Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACTOF 1934

For the quarterly period ended August 31, 2019

OR

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-09225

H.B. FULLER COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota 41-0268370
State or other jurisdiction of I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization Identification No.
1200 Willow Lake Boulevard, St. Paul, Minnesota 55110-5101
Address of principal executive offices Zip Code

(651) 236-5900

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act

Title of each class:

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $1.00 par value

FUL

NYSE

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 [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of 'large accelerated filer', 'accelerated filer', 'smaller reporting company' and 'emerging growth company' in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ]
Emerging growth company [ ]

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PROCEEDING FIVE YEARS:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes [ ] No [ ]

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, was 50,981,502 as of September 20, 2019.

H.B. Fuller Company

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

Page

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

7

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

27

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

39

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

39

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

39

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

39

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

41

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

41

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

43

SIGNATURES

44

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

August 31,

September 1,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net revenue

$ 725,376 $ 770,107 $ 2,157,894 $ 2,272,573

Cost of sales

(518,055 ) (555,077 ) (1,552,189 ) (1,651,844 )

Gross profit

207,321 215,030 605,705 620,729

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(140,615 ) (147,739 ) (432,407 ) (447,335 )

Other income, net

22,762 2,469 29,113 15,120

Interest expense

(25,607 ) (27,858 ) (79,354 ) (83,420 )

Interest income

3,115 2,934 9,191 8,769

Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments

66,976 44,836 132,248 113,863

Income taxes

(19,321 ) (9,300 ) (38,902 ) 9,844

Income from equity method investments

2,075 2,200 5,273 6,160

Net income including non-controlling interest

49,730 37,736 98,619 129,867

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

(12 ) (6 ) (16 ) (4 )

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

$ 49,718 $ 37,730 $ 98,603 $ 129,863

Earnings per share attributable to H.B. Fuller common stockholders:

Basic

0.98 0.75 1.94 2.57

Diluted

0.97 0.72 1.90 2.50

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic

50,939 50,632 50,864 50,551

Diluted

51,502 52,138 51,836 51,961

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.160 $ 0.155 $ 0.475 $ 0.460

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

August 31,

September 1,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net income including non-controlling interest

$ 49,730 $ 37,736 $ 98,619 $ 129,867

Other comprehensive loss

Foreign currency translation

(30,612 ) (36,814 ) (52,230 ) (56,116 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of tax

1,470 1,638 4,432 4,958

Interest rate swaps, net of tax

(11,254 ) (1,441 ) (39,776 ) 19,095

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

2,417 (1,215 ) 12,605 (8,068 )

Other comprehensive loss

(37,979 ) (37,832 ) (74,969 ) (40,131 )

Comprehensive income (loss)

11,751 (96 ) 23,650 89,736

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

13 (1 ) 19 (21 )

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to H.B. Fuller

$ 11,738 $ (95 ) $ 23,631 $ 89,757

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

August 31,

December 1,

2019

2018

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 119,776 $ 150,793

Trade receivables (net of allowances of $12,918 and $14,017, as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively)

485,688 495,008

Inventories

373,609 348,461

Other current assets

101,817 95,657

Total current assets

1,080,890 1,089,919

Property, plant and equipment

1,318,421 1,303,590

Accumulated depreciation

(704,045 ) (667,041 )

Property, plant and equipment, net

614,376 636,549

Goodwill

1,272,165 1,305,171

Other intangibles, net

812,985 908,151

Other assets

252,267 236,524

Total assets

$ 4,032,683 $ 4,176,314

Liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity

Current liabilities:

Notes payable

$ 16,786 $ 14,770

Current maturities of long-term debt

- 91,225

Trade payables

272,554 273,378

Accrued compensation

66,836 78,384

Income taxes payable

32,170 12,578

Other accrued expenses

69,241 75,788

Total current liabilities

457,587 546,123

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

2,080,336 2,141,532

Accrued pension liabilities

68,755 70,680

Other liabilities

249,986 264,768

Total liabilities

2,856,664 3,023,103

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Equity:

H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity:

Preferred stock (no shares outstanding) shares authorized - 10,045,900

- -

Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, shares authorized - 160,000,000, shares outstanding - 50,953,845 and 50,732,796, as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively

50,954 50,733

Additional paid-in capital

119,306 95,940

Retained earnings

1,360,463 1,286,289

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(355,124 ) (280,152 )

Total H.B. Fuller stockholders' equity

1,175,599 1,152,810

Non-controlling interest

420 401

Total equity

1,176,019 1,153,211

Total liabilities, non-controlling interest and total equity

$ 4,032,683 $ 4,176,314

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)
H.B. Fuller Company Shareholders

Common

Stock

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

Retained

Earnings

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

Non-

Controlling

Interest

Total

Balance at December 1, 2018, as previously reported

$ 50,733 $ 95,940 $ 1,285,246 $ (280,152 ) $ 401 $ 1,152,168

Change in accounting principles

- - 1,043 - - 1,043

Balance at December 1, 2018, as adjusted

50,733 95,940 1,286,289 (280,152 ) 401 1,153,211

Comprehensive income

- - 12,244 11,817 10 24,071

Dividends

- - (7,962 ) - - (7,962 )

Stock option exercises

41 1,025 - - - 1,066

Share-based compensation plans other, net

168 6,233 - - - 6,401

Repurchases of common stock

(58 ) (2,625 ) - - - (2,683 )

Balance at March 2, 2019

50,884 100,573 1,290,571 (268,335 ) 411 1,174,104

Comprehensive income

- - 36,641 (48,809 ) (4 ) (12,172 )

Dividends

- - (8,228 ) - - (8,228 )

Stock option exercises

25 746 - - - 771

Share-based compensation plans other, net

11 8,627 - - - 8,638

Repurchases of common stock

(3 ) (121 ) - - - (124 )

Balance at June 1, 2019

50,917 109,825 1,318,984 (317,144 ) 407 1,162,989

Comprehensive income

- - 49,718 (37,980 ) 13 11,751

Dividends

- - (8,239 ) - - (8,239 )

Stock option exercises

26 627 - - - 653

Share-based compensation plans other, net

13 8,967 - - - 8,980

Repurchases of common stock

(2 ) (113 ) - - - (115 )

Balance at August 31, 2019

$ 50,954 $ 119,306 $ 1,360,463 $ (355,124 ) $ 420 $ 1,176,019
H.B. Fuller Company Shareholders

Common

Stock

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

Retained

Earnings

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss)

Non-

Controlling

Interest

Total

Balance at December 2, 2017

$ 50,389 $ 74,662 $ 1,127,028 $ (200,655 ) $ 393 $ 1,051,817

Comprehensive income (loss)

- - 47,682 32,239 (28 ) 79,893

Dividends

- - (7,649 ) - - (7,649 )

Stock option exercises

27 735 - - - 762

Share-based compensation plans other, net

180 6,450 - - - 6,630

Repurchases of common stock

(63 ) (3,205 ) - - - (3,268 )

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

- - 18,341 (18,341 ) - -

Balance at March 3, 2018

50,533 78,642 1,185,402 (186,757 ) 365 1,128,185

Comprehensive income

- - 44,451 (34,520 ) 8 9,939

Dividends

- - (7,837 ) - - (7,837 )

Stock option exercises

53 1,572 - - - 1,625

Share-based compensation plans other, net

19 7,288 - - - 7,307

Repurchases of common stock

(26 ) (1,235 ) - - - (1,261 )

Balance at June 2, 2018

50,579 86,267 1,222,016 (221,277 ) 373 1,137,958

Comprehensive income

- - 37,730 (37,825 ) (1 ) (96 )

Dividends

- - (7,928 ) - - (7,928 )

Stock option exercises

88 2,753 - - - 2,841

Share-based compensation plans other, net

21 2,999 - - - 3,020

Repurchases of common stock

(1 ) (23 ) - - - (24 )

Balance at September 1, 2018

$ 50,687 $ 91,996 $ 1,251,818 $ (259,102 ) $ 372 $ 1,135,771

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income including non-controlling interest

$ 98,619 $ 129,867

Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

50,269 51,527

Amortization

56,269 57,635

Deferred income taxes

(36,831 ) (51,703 )

Income from equity method investments, net of dividends received

1,743 (1,182 )

Gain on sale of assets

(19,964 ) (3,145 )

Share-based compensation

20,170 15,439

Gain on mark to market adjustment related to contingent consideration liability

- (2,323 )

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

Trade receivables, net

(15,674 ) (15,087 )

Inventories

(17,704 ) (60,188 )

Other assets

(31,853 ) (47,544 )

Trade payables

2,246 3,789

Accrued compensation

(10,173 ) (6,213 )

Other accrued expenses

7,936 (20,944 )

Income taxes payable

23,587 17,892

Accrued / prepaid pensions

(7,548 ) (7,209 )

Other liabilities

10,636 (566 )

Other

28,520 46,771

Net cash provided by operating activities

160,248 106,816

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchased property, plant and equipment

(47,023 ) (46,520 )

Purchased businesses, net of cash acquired

(8,042 ) 2,389

Purchased business remaining equity

(9,870 ) -

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

5,314 2,178

Proceeds from sale of business

70,293 -

Cash received from government grant

9,045 -

Cash payments related to government grant

(1,120 ) -

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

18,597 (41,953 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

Repayment of long-term debt

(173,500 ) (70,750 )

Net payment of notes payable

2,667 (9,849 )

Dividends paid

(24,181 ) (23,263 )

Contingent consideration payment

(3,610 ) -

Proceeds from stock options exercised

2,495 5,228

Repurchases of common stock

(2,922 ) (4,553 )

Net cash used in financing activities

(199,051 ) (103,187 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

(10,811 ) (5,990 )

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

(31,017 ) (44,314 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

150,793 194,398

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 119,776 $ 150,084

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Dividends paid with company stock

$ 248 $ 151

Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $328 and $227 for the periods ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively

$ 86,260 $ 84,189

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds

$ 24,432 $ 27,492

See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

H.B. FULLER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

Overview

The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of H.B. Fuller Company and Subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, and cash flows in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In our opinion, the unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for the fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. These unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Change in Accounting Principle - Accounting for Inventory

During the year ended December 1, 2018, we elected to change our method of accounting for certain inventories in the United States within the Company's Americas Adhesives and Construction Adhesives segments from the last-in, first-out method ('LIFO') to weighted-average cost. We retrospectively adjusted the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented to reflect this change.

Change in Accounting Principle - Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ('FASB') issued Accounting Standards Update ('ASU') No.2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. We adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 2, 2019 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. As a result of the adoption of this ASU, we recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of $1,776 as of December 1, 2018 related to accelerated recognition for arrangements where we provide shipping and handling services after control of the goods has transferred to the customer. Prior periods were not restated. We have included the disclosures required by this ASU in Note 8.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). This ASU provides guidance on recording revenue on a gross basis versus a net basis based on the determination of whether an entity is a principal or an agent when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer. The amendments in this ASU affect the guidance in ASU No.2014-09 and were adopted during the quarter ended March 2, 2019 with ASU No.2014-09 as discussed above.

Change in Accounting Principle - Income Tax Impact of Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. This ASU changes the timing of income tax recognition for an intercompany sale of assets. The ASU requires the seller's tax effects and the buyer's deferred taxes to be recognized immediately upon the sale instead of deferring accounting for the income tax implications until the assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. We adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 2, 2019. We recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $733 as of December 1, 2018 as a result of the adoption of this ASU.

8

Change in Accounting Principle - Net Periodic Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No.2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires employers to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses. The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in non-operating expenses. The classification requirements of this ASU are applied on a retrospective basis. The ASU also stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization on a prospective basis. We adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 2, 2019. As a result of adoption, the components of our net periodic defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit costs other than service cost are now presented as non-operating expenses for all periods presented. Service cost remains in operating expenses. As a result of the retrospective adjustment for the change in accounting principle, certain amounts in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the three and nine months ended September 1, 2018 were adjusted as follows:

Three Months Ended September 1, 2018

As Reported

Impact of Adoption

of ASU 2017-07

As Adjusted

Cost of sales

$ (552,903 ) $ (2,174 ) $ (555,077 )

Gross profit

217,204 (2,174 ) 215,030

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(146,069 ) (1,670 ) (147,739 )

Other income (expense), net

(1,375 ) 3,844 2,469

Net income including non-controlling interests

37,736 - 37,736

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

37,730 - 37,730

Basic

$ 0.75 $ - $ 0.75

Diluted

0.72 - 0.72

Nine Months Ended September 1, 2018

As Reported

Impact of Adoption

of ASU 2017-07

As Adjusted

Cost of sales

$ (1,645,279 ) $ (6,565 ) $ (1,651,844 )

Gross profit

627,294 (6,565 ) 620,729

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(442,288 ) (5,047 ) (447,335 )

Other income, net

3,508 11,612 15,120

Net income including non-controlling interests

129,867 - 129,867

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

129,863 - 129,863

Basic

$ 2.57 $ - $ 2.57

Diluted

2.50 - 2.50

9

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The ASU removes the requirement to disclose: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning November 29, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance requires a change in disclosures only and is not expected to impact our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. This ASU allows entities to not recast comparative periods in transition to ASC 842 and instead report the comparative periods presented in the period of adoption under ASC 840. The ASU also includes a practical expedient for lessors to not separate the lease and nonlease components of a contract. The amendments in this ASU are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No.2016-02 as discussed below. We are incorporating this ASU into our assessment and adoption of ASU No.2016-02.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No.2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. This ASU includes certain clarifications to address potential narrow-scope implementation issues which we are incorporating into our assessment and adoption of ASU No.2016-02. The amendments in this ASU are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No.2016-02 as discussed below.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU requires changes in the presentation of certain items including, but not limited to, debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and distributions received from equity method investees. We adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 2, 2019. Adoption of this ASU will result in a retrospective reclassification of debt prepayment and extinguishment costs of $16,598 within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 2, 2017 from operating to financing cash outflows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements. This ASU requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. The FASB also issued ASU No.2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses in November 2018 and ASU No.2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments in April 2019. ASU No.2018-19 clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are within the scope of Topic 842, Leases. ASU No.2019-04 clarifies various scoping and other issues arising from ASU No.2016-13. The amendments in this ASU affect the guidance in ASU No.2016-13 and are effective in the same timeframe as ASU No.2016-13. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning November 29, 2020. We are currently evaluating the effect that this ASU will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-02, Leases (Subtopic 842). This ASU changes accounting for leases and requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from all leases, including those classified as operating leases under previous accounting guidance, on the balance sheet and requires disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. In December 2018, the FASB also issued ASU No.2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which clarifies the accounting for lessors for variable payments that relate to both a lease component and a nonlease component and is effective in the same timeframe as ASU 2016-02, and ASU No.2019-01,Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements, which clarifies the transition disclosure requirements. Our effective date for adoption of this ASU is our fiscal year beginning December 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The new ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition approach, and provides for certain practical expedients. We have begun implementing lease accounting software and are currently evaluating the impact that the new ASU will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

10

Note 2: Acquisition and Divestiture

Ramapo Sales and Marketing, Inc.

On May 17, 2019, we acquired certain assets from a window and insulating glass sealants sales and distribution company, Ramapo Sales and Marketing, Inc. ('Ramapo'), headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. This acquisition supports the integration of the insulating glass business that we acquired as part of the Royal Adhesives acquisition. The initial purchase price of $7,914 was funded through existing cash. Contingent consideration of up to $3,400 is expected to be paid related to financial results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Existing receivables of $2,166 from Ramapo were effectively settled as a result of the acquisition. During the three months ended August 31, 2019, we paid a purchase price adjustment of $128 resulting in a preliminary purchase price of $13,608. The acquisition fair value measurement was preliminary as of August 31, 2019, which includes goodwill of $507, customer relationship intangible of $8,800, and additional acquired assets of $4,301. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Ramapo and the related goodwill are reported in our Americas Adhesives operating segment.

Dalton Holdings, LLC

In June 2019, the Company entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of Dalton Holdings, LLC ('Dalton Holdings'), which primarily manufactures surfactants and thickeners, within the Americas Adhesives segment. The sale was completed on July 1, 2019 resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $16,551, which is recorded in other income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019.

Note 3: Restructuring Actions

The Company has approved restructuring plans consisting of consolidation plans, organizational changes and other actions related to the integration of the operations of Royal Adhesives with the operations of the Company, and other actions to optimize operations. The following table summarizes the pre-tax distribution of charges under these restructuring plans by income statement classification:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Cost of sales

$ 287 $ 1,939 $ 1,281 $ 3,127

Selling, general and administrative

2,615 864 4,358 2,829
$ 2,902 $ 2,803 $ 5,639 $ 5,956

The following table summarizes the pre-tax impact of restructuring charges by segment:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Americas Adhesives

$ 636 $ 602 $ 975 $ 1,458

EIMEA

1,496 478 2,341 1,003

Asia Pacific

143 3 190 6

Construction Adhesives

370 1,748 1,468 3,102

Engineering Adhesives

257 (28 ) 665 387
$ 2,902 $ 2,803 $ 5,639 $ 5,956

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A summary of the restructuring liability is presented below:

Employee-Related

Asset-Related

Other

Total

Balance at December 2, 2017

$ 1,486 $ - $ 20 $ 1,506

Expenses incurred

6,223 2,353 305 8,881

Non-cash charges

- (1,666 ) - (1,666 )

Cash payments

(3,395 ) (687 ) (325 ) (4,407 )

Foreign currency translation

(58 ) - - (58 )

Balance at December 1, 2018

$ 4,256 $ - $ - $ 4,256

Expenses incurred

2,823 961 1,855 5,639

Cash payments

(2,156 ) (961 ) (1,122 ) (4,239 )

Foreign currency translation

(94 ) - - (94 )

Balance at August 31, 2019

$ 4,829 $ - $ 733 $ 5,562

Restructuring liabilities have been classified as a component of other accrued expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 4: Inventories

The composition of inventories is as follows:

August 31,

December 1,

2019

2018

Raw materials

$ 171,786 $ 169,228

Finished goods

201,823 179,233

Total inventories

$ 373,609 $ 348,461

Note 5: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The goodwill activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 is presented below:

Americas

Asia

Construction

Engineering

Adhesives

EIMEA

Pacific

Adhesives

Adhesives

Total

Balance at December 1, 2018

$ 339,800 $ 155,552 $ 21,428 $ 310,720 $ 477,671 $ 1,305,171

Acquisition

507 - - - - 507

Divestiture

(15,757 ) - - - - (15,757 )

Currency impact

(2,059 ) (6,872 ) (79 ) 234 (8,980 ) (17,756 )

Balance at August 31, 2019

$ 322,491 $ 148,680 $ 21,349 $ 310,954 $ 468,691 $ 1,272,165

As discussed in Note 16, as of the beginning of fiscal 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. We allocated goodwill within our reporting units to reflect this realignment using the relative fair value approach.

Balances of amortizable identifiable intangible assets, excluding goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets, are as follows:

August 31, 2019

Amortizable Intangible Assets

Purchased

Technology

and Patents

Customer

Relationships

Trade Names

Other

Total

Original cost

$ 112,680 $ 910,817 $ 63,480 $ 27,640 $ 1,114,617

Accumulated amortization

(43,881 ) (210,835 ) (24,698 ) (22,697 ) (302,111 )

Net identifiable intangibles

$ 68,799 $ 699,982 $ 38,782 $ 4,943 $ 812,506

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December 1, 2018

Amortizable Intangible Assets

Purchased

Technology

and Patents

Customer

Relationships

Trade Names

Other

Total

Original cost

$ 118,930 $ 953,929 $ 65,975 $ 33,550 $ 1,172,384

Accumulated amortization

(41,503 ) (175,318 ) (21,573 ) (26,332 ) (264,726 )

Net identifiable intangibles

$ 77,427 $ 778,611 $ 44,402 $ 7,218 $ 907,658

Amortization expense with respect to amortizable intangible assets was $18,079 and $19,116 for the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively, and $56,269 and $57,635 for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively.

Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable intangible assets for the next five fiscal years is as follows:

Remainder

Fiscal Year

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Amortization Expense

$ 18,151 $ 68,078 $ 66,530 $ 65,251 $ 62,492 $ 532,004

Non-amortizable intangible assets as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018 are $479 and $493, respectively and are related to trademarks and trade names.

Note 6: Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

Overview

We have various share-based compensation programs which provide for equity awards including non-qualified stock options, restricted stock shares, restricted stock units, performance awards and deferred compensation. These equity awards fall under several plans and are described in detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018.

Grant-Date Fair Value

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of an award. The fair value of options granted during the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Expected life (in years)

4.75 4.75 4.75 4.75

Weighted-average expected volatility

23.88% 23.36% 24.26% 23.30%

Expected volatility

23.88% 23.36% 23.88% - 24.76% 23.18% - 23.58%

Risk-free interest rate

1.68% 2.72% 1.68% - 2.55% 2.38% - 2.90%

Weighted-average expected dividend yield

1.38% 1.16% 1.40% 1.14%

Expected dividend yield range

1.38% 1.16% 1.26% - 1.45% 1.12% - 1.24%

Weighted-average fair value of grants

$9.12 $11.75 $9.80 $11.38

Expected life - We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.

Expected volatility - Volatility is calculated using our stock's historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. We have no reason to believe that our future volatility will differ materially from historical volatility.

Risk-free interest rate - The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

13

Expected dividend yield - The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

Expense

We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize share-based compensation expense for option awards, restricted stock shares and restricted stock units with graded and cliff vesting. Incentive stock options and performance awards are based on certain performance-based metrics and the expense is adjusted quarterly, based on our projections of the achievement of those metrics. The amount of share-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which for us is the period between the grant-date and the earlier of the award's stated vesting term or the date the employee is eligible for early vesting based on the terms of the plans.

Total share-based compensation expense was $5,998 and $5,005 for the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively and $21,657 and $15,439 for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively. All share-based compensation expense was recorded as selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense.

As of August 31, 2019, there was $7,493 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 years. Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock units was $9,106, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 years.

Stock Option Activity

The stock option activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 is presented below:

Average

Options

Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 1, 2018

4,466,106 $ 44.72

Granted

962,130 45.47

Exercised

(96,740 ) 25.79

Forfeited or cancelled

(30,036 ) 48.73

Outstanding at August 31, 2019

5,301,460 $ 45.18

The fair value of options granted during the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $12 and $180, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $806 and $2,066, respectively. Intrinsic value is the difference between our closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised. The fair value of options granted during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $9,426 and $9,217, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $2,187 and $3,876, respectively.

Proceeds received from option exercises during the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 were $658 and $2,841, respectively and $2,495 and $5,228 during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018.

14

Restricted Stock Activity

The nonvested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 is presented below:

Weighted-

Weighted-

Average

Average

Remaining

Grant

Contractual

Date Fair

Life

Units

Value

(in Years)

Nonvested at December 1, 2018

414,353 $ 47.45 1.0

Granted

288,719 44.16 2.4

Vested

(190,324) 45.40 -

Forfeited

(28,838) 40.56 0.6

Nonvested at August 31, 2019

483,910 $ 46.70 1.0

Total fair value of restricted stock vested during the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $360 and $278, respectively. Total fair value of restricted stock vested during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 was $8,641 and $8,755, respectively. The total fair value of nonvested restricted stock at August 31, 2019 was $22,600.

We repurchased 2,479 and 1,945 restricted stock shares during the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively, and repurchased 63,152 and 68,881 restricted stock shares during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively, related to statutory minimum tax withholding.

Deferred Compensation Activity

We have a Directors' Deferred Compensation plan that allows non-employee directors to defer all or a portion of their directors' compensation in a number of investment choices, including units representing shares of our common stock. We also have a Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan that allows key employees to defer a portion of their eligible compensation in a number of investment choices, including units, representing shares of our common stock. We provide a 10 percent match on deferred compensation invested into units, representing shares of our common stock. The deferred compensation unit activity for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 is presented below:

Non-employee

Directors

Employees

Total

Units outstanding December 1, 2018

479,787 29,735 509,522

Participant contributions

16,900 8,495 25,395

Company match contributions

23,194 850 24,044

Payouts

- (4,651) (4,651)

Units outstanding August 31, 2019

519,881 34,429 554,310

Deferred compensation units are fully vested at the date of contribution.

15

Note 7: Components of Net Periodic Benefit related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

Other

Pension Benefits

Postretirement

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

Benefits

Net periodic cost (benefit):

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Service cost

$ 1 $ 14 $ 557 $ 566 $ 24 $ 43

Interest cost

3,673 3,419 1,154 1,141 387 371

Expected return on assets

(6,326 ) (6,541 ) (2,517 ) (2,710 ) (1,752 ) (1,724 )

Amortization:

Prior service cost (benefit)

3 7 16 (1 ) - -

Actuarial loss

1,169 1,476 772 710 8 15

Net periodic benefit

$ (1,480 ) $ (1,625 ) $ (18 ) $ (294 ) $ (1,333 ) $ (1,295 )

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018

Other

Pension Benefits

Postretirement

U.S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

Benefits

Net periodic cost (benefit):

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

Service cost

$ 3 $ 42 $ 1,687 $ 1,746 $ 73 $ 129

Interest cost

7,346 10,257 3,527 3,526 1,162 1,113

Expected return on assets

(12,652 ) (19,623 ) (7,710 ) (8,385 ) (5,259 ) (5,172 )

Amortization:

Prior service cost (benefit)

10 21 48 (3 ) - -

Actuarial loss

3,507 4,428 2,347 2,191 25 45

Net periodic benefit

$ (1,786 ) $ (4,875 ) $ (101 ) $ (925 ) $ (3,999 ) $ (3,885 )

Note 8: Revenue

Revenue Recognition

We sell a variety of adhesives, sealants and other specialty chemical products to a diverse customer base. The vast majority of our arrangements contain a single performance obligation to transfer manufactured goods to the customer as governed by an individual purchase order.

We recognize revenue at the amount of consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods to the customer. The transaction price includes an estimation of any variable amounts of consideration to which we will be entitled. The most common forms of variable consideration within our arrangements are customer rebates, which are recorded as a reduction to revenue at the time of the initial sale using the expected value method. The expected value method is the sum of probability-weighted amounts in a range of possible consideration amounts and is based on a consideration of historical, current and forecast information. Changes in estimates are updated each reporting period. There are no material instances where variable consideration is constrained and not recorded at the initial time of sale. Product returns are recorded as a reduction to revenue based on historical experience and anticipated sales returns that occur in the normal course of business. We primarily have assurance-type warranties that do not result in separate performance obligations. We have elected to present revenue net of sales taxes and other similar taxes.

We recognize revenue when control of goods is transferred to the customer. For the vast majority of our arrangements, control transfers at a point in time either upon shipment or upon delivery of the goods to the customer. The timing of transfer of control is determined considering the timing of the transfer of legal title, physical possession, and risks and rewards of goods to the customer.

16

We record shipping and handling revenue in net revenues and outbound shipping and handling costs in cost of goods sold. The majority of our shipping and handling activities are performed prior to transfer of control of the goods to the customer. For those arrangements where we provide shipping and handling services after control of the goods has transferred to the customer, we have elected the practical expedient allowed under ASC 606 to account for these activities as a fulfillment cost rather than as a separate performance obligation. Election of this practical expedient resulted in an increase in the balance of retained earnings of $1,776 at the beginning of fiscal 2019. Based on an analysis of the financial statement line items affected in the application of ASU No.2014-09 as compared with previous reporting, the Company has determined that the quantitative changes to each financial statement line item are not material. As a result, for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019, the Company is not disclosing the quantitative amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting by the application of this ASU as compared with the guidance that was in effect before the change.

Practical Expedients Elected

We have elected the following practical expedients allowable under ASC 606:

-

Election to present revenue net of sales taxes and other similar taxes

-

Election to account for shipping and handling services performed after control has transferred to the customer as fulfillment activities

Disaggregated Revenue Information

We view the following disaggregation of revenue by product type as useful to understanding the composition of revenue recognized during the respective reporting periods:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Americas

Asia

Construction

Engineering

Adhesives

EIMEA

Pacific

Adhesives

Adhesives

Total

Durable assembly

$ 73,501 $ 58,761 $ 16,942 $ - $ - $ 149,204

Hygiene

33,991 43,161 26,321 - - 103,473

Packaging

70,480 30,255 14,005 - - 114,740

Paper and other

81,659 22,101 8,254 - - 112,014

Construction

- - - 107,918 - 107,918

Engineering

- - - - 138,027 138,027
$ 259,631 $ 154,278 $ 65,522 $ 107,918 $ 138,027 $ 725,376

Three Months Ended September 1, 2018

Americas

Asia

Construction

Engineering

Adhesives

EIMEA

Pacific

Adhesives

Adhesives

Total

Durable assembly

$ 73,237 $ 67,354 $ 17,316 $ - $ - $ 157,907

Hygiene

34,781 46,677 25,354 - - 106,812

Packaging

73,636 33,217 14,287 - - 121,140

Paper and other

87,082 24,257 9,003 - - 120,342

Construction

- - - 123,977 - 123,977

Engineering

- - - - 139,929 139,929
$ 268,736 $ 171,505 $ 65,960 $ 123,977 $ 139,929 $ 770,107

17

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

Americas

Asia

Construction

Engineering

Adhesives

EIMEA

Pacific

Adhesives

Adhesives

Total

Durable assembly

$ 203,345 $ 185,550 $ 49,834 $ - $ - $ 438,729

Hygiene

95,215 131,155 82,107 - - 308,477

Packaging

212,785 93,764 41,143 - - 347,692

Paper and other

250,018 65,775 27,025 - - 342,818

Construction

- - - 301,618 - 301,618

Engineering

- - - - 418,560 418,560
$ 761,363 $ 476,244 $ 200,109 $ 301,618 $ 418,560 $ 2,157,894

Nine Months Ended September 1, 2018

Americas

Asia

Construction

Engineering

Adhesives

EIMEA

Pacific

Adhesives

Adhesives

Total

Durable assembly

$ 215,954 $ 204,641 $ 50,878 $ - $ - $ 471,473

Hygiene

95,975 143,495 83,767 - - 323,237

Packaging

213,177 101,188 41,613 - - 355,978

Paper and other

260,825 73,334 30,732 - - 364,891

Construction

- - - 345,125 - 345,125

Engineering

- - - - 411,869 411,869
$ 785,931 $ 522,658 $ 206,990 $ 345,125 $ 411,869 $ 2,272,573

Note 9: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table provides details of total comprehensive income (loss):

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Three Months Ended September 1, 2018

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

Pre-tax

Tax

Net

Net

Pre-tax

Tax

Net

Net

Net income including non-controlling interests

-- $ 49,718 $ 12 - - $ 37,730 $ 6

Foreign currency translation adjustment¹

$ (30,613 ) - (30,613 ) 1 $ (36,807 ) - (36,807 ) (7 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²

1,970 $ (500 ) 1,470 - 2,207 $ (569 ) 1,638 -

Interest rate swap³

(15,006 ) 3,752 (11,254 )- (1,921 ) 480 (1,441 ) -

Cash flow hedges³

2,532 (115 ) 2,417 - (1,093 ) (122 ) (1,215 ) -

Other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (41,117 ) $ 3,137 (37,980 ) 1 $ (37,614 ) $ (211 ) (37,825 ) (7 )

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 11,738 $ 13 $ (95 ) $ (1 )

18

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended September 1, 2018

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

H.B. Fuller Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

Pretax

Tax

Net

Net

Pretax

Tax

Net

Net

Net income including non-controlling interests

-- $ 98,603 $ 16 - - $ 129,863 $ 4

Foreign currency translation adjustment¹

$ (52,233 ) - (52,233 ) 3 $ (56,091 ) - (56,091 ) (25 )

Reclassification to earnings:

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment²

5,938 $ (1,506 ) 4,432 - 6,683 $ (1,725 ) 4,958 -

Interest rate swap³

(53,035 ) 13,259 (39,776 )- 24,918 (5,823 ) 19,095 -

Cash flow hedges³

13,143 (538 ) 12,605 - (5,606 ) (2,462 ) (8,068 ) -

Other comprehensive income (loss)

$ (86,187 ) $ 11,215 (74,972 ) 3 $ (30,096 ) $ (10,010 ) (40,106 ) (25 )

Comprehensive income (loss)

$ 23,631 $ 19 $ 89,757 $ (21 )

¹ Income taxes are not provided for foreign currency translation relating to permanent investments in international subsidiaries.

² Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income ('AOCI') into earnings as part of net periodic cost related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans is reported in cost of sales and SG&A expense.

³ Income (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings is reported in other income (expense), net.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows:

August 31, 2019

Total

H.B. Fuller

Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

Foreign currency translation adjustment

$ (179,633 ) $ (179,539 ) $ (94 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $74,077

(139,709 ) (139,709 ) -

Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $6,028

(18,083 ) (18,083 ) -

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $50

548 548 -

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

(18,341 ) (18,341 ) -

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

$ (355,218 ) $ (355,124 ) $ (94 )

December 1, 2018

Total

H.B. Fuller

Stockholders

Non-

controlling

Interests

Foreign currency translation adjustment

$ (127,398 ) $ (127,307 ) $ (91 )

Defined benefit pension plans adjustment, net of taxes of $75,083

(144,140 ) (144,140 ) -

Interest rate swap, net of taxes of $(7,231)

21,693 21,693 -

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $588

(12,057 ) (12,057 ) -

Reclassification of AOCI tax effects

(18,341 ) (18,341 ) -

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

$ (280,243 ) $ (280,152 ) $ (91 )

19

Note 10: Income Taxes

As of August 31, 2019, we had a liability of $8,998 recorded for gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest) compared to $8,420 as of December 1, 2018. As of August 31, 2019, we had accrued $874 of gross interest relating to unrecognized tax benefits. For the nine months ended August 31, 2019, our recorded liability for gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $578.

On September 28, 2018, the Swiss Parliament approved the Federal Act on Tax Reform and AHV Financing (TRAF). On May 19, 2019, a public referendum was held in Switzerland that approved the federal reform proposals and subsequently announced the TRAF will become effective on January 1, 2020. As TRAF was not enacted as of August 31, 2019, we have not reflected the financial impacts in our Consolidated Financial Statements during the nine months ended August 31, 2019. The Canton of Zurich, where we operate, voted and passed their legislation on September 1, 2019. Accordingly, we will record the combined financial impact of both the federal and cantonal components of Swiss Tax Reform during the fourth quarter of 2019.

Note 11: Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation of the common share components for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

August 31,

September 1,

(Shares in thousands)

2019

2018

2019

2018

Weighted-average common shares - basic

50,939 50,632 50,864 50,551

Equivalent shares from share-based compensations plans

563 1,506 972 1,410

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares - diluted

51,502 52,138 51,836 51,961

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to H.B. Fuller by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the applicable period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share is attributable to share-based compensation awards. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding shares, which computes total employee proceeds as the sum of (a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award and (b) the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services. Share-based compensation awards for which total employee proceeds exceed the average market price over the applicable period have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Share-based compensation awards for 13,429 and 1,558,690 shares for the three months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively, and 152,999 and 2,423,367 shares for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations because they were antidilutive.

Note 12: Financial Instruments

Overview

As a result of being a global enterprise, our earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk from foreign currency denominated receivables and payables.

We use foreign currency forward contracts, cross-currency swaps, and interest rate swaps to manage risks associated with foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We do not hold derivative financial instruments of a speculative nature or for trading purposes. We record derivatives as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings unless the derivative qualifies and is designated as a hedge. Cash flows from derivatives are classified in the statement of cash flows in the same category as the cash flows from the items subject to designated hedge or undesignated (economic) hedge relationships. The company evaluates hedge effectiveness at inception and on an ongoing basis. If a derivative is no longer expected to be effective, hedge accounting is discontinued. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is recorded in earnings.

We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance of counterparties for foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements. We select investment-grade multinational banks and financial institutions as counterparties for derivative transactions and monitor the credit quality of each of these banks on a periodic basis as warranted. We do not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties, and valuation allowances, if any, are de minimis.

20

Cash Flow Hedges

As of August 31, 2019, we had the following cash flow hedges: 1) six cross-currency swap agreements effective October 20, 2017 to convert a notional amount of $401,200 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2021 and 2022;2) one cross-currency swap agreement effective February 24, 2017 to convert a notional amount of $42,600 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2020; and 3) one cross-currency swap agreement effective October 7, 2015, to convert a notional amount of $44,912 of foreign currency denominated intercompany loans into U.S. dollars and maturing in 2019.

As of August 31, 2019, the combined fair value of the swaps was an asset of $28,024 and was included in other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated as cash flow hedges for accounting treatment. The lesser amount between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swaps and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swaps is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The differences between the cumulative change in the fair value of the actual swaps and the cumulative change in the fair value of hypothetical swaps are recorded as other income, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In a perfectly effective hedge relationship, the two fair value calculations would exactly offset each other. Any difference in the calculation represents hedge ineffectiveness. The amount in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cross-currency swaps was a gain of $548 as of August 31, 2019. The estimated net amount of the existing gain that is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of August 31, 2019 that is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $548. As of August 31, 2019, we do not believe any gains or losses will be reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of these cash flow hedges because the original forecasted transaction will not occur.

The following table summarizes the cross-currency swaps outstanding as of August 31, 2019:

Fiscal Year of

Expiration

Interest Rate

Notional

Value

Fair Value

Pay EUR

2019 3.80% $ 44,912 $ 905
Receive USD 5.0530%

Pay EUR

2020 1.95% $ 42,600 $ (1,466 )
Receive USD 4.3038%

Pay EUR

2021 2.75% $ 133,340 $ 9,234
Receive USD 4.9330%

Pay EUR

2022 3.00% $ 267,860 $ 19,351
Receive USD 5.1803%

Total

$ 488,712 $ 28,024

On March 26, 2018, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $100,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B issued on October 20, 2017 to a fixed interest rate of 4.312 percent. On March 9, 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert $100,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.490 percent. On February 27, 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert $200,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.589 percent. On October 20, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $1,050,000 of our $2,150,000 Term Loan B to a fixed interest rate of 4.0275 percent. The combined fair value of the interest rate swaps in total was a liability of $24,939 at August 31, 2019 and was included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as cash flow hedges. We are applying the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our $1,450,000 variable rate Term Loan B are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps.

On April 23, 2018, we amended our Term Loan B Credit Agreement to reduce the interest rate from LIBOR plus 2.25 percent to LIBOR plus 2.00 percent. Fixed interest rates related to swap agreements disclosed have been updated to reflect the amendment.

21

The amounts of pretax gains (losses) recognized in Comprehensive Income related to derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

2019

September 1,

2018

August 31,

2019

September 1,

2018

Cross-currency swap contracts

$ 2,532 $ (1,093 ) $ 13,143 $ (5,606 )

Interest rate swap contracts

(15,006 ) (1,921 ) (53,035 ) 24,918

Fair Value Hedges

On February 14, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to convert $150,000 of our $300,000 Public Notes that were issued on February 14, 2017 to a variable interest rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 1.86 percent. The combined fair value of the interest rate swaps in total was an asset of $8,857 at August 31, 2019, and was included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The swaps were designated for hedge accounting treatment as fair value hedges. We are applying the hypothetical derivative method to assess hedge effectiveness for these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of a hypothetically perfect swap with terms that match the critical terms of our $150,000 fixed rate Public Notes are compared with the change in the fair value of the swaps.

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

The company uses foreign currency forward contracts to offset its exposure to the change in value of certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities held at foreign subsidiaries that are remeasured at the end of each period. Although the contracts are effective economic hedges, they are not designated as accounting hedges. Foreign currency forward contracts are recorded as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the value of these derivatives are recognized immediately in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. See Note 13 for fair value amounts of these derivative instruments.

As of August 31, 2019, we had forward foreign currency contracts maturing between September 3, 2019 and November 20, 2019. The mark-to-market effect associated with these contracts was largely offset by the underlying transaction gains and losses resulting from the foreign currency exposures for which these contracts relate. The amounts of pretax gains (losses) recognized in other income, net related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018 were $3,996 and $10,520, respectively.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of entities in the customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and countries. As of August 31, 2019, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.

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Note 13: Fair Value Measurements

Overview

Estimates of fair value for financial assets and liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements. The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. The framework discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:

Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect management's assumptions, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

Balances Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents information about our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

August 31,

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Description

2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Assets:

Marketable securities

$ 7,321 $ 7,321 $ - $ -

Foreign exchange contract assets

6,182 - 6,182 -

Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges

8,857 - 8,857 -

Cross-currency cash flow hedges

28,024 - 28,024 -

Liabilities:

Foreign exchange contract liabilities

$ 2,186 $ - $ 2,186 $ -

Interest rate swaps, cash flow hedges

24,939 - 24,939 -

December 1,

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Description

2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Assets:

Marketable securities

$ 11,436 $ 11,436 $ - $ -

Foreign exchange contract assets

4,933 - 4,933 -

Interest rate swaps, cash flow hedges

28,924 - 28,924 -

Cross-currency cash flow hedges

739 - 739 -

Liabilities:

Foreign exchange contract liabilities

$ 2,156 $ - $ 2,156 $ -

Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges

8,657 - 8,657 -

Long-term debt had an estimated fair value of $2,091,560 and $2,123,447 as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered for debt of similar maturities. The estimated fair value of these long-term obligations is not necessarily indicative of the amount that would be realized in a current market exchange.

Note 14: Share Repurchase Program

On April 6, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200,000 of our outstanding common shares. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares for cash on the open market, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, we reduce our common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid-in capital. This authorization replaces the September 30, 2010 authorization to repurchase shares.

We did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and September 1, 2018.

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Note 15: Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Matters

From time to time, we become aware of compliance matters relating to, or receive notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. We review the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or our contribution relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. Also, from time to time, we are identified as a potentially responsible party ('PRP') under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. We are also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. Our environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with applicable laws on a global basis. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for environmental matters, we establish an undiscounted financial provision. We recorded liabilities of $8,661 and $10,665 as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively, for probable and reasonably estimable environmental remediation costs. Of the amount reserved, $4,264 and $4,784 as of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, respectively, is attributable to a facility we own in Simpsonville, South Carolina as a result of our Royal Adhesives acquisition that is a designated site under CERCLA.

Currently we are involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, we are currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with landfills and/or hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, we may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites. In addition, we are engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former operating facilities. While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, we have concluded that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

Other Legal Proceedings

From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we are a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, we have concluded, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in the aggregate, including the asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 30 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by us. We are typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff presents evidence indicating that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to our products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the length, intensity and character of exposure to products containing asbestos, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation is paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which we acquired a business from a third party. Currently, this third party is defending and paying settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party.

24

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, we have insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities, including defense costs. Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of our defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation. However, certain of our insurers are insolvent. We have entered into cost-sharing agreements with our insurers that provide for the allocation of defense costs and settlements and judgments in asbestos-related lawsuits. These agreements require, among other things, that we fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent.

A summary of the number of and settlement amounts for asbestos-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

Nine Months Ended

3 Years Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

December 1, 2018

Lawsuits and claims settled

5 7 30

Settlement amounts

$ 232 $ 334 $ 3,423

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

$ 177 $ 281 $ 2,530

We do not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against us because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products that we manufactured. Rather, we believe it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, we establish a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries.

Based on currently available information, we have concluded that the resolution of any pending matter, including asbestos-related litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

During 2018, we retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation of the possible resale of our hygiene products into Iran by certain customers of our subsidiaries in Turkey (beginning in 2011) and India (beginning in 2014), in possible violation of the economic sanctions against Iran administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets ('OFAC') and our compliance policy. The sales to these customers represented less than one percent of our net revenue in each of our last three fiscal years. The sales to the customers who were reselling our products into Iran ceased during fiscal year 2018 and we do not currently conduct any business in Iran. In January 2018, we voluntarily contacted OFAC to advise it of this internal investigation and our intention to cooperate fully with OFAC and, in September 2018, we submitted the results and findings of our investigation to OFAC. We have not yet received a response from OFAC. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome or effect of the investigation, however, based on the results of our investigation to date, we believe we could incur penalties ranging from zero to $10,000.

Note 16: Operating Segments

We are required to report segment information in the same way that we internally organize our business for assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources. Operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment. Corporate assets are not allocated to the operating segments. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs.

25

We have five reportable segments: Americas Adhesives, EIMEA, Asia Pacific, Construction Adhesives and Engineering Adhesives. As of the beginning of fiscal 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. The table below provides certain information regarding net revenue and segment operating income for each of our operating segments. Prior period segment information has been recast retrospectively to reflect the realignment.

Three Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Inter-

Segment

Inter-

Segment

Trade

Segment

Operating

Trade

Segment

Operating

Revenue

Revenue

Income

Revenue

Revenue

Income

Americas Adhesives

$ 259,758 $ 4,426 $ 28,263 $ 268,736 $ 4,595 $ 31,474

EIMEA

154,278 10,467 6,458 171,505 5,255 6,199

Asia Pacific

65,624 528 6,114 65,960 1,435 3,677

Construction Adhesives

107,920 2 7,380 123,977 (3 ) 11,907

Engineering Adhesives

137,796 - 18,491 139,929 - 14,034

Total

$ 725,376 $ 66,706 $ 770,107 $ 67,291

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Inter-

Segment

Inter-

Segment

Trade

Segment

Operating

Trade

Segment

Operating

Revenue

Revenue

Income

Revenue

Revenue

Income

Americas Adhesives

$ 761,408 $ 13,166 $ 70,472 $ 785,931 $ 15,491 $ 72,793

EIMEA

476,244 23,566 18,454 522,658 14,702 22,714

Asia Pacific

200,109 4,133 15,651 206,990 5,032 11,005

Construction Adhesives

301,619 - 11,148 345,125 (4 ) 24,410

Engineering Adhesives

418,514 - 57,573 411,869 - 42,472

Total

$ 2,157,894 $ 173,298 $ 2,272,573 $ 173,394

The table below provides a reconciliation of segment operating income to income before income taxes and income from equity method investments:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

August 31,

September 1,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Segment operating income

$ 66,706 $ 67,291 $ 173,298 $ 173,394

Other income, net

22,762 2,469 29,113 15,120

Interest expense

(25,607 ) (27,858 ) (79,354 ) (83,420 )

Interest income

3,115 2,934 9,191 8,769

Income before income taxes and income from equity method investments

$ 66,976 $ 44,836 $ 132,248 $ 113,863

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018 for important background information related to our business.

Net revenue in the third quarter of 2019 decreased 5.8 percent from the third quarter of 2018. Net revenue decreased 2.7 percent due to sales volume, 0.6 percent due to unfavorable product pricing and 0.6 percent due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business. Negative currency effects of 1.9 percent compared to the third quarter of 2018 were primarily driven by the weaker Euro, Chinese renminbi, Argentinian peso, Brazilian real and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar. Gross profit margin increased 70 basis points primarily due to lower material costs partially offset by lower sales volume.

Net revenue in the first nine months of 2019 decreased 5.1 percent from the first nine months of 2018. Net revenue decreased 2.7 percent due to sales volume and 0.2 percent due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business, partially offset by a 1.5 percent increase due to favorable product pricing. Negative currency effects of 3.7 percent compared to the first nine months of 2018 were primarily driven by the weaker Chinese renminbi, Argentinian peso, Turkish lira, Euro, Brazilian real and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Gross profit margin increased 80 basis points primarily due to favorable product pricing and lower material costs partially offset by lower sales volume.

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller in the third quarter of 2019 was $49.7 million compared to $37.7 million in the third quarter of 2018. On a diluted earnings per share basis, the third quarter of 2019 was $0.97 per share compared to $0.72 per share for the third quarter of 2018.

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller in the first nine months of 2019 was $98.6 million compared to $129.9 million in the first nine months of 2018. On a diluted earnings per share basis, the first nine months of 2019 was $1.90 per share compared to $2.50 per share for the first nine months of 2018.

Restructuring Plan

During the first quarter of 2018, we approved a restructuring plan consisting of consolidation plans, organizational changes and other actions related to the integration of the operations of Royal Adhesives with the operations of the Company (the 'Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan'). In implementing the Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan, we expect to incur costs of approximately $20.0 million, which includes (i) cash expenditures of approximately $12.0 million for severance and related employee costs globally and (ii) other costs of approximately $8.0 million related to the optimization of production facilities, streamlining of processes and accelerated depreciation of long-lived assets. Approximately $14.0 million of the costs are expected to be cash costs. We incurred costs of $0.3 million and $2.7 million under this plan during the third quarter ended August 31, 2019 and during the nine months ended August 31, 2019, respectively. The Royal Adhesives Restructuring Plan was implemented in the first quarter of 2018 and is currently expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2020.

Results of Operations

Net revenue:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 725.4 $ 770.1 (5.8% ) $ 2,157.9 $ 2,272.6 (5.1% )

We review variances in net revenue in terms of changes related to sales volume, product pricing, business acquisitions and divestitures (M&A) and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The following table shows the net revenue variance analysis for the third quarter and first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

(3.3% ) (1.2% )

M&A

(0.6% ) (0.2% )

Currency

(1.9% ) (3.7% )

Total

(5.8% ) (5.1% )

Organic growth was a negative 3.3 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The 3.3 percent negative organic growth in the third quarter of 2019 was driven by a 12.4 percent decrease in Construction Adhesives and a 7.3 percent decrease in EIMEA, offset by 1.0 percent growth in Asia Pacific, 0.9 percent growth in Engineering Adhesives and 0.1 percent growth in Americas Adhesives. The decrease is predominately driven by a decrease in sales volume. There was a 0.6 percent decrease due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The negative 1.9 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Euro, Chinese renminbi, Argentinian peso, Brazilian real and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar.

Organic growth was a negative 1.2 percent in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The 1.2 percent negative organic growth in the first nine months of 2019 was driven by an 11.8 percent decrease in Construction Adhesives and a 2.4 percent decrease in EIMEA, offset by 5.3 percent growth in Engineering Adhesives, 0.6 percent growth in Asia Pacific and 0.5 percent growth in Americas Adhesives. The decrease is predominately driven by a decrease in sales volume. There was a 0.2 percent decrease due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business during the nine months ended August 31, 2019. The negative 3.7 percent currency impact was primarily driven by a weaker Chinese renminbi, Argentinian peso, Turkish lira, Euro, Brazilian real and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Raw materials

$ 382.5 $ 416.4 (8.1% ) $ 1,144.4 $ 1,242.3 (7.9% )

Other manufacturing costs

135.6 138.7 (2.2% ) 407.8 409.5 (0.4% )

Cost of sales

$ 518.1 $ 555.1 (6.7% ) $ 1,552.2 $ 1,651.8 (6.0% )

Percent of net revenue

71.4 % 72.1 % 71.9 % 72.7 %

Cost of sales in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 decreased 70 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 140 basis points in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 primarily due to decreased raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of revenue increased 70 basis points in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 primarily due to the impact of lower sales volume.

Cost of sales in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018 decreased 80 basis points as a percentage of net revenue. Raw material cost as a percentage of net revenue decreased 170 basis points in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018 primarily due to an increase in product pricing and decreased raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of revenue increased 90 basis points in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018 primarily due to the impact of lower sales volume.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Gross profit

$ 207.3 $ 215.0 (3.6% ) $ 605.7 $ 620.7 (2.4% )

Percent of net revenue

28.6 % 27.9 % 28.1 % 27.3 %

Gross profit in the third quarter of 2019 decreased 3.6 percent and gross profit margin increased 70 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower raw material costs partially offset by lower sales volume.

Gross profit in the first nine months of 2019 decreased 2.4 percent and gross profit margin increased 80 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to favorable product pricing and lower raw material costs partially offset by lower sales volume.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

SG&A

$ 140.6 $ 147.7 (4.8% ) $ 432.4 $ 447.3 (3.3% )

Percent of net revenue

19.4 % 19.2 % 20.0 % 19.7 %

SG&A expenses for the third quarter of 2019 decreased $7.1 million, or 4.8 percent, compared to the third quarter of 2018. The decrease is primarily due to general spending reductions and the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on spending outside the U.S.

SG&A expenses for the first nine months of 2019 decreased $14.9 million, or 3.3 percent, compared to the first nine months of 2018. The decrease is primarily due to general spending reductions and the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on spending outside the U.S.

We make SG&A expense plans at the beginning of each fiscal year and barring significant changes in business conditions or our outlook for the future, we maintain these spending plans for the entire year. Management routinely monitors our SG&A spending relative to these fiscal year plans for each operating segment and for the company overall. We feel it is important to maintain a consistent spending program in this area as many of the activities within the SG&A category such as the sales force, technology development, and customer service are critical elements of our business strategy.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Other income, net

$ 22.8 $ 2.5 812.0 % $ 29.1 $ 15.1 92.7 %

Other income, net in the third quarter of 2019 included a $20.3 million gain on sale of assets, $3.4 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $0.7 of other income, offset by $1.6 million currency transaction losses. Other income, net in the third quarter of 2018 included $3.8 million of net defined benefit pension benefits, offset by $1.3 million currency transaction losses.

Other income, net in the first nine months of 2019 included a $20.0 million gain on sale of assets, $10.3 million of net defined benefit pension benefits and $1.0 million of other income, offset by $2.2 million of currency transaction losses. Other income, net in the first nine months of 2018 included $11.6 million of net defined benefit pension benefits, $3.1 million gain on sale of assets and $2.8 million of other income, offset by $2.4 million of currency transaction losses.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Interest expense

$ 25.6 $ 27.9 (8.2% ) $ 79.4 $ 83.4 (4.9% )

Interest expense in the third quarter of 2019 was $25.6 million compared to $27.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. Interest expense in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018 was lower due to lower U.S. debt balances. We capitalized $0.1 million of interest expense in both the third quarter of 2019 and in the same period last year.

Interest expense in the first nine months of 2019 was $79.4 million compared to $83.4 million in the first nine months of 2018. Interest expense in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018 was lower due to lower U.S. debt balances. We capitalized $0.3 million and $0.2 million of interest expense in the first nine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Interest income

$ 3.1 $ 2.9 6.9 % $ 9.2 $ 8.8 4.4 %

Interest income in the third quarter of 2019 was $3.1 million. Interest income in the third quarter of 2018 was $2.9 million.

Interest income in the first nine months of 2019 was $9.2 million. Interest income in the first nine months of 2018 was $8.8 million.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Income taxes

$ 19.3 $ 9.3 107.5% $ 38.9 $ (9.8 )

NMP

Effective tax rate

28.8 % 20.7 % 29.4 % (8.6% )

NMP = Non-meaningful percentage

Income tax expense of $19.3 million in the third quarter of 2019 includes $6.3 million of discrete tax expense. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $6.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 27.7 percent. Income tax expense of $9.3 million in the third quarter of 2018 included $1.0 million of discrete tax benefit. Excluding the discrete tax benefit of $1.0 million, the overall effective tax rate was 22.9 percent. The increase in the overall effective tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete items, is primarily due to the impact of certain items of U.S. Tax Reform which were not effective in 2018, but are applicable to 2019.

Income tax expense of $38.9 million in the first nine months of 2019 includes $7.2 million of discrete tax expense. Excluding the discrete tax expense of $7.2 million, the overall effective tax rate was 28.3 percent. Income tax benefit of $9.8 million in the first nine months of 2018 included $35.6 million of tax benefit related to the accounting for the tax effects of U.S. Tax Reform and $1.7 million of other discrete tax benefit. Excluding the discrete tax benefits of $37.3 million, the overall effective tax rate was 24.1 percent. The increase in the overall effective tax rate, excluding the impact of discrete and other items, is primarily due to the impact of certain items of U.S. Tax Reform which were not effective in 2018, but are applicable to 2019.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Income from equity method investments

$ 2.1 $ 2.2 (4.5% ) $ 5.3 $ 6.2 (15.0% )

The income from equity method investments relates to our 50 percent ownership of the Sekisui-Fuller joint venture in Japan. The lower income for the third quarter of 2019 and for the first nine months of 2019 compared to the same period of 2018 relates to lower net income in our joint venture.

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net income attributable to H.B. Fuller

$ 49.7 $ 37.7 31.8 % $ 98.6 $ 129.9 (24.1% )

Percent of net revenue

6.9 % 4.9 % 4.6 % 5.7 %

The net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for the third quarter of 2019 was $49.7 million compared to $37.7 million for the third quarter of 2018. The diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2019 was $0.97 per share as compared to $0.72 per share for the third quarter of 2018.

The net income attributable to H.B. Fuller for the first nine months of 2019 was $98.6 million compared to $129.9 million for the first nine months of 2018. The diluted earnings per share for the first nine months of 2019 was $1.90 per share as compared to $2.50 per share for the first nine months of 2018.

Operating Segment Results

We have five reportable segments: Americas Adhesives, EIMEA, Asia Pacific, Construction Adhesives and Engineering Adhesives. Operating results of each of these segments are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance.

As of the beginning of the fiscal 2019, we realigned certain customers across operating segments. The tables below provide certain information regarding the net revenue and segment operating income of each of our operating segments. Prior period segment information has been recast retrospectively to reflect the realignment. Inter-segment revenues are recorded at cost plus a markup for administrative costs. Corporate expenses are fully allocated to each operating segment.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Net

% of

Net

% of

Net

% of

Net

% of

($ in millions)

Revenue

Total

Revenue

Total

Revenue

Total

Revenue

Total

Americas Adhesives

$ 259.8 36 % $ 268.7 35 % $ 761.4 35 % $ 785.9 35 %

EIMEA

154.3 21 % 171.5 22 % 476.2 22 % 522.7 23 %

Asia Pacific

65.6 9 % 66.0 9 % 200.1 9 % 207.0 9 %

Construction Adhesives

107.9 15 % 124.0 16 % 301.6 14 % 345.1 15 %

Engineering Adhesives

137.8 19 % 139.9 18 % 418.6 20 % 411.9 18 %

Total

$ 725.4 100 % $ 770.1 100 % 2,157.9 100 % $ 2,272.6 100 %

Segment Operating Income:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

($ in millions)

Segment

Operating

Income

% of

Total

Segment

Operating

Income

% of

Total

Segment

Operating

Income

% of

Total

Segment

Operating

Income

% of

Total

Americas Adhesives

$ 28.3 42 % $ 31.5 47 % $ 70.5 41 % $ 72.8 42 %

EIMEA

6.4 10 % 6.2 9 % 18.5 11 % 22.7 13 %

Asia Pacific

6.1 9 % 3.7 5 % 15.6 9 % 11.0 6 %

Construction Adhesives

7.4 11 % 11.9 18 % 11.1 6 % 24.4 14 %

Engineering Adhesives

18.5 28 % 14.0 21 % 57.6 33 % 42.5 25 %

Total

$ 66.7 100 % $ 67.3 100 % $ 173.3 100 % $ 173.4 100 %

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 259.8 $ 268.7 (3.3 %) $ 761.4 $ 785.9 (3.1 %)

Segment operating income

$ 28.3 $ 31.5 (10.2 %) $ 70.5 $ 72.8 (3.2 %)

Segment operating margin

10.9 % 11.7 % 9.3 % 9.3 %

The following table provides details of the Americas Adhesives net revenue variances:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

0.1 % 0.5 %

M&A

(1.7% ) (0.6% )

Currency

(1.7% ) (3.0% )

Total

(3.3% ) (3.1% )

Net revenue decreased 3.3 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume offset by unfavorable product pricing. There was a 1.7 percent decrease due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business during the three months ended August 31, 2019. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Argentinian peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso and Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs increased 30 basis points. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 30 basis points. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 20 basis points. Segment operating income decreased 10.2 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased 80 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue decreased 3.1 percent in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing, partially offset by decrease in sales volume. There was a 0.6 percent decrease due to the divestiture of our surfactants and thickeners business during the nine months ended August 31, 2019. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Argentinian peso, Brazilian real, Colombian peso and Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. As a percentage of net revenue, raw material costs decreased 50 basis points due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 50 basis points due to higher production costs and lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue was flat. Segment operating income decreased 3.2 percent and segment operating margin as a percentage of net revenue was flat compared to the first nine months of 2018.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 154.3 $ 171.5 (10.0% ) $ 476.2 $ 522.7 (8.9% )

Segment operating income

$ 6.4 $ 6.2 3.2 % $ 18.5 $ 22.7 (18.5% )

Segment operating margin

4.1 % 3.6 % 3.9 % 4.3 %

The following table provides details of the EIMEA net revenue variances:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

(7.3% ) (2.4% )

Currency

(2.7% ) (6.5% )

Total

(10.0% ) (8.9% )

Net revenue decreased 10.0 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The decrease in organic growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume and unfavorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Euro and Turkish lira compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 260 basis points due to lower raw material costs and favorable product mix. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 120 basis points due to lower sales volume and higher restructuring plan costs. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 90 basis points primarily due to higher restructuring plan and lower net revenue. Segment operating income increased 3.2 percent and segment operating margin increased 50 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue decreased 8.9 percent in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The decrease in organic growth was attributable to a decrease in sales volume, partially offset by favorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Turkish lira, Euro, and Indian rupee compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 120 basis points due to lower raw material costs and favorable product mix. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 70 basis points primarily due to higher production and freight costs combined with lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 90 basis points due to higher restructuring plan and lower net revenue. Segment operating income decreased 18.5 percent and segment operating margin decreased 40 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2018.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 65.6 $ 66.0 (0.6% ) $ 200.1 $ 207.0 (3.3% )

Segment operating income

$ 6.1 $ 3.7 64.9 % $ 15.6 $ 11.0 41.8 %

Segment operating margin

9.3 % 5.6 % 7.8 % 5.3 %

The following table provides details of the Asia Pacific net revenue variances:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

1.0 % 0.6 %

Currency

(1.6% ) (3.9% )

Total

(0.6% ) (3.3% )

Net revenue in the third quarter of 2019 decreased 0.6 percent compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to increased sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Chinese renminbi and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 320 basis points primarily due to lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 20 basis points. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 30 basis points. Segment operating income increased 64.9 percent and segment operating margin increased 370 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue in the first nine months of 2019 decreased 3.3 percent compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to favorable product pricing and an increase in sales volume. The negative currency effect was primarily the result of a weaker Chinese renminbi and Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 260 basis points primarily due to increased product pricing and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue was flat. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 10 basis points. Segment operating income increased 41.8 percent and segment operating margin increased 250 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2018.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 107.9 $ 124.0 (13.0% ) $ 301.6 $ 345.1 (12.6% )

Segment operating (loss) income

$ 7.4 $ 11.9 (37.8% ) $ 11.1 $ 24.4 (54.5% )

Segment operating margin

6.9 % 9.6 % 3.7 % 7.1 %

The following tables provide details of the Construction Adhesives net revenue variances:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

(12.4% ) (11.8% )

Currency

(0.6% ) (0.8% )

Total

(13.0% ) (12.6% )

Net revenue decreased 13.0 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The decrease in organic growth was driven by lower sales volume primarily related to the elimination of under-performing products, partially offset by favorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 30 basis points. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 80 basis points due to lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 220 basis points due to lower sales volume and higher restructuring plan expenses. Segment operating income decreased $4.5 million and segment operating margin decreased 270 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue decreased 12.6 percent in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The decrease in organic growth was driven by lower sales volume primarily related to the elimination of under-performing products, partially offset by favorable product pricing. The negative currency effect was due to the weaker Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 70 basis points due to favorable product pricing and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 220 basis points primarily due to higher integration and restructuring costs combined with lower sales volume. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased 190 basis points due to lower sales volume partially offset by lower restructuring plan expenses. Segment operating income decreased $13.3 million and segment operating margin decreased 340 basis points compared to first nine months of 2018.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

August 31,

September 1,

2019 vs

($ in millions)

2019

2018

2018

2019

2018

2018

Net revenue

$ 137.8 $ 139.9 (1.5% ) $ 418.6 $ 411.9 1.6 %

Segment operating income

$ 18.5 $ 14.0 32.1 % $ 57.6 $ 42.5 35.5 %

Segment operating margin

13.4 % 10.0 % 13.8 % 10.3 %

The following tables provide details of the Engineering Adhesives net revenue variances:

Three Months Ended August 31, 2019

Nine Months Ended August 31, 2019

vs September 1, 2018

vs September 1, 2018

Organic growth

0.9 % 5.3 %

Currency

(2.4% ) (3.7% )

Total

(1.5% ) 1.6 %

Net revenue decreased 1.5 percent in the third quarter of 2019 compared to the third quarter of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable product pricing. Sales volume growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the electronics and new energy markets. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Chinese renminbi, Euro and South Korean won compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 310 basis points due to favorable product mix and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 180 basis points due to higher production and integration costs. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 210 basis points due to lower compensation costs. Segment operating income increased 32.1 percent and segment operating margin increased 340 basis points compared to the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue increased 1.6 percent in the first nine months of 2019 compared to the first nine months of 2018. The increase in organic growth was attributable to an increase in sales volume, partially offset by unfavorable product pricing. Sales volume growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the electronics and new energy markets. The negative currency effect was due to a weaker Chinese renminbi, Euro and South Korean won compared to the U.S. dollar. Raw material costs as a percentage of net revenue decreased 420 basis points due to favorable product mix and lower raw material costs. Other manufacturing costs as a percentage of net revenue increased 150 basis points due to higher production and integration costs. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased 80 basis points due to lower compensation costs. Segment operating income increased 35.5 percent and segment operating margin increased 350 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2018.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Total cash and cash equivalents as of August 31, 2019 were $119.8 million compared to $150.8 million as of December 1, 2018 and $150.1 million as of September 1, 2018. The majority of the $119.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of August 31, 2019 was held outside the United States. Total long and short-term debt was $2,097.1 million as of August 31, 2019, $2,247.5 million as of December 1, 2018 and $2,364.2 million as of September 1, 2018. The total debt to total capital ratio as measured by Total Debt divided by (Total Debt plus Total Stockholders' Equity) was 64.1 percent as of August 31, 2019 as compared to 66.1 percent as of December 1, 2018 and 67.6 percent as of September 1, 2018.

We believe that cash flows from operating activities will be adequate to meet our ongoing liquidity and capital expenditure needs. In addition, we believe we have the ability to obtain both short-term and long-term debt to meet our financing needs for the foreseeable future. Cash available in the United States has historically been sufficient and we expect it will continue to be sufficient to fund U.S. operations and U.S. capital spending and U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit contributions in addition to funding U.S. acquisitions, dividend payments, debt service and share repurchases as needed. For those international earnings considered to be reinvested indefinitely, we currently have no intention to, and plans do not indicate a need to, repatriate these funds for U.S. operations.

Our credit agreements include restrictive covenants that, if not met, could lead to a renegotiation of our credit lines and a significant increase in our cost of financing. At August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants of our contractual obligations as shown in the following table:

Covenant

Debt Instrument

Measurement

Result as of August

31, 2019

Secured Indebtedness / TTM

EBITDA

Revolving Credit

Agreement and Term

Loan B Credit

Agreement

Not greater than 5.9

3.9

TTM = Trailing 12 months

EBITDA for covenant purposes is defined as consolidated net income, plus interest expense, expense for taxes paid or accrued, depreciation and amortization, certain non-cash impairment losses, extraordinary non-cash losses incurred other than in the ordinary course of business, nonrecurring extraordinary non-cash restructuring charges and the non-cash impact of purchase accounting, expenses related to the Royal Adhesives acquisition not to exceed $40.0 million, expenses relating to the integration of Royal Adhesives during the fiscal years ending in 2017, 2018 and 2019 not exceeding $30 million in aggregate, restructuring expenses that began prior to the Royal Adhesives acquisition incurred in fiscal years ending in 2017 and 2018 not exceeding $28 million in aggregate, and non-capitalized charges relating to the SAP implementation during fiscal years ending in 2017 through 2021 not exceeding $13 million in any single fiscal year, minus extraordinary non-cash gains. For the Total Indebtedness / TTM EBITDA ratio, TTM EBITDA is adjusted for the pro forma results from Material Acquisitions and Material Divestitures as if the acquisition or divestiture occurred at the beginning of the calculation period. The full definition is set forth in the Term Loan B Credit Agreement and the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, and can be found in the Company's 8-K filings dated October 20, 2017 and 8-K dated November 17, 2017, respectively.

We believe we have the ability to meet all of our contractual obligations and commitments in fiscal 2019.

Selected Metrics of Liquidity

Key metrics we monitor are net working capital as a percent of annualized net revenue, trade accounts receivable days sales outstanding ('DSO'), inventory days on hand, free cash flow after dividends and debt capitalization ratio.

August 31,

September 1,

2019

2018

Net working capital as a percentage of annualized net revenue1

20.2% 19.7%

Accounts receivable DSO (in days)2

59 54

Inventory days on hand (in days)3

67 69

Free cash flow after dividends4

$89.0 $37.0

Total debt to total capital ratio5

64.1% 67.6%

1 Current quarter net working capital (trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts plus inventory minus trade payables) divided by annualized net revenue (current quarter multiplied by four).

2 Trade receivables net of the allowance for doubtful accounts at the balance sheet date multiplied by 56 (8 weeks) and divided by the net revenue for the last 2 months of the quarter.

3 Total inventory multiplied by 56 and divided by cost of sales (excluding delivery costs) for the last 2 months of the quarter.

4 Year-to-date net cash provided by operating activities, less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. See reconciliation to Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations below.

5 Total debt divided by (total debt plus total stockholders' equity).

Free cash flow after dividends, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operations less purchased property, plant and equipment and dividends paid. Free cash flow after dividends is an integral financial measure used by the Company to assess its ability to generate cash in excess of its operating needs, therefore, the Company believes this financial measure provides useful information to investors. The following table reflects the manner in which free cash flow after dividends is determined and provides a reconciliation of free cash flow after dividends to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Reconciliation of 'Net cash provided by operating activities' to Free cash flow after dividends

Nine Months Ended

($ in millions)

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 160.2 $ 106.8

Less: Purchased property, plant and equipment

47.0 46.5

Less: Dividends paid

24.2 23.3

Free cash flow after dividends

89.0 37.0

Summary of Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

($ in millions)

2019

2018

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 160.2 $ 106.8

Net income including non-controlling interest was $98.6 million in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $129.9 million in the first nine months of 2018. Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $106.5 million in the first nine months of 2019 compared to $109.2 million in the first nine months of 2018. Deferred income taxes was a use of cash of $36.8 million in 2019 compared to $51.7 million in the first nine months of 2018. The higher use of cash in the first nine months of 2018 was due to the impact of U.S. Tax Reform. Accrued compensation was a use of cash of $10.2 million in 2019 compared to $6.2 million last year related to lower accruals for our employee incentive plans in the current year. Other assets was a use of cash of $31.9 million in the nine months ending August 31, 2019 compared to $47.5 million in the same period last year. Other liabilities was a source of cash of $10.6 million in the first nine months of 2019 compared to a use of cash of $0.6 million in the first nine months of 2018.

Changes in net working capital (trade receivables, inventory and trade payables) accounted for a use of cash of $31.2 million compared to $71.5 million last year. The table below provides the cash flow impact due to changes in the components of net working capital:

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

($ in millions)

2019

2018

Trade receivables, net

$ (15.7 ) $ (15.1 )

Inventory

(17.7 ) (60.2 )

Trade payables

2.2 3.8

Total cash flow impact

$ (31.2 ) $ (71.5 )

Trade Receivables, net - Trade receivables, net was a use of cash of $15.7 million and $15.1 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The higher use of cash in 2019 compared to 2018 was due to more cash collected on trade receivables in the prior year compared to the current year. The DSO were 59 days at August 31, 2019 and 54 days at September 1, 2018.

Inventory - Inventory was a use of cash of $17.7 million and $60.2 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The lower use of cash in 2019 is due to higher raw material costs and increasing inventory levels in 2018 to maintain service levels while integrating our acquisitions in 2018. Inventory days on hand were 67 days as of August 31, 2019 and 69 days as of September 1, 2018.

Trade Payables - For the first nine months of 2019, trade payables was a source of cash of $2.2 million and $3.8 million in 2018. The higher source of cash in 2018 compared to 2019 reflects higher payments on trade payables in the prior year.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

($ in millions)

2019

2018

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

$ 18.6 $ (42.0 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment were $47.0 million during the nine months ended August 31, 2019 as compared to $46.5 million for the same period of 2018. In 2019, we received $70.3 million of cash related to the sale of our surfactants and thickeners business.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Nine Months Ended

August 31,

September 1,

($ in millions)

2019

2018

Net cash used in financing activities

$ (199.1 ) $ (103.2 )

Repayments of long-term debt were $173.5 million in the first nine months ended August 31, 2019 and $70.8 million in the first nine months ended September 1, 2018. Net proceeds of notes payable were $2.7 million in 2019 compared to net payments of $9.8 million in 2018. Cash dividends paid were $24.2 million in 2019 compared to $23.3 million in 2018. Repurchases of common stock were $2.9 million in the nine months ended August 31, 2019 compared to $4.6 million in the same period of 2018.

Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words like 'plan,' 'expect,' 'aim,' 'believe,' 'project,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'will,' 'should,' 'could' (including the negative or variations thereof) and other expressions that indicate future events and trends. These plans and expectations are based upon certain underlying assumptions, including those mentioned with the specific statements. Such assumptions are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of current market conditions and trends, our plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. These plans and expectations and the assumptions underlying them are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions and expectations proves to be inaccurate or is unrealized. In addition to the factors described in this report, Item 1A. Risk Factors identifies some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, we have identified these important factors which could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered, together with any similar risk factors or other cautionary language that may be made elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The list of important factors in Item 1A. Risk Factors does not necessarily present the risk factors in order of importance. This disclosure, including that under Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, and other forward-looking statements and related disclosures made by us in this report and elsewhere from time to time, represents our best judgment as of the date the information is given. We do not undertake responsibility for updating any of such information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are advised, however, to consult any further public company disclosures (such as in filings with the SEC or in our press releases) on related subjects.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and prices of raw materials. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. See Part II, Item 7A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 1, 2018 for further discussion of these market risks. There have been no material changes in the reported market risk of the Company since December 1, 2018.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Controls and Procedures

We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of August 31, 2019. Based on this evaluation, our president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer concluded that, as of August 31, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

For purposes of Rule 13a-15(e), the term disclosure controls and procedures means controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its president and chief executive officer and executive vice president, chief financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Environmental Matters

From time to time, we become aware of compliance matters relating to, or receive notices from, federal, state or local entities regarding possible or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations. We review the circumstances of each individual site, considering the number of parties involved, the level of potential liability or our contribution relative to the other parties, the nature and magnitude of the hazardous substances involved, the method and extent of remediation, the estimated legal and consulting expense with respect to each site and the time period over which any costs would likely be incurred. Also, from time to time, we are identified as a potentially responsible party ('PRP') under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and/or similar state laws that impose liability for costs relating to the clean up of contamination resulting from past spills, disposal or other release of hazardous substances. We are also subject to similar laws in some of the countries where current and former facilities are located. Our environmental, health and safety department monitors compliance with applicable laws on a global basis. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for environmental matters, we establish a financial provision.

Currently, we are involved in various environmental investigations, clean up activities and administrative proceedings and lawsuits. In particular, we are currently deemed a PRP in conjunction with numerous other parties, in a number of government enforcement actions associated with landfills and/or hazardous waste sites. As a PRP, we may be required to pay a share of the costs of investigation and clean up of these sites.

We are engaged in environmental remediation and monitoring efforts at a number of current and former operating facilities. As of August 31, 2019, we had reserved $8.7 million, which represents our best estimate of probable liabilities with respect to environmental matters. Of the amount reserved, $4.3 million is attributable to a facility we own in Simpsonville, South Carolina as a result of our Royal Adhesives acquisition that is a designated site under CERCLA. It is reasonably possible that we may have additional liabilities related to these known environmental matters. However, the full extent of our future liability for environmental matters is difficult to predict because of uncertainty as to the cost of investigation and clean up of the sites, our responsibility for such hazardous substances and the number of and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties.

While uncertainties exist with respect to the amounts and timing of the ultimate environmental liabilities, based on currently available information, we have concluded that these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the results of operations or cash flows in one or more future periods.

Other Legal Proceedings

From time to time and in the ordinary course of business, we are a party to, or a target of, lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings, including product liability, personal injury, contract, patent and intellectual property, environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. While we are unable to predict the outcome of these matters, we have concluded, based upon currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of any pending matter, individually or in the aggregate, including the asbestos litigation described in the following paragraphs, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits in which plaintiffs have alleged injury due to products containing asbestos manufactured more than 30 years ago. The plaintiffs generally bring these lawsuits against multiple defendants and seek damages (both actual and punitive) in very large amounts. In many cases, plaintiffs are unable to demonstrate that they have suffered any compensable injuries or that the injuries suffered were the result of exposure to products manufactured by us. We are typically dismissed as a defendant in such cases without payment. If the plaintiff presents evidence indicating that compensable injury occurred as a result of exposure to our products, the case is generally settled for an amount that reflects the seriousness of the injury, the length, intensity and character of exposure to products containing asbestos, the number and solvency of other defendants in the case, and the jurisdiction in which the case has been brought.

A significant portion of the defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation is paid by third parties, including indemnification pursuant to the provisions of a 1976 agreement under which we acquired a business from a third party. Currently, this third party is defending and paying settlement amounts, under a reservation of rights, in most of the asbestos cases tendered to the third party.

In addition to the indemnification arrangements with third parties, we have insurance policies that generally provide coverage for asbestos liabilities (including defense costs). Historically, insurers have paid a significant portion of our defense costs and settlements in asbestos-related litigation. However, certain of our insurers are insolvent. We have entered into cost-sharing agreements with our insurers that provide for the allocation of defense costs and settlements and judgments in asbestos-related lawsuits. These agreements require, among other things, that we fund a share of settlements and judgments allocable to years in which the responsible insurer is insolvent.

A summary of the number of and settlement amounts for asbestos-related lawsuits and claims is as follows:

Nine Months Ended

3 Years Ended

($ in millions)

August 31, 2019

September 1, 2018

December 1, 2018

Lawsuits and claims settled

5 7 30

Settlement amounts

$ 0.2 $ 0.3 $ 3.4

Insurance payments received or expected to be received

$ 0.2 $ 0.3 $ 2.5

We do not believe that it would be meaningful to disclose the aggregate number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed against us because relatively few of these lawsuits are known to involve exposure to asbestos-containing products that we manufactured. Rather, we believe it is more meaningful to disclose the number of lawsuits that are settled and result in a payment to the plaintiff. To the extent we can reasonably estimate the amount of our probable liabilities for pending asbestos-related claims, we establish a financial provision and a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries.

Based on currently available information, we have concluded that the resolution of any pending matter, including asbestos-related litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. However, adverse developments and/or periodic settlements could negatively impact the results of operations or cash flows in one or more future periods.

During 2018, we retained legal counsel to conduct an internal investigation of the possible resale of our hygiene products into Iran by certain customers of our subsidiaries in Turkey (beginning in 2011) and India (beginning in 2014), in possible violation of the economic sanctions against Iran administered by OFAC and our compliance policy. The sales to these customers represented less than one percent of our net revenue in each of our last three fiscal years. The sales to the customers who were reselling our products into Iran ceased during fiscal year 2018 and we do not currently conduct any business in Iran. In January 2018, we voluntarily contacted OFAC to advise it of this internal investigation and our intention to cooperate fully with OFAC and, in September 2018, we submitted the results and findings of our investigation to OFAC. We have not yet received a response from OFAC. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome or effect of the investigation, however, based on the results of our investigation to date, we believe we could incur penalties ranging from zero to $10.0 million.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements concerning our future programs, products, expenses, revenue, liquidity and cash needs as well as our plans and strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and we assume no obligation to update this information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ significantly from the results described in these forward-looking statements, including the risk factors identified under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2018. There have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed by us under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 1, 2018.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Information on our purchases of equity securities during the third quarter ended August 31, 2019 is as follows:

Period

(a)

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased1

(b)

Average

Price Paid

per Share

(d)

Maximum

Approximate Dollar

Value of Shares that

may yet be

Purchased Under the

Plan or Program

(millions)

June 2, 2019 - July 6, 2019

2,182 $ 46.47 $ 187,170

July 7, 2019 - August 3, 2019

296 $ 46.14 $ 187,170

August 4, 2019 - August 31, 2019

- $ - $ 187,170

1 The total number of shares purchased include shares withheld to satisfy the employees' withholding taxes upon vesting of restricted stock.

Repurchases of common stock are made to support our stock-based employee compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. Upon vesting of restricted stock awarded to employees, shares are withheld to cover the employees' minimum withholding taxes.

On April 6, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common shares. Under the program, we are authorized to repurchase shares for cash on the open market, from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions or block transactions, or through an accelerated repurchase agreement. The timing of such repurchases is dependent on price, market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. Upon repurchase of the shares, we reduced our common stock for the par value of the shares with the excess being applied against additional paid-in capital. This authorization replaces the September 30, 2010 authorization to repurchase shares.

Item 6. Exhibits

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.

H.B. Fuller Company

Dated: September 27, 2019

/s/ John J. Corkrean

John J. Corkrean

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit Index

Exhibits

31.1 Form of 302 Certification - James J. Owens

31.2

Form of 302 Certification - John J. Corkrean

32.1

Form of 906 Certification -James J. Owens

32.2

Form of 906 Certification -John J. Corkrean

101

The following materials from the H.B. Fuller Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2019 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Total Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

45

I, James J. Owens, certify that:

I, John J. Corkrean, certify that:

I, James J. Owens, in connection with the Quarterly Report of H.B. Fuller Company on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2019 (the 'Report'), hereby certify that:

I, John J. Corkrean, in connection with the Quarterly Report of H.B. Fuller Company on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 31, 2019 (the 'Report'), hereby certify that:

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H.B. Fuller Company published this content on 27 September 2019 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 27 September 2019 23:22:01 UTC