UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015

Commission File Number 0-09115

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

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.  ☒

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.   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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 Global Select Market on March 31, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $1.6 billion.

As of October 31, 2015, shares of common stock outstanding were: Class A Common Stock 32,881,794 shares

Documents incorporated by reference: Specified portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

The index to exhibits is on pages 82-84.

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 actual results of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations.  Although 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.  In addition to the risk factors previously disclosed and those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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, including the risks associated with the Company's acquisitions of Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") in July 2014 and Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") in August 2015, 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 provider principally of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial products.  Brand solutions include brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Industrial products include marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

Beginning October 1, 2014, the Company realigned its operations into three reporting segments, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization, and Industrial. The SGK Brand Solutions segment is comprised of the graphics imaging business, including Schawk, and the merchandising solutions operations.  The Memorialization segment is comprised of the Company's cemetery products, funeral home products and cremation operations.  The Industrial segment is comprised of the Company's marking and automation products and fulfillment systems.  Prior periods have been revised to conform with the current presentation.  Segment information is set forth in this Report in Note 17, "Segment Information" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".

At October 31, 2015, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries had approximately 10,300 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 Company files or furnishes all required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the Exchange Act.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company's website as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed or furnished to the SEC. The Company's reports filed with the SEC, including exhibits attached to such reports, are also available to read and copy at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by contacting the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.  All Company reports filed with or furnished to the SEC can be found on its website at www.sec.gov.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

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 17 ("Segment Information") to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In fiscal 2015, approximately 66% of the Company's sales were made from the United States, and 28%, 2%, 2% and 2% were made from Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada, respectively. For further information on segments, see Note 17 ("Segment Information") in Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on pages 66-67 of this Report. Products and services of the SGK Brand Solutions segment are sold throughout the world, with principal locations in the United States, Europe and Asia.  Memorialization segment products are sold throughout the world, with the segment's principal operations located in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.  The Industrial 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 and China, and through other foreign distributors.  Matthews owns a minority interest in Industrial product distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.

SGK Brand Solutions:

The SGK Brand Solutions segment provides brand development, brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, embossing tools, and creative design services principally to consumer packaged goods and retail customers, and the primary packaging and corrugated packaging industries. With the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014, the Company significantly expanded its product offerings and capabilities related to brand development and brand management serving the consumer packaged goods and retail industries.  The primary packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed packaging materials such as boxes, flexible packaging, folding cartons and bags commonly displayed at retailers of consumer goods. The corrugated packaging industry consists of manufacturers of printed corrugated containers.  Other major industries served include the wallpaper, flooring, automotive, and textile industries.  In addition, the segment provides merchandising, retail graphics and printing solutions for brand owners and retailers.  The segment designs, manufactures and installs merchandising and display systems, and provides total turnkey project management services.  The segment also provides creative merchandising and marketing solutions services.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

The principal products and services of this segment include brand development, brand management, pre-media graphics services, printing plates, gravure cylinders, steel bases, embossing tools, special purpose machinery, engineering assistance, 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 help identify and 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, these sheets are printed and die cut to make finished containers.

The segment offers a wide array of value-added services and products.  These include print process and print production management services; print engineering consultation; pre-media preparation, which includes computer-generated art, film and proofs; plate mounting accessories and various press aids; and press-side print production assurance.  The segment also provides creative digital graphics services to brand owners and packaging markets.

The segment's sales are also derived from the design, engineering, manufacturing and execution of merchandising and display systems.  These systems include permanent and temporary displays, custom store fixtures, brand concept shops, interactive media, 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 collaboration with the customer.

The Company works closely with manufacturers to provide the proper printing forms and tooling required 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.  Gravure cylinders, manufactured from steel, copper and chrome, can be custom engineered for multiple print processes and specific customer print applications.

The SGK Brand Solutions 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 forms, or the electronic files to make the printing plates and gravure cylinders, to the packaging printer for their products.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment serves customers throughout the world, with principal locations in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Major raw materials for this segment's products include photopolymers, steel, copper, film, wood, particleboard, corrugated materials, structural steel, plastic, laminates, inks and graphic art supplies.  All such materials are presently available in adequate supply from various industry sources.

The SGK Brand Solutions segment is one of several providers of brand management, brand development and pre-media services and manufacturers of printing plates and cylinders with an international presence. The combination of the Company's businesses in Europe, the United States and Asia is an important part of Matthews' strategy to become a worldwide leader in the graphics industry by providing consistent service to multinational customers on a global basis.  Competition is on the basis of product quality, timeliness of delivery and price.  The merchandising and display business operates in a fragmented industry consisting primarily of a number of small, locally operated companies.  The segment competes on the basis of reliability, creativity and ability to provide 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. The Company differentiates itself from the competition by consistently meeting these customer demands, providing service to customers both nationally and globally, and providing a variety of value-added support services.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

Memorialization:

The Memorialization segment manufactures and markets a full line of memorialization products used primarily in cemeteries, funeral homes and crematories. The segment's products, which are sold principally in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, include cast bronze memorials, granite memorials, caskets, cremation equipment and other memorialization products.  The segment also manufactures and markets architectural products that are used to identify or commemorate people, places, events and accomplishments.

Memorial products include flush bronze and granite memorials, upright granite memorials and monuments, cremation memorialization products, granite benches, flower vases, crypt plates and letters, cremation urns, niche units, cemetery features and statues, along with other related products and services. Flush memorials are bronze plaques or granite memorials which contain personal information about a deceased individual (such as name, birth date, and death date), photos and emblems.  Flush bronze and granite memorials are even or "flush" with the ground and therefore are preferred by many cemeteries for easier mowing and general maintenance.  The segment's memorial products also include community and family mausoleums within North America.  In addition, the segment's other memorial products include bronze plaques, letters, emblems, vases, lights and photo ceramics that can be affixed to granite monuments, mausoleums, crypts and flush memorials.  Principal customers for memorial products are cemeteries and memorial parks, which in turn sell the Company's products to the consumer.

Customers of the Memorialization 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.  Memorials in storage have been paid in full with title conveyed to each pre-need purchaser.

The segment is a leading manufacturer and distributor of caskets and other funeral home products in North America.  The segment produces and markets metal, wood and cremation caskets. Caskets are offered in a variety of colors, interior designs, handles and trim in order to accommodate specific religious, ethnic or other personal preferences. The segment also markets other funeral home products such as urns, jewelry, stationery and other funeral home products. The segment offers individually personalized caskets through the Company-owned distribution network.

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 (thickness) of the metal.  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 Memorialization 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. Cremation caskets are made primarily from wood or cardboard covered with cloth or veneer.  These caskets appeal primarily to cremation consumers, the environmentally concerned, and value buyers.

The Memorialization segment also produces casket components.  Casket components include stamped metal parts, metal locking mechanisms for gasketed metal caskets, adjustable beds and interior panels.  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.  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.

In addition, the segment provides product and service assortment planning, as well as merchandising and display products to funeral service businesses. These products assist funeral service professionals in providing information, value and satisfaction to their client families.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

The segment provides cremation systems, crematory management, cremation service and supplies, waste management and incineration systems, and environmental and energy solutions to the human, pet and specialized incineration markets.  The primary market areas for these products and services are North America and Europe, although the segment also sells into Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.

Cremation systems include both traditional flame-based and water-based bio-cremation systems for cremation of humans and pets, as well as equipment for processing the cremated remains and other related equipment (ventilated work stations, tables, cooler racks, vacuums).  The principal markets for these products are funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, pet crematories, animal disposers and veterinarians. These products primarily are marketed directly by segment personnel.  Crematory management/operations represent the actual operation and management of client-owned crematories.  Currently the segment provides these services primarily to municipalities in Europe and private operators in the United States.  Cremation service and supplies consists of operator training, preventative maintenance and "at need" service work performed on various makes and models of equipment. This work can be as simple as replacing defective bulbs or as complex as complete reconstruction and upgrading or retro-fitting on site. Supplies are consumable items associated with normal operations.

Waste management/incineration systems encompass both batch load and continuous feed, static and rotary systems for incineration of all waste types, as well as equipment for in-loading waste, out-loading ash and energy recovery. The principal markets for these products are medical waste disposal, oil and gas "work camp" wastes, industrial wastes and bio-mass generators.  Environmental and energy systems include emissions filtration units, waste heat recovery equipment, waste gas treatment products, as well as energy recovery.  The principal markets are municipalities or public/state agencies, the cremation industry and other industries which utilize incinerators for waste reduction and energy production.

The Memorialization segment also manufactures a full line of products for cremation, including urns in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes as well as standard and custom designed granite cremation pedestals and benches.  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 Memorialization segment to manufacture memorials consist principally of bronze and aluminum ingot, granite, 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. The primary materials required for casket manufacturing are cold-rolled steel and lumber. The segment also purchases copper, bronze, stainless steel, particleboard, corrugated materials, paper veneer, 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.  Raw materials used to manufacture cremation and incineration products consist principally of structural steel, sheet metal, electrical components, combustion devices and refractory materials. These are generally available in adequate supply from numerous suppliers.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

Competition from other manufacturers of memorial products is on the basis of reputation, product quality, delivery, price, and design availability. 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 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.

The Memorialization segment markets its casket products in the United States through a combination of Company-owned and independent casket distribution facilities.  The Company operates over 100 distribution centers in the United States.  Over 85% of the segment's casket products are currently sold through Company-owned distribution centers.  The casket business is highly competitive and the Company competes with other manufacturers on the basis of product quality, price, service, design availability and breadth of product line.  The Memorialization 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 in the last five years seen a few new foreign casket manufacturers, primarily from China, enter the North American market.  The Memorialization segment and its principal competitor account for a substantial portion of the U.S. casket market.

The Company competes with several manufacturers in the cremation and accessory equipment market principally on the basis of product design, quality and price.  The Memorialization segment and its three largest global competitors account for a substantial portion of the U.S. and European cremation equipment market.

The Memorialization segment works to provide a total solution to customers that own and operate businesses in both the cemetery and funeral home markets.

Industrial:

The Industrial segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking, coding and industrial automation solutions, order fulfillment systems, and related consumables.  Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors worldwide rely on Matthews' integrated systems to identify, track, control and pick their products.

Marking systems range from mechanical marking solutions to microprocessor-based ink-jet printing systems that integrate into a customer's manufacturing, inventory tracking and material handling control systems.  The Company manufactures and markets products and systems that employ different marking technologies, including contact printing, indenting, etching, laser and ink-jet printing.  Customers frequently use a combination of these methods to achieve an appropriate mark.  These technologies apply product information required for identification and traceability, as well as to facilitate inventory and quality control, regulatory compliance and brand name communication.

Fulfillment systems complement the tracking and distribution of a customer's products with automated order fulfillment technologies, motor-driven rollers for product conveyance, and controls for material handling systems.  Material handling customers include some of the largest automated assembly and distribution companies in the United States.  The Company also engineers innovative, custom solutions to address specific customer requirements in a variety of industries, including oil exploration and security scanning.

A significant portion of the revenue of the Industrial segment is attributable to the sale of consumables and replacement parts required by the marking, coding and tracking hardware sold by Matthews.  The Company develops inks, rubber and steel consumables in conjunction with the marking equipment in which they are used, which is critical to ensure ongoing equipment reliability and mark quality.  Most marking equipment customers use Matthews' inks, solvents and cleaners.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

The principal customers for the Company's marking and fulfillment systems products are manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of durable goods, building products, consumer goods manufacturers (including food and beverage processors) and producers of pharmaceuticals.  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 this segment's sales are outside the United States, with distribution sourced through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden, Germany and China in addition to other international distributors.  The Company owns a minority interest in distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.

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.

Competitors in the marking and fulfillment systems industries are diverse, with some companies offering limited product lines for well-defined specialty markets, while others operate similarly to the Company, offering a broad product line and competing in multiple product markets and countries.  Competition for marking and fulfillment systems products is based on product performance, ease of integration into the manufacturing and/or distribution process, service and price.  The Company typically competes with specialty companies in specific brand marking solutions and traceability applications.  The Company believes that, in general, its Industrial segment offers one of the broadest lines of products to address a wide variety of marking, coding and industrial automation applications.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES:

The Company holds a number of domestic and foreign patents and trademarks.  However, the Company believes the loss of any individual 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 Memorialization, SGK Brand Solutions and Industrial businesses are primarily custom products made to order and services with short lead times, backlogs are not generally material except for mausoleums and cremation equipment in the Memorialization segment, roto-gravure engineering projects in the SGK Brand Solutions segment and industrial automation and order fulfillment systems in the Industrial segment.  Backlogs vary in a range of approximately six to twelve months of sales for mausoleums and roto-gravure engineering projects. Cremation equipment sales backlogs vary in a range of eight to ten months of sales.  Backlogs for Industrial segment sales generally vary in a range of up to six weeks for standard products and twelve weeks for custom systems.  The Company's backlog is expected to be substantially filled in fiscal 2016.

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.

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS, (continued)

At September 30, 2015, an accrual of approximately $4.3 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1.2 million 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.

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's businesses that could adversely affect its operating performance and financial condition.  Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that the Company currently believes to be material.  Additional risks not currently known or deemed immaterial may also result in adverse effects on the Company.

Changes in Economic Conditions.  Generally, changes in domestic and international economic conditions affect the industries in which the Company and its customers and suppliers operate.  These changes include changes in the rate of consumption or use of the Company's products due to economic downturns, volatility in currency exchange rates, and changes in raw material prices resulting from supply and/or demand conditions.

Uncertainty about current global economic conditions poses a risk, as consumers and businesses may continue to postpone or cancel spending.  Other factors that could influence customer spending include energy costs, conditions in the credit markets, consumer confidence and other factors affecting consumer spending behavior.  These and other economic factors could have an effect on demand for the Company's products and services and negatively impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Operations.  The Company conducts business in more than 25 countries around the world, and in fiscal year 2015 approximately 34% of our sales to external customers were to customers outside the United States. In addition, our manufacturing operations, suppliers and employees are located in many places around the world.  As such, our future success depends in part on our ability to grow our sales in non-U.S. markets. Sales and operations outside of the United States are subject to certain inherent risks, including fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies, global economic uncertainties, tariffs, quotas, taxes and other market barriers, political and economic instability, restrictions on the export or import of technology, potentially limited intellectual property protection, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations and potentially adverse tax consequences, and required compliance with U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations.

Changes in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates.  Manufacturing and sales of a significant portion of the Company's products are outside the United States, and accordingly, the Company holds assets, incurs liabilities, earns revenue and pays expenses in a variety of currencies.  The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, and therefore, the Company must translate the reported values of its foreign assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses into U.S. dollars.  Increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of these items in the Company's consolidated financial statements, even though their value has not changed in local currency.

Increased Prices for Raw Materials.  The Company's profitability is affected by the prices of the raw materials used in the manufacture of its products.  These prices may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including changes in supply and demand, domestic and global economic conditions, and volatility in commodity markets, currency exchange rates, labor costs and fuel-related costs.  If suppliers increase the price of critical raw materials, alternative sources of supply, or an alternative material, may not exist or be readily available.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS, (continued)

The Company has standard selling price structures (i.e., list prices) in several of its segments, which are reviewed for adjustment generally on an annual basis.  In addition, the Company has established pricing terms with several of its customers through contracts or similar arrangements.  Based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.  Significant raw material price increases that cannot be mitigated by selling price increases or productivity improvements will negatively affect the Company's results of operations.

Changes in Mortality and Cremation Rates.  Generally, life expectancy in the United States and other countries in which the Company's Memorialization segment operates has increased steadily for several decades and is expected to continue to do so in the future.  The increase in life expectancy is also expected to impact the number of deaths in the future.  Additionally, cremations have steadily grown as a percentage of total deaths in the United States since the 1960's, and are expected to continue to increase in the future.  The Company expects that these trends will continue in the future and although sales of the Company's Memorialization segment may benefit from the continued growth in the number of cremations, such trends may adversely affect the volume of bronze and granite memorialization products and burial caskets sold in the United States.

Changes in Product Demand or Pricing. The Company's businesses have and will continue to operate in competitive markets. Changes in product demand or pricing are affected by domestic and foreign competition and an increase in consolidated purchasing by large customers operating in both domestic and global markets. The Memorialization businesses generally operate in markets with ample supply capacity and demand which is correlated to death rates.  The Brand Solutions businesses serve global customers that are requiring their suppliers to be global in scope and price competitive.  Additionally, in recent years the Company has witnessed an increase in products manufactured offshore, primarily in China, and imported into the Company's U.S. markets.  It is expected that these trends will continue and may affect the Company's future results of operations.

Changes in the Distribution of the Company's Products or the Loss of a Large Customer.  Although the Company does not have any customer that is considered individually significant to consolidated sales, it does have contracts with several large customers in both the Memorialization and SGK Brand Solutions segments.  While these contracts provide important access to large purchasers of the Company's products, they can obligate the Company to sell products at contracted prices for extended periods of time.  Additionally, any significant divestiture of business properties or operations by current customers could result in a loss of business if the Company is not able to maintain the business with the subsequent owners of the properties.

Risks in Connection with Acquisitions.  The Company has grown in part through acquisitions, and continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen its businesses.  There is no assurance however that future acquisition opportunities will arise, or that if they do, that they will be consummated.  In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, or that synergies expected from the integration of the acquisitions will not be achieved as rapidly as expected, if at all. Failure to effectively integrate acquired businesses could prevent the realization of expected rates of return on the acquisition investment and could have a negative effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

The Company completed the acquisitions of Schawk and Aurora in July 2014 and August 2015, respectively.  In connection with the acquisitions, additional risks and uncertainties could affect the Company's financial performance and actual results.  Specifically, the acquisitions could cause actual results for fiscal 2016 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this Report or otherwise made by the Company's management.  The risks associated with the acquisitions include risks related to combining the businesses and achieving expected cost savings and synergies, assimilating the Schawk and Aurora businesses, and the fact that merger integration costs related to the acquisitions are difficult to predict with a level of certainty, and may be greater than expected.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS, (continued)

Protection of Intellectual Property.  We rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements, to establish our proprietary rights.  If we do not enforce our intellectual property rights successfully, our competitive position may suffer which could harm our operating results. In addition, our patents, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights may not provide us a significant competitive advantage. We may need to spend significant resources monitoring our intellectual property rights and we may or may not be able to detect infringement by third parties. Our competitive position may be harmed if we cannot detect infringement and enforce our intellectual property rights quickly or at all. In some circumstances, we may choose to not pursue enforcement because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons. In addition, competitors might avoid infringement by designing around our intellectual property rights or by developing non-infringing competing technologies. Intellectual property rights and our ability to enforce them may be unavailable or limited in some countries which could make it easier for competitors to capture market share and could result in lost revenues.

Environmental Remediation and Compliance.  The Company is subject to the risk of environmental liability and limitations on our operations due to environmental laws and regulations. We are subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety laws and regulations concerning matters such as air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal and the investigation and remediation of contamination. The risks of potentially substantial costs and liabilities related to compliance with these laws and regulations are an inherent part of our business, and future conditions may develop, arise or be discovered that create substantial environmental compliance or remediation liabilities and costs. Compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements may prove to be more limiting and costly than we anticipate, and there is no assurance that significant expenditures related to such compliance may not be required in the future.

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings brought by private parties or governmental authorities with respect to environmental matters, including matters involving alleged noncompliance with or liability under environmental, health and safety laws, property damage or personal injury. New laws and regulations, including those which may relate to emissions of greenhouse gases, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Technological Factors Beyond the Company's Control.  The Company operates in certain markets in which technological product development contributes to its ability to compete effectively.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop new products, that new products can be manufactured and marketed profitably, or that new products will successfully meet the expectations of customers.

Cybersecurity and Data Breaches.  In the course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data and proprietary business information. We could be subject to service outages or breaches of security systems which may result in disruption, unauthorized access, misappropriation, or corruption of this information. Security breaches of our network or data including physical or electronic break-ins, vendor service outages, computer viruses, attacks by hackers or similar breaches can create system disruptions, shutdowns, or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Although we are not aware of any significant incidents to date, if we are unable to prevent such security or privacy breaches, our operations could be disrupted or we may suffer legal claims, loss of reputation, financial loss, property damage, or regulatory penalties because of lost or misappropriated information.

Compliance with Foreign Laws and Regulations.  Due to the international scope of our operations, the Company is subject to a complex system of commercial and trade regulations around the world, and our foreign operations are governed by laws, rules and business practices that often differ from those of the United States. We cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which the Company's operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS, (continued)

might be administered or interpreted, which could have a material and negative impact on our business and our results of operation.  For example, recent years have seen an increase in the development and enforcement of laws regarding trade compliance and anti-corruption, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries. While we maintain a variety of internal policies and controls and take steps, including periodic training and internal audits, that we believe are reasonably calculated to discourage, prevent and detect violations of such laws, we cannot guarantee that such actions will be effective or that individual employees will not engage in inappropriate behavior in contravention of our policies and instructions. Such conduct, or even the allegation thereof, could result in costly investigations and the imposition of severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and could materially and adversely affect our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.

Further, we are subject to laws and regulations worldwide affecting our operations outside the United States in areas including, but not limited to, intellectual property ownership and infringement, tax, customs, import and export requirements, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions, foreign investment, data privacy requirements, anti-competition, pensions and social insurance, employment, and environment, health, and safety. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be onerous and expensive and requirements may differ among jurisdictions.  Further, the promulgation of new laws, changing in existing laws and abrogation of local regulations by national laws may have a negative impact on our business and prospects.  In addition, certain laws and regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. There can be no assurance that any of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Effectiveness of our Internal Controls.  Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, we are required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting, our management is required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to and report on our assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls could cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our Consolidated Financial Statements, and substantial costs and resources may be required to rectify these or other internal control deficiencies. If we cannot produce reliable financial reports, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, the market price of our common stock could decline significantly, and our business, financial condition, and reputation could be harmed.

Compliance with Securities Laws and Regulations; Conflict Minerals Reporting.  The Company is required to comply with various securities laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"). Dodd-Frank contains provisions, among others, designed to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply chains of certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries that are believed to be benefiting armed groups ("Conflict Minerals"). While Dodd-Frank does not prohibit companies from using Conflict Minerals, the SEC mandates due diligence, disclosure and reporting requirements for companies for which conflict minerals are necessary to the functionality or production of a product. Our efforts to comply with Dodd-Frank and other evolving laws, regulations and standards could result in increased costs and expenses related to compliance and potential violations.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable.

 ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

Principal properties of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries as of October 31, 2015 were as follows (properties are owned by the Company except as noted):

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES, (continued)

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES, (continued)

(1)

These properties are leased by the Company under operating lease arrangements. Rent expense incurred by the Company for all leased facilities was approximately $31.8 million in fiscal 2015.

(2)

In addition to the properties listed, the Memorialization segment leases warehouse facilities totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet in 40 states under operating leases.

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.

Matthews is subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Matthews' financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT

The following information is furnished with respect to officers and executive management as of October 31, 2015:

Joseph C. Bartolacci was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 2006.

David F. Beck was appointed Vice President and Controller effective February 2010.

Marcy L. Campbell was appointed Vice President, Human Resources effective November 2014.  Ms. Campbell served as Director, Regional Human Resources from January 2013, and as Manager, Regional Human Resources from November 2005 to December 2012.

Brian J. Dunn was appointed Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development effective July 24, 2014.  Prior thereto, he served as Group President, Brand Solutions since February 2010.

Steven D. Gackenbach was appointed Group President, Memorialization effective October 31, 2011.  Prior thereto he had been Chief Commercial Officer, Memorialization since January 2011 when he joined the Company.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Gackenbach served as the Senior Director of Strategy for Kraft Foods' Cheese and Dairy Division from 2002 to 2010.

Robert M. Marsh joined the Company as Treasurer in December 2014.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Marsh was a partner of PNC Mezzanine Capital, the principal mezzanine investment business of The PNC Financial Services Group, LLC ("PNC").  Mr. Marsh joined PNC in 1997.

Steven F. Nicola was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective December 2003.

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

David A. Schawk joined the Company in July 2014 as President, SGK Brand Solutions upon Matthews' acquisition of Schawk.  Mr. Schawk served as Schawk's Chief Executive Officer from July 2012, and Chief Executive Officer and President for more than five years prior thereto. Mr. Schawk was a member of the Schawk Board of Directors since 1992.

Brian D. Walters was appointed Vice President and General Counsel effective February 2009.

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.  At September 30, 2015, 32,875,067 shares were outstanding.  The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MATW".  The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 661,022 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2015.  In November 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved the continuation of its stock repurchase program and increased the authorization for stock repurchases by an additional 2,500,000 shares.  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 set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.

All purchases of the Company's common stock during fiscal 2015 were part of this repurchase program.

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, (continued)

The following table shows the monthly fiscal 2015 stock repurchase activity:

Holders:

Based on records available to the Company, the number of registered holders of the Company's common stock was 1,172 at
October 31, 2015.

Dividends:

A quarterly dividend of $.15 per share was paid for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 to shareholders of record on November 23, 2015. The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.13 per share for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.  The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.11 per share for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.  The Company paid quarterly dividends of $.10 per share for each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Cash dividends have been paid on common shares in every year for at least the past forty-six 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 many factors, including but not limited to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans:

See Equity Compensation Plans in Item 12 "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" on page 76 of this report.

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 **

*  Total return assumes dividend reinvestment

** Fiscal year ended September 30

Note: Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 2010 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.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

(1)

Fiscal 2015 included pre-tax charges of $36,883 and income of $8,726, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively, and also included the unfavorable effect of related adjustments of $1,334 to income tax expense.  These amounts primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, trade name write-offs, strategic cost-reduction initiatives, and losses related to a theft of funds, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of a multi-employer pension plan obligation, and the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses.

(2)

Fiscal 2014 included net charges of approximately $41,289 (pre-tax), primarily related to acquisition-related costs, strategic cost-reduction initiatives, and litigation expenses related to a legal dispute in the Memorialization segment.  Charges of $38,598 and $2,691 impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2014 included the unfavorable effect of adjustments of $1,347 to income tax expense related to non-deductible expenses related to acquisition activities.

(3)

Fiscal 2013 included net charges of approximately $15,352 (pre-tax), which primarily related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives, incremental costs related to an ERP implementation in the Memorialization segment, acquisition-related costs and an impairment charge related to the carrying value of a trade name. The charges were partially offset by a gain on the final settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries and the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration.

(4)

Fiscal 2012 included net charges of approximately $8,779 (pre-tax), which primarily consisted of charges related to cost-reduction initiatives and incremental costs related to an ERP implementation in the Memorialization segment.  In addition, fiscal 2012 included the favorable effect of an adjustment of $528 to income tax expense primarily related to changes in estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.

(5)	Fiscal 2011 included the favorable effect of an adjustment of $606 to income tax expense primarily related to changes in estimated tax accruals for open tax periods.

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 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 sales and operating profit for the Company's SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial segments for each of the last three fiscal years.

Comparison of Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2015 were $1.4 billion, compared to $1.1 billion for the year ended September 30, 2014.  The increase in fiscal 2015 sales principally reflected the acquisitions of Schawk, Inc. ("Schawk") in July 2014 and Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") in August 2015, higher sales in the Industrial segment, and higher sales in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, exclusive of the Schawk acquisition.  These increases were partially offset by lower sales in the Memorialization segment, excluding Aurora.  Additionally, consolidated sales for fiscal 2015 were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $56.9 million.

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for fiscal 2015 were $798.3 million, compared to $497.3 million in fiscal 2014.  The increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Schawk ($339.1 million), and higher sales, excluding the Schawk acquisition, in Europe.  These increases were partially offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $44.1 million.  Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2015 were $508.1 million compared to $508.4 million for fiscal 2014.  The Memorialization segment sales reflected higher unit volume of caskets, higher sales of bronze and granite memorials, higher cremation equipment sales in the U.S. market, and the incremental impact of the Aurora acquisition ($14.4 million).  These increases were offset by lower mausoleum sales, lower equipment sales in Europe and the U.K., and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $9.7 million.  Lower equipment sales in the U.K. reflected a large waste incinerator project in fiscal 2014 that did not repeat in fiscal 2015.  Industrial segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2015 were $119.7 million, compared to $100.8 million for fiscal 2014.  The increase resulted principally from higher sales of warehouse control systems and higher unit volume of marking products and related consumables, primarily in North America.  These increases were partially offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $3.0 million.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2015 was $529.4 million, compared to $392.5 million for fiscal 2014.  Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 37.1% and 35.5% for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.  The increase in gross profit primarily reflected the impact of higher sales.  Fiscal 2015 gross profit also included an expense of $1.8 million for the partial write-off of inventory step-up value related to the Aurora acquisition.  Fiscal 2014 gross profit included an expense of $9.5 million for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to the Schawk acquisition.  The improvement in gross profit as a percent of sales reflected the higher fiscal 2014 write-off of inventory step-up value, and the favorable margin impact from the Schawk acquisition.

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2015 were $424.4 million, compared to $311.0 million for fiscal 2014.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 29.8% for fiscal 2015, compared to 28.1% in fiscal 2014.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to higher sales and the acquisitions of Schawk and Aurora.  In addition, fiscal 2015 selling and administrative expenses included an increase of $12.1 million in intangible asset amortization related to the Schawk and Aurora acquisitions, acquisition-related expenses of $37.1 million primarily related to the Schawk acquisition integration activities and Aurora transaction expenses, trade name write-offs of $4.8 million and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives of $2.2 million, partially offset by the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses, in the Memorialization segment of $9.0 million. Fiscal 2014 selling and administrative expenses included expenses related to acquisition activities, primarily the Schawk acquisition, of $18.2 million, the Company's strategic cost structure initiatives of $4.5 million and litigation-related expenses in the Memorialization segment of $3.0 million.

Operating profit for fiscal 2015 was $105.0 million, compared to $81.5 million for fiscal 2014.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit for fiscal 2015 was $21.9 million, compared to $2.5 million for fiscal 2014.  The segment's fiscal 2015 operating profit was favorably impacted by the Schawk acquisition, and higher sales, exclusive of the acquisition, in Europe.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment fiscal 2015 operating profit included charges totaling $39.5 million representing acquisition integration expenses, trade name write-offs, and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives.  In addition, the segment reported an $11.7 million increase in intangible asset amortization related to the Schawk acquisition.  Fiscal 2015 SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit was also unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $4.4 million.  Fiscal 2014 SGK Brand solutions segment operating profit included expenses of $17.8 million related to acquisition activities, $4.1 million related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives, a $9.5 million write-off of inventory step-up value, and also reflected the benefit of a merchandising display project that did not repeat to the same level in fiscal 2015.  Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2015 was $70.1 million, compared to $67.9 million for fiscal 2014.  The Memorialization segment fiscal 2015 operating profit included the incremental impact of the Aurora acquisition, and the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses, of $9.0 million.  The fiscal 2015 Memorialization segment operating profit was unfavorably impacted by charges totaling $6.4 million, primarily consisting of acquisition-related costs, and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives.  In addition, the segment reported a $403,000 increase in intangible asset amortization related to the Aurora acquisition. Memorialization segment fiscal 2014 operating profit included $4.0 million of expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives and $3.0 million of litigation-related expenses, and also reflected the benefit of a large incineration project that did not repeat in fiscal 2015.  Operating profit for the Industrial segment for fiscal 2015 was $13.1 million, compared to $11.0 million in fiscal 2014.  The increase primarily resulted from the favorable impact of higher sales.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2015 was $175,000, compared to $2.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2014.  The decrease reflected lower rates of return on investments held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for fiscal 2015 was $20.6 million, compared to $12.6 million in fiscal 2014.  The increase in interest expense primarily reflected higher average debt levels resulting from the acquisitions of Schawk in July 2014 and Aurora in August 2015.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2015 represented an increase in pre-tax income of $5.1 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $4.9 million in fiscal 2014. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains or losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated receivables and payables.  Fiscal 2015 other income and deductions included an $11.5 million gain on the settlement of a multi-employer pension plan installment payment obligation.  Fiscal 2014 other income and deductions included a write-off of prior deferred bank fees recognized upon the amendment of the Company's domestic Revolving Credit Facility in conjunction with the Schawk acquisition. Other income and deductions also included losses related to a theft of funds by an employee that had occurred over a multi-year period, totaling $2.3 million and $1.7 million in fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 was 29.4%, compared to 34.5% for fiscal 2014. The decrease in the fiscal 2015 effective tax rate, compared to fiscal 2014, primarily reflected the benefit of the utilization of certain tax attributes as a result of legal structure reorganization in foreign jurisdictions and a relative increase in the amount of earnings generated from non-U.S. locations.  The effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 included the impact of non-deductible acquisition costs relating to the Schawk acquisition. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected the impact of state taxes, offset by lower foreign income taxes.

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was a loss of $161,000 in fiscal 2015, compared to income of $646,000 in fiscal 2014.  The change in net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Industrial and Memorialization businesses.

Comparison of Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2013:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2014 were $1.1 billion, compared to $985.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.  The increase in fiscal 2014 sales principally reflected the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014, higher sales in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions and Industrial segments, the incremental impact of acquisitions completed in fiscal 2013 and the impact of significant projects in the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments.  Consolidated sales for fiscal 2014 also reflected the benefit of favorable changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $6.2 million.

Sales for the SGK Brand Solutions segment in fiscal 2014 were $497.3 million, compared to $373.9 million for fiscal 2013.  The increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014 ($75.1 million), higher sales volume in the segment's principal markets, the incremental impact of the acquisition of Wetzel Holding AG, Wetzel GmbH and certain related affiliates (collectively, "Wetzel") in November 2012, a significant merchandising display project during the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2014 and a $5.9 million favorable impact of changes in foreign currency against the U.S. dollar.  Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2014 were $508.4 million compared to $517.9 million for fiscal 2013.  The decrease primarily reflected lower unit volume of memorials and caskets and traditional cremator equipment, partially offset by a large waste incineration project in Saudi Arabia and higher mausoleum sales.  Based on published CDC data, the Company estimated that the number of casketed, in-ground burial deaths in the United States declined in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, which was the primary factor in the decrease in unit volume of both memorials and caskets.  Industrial segment sales for the year ended September 30, 2014 were $100.8 million, compared to $93.5 million for fiscal 2013.  The increase resulted principally from higher sales in the United States and the incremental impact of the acquisition of Pyramid Control Systems ("Pyramid") in December 2012.

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $392.5 million, or 35.5% of sales, compared to $356.5 million, or 36.2% of sales, for fiscal 2013.  The increase in fiscal 2014 consolidated gross profit compared to fiscal 2013 reflected higher sales and the benefit of recent acquisitions, partially offset by higher material costs in the Memorialization segment.  In addition, fiscal 2014 gross profit included an expense of $9.5 million for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to the Schawk acquisition.   The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of sales primarily reflected the impact of the write-off of the inventory step-up and higher material costs in the Memorialization segment.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2014 were $311.0 million, or 28.1% of sales, compared to $261.9 million, or 26.6% of sales, for fiscal 2013.  Fiscal 2014 selling and administrative expenses included expenses related to acquisition activities (primarily the Schawk acquisition) of $18.2 million, the Company's strategic cost structure initiatives of $4.5 million and litigation expenses of $3.0 million related to a legal dispute in the Memorialization segment.  Fiscal 2013 selling and administrative expenses included expenses of $13.6 million related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives, $3.4 million related to acquisition activities, $1.8 million related to litigation-related expenses in the Memorialization segment, and $2.2 million related to asset adjustments.  These fiscal 2013 expenses were partially offset by the benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration of $6.2 million and a gain of $3.0 million on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one of the Company's subsidiaries.

Operating profit for fiscal 2014 was $81.5 million, compared to $94.6 million for fiscal 2013.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment reported operating profit of $2.5 million for fiscal 2014, compared to $14.0 million for fiscal 2013.  The decrease in fiscal 2014 primarily reflected the impact of acquisition-related expenses of $17.8 million, the $9.5 million write-off of inventory step-up value and expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives of $4.1 million.  Fiscal 2013 SGK Brand solutions segment operating profit included expenses of $3.2 million related to acquisition activities, $5.3 million related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives and a $1.6 million impairment charge related to the carrying value of a trade name.  These fiscal 2013 expenses were partially offset by a gain of $3.0 million on the settlement of the purchase price of the remaining ownership interest in one the Company's subsidiaries.  Excluding these net charges from both years, SGK Brand Solutions operating profit increased $12.8 million as a result of higher sales and the acquisition of Schawk.  Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2014 was $67.9 million, compared to $71.8 million for fiscal 2013.  Memorialization segment fiscal 2014 operating profit included $4.0 million of expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives and litigation expenses of $3.0 million related to a legal dispute with one of its competitors.  Fiscal 2013 Memorialization segment operating profit included the impact of expenses of $10.1 million related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives, litigation expenses of $1.8 million, and a $6.3 million benefit of adjustments to contingent consideration. Excluding the impact of these expenses from both years, fiscal 2014 operating profit decreased by $2.5 million, compared to fiscal 2013, primarily reflecting lower sales, partially offset by the productivity benefits from strategic cost-reduction initiatives.  Operating profit for the Industrial segment for fiscal 2014 was $11.0 million, compared to $8.9 million for fiscal 2013.  The segment's fiscal 2014 and 2013 operating profit included expenses related to strategic cost-reduction initiatives of $220,000 and $1.4 million, respectively.  Excluding these expenses from both years, Industrial segment operating profit for fiscal 2014 increased $1.0 million over fiscal 2013, primarily as a result of higher sales.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $2.1 million, compared to $2.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.  Interest expense for fiscal 2014 was $12.6 million, compared to $12.9 million for fiscal 2013.  The decrease in interest expense reflected lower interest rates, partially offset by increased debt levels in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 to finance the Schawk acquisition.

Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2014 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $4.9 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $3.8 million in 2013. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains or losses on certain intercompany debt.  The increase in other deductions, net, principally reflected the write-off of prior deferred bank fees upon the amendment of the Company's domestic Revolving Credit Facility in conjunction with the Schawk acquisition.  Other income and deductions also included expenses related to a theft of funds by an employee totaling $1.7 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was 34.5%, compared to 32.6% for fiscal 2013. The increase in the fiscal 2014 effective tax rate, compared to fiscal 2013, primarily reflected the impact of non-deductible acquisition expenses in fiscal 2014. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected the impact of state taxes, offset by lower foreign income taxes.

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests was a deduction of $646,000 for fiscal 2014, compared to income of $116,000 in fiscal 2013.  The change related principally to higher operating income recorded by the Company's less than wholly-owned operations in the U.K.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $141.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2015, compared to $90.7 million and $108.1 million for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2015 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, trade name write-offs, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items and a cash contribution of $3.3 million to the Company's principal pension plan.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2014 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items and a cash contribution of $3.0 million to the Company's principal pension plan.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2013 principally included net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and an increase in deferred taxes, partially offset by an increase in working capital items (primarily accounts receivable and inventory) and a cash contribution of $2.5 million to the Company's principal pension plan.

Cash used in investing activities was $263.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2015, compared to $411.1 million and $98.6 million for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Investing activities for fiscal 2015 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $48.3 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired) of $213.5 million, primarily for the Aurora acquisition, net proceeds of $10.4 million from the sale of a subsidiary, and payment of $12.9 million related to a letter of credit issued for a customer (see discussion below).  Investing activities for fiscal 2014 primarily included payments (net of cash acquired) of $382.1 million, primarily for the Schawk acquisition, and $29.2 million for capital expenditures.  Investing activities for fiscal 2013 primarily included payments (net of cash acquired) of $74.0 million for acquisitions and $24.9 million for capital expenditures.

Capital expenditures were $48.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2015, compared to $29.2 million and $24.9 million for fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Capital expenditures in each of the last three fiscal years reflected reinvestments 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 $34.1 million for the last three fiscal years. The increase in fiscal 2015 capital spending reflects the addition of the capital requirements of Schawk, and additional information technology capital spending related to the Company's systems integration activities, primarily arising with the Schawk acquisition.    Capital spending for fiscal 2016 is currently expected to be approximately $45.0 million.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2015 was $131.2 million, and reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $179.2 million, purchases of treasury stock of $14.6 million, payment of contingent consideration of $484,000, proceeds from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises) of $4.0 million and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $17.8 million ($0.54 per share).  Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $338.1 million, and reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $357.3 million, purchases of treasury stock of $9.9 million, payment of contingent consideration of $3.7 million, proceeds from the sale of treasury stock (stock option exercises) of $8.0 million and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $13.4 million ($0.46 per share).  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $10.8 million, and reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $33.2 million, purchases of treasury stock of $21.6 million, payment of contingent consideration of $11.3 million and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $11.3 million ($0.41 per share).

The Company has a domestic Revolving Credit Facility with a syndicate of financial institutions.  In connection with the acquisition of Schawk in July 2014, the Company amended certain terms of the Revolving Credit Facility to increase the maximum amount of borrowings available under the facility from $500.0 million to $900.0 million.  Borrowings under the amended facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from .75% to 2.00% (1.75% at September 30, 2015) 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.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios.  A portion of the facility (not to exceed $30.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 2015 and 2014 were $857.4 million and $680.0 million, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 2.41% and 2.53%, respectively.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

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 loss, net of unrealized gains, of $3.7 million ($2.2 million after-tax) and an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $330,000 ($201,000 after-tax) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2015, a loss (net of tax) of approximately $711,000 included in accumulated other comprehensive income is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is 35.0 million Euros ($39.3 million).  Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled 23.9 million Euros ($26.8 million) and 17.5 million Euros ($22.1 million) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the facility at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 1.50% and 1.35%, respectively.

The Company, through its German subsidiary, Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG ("Saueressig"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 734,000 Euros ($824,000) and 1.2 million Euros ($1.6 million) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Saueressig at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 4.04% and 3.96%, respectively.

The Company, through its German subsidiary, Wetzel GmbH ("Wetzel"), has several loans with various European banks.  Outstanding borrowings under these loans totaled 1.9 million Euros ($2.1 million) and 2.9 million Euros ($3.6 million) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings of Wetzel at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 5.96% and 5.67%, respectively.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

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 4.3 million Euros ($4.8 million) and 5.5 million Euros ($6.9 million) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Matthews International S.p.A. also has three lines of credit totaling 11.3 million Euros ($12.7 million) with the same Italian banks.  Outstanding borrowings on these lines were 4.6 million Euros ($5.2 million) and 4.8 million Euros ($6.1 million) at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Matthews International S.p.A. borrowings at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was 3.33% and 3.15%, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of $12.9 million was filed with respect to a project for a customer.  In January 2015, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit.  Pursuant to an action initiated by the Company, a court order has been issued requiring these funds to ultimately be remitted to the court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties.  While it is possible the resolution of this matter could be unfavorable to the Company, management has assessed the customer's claim to be without merit and, based on information available as of this filing, expects that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on Matthews' financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  As of September 30, 2015, the Company has presented the funded letter of credit within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 2,500,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 661,022 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2015.  In November 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved the continuation of its stock repurchase program and increased the authorization for stock repurchases by an additional 2,500,000 shares.  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 set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.

At September 30, 2015, approximately $53.9 million of cash and cash equivalents were held by international subsidiaries whose undistributed earnings are considered permanently reinvested. The Company's intent is to reinvest these funds in our international operations and current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund U.S. operations. If the Company decides at a later date to repatriate these funds to the U.S., it would be required to provide taxes on these amounts based on the applicable U.S. tax rates net of credits for foreign taxes already paid.

Consolidated working capital was $375.6 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $312.9 million at September 30, 2014.  Cash and cash equivalents were $72.2 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $63.0 million at September 30, 2014.  The Company's current ratio was 2.5 and 2.2 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, 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.

At September 30, 2015, an accrual of approximately $4.3 million had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $1.2 million 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.  Changes in the accrued environmental remediation obligation from the prior fiscal year reflect payments charged against the accrual.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

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 2015:

In August 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Aurora for $211.6 million (net of cash acquired), subject to a working capital adjustment.  The preliminary allocation of the purchase price resulted in goodwill of $73.6 million, which was assigned to the Memorialization segment, $76.3 million of intangible assets, of which $30.5 million is not subject to amortization, $29.0 million of property, plant and equipment, and $32.6 million of other net assets, primarily working capital.  Approximately $43.0 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  Aurora provides burial, cremation, and technology products to funeral home clients and distributors in the United States and Canada.  In the year ended December 31, 2014, Aurora reported revenue of approximately $142.0 million.  The acquisition is designed to expand the Company's memorialization product offerings and geographic distribution footprint in the United States.

Fiscal 2014:

On July 29, 2014, the Company acquired Schawk, a leading global brand development, activation and deployment company headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. Under the terms of the transaction, Schawk shareholders received $11.80 cash and 0.20582 shares of Matthews' common stock for each Schawk share held.  Based on the closing price of Matthews' stock on July 28, 2014, the transaction represented an implied price of $20.74 per share and a total enterprise value (which included outstanding debt, net of cash acquired) of $616.7 million.  Schawk provides comprehensive brand development and brand deployment services to clients primarily in the consumer packaged goods, retail and life sciences markets.  Schawk creates and sells its clients' brands, produces brand assets and protects brand equities to help drive brand performance.  Schawk delivers its services through more than 155 locations in over 20 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Fiscal 2013:

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired, during the year ended September 30, 2013 totaled $74.0 million.  The acquisitions were not individually significant to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations, and primarily included the following:

In March 2013, the Company completed the purchase of the remaining 38.5% interest in Kroma Pre-Press Preparation Systems Industry & Trade, Inc. ("Kroma"), completing the option arrangement in connection with the July 2011 acquisition of a 61.5% interest in Kroma.

In December 2012, the Company acquired Pyramid Controls, Inc. and its affiliate, Pyramid Control Systems, a provider of warehouse control systems and conveyor control solutions for distribution centers.  The acquisition was designed to expand Matthews' fulfillment products and services in the warehouse management market.  The initial purchase price for the transaction was $26.2 million, plus additional consideration of $3.7 million paid in fiscal 2014 based on operating results. 

In November 2012, the Company acquired Wetzel, a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, with manufacturing operations in Germany and Poland.  Wetzel's products and services are sold primary within Europe, and the acquisition was designed to expand Matthews' products and services in the global graphics imaging market.  The purchase price for Wetzel was 42.6 million Euros ($54.7 million) on a cash-free, debt-free basis.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Matthews has a three-pronged strategy to attain annual growth in earnings per share. This strategy consists of the following:  internal growth (which includes organic growth, cost structure and 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").

With respect to fiscal 2016, the Company expects to continue to devote a significant level of effort to the integrations of Schawk and Aurora.  Due to the size of these acquisitions and the projected synergy benefits from integration, these efforts are anticipated to continue for an extended period of time.  The costs associated with these integrations, and acquisition-related step-up expense, will impact the Company's operating results for fiscal 2016.  Consistent with its practice, the Company plans to identify these costs on a quarterly basis as incurred.

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, 2015.

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.  In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for all customers based on historical collection experience.

Long-Lived Assets, including Property, Plant and Equipment:

Long-lived assets are recorded at their respective cost basis on the date of acquisition.  Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and intangibles with finite useful lives, 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 is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles:

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment, or when circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist.  In general, when the carrying value of these assets exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized.  A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets.  For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows.  A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales volumes and pricing, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, working capital changes, and discount rates.  The Company estimates future cash flows using volume and pricing assumptions based largely on existing customer relationships and contracts, and operating cost assumptions management believes are reasonable based on historical performance and projected future performance as reflected in its most recent operating plans and projections. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analyses are developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes the discount rates appropriately reflect the risks associated with the Company's operating cash flows.  In order to further validate the reasonableness of the estimated fair values of the reporting units as of the valuation date, a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of all reporting units to market capitalization is performed using a reasonable control premium.

The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company determined that the estimated fair value for all goodwill reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary at March 31, 2015.  In connection with the integration of Schawk, the Company discontinued the use of certain legacy trade names and recognized write-offs of approximately $4.8 million in the SGK Brand Solutions segment during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.  There were no other impairments identified during the Company's annual assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

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.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards.

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 information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 7.75% at September 30, 2014 for purposes of determining fiscal 2015 pension cost.   The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices as of September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 for the fiscal year end valuation. The discount rate was 4.25%, 4.25% and 5.00% in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Environmental:

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.

ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (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.  The Company has not determined the deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings, as such determination is not practicable.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

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 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.  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, 2015, the Company held 312,273 memorials and 218,627 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain cremation units and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:

The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at September 30, 2015, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates.  At September 30, 2015, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.41% on the Company's domestic Revolving Credit Facility, 1.50% on the credit facility through the Company's European subsidiaries, 4.04% on bank loans to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Saueressig, 5.96% on bank loans to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Wetzel, and 3.33% 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 I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make a contribution to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2015.

The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2016.  The Company estimates that benefit payments to participants under its retirement plans (including its supplemental retirement plan) and postretirement benefit payments will be approximately $9.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in fiscal 2016.  The amounts are expected to increase incrementally each year thereafter, to $11.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, in 2020.  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.

Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities.  If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.  As of September 30, 2015, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest, of approximately $4.1 million.  The timing of potential future payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits is not presently determinable.

INFLATION:

Except for the volatility in the cost of bronze ingot, steel, wood and fuel (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.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance intended to simplify the accounting for measurement period adjustments in a business combination. Measurement period adjustments are changes to provisional amounts recorded when the accounting for a business combination is incomplete as of the end of a reporting period. The measurement period can extend for up to a year following the transaction date. During the measurement period, companies may make adjustments to provisional amounts when information necessary to complete the measurement is received. The new guidance requires companies to recognize these adjustments, including any related impacts to net income, in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Companies are no longer required to retroactively apply measurement period adjustments to all periods presented. Matthews early-adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.  The new inventory measurement requirements are effective for the Company's 2017 fiscal year, and will replace the current inventory valuation guidance that requires the use of a lower of cost or market framework.  The adoption of these changes is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance intended to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by this new guidance. The new requirements will be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2017, and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  This guidance is effective for Matthews beginning January 1, 2016 and will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606". This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09.  This standard is now effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2018. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for certain receive-variable, pay-fixed interest rate swaps.  This guidance provides companies with a practical expedient to qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.  The guidance was effective for Matthews beginning in fiscal 2015, and did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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, which bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR.

The Company has entered into the following interest rate swaps:

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 loss, net of unrealized gains, of $3.7 million ($2.2 million after-tax) at September 30, 2015 that is included in equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income.  A decrease of 10% in market interest rates (e.g. a decrease from 5.0% to 4.5%) would result in an increase of approximately $421,000 in the fair value liability 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, fuel and wood) used in its manufacturing operations. The Company obtains competitive prices for materials and supplies when available.  In addition, based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers through contracts or similar arrangements, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates - The Company is subject to changes in various foreign currency exchange rates, primarily including the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Swedish Krona, Chinese Yuan, Hong Kong Dollar, Polish Zloty, Turkish Lira, Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit 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 (strengthening dollar) of 10% in exchange rates would have resulted in a decrease in reported sales of $53.5 million and a decrease in reported operating income of $5.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2015.

Actuarial Assumptions - The most significant actuarial assumptions affecting pension expense and pension obligations include the valuation of retirement plan assets, the discount rate and the estimated return on plan assets.  The estimated return on plan assets is currently based upon projections provided by the Company's independent investment advisor, considering the investment policy of the plan and the plan's asset allocation.  The fair value of plan assets and discount rate are "point-in-time" measures, and the recent volatility of the debt and equity markets makes estimating future changes in fair value of plan assets and discount rates more challenging.  In fiscal 2015, the Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using a modified assumption of future mortality that reflects a significant improvement in life expectancy over the previous mortality assumptions.  Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" in Item 8 – "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.

The following table summarizes the impact on the September 30, 2015 actuarial valuations of changes in the primary assumptions affecting the Company's retirement plans and supplemental retirement plan.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

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, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15f. 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 (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Internal controls over financial reporting is a process under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the Company's board of directors, management and other personnel 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 and 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.

Aurora Products Group, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Aurora") have been excluded from management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015, because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination in August 2015.  Aurora is a 100% owned subsidiary whose total assets and total sales represent approximately 4% and 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts of the Company as of and for the year ended September 30, 2015.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO, and has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015.  The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as restated 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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015 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, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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 audits 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.

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.

As described in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Aurora Products Group LLC ("Aurora") from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination in August 2015.  We have also excluded Aurora from our audit of internal control over financial reporting.  Aurora is a 100% owned subsidiary whose total assets and total sales represent approximately 4% and 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts of the Company as of and for the year ended September 30, 2015.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 24, 2015

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued

September 30, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

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

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)