on November 15, 2005.  He had been President, Casket Division since February 2004 and Executive Vice President of Matthews since January 1, 2004.  He had been President, Matthews Europe since April 2002. Prior thereto, he was President, Caggiati, S.p.A. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matthews International Corporation) and served as General Counsel of Matthews.

David F. Beck was appointed Controller effective September 15, 2003.  Prior thereto, he was Vice President, Finance for the Company’s Casket segment.

David J. DeCarlo, a Director of the Company since 1987, was appointed Vice Chairman effective September 1, 2005.  Mr. DeCarlo had been Group President, Bronze and Casket Divisions since February 2004 and prior thereto had been President, Bronze Division.

C. Michael Dempe joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer of Cloverleaf Group, Inc. (“Cloverleaf”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matthews International Corporation, in July 2004.  Cloverleaf was acquired by Matthews in July 2004.  Prior thereto, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of iDL, Inc., a predecessor company to Cloverleaf.

James P. Doyle joined the Company as Group President, Memorialization in December 2006.  Prior to joining Matthews, he served as President, Kohler Engine Business, (a manufacturer of air and liquid-cooled four cycle engines), a division of Kohler Company, from 2004 to 2006.  From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Doyle served as President of Fasco Industries, Inc., a division of Invensys PLC, which manufactured custom blowers, motors and gear-motors for global markets.

13


OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT, continued

Brian J. Dunn was appointed Group President, Graphics and Marking Products effective September 1, 2007.  Prior thereto, Mr. Dunn had been President, Marking Products Division.

Steven F. Nicola was appointed Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer effective December 1, 2003.  Prior thereto, he was Vice President, Accounting and Finance.

Timothy S. O’Brien joined the Company in October 2007 as President, Bronze Division.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. O’Brien served in senior management positions in the Cooper Lighting Division of Cooper Industries, a public company that produces and markets electrical products, tools, hardware and metal support products, since 2002.

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

Franz J. Schwarz was named President, Graphics Europe in May 2006.  He has been Managing Director of Matthews International GmbH (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matthews International Corporation) since 2000. He was a partial owner of S+T Gesellschaft fur Reprotechnik GmbH (“S+T GmbH”), a provider of printing plates and print services located in Julich, Germany, until September 30, 2005.  Matthews International GmbH owns an 80% interest in S+T GmbH as of September 30, 2007.

14


PART II


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

Market Information:

The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1 par value.  The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol “MATW”.  The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:

   
High
   
Low
   
Close
 
Fiscal 2007:
                 
Quarter ended:   September 30, 2007
  $
48.22
    $
36.76
    $
43.80
 
 June 30, 2007
   
44.97
     
37.61
     
43.61
 
 March 31, 2007
   
42.35
     
38.13
     
40.70
 
 December 31, 2006
   
41.75
     
35.13
     
39.35
 
                         
Fiscal 2006:
                       
Quarter ended:      September 30, 2006
  $
38.25
    $
31.02
    $
36.79
 
June 30, 2006
   
38.32
     
33.21
     
34.47
 
March 31, 2006
   
39.98
     
35.03
     
38.26
 
December 31, 2005
   
40.49
     
34.25
     
36.41
 


The Company has a stock repurchase program, which was initiated in 1996.  Under the program, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 12,500,000 shares of Matthews’ common stock, of which 10,501,443 shares have been repurchased as of September 30, 2007.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation.

All purchases of the Company’s common stock during fiscal 2007 were part of this repurchase program.

15


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

The following table shows the monthly fiscal 2007 stock repurchase activity:

Period
 
Total number of shares purchased
   
Average price paid per share
   
Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan
   
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan (1)
 
                         
October 2006
   
-
    $
-
     
-
     
864,854
 
November 2006
   
60,000
     
38.00
     
60,000
     
804,854
 
December 2006
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
804,854
 
January 2007
   
11,500
     
39.64
     
11,500
     
793,354
 
February 2007
   
8,300
     
40.30
     
8,300
     
785,054
 
March 2007
   
271,900
     
39.54
     
271,900
     
513,154
 
April 2007
   
130,000
     
41.95
     
130,000
     
2,883,154
 
May 2007
   
335,604
     
43.22
     
335,604
     
2,547,550
 
June 2007
   
96,747
     
43.28
     
96,747
     
2,450,803
 
July 2007
   
210,000
     
39.28
     
210,000
     
2,240,803
 
August 2007
   
205,196
     
40.91
     
205,196
     
2,035,607
 
September 2007
   
37,050
     
42.09
     
37,050
     
1,998,557
 
    Total
   
1,366,297
    $
41.11
     
1,366,297
         


(1) In April 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of an additional 2,500,000 shares of Matthews common stock, bringing the total authorization for stock repurchases to 12,500,000 shares.

Holders:

Based on records available to the Company, the number of registered holders of the Company's common stock was 500 at October 31, 2007.

Dividends:

A quarterly dividend of $.06 per share was paid for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to shareholders of record on October 31, 2007. The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.055 per share for the first three quarters of fiscal 2007 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.   The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.05 per share for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.  The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.045 per share for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005.

Cash dividends have been paid on common shares in every year for at least the past forty years.  It is the present intention of the Company to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock.  However, there is no assurance that dividends will be declared and paid as the declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and is dependent upon the Company's financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

16


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

Performance Graph:

During fiscal 2007, the Company’s common stock was added to the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) MidCap 400 Index.  Accordingly, the performance graph includes the S&P MidCap 400 Index as well as the S&P 500 Index and S&P SmallCap 600 Index included in the prior year performance graph

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

 


Note: Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 2002 in Matthews International Corporation Common Stock, Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P MidCap 400 Index and S&P SmallCap 600 Index.  The results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

17


ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.



   
Years Ended September 30,
 
   
2007(1)
   
2006 (2)
   
2005
   
2004
   
2003 (3)
 
   
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
(Not Covered by Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm)
 
Net sales
  $
749,352
    $
715,891
    $
639,822
    $
508,801
    $
458,865
 
                                         
Gross profit
   
280,457
     
271,933
     
223,075
     
193,754
     
170,302
 
                                         
Operating profit
   
111,824
     
113,884
     
98,413
     
95,078
     
77,816
 
                                         
Interest expense
   
8,119
     
6,995
     
2,966
     
1,998
     
2,852
 
                                         
Income before income taxes
   
103,716
     
105,408
     
93,056
     
89,117
     
71,086
 
                                         
Income taxes
   
38,990
     
38,964
     
34,985
     
34,584
     
27,582
 
                                         
Net income
  $
64,726
    $
66,444
    $
58,071
    $
54,533
    $
43,504
 
                                         
                                         
Earnings per common share:
                                       
Diluted
   
$2.04
     
$2.06
     
$1.79
     
$1.68
     
$1.35
 
Basic
   
2.05
     
2.08
     
1.81
     
1.69
     
1.37
 
                                         
Weighted-average common
                                       
shares outstanding:
                                       
Basic
   
31,566
     
31,999
     
32,116
     
32,217
     
31,686
 
Diluted
   
31,680
     
32,252
     
32,381
     
32,542
     
32,147
 
                                         
Cash dividends per share
   
$.225
     
$.205
     
$.185
     
$.165
     
$.123
 
                                         
Total assets
  $
771,069
    $
716,090
    $
665,455
    $
533,432
    $
443,294
 
Long-term debt, non-current
   
142,273
     
120,289
     
118,952
     
54,389
     
57,023
 

(1)
Fiscal 2007 included a net pre-tax charge of approximately $8,765 which consisted of a pre-tax charge of approximately $9,373 related to the acceleration of earn-out payments in the resolution of employment agreements from the Milso Industries acquisition and pre-tax charges of $3,515 primarily related to severance costs incurred in several of the Company’s segments, partially offset by a pre-tax gain of $1,322 on the sale of the merchandising consulting business in the Merchandising Solutions segment and favorable legal settlements, net of related legal costs incurred, of approximately $2,801.
(2)
Fiscal 2006 included a net pre-tax gain of $1,016 which consisted of a pre-tax gain of $2,670 from the sale of a facility and a pre-tax charge of approximately $1,654 related to asset impairments and related costs.
(3)
Fiscal 2003 included a net pre-tax charge of approximately $1,000 which consisted of a pre-tax gain of $2,600 on the sale of a facility and a goodwill impairment charge of $3,600.


18


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

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


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The following table sets forth certain income statement data of the Company expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated and the percentage change in such income statement data from year to year.

   
Years Ended
             
   
September 30,
   
Percentage Change
 
                       
2007-
     
2006-
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
 2006
   
 2005
 
Sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     4.7 %     11.9 %
Gross profit
   
37.4
     
38.0
     
34.9
     
3.1
     
21.9
 
Operating profit
   
14.9
     
15.9
     
15.4
      (1.8 )    
15.7
 
Income before taxes
   
13.8
     
14.7
     
14.5
      (1.6 )    
13.3
 
Net income
   
8.6
     
9.3
     
9.1
      (2.6 )    
14.4
 


Comparison of Fiscal 2007 and Fiscal 2006:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2007 were $749.4 million, compared to $715.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2006.  The increase reflected higher sales in five of the Company’s six segments, and included the effect of higher foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar.  For the year ended September 30, 2007, changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar had a favorable impact of approximately $13.6 million on the Company’s consolidated sales compared to the year ended September 30, 2006.

In the Memorialization businesses, Bronze segment sales for fiscal 2007 were $229.8 million compared to $218.0 million for fiscal 2006.  The increase primarily reflected higher selling prices and increases in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.  The higher selling prices were generally related to increases in the cost of bronze ingot.  Sales for the Casket segment were $210.7 million for fiscal 2007 compared to $201.0 million for the same period in fiscal 2006. The increase mainly resulted from the segment’s transition to Company-owned distribution in certain territories.  Unit sales through Company-owned distribution are at higher price levels than sales to independent distributors.  Sales for the Cremation segment were $25.2 million for fiscal 2007 compared to $26.0 million a year ago.  The decrease primarily reflected lower sales volume of cremation equipment units, which was partially due to the timing of delivery of several units at the end of fiscal 2007.  In the Company’s Brand Solutions businesses, sales for the Graphics Imaging segment in fiscal 2007 were $146.0 million, compared to $140.9 million a year ago.  The increase was mainly due to an increase in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar and higher sales in the German markets, partially offset by lower sales in the U.S. and U.K. markets. Marking Products segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2007 were $57.5 million, compared to $52.3 million for fiscal 2006.  The increase primarily reflected higher domestic and international sales volume, the acquisition of an interest in a Chinese ink-jet equipment manufacturer in June 2007 and an increase in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.  Sales for the Merchandising Solutions segment were $80.2 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $77.8 million a year ago.  The increase is attributable to a significant project completed in the second quarter for one of the segment’s customers.  Excluding this project, sales declined from a year ago, reflecting lower demand.


19


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $280.5 million, compared to $271.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2006.  The increase in consolidated gross profit primarily reflected the impact of higher sales, higher foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar, productivity improvements in the Casket segment’s manufacturing facility in Mexico, and other manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives. These gains were partially offset by the impact of lower sales in the U.K. graphics market, the higher cost of bronze ingot in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 and the impact of special charges incurred by several of the Company’s segments. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales decreased from 38.0% for fiscal 2006 to 37.4% for fiscal 2007, principally resulting from the factors noted above.

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2007 were $168.6 million, compared to $158.0 million for fiscal 2006.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 22.5% for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to 22.1% last year.  The increases in costs and percentage of sales primarily resulted from the expansion of the Casket segment’s distribution capabilities and special charges incurred in several of the Company’s segments, the most significant of which was a Casket segment charge related to the acceleration of earn-out payments in the resolution of employment agreements from the fiscal 2005 acquisition of Milso Industries (“Milso”).  These increases were partially offset by settlements of several Casket segment legal claims during fiscal 2007.

Operating profit for fiscal 2007 was $111.8 million, compared to $113.9 million for fiscal 2006.  Fiscal 2007 operating profit included unusual items which had a net unfavorable impact of $8.8 million.  The most significant portion of these charges (approximately $9.4 million) related to the acceleration of earn-out payments in the resolution of employment agreements from the Milso acquisition.  Fiscal 2006 operating profit included unusual items which had a net favorable impact of $1.0 million.

Operating profit reflected the positive impact of higher sales, increases in the values of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, and productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives in several of the Company’s segments.  Bronze segment operating profit for fiscal 2007 was $66.3 million, compared to $65.0 million for fiscal 2006.  The increase reflected the impact of higher sales and an increase in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, partially offset by the higher cost of bronze ingot in fiscal 2007.  Operating profit for the Casket segment for fiscal 2007 was $11.8 million, compared to $17.0 million for fiscal 2006.  Casket segment operating profit reflected special charges of approximately $10.0 million, including costs related to the resolution of employment agreements from the Milso acquisition and severance costs related to cost reduction initiatives in certain operations.  These charges were partially offset by favorable litigation settlements ($2.8 million net of legal costs incurred) in the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter. In addition, the segment’s results reflected additional selling and administrative costs related to the expansion of the segment’s distribution capabilities in certain territories.  Cremation segment operating profit for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $3.6 million, compared to $3.4 million a year ago.  The increase was mainly attributable to the impact of improved price realization and cost reduction initiatives.  The Graphics Imaging segment operating profit for fiscal 2007 was $14.4 million, compared to $16.6 million for 2006.  The decrease primarily reflected the impact of lower sales in the U.K. market and special charges (mainly severance costs) of approximately $2.2 million related to cost reduction initiatives in the segment’s U.S. and U.K. operations, partially offset by higher sales in the German markets and an increase in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar.  Operating profit for the Marking Products segment for fiscal 2007 was $9.9 million, compared to $9.1 million a year ago.  The increase resulted principally from higher sales and the acquisition made in June 2007, partially offset by higher overhead costs during fiscal 2007.  The Merchandising Solutions segment operating profit was $5.7 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $2.9 million for fiscal 2006.  The increase primarily reflected the impact of higher sales attributable to a significant project completed in the second quarter for one of the segment’s customers, a net gain of $1.3 million recognized on the sale of the segment’s merchandising consulting business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and the favorable effects of the segment’s facilities consolidation program.  Excluding the gain on the


20


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

sale of the consulting business, the Merchandising Solutions segment reported an operating loss during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to an operating profit of $1.3 million for fiscal 2006. The decline principally reflected lower sales during the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter compared to the same period a year ago.  For the year ended September 30, 2007, changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar had a favorable impact of approximately $2.4 million on the Company’s consolidated operating profit compared to the year ended September 30, 2006.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $2.4 million, compared to $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2006.  The increase reflected higher average levels of invested funds and higher rates of return. Interest expense for fiscal 2007 was $8.1 million, compared to $7.0 million last year.  The increase in interest expense primarily reflected a higher average level of debt and higher average interest rates during fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006.

Other income, net, for year ended September 30, 2007 was $354,000, compared to other income of $70,000 last year.  Minority interest deduction was $2.7 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $3.0 million in fiscal 2006.  The reduction reflected the Company’s purchase of the remaining ownership interest in one of its less than wholly-owned German subsidiaries in September 2006.

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2007 was 37.6%, compared to 37.0% for fiscal 2006.  The fiscal 2006 effective tax rate reflected the favorable tax impact from the sale of property in the fourth quarter.  The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected the impact of state and foreign income taxes.


Comparison of Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal 2005:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2006 were $715.9 million and were $76.1 million, or 11.9%, higher than sales of $639.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2005.  The increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Milso in July 2005, and higher sales in the Cremation, Marking Products and Bronze segments.  These increases were partially offset by the effect of lower sales in the Merchandising Solutions segment and lower foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar.  Bronze segment sales for fiscal 2006 were $218.0 million, compared to $205.7 million for fiscal 2005.  The higher level of Bronze segment sales principally reflected an increase in memorial sales (which included price surcharges related to increases in the cost of bronze ingot) and higher mausoleum sales.  Sales for the Casket segment were $201.0 million for fiscal 2006, compared to $135.5 million for fiscal 2005.  The increase reflected the acquisition of Milso.  Excluding Milso, fiscal 2006 sales volume was lower than fiscal 2005, partially attributable to the transition to Company-owned distribution in certain territories and a lower death rate for the year.  Sales for the Cremation segment were $26.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2006, compared to $21.5 million for fiscal 2005.  The increase primarily reflected higher sales of cremation equipment and cremation caskets.  Sales for the Graphics Imaging segment in fiscal 2006 were $140.9 million, compared to $143.2 million in fiscal 2005.  The decrease primarily reflected a lower value of the Euro against the U.S. dollar and a decline in volume in certain German markets.  Marking Products segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2006 were $52.3 million, compared to $45.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2005.  The increase of $6.6 million was principally due to higher worldwide ink-jet coating business and domestic sales volume, particularly in the segment’s industrial automation business.  Sales for the Merchandising Solutions segment were $77.8 million for fiscal 2006, compared to $88.3 million for fiscal 2005.  The decline was attributable to lower sales of merchandising systems and displays.  Additionally, fiscal 2005 included sales for several promotional programs that did not repeat in fiscal 2006.  Lower foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar had an unfavorable impact of approximately $2.6 million on the Company’s consolidated sales compared to the prior year.

21


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $271.9 million, compared to $223.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2005. The increase in consolidated gross profit primarily reflected the Milso acquisition, higher sales in the Cremation, Marking Products and Bronze segments and the effects of manufacturing improvements and cost reduction initiatives.  These gains were partially offset by lower Casket segment sales excluding Milso and lower sales in the Merchandising Solutions segment.  Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales increased from 34.9% for fiscal 2005 to 38.0% for fiscal 2006.  The gross margin percentage improvement principally related to the acquisition of Milso and the transition to Company-owned casket distribution in certain territories formerly served through independent distribution.  Sales through Company-owned distribution generally result in higher gross margin and selling and administrative costs as a percent of sales compared to sales through independent distribution.  Gross margin percentages also improved in the Cremation, Graphics Imaging, Marking Products and Merchandising Solutions segments.  These increases were partially offset by a decline in Bronze segment gross margin, reflecting the significant rise in bronze ingot cost.

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2006 were $158.0 million, compared to $124.7 million for fiscal 2005.  The increase primarily reflected the acquisition of Milso, the expansion of the Casket segment’s distribution capabilities and a charge  of $1.7 million in the Casket segment for the impairment of redundant assets and related costs.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in Bronze segment selling and administrative costs due to cost containment efforts intended to mitigate some of the increase in bronze metal cost, a reduction in Merchandising Solutions segment costs reflecting the effects of the segment’s facilities consolidation program and a gain of $2.7 million on the sale of a Bronze segment facility.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 22.1% for the year ended September 30, 2006, compared to 19.5% for fiscal 2005.  The increase reflected the acquisition of Milso, the expansion of the Casket segment’s casket distribution capabilities and the impairment charge, partially offset by the gain on the sale of a Bronze facility.

Operating profit for fiscal 2006 was $113.9 million, representing an increase of $15.5 million over operating profit of $98.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2005.  Bronze segment operating profit for fiscal 2006 was $65.0 million, compared to $59.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2005.  The increase reflected higher sales and cost reduction initiatives.  In addition, the segment’s fiscal 2006 operating profit included a gain of $2.7 million on the sale of a facility.  Operating profit for the Casket segment for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $17.0 million, compared to $12.6 million for fiscal 2005.  The increase primarily reflected the Milso acquisition, partially offset primarily by lower sales in several territories, and a fourth quarter 2006 charge of $1.7 million for the impairment of redundant assets and related costs. Cremation segment operating profit was $3.4 million for fiscal 2006, compared to $701,000 for fiscal 2005.  The increase primarily reflected higher sales of cremation equipment and caskets, improved pricing and
cost reduction initiatives.  Graphics Imaging operating profit for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $16.6 million, compared to $14.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2005.  The increase primarily reflected the effects of cost structure initiatives implemented in the segment’s U.S. and U.K. operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, partially offset by lower foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar.  Operating profit for the Marking Products segment for fiscal 2006 was $9.1 million, compared to $7.4 million for fiscal 2005.  The increase resulted from the benefit of higher sales.  Merchandising Solutions segment operating profit for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $2.9 million, compared to $3.1 million for fiscal 2005.  The decrease primarily reflected lower sales volume.  However, Merchandising Solutions operating margin as a percent of sales improved during the second six months of fiscal 2006, reflecting the effects of the facilities consolidation program and other cost reduction initiatives.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $1.4 million, compared to $1.7 million for fiscal 2005.  The decrease from the prior year primarily reflected lower levels of invested cash. Interest expense for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $7.0 million, compared to $3.0 million for the prior year.  The increase in interest expense primarily reflected higher borrowings under the Company’s domestic Revolving Credit Facility (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources”) and higher interest rates during fiscal 2006.

22


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2006 represented an increase in pre-tax income of $70,000, compared to an increase in pre-tax income of $1.7 million for fiscal 2005.  Other income in fiscal 2005 primarily reflected foreign currency exchange gains on intercompany advances to foreign affiliates.  Minority interest deduction for fiscal 2006 was $3.0 million, compared to $5.8 million for fiscal 2005.  The lower minority interest deduction for fiscal 2006 resulted principally from the Company’s acquisition of an additional 30% interest in S+T Gesellschaft fur Reprotechnik GmbH (“S+T”) on September 30, 2005.

The Company's effective tax rate for the year ended September 30, 2006 was 37.0% compared to 37.6% for fiscal 2005.  The decrease in the effective tax rate resulted primarily from the favorable tax impact of the sale of a Bronze facility.  The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily reflected the impact of state and foreign income taxes.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $74.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $66.3 million and $70.9 million for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2007 primarily reflected net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, an increase in minority interest and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by a $5.0 million cash contribution to the Company’s principal pension plan and an increase in working capital.  The increase in working capital is mainly attributable to higher inventory levels resulting from the Casket segment’s further expansion of its distribution capabilities.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2006 primarily reflected net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and an increase in minority interest, partially offset by an increase in working capital.  The lower level of cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2006 was attributable to an increase in working capital primarily resulting from higher levels of accounts receivable and inventories with the Casket segment’s expansion of its distribution capabilities.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2005 primarily reflected net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and an increase in minority interest, partially offset by an increase in working capital, primarily accounts receivable and inventory.

Cash used in investing activities was $38.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $48.8 million and $139.0 million for fiscal years 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Investing activities for fiscal 2007 primarily reflected payments (net of cash acquired) of $23.8 million for acquisitions, capital expenditures of $20.6 million, net purchases of  investments of $1.1 million and proceeds of $6.9 million from the sale of assets.  Investing activities for fiscal 2006 primarily reflected payments (net of cash acquired) of $32.3 million for acquisitions, capital expenditures of $19.4 million, and proceeds of $3.1 million from the sale of assets.    Investing activities for fiscal 2005 primarily included payments (net of cash acquired) of $109.4 million for acquisitions, capital expenditures of $28.1 million, net purchases of investments of $2.6 million and proceeds of $1.1 million from the sale of assets.  See “Acquisitions” for further discussion of the Company’s acquisitions.

Capital expenditures were $20.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2007, compared to $19.4 million and $28.1 million for fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. The higher level of capital spending in fiscal 2005 reflected capital expenditures in connection with establishment of the casket manufacturing facility in Mexico and the acquisition of production facilities for the Merchandising Solutions segment and a European graphics business.  Capital expenditures in each of the last three fiscal years reflected reinvestment in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new manufacturing machinery, equipment and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements.  Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash.

Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $22.7 million for the last three fiscal years.  The capital budget for fiscal 2008 is $25.2 million.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.


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ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2007 was $27.1 million, reflecting treasury stock purchases of $56.5 million, net proceeds of long-term debt of $17.7 million, proceeds of $16.5 million from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises), a tax benefit of $3.8 million from exercised stock options, dividends of $7.1 million ($0.225 per share) to the Company’s shareholders and distributions of $1.6 million to minority interests.  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2006 was $29.0 million, reflecting treasury stock purchases of $17.5 million, net repayments of long-term debt of $2.1 million, proceeds of $2.0 million from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises), a tax benefit of $637,000 from exercised stock options, dividends of $6.6 million ($0.205 per share) to the Company’s shareholders and distributions of $5.5 million to minority interests.  Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2005 was $44.8 million, reflecting proceeds, net of repayments, from long-term debt of $75.7 million, treasury stock purchases of $27.9 million, proceeds of $5.9 million from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises), a tax benefit of $2.5 million from exercised stock options, dividends of $5.9 million ($0.185 per share) to the Company’s shareholders and distributions of $5.5 million to minority interests.

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In September 2007, the maximum amount of borrowings available under the facility was increased from $175.0 million to $225.0 million and the facility’s maturity was extended to September 10, 2012. Borrowings under the amended facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .40% to .80% based on the Company’s leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from .15% to .25% (based on the Company’s leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios.  A portion of the facility (not to exceed $10.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $147.8 million and $123.2 million, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 5.08% and 4.88%, respectively.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

Date
Initial Amount
 
Fixed Interest Rate
   
Interest Rate Spread at September 30, 2007
   
Equal Quarterly Payments
 
Maturity Date
April 2004
$50 million
    2.66 %     .40 %  
$2.5 million
 
April 2009
September 2005
 50 million
   
4.14
     
.40
   
  3.3 million
 
April 2009
August 2007
 15 million
   
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
August 2007
 10 million
   
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
September 2007
 25 million
   
4.77
     
.40
     
-
 
September 2012

The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments under the Revolving Credit Facility which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company’s assessment, all the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain of $292,000 ($178,000 after tax) at September 30, 2007 that is included in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2007, approximately $122,000 of the $178,000 gain included in accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense over the next twelve months.

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ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International GmbH (“MIGmbH”), has a credit facility with National Westminster Bank Plc for borrowings up to 10.0 million Euros ($14.3 million).  Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 8.0 million Euros ($11.4 million) and 8.5 million Euros ($10.8 million) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding MIGmbH related borrowings at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 4.90% and 3.69%, respectively.

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 5.1 million Euros ($7.3 million) and 8.0 million Euros ($10.2 million) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has three lines of credit totaling 8.4 million Euros ($11.9 million) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 1.4 million Euros ($2.0 million) and 2.3 million Euros ($3.0 million) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. related borrowings at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 3.26% and 3.17%, respectively.

The Company has a stock repurchase program, which was initiated in 1996.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of a total of 12,500,000 shares of Matthews’ common stock under the program, of which 10,501,443 shares had been repurchased as of September 30, 2007.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation.

Consolidated working capital of the Company was $143.1 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $105.6 million and $86.6 million at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Working capital at September 30, 2007 reflected higher levels of inventories resulting primarily from the Casket segment’s expansion of its distribution capabilities. Working capital at September 30, 2006 reflected higher levels of accounts receivable and inventories resulting primarily from the Casket segment’s expansion of its distribution capabilities. Cash and cash equivalents were $44.0 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $29.7 million and $39.6 million at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The Company's current ratio at September 30, 2007 was 2.2, compared to 1.8 and 1.6 at September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

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

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.  In addition, prior to its acquisition, The York Group, Inc. (“York”) was identified, along with others, by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potentially responsible party for remediation of a landfill site in York, Pennsylvania.  At this time, the Company has not been joined in any lawsuit or administrative order related to the site or its clean-up.

At September 30, 2007, an accrual of approximately $8.7 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $865,000 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual, which reflects previously established reserves assumed with the acquisition of York and additional reserves recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment, does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  Changes in the accrued environmental remediation obligation

25


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

from the prior fiscal year reflect payments charged against the accrual.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.


ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2007:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2007 totaled $23.8 million, and primarily included the following:

In July 2007, York reached a settlement agreement with Yorktowne Caskets, Inc. and its shareholders (collectively “Yorktowne”) with respect to all outstanding litigation between the parties.  In exchange for the mutual release, the principal terms of the settlement included the assignment by Yorktowne of certain customer and employment-related contracts to York and the purchase by York of certain assets, including York-product inventory, of Yorktowne.

In June 2007, the Company acquired a 60% interest in Beijing Kenuohua Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., (“Kenuohua”), an ink-jet equipment manufacturer, headquartered in Beijing, China.  The acquisition was structured as a stock purchase.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ marking products manufacturing and distribution capabilities in Asia.

In December 2006, the Company paid additional purchase consideration of $7.0 million under the terms of the Milso  acquisition agreement.


Fiscal 2006:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2006 totaled $32.3 million, and primarily included the following:

In March 2006, the Company acquired Royal Casket Company, a distributor of primarily York brand caskets in the Southwest region of the United States. The transaction was structured as an asset purchase with potential additional consideration payable contingent upon the operating performance of the acquired operations during the next five years.  The Company expects to account for this consideration as additional purchase price.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ casket distribution capabilities in the Southwestern United States.

In February 2006, the Company acquired The Doyle Group, a provider of reprographic services to the packaging industry, located in Oakland, California.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase, with potential additional consideration payable contingent upon the operating performance of the acquired operations during the next three years.  The Company expects to account for this consideration as additional purchase price.  The acquisition was intended to expand the Company’s graphics business in the Western United States.

In September 2005, the Company acquired an additional 30% interest in S+T which was paid in October 2005.  The Company had acquired a 50% interest in S+T in 1998.

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ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Fiscal 2005:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2005 totaled $109.4 million, and primarily included the following:

In July 2005, the Company acquired Milso, a leading manufacturer and marketer of caskets in the United States.  Milso, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, has manufacturing operations in Richmond, Indiana and maintains distribution centers throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase, at an initial purchase price of approximately $95.0 million.  In connection with the contingent consideration provisions of the acquisition agreement, the Company paid additional purchase consideration in
December 2006.  The additional consideration was recorded as additional purchase price as of September 30, 2006.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ products and services in the United States casket market.

In June 2005, the Company paid additional consideration to the minority owner of Rudolf Reproflex GmbH (“Rudolf”) under the terms of the original acquisition agreement.  The Company had acquired a 75% interest in Rudolf in 2001.


DISPOSITION:

In August 2007, the Company sold the consulting services portion of its Merchandising Solutions segment. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $1.3 million, which was recorded as a reduction in administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income.


FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

The Company’s objective with respect to operating performance is to increase annual earnings per share in the range of 12% to 15% over the long term.  For the past ten fiscal years, the Company has achieved an average annual increase in earnings per share of 13.8%.

Matthews has a three-pronged strategy to attain the annual growth rate objective, which has remained unchanged from the prior year.  This strategy consists of the following:  internal growth (which includes productivity improvements, new product development and the expansion into new markets with existing products), acquisitions and share repurchases under the Company’s stock repurchase program (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources").

The significant factors impacting the Company’s fiscal 2007 results were the high level of bronze metal costs, continued transition to Company-owned casket distribution in certain territories in the Casket segment and difficult market conditions in the U.S. and U. K. Graphics markets.  The Company expects to continue to face several of these same issues in fiscal 2008.  Bronze metal costs are expected to remain high. The Casket segment will continue in its efforts to effectively integrate newly-established Company-owned distribution operations.  Additionally, fiscal 2007 cost structure initiatives in the Graphics Imaging segment (particularly in the U.K.) should position this business for improved profitability in fiscal 2008.

Based on the Company’s growth strategy and factors discussed above, the Company currently expects to achieve fiscal 2008 diluted earnings per share in the range of $2.48 to $2.54, which represents growth in the 12% to 15% range over fiscal 2007 earnings per share on an adjusted basis.  This earnings expectation excludes the net impact of the unusual items incurred in fiscal 2007, and the impact of unusual items, if any, which may occur in fiscal 2008.


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ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

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

The Company's significant accounting policies are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide useful and reliable financial information about the Company's operating results and financial condition.  The following accounting policies involve significant estimates, which were considered critical to the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2007.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectibility may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.

Long-Lived Assets:

Property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets are carried at cost.  Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value which generally is a discounted cash flow analysis.

Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to periodic review for impairment.  In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, unless such lives are considered to be indefinite.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.  The Company performed its annual impairment reviews in the second quarters of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of goodwill or other intangibles were necessary at those times.

Share-Based Payment:

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, (“SFAS No. 123(R)”) using the modified retrospective method.  Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period. The Company elected to apply the short-cut method for determining the pool of windfall tax benefits in connection with the adoption of  SFAS No. 123(R).

28


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Pension and Postretirement Benefits:

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

The Company's principal pension plan maintains a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities in accordance with the investment policy established by the Company’s pension board.  Based on an analysis of the historical performance of the plan's assets and consultation with its independent investment advisor, the Company has maintained the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 9.0% for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions" and SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.”   The Company’s discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices for long-term (10-year) high quality bonds as of its plan year-end date (July 31).  The discount rate was 6.50%, 6.50% and 5.75% in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, reflecting long-term bond rates in each of those periods.

Environmental Reserve:

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

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment.  For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer’s specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded in Estimated Finishing Costs for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.

In July 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued Issue No. 00-21 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”  Issue No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue generating activities.  The provisions of Issue No. 00-21 were effective July 1, 2003 and have been applied prospectively by the Company to the finishing and storage elements of its pre-need sales.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.

At September 30, 2007, the Company held 354,886 memorials and 247,934 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Construction revenues are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost method.  The Company offers rebates to certain customers participating in volume purchase programs.  Rebates are estimated and recorded as a reduction in sales at the time the Company’s products are sold.


29


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at September 30, 2007, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

   
Payments due in fiscal year:
 
                           
After
 
   
Total
   
2008
   
2009 to 2010
   
2011 to 2012
   
2012
 
Contractual Cash Obligations:
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Revolving credit facilities
  $
159,240
    $
23,333
    $
28,907
    $
107,000
    $
-
 
Notes payable to banks
   
7,332
     
1,005
     
2,924
     
2,342
     
1,061
 
Short-term borrowings
   
2,068
     
2,068
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Capital lease obligations
   
711
     
664
     
41
     
6
     
-
 
Non-cancelable operating leases
   
27,999
     
8,526
     
9,803
     
6,506
     
3,164
 
Total contractual cash obligations
  $
197,350
    $
35,596
    $
41,675
    $
115,854
    $
4,225
 

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates. At September 30, 2007, the weighted-average interest rate was 5.08% on the Company’s domestic Revolving Credit Facility, 4.90% on the credit facility through the Company’s wholly-owned German subsidiary, and 3.26% on bank loans to the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A.

Benefit payments under the Company’s principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are funded from the Company’s operating cash. Under IRS regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2007, however, in June 2007, the Company made a $5.0 million contribution to its principal retirement plan. The Company does not currently plan to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2008.  The Company estimates that benefit payments to participants under its retirement plans (including its supplemental retirement plan) and postretirement benefit payments will be $5.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in fiscal 2008.  The amounts are not expected to change materially thereafter.  The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.


INFLATION:

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


ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and related disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“SFAS No. 158”) which amends SFAS No. 87, No. 88, No. 106 and No. 132(R).  The provisions of the Statement are to be applied prospectively; therefore, prior periods presented have not been restated.  The over-funded or under-funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans has been recognized on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income. In addition, gains or loss and prior service costs or credits that were not included as components of periodic benefit expense are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 158, the liability for pension and postretirement benefits increased approximately $14.7 million, deferred tax assets increased approximately $5.7 million and equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) decreased by approximately $9.0 million.

30


ITEM 7.                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, continued

Further, SFAS No. 158 requires the Company to measure the plan assets and benefit obligations of defined benefit postretirement plans as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. This provision of the SFAS No. 158 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company currently measures plan assets and benefit obligations as of July 31 of each year. The Company is considering the implications of this provision and the feasibility of earlier adoption of this portion of the statement.  Upon adoption, this provision is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Any resulting cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 upon adoption will be reported as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the period of adoption. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company will adopt the provisions of FIN 48 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FIN 48, and does not expect such adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, however, for non-financial assets and liabilities the effective date has been extended to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 157.

31


ITEM 7A.                      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

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

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

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

Date
Initial Amount
 
Fixed Interest Rate
   
Interest Rate Spread at September 30, 2007
   
Equal Quarterly Payments
 
Maturity Date
April 2004
$50 million
    2.66 %     .40 %  
$2.5 million
 
April 2009
September 2005
 50 million
   
4.14
     
.40
   
  3.3 million
 
April 2009
August 2007
 15 million
   
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
August 2007
 10 million
   
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
September 2007
 25 million
   
4.77
     
.40
     
-
 
September 2012

The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments under the Revolving Credit Facility which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company’s assessment, all the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain of $292,000 ($178,000 after tax) at September 30, 2007 that is included in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.  A decrease of 10% in market interest rates (i.e. a decrease from 5.0% to 4.5%) would result in a decrease of approximately $140,000 in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.

Commodity Price Risks - In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price fluctuations related to the purchases of certain materials and supplies (such as bronze ingot, steel and wood) used in its manufacturing operations. The Company obtains competitive prices for materials and supplies when available.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates - The Company is subject to changes in various foreign currency exchange rates, including the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Swedish Krona and Chinese Yuan in the conversion from local currencies to the U.S. dollar of the reported financial position and operating results of its non-U.S. based subsidiaries.  An adverse change of 10% in exchange rates would have resulted in a decrease in sales of $18.7 million and a decrease in operating income of $2.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2007.

32


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Description
 
Pages
     
Management’s Report to Shareholders
 
34
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
35
     
Financial Statements:
   
     
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
36-37
     
     Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
38
     
     Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
39
     
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
40
     
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
41-62
     
Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited)
 
63
     
Financial Statement Schedule – Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying
   
     Accounts for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
 
64


33





MANAGEMENT’S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

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

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

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting management has conducted an assessment using the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s internal controls over financial reporting include those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Based on its assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
 
Management’s Certifications
 
The certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been included as Exhibits 31 and 32 in the Company’s Form 10-K.





34




 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Matthews International Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans in 2007.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 21, 2007




35


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, 2007 and 2006
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
__________

ASSETS
 
2007
   
2006
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
44,002
    $
29,720
 
Short-term investments
   
105
     
92
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $11,160 and $10,829, respectively
   
120,882
     
121,750
 
Inventories
   
93,834
     
85,415
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,666
     
1,682
 
Other current assets
   
6,025
     
4,184
 
Total current assets
   
266,514
     
242,843
 
                 
                 
                 
Investments
   
12,044
     
11,492
 
                 
                 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
88,926
     
88,099
 
                 
                 
                 
Deferred income taxes
   
23,311
     
24,441
 
                 
                 
                 
Other assets
   
10,670
     
6,125
 
                 
                 
                 
Goodwill
   
318,298
     
298,125
 
                 
                 
                 
Other intangible assets, net
   
51,306
     
44,965
 
                 
                 
Total assets
  $
771,069
    $
716,090
 


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

36


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued
September 30, 2007 and 2006
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
__________

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
2007
   
2006
 
Current liabilities:
           
Long-term debt, current maturities
  $
27,057
    $
28,451
 
Trade accounts payable
   
22,859
     
26,925
 
Accrued compensation
   
31,205
     
33,517
 
Accrued income taxes
   
5,792
     
9,230
 
Other current liabilities
   
36,543
     
39,086
 
Total current liabilities
   
123,456
     
137,209
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
142,273
     
120,289
 
                 
Accrued pension
   
23,629
     
17,720
 
                 
Postretirement benefits
   
20,743
     
17,422
 
                 
Deferred income taxes
   
11,799
     
9,942
 
                 
Environmental reserve
   
7,841
     
9,028
 
                 
Other liabilities and deferred revenue
   
14,550
     
12,055
 
                 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized
70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued
   
36,334
     
36,334
 
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
41,570
     
33,953
 
Retained earnings
   
467,846
     
410,203
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
13,390
     
4,386
 
Treasury stock, 5,276,830 and 4,699,697 shares, respectively, at cost
    (132,362 )     (92,451 )
Total shareholders' equity
   
426,778
     
392,425
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $
771,069
    $
716,090
 


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

37


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
__________

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Sales
  $
749,352
    $
715,891
    $
639,822
 
Cost of sales
    (468,895 )     (443,958 )     (416,747 )
Gross profit
   
280,457
     
271,933
     
223,075
 
                         
Selling expense
    (71,623 )     (70,354 )     (59,484 )
Administrative expense
    (97,010 )     (87,695 )     (65,178 )
Operating profit
   
111,824
     
113,884
     
98,413
 
                         
Investment income
   
2,390
     
1,420
     
1,726
 
Interest expense
    (8,119 )     (6,995 )     (2,966 )
Other income, net
   
354
     
70
     
1,658
 
Minority interest
    (2,733 )     (2,971 )     (5,775 )
                         
                         
Income before income taxes
   
103,716
     
105,408
     
93,056
 
                         
Income taxes
    (38,990 )     (38,964 )     (34,985 )
                         
                         
Net income
  $
64,726
    $
66,444
    $
58,071
 
                         
                         
Earnings per share:
                       
Basic
   
$2.05
     
$2.08
     
$1.81
 
Diluted
   
$2.04
     
$2.06
     
$1.79
 


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

38


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
__________

                     
Accumulated
             
                     
Other
             
         
Additional
         
Comprehensive
             
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
(net of tax)
   
Stock
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance, September 30, 2004
  $
36,334
    $
24,859
    $
298,165
    $
11,538
    $ (55,756 )   $
315,140
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
58,071
     
-
     
-
     
58,071
 
Unrealized gains (losses)
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (28 )    
-
      (28 )
Minimum pension liability
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (9,833 )    
-
      (9,833 )
Translation adjustment
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (3,676 )    
-
      (3,676 )
Fair value of derivatives
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
640
     
-
     
640
 
Total comprehensive income
                                           
45,174
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
2,874
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,874
 
Treasury stock transactions:
                                               
Purchase of 792,728 shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (27,933 )     (27,933 )
Issuance of 408,846 shares under stock plans
   
-
     
1,791
     
-
     
-
     
6,628
     
8,419
 
Dividends, $.185 per share
   
-
     
-
      (5,925 )    
-
     
-
      (5,925 )
Balance, September 30, 2005
   
36,334
     
29,524
     
350,311
      (1,359 )     (77,061 )    
337,749
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
66,444
     
-
     
-
     
66,444
 
Minimum pension liability
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
88
     
-
     
88
 
Translation adjustment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
5,688
     
-
     
5,688
 
Fair value of derivatives
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (31 )    
-
      (31 )
Total comprehensive income
                                           
72,189
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
3,865
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,865
 
Treasury stock transactions:
                                               
Purchase of 513,750 shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (17,491 )     (17,491 )
Issuance of 121,353 shares under stock plans
   
-
     
564
     
-
     
-
     
2,101
     
2,665
 
Dividends, $.205 per share
   
-
     
-
      (6,552 )    
-
     
-
      (6,552 )
Balance, September 30, 2006
   
36,334
     
33,953
     
410,203
     
4,386
      (92,451 )    
392,425
 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
64,726
     
-
     
-
     
64,726
 
Minimum pension liability
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
2,191
     
-
     
2,191
 
Translation adjustment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
16,546
     
-
     
16,546
 
Fair value of derivatives
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (740 )    
-
      (740 )
Total comprehensive income
                                           
82,723
 
Initial adoption of SFAS No. 158 
                            (8,993 )             (8,993 )
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
3,509
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,509
 
Treasury stock transactions:
                                               
Purchase of 1,366,297 shares
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (56,526 )     (56,526 )
Issuance of  789,164 shares under stock plans
   
-
     
4,108
     
-
     
-
     
16,615
     
20,723
 
Dividends, $.225 per share
   
-
     
-
      (7,083 )    
-
     
-
      (7,083 )
Balance, September 30, 2007
  $
36,334
    $
41,570
    $
467,846
    $
13,390
    $ (132,362 )   $
426,778
 


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

39


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
__________

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $
64,726
    $
66,444
    $
58,071
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
                       
    Depreciation and amortization
   
20,528
     
21,463
     
19,893
 
Minority interest
   
2,733
     
2,971
     
5,775
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
3,509
     
3,865
     
2,874
 
Increase (decrease) in deferred taxes
   
7,826
      (1,885 )    
1,304
 
Impairment charges
   
-
     
986
     
-
 
Gain on dispositions of assets
    (3,106 )     (3,090 )     (200 )
Changes in working capital items
    (14,373 )     (28,093 )     (19,673 )
Increase in other assets
    (5,113 )     (118 )     (1,622 )
Decrease in other liabilities
    (1,225 )     (1,205 )     (2,240 )
(Decrease) increase in pension and postretirement benefits
    (907 )    
5,007
     
6,719
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
74,598
     
66,345
     
70,901
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
    Capital expenditures
    (20,649 )     (19,397 )     (28,066 )
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (23,784 )     (32,278 )     (109,352 )
    Proceeds from dispositions of assets
   
6,859
     
3,114
     
1,099
 
    Purchases of investment securities
    (4,033 )     (232 )     (11,758 )
    Proceeds from dispositions of investments
   
2,919
     
15
     
9,119
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (38,688 )     (48,778 )     (138,958 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
    Proceeds from long-term debt
   
75,770
     
45,422
     
103,587
 
    Payments on long-term debt
    (58,024 )     (47,539 )     (27,851 )
    Purchases of treasury stock
    (56,526 )     (17,491 )     (27,933 )
    Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock
   
16,524
     
2,028
     
5,894
 
       Tax benefit on exercised stock options
   
3,834
     
637
     
2,525
 
    Dividends
    (7,083 )     (6,552 )     (5,925 )
    Distributions to minority interests
    (1,601 )     (5,536 )     (5,507 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (27,106 )     (29,031 )    
44,790
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
5,478
     
1,629
      (3,008 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
14,282
      (9,835 )     (26,275 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
29,720
     
39,555
     
65,830
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $
44,002
    $
29,720
    $
39,555
 
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $
8,105
    $
6,377
    $
2,692
 
Income taxes
   
31,470
     
42,377
     
32,125
 


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

40


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

1.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the “Company”), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer principally of memorialization products and brand solutions.  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Brand solutions include graphics imaging products and services, marking products and merchandising solutions. The Company's products and operations are comprised of six business segments:  Bronze, Casket, Cremation, Graphics Imaging, Marking Products and Merchandising Solutions.  The Bronze segment is a leading manufacturer of cast bronze memorials and other memorialization products, cast and etched architectural products and is a leading builder of mausoleums in the United States.  The Casket segment is a leading casket manufacturer in North America and produces a wide variety of wood and metal caskets.  The Cremation segment is a leading designer and manufacturer of cremation equipment and cremation caskets primarily in North America. The Graphics Imaging segment manufactures and provides brand solutions, printing plates, pre-press services and imaging services for the primary packaging and corrugated industries.  The Marking Products segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding equipment and consumables, and industrial automation products for identifying, tracking and conveying various consumer and industrial products, components and packaging containers.  The Merchandising Solutions segment designs and manufactures merchandising displays and systems and provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.

The Company has manufacturing and marketing facilities in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia and China.


2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates:

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

Foreign Currency:

Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period.

41


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

2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

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

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectibility may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.

Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost generally determined under the average cost method.

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Deprecia­tion is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment.  Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged against income as incurred.  Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value which generally is a discounted net cash flow analysis.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are subject to annual review for impairment.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 20 years. In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  For purposes of testing for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.

Environmental:

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

Treasury Stock:

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

42


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

2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued:

Income Taxes:

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

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment.  For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer’s specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded in Estimated Finishing Costs for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.

In July 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued Issue No. 00-21 “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”  Issue No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue generating activities.  The provisions of Issue No. 00-21 were effective July 1, 2003 and have been applied prospectively by the Company to the finishing and storage elements of its pre-need sales.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.

At September 30, 2007, the Company held 354,886 memorials and 247,934 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Construction revenues are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost method.  The Company offers rebates to certain customers participating in volume purchase programs.  Rebates are estimated and recorded as a reduction in sales at the time the Company’s products are sold.

Share-Based Payment:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.

Derivatives and Hedging:

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

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

43


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

2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued:

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $2,700, $2,800 and $3,300 for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Earnings Per Share:

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

Reclassifications:

Certain reclassifications have been made in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Balance Sheets for prior periods to conform to the current period presentation.

3.
INVENTORIES:

Inventories at September 30, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Materials and finished goods
  $
86,304
    $
79,715
 
Labor and overhead in process
   
7,530
     
5,700
 
    $
93,834
    $
85,415
 


4.
INVESTMENTS:

Investment securities are recorded at estimated market value at the consolidated balance sheet date and, except for investments held in a non-revocable trust established to fund benefit payments under the Company’s supplemental retirement plan, are classified as available-for-sale.  Short-term investments consisted principally of corporate obligations with purchased maturities of over three months but less than one year.  The cost of short-term investments approximated market value at September 30, 2007 and 2006.  Investments classified as non-current and available-for-sale consisted of securities of the U.S. government and its agencies and corporate obligations with purchased maturities in the range of one to five years.  Accrued interest on these non-current investment securities was classified with short-term investments.

At September 30, 2007 and 2006, non-current investments were as follows:

   
2007
   
2006
 
Available-for-sale:
           
U.S. government and its agencies
  $
1,501
    $
2,247
 
Corporate obligations
   
3,814
     
2,747
 
Trading securities:
               
Mutual funds
   
4,923
     
4,598
 
Equity and other investments
   
1,806
     
1,900
 
    $
12,044
    $
11,492
 


44


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

4.           INVESTMENTS, continued:

Non-current investments classified as available for sale and trading securities are recorded at market value, which approximated cost at September 30, 2007 and 2006.

Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, including related deferred taxes, are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income.  Realized gains and losses are based on the specific identification method and are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005 were not material.  Bond premiums and discounts are amortized on the straight-line method, which does not significantly differ from the interest method.

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


5.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

   
2007
   
2006
 
Buildings
  $
42,493
    $
43,907
 
Machinery and equipment
   
166,183
     
148,387
 
     
208,676
     
192,294
 
Less accumulated depreciation
    (129,995 )     (114,247 )
     
78,681
     
78,047
 
Land
   
4,159
     
4,814
 
Construction in progress
   
6,086
     
5,238
 
    $
88,926
    $
88,099
 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $2,670 from the sale of a facility and a pre-tax charge of approximately $986 related to asset impairments.


6.
LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt at September 30, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

   
2007
   
2006
 
Revolving credit facilities
  $
159,240
    $
133,946
 
Notes payable to banks
   
7,332
     
10,214
 
Short-term borrowings
   
2,068
     
2,961
 
Capital lease obligations
   
690
     
1,619
 
     
169,330
     
148,740
 
Less current maturities
    (27,057 )     (28,451 )
    $
142,273
    $
120,289
 


45


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

6.
LONG-TERM DEBT, continued:

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  On September 10, 2007, the maximum amount of borrowings available under the facility was increased from $175,000 to $225,000 and the facility’s maturity was extended to September 10, 2012. Borrowings under the amended facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .40% to .80% based on the Company’s leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from .15% to .25% (based on the Company’s leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios.  A portion of the facility (not to exceed $10,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit.  Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2007 and 2006 were $147,833 and $123,167 respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 5.08% and 4.88%, respectively.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:


Date
 
Initial Amount
   
Fixed Interest Rate
   
Interest Rate Spread at September 30, 2007
   
Equal Quarterly Payments
 
 
Maturity Date
April 2004
  $
50,000
      2.66 %     .40 %   $
2,500
 
April 2009
September 2005
   
50,000
     
4.14
     
.40
     
3,333
 
April 2009
August 2007
   
15,000
     
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
August 2007
   
10,000
     
5.07
     
.40
     
-
 
April 2009
September 2007
   
25,000
     
4.77
     
.40
     
-
 
September 2012

The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments under the Revolving Credit Facility which are considered probable of occurring.  Based on the Company’s assessment, all the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain of $292 ($178 after tax) at September 30, 2007 that is included in shareholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2007, approximately $122 of the $178 gain included in accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized in earnings as an adjustment to interest expense over the next twelve months.

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International GmbH (“MIGmbH”), has a credit facility with National Westminster Bank Plc for borrowings up to 10.0 million Euros ($14,259).  Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 8.0 million Euros ($11,407) and 8.5 million Euros ($10,779) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of MIGmbH at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 4.90% and 3.69%, respectively.

The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews International S.p.A., has several loans with various Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these loans totaled 5.1 million Euros ($7,332) and 8.0 million Euros ($10,195) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has three lines of credit totaling 8.4 million Euros ($11,935) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 1.4 million Euros ($1,980) and 2.3 million Euros ($2,961) at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Matthews International S.p.A. at September 30, 2007 and 2006 was 3.26% and 3.17%, respectively.

46


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

6.
LONG-TERM DEBT, continued:

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

2008
  $
27,057
 
2009
   
30,395
 
2010
   
1,472
 
2011
   
1,466
 
2012
   
107,880
 
Thereafter
   
1,060
 
    $
169,330
 

The carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings under its financing arrangements approximated their fair value.


7.
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

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

The Company has a stock repurchase program, which was initiated in 1996.  Under the program, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 12,500,000 shares of Matthews’ common stock, of which 10,501,443 shares have been repurchased as of September 30, 2007.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions of the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation.

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

Accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following:

   
2007
   
2006
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation
  $
30,526
    $
13,980
 
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $114 and $586, respectively
   
178
     
918
 
Minimum pension liability, net of tax of $5,091 and $6,721, respectively
    (8,321 )     (10,512 )
Impact of adoption of SFAS No. 158, net of tax of $5,748
    (8,993 )    
-
 
    $
13,390
    $
4,386
 


8.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:

The Company has a stock incentive plan that provides for grants of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted share awards in an aggregate number not to exceed 15% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (4,658,574 shares at September 30, 2007).  The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  The option price for each stock option that may be granted under the plan may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Outstanding stock options are exercisable in various share amounts based on the attainment of certain market value



47


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

8.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, continued:

levels of Class A Common Stock.  In addition, options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of appreciation of 10%, 33% and 60%, respectively, in the market value of the Company’s common stock).  The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.  The Company generally settles employee stock option exercises and restricted share awards with treasury shares.

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, (“SFAS No. 123 (R)”) using the modified retrospective method.  Accordingly, stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period. The Company elected to apply the short-cut method for determining the pool of windfall tax benefits in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

For the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, stock-based compensation cost totaled $3,509, $3,865 and $2,874, respectively.  The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $1,369, $1,507 and $1,121 for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $16,524, $2,028 and $5,894, for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $5,976, $902 and $3,148 for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The transactions for shares under options for the year ended September 30, 2007 were as follows:

               
Weighted-
       
         
 Weighted-
   
average
   
Aggregate
 
         
average
   
remaining
   
intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
exercise price
   
contractual term
   
value
 
Outstanding, September 30, 2006
   
2,529,451
    $
28.75
             
Granted
   
392,650
     
40.59
             
Exercised
    (768,111 )    
21.36
             
Expired or forfeited
    (53,413 )    
31.45
             
Outstanding, September 30, 2007
   
2,100,577
     
33.60
     
7.2
     
$21,428
 
Exercisable, September 30, 2007
   
458,376
     
27.02
     
5.6
     
$7,690
 
Shares reserved for future options
   
2,557,997
                         


The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $12.29 per share in 2007, $9.47 per share in 2006, $11.61 per share in 2005.  The fair value of shares earned was $4,331, $3,752 and $2,606 during the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The intrinsic value of options (which is the amount by which the stock price exceeded the exercise price of the options on the date of exercise) exercised during the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $15,336, $2,411 and $9,132, respectively.

48


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

8.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, continued:

The transactions for non-vested shares for the year ended September 30, 2007 were as follows:

         
Weighted-average
 
         
grant-date
 
   
Shares
   
fair value
 
Non-vested at September 30, 2006
   
1,814,878
    $
9.84
 
Granted
   
392,650
     
12.29
 
Vested
    (513,830 )    
8.43
 
Expired or forfeited
    (51,497 )    
9.83
 
Non-vested at September 30, 2007
   
1,642,201
     
10.87
 

As of September 30, 2007, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was approximately $5,459. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.5 years in accordance with the vesting periods of the options.
 
As of October 1, 2005, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  Prior to October 1, 2005, the fair value of each option award was estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes valuation model.

The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

       
   
Years Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Expected volatility
    24.0 %     24.0 %     23.2 %
Dividend yield
    .6 %     .6 %     1.0 %
Average risk free interest rate
    4.7 %     4.4 %     4.3 %
Average expected term (years)
   
6.3
     
5.5
     
7.9
 

The risk free interest rate is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock price over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock price.  The expected term represents an estimate of the period of time options are expected to remain outstanding.   Separate employee groups and option characteristics are considered separately for valuation purposes.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, 15,209 shares of restricted stock were granted to certain employees.  The shares generally vest based upon certain service and performance criteria. At September 30, 2007, 9,249 shares of restricted stock were outstanding. The unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested shares was approximately $154 at September 30, 2007.

Under the Company’s Director Fee Plan, directors who are not also officers of the Company each receive, as an annual retainer fee, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock equivalent to $30.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  Directors may also elect to receive the common


49


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

8.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, continued:

stock equivalent of meeting fees credited to a deferred stock account.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  Shares deferred under the Director Fee Plan at September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 48,697, 49,569 and 51,313, respectively.  Directors who are not also officers of the Company each received an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $50 in fiscal 2007 and $40 in fiscal 2006 and 2005.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the plan. At September 30, 2007, 21,300 options were outstanding, of which 16,500 are vested. Additionally, 13,200 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the plan, all of which are unvested at September 30, 2007. The restricted shares generally vest two years after the date of issuance.   As of November 13, 2007, a total of 300,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Director Fee Plan.


9.  EARNINGS PER SHARE:

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                   
Net income
  $
64,726
    $
66,444
    $
58,071
 
                         
                         
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
   
31,565,716
     
31,999,309
     
32,116,012
 
                         
Dilutive securities, primarily stock options
   
113,900
     
252,415
     
265,562
 
                         
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
   
31,679,616
     
32,251,724
     
32,381,574
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
   
$2.05
     
$2.08
     
$1.81
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share
   
$2.04
     
$2.06
     
$1.79
 
                         

50


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

10.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and related disclosure provisions SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” which amends SFAS No. 87, No. 88, No. 106 and No. 132(R). The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans:

   
Pension
   
Other Postretirement
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Change in benefit obligation:
                       
Benefit obligation, beginning
  $
104,060
    $
106,352
    $
18,267
    $
22,068
 
Service cost
   
3,892
     
4,504
     
533
     
632
 
Interest cost
   
6,525
     
5,923
     
1,188
     
1,227
 
Assumption changes
   
-
      (9,887 )    
-
      (1,693 )
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
1,774
     
2,016
     
2,944
      (2,494 )
Benefit payments
    (4,708 )     (4,848 )     (1,113 )     (1,473 )
Benefit obligation, ending
   
111,543
     
104,060
     
21,819
     
18,267
 
Change in plan assets:
                               
Fair value, beginning
   
75,817
     
79,915
     
-
     
-
 
Actual return
   
9,849
      (43 )    
-
     
-
 
Benefit payments
    (4,708 )     (4,848 )     (1,113 )     (1,473 )
Employer contributions
   
6,082
     
793
     
1,113
     
1,473
 
Fair value, ending
   
87,040
     
75,817
     
-
     
-
 
                                 
Funded status
    (24,503 )     (28,243 )     (21,819 )     (18,267 )
Unrecognized actuarial loss
   
24,296
     
27,487
     
7,991
     
5,335
 
Unrecognized prior service cost
   
311
     
342
      (4,214 )     (5,502 )
Net amount recognized
  $
104
    $ (414 )   $ (18,042 )   $ (18,434 )
                                 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
                               
Current liability
  $ (874 )   $ (517 )   $ (1,076 )   $ (1,012 )
Noncurrent benefit liability
    (23,629 )     (17,720 )     (20,743 )     (17,422 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
24,607
     
17,823
     
3,777
     
-
 
Net amount recognized
  $
104
    $ (414 )   $ (18,042 )   $ (18,434 )
                                 
Amounts recognized in accumulated
                               
       other comprehensive income:
                               
Net actuarial gain/loss
  $
24,296
            $
7,991
         
Prior service cost
   
311
              (4,214 )        
Net amount recognized
  $
24,607
            $
3,777
         
                                 



51


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

10.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, continued:

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was $97,283 and $91,442 at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The projected benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was $111,543 and $104,060 at September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The following table reflects the effects of the adoption of SFAS No. 158 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2007:

   
Balance prior to Additional Minimum Liability and SFAS No.158 Adjustments
   
Additional Minimum Liability
Adjustments
   
Balance prior to
SFAS
No. 158 Adjustments
   
SFAS
No. 158 Adjustments
   
Balance after SFAS
No. 158 Adjustments
 
Pension Benefits:
                             
Intangible assets
  $
360
    $ (360 )   $
-
    $
-
    $
-
 
Current liabilities
    (874 )    
-
      (874 )    
-
      (874 )
Pension liabilities
    (16,845 )    
4,181
      (12,664 )     (10,965 )     (23,629 )
Deferred tax assets
   
6,951
      (1,630 )    
5,321
     
4,276
     
9,597
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (17,823 )    
4,181
      (13,642 )     (10,965 )     (24,607 )
                                         
Postretirement Benefits:
                                       
Current liabilities
    (1,076 )    
-
      (1,076 )    
-
      (1,076 )
Postretirement benefits
    (16,966 )    
-
      (16,966 )     (3,777 )     (20,743 )
Deferred tax assets
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,473
     
1,473
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (3,777 )     (3,777 )

Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:

   
Pension
   
Other Postretirement
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                                     
Service cost
  $
3,892
    $
4,504
    $
3,707
    $
533
    $
632
    $
505
 
Interest cost
   
6,525
     
5,923
     
5,615
     
1,188
     
1,227
     
1,173
 
Expected return on plan assets
    (6,410 )     (6,879 )     (6,333 )    
-
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization:
                                               
Prior service cost
   
31
      (14 )    
83
      (1,287 )     (1,287 )     (1,287 )
Net actuarial loss
   
1,527
     
1,979
     
1,378
     
288
     
646
     
493
 
Net benefit cost
  $
5,565
    $
5,513
    $
4,450
    $
722
    $
1,218
    $
884
 


52


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

10.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, continued:

Benefit payments under the Company’s principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company’s operating cash. Under IRS regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2007, however, in June 2007 the Company made a $5,000 contribution to its principal retirement plan. The Company does not currently plan to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2008. Contributions of $485 and $1,113 were made under the Company’s supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan, respectively, in fiscal 2007.
Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2008 include:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
             
Net actuarial gain/loss
  $
1,268
    $
487
 
Prior service cost
   
28
      (1,287 )

The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company’s principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans is July 31, and the weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:

   
Pension
   
Other Postretirement
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Discount rate
    6.50 %     6.50 %     5.75 %     6.50 %     6.50 %     5.75 %
Return on plan assets
   
9.00
     
9.00
     
9.00
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Compensation increase
   
4.25
     
4.25
     
4.25
     
-
     
-
     
-
 

The Company's principal pension plan maintains a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities in accordance with the investment policy established by the Company’s pension board.  Based on an analysis of the historical performance of the plan's assets and consultation with its independent investment advisor, the Company has maintained the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 9.0% for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under SFAS No. 87.  The Company’s discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices for long-term (10-year) high quality bonds.

Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:

         
Other
 
   
Pension
   
Postretirement
 
Year ended September 30:
 
Benefits
   
Benefits
 
             
2008
  $
5,270
    $
1,076
 
2009
   
5,344
     
1,192
 
2010
   
5,597
     
1,301
 
2011
   
5,827
     
1,426
 
2012
   
6,082
     
1,488
 
2013-2017
   
35,147
     
9,149
 
    $
63,267
    $
15,632
 


53



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

10.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, continued:

For measurement purposes, a rate of increase of 9.0% in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 2007; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% for 2014 and remain at that level thereafter.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2007 by $1,207 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $133.  A decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2007 by $1,060 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $115.


11.
INCOME TAXES:

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Current:
                 
Federal
  $
20,941
    $
28,782
    $
26,346
 
State
   
2,762
     
5,245
     
2,953
 
Foreign
   
7,461
     
7,087
     
5,005
 
     
31,164
     
41,114
     
34,304
 
Deferred
   
7,826
      (2,150 )    
681
 
Total
  $
38,990
    $
38,964
    $
34,985
 
                         

   
2007
   
2006
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Postretirement benefits
  $
8,510
    $
7,189
 
Environmental reserve
   
3,437
     
3,924
 
Pension costs
   
8,762
     
6,088
 
Deferred compensation
   
2,535
     
4,289
 
Stock options
   
3,825
     
4,631
 
Other
   
14,284
     
13,148
 
     
41,353
     
39,269
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation
    (3,510 )     (4,725 )
Goodwill
    (24,550 )     (17,776 )
Other
    (115 )     (587 )
      (28,175 )     (23,088 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $
13,178
    $
16,181
 


54


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

11.           INCOME TAXES, continued

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

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Federal statutory tax rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction
   
2.2
     
2.9
     
1.8
 
Foreign taxes in excess of federal statutory rate
   
.5
     
.4
     
.5
 
Tax on repatriated earnings
   
.0
     
.0
     
.7
 
Other
    (0.1 )     (1.3 )     (.4 )
Effective tax rate
    37.6 %     37.0 %     37.6 %

The Company's foreign subsidiaries had income before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 of approximately $24,300, $24,500 and $24,600, respectively.  At September 30, 2007, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred U.S. income taxes have not been provided approximated $81,400.  During fiscal 2005, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors approved a domestic reinvestment program as required by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.  The Company repatriated $13,700 of dividends in fiscal 2005, on which taxes were provided in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 109-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004."


12.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:

The Company operates various production, warehouse and office facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Annual rentals under these and other operating leases were $15,621, $13,747 and $10,950 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 are $8,526, $5,461, $4,342, $3,397 and $3,109, respectively, and $3,164 thereafter.

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

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees, the terms of which expire at various dates between 2008 and 2010.  The agreements generally provide for base salary and bonus levels and include non-compete provisions.  The aggregate commitment for salaries under these agreements at September 30, 2007 was $12,711.


13.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

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

55


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

13.           ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, continued

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of the disposal of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.  In addition, prior to its acquisition, The York Group, Inc. (“York”) was identified, along with others, by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potentially responsible party for remediation of a landfill site in York, Pennsylvania.  At this time, the Company has not been joined in any lawsuit or administrative order related to the site or its clean-up.

At September 30, 2007, an accrual of $8,706 had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $865 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of the Company's known remediation obligations.  The accrual, which reflects previously established reserves assumed with the acquisition of York and additional reserves recorded as a purchase accounting adjustment, does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.


14.
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

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

   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Current assets:
                 
Accounts receivable
  $
1,502
    $ (4,110 )   $ (13,489 )
Inventories
    (2,135 )     (10,860 )     (9,886 )
Other current assets
    (2,567 )    
518
     
549
 
      (3,200 )     (14,452 )     (22,826 )
Current liabilities:
                       
Trade accounts payable
   
1,064
      (9,765 )    
7,529
 
Accrued compensation
    (2,411 )    
50
     
1,584
 
Accrued income taxes
    (3,644 )     (2,410 )     (1,378 )
Customer prepayments
   
514
      (674 )    
722
 
Other current liabilities
    (6,696 )     (842 )     (5,304 )
      (11,173 )     (13,641 )    
3,153
 
Net change
  $ (14,373 )   $ (28,093 )   $ (19,673 )


15.
SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company's products and operations consist of two principal businesses that are comprised of three operating segments each, as described under Nature of Operations (Note 1):  Memorialization Products (Bronze, Casket, Cremation) and Brand Solutions (Graphics Imaging, Marking Products, Merchandising Solutions).  Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and minority interest.

56


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

15.
SEGMENT INFORMATION, continued:

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

Information about the Company's segments follows:

   
Memorialization
   
Brand Solutions
             
                     
Graphics
   
Marking
   
Merchandising
             
   
Bronze
   
Casket
   
Cremation
   
Imaging
   
Products
   
Solutions
   
Other
   
Consolidated
 
                                                 
Sales to external customers:
                                     
2007
  $
229,850
    $
210,673
    $
25,166
    $
146,049
    $
57,450
    $
80,164
    $
-
    $
749,352
 
2006
   
218,004
     
200,950
     
25,976
     
140,886
     
52,272
     
77,803
     
-
     
715,891
 
2005
   
205,675
     
135,512
     
21,497
     
143,159
     
45,701
     
88,278
     
-
     
639,822
 
                                                                 
Intersegment sales:
                                                 
2007
   
208
     
220
     
2,594
     
13
     
41
     
41
     
-
     
3,117
 
2006
   
151
     
301
     
1,048
     
1
     
36
     
105
     
-
     
1,642
 
2005
   
175
     
437
     
423
     
-
     
37
     
224
     
-
     
1,296
 
                                                                 
Depreciation and amortization:
                                                 
2007
   
3,707
     
6,680
     
164
     
5,431
     
630
     
2,896
     
1,020
     
20,528
 
2006
   
4,411
     
6,581
     
221
     
6,015
     
482
     
2,760
     
993
     
21,463
 
2005
   
4,644
     
4,456
     
237
     
6,634
     
475
     
2,677
     
770
     
19,893
 
                                                                 
Operating profit:
                                                 
2007
   
66,298
     
11,801
     
3,631
     
14,439
     
9,931
     
5,724
     
-
     
111,824
 
2006
   
65,049
     
16,971
     
3,372
     
16,554
     
9,066
     
2,872
     
-
     
113,884
 
2005
   
59,722
     
12,645
     
701
     
14,861
     
7,373
     
3,111
     
-
     
98,413
 
                                                                 
Total assets:
                                                 
2007
   
158,666
     
280,598
     
11,910
     
180,987
     
42,851
     
59,436
     
36,621
     
771,069
 
2006
   
149,593
     
258,224
     
11,452
     
157,677
     
31,477
     
65,860
     
41,807
     
716,090
 
2005
   
148,408
     
222,270
     
11,128
     
150,687
     
29,924
     
58,173
     
44,865
     
665,455
 
                                                                 
Capital expenditures:
                                                 
2007
   
3,557
     
5,811
     
170
     
3,850
     
545
     
6,426
     
290
     
20,649
 
2006
   
2,101
     
7,217
     
38
     
3,730
     
592
     
5,391
     
328
     
19,397
 
2005
   
2,129
     
7,730
     
29
     
8,119
     
638
     
2,207
     
7,214
     
28,066
 


57



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

15.
SEGMENT INFORMATION, continued:

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

   
United States
   
Mexico
   
Canada
   
Europe
   
Australia
   
China
   
Consolidated
 
                                           
Sales to external customers:
                                     
2007
  $
563,594
    $
-
    $
14,475
    $
158,651
    $
9,969
    $
2,663
    $
749,352
 
2006
   
550,254
     
-
     
13,520
     
143,706
     
8,411
     
-
     
715,891
 
2005
   
474,466
     
-
     
11,319
     
145,931
     
8,106
     
-
     
639,822
 
                                                         
Long-lived assets:
                                                       
2007
   
312,694
     
6,377
     
504
     
131,786
     
3,066
     
4,103
     
458,530
 
2006
   
300,502
     
6,785
     
2,544
     
118,797
     
2,561
     
-
     
431,189
 
2005
   
270,540
     
6,759
     
2,482
     
113,521
     
2,634
     
-
     
395,936
 


16.
ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2007:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2007 totaled $23,784, and primarily included the following:

In July 2007, York reached a settlement agreement with Yorktowne Caskets, Inc. and its shareholders (collectively “Yorktowne”) with respect to all outstanding litigation between the parties.  In exchange for the mutual release, the principal terms of the settlement included the assignment by Yorktowne of certain customer and employment-related contracts to York and the purchase by York of certain assets, including York-product inventory, of Yorktowne.

In June 2007, the Company acquired a 60% interest in Beijing Kenuohua Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., (“Kenuohua”), an ink-jet equipment manufacturer, headquartered in Beijing, China.  The acquisition was structured as a stock purchase.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ marking products manufacturing and distribution capabilities in Asia.

In December 2006, the Company paid additional purchase consideration of $7,000 under the terms of the Milso Industries (“Milso”) acquisition agreement.


Fiscal 2006:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2006 totaled $32,278, and primarily included the following:

In March 2006, the Company acquired Royal Casket Company (“Royal”), a distributor of primarily York brand caskets in the Southwest region of the United States. The transaction was structured as an asset purchase with potential additional consideration payable contingent upon the operating performance of the acquired operations during the next five years. The Company expects to account for this consideration as additional purchase price.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ casket distribution capabilities in the Southwestern United States.

58


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

16.
ACQUISITIONS, continued:

In February 2006, the Company acquired The Doyle Group (“Doyle”), a provider of reprographic services to the packaging industry, located in Oakland, California.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase, with potential additional consideration payable contingent upon the operating performance of the acquired operations during the next three years.  The Company expects to account for this consideration as additional purchase price.  The acquisition was intended to expand the Company’s graphics business in the Western United States.

In September 2005, the Company acquired an additional 30% interest in S+T which was paid in October 2005.  The Company had acquired a 50% interest in S+T in 1998.

Fiscal 2005:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2005 totaled $109,352, and primarily included the following:

In July 2005, the Company acquired Milso, a leading manufacturer and marketer of caskets in the United States.  Milso, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, has manufacturing operations in Richmond, Indiana and maintains distribution centers throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southwest regions of the United States.  The transaction was structured as an asset purchase, at an initial purchase price of approximately $95,000.  In connection with the contingent consideration provisions of the acquisition agreement, the Company paid additional purchase consideration in December 2006.  The additional consideration was recorded as additional purchase price as of September 30, 2006.  The acquisition was intended to expand Matthews’ products and services in the United States casket market.

Acquired intangible assets of Milso include trade names with an assigned value of $5,800, which are not subject to amortization.  Intangible assets also include customer relationships with an assigned value of $10,400 to be amortized over their useful lives of 20 years.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Milso at the date of acquisition.

       
Cash
  $
197
 
Trade receivables
   
13,143
 
Inventories
   
17,975
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
5,434
 
Intangible assets
   
16,200
 
Goodwill and other assets
   
63,152
 
Total assets acquired
   
116,101
 
Trade accounts payable
   
9,467
 
Debt
   
1,207
 
Other liabilities
   
3,022
 
Total liabilities assumed
   
13,696
 
Net assets acquired
  $
102,405
 


59


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

16.
ACQUISITIONS, continued:

The following unaudited pro forma information for the year ended September 30, 2005 presents a summary of the consolidated results of Matthews combined with Milso as if the acquisition had occurred on October 1, 2004:

     
2005
   
Sales
  $
707,222
   
Income before taxes
   
98,734
   
Net income
   
61,614
   
Earnings per share
   
$1.90
   

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

In June 2005, the Company paid additional consideration to the minority owner of Rudolf Reproflex GmbH (“Rudolf”) under the terms of the original acquisition agreement.  The Company had acquired a 75% interest in Rudolf in 2001.

Matthews has accounted for these acquisitions using the purchase method and, accordingly, recorded the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values at the acquisition dates.  The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.


17.           DISPOSITION:

In August 2007, the Company sold the consulting services portion of its Merchandising Solutions segment. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain of $1,322, which was recorded as a reduction in administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.


18.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual review for impairment. In general, when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized. For purposes of testing for impairment the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are considered to be indefinite. A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.

The Company performed its annual impairment reviews in the second quarters of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 and determined that no adjustments to the carrying values of goodwill or other indefinite lived intangibles were necessary.

60


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

18.           GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, continued:

Changes to goodwill, net of accumulated amortization, during the years ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, follow.

                     
Graphics
   
Marking
   
Merchandising
       
   
Bronze
   
Casket
   
Cremation
   
Imaging
   
Products
   
Solutions
   
Consolidated
 
                                           
Balance at September 30, 2005
  $
73,029
    $
91,977
    $
6,536
    $
73,970
    $
5,213
    $
9,947
    $
260,672
 
Additions during period
   
-
     
24,005
     
 -
     
8,502
     
-
     
-
     
32,507
 
Translation and adjustments
   
1,149
     
-
     
-
     
3,797
     
-
     
-
     
4,946
 
Balance at September 30, 2006
   
74,178
     
115,982
     
6,536
     
86,269
     
5,213
     
9,947
     
298,125
 
Additions
   
-
     
4,573
     
-
     
885
     
3,550
     
-
     
9,008
 
Dispositions
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (809 )     (809 )
Translation and adjustments
   
3,197
     
-
     
-
     
8,478
     
299
     
-
     
11,974
 
Balance at September 30, 2007
  $
77,375
    $
120,555
    $
6,536
    $
95,632
    $
9,062
    $
9,138
    $
318,298
 

The additions to Casket goodwill during fiscal 2006 related primarily to the acquisitions of Royal and additional consideration recorded in accordance with the purchase agreement with Milso.   The additions to Graphics Imaging goodwill relate to the acquisition of Doyle and additional consideration paid in accordance with the purchase agreement related to a European Graphics business.

In fiscal 2007, the additions to Casket relate primarily to additional consideration paid in accordance with the acquisition of Royal and the purchase of certain Yorktowne assets. The additions to Graphics Imaging goodwill relate to the additional consideration paid in accordance with the purchase agreement related to a European Graphics business. The addition to Marking Products goodwill related to the purchase of a 60% interest in Kenuohua.  The reduction in goodwill in Merchandising Solutions relates to the disposition of its consulting services business during the year.

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
       
   
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Net
 
September 30, 2007:
                 
Trade names
  $
26,140
    $ - *   $
26,140
 
Customer relationships
   
25,215
      (3,977 )    
21,238
 
Copyrights/patents/other
   
7,382
      (3,454 )    
3,928
 
    $
58,737
    $ (7,431 )   $
51,306
 
                         
September 30, 2006:
                       
Trade names
  $
24,003
    $ - *   $
24,003
 
Customer relationships
   
20,900
      (2,714 )    
18,186
 
Copyrights/patents/other
   
5,322
      (2,546 )    
2,776
 
    $
50,225
    $ (5,260 )   $
44,965
 
* Not subject to amortization
                       


61


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

18.           GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, continued:

The increase in intangible assets during fiscal 2007 was due to the addition of intellectual property in the Bronze and Marking Products segments, the purchase of certain assets by the Casket segment and the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on intangible assets denominated in foreign currencies, offset by additional amortization.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $2,129, $2,216, and $1,826 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.   Amortization expense is estimated to be $2,756 in 2008, $2,614 in 2009, $1,757 in 2010, $1,725 in 2011 and $1,662 in 2012.


19.
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and related disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158 which amends SFAS No. 87, No. 88, No. 106 and No. 132(R).  The provisions of the Statement are to be applied prospectively; therefore, prior periods presented have not been restated.  Accordingly, the over-funded or under-funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans has been recognized on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment in other comprehensive income. In addition, gains or loss and prior service costs or credits that were not included as components of periodic benefit expense are recognized in other comprehensive income.  As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 158, the liability for pension and postretirement benefits increased approximately $14,742, deferred tax assets increased approximately $5,749 and equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) decreased by approximately $8,993.

Further, SFAS No. 158 requires the Company to measure the plan assets and benefit obligations of defined benefit postretirement plans as of the date of its year-end balance sheet. This provision of the SFAS No. 158 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company currently measures plan assets and benefit obligations as of July 31 of each year. The Company is considering the implications of this provision and the feasibility of earlier adoption of this portion of the statement.  Upon adoption, this provision is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements.

In June 2006, FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Any resulting cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 upon adoption will be reported as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company will adopt the provisions of FIN 48 in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FIN 48, and does not expect such adoption to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”).  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, however, for non-financial assets and liabilities the effective date has been extended to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 157.

62


SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006.


             
   
Quarter Ended
       
   
December 31
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
Year Ended
September 30
 
   
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
       
FISCAL YEAR 2007:
                             
Sales
  $
175,424
    $
202,979
    $
185,477
    $
185,472
    $
749,352
 
                                         
Gross profit
   
64,934
     
74,207
     
69,418
     
71,898
     
280,457
 
                                         
Operating profit
   
24,184
     
31,645
     
21,129
     
34,866
     
111,824
 
                                         
Net income
   
13,971
     
18,501
     
12,029
     
20,225
     
64,726
 
                                         
Earnings per share
   
.44
     
.58
     
.38
     
.64
     
2.04
 
                                         
                                         
FISCAL YEAR 2006:
                                       
Sales
  $
170,109
    $
181,068
    $
181,804
    $
182,910
    $
715,891
 
                                         
Gross profit
   
61,197
     
66,947
     
70,289
     
73,500
     
271,933
 
                                         
Operating profit
   
22,418
     
29,061
     
30,523
     
31,882
     
113,884
 
                                         
Net income
   
12,907
     
16,852
     
17,706
     
18,979
     
66,444
 
                                         
Earnings per share
   
.40
     
.52
     
.55
     
.59
     
2.06
 
                                         
                                         


63


FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

         
Additions
             
   
Balance at
         
Charged to
             
   
beginning of
   
Charged to
   
other
         
Balance at
 
Description
 
period
   
expense
   
accounts
   
Deductions
   
end of period
 
                  (1 )     (2 )      
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
                                 
Fiscal Year Ended:
                                 
September 30, 2007
  $
10,829
    $
335
    $
209
    $ (213 )   $
11,160
 
September 30, 2006
   
10,547
     
474
     
890
      (1,082 )    
10,829
 
September 30, 2005
   
7,717
     
398
     
3,209
      (777 )    
10,547
 

(1)
Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions.
(2)
Amounts determined not to be collectible, net of recoveries.

64


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

There have been no changes in accountants or disagreements on accounting or financial disclosure between the Company and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005.


ITEM 9A.                      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation at the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")) provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.
 
(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Management’s Report to Shareholders in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2007 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
 
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.


PART III


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

In addition to the information reported in Part I of this Form 10-K, under the caption “Officers and Executive Management of the Registrant”, the information required by this item as to the directors of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions “Proposal No. 1 – Elections of Directors”, “General Information Regarding Corporate Governance – Audit Committee” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of the directors and is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

The Company’s Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management is set forth in Exhibit 14.1 hereto.

65


ITEM 11.                      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item as to the compensation of directors and executive management of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions “Executive Compensation and Retirement Benefits” and “Director Compensation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.  The information contained in the “Compensation Committee Report” is specifically not incorporated herein by reference.


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

The information required by this item as to the ownership by management and others of securities of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Stock Ownership” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

Equity Compensation Plans:

The Company has a stock incentive plan that provides for grants of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and restricted share awards in an aggregate number not to exceed 15% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock.  The option price for each stock option that may be granted under the plan may not be less than the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.  Outstanding stock options are exercisable in various share amounts based on the attainment of appreciation of 10%, 33% and 60%, respectively, in the market value of the Company’s common stock but, in the absence of such events, options granted in fiscal 2005 and prior are exercisable in full for a one-week period beginning five years from the date of grant.  Options granted after fiscal 2006 will not allow for such one- week exercise period.  In addition, options generally vest in one-third increments after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date (but, in any event, not until the attainment of the certain market value levels described above).  The options expire on the earlier of ten years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death.
 
Under the Company’s Director Fee Plan, directors who are not also officers of the Company each receive, as an annual retainer fee, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock equivalent to $30,000.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  Directors may also elect to receive the common stock equivalent of meeting fees credited to a deferred stock account.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  Shares deferred under the Director Fee Plan at September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were 48,697, 49,569 and 51,313, respectively.  Directors who are not also officers of the Company each received an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $50,000 in fiscal 2007 and $40,000 in fiscal 2006 and 2005.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the plan. At September 30, 2007, 21,300 options were outstanding, of which 16,500 are vested. Additionally, 13,200 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the plan, all of which are unvested at September 30, 2007. The restricted shares generally vest two years after the date of issuance.   As of November 13, 2007, a total of 300,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Director Fee Plan.



66


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

The following table provides information about grants under the Company's equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2007:

 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
     
Number of securities
     
remaining available
     
for future issuance
 
Number of securities
Weighted-average
under equity
 
to be issued upon
exercise price
compensation plans
 
exercise of
of outstanding
(excluding
 
outstanding options,
options, warrants
securities reflected
Plan category
warrants and rights
and rights
in column (a))
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans
     
Approved by security holders:
     
Stock Incentive Plan
2,100,577
$33.60
2,557,997(1)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
-
-
1,732,435(2)
Director Fee Plan
69,997
35.05
385,518(3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
None
None
None          
Total
2,170,574
$33.61
4,675,950         


 
(1)
The aggregate number of shares available for grant under such plan cannot exceed 15% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock (4,658,574 shares at September 30, 2007) and includes up to 1,000,000 shares that can be issued as restricted stock under the Company’s 1992 Stock Incentive Plan.
 
(2)
Shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) are purchased in the open market by employees at the fair market value of the Company’s stock.  The Company provides a matching contribution of 10% of such purchases subject to certain limitations under the Plan.  As the Plan is an open market purchase plan, it does not have a dilutive effect.
 
(3)
Shares of restricted stock may be issued under the Director Fee Plan.  On November 13, 2007, the maximum number of shares authorized to be issued under the Director Fee Plan was reduced from 500,000 shares to 300,000 shares.  As such, the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under the Director Fee Plan was 185,518 at November 13, 2007.


ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item as to certain relationships and transactions with management and other related parties of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions “Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors” and “Certain Transactions” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.


ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item as to the fees billed and the services provided by the principal accounting firm of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the Commission pursuant to  the Exchange Act within 120 days of the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
 

 

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PART IV

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

(a) 1.  Financial Statements:

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

 
Pages
Management’s Report to Shareholders
34
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
35
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 and 2006
36-37
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
38
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
39
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005
40
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
41-62
   
Supplementary Financial Information
63


2.
Financial Statement Schedules:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is included on page 64 in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


3.
Exhibits Filed:

The index to exhibits is on pages 70-72.


(b)
Reports on Form 8-K:

On July 20, 2007 Matthews filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 2 in connection with a press release announcing its earnings for the third fiscal quarter of 2007.

On July 24, 2007 Matthews filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 7 in connection with the settlement agreement with Yorktowne Caskets, Inc.

On July 27, 2007 Matthews filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 1 in connection with the termination of the employment agreement with Martin J. Beck, President, Brand Solutions.



68


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 27, 2007.


   
MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
   
(Registrant)
     
     
 
By
/s/Joseph C. Bartolacci
   
Joseph C. Bartolacci
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
     


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on November 27, 2007:



/s/Joseph C. Bartolacci
 
/s/Steven F. Nicola
Joseph C. Bartolacci
 
Steven F. Nicola
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
and Treasurer (Principal Financial
   
and Accounting Officer)
     
     
     
/s/David M. Kelly
 
/s/John P. O'Leary, Jr.
David M. Kelly, Chairman of the Board
 
John P. O'Leary, Jr., Director
     
     
     
/s/David J. DeCarlo
 
/s/Martin Schlatter.
David J. DeCarlo, Director
 
Martin Schlatter, Director
     
     
     
/s/Glenn R. Mahone
 
/s/William J. Stallkamp
Glenn R. Mahone, Director
 
William J. Stallkamp, Director
     
     
     
/s/Robert G. Neubert
 
/s/John D. Turner
Robert G. Neubert, Director
 
John D. Turner, Director


69


MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
EXHIBITS
INDEX
__________

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

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
         
3.1
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation *
 
Exhibit Number 3.1 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1994
         
3.2
 
Restated By-laws *
 
Exhibit Number 99.1 to Form 8-K
dated October 18, 2007
         
4.1 a
 
Form of Revised Option Agreement of Repurchase
(effective October 1, 1993) *
 
Exhibit Number 4.5 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1993
         
4.2
 
Form of Share Certificate for Class A Common Stock *
 
Exhibit Number 4.9 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 1994
         
10.1
 
Revolving Credit Facility *
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2001
         
10.2
 
First Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility*
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2004
         
10.3
 
Second Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility *
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended December 31, 2004
         
10.4
 
Third Amendment to Revolving Credit Facility
 
Filed Herewith
         
10.5 a
 
Supplemental Retirement Plan*
 
Exhibit Number 10.4 to Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2006
         
10.6 a
 
1992 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended through
April 25, 2006) *
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
         

70



INDEX, Continued
_______

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
         
10.7 a
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement *
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended December 31, 1994
         
10.8 a
 
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement
 
Filed Herewith
         
10.9 a
 
1994 Director Fee Plan (as amended through
November 13, 2007)
 
Filed Herewith
         
10.10 a
 
1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan *
 
Exhibit Number 10.2 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 1995
         
10.11 a
 
Key Employee Employment Agreement by and between The York Group, Inc. and Harry Pontone dated May 28, 2005 and effective July 11, 2005*
 
Exhibit Number 10.2 to Form 8-K
dated July 14, 2005
         
10.12
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger By and Among Matthews International Corporation, Empire Merger Corp., and The York Group, Inc., dated as of May 24, 2001 *
 
Exhibit Number 10.3 to Form 8-K
dated May 24, 2001
         
10.13
 
Asset Purchase Agreement between I.D.L. Incorporated and Hugh Andrew, L.P. and Big Red Rooster, Inc. and The Cloverleaf Group, L.P. and iDL shareholders and the BRR shareholders and The Cloverleaf Group, Inc. and Matthews International Corporation dated as of July 19, 2004*
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2004
         
10.14
 
Share Sale and Purchase Agreement between Graeme Phillip King and Brian Ernest Tottman and Robert Greig Watkins and Geoffrey William Roberts and Helen M. King and Josephine Tottman and Sally R. Watkins and Jennifer R. Roberts and Matthews Holding Company (U.K.) Limited.*
 
Exhibit Number 10.11 to Form 10-K
for the year  ended September 30, 2004
         
10.15
 
Asset Purchase Agreement by and among The York Group, Inc., Midnight Acquisition Corporation, Milso Industries, Inc., Milso Industries, LLC, SBC Holding Corporation, the Shareholders identified therein and Matthews International Corporation*
 
Exhibit Number 10.1 to Form 8-K
dated on July 14, 2005
         
14.1
 
Form of Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management *
 
Exhibit Number 14.1 to Form 10-K
 for the year ended September 30, 2004
         

71



INDEX, Continued
_______
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein

21
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
 
Filed Herewith
         
23
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Filed Herewith
         
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer for Joseph C. Bartolacci
 
Filed Herewith
         
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer for Steven F. Nicola
 
Filed Herewith
         
32.1
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Joseph C. Bartolacci
 
Filed Herewith
         
32.2
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Steven F. Nicola
 
Filed Herewith


Copies of any Exhibits will be furnished to shareholders upon written request.  Requests should be directed to Mr. Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Registrant.

72