t72451_10q.htm


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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011
Commission file number 000-04217


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


New York
 
11-1720520
(State or other jurisdiction of
 incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification
Number)
 
4 Tri Harbor Court, Port Washington,  NY 11050
(Address of principal executive offices)

(516) 627-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

www.aceto.com
(Registrant’s website address)


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

Yes  x No  o

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 (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes  x No  o

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
 
Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer x
       
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company o
                                                                                                   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o No  x

 
The registrant had 26,804,480 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 3, 2012.
 
 
 

 

ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
   
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2011 (unaudited) and June 30, 2011   
4
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) 5
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income – Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) 6
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) 7
         
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
8
         
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 18
         
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
         
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
30
         
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
31
         
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
    31
         
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
  31
         
Item 2.
Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
32
         
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
    32
         
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
    32
         
Item 5.
Other Information
    32
         
Item 6.
Index to Exhibits
 
  32
         
Signatures
 
 
  33
         
Exhibits
 
 
   
 
 
 

 
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
   
December 31,
 2011
   
June 30,
 2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 28,242     $ 28,664  
Investments
    458       943  
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful
               
      accounts (December, $785; June, $682)
    76,567       83,735  
Other receivables
    3,384       5,373  
Inventory
    78,831       77,433  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,790       1,720  
Deferred income tax asset, net
    402       747  
Total current assets
    189,674       198,615  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    11,857       12,095  
Property held for sale
    3,752       3,752  
Goodwill
    33,522       33,625  
Intangible assets, net
    48,107       50,658  
Deferred income tax asset, net
    3,680       3,477  
Other assets
    10,081       9,443  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 300,673     $ 311,665  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 6,197     $ 6,247  
Accounts payable
    38,783       44,614  
Accrued expenses
    28,854       32,019  
Deferred income tax liability
     2       306  
Total current liabilities
    73,836       83,186  
                 
Long-term debt
    45,651       48,750  
Long-term liabilities
    13,836       12,859  
Environmental remediation liability
    5,754       5,998  
Deferred income tax liability
     25       51  
Total liabilities
    139,102       150,844  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000 shares authorized; 26,804 and 26,644 shares issued;  26,804 and 26,620 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively
    268       266  
Capital in excess of par value
    62,839       62,329  
Retained earnings
    95,665       90,713  
Treasury stock, at cost, 0 and 24 shares at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively
     -       (230 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,799       7,743  
Total shareholders’ equity
    161,571       160,821  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 300,673     $ 311,665  
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and accountants’ review report.
 
 
4

 
 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net sales
  $ 212,024     $ 173,343  
Cost of sales
    172,861       146,933  
Gross profit
    39,163       26,410  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    27,097       21,024  
Operating income
    12,066       5,386  
                 
Other (expense) income:
               
Interest expense
    (1,411 )     (223 )
Interest and other income, net
    1,248       1,382  
      (163 )     1,159  
                 
Income before income taxes
    11,903       6,545  
Income tax provision
    4,282       4,917  
Net income
  $ 7,621     $ 1,628  
                 
Net income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.06  
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 0.29     $ 0.06  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    26,520       25,351  
Diluted
    26,686       25,554  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and accountants’ review report.
 
 
5

 

ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Net sales
  $ 110,707     $ 85,683  
Cost of sales
    90,063       72,560  
Gross profit
    20,644       13,123  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    13,528       11,427  
Operating income
    7,116       1,696  
                 
Other (expense) income:
               
Interest expense
    (656 )     (112 )
Interest and other income, net
    704       711  
       48       599  
                 
Income before income taxes
    7,164       2,295  
Income tax provision
    2,576       3,464  
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,588     $ (1,169 )
                 
Net income (loss) per common share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.05 )
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
  $ 0.17     $ (0.05 )
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    26,565       25,391  
Diluted
    26,737       25,391  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and accountants’ review report.
 
 
6

 

ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited and in thousands)
 
   
Six Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 7,621     $ 1,628  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    3,460       1,683  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    140       70  
Non-cash stock compensation
    598       401  
Deferred income taxes
    (243 )     158  
Unrealized gain on trading securities
    -       (111 )
Earnings on equity investment in joint venture
    (1,331 )     (1,065 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Investments-trading securities
    475       -  
Trade accounts receivable
    4,965       20,316  
Other receivables
    1,423       230  
Inventory
    (3,328 )     (10,349 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (120 )     167  
Other assets
    607       (174 )
Accounts payable
    (4,847 )     (5,733 )
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (4,336 )     (4,523 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,084       2,698  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Payment for net assets of  business acquired, net of cash acquired
    -       (58,711 )
Purchases of investments
    (76 )     -  
Payments received on notes receivable
    269       500  
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (545 )     (1,819 )
       Payments for intangible assets
    (609 )     (749 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (961 )     (60,779 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    122       279  
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises and restricted stock
    20       102  
       Repayment of bank loans
    (3,149 )     -  
       Borrowings of  bank loans
     -       50,000  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (3,007 )     50,381  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1,538 )     1,655  
                 
Net decrease in cash
    (422 )     (6,045 )
Cash at beginning of period
    28,664       30,850  
Cash at end of period
  $ 28,242     $ 24,805  

Non-Cash Item

The Company had non-cash items excluded from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows during the six months ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 of $2,661 and $2,548, respectively, related to dividends declared but not paid. In connection with the acquisition of Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc. the Company issued shares of Aceto common stock with a fair market value of $9,000, which is a non-cash item and is excluded from the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows during the six months ended December 31, 2010.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements and accountants’ review report.
 
 
7

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
(1)  Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Aceto Corporation and subsidiaries (“Aceto” or the “Company”) included herein have been prepared by the Company and reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.  Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results which may be achieved for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements.  These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.  The Company’s most critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition; royalty income; partnered products; allowance for doubtful accounts; inventories; goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets; long-lived assets; environmental and other contingencies; income taxes; and stock-based compensation.

These condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all disclosures associated with consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Accordingly, these statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011.


(2)  Stock-Based Compensation

At the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company, held on December 2, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved the Aceto Corporation 2010 Equity Participation Plan (the “Plan”).  Under the Plan, grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and stock bonuses (collectively, “Stock Awards”) may be made to employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and other named executive officers.  The maximum number of shares of common stock of the Company that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards granted under the Plan will not exceed, in the aggregate, 2,000 shares.

During the six months ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company granted 217 and 240 stock options, respectively, to employees at an exercise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant, determined in accordance with the Plan.  These options vest over three years and have a term of ten years from the date of grant.  Compensation expense was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Total compensation expense related to stock options for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $171 and $73, respectively and $98 and $26 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to option awards is $794.

In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, including an estimate of forfeiture rates.  Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected life and dividend yield.  The Company uses an expected stock-price volatility assumption that is a combination of both historical volatility, calculated based on the daily closing prices of its common stock over a period equal to the expected life of the option and implied volatility, utilizing market data of actively traded options on Aceto’s common stock, which are obtained from public data sources. The Company believes that the historical volatility of the price of its common stock over the expected life of the option is a reasonable indicator of the expected future volatility and that implied volatility takes into consideration market expectations of how future volatility might differ from historical volatility. Accordingly, the Company believes a combination of both historical and implied volatility provides the best estimate of the future volatility of the market price of its common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option. The Company uses historical data to estimate expected dividend yield, expected life and forfeiture rates. The fair values of the options granted were estimated based on the following weighted average assumptions:

 
8

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
   
                Six months ended
                  December 31,
   
   
       2011
2010
 
             
 
Expected life
5.7 years
 
5.7 years
   
 
Expected volatility
    48.1%
 
48.8%
   
 
Risk-free interest rate
       1.59%
 
1.95%
   
 
Dividend yield
       3.24%
 
2.58%
   
 
During the six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company granted 103 shares of restricted common stock to its employees that vest over three years and 38 shares of restricted common stock to its non-employee directors, which vest over one year.  In addition, the Company also issued a target grant of 49 performance-vested restricted stock units, which grant could be as much as 73 if certain performance criteria and market conditions are met. Performance-vested restricted stock units will cliff vest 100% at the end of the third year following grant in accordance with the performance metrics set forth in the applicable employee performance-vested restricted stock unit grant.

In December 2010, the Company granted 62 shares of restricted common stock to its employees that vest over three years.  In addition, the Company also issued a target grant of 62 performance-vested restricted stock units, which grant could be as much as 93 if certain performance criteria are met. Performance-vested restricted stock units will cliff vest 100% at the end of the third year following grant in accordance with the performance metrics set forth in the applicable employee performance-vested restricted stock unit grant.
 
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $216 and $420, respectively, related to restricted common stock and restricted stock units. For the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of approximately $147 and $320, respectively, related to restricted common stock and restricted stock units. As of December 31, 2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards and units is approximately $1,545.


(3)  Common Stock

On December 8, 2011, the Company’s board of directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share which was paid on January 18, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 28, 2011.  The amount paid for the cash dividend of $2,661 was included in accrued expenses at December 31, 2011.

 
9

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
(4)  Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic income (loss) per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income (loss) per common share includes the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding.  The following table sets forth the reconciliation of weighted average shares outstanding and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:

   
Six months ended
December 31,
   
Three months ended
December 31,
   
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
                           
Weighted average shares outstanding
    26,520       25,351       26,565       25,391    
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock awards and units
 
      166         203         172       -    
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
    26,686       25,554       26,737       25,391    
 
The effect of approximately 228 common equivalent shares for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to a net loss for the period. There were 1,732 and 1,572 common equivalent shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that were not included in the calculation of diluted income per common share for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. There were 1,685 and 1,631 common equivalent shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, that were not included in the calculation of diluted income per common share for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.


(5)  Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are excluded from net income (loss).  The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

     
Six months ended
  December 31,
   
Three months ended
December 31,
 
     
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                       
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 7,621     $ 1,628     $ 4,588     $ (1,169 )
 
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
    (103 )     -       73       -  
 
Foreign currency translation
   adjustment
    (4,841 )     3,730       (2,185 )     (1,336 )
 
Total
  $ 2,677     $ 5,358     $ 2,476     $ (2,505 )
 
 
 
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Where the functional currency of a foreign subsidiary is its local currency, balance sheet accounts are translated at the current exchange rate on the balance sheet date and income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period.   Exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of financial statements of foreign operations are accumulated in other comprehensive income.  Where the local currency of a foreign subsidiary is not its functional currency, financial statements are translated at either current or historical exchange rates, as appropriate.   The foreign currency translation adjustment for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 primarily relates to the fluctuation of the conversion rate of the Euro. The currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-US subsidiaries.

 
10

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
(6) Debt

Long-term debt

 
December 31,
 2011
 
June 30,
2011
 
         
Revolving bank loans
$ 14,000   $ 14,050  
Term bank loans
  34,000     37,000  
Mortgage
  3,848     3,947  
    51,848     54,997  
Less current portion
  6,197     6,247  
  $ 45,651   $ 48,750  


Credit Facilities

On December 31, 2010, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with two financial institutions. The Credit Agreement terminated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 23, 2010. Aceto may borrow, repay and reborrow during the period ending December 31, 2015, up to but not exceeding at any one time outstanding $40,000 (the  “Revolving Loans”).  The Revolving Loans may be (i) Adjusted LIBOR Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (ii) Alternate Base Rate Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or (iii) a combination thereof.  As of December 31, 2011, the Company borrowed Revolving Loans aggregating $14,000, which loans are Adjusted LIBOR Loans, at interest rates ranging from 3.19% to 3.50% at December 31, 2011.  $10,000 of such amount was utilized by the Company to partially finance payment of the purchase price for the Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Rising”) acquisition. The Credit Agreement also allowed for the borrowing up to a maximum of $40,000 (the “Term Loan”).  The Company borrowed a Term Loan of $40,000 on December 31, 2010 to partially finance the acquisition of Rising. The Term Loan interest may be payable as an (i) Adjusted LIBOR Loan, (ii) Alternate Base Rate Loan, or (iii) a combination thereof.  As of December 31, 2011, the remaining amount outstanding under the original amortizing Term Loan is $34,000 and is payable as an Adjusted LIBOR Loan, at an interest rate of 3.375% at December 31, 2011.  The Term Loan is payable as to principal in twenty (20) consecutive quarterly installments, which commenced on March 31, 2011 and will continue on each June 30, September 30 and December 31st thereafter, each in the amount set forth below opposite the applicable installment, provided that the final payment on the Term Loan Maturity Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall be in an amount equal to the then outstanding unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan:
 
 
  Installment Amount  
       
  1 through 8 $ 1,500  
  9 through 12 $ 1,750  
  13 through 16 $ 2,000  
  17 through 20 $ 3,250  
                                                   
As such, the Company has classified $6,000 of the Term Loan as short-term in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011. The Credit Agreement also provides that commercial letters of credit shall be issued to provide the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any materials, goods or services by the Company in the ordinary course of business. The Company had open letters of credit of approximately $250 and $145 as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively.  The terms of these letters of credit are all less than one year.  No material loss is anticipated due to non-performance by the counterparties to these agreements.
 
 
11

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
The Credit Agreement provides for a security interest in all personal property of the Company.  The Credit Agreement contains several financial covenants including, among other things, maintaining a minimum level of debt service. The Company is also subject to certain restrictive covenants, including, among other things, covenants governing liens, limitations on indebtedness, limitations on cash dividends, guarantees, sale of assets, sales of receivables, and loans and investments. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2011.

Mortgage

On June 30, 2011, the Company entered into a mortgage payable for $3,947 on its new corporate headquarters, in Port Washington, New York. This mortgage payable is secured by the land and building and is being amortized over a period of 20 years. The mortgage payable bears interest at 5.92% and matures on June 30, 2021.


(7)  Commitments, Contingencies and Other Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various claims which have arisen in the normal course of business.  The impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company’s results of operations in a particular reporting period is not known.  Management is of the opinion, however, that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition or liquidity.

In fiscal years 2011, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company received letters from the Pulvair Site Group, a group of potentially responsible parties (PRP Group) who are working with the State of Tennessee (the State) to remediate a contaminated property in Tennessee called the Pulvair site. The PRP Group has alleged that Aceto shipped hazardous substances to the site which were released into the environment.   The State had begun administrative proceedings against the members of the PRP Group and Aceto with respect to the cleanup of the Pulvair site and the PRP Group has begun to undertake cleanup. The PRP Group is seeking a settlement of approximately $1,700 from the Company for its share to remediate the site contamination. Although the Company acknowledges that it shipped materials to the site for formulation over twenty years ago, the Company believes that the evidence does not show that the hazardous materials sent by Aceto to the site have significantly contributed to the contamination of the environment and thus believes that, at most, it is a de minimus contributor to the site contamination.  Accordingly, the Company believes that the settlement offer is unreasonable. The impact of the resolution of this matter on the Company's results of operations in a particular reporting period is not known.  However, management believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or liquidity.
 
The Company has environmental remediation obligations in connection with Arsynco, Inc. (Arsynco), a subsidiary formerly involved in manufacturing chemicals located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, which was closed in 1993 and is currently held for sale.  Based on continued monitoring of the contamination at the site and the approved plan of remediation, the Company received an estimate from an environmental consultant stating that the costs of remediation could be between $8,400 and $10,200.  Remediation commenced in fiscal 2010 and as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, a liability of $7,718 and $7,962, respectively, is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for this matter. In accordance with GAAP, management believes that the majority of costs incurred to remediate the site will be capitalized in preparing the property which is currently classified as held for sale.  An appraisal of the fair value of the property by a third-party appraiser supports the assumption that the expected fair value after the remediation is in excess of the amount required to be capitalized. However, these matters, if resolved in a manner different from those assumed in current estimates, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future reporting period.

 
12

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
In connection with the environmental remediation obligation for Arsynco, in July 2009, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with BASF Corporation (BASF), the former owners of the Arsynco property. In accordance with the settlement agreement, BASF paid for a portion of the prior remediation costs and going forward, will co-remediate the property with the Company. The contract states that BASF pay $550 related to past response costs and pay a proportionate share of the future remediation costs. Accordingly, the Company had recorded a gain of $550 in fiscal 2009. This $550 gain relates to the partial reimbursement of costs of approximately $1,200 that the Company had previously expensed. The Company also recorded an additional receivable from BASF, with an offset against property held for sale, representing its estimated portion of the future remediation costs. The balance of this receivable for future remediation costs as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 is $3,473 and $3,583, respectively, which is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In March 2006, Arsynco received notice from the EPA of its status as a PRP under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) for a site described as the Berry’s Creek Study Area.   Arsynco is one of over 150 PRPs which have potential liability for the required investigation and remediation of the site.  The estimate of the potential liability is not quantifiable for a number of reasons, including the difficulty in determining the extent of contamination and the length of time remediation may require.  In addition, any estimate of liability must also consider the number of other PRPs and their financial strength.  Based on prior practice in similar situations, it is possible that the State may assert a claim for natural resource damages with respect to the Arsynco site itself, and either the federal government or the State (or both) may assert claims against Arsynco for natural resource damages in connection with Berry's Creek; any such claim with respect to Berry's Creek could also be asserted against the approximately 150 PRPs which the EPA has identified in connection with that site.  Any claim for natural resource damages with respect to the Arsynco site itself may also be asserted against BASF, the former owners of the Arsynco property. Since an amount of the liability cannot be reasonably estimated at this time, no accrual is recorded for these potential future costs.  The impact of the resolution of this matter on the Company’s results of operations in a particular reporting period is not known.  However, management believes that the ultimate outcome of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity.
 
A subsidiary of the Company markets certain agricultural chemicals which are subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).  FIFRA requires that test data be provided to the EPA to register, obtain and maintain approved labels for pesticide products. The EPA requires that follow-on registrants of these products compensate the initial registrant for the cost of producing the necessary test data on a basis prescribed in the FIFRA regulations. Follow-on registrants do not themselves generate or contract for the data. However, when FIFRA requirements mandate that new test data be generated to enable all registrants to continue marketing a pesticide product, often both the initial and follow-on registrants establish a task force to jointly undertake the testing effort. The Company is presently a member of several such task force groups, which requires payments for such memberships. In addition, in connection with our agricultural protection business, the Company plans to acquire product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to support such registrations and other supporting data for three products. The acquisition of these product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as payments to various task force groups could approximate $4,700 through fiscal 2013, of which $400 and $600 has been accrued as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, respectively.


(8) Fair Value Measurements

GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs).  The hierarchy consists of three levels:
 
 
     Level 1 –   Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 
 
     Level 2 –   Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

 
 
     Level 3 –   Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
 
 
13

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
On a recurring basis, Aceto measures at fair value certain financial assets and liabilities, which consist of cash equivalents, investments, interest rate swap and foreign currency contracts. The Company classifies cash equivalents and investments within Level 1 if quoted prices are available in active markets.  Level 1 assets include instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets which generally include corporate equity securities publicly traded on major exchanges.  Time deposits are very short-term in nature and are accordingly valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value, and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts (futures) to minimize the risk caused by foreign currency fluctuation on its foreign currency receivables and payables by purchasing futures with one of its financial institutions.  Futures are traded on regulated U.S. and international exchanges and represent commitments to purchase or sell a particular foreign currency at a future date and at a specific price.   Aceto’s foreign currency derivative contracts are classified within Level 2 as the fair value of these hedges is primarily based on observable forward foreign exchange rates. At December 31, 2011 the Company had foreign currency contracts outstanding that had a notional amount of $49,057. Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging activities for the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was ($866) and $96, respectively, and are included in interest and other income, net, in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The contracts have varying maturities of less than one year.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Credit Agreement, the Company is required to deliver Hedging Agreements (as defined in the Credit Agreement) fixing the interest rate on not less than $20,000 of the Term Loan.  Accordingly, in March 2011, the Company entered into an interest rate swap for a notional amount of $20,000, which has been designated as a cash flow hedge.  The expiration date of this interest rate swap is December 31, 2015. The unrealized loss to date associated with this derivative, which is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011, is $436. Aceto’s interest rate swap is classified within Level 2 as the fair value of this hedge is primarily based on observable interest rates.

As of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, the Company had $1,033 and $974, respectively, of contingent consideration that was recorded at fair value in the Level 3 category, which related to the acquisition of Andrews Paper & Chemical, Co., Inc., which was completed during fiscal 2010 and the acquisition of Rising, which was completed during fiscal 2011. The contingent consideration was calculated using the present value of a probability weighted income approach.

During the fourth quarter of each year, the Company evaluates goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at the reporting unit level using an undiscounted cash flow model using Level 3 inputs. Additionally, on a nonrecurring basis, the Company uses fair value measures when analyzing asset impairment. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If it is determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value.  Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be Level 3 inputs.  

 
14

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
The following tables summarize the valuation of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities which were determined by using the following inputs at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011:
 
                                                                     
    Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 Using
   
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)
 
 
 
Total
           
 
Cash equivalents:
       
 
    Time deposits
-
$796
-
$796
           
 
Investments:
       
 
    Time deposits
 
458
-
458
           
 
Foreign currency contracts-assets (1)
-
303
-
303
           
 
Foreign currency contracts-liabilities (2)
-
1,115
-
1,115
           
 
Derivative liability for interest rate swap (3)
-
436
-
436
           
 
Contingent consideration (4)
   
$1,033
1,033
 
(1)
Included in “Other receivables” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011.
(2)           Included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011.
(3)
Included in “Long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011.
(4)
$68 included in “Accrued expenses” and $965 included in “Long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2011.

    Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2011 Using 
           
   
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 (Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Total
             
 
Cash equivalents:
         
 
    Time deposits
          -
 
$    467
-
$     467
             
 
Investments:
         
 
    Trading securities
$    475
     
 
-
       475
 
    Time deposits
   
     468
-
       468
             
 
Foreign currency contracts-assets (5)
          -
 
     547
-
       547
 
Foreign currency contracts-liabilities (6)
          -
 
     352
-
       352
 
Derivative liability for interest rate swap (7)
         -
 
     333
-
        333
 
Contingent consideration (8)
     
$974
        974
 
 
15

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
(5)
Included in “Other receivables” in the accompanying  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011.
(6)           Included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011.
(7)
Included in “Long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011.
(8)
$68 included in “Accrued expenses” and $906 included in Long-term liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011.


The carrying values of all financial instruments classified as a current asset or current liability are deemed to approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The fair values of the Company’s notes receivable and short-term and long-term bank loans were based upon current rates offered for similar financial instruments to the Company.

(9)  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”, which amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”. ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2011-04 clarifies the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2011-04 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”, which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” .  ASU 2011-12 deferred certain aspects of ASU 2011-05. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted and full retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 and the deferrals in ASU 2011-12 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”, to allow entities to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. ASU 2011-08 is effective for the Company in fiscal 2013 and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the provisions of this pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”, which requires companies to disclose information about financial instruments that have been offset and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Companies will be required to provide both net (offset amounts) and gross information in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities that are offset. This update is effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2014 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
 
16

 
ACETO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)
 
(10)  Segment Information
 
The Company's business is organized along product lines into three principal segments: Health Sciences, Specialty Chemicals and Agricultural Protection Products.
 
Health Sciences - includes pharmaceutical intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished dosage form generic drugs and nutraceutical products.
 
Specialty Chemicals - includes a variety of chemicals which make plastics, surface coatings, textiles, fuels and lubricants perform to their designed capabilities. Dye and pigment intermediates are used in the color-producing industries such as textiles, inks, paper, and coatings. Organic intermediates are used in the production of agrochemicals. In addition, Aceto is a supplier of diazos and couplers to the paper, film and electronics industries.
 
Agricultural Protection Products - includes herbicides, fungicides and insecticides that control weed growth as well as control the spread of insects and other microorganisms that can severely damage plant growth. The Agricultural Protection Products segment also includes a sprout inhibitor for potatoes and an herbicide for sugar cane. The Company changed the name of this segment from Crop Protection to Agricultural Protection Products in 2011, to more precisely portray the markets in which it does business.
 
The Company's chief operating decision maker evaluates performance of the segments based on net sales, gross profit and income before income taxes. Unallocated corporate amounts are deemed by the Company as administrative, oversight costs, not managed by the segment managers. The Company does not allocate assets by segment because the chief operating decision maker does not review the assets by segment to assess the segments' performance, as the assets are managed on an entity-wide basis.

Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
     
Health
Sciences
   
Specialty
Chemicals
   
Agricultural
Protection
   
Unallocated
Corporate
   
Consolidated
Totals
 
 
2011
                             
 
Net sales
  $ 131,018     $ 69,239     $ 11,767     $ -     $ 212,024  
 
Gross profit
    27,531       9,957       1,675       -       39,163  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    10,795       2,992       1,098       (2,982 )     11,903  
                                           
 
2010
                                       
 
Net sales
  $ 90,100     $ 69,200     $ 14,043     $ -     $ 173,343  
 
Gross profit
    14,798       10,156       1,456       -       26,410  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    3,665       4,149       30       (1,299 )     6,545  


Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
 
     
Health
Sciences
   
Specialty
Chemicals
   
Agricultural
Protection
   
Unallocated
Corporate
   
Consolidated
Totals
 
 
2011
                             
 
Net sales
  $ 65,956     $ 35,451     $ 9,300     $ -     $ 110,707  
 
Gross profit
    14,168       4,935       1,541       -       20,644  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    5,364       1,419       1,082       (701 )     7,164  
                                           
 
2010
                                       
 
Net sales
  $ 45,804     $ 32,358     $ 7,521     $ -     $ 85,683  
 
Gross profit
    7,378       4,511       1,234       -       13,123  
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,484       1,154       781       (1,124 )     2,295  

 
17

 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Aceto Corporation

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Aceto Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month and six-month periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2011.  These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the consolidated balance sheet of Aceto Corporation and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated September 9, 2011, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.  In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2011, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Melville, New York
February 9, 2012

 
18

 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT RELATING TO THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995


This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report may not occur. Generally, these statements relate to our business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of our plans or strategies, financing plans, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions that we may make, or projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of our operating results or financial position, and the outcome of any contingencies.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of management.   We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements.  Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control that may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based.   Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to, our ability to remain competitive with competitors, risks associated with the generic product industry, dependence on a limited number of suppliers, risks associated with healthcare reform and reductions in reimbursement rates, difficulty in predicting revenue stream and gross profit, industry and market changes, the effect of fluctuations in operating results on the trading price of our common stock, inventory levels, reliance on outside manufacturers, risks of incurring uninsured environmental and other industry specific liabilities, governmental approvals and regulations, risks associated with hazardous materials, potential violations of government regulations, product liability claims, reliance on Chinese suppliers, potential changes to Chinese laws and regulations, potential changes to laws governing our relationships in India, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, tax assessments, changes in tax rules, global economic risks, risk of unsuccessful acquisitions, effect of acquisitions on earnings, indemnification liabilities, terrorist activities, reliance on key executives, litigation risks, volatility of the market price of our common stock, changes to estimates, judgments and assumptions used in preparing financial statements, failure to maintain effective internal controls, compliance with changing regulations, as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011 and other filings.  Copies of these filings are available at www.sec.gov.

Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate.  Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.

NOTE REGARDING DOLLAR AMOUNTS

In this quarterly report, all dollar amounts are expressed in thousands, except for per-share amounts.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide the readers of our financial statements with a narrative discussion about our business. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to and should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Executive Summary

We are reporting net sales of $212,024 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, which represents a 22.3% increase from the $173,343 reported in the comparable prior period.  Gross profit for the six months ended December 31, 2011 was $39,163 and our gross margin was 18.5% as compared to gross profit of $26,410 and gross margin of 15.2% in the comparable prior period.  Our selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A) for the six months ended December 31, 2011 increased $6,073 to $27,097 from the amount we reported in the prior period.  Our net income increased to $7,621, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1,628, or $0.06 per diluted share in the prior period.

 
19

 
 
Our financial position as of December 31, 2011 remains strong, as we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $28,700, working capital of $115,838 and shareholders’ equity of $161,571.
 
Our business is separated into three principal segments:  Health Sciences, Specialty Chemicals and Agricultural Protection Products.  The Health Sciences segment is our largest segment in terms of both sales and gross profits. Products that fall within this segment include pharmaceutical intermediates, APIs, finished dosage form generic drugs and nutraceutical products.

We typically partner with both customers and suppliers years in advance of a drug coming off patent to provide the generic equivalent.  We believe we have a pipeline of new APIs poised to reach commercial levels over the coming years as the patents on existing drugs expire, both in the United States and in Europe. In addition, we continue to explore opportunities to provide a second-source option for existing generic drugs with approved abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs). The opportunities that we are looking for are to supply the APIs for the more mature generic drugs where pricing has stabilized following the dramatic decreases in price that these drugs experienced after coming off patent.  As is the case in the generic industry, the entrance into the market of other generic competition generally has a negative impact on the pricing of the affected products. By leveraging our worldwide sourcing, quality assurance and regulatory capabilities, we believe we can be an alternative economical, second-source provider of existing APIs to generic drug companies. On December 31, 2010, we acquired certain assets of Rising Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Rising”). We believe that the acquisition of Rising will establish another platform for our growth in our Health Sciences business by the expansion of our finished dosage form product offerings from both foreign and domestic facilities as well as complementing our core strength of sourcing active pharmaceutical ingredients. The addition of Rising provides Aceto with a presence as a developer and marketer of our own brand of generic pharmaceuticals, the Rising brand.

According to an IMS Health press release on May 18, 2011, "global spending for medicines will reach nearly $1.1 trillion by 2015, reflecting a slowing compound annual rate of growth of 3 – 6 percent over the next five years.  This compares with 6.2 percent annual growth over the past five years.  Lower levels of spending growth for medicines in the U.S., the ongoing impact of patent expiries in developed markets, continuing strong demand in pharmerging markets and policy-driven changes in several countries are among the key factors that will influence future growth, according to IMS Institutes new study, The Global Use Of Medicines Outlook Through 2015".

Aceto supplies the raw materials used in the production of nutritional and packaged dietary supplements, including vitamins, amino acids, iron compounds and biochemicals used in pharmaceutical and nutritional preparations. Aceto’s identification of a change in the attitudes of Europeans towards nutritional products led to the decision to globalize this business and create an operating company to focus on it, Aceto Health Ingredients GmbH, headquartered in Germany.  This globally structured business has become the model for all of our business segments, providing international reach and perspective for our customers.

The Specialty Chemicals segment is a supplier to the many different industries that require outstanding performance from chemical raw materials and additives.  Specialty Chemicals include a variety of chemicals which make plastics, surface coatings, textiles, fuels and lubricants perform to their designed capabilities. Dye and pigment intermediates are used in the color-producing industries such as textiles, inks, paper, and coatings. Many of our raw materials are also used in high-tech products like high-end electronic parts (circuit boards and computer chips) and binders for specialized rocket fuels. We continue to respond to the changing needs of our customers in the color producing industry by taking our resources and knowledge downstream as a supplier of select organic pigments. In addition, Aceto is a leader in the supply of diazos and couplers to the paper, film and electronics industries.

According to a December 15, 2011 Federal Reserve Statistical Release, in the third quarter of calendar year 2011, the index for consumer durables, which impacts the Specialty Chemicals segment, grew at an annual rate of 11.4%.

 
20

 
 
The Agricultural Protection Products segment sells herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other agricultural chemicals to customers, primarily located in the United States and Western Europe. In the National Agricultural Statistics Services release dated June 30, 2011, the total crop acreage planted in 2011 increased slightly less than 1.0% to 319 million acres.  The number of peanut acres planted in 2011 was down almost 11% from 2010 levels while sugarcane acreage harvested increased approximately 1.0% from 2010.  In fiscal 2011, we began selling three new agricultural protection products.   In addition, there is one product that we plan on filing for registration with the EPA in the near future. Our plan is to continue to develop and bring to market additional products in a similar manner.
 
We believe our main business strengths are sourcing, regulatory support, quality assurance and marketing and distribution. With business operations in ten countries, we distribute more than 1,100 chemical compounds used principally as finished products or raw materials in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, agricultural, coatings and industrial chemical consuming industries. We believe that we are currently one of the largest merchant buyers of pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals for export from China, purchasing from over 500 different manufacturers.

In this MD&A, we explain our general financial condition and results of operations, including the following:

·  
factors that affect our business
·  
our earnings and costs in the periods presented
·  
changes in earnings and costs between periods
·  
sources of earnings
·  
the impact of these factors on our overall financial condition

As you read this MD&A section, refer to the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, which present the results of our operations for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  We analyze and explain the differences between periods in the specific line items of the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies

As disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  In preparing these financial statements, we were required to make estimates and assumptions relating to critical accounting estimates and policies that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  We regularly evaluate our estimates including those related to allowances for bad debts, partnered products, inventories, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets, environmental and other contingencies, income taxes and stock-based compensation.  We base our estimates on various factors, including historical experience, advice from outside subject-matter experts, and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, which together form the basis for our making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Since June 30, 2011, there have been no significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to those critical accounting estimates and policies.

 
21

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Six Months Ended December 31, 2010

   
Net Sales by Segment
Six months ended December 31,
 
                                     
                           
Comparison 2011
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Over/(Under) 2010
 
         
% of
         
% of
    $     %  
Segment
 
Net sales
   
total
   
Net sales
   
total
   
change
   
change
 
                                       
Health Sciences
  $ 131,018       61.8 %   $ 90,100       52.0 %   $ 40,918       45.4 %
Specialty Chemicals
    69,239       32.7       69,200       39.9       39       0.1  
Agricultural Protection
    11,767       5.5       14,043        8.1       (2,276 )     (16.2 )
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 212,024       100.0 %   $ 173,343       100.0 %   $ 38,681       22.3 %
                                                 
   
Gross Profit by Segment
Six months ended December 31,
 
                                                 
                                   
Comparison 2011
 
      2011      2010     
Over/(Under) 2010
 
   
Gross
   
% of
   
Gross
   
% of
    $     %  
Segment
 
profit
   
sales
   
profit
   
sales
   
change
   
change
 
                                                 
Health Sciences
  $ 27,531       21.0 %   $ 14,798       16.4 %   $ 12,733       86.0 %
Specialty Chemicals
    9,957       14.4       10,156       14.7       (199 )     (2.0 )
Agricultural Protection
     1,675       14.2        1,456       10.4       219       15.0  
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 39,163       18.5 %   $ 26,410       15.2 %   $ 12,753       48.3 %

Net Sales

Net sales increased $38,681, or 22.3%, to $212,024 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, compared with $173,343 for the prior period.  We reported sales increases in our Health Sciences and Specialty Chemicals business segments offset by a decrease in sales of Agricultural Protection products.

Health Sciences

Net sales for the Health Sciences segment increased $40,918 or 45.4% to $131,018 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, when compared to the prior period. Overall, the domestic Health Sciences group had an increase of $28,257, when compared to the prior period. This increase in domestic Health Sciences sales is primarily related to an increase in sales of nutritional supplements of $3,867, due to new business development from existing customers and new projects from our pipeline and $21,386 of sales of Rising products, for which there was no comparable amount in the prior period.  On December 31, 2010, we acquired certain assets of Rising, a New Jersey based company that markets and distributes generic prescription and over the counter pharmaceutical products to leading wholesalers, chain drug stores, distributors, mass market merchandisers and others under its own label, throughout the United States. In addition, the Health Sciences segment saw an increase in sales from our international operations of $12,540 over the prior period, particularly increases in sales of APIs of $8,034 and a $2,877 increase in pharmaceutical intermediates sold abroad, which represent key components used in the manufacture of certain drug products.
 
 
22

 
 
Specialty Chemicals

Net sales for the Specialty Chemicals segment for the six months ended December 31, 2011 were $69,239, which is consistent to net sales of $69,200 for the prior period.  Our chemical business consists of a variety of products, customers and consuming markets, most of which is affected by current economic conditions.  The primary fluctuation in this segment’s sales relates to an increase of domestic Specialty Chemicals sales of $4,706 offset by a decline in international sales of Specialty Chemicals of $4,667, particularly in Germany and France.

Agricultural Protection

Net sales for the Agricultural Protection segment decreased to $11,767 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $2,276, or 16.2%, from net sales of $14,043 for the prior period.  The decrease from the prior period is due to a decline in sales of glyphosate. Our entry into this market has proven to be much more challenging than had been expected.  Our future participation in the glyphosate market will likely only be on an opportunistic basis when our Asian sourcing offers us an opportunity to be profitable and competitive in the U.S. domestic market. Strategically, this is not a product or business activity that we have factored into our business plans going forward. The decrease in Agricultural Protection Products sales is offset in part by an increase in a wide-range insecticide that is used on various crops including cereals, citrus, cotton, grapes, ornamental grasses and vegetables.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased to $39,163 (18.5% of net sales) for the six months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $26,410 (15.2% of net sales) for the prior period.

Health Sciences

Health Sciences’ gross profit increased to $27,531 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 when compared to the prior period of $14,798. The gross margin increased to 21.0%, for the six months ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 16.4% for the prior period. The increase in gross profit and gross margin in the Health Sciences segment primarily relates to Rising, certain assets of which we acquired on December 31, 2010. There was a rise in gross margin on our nutraceutical products due to increased prices in China on nutritional supplements which we were successful in passing through to our customers. In addition, gross profit increased due to increased sales volume in our international operations due predominantly to reorders of APIs.

Specialty Chemicals

Specialty Chemicals’ gross profit of $9,957 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 was $199 or 2.0% lower than the prior period.  The gross margin at 14.4% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 was lower than the prior period’s gross margin of 14.7%, due primarily to unfavorable product mix on domestic specialty chemicals. Additionally, we have experienced price increases from some of our Asian suppliers, primarily China, due to inflationary pressure. Most, but not all, of these price increases have been passed onto our customers.

Agricultural Protection

Gross profit for the Agricultural Protection segment increased to $1,675 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, versus $1,456 for the prior period, an increase of $219 or 15.0%.  Gross margin for the six months increased to 14.2% compared to the prior period gross margin of 10.4%. The increase in both gross profit and gross margin is attributable to our previous discussion on glyphosate, of which gross margin in the prior year was lower than expected due to the difficult and crowded market conditions surrounding this commodity type product. We also incurred decreased amortization expense related to product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as payments to various task force groups.

 
23

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A increased $6,073 or 28.9%, to $27,097 for the six months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $21,024 for the prior period.  As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased to 12.8% for the six months ended December 31, 2011 versus 12.1% for the prior period. The primary reason for the increase in SG&A is due to the Rising acquisition, which occurred on December 31, 2010, where there was no comparable amount in the prior period.  SG&A included amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets related to the Rising acquisition. In addition, the Company recorded during the six months ended December 31, 2011 approximately $884 of one-time costs associated with the separation of certain executive management employees.  We experienced additional accrued performance award expense and increased fringe benefits and stock-based compensation expense due to increased profitability. These increases in SG&A are offset in part by $1,060 of transaction costs related to the Rising acquisition, which was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

Operating Income

For the six months ended December 31, 2011, operating income was $12,066 compared to $5,386 in the prior period, an increase of $6,680 or 124.0%.  This increase was due to the overall increase in gross profit of $12,753 offset by the increase in SG&A of $6,073 from the comparable prior period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $1,411 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $1,188 from $223 in the prior period. The increase is primarily due to interest expense on the bank loans that were incurred to partially finance the acquisition of certain assets of Rising and on the mortgage on our new global headquarters.
 
Interest and Other Income, Net
 
Interest and other income, net was $1,248 for the six months ended December 31, 2011, which represents a decrease of $134 from $1,382 in the prior period, mainly due to an increase in foreign exchange losses offset by an increase in income related to a joint venture.
 
Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the six months ended December 31, 2011 was 36.0% versus 75.1% for the prior period. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an approximate $2,600 tax charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 related to the repatriation of earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, in connection with our acquisition of Rising. The Company intends to permanently reinvest its undistributed earnings and has no plan for further repatriation.
 
 
24

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2010

   
Net Sales by Segment
Three months ended December 31,
 
                                     
                           
Comparison 2011
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Over/(Under) 2010
 
         
% of
         
% of
    $     %  
Segment
 
Net sales
   
total
   
Net sales
   
total
   
change
   
change
 
                                       
Health Sciences
  $ 65,956       59.6 %   $ 45,804       53.4 %   $ 20,152       44.0 %
Specialty Chemicals
    35,451       32.0       32,358       37.8       3,093       9.6  
Agricultural Protection
    9,300        8.4       7,521        8.8       1,779       23.7  
                                                 
Net sales
  $ 110,707       100.0 %   $ 85,683       100.0 %   $ 25,024       29.2 %
                                                 
   
Gross Profit by Segment
Three months ended December 31,
 
                                                 
                                   
Comparison 2011
 
    2011     2010    
Over/(Under) 2010
 
   
Gross
   
% of
   
Gross
   
% of
    $     %  
Segment
 
profit
   
sales
   
profit
   
sales
   
change
   
change
 
                                                 
Health Sciences
  $ 14,168       21.5 %   $ 7,378       16.1 %   $ 6,790       92.0 %
Specialty Chemicals
    4,935       13.9       4,511       13.9       424       9.4  
Agricultural Protection
     1,541       16.6       1,234       16.4       307       24.9  
                                                 
Gross profit
  $ 20,644       18.6 %   $ 13,123       15.3 %   $ 7,521       57.3 %

Net Sales

Net sales increased $25,024 or 29.2%, to $110,707 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, compared with $85,683 for the prior period.  We reported sales increases in all three of our business segments.

Health Sciences

Net sales for the Health Sciences segment increased $20,152 or 44.0% to $65,956 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, when compared to the prior period. Overall, the domestic Health Sciences group had an increase of $16,972, when compared to the prior period. This increase in domestic Health Sciences sales is primarily related to an increase in sales of nutritional supplements of $2,689, due to new business development from existing customers and new projects from our pipeline and $11,882 of sales of Rising products, for which there was no comparable amount in the prior period.  In addition, the Health Sciences segment saw an increase in sales from our international operations of $3,062 over the prior period, particularly in sales of nutritional products.
 
 
25

 
 
Specialty Chemicals

Net sales for the Specialty Chemicals segment were $35,451 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $3,093 or 9.6% from net sales of $32,358 for the prior period.  Our chemical business consists of a variety of products, customers and consuming markets, most of which is affected by current economic conditions.   As previously mentioned, the index for consumer durables, which impacts the Specialty Chemicals segment, had increased at an annual rate of 11.4%. Domestic sales of specialty chemicals increased $5,747, partially offset by a decline of $2,654 in sales from our international operations, particularly in France. The rise in sales of domestic specialty chemicals relates to increased sales of agricultural, dye, pigment and miscellaneous intermediates, which together grew by $6,494.

Agricultural Protection

Net sales for the Agricultural Protection segment increased to $9,300 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $1,779, or 23.7%, from net sales of $7,521 for the prior period.  The increase in sales of our Agricultural Protection Products business is due to a rise in sales of an herbicide used on sugar cane and an increase in sales of a wide-range insecticide that is used on various crops including cereals, citrus, cotton, grapes, ornamental grasses and vegetables.  These increases are offset in part by a decline in sales of glyphosate, which, as we previously stated, is not a product or business activity that we have factored into our business plans going forward.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased to $20,644 (18.6% of net sales) for the three months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $13,123 (15.3% of net sales) for the prior period.

Health Sciences

Health Sciences’ gross profit increased to $14,168 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 when compared to the prior period of $7,378. The gross margin increased to 21.5%, for the three months ended December 31, 2011 when compared to 16.1% for the prior period. The increase in gross profit and gross margin in the Health Sciences segment primarily relates to Rising, certain assets of which we acquired on December 31, 2010. There was a rise in gross margin on our nutraceutical products due to increased prices in China on nutritional supplements which we were successful in passing through to our customers, as well as an increase in gross profit related to increased sales volume of nutritional products.

Specialty Chemicals

Specialty Chemicals’ gross profit of $4,935 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 was $424 or 9.4% higher than the prior period.  The gross margin at 13.9% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 was consistent to the prior period’s gross margin.   The increase in gross profit relates to the increased sales volume of agricultural, dye, pigment and miscellaneous intermediates.

Agricultural Protection

Gross profit for the Agricultural Protection segment increased to $1,541 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, versus $1,234 for the prior period, an increase of $307 or 24.9%.  Gross margin for the quarter increased to 16.6% compared to the prior period gross margin of 16.4%. The increase in gross profit and gross margin is attributable to our previous discussion on glyphosate, of which gross margin in the prior year was lower than expected due to the difficult and crowded market conditions surrounding this commodity type product. We also incurred decreased amortization expense related to product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as payments to various task force groups.

 
26

 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
SG&A increased $2,101 or 18.4%, to $13,528 for the three months ended December 31, 2011 compared to $11,427 for the prior period.  As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased to 12.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2011 versus 13.3% for the prior period. The primary reason for the increase in SG&A is due to the Rising acquisition, which occurred on December 31, 2010, where there was no comparable amount in the prior period.  SG&A included amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets related to the Rising acquisition. In addition, the Company experienced additional accrued performance award expense and increased fringe benefits and stock-based compensation expense due to increased profitability. These increases in SG&A are offset in part by $1,060 of transaction costs related to the Rising acquisition, which was recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
Operating Income

For the three months ended December 31, 2011, operating income was $7,116 compared to $1,696 in the prior period, an increase of $5,420 or 319.6%.  This increase was due to the overall increase in gross profit of $7,521 offset by the increase in SG&A of $2,101 from the comparable prior period.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $656 for the three months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $544 from $112 in the prior period. The increase is primarily due to interest expense on the bank loans that were incurred to partially finance the acquisition of certain assets of Rising and on the mortgage on our new global headquarters.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2011 was 36.0% versus 150.9% for the prior period. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to an approximate $2,600 tax charge recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 related to the repatriation of earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, in connection with our acquisition of Rising. The Company intends to permanently reinvest its undistributed earnings and has no plan for further repatriation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

At December 31, 2011, we had $28,242 in cash and cash equivalents, of which $20,838 was outside the United States, $458 in short-term investments and $51,848 in long-term debt (including the current portion).  Working capital was $115,838 at December 31, 2011 versus $115,429 at June 30, 2011.  The $20,838 of cash held outside of the United States is fully accessible to meet any liquidity needs of Aceto in the particular countries outside of the United States in which it operates. The majority of the cash located outside of the United States is held by our European operations and can be transferred into the United States. Although these amounts are fully accessible, transferring these amounts into the United States or any other countries could have certain unfavorable tax consequences. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when we expect that we will recover undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries in a taxable manner, such as through receipt of dividends or sale of the investments. The Company intends to permanently reinvest these undistributed earnings and has no plan for further repatriation. A portion of our cash is held in operating accounts that are with third party financial institutions. These balances exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits. While we monitor daily the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or are subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts.
 
 
27

 
 
Our cash position at December 31, 2011 decreased $422 from the amount at June 30, 2011.  Operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2011 provided cash of $5,084, for this period, as compared to cash provided by operations of $2,698 for the comparable period. The $5,084 was comprised of $7,621 in net income and $2,624 derived from adjustments for non-cash items less a net $5,161 decrease from changes in operating assets and liabilities. The non-cash items included $3,460 in depreciation and amortization expense, $1,331 of earnings on an equity investment in a joint venture and $598 in non-cash stock compensation expense. Trade accounts receivable decreased $4,965 during the six months ended December 31, 2011, due to a decrease in days sales outstanding, from June 30, 2011.  Inventories increased by $3,328 due primarily to an increase in inventories on hand for Rising as this subsidiary has launched several new products and as such, has built up stock for the third and fourth quarter sales.   Other receivables decreased $1,423 due to payments received on royalties related to agricultural protection products as well as a decrease in value added taxes receivables in our German subsidiaries.  Accounts payable decreased by $4,847 due to timing of payments processed at the end of the quarter.  Accrued expenses and other liabilities decreased $4,336 due to a decline in advance payments from customers and a decrease in accrued compensation as performance payments were made in September 2011. Our cash position at December 31, 2010 decreased $6,045 from the amount at June 30, 2010.  Operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2010 provided cash of $2,698, for this period, as compared to cash used in operations of $10,491 for the comparable period. The $2,698 was comprised of $1,628 in net income and $1,136 derived from adjustments for non-cash items less a net $66 decrease from changes in operating assets and liabilities.

Investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2011 used cash of $961, primarily related to purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets. Investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2010 used cash of $60,779, primarily related to $58,711 payment for the net assets of Rising. In addition, $1,819 related to purchases of property and equipment and $749 for intangible assets.

Financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2011 used cash of $3,007, primarily from $3,149 of bank loan repayments.  Financing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2010 provided cash of $50,381 primarily from $50,000 of bank loans.

Credit Facilities

We have available credit facilities with certain foreign financial institutions.  These facilities provide us with lines of credit of $8,626, as of December 31, 2011. We are not subject to any financial covenants under these arrangements.

On December 31, 2010, we entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with two financial institutions. The Credit Agreement terminated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 23, 2010. We may borrow, repay and reborrow during the period ending December 31, 2015, up to but not exceeding at any one time outstanding $40,000 (the  “Revolving Loans”).  The Revolving Loans may be (i) Adjusted LIBOR Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (ii) Alternate Base Rate Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or (iii) a combination thereof.  As of December 31, 2011, we borrowed Revolving Loans aggregating $14,000, which loans are Adjusted LIBOR Loans, at interest rates ranging from 3.19% to 3.50% at December 31, 2011.  $10,000 of such amount was utilized by us to partially finance payment of the purchase price for the Rising acquisition. The Credit Agreement also allowed for the borrowing up to a maximum of $40,000 (the “Term Loan”).  As such, we borrowed a Term Loan of $40,000 on December 31, 2010 to partially finance the acquisition of Rising. The Term Loan interest may be payable as an (i) Adjusted LIBOR Loan, (ii) Alternate Base Rate Loan, or (iii) a combination thereof.  As of December 31, 2011, the remaining amount outstanding under the original amortizing Term Loan is $34,000 and is payable as an Adjusted LIBOR Loan, at an interest rate of 3.375% at December 31, 2011.

The Credit Agreement also provides that commercial letters of credit shall be issued to provide the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any materials, goods or services by us in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2011, we had utilized $48,250 in bank loans and letters of credit, leaving $25,750 of this facility unused. The terms of these letters of credit are all less than one year.  No material loss is anticipated due to non-performance by the counterparties to these agreements.

The Credit Agreement provides for a security interest in all of our personal property.  The Credit Agreement contains several financial covenants including, among other things, maintaining a minimum level of debt service. We are also subject to certain restrictive covenants, including, among other things, covenants governing liens, limitations on indebtedness, limitations on cash dividends, guarantees, sale of assets, sales of receivables, and loans and investments. We were in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2011.
 
 
28

 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Credit Agreement, we are required to deliver Hedging Agreements (as defined in the Credit Agreement) fixing the interest rate on not less than $20,000 of the Term Loan.  Accordingly, in March 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap for a notional amount of $20,000, which has been designated as a cash flow hedge.  The expiration date of this interest rate swap is December 31, 2015.

Working Capital Outlook

Working capital was $115,838 at December 31, 2011 versus $115,429 at June 30, 2011. In March 2010, we purchased a building in Port Washington, New York, which is now the site of our global headquarters. We moved our corporate offices into this new building in April 2011. On June 30, 2011, we entered into a mortgage payable for $3,947 on this new corporate headquarters. This mortgage payable is secured by the land and building and is being amortized over a period of 20 years. The mortgage payable bears interest at 5.92% and matures on June 30, 2021.

We continually evaluate possible acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses that are complementary to our own, and such transactions may require the use of cash.    In connection with our agricultural protection business, we plan to continue to acquire product registrations and related data filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as payments to various task force groups of approximately $4,700 through fiscal 2013.

In accordance with the purchase agreement related to the Rising acquisition, $8,000 of deferred consideration is to be paid by Aceto over a four year period with annual installments of $1,500 not later than fifty-six days following each of the first three anniversaries of the closing date of the purchase and $3,500 not later than fifty-six days following the fourth anniversary of the closing date of the purchase. In addition, the purchase agreement also provided for a working capital, and certain other, adjustments, such that the assets acquired would include approximately $5,000, as defined in the purchase agreement. A true-up statement, as defined in the purchase agreement, must be delivered by Aceto within thirty days following the end of the eighteen month period immediately succeeding the closing of the purchase. This true-up statement could result in additional consideration to be paid to the sellers.

In connection with Arsynco, the Company could pay out approximately $2,000 in fiscal 2012, related to the environmental remediation obligation.

We believe that our cash, other liquid assets, operating cash flows, borrowing capacity and access to the equity capital markets, taken together, provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating expenditures and the anticipated continuation of semi-annual cash dividends for the next twelve months.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs”, which amends ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”. ASU 2011-04 does not extend the use of fair value accounting, but provides guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within U.S. GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). ASU 2011-04 changes the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. Additionally, ASU 2011-04 clarifies the FASB’s intent about the application of existing fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and is applied prospectively. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2011-04 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”, which eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05” .  ASU 2011-12 deferred certain aspects of ASU 2011-05. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted and full retrospective application is required. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 and the deferrals in ASU 2011-12 are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”, to allow entities to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. ASU 2011-08 is effective for the Company in fiscal 2013 and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the provisions of this pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”, which requires companies to disclose information about financial instruments that have been offset and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Companies will be required to provide both net (offset amounts) and gross information in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities that are offset. This update is effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2014 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk Sensitive Instruments

The market risk inherent in our market-risk-sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in investment market prices, foreign currency exchange-rates and interest rates.

Investment Market Price Risk

We had short-term investments of $458 at December 31, 2011.  Those short-term investments consisted principally of time deposits. Time deposits are short-term in nature and are accordingly valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

In order to reduce the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, we hedge some of our transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currencies applicable to each of our various entities.  The instruments used for hedging are short-term foreign currency contracts (futures).  The changes in market value of such contracts have a high correlation to price changes in the currency of the related hedged transactions.  At December 31, 2011, we had foreign currency contracts outstanding that had a notional amount of $49,057.  The difference between the fair market value of the foreign currency contracts and the related commitments at inception and the fair market value of the contracts and the related commitments at December 31, 2011, was not material.

We are subject to risk from changes in foreign exchange rates for our subsidiaries that use a foreign currency as their functional currency and are translated into U.S. dollars.  These changes result in cumulative translation adjustments, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.  On December 31, 2011, we had translation exposure to various foreign currencies, with the most significant being the Euro and the Chinese Renminbi.  The potential loss as of December 31, 2011, resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would amount to $5,782.  Actual results, however, may differ.
 
 
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Interest rate risk

Due to our financing, investing and cash-management activities, we are subject to market risk from exposure to changes in interest rates.  We utilize a balanced mix of debt maturities along with both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates.  Our financial instrument holdings were analyzed to determine their sensitivity to interest rate changes.  In this sensitivity analysis, we used the same change in interest rate for all maturities.  All other factors were held constant.  If there were an adverse change in interest rates of 10%, the expected effect on net income related to our financial instruments would be immaterial.  However, there can be no assurances that interest rates will not significantly affect our results of operations.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Credit Agreement, we are required to deliver Hedging Agreements (as defined in the Credit Agreement) fixing the interest rate on not less than $20,000 of the Term Loan.  Accordingly, in March 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap for a notional amount of $20,000, which has been designated as a cash flow hedge.  The expiration date of this interest rate swap is December 31, 2015. The unrealized loss associated with this derivative, which is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011, is $436.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, with assistance from other members of our management, have reviewed the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2011 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

As previously described in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011, we are subject to various environmental proceedings for which there were no material changes during the three months ended December 31, 2011. 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed under Part I- in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011 which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.  The risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011 are not the only ones we face.  Additionally, risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

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

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)

Not Applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.

Item 6.  Index to Exhibits

3.1
Aceto Corporation By-Laws, adopted December 1, 2011(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 5, 2011).
 
10.1
Separation Agreement by and between Aceto Corporation and Vincent G. Miata (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated November 17, 2011).
 
15.1
Letter re unaudited interim financial information.

31.1
Certifications of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2
Certifications of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2
Certifications of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
101.INS**      XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase  Document
 
 
101.DEF**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase  Document
 
 
101.PRE**    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise are not subject to liability.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
  ACETO CORPORATION  
     
     
       
DATE February 9, 2012
By:
/s/ Albert L. Eilender  
    Albert L. Eilender, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
    (Principal Executive Officer)  

DATE February 9, 2012
By:
/s/ Douglas Roth  
    Douglas Roth, Chief Financial Officer  
    (Principal Financial Officer)  
       
 
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