Alliance One's 10Q (September 30, 2008)


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549

_______________________________

FORM 10-Q

_______________________________

 

 

 

[X]  

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 

 

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION
PERIOD FROM _______ TO _______.

 

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Alliance One International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Virginia

001-13684

54-1746567

 

________________

_____________________________

____________________

 

(State or other jurisdiction of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

8001 Aerial Center Parkway
Morrisville, NC 27560-8417
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(919) 379-4300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]    No [  ]

 

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

Large accelerated filer [  ]                                                                    Accelerated filer    [X]                                                    

Non-accelerated filer    [  ]                                                                     Smaller reporting company  [  ]                                    
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

 

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

 

As of October 27, 2008, the registrant had 88,964,000 shares outstanding of Common Stock (no par value) excluding 7,853,000 shares owned by a wholly owned subsidiary.






 

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Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page No.

Part I. 

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

3

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2008 and 2007

 

 

and March 31, 2008

4

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

5

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6 – 24

 

 

 

 

Item 2. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

25 – 33

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

34 – 35

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

35 - 36

 

 

Part II. 

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. 

Legal Proceedings

37

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

38

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

38

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

38

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

39

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. 

Exhibits

39

 

Signature

40

 

 

Index of Exhibits

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended   

 

Six Months Ended         

 

 

September 30,       

 

September 30,           

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2008    

 

2007    

 

2008     

 

2007      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and other operating revenues

$597,092 

 

$586,612 

 

$1,056,257 

 

$1,048,320 

 

Cost of goods and services sold

516,647 

 

502,789 

 

899,149 

 

892,675 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

80,445 

 

83,823 

 

157,108 

 

155,645 

 

Selling, administrative and general expenses

40,016 

 

36,514 

 

78,249 

 

76,003 

 

Other income (expense)

(825)

 

2,231 

 

1,449 

 

4,167 

 

Restructuring and asset impairment charges (recovery)

(44)

 

9,277 

 

452 

 

9,701 

 

Operating income

39,648 

 

40,263 

 

79,856 

 

74,108 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt retirement expense

954 

 

1,257 

 

954 

 

3,187 

 

Interest expense (includes debt amortization of $1,292
      and $920 for the three months and $2,233 and $1,924
      for the six months in 2008 and 2007, respectively)

26,385 

 

25,155 

 

50,814 

 

50,048 

 

Interest income

705 

 

2,101 

 

1,642 

 

4,273 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and other items

13,014 

 

15,952 

 

29,730 

 

25,146 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

(6,408)

 

5,097 

 

(4,615)

 

8,401 

 

Equity in net income of investee companies

1,099 

 

294 

 

1,099 

 

294 

 

Minority interests expense

119 

 

47 

 

245 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

20,402 

 

11,102 

 

35,199 

 

17,033 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

(45)

 

356 

 

463 

 

404 

 

Net income

$  20,357 

 

$  11,458 

 

$     35,662 

 

$     17,437 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income from continuing operations

$  .23 

 

$  .12 

 

$ .39 

 

$ .20 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

.01 

 

.01 

 

 

    Net income

$  .23 

 

$  .13 

 

$ .40 

 

$ .20 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income from continuing operations

$  .23 

 

$  .13 

 

$ .39 

 

$ .18 

 

    Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

.01 

 

.01 

 

    Net income

$  .23 

 

$  .13 

 

$ .40 

 

$ .19 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Basic

88,303 

 

88,103 

 

88,255 

 

87,988 

 

    Diluted

89,076 

 

89,654 

 

89,175 

 

89,744 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

 


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

 

(in thousands)

September 30,
2008       

 

September 30,
2007       

 

March 31,  
2008      

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$   83,868 

 

$   129,189 

 

$    112,214 

 

   Trade and other receivables, net

162,697 

 

216,367 

 

180,997 

 

   Accounts receivable, related parties

36,288 

 

12,185 

 

 

   Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Tobacco

822,128 

 

575,548 

 

649,555 

 

      Other

59,803 

 

33,068 

 

39,267 

 

   Advances on purchases of tobacco, net

147,389 

 

77,439 

 

112,989 

 

   Recoverable income taxes

5,861 

 

927 

 

12,841 

 

   Current deferred taxes

30,977 

 

35,350 

 

20,836 

 

   Prepaid expenses

63,737 

 

65,518 

 

50,668 

 

   Assets held for sale

4,119 

 

13,885 

 

4,885 

 

   Other current assets

27,494 

 

4,166 

 

7,382 

 

   Assets of discontinued operations

 

4,897 

 

236 

 

         Total current assets

1,444,361 

 

1,168,539 

 

1,191,870 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

21,296 

 

20,047 

 

21,582 

 

   Goodwill and other intangible assets

43,514 

 

32,615 

 

37,999 

 

   Deferred taxes

93,210 

 

73,520 

 

96,110 

 

   Other deferred charges

10,067 

 

13,572 

 

11,417 

 

   Other noncurrent assets

110,574 

 

100,928 

 

135,610 

 

 

278,661 

 

240,682 

 

302,718 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

209,931 

 

252,027 

 

218,277 

 

 

$1,932,953 

 

$1,661,248 

 

$1,712,865 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Notes payable to banks

$   649,157 

 

$   347,056 

 

$   387,157 

 

   Accounts payable

75,524 

 

147,416 

 

157,478 

 

   Due to related parties

814 

 

 

993 

 

   Advances from customers

112,626 

 

119,900 

 

91,919 

 

   Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

127,826 

 

76,541 

 

88,503 

 

   Income taxes

3,006 

 

7,644 

 

6,522 

 

   Long-term debt current

2,506 

 

3,528 

 

19,004 

 

   Liabilities of discontinued operations

49 

 

102 

 

81 

 

         Total current liabilities

971,508 

 

702,187 

 

751,657 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Long-term debt

554,239 

 

576,195 

 

563,973 

 

   Deferred taxes

9,989 

 

10,144 

 

10,527 

 

   Liability for unrecognized tax benefits

50,630 

 

60,749 

 

53,370 

 

   Pension, postretirement and other long-term liabilities

99,872 

 

95,849 

 

118,248 

 

 

714,730 

 

742,937 

 

746,118 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in subsidiaries

3,508 

 

3,261 

 

3,623 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Stockholders’ equity

Sept. 30,
2008   

 

Sept. 30,
2007   

 

March 31,
2008   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Common Stock—no par value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Authorized shares

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

250,000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Issued shares

96,817 

 

96,850 

 

96,750 

 

464,540 

 

461,634 

 

462,798 

 

   Retained deficit

(225,306)

 

(257,733)

 

(258,395)

 

   Accumulated other comprehensive income

3,973 

 

8,962 

 

7,064 

 

 

243,207 

 

212,863 

 

211,467 

 

 

$1,932,953 

 

$1,661,248 

 

$1,712,865 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(Unaudited)

 

 

(in thousands)

 

September 30,   
2008          

 

September 30,   
2007          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Net income

 

$   35,662 

 

$   17,437 

 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

      Net income from discontinued operations

 

(463)

 

(404)

 

      Increase in receivables

 

(23,504)

 

(12,991)

 

      Decrease (increase) in inventories and advances to suppliers

 

(208,014)

 

26,868 

 

      Decrease in payables and accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

(49,112)

 

(22,573)

 

      Increase (decrease) in advances from customers

 

21,209 

 

(5,928)

 

      Increase in current derivative asset

 

(20,275)

 

 

      Increase in prepaid expenses

 

(11,908)

 

(6,587)

 

      Depreciation and amortization

 

14,524 

 

18,522 

 

      Debt amortization/interest

 

2,521 

 

5,111 

 

      Restructuring and asset impairment charges

 

217 

 

8,318 

 

      Deferred items

 

(17,820)

 

2,282 

 

      Stock-based compensation

 

2,053 

 

1,213 

 

      Changes in other operating assets and liabilities

 

(8,657)

 

(357)

 

   Net cash provided (used) by operating activities of continuing operations

 

(263,567)

 

30,911 

 

   Net cash provided (used) by operating activities of discontinued operations

 

667 

 

(2,074)

 

   Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

(262,900)

 

28,837 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Purchases of property and equipment and internally developed software costs

 

(10,735)

 

(9,131)

 

   Proceeds on sale of property and equipment

 

3,931 

 

7,743 

 

   Refinancing of Brazilian farmers

 

(5,678)

 

 

   Return of capital on investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

 

9,520 

 

   Changes in other assets

 

7,212 

 

2,048 

 

   Net cash provided (used) by investing activities of continuing operations

 

(5,270)

 

10,180 

 

   Net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations

 

 

27 

 

   Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

 

(5,270)

 

10,207 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

   Repayment of short-term demand notes

 

(64,078)

 

 

   Proceeds from short-term demand notes

 

9,014 

 

 

   Net change in short-term borrowings

 

336,748 

 

162,330 

 

   Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

 

732 

 

   Repayment of long-term borrowings

 

(36,804)

 

(154,234)

 

   Debt issuance/retirement cost

 

(965)

 

(872)

 

   Proceeds from sale of stock

 

 

1,632 

 

   Net cash provided by financing activities

 

243,915 

 

9,588 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(4,091)

 

299 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(28,346)

 

48,931 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

112,214 

 

80,258 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$ 83,868 

 

$ 129,189 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands)



1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Description of Business

Alliance One International, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (“the Company”, “Alliance One”, “we,” “us” and “our”) is principally engaged in purchasing, processing, storing, and selling leaf tobacco in North America, Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.


Basis of Presentation

The accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.  The Company uses the cost or equity method of accounting for its investments in affiliates; all of which are owned 50% or less, except for the Zimbabwe operations which are more fully discussed below.  Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for any fiscal quarter will not necessarily be indicative of results to be expected for other quarters or a full fiscal year. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement of financial position, results of operation and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included.  This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.  The year ended March 31, 2008 is sometimes referred to herein as fiscal year 2008.

          The Company is accounting for its investment in the Zimbabwe operations on the cost method and has been reporting it in Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates in the condensed consolidated balance sheet since March 31, 2006.  During fiscal year 2007, the Company wrote its investment in the Zimbabwe operations down to zero.


Reclassifications

Related party receivables and payables, presented on a net basis in trade and other receivables or accounts payable in the Company’s previous filings, are now presented as related party receivables and payables to more appropriately reflect the nature of these amounts. Certain prior period amounts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. At September 30, 2007, the Company reported $228,552 of trade and other receivables of which $12,185 was reclassified to Accounts Receivable, Related Parties. At March 31, 2008, the Company reported $158,471 of accounts payable of which $993 was reclassified to Due to Related Parties.

          Current deferred and recoverable income taxes, presented on a net basis in the Company’s previous filings, are now presented separately as Current Deferred Taxes and Recoverable Income Taxes to more appropriately reflect the nature of these amounts. Certain prior period amounts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. At September 30, 2007, the Company reported $36,277 of Current Deferred and Recoverable Income Taxes, which was reclassified as $35,350 of Current Deferred Taxes and $927 of Recoverable Income Taxes.  At March 31, 2008, the Company reported $33,677 of Current Deferred and Recoverable Income Taxes, which was reclassified as $20,836 of Current Deferred Taxes and $12,841 of Recoverable Income Taxes.

          These reclassifications had no impact on operating income, net income, total current assets or total current liabilities.


Accounting Pronouncements

On April 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), and FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) on Statement No. 157, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 (“FSP 157-2”), which are more fully discussed in Note 16 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

          In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits companies to elect to report individual financial instruments and certain other items at fair value with changes in value reported in operations. Once made, this election is irrevocable for those items.  The Company adopted this new accounting standard on April 1, 2008 and it did not have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations.

          In April 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-10, Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements (“EITF 06-10”). This statement establishes that companies will be required to recognize a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation related to a collateral assignment arrangement — in accordance with SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, (if deemed part of a postretirement plan) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion 12, Omnibus Opinion — 1967, (if not part of a plan) — if, based on the substantive agreement with the employee, the employer has agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the postretirement period or provide a death benefit. The EITF also reached a consensus that an employer should recognize and measure the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment arrangement. The Company adopted EITF 06-10 on April 1, 2008 as a change in accounting principle through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings totaling $2,572.


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)


Equity and Cost Method Investments

The Company’s equity method investments and its cost method investments, which include its Zimbabwe operations, are in non-marketable securities. The Company reviews such investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an investment may not be recovered.  In assessing the recoverability of equity or cost method investments, the Company uses discounted cash flow models. If the fair value of an equity investee is determined to be lower than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized.  Preparing discounted future operating cash flow analysis requires that Company management make significant judgments with respect to future operating earnings growth rates and selecting an appropriate discount rate. The use of different assumptions could increase or decrease estimated future operating cash flows, and the corresponding discounted value of those cash flows, and therefore could increase or decrease any impairment charge.


Taxes Collected from Customers

Certain subsidiaries are subject to value added taxes on local sales.  These amounts have been included in sales and were $12,466 and $3,517 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $25,936 and $13,994 for the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.


2.  INCOME TAXES


FIN 48

As of September 30, 2008, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled $17,304, all of which would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.  

         The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  As of September 30, 2008, accrued interest and penalties totaled $22,606 and $11,620, respectively.

         The Company expects to continue accruing interest expenses related to the unrecognized tax benefits described above.  Additionally, the Company may be subject to fluctuations in the unrecognized tax liability due to currency exchange rate movements.

         Other than the expiration of an applicable statute of limitations pertaining to an international unrecognized tax benefit for the amount of  $2,018, the Company does not foresee any reasonably possible significant changes in the unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months but must acknowledge circumstances can change due to unexpected developments in the law.

         The Company is subject to taxation in the United States, various states within the United States, and foreign jurisdictions. There are tax filings in major jurisdictions that are open to investigation by tax authorities; including in the United States from 2005, in Turkey from 2003, in Brazil from 2003, in Malawi from 2003, in Argentina from 2002, in Tanzania from 2002, and in Switzerland from 2006.


Provision for the Six Months Ended September 30, 2008

The effective tax rate used for the six months ended September 30, 2008 was a benefit of 15.5% compared to an expense of 33.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2007.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results including the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  The Company forecasts the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2009 will be a benefit of 17.0% after absorption of discrete items.

         For the six months ended September 30, 2008, the company recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $956 bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the six months from a benefit of 18.7% to 15.5%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates primarily to additional income tax and interest related to liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and net exchange gains on income tax accounts.  For the six months ended September 30, 2007, the company recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $4,796 bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the six months of 14.3% to 33.4%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates primarily to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts.  The significant difference in the estimated effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2008 from the statutory rate is primarily due to benefits related to exchange effects and amortization and foreign tax rates lower than the statutory rate.  During the six months ended September 30, 2008, the Company accrued a net benefit of $1,818, consisting of additional income tax and interest and exchange gains related to liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.



Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



3.  RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES


The Company continues to execute the merger integration plan which began in fiscal 2006 and is expected to continue throughout fiscal 2009.  In addition, the Company records other restructuring and impairment charges as they occur in the normal course of business in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”) and SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS No. 146”).  The following table summarizes the restructuring and asset impairment charges recorded in the Company’s reporting segments during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended    

 

September 30,

 

September 30,        

 

2008    

 

2007    

 

2008    

 

2007    

Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee separation and other cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Beginning balance

$ 1,151 

 

$  1,698 

 

$ 2,360 

 

$  2,747 

   Period charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Severance charges

(44)

 

1,959 

 

526 

 

2,028 

      Other cash charges

 

100 

 

(74)

 

163 

   Total period charges

(44)

 

2,059 

 

452 

 

2,191 

   Payments through September 30

(728)

 

(1,719)

 

(2,433)

 

(2,900)

   Ending balance September 30

$    379 

 

$  2,038 

 

$    379 

 

$  2,038 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Assets impairments and other non-cash charges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   SFAS No. 144 assets impairment – tobacco operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Greece machinery and equipment impairment

$         - 

 

$     974 

 

$         - 

 

$     974 

      CdF operation sale

 

6,127 

 

 

6,127 

   Other non-cash charges

 

117 

 

 

409 

   Total asset impairments and other non-cash charges

$         - 

 

$  7,218 

 

$         - 

 

$  7,510 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total restructuring and asset impairment charges (recovery) for the period

$     (44)

 

$  9,277 

 

$    452 

 

$  9,701 


         The following table summarizes the employee separation and other cash charges recorded in the Company’s South America and Other Regions segments during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Employee Separation and Other Cash Charges

2008 

 

2007   

 

2008   

 

2007   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance:

$ 1,151 

 

$ 1,698 

 

$ 2,360 

 

$ 2,747 

   South America

134 

 

30 

 

134 

 

30 

   Other regions

1,017 

 

1,668 

 

2,226 

 

2,717 

Period charges:

$     (44)

 

$ 2,059 

 

$    452 

 

$ 2,191 

   South America

47 

 

1,090 

 

47 

 

1,178 

   Other regions

(91)

 

969 

 

405 

 

1,013 

Payments through September 30:

$   (728)

 

$(1,719)

 

$(2,433)

 

$(2,900)

   South America

(181)

 

(880)

 

(181)

 

(968)

   Other regions

(547)

 

(839)

 

(2,252)

 

(1,932)

Ending balance September 30:

$    379 

 

$ 2,038 

 

$    379 

 

$ 2,038 

   South America

 

240 

 

 

240 

   Other regions

379 

 

1,798 

 

379 

 

1,798 


         All non-cash charges were related to the Other Regions segment during the three months and six months ended September 30, 2007.






Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



3.  RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES (Continued)


CdF – Sale of Dark Air-Cured Operations

As a consequence of overcapacity within certain markets of the industry, the Company decided to dispose of its dark air-cured operations. On January 23, 2006, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell its ownership interest in Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas, S.A. ("CdF") the owner of the Company’s dark air-cured tobacco business.  As the Company completed the sale of CdF on October 2, 2007, a restructuring and asset impairment analysis was performed as of September 30, 2007. Based on this analysis, the Company recorded restructuring and asset impairment charges of $6,918 at September 30, 2007. These charges included a $6,127 impairment charge on the sale of CdF which considered the $3,878 currency translation account debit that was included in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2007 and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining charges of $791 were for employee severance.


Greece – Asset Impairment

As a result of the pending full closing of Greek operations, the Company tested the long-lived assets for impairment and recorded assets impairment charges of $974 related to machinery and equipment during the three months ended September 30, 2007.


Assets Held for Sale

As of September 30, 2008, the Company reported assets held for sale of $4,119 related primarily to production and administrative facilities in Malawi, Greece and Brazil that are being actively marketed by the Company.




 


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



4.  GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES


Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill is not subject to systematic amortization, but rather is tested for impairment annually or whenever events and circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred.  The Company has chosen the first day of the last quarter of its fiscal year as the date to perform its annual goodwill impairment test.

          The Company has no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.  It does have other intangible assets which are being amortized.  The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s goodwill and other intangibles for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

          Goodwill and Intangible Asset Rollforward:


 

 

 

Goodwill

 

Amortizable Intangibles

 

 

 

 

Other
Regions
Segment

 

Customer
Relationship
Intangible

 

Production
and Supply
Contract
Intangibles

 

Internally
Developed
Software
Intangible

 

Total

 

Weighted average remaining
    useful life in years as of
    March 31, 2008

 

 

17 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2007 balance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Gross carrying amount

 

$   4,186 

 

$33,700 

 

$11,146 

 

$         - 

 

$ 49,032 

 

     Accumulated amortization

 

 

(3,159)

 

(10,764)

 

 

(13,923)

 

Net March 31, 2007

 

4,186 

 

30,541 

 

382 

 

 

35,109 

 

     Amortization expense and
        purchase accounting tax
        adjustments

 

(1,392)

 

(421)

 

(217)

 

 

(2,030)

 

Net June 30, 2007

 

2,794 

 

30,120 

 

165 

 

 

33,079 

 

     Amortization expense

 

 

(422)

 

(42)

 

 

(464)

 

Net September 30, 2007

 

2,794 

 

29,698 

 

123 

 

 

32,615 

 

     Additions

 

 

 

 

6,330 

 

6,330 

 

     Amortization expense

 

 

(842)

 

(104)

 

 

(946)

 

Net March 31, 2008

 

2,794 

 

28,856 

 

19 

 

6,330 

 

37,999 

 

     Additions

 

 

-

 

 

3,624 

 

3,624 

 

     Amortization expense

 

 

(422)

 

(19)

 

 

(441)

 

Net June 30, 2008

 

2,794 

 

28,434 

 

 

9,954 

 

41,182

 

     Additions

 

 

-

 

 

3,093 

 

3,093 

 

     Amortization expense

 

 

(421)

 

 

(340)

 

(761)

 

Net September 30, 2008

 

$   2,794 

 

$28,013 

 

$          - 

 

$ 12,707 

 

$ 43,514


          Estimated Intangible Asset Amortization Expense:


 

 

 

Customer
Relationship
Intangible

 

Production and
Supply Contract
Intangibles

 

Internally    
Developed    
Software   
Intangible *

 

Total

 

 

For year ended 2009

 

$      1,685      

 

$     19   

 

$      1,593  

 

$      3,297  

 

 

For year ended 2010

 

1,685      

 

-   

 

2,609  

 

4,294  

 

 

For year ended 2011

 

1,685      

 

-   

 

2,609  

 

4,294  

 

 

For year ended 2012

 

1,685      

 

-   

 

2,609  

 

4,294  

 

 

For year ended 2013

 

1,685      

 

-   

 

2,609  

 

4,294  

 

 

Later years

 

20,431      

 

-   

 

1,018  

 

21,449  

 

 

 

 

$    28,856      

 

$     19   

 

$    13,047  

 

$    41,922  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*  Estimated amortization expense for the internally developed software intangible is based on costs accumulated
    as of September 30, 2008.  These estimates will change as new costs are incurred and until the software is
     placed into service in all regions.

 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



5.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


The Company continually evaluates its component operations to assure they are consistent with its business plan.  Results of operations and the assets and liabilities of our business reported as discontinued operations were as follows:


Summary of Results of Operations


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment       

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

Italy    

Mozambique

Wool     

Total     

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before tax

$          - 

$         9 

$    (54)

$     (45)

Income tax expense

 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

$          - 

$         9 

$    (54)

$     (45)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

Sales and other revenues

$  1,456 

$          - 

$        - 

$ 1,456 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$     406 

$       55 

$        - 

$    461 

  Income tax expense

(94)

(11)

(105)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$     312 

$       44 

$        - 

$    356 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2008

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$          - 

$       95 

$    368 

$     463 

Income tax expense

$          - 

$          - 

$         - 

$          - 

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$          - 

$       95 

$    368 

$     463 

 

 

Six Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

Sales and other revenues

$  5,710 

$  1,345 

$         - 

$  7,055 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, before tax

$     328 

$      181 

$         - 

$     509 

  Income tax expense

(94)

(11)

(105)

 Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

$     234 

$      170 

$         - 

$      404





















Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



5.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)


Summary of Assets and Liabilities


Discontinued Operations, Other Regions Segment    

September 30, 2008

Mozambique

Wool    

Total     

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$      31      

$        -    

$       31    

   Accrued expenses

18      

-    

18    

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$      49      

$        -    

$       49    

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

   Trade receivables, net of allowances

$    528      

$        -    

$     528    

   Inventory and advances

466      

-    

466    

   Net property, plant and equipment and other assets

4      

3,899    

3,903    

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$    998      

$ 3,899    

$  4,897    

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$      70      

$         -    

$       70    

   Advances from customers and accrued expenses

32      

-    

32    

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$    102      

$         -    

$     102    

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2008

 

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

  Trade receivables , net of allowances

$      61      

$         -    

$        61    

   Inventory

175      

-    

175    

   Total assets of discontinued operations

$    236      

$         -    

$      236    

 

 

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

   Accounts payable

$      31      

$         -    

$        31    

   Accrued expenses

50      

-    

50    

   Total liabilities of discontinued operations

$      81      

$         -    

$        81    

 

 

 

 

*  The Italy operations did not have any assets or liabilities of discontinued operations for all periods presented.




















Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



5.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)


Discontinued Italy Operations, Other Regions Segment

On September 30, 2004, concurrent with the sale of the Italian processing facility, the Company made a decision to discontinue all of its Italian operations as part of its ongoing plans to realign its operations to more closely reflect worldwide changes in the sourcing of tobacco.  The Company has completed the sale of the Italian operations.  


Discontinued Mozambique Operations, Other Regions Segment

On March 16, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company made a decision to discontinue operations in Mozambique after the procurement of the 2006 crop due to its determination that it was not in the Company’s economic interest to remain in Mozambique after losing a concession for the 2007 crop year.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company has sold all assets associated with its discontinued Mozambique operations.


Discontinued Wool Operations, Other Regions Segment

During fiscal 2008, the Company received the necessary governmental approvals and completed the sale of the remaining properties associated with its discontinued wool operations.  Gains on the sale of these properties reported in fiscal 2008 were $7,233.


6.  SEGMENT INFORMATION


The Company purchases, processes, sells and stores leaf tobacco.  Tobacco is purchased in more than 45 countries and shipped to more than 90 countries.  The sales, logistics and billing functions of the Company are primarily concentrated in service centers outside of the producing areas to facilitate access to our major customers.  Within certain quality and grade constraints, tobacco is fungible and, subject to these constraints, customers may choose to fulfill their needs from any of the areas where the Company purchases tobacco.

          Selling, logistics, billing, and administrative overhead, including depreciation, which originates primarily from the Company’s corporate and sales offices are allocated to the segments based upon segment operating income.  The Company reviews performance data from purchase through sale based on the source of the product and all intercompany transactions are allocated to the region that either purchases or processes the tobacco.   

          The following table presents the summary segment information for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:


 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2008 

 

2007   

 

2008   

 

2007   

Sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$   323,995 

 

$   352,074 

 

$    584,369 

 

$    618,014 

    Other regions

273,097 

 

234,538 

 

471,888 

 

430,306 

    Total revenue

$   597,092 

 

$   586,612 

 

$ 1,056,257 

 

$ 1,048,320 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    South America

$     21,974 

 

$     42,129 

 

$      47,862 

 

$      70,194 

    Other regions

17,674 

 

(1,866)

 

31,994 

 

3,914 

Total operating income

39,648 

 

40,263 

 

79,856 

 

74,108 

    Debt retirement expense

954 

 

1,257 

 

954 

 

3,187 

    Interest expense

26,385 

 

25,155 

 

50,814 

 

50,048 

    Interest income

705 

 

2,101 

 

1,642 

 

4,273 

Income before income taxes and other items

$     13,014 

 

$     15,952 

 

$      29,730 

 

$      25,146 


Analysis of Segment Assets

September 30 , 2008

September 30 , 2007

March 31, 2008

Segment assets:

 

 

 

 

South America

$   877,288 

$   705,454 

$   844,053 

 

Other regions

1,055,665 

955,794 

868,812 

 

Total assets

$1,932,953 

$1,661,248 

$1,712,865 





Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



7.  EARNINGS PER SHARE


Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding is reported as the weighted average of the total shares of common stock outstanding net of shares of common stock held by a wholly-owned subsidiary.  Shares of common stock owned by the subsidiary were 7,853 at September 30, 2008 and 2007.  This subsidiary does not receive dividends on these shares and it does not have the right to vote.

          For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by a total of 773 shares and 1,551 shares, respectively, of common stock equivalents for employee stock options and restricted stock units, and restricted shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share.  For the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the weighted average number of shares outstanding was increased by a total of 920 shares and 1,756 shares, respectively, of common stock equivalents for employee stock options and restricted stock units, and restricted shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share.  Certain potentially dilutive options were not included in the computation of earnings per diluted share because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the shares of common stock during the period and their effect would be antidilutive.  These shares totaled 1,876 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.00 per share at September 30, 2008 and 191 at a weighted average exercise price of $9.69 per share at September 30, 2007.


8.  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The components of comprehensive income were as follows:


 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2008 

 

2007   

 

2008   

 

2007   

 

 

Net income

$   20,357 

 

$   11,458

 

$35,662 

 

$17,437

 

 

Equity currency conversion adjustment

(2,952)

 

766

 

(3,091)

 

1,445

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$   17,405 

 

$   12,224

 

$32,571 

 

$18,882

 


9.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION


The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense related to stock-based awards granted under its various employee and non-employee stock incentive plans of $1,316 and $193 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively and $1,872 and $1,213 for the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  

          The Company’s shareholders approved the 2007 Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 16, 2007.  As with the Company’s prior equity compensation plans, the 2007 Plan is an omnibus plan that provides the flexibility to grant a variety of equity awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance awards and incentive awards to officers, directors and employees of the Company.  

          During the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the Company made the following stock-based compensation awards:

 

 

 

September 30

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

Options

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Number Granted

 

-

 

1,166

 

 

          Exercise Price

 

-

 

$7.48

 

 

          Grant Date Fair Value

 

-

 

$4.08

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Number Granted

 

146

 

262

 

 

          Grant Date Fair Value

 

$4.47

 

$7.48

 

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Number Granted

 

99

 

-

 

 

          Grant Date Fair Value

 

$4.47

 

-

 

 

Performance Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Number Granted

 

1,197

 

-

 

 

          Grant Date Fair Value

 

$4.47

 

-

 

 

Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Number Granted

 

150

 

-

 

 

          Grant Date Fair Value

 

$4.47

 

-

 

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



9.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)


          Under the terms of both the Performance Shares and Performance Based Restricted Stock Units, shares ultimately issued will be contingent upon specified business performance goals.  If minimum standards are not attained, compensation paid under these awards will be zero.  Alternatively, if the maximum performance levels described by the plan are attained, the awards may be 150% of the stated award.


Stock Options with Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock appreciation rights (SARs) have historically been granted in tandem with certain option grants under which the employee may choose to receive in cash the excess of the market price of the share on the exercise date over the market price on the grant date (the intrinsic value of the share) rather than purchase the shares.  The choice to receive cash is limited to five years after grant.  The fair value of SARs is determined at each balance sheet date using a Black-Scholes valuation model multiplied by the cumulative vesting of each SAR award.

          Assumptions used to determine the fair value of SARs as of September 30 included the following:


 

 

2008

2007

 

 

Stock Price

$3.80

$6.54

 

 

Exercise Price

$6.45

$6.62

 

 

Expected Life in Years

1.1

1.7

 

 

Annualized Volatility

64%

47%

 

 

Annual Dividend Rate

0%

0%

 

 

Discount Rate

1.8%

4.88%

 


          Because the exercise price of these SARs is above the current stock price, the expected life has been determined to be the maximum time period the SARs may be exercised.  The discount rate used is the risk free treasury bill rate consistent with the expected life.  Volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock price.


10.  CONTINGENCIES


Non-Income Tax

In September 2006, the Company’s Serbian operations were assessed for VAT and government pension liability for payments to farmers.  The Company has appealed the assessment from the tax authorities based upon favorable discussions with the Ministry of Finance and is awaiting the final decision from the Supreme Court.  As of September 30, 2008, the balance of the reserve is $222 and payments of $31 have been made during the six months ended September 30, 2008.

           The government in the Brazilian State of Parana (“Parana”) issued a tax assessment on October 26, 2007 with respect to local intrastate trade tax credits that result primarily from tobacco transferred between states within Brazil.  The assessment for intrastate trade tax credits taken is $6,733 and the total assessment including penalties and interest through September 30, 2008 is $12,396.  The Company believes it has properly complied with Brazilian law and will contest any assessment through the judicial process.  Should the Company lose in the judicial process, the loss of the intrastate trade tax credits would have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

           The assessment of $6,733 represents intrastate trade tax credit amounts which were offset against intrastate trade tax receivables. At September 30, 2008 the Company also has intrastate trade tax receivables from Parana of $9,894.  During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7,143.  The impairment charge is based upon the estimated fair value of the asset taking into consideration the time it will take to appeal, market interest rates and uncertainty as to the outcome.  As the impairment charge pertains to costs of procurement of raw materials, $6,204 was charged to cost of goods and services sold and $835 was capitalized into inventory during fiscal 2008 and will be charged to cost of goods and services sold as the inventory is sold.  At September 30, 2008, $306 remains in inventory.

           The Company has capitalized $6,227 into inventory as 2008 crop cost for intrastate trade tax credits generated from purchases in the State of Parana and transferred to the State of Rio Grande do Sul.  This amount will be charged to cost of goods and services as the 2008 crop inventory is sold.




 


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



10.  CONTINGENCIES (Continued)


Other

In October 2001, the Directorate General for Competition (“DGCOMP”) of the European Commission (“EC”) began an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Greece and potentially other countries.  The Company and its subsidiaries in Spain, Italy and Greece have been subject to these investigations. In respect of the investigation into practices in Spain, in 2004, the EC fined the Company and its Spanish subsidiaries €4,415 (US$5,641).  In respect of the investigation into practices in Italy, in October 2005, the EC announced that the Company and its Italian subsidiaries have been assessed a fine in the aggregate amount of €24,000 (US$28,800).  With respect to both the Spanish and Italian investigations, the fines imposed on the Company and its predecessors and subsidiaries were part of fines assessed on several participants in the applicable industry.  With respect to the investigation relating to Greece, the EC informed the Company in March 2005 it had closed its investigation in relation to the Greek leaf tobacco industry buying and selling practices.  The Company, along with its applicable subsidiaries, has appealed the decisions of the EC with respect to Spain and Italy to the Court of First Instance of the European Commission for the annulment or modification of the decision, but the outcome of the appeals process as to both timing and results is uncertain.  The Company has fully recognized the impact of each of the fines set forth above and has paid all of such fines as part of the appeal process.

           The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim, allegedly arising from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction, seeks the recovery of €7,377 (US$10,656) plus interest and costs.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.  No amounts have been reserved with respect to such claim.

           In March 2004, the Company discovered potential irregularities with respect to certain bank accounts in southern Europe and central Asia.  The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation of activity relating to these accounts.  That investigation revealed that, although the amounts involved were not material and had no material impact on the Company’s historical financial statements, there were payments from these accounts that may have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”).  In May 2004, the Company voluntarily reported the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice (“Justice”).  Soon thereafter, the Company closed the accounts in question, implemented personnel changes and other measures designed to prevent similar situations in the future, including the addition of new finance and internal audit staff and enhancement of existing training programs, and disclosed these circumstances in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  In August 2006, the Company learned that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation of the Company and others to determine if these or other actions, including those in other countries in which the Company does business, may have violated certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder.  The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC with respect to the investigation.  In May 2008, the Company learned that Justice is conducting an investigation into possible violations of federal law stemming from the same actions being investigated by the SEC.

           If the U.S. authorities determine that there have been violations of federal laws, they may seek to impose sanctions on the Company that may include, among other things, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties and modifications to business practices.  It is not possible to predict at this time whether the authorities will determine that violations have occurred, and if they do, what sanctions they might seek to impose.  It is also not possible to predict how the government’s investigation or any resulting sanctions may impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial performance, although any monetary penalty assessed may be material to the Company’s results of operations in the quarter in which it is imposed.

           On December 13, 2007, the Public Prosecutors’ offices in the States of Santa Catarina and Parana filed claims against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary, Alliance One Brazil Exportadora de Tobaccos Ltda. and a number of other tobacco processors, on behalf of all tobacco farmers in those states.  The lawsuits primarily assert that there exists an employment relationship between tobacco processors and tobacco farmers.  The Company believes these claims to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend them.  Ultimate exposure if an unfavorable outcome is received is not determinable.

           At the initial hearing in Santa Catarina, on January 29, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s motion to have the case removed to the Labor Court in Brazilia.  No hearing date has yet been set.

           In the state of Parana, the relief sought by the Public Prosecutor was granted by the local Labor Court.  The Company appealed that initial ruling and it was overturned in part and affirmed in part.  The Company has appealed from that part of the initial ruling which was affirmed and no ruling has yet been rendered on the appeal.  The Company has separately asserted, on April 11, 2008, a lack of jurisdiction motion similar to that which it asserted in the case in Santa Catarina which resulted in the transfer of that case to the Labor Court in Brazilia.  No hearing date for that motion has been set.




Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



10.  CONTINGENCIES (Continued)


Other (Continued)

           The Company and certain of its foreign subsidiaries guarantee bank loans to growers to finance their crop.  Under longer-term arrangements, the Company may also guarantee financing on growers’ construction of curing barns or other tobacco production assets.  The Company also guarantees bank loans to certain tobacco cooperatives to assist with the financing of their growers’ crops.  Guaranteed loans are generally repaid concurrent with the delivery of tobacco to the Company.  The Company is obligated to repay any guaranteed loan should the grower or tobacco cooperative default.  If default occurs, the Company has recourse against the grower or cooperative.  At September 30, 2008, the Company was guarantor of an amount not to exceed $206,571 with $198,127 outstanding under these guarantees.

           In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles related to asset retirement obligations, the Company records all known asset retirement obligations for which the liability can be reasonably estimated. Currently, it has identified a known asset retirement obligation associated with one of its facilities that requires it to restore the land to its initial condition upon its vacating the facility. The Company has not recognized a liability under FIN 47 for this asset retirement obligation because the fair value of restoring the land at this site cannot be reasonably estimated since the settlement date is unknown at this time. The settlement date is unknown because the land restoration is not required until title is returned back to the government, and the Company has no current or future plans to return the title. The Company will recognize a liability in the period in which sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate its fair value.


11.  DEBT ARRANGEMENTS


Senior Secured Credit Facility


On March 30, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with a syndicate of banks that amends and restates the Company’s prior credit agreement and provides for a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that consists of:


·

a three and one-half year $240,000 revolver (the “Revolver”) which initially accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%; and

·

a four-year $145,000 term loan B (the “Term Loan B”) which accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%.


         The interest rate for the Revolver may increase or decrease according to a consolidated interest coverage ratio pricing matrix as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Effective May 25, 2007, the Company increased the Revolver by $10,000 to $250,000 by adding additional Lenders thereto.  The $145,000 term loan B was repaid in full as of September 30, 2007.


Fourth Amendment.  On August 4, 2008, the Company closed the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement which included the following modifications effective March 31, 2008:


·

Increased the permitted lien basket for foreign subsidiary debt from $150,000 to $275,000;

·

Increased the maximum uncommitted inventories basket from $150,000 to $225,000 through March 30, 2009;

·

Increased permitted foreign subsidiary indebtedness from $600,000 to $685,000 from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008, $840,000 from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, $675,000 from January 1, 2009 through March 30, 2009 and as of March 31, 2009 and at all times thereafter $600,000;

·

Amended and restated the consolidated EBIT, committed inventories, confirmed order and uncommitted inventories definitions; and

·

Added a new definition for “permitted allowance.”


Borrowers and Guarantors.  One of the Company’s primary foreign holding companies, Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), is co-borrower under the Revolver, and the Company’s portion of the borrowings under the Revolver is limited to $150,000 outstanding at any one time.  One of the Company’s primary foreign trading companies, Alliance One International AG (“AOIAG”), is a guarantor of Intabex’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Such obligations are also currently guaranteed by the Company and must be guaranteed by any of its material direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries.








Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



11.  DEBT ARRANGEMENTS (Continued)


Senior Secured Credit Facility (Continued)


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

100% of the capital stock of any material domestic subsidiaries;

·

65% of the capital stock of any material first tier foreign subsidiaries;

·

U.S. accounts receivable and U.S. inventory owned by the Company or its material domestic subsidiaries (other than inventory the title of which has passed to a customer and inventory financed through customer advances); and

·

Intercompany notes evidencing loans or advances the Company makes to subsidiaries that are not guarantors.


          In addition, Intabex’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of Intabex, AOIAG, and certain of the Company’s and Intabex’s material foreign subsidiaries.


Financial Covenants.  The Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants and required financial ratios, including:


·

a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.70 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 5.25 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated total senior debt to borrowing base ratio of not more than 0.80 to 1.00; and

·

a maximum amount of annual capital expenditures of $40,000 during any fiscal year of the Company.


          Certain of these financial covenants and required financial ratios adjust over time in accordance with schedules in the Credit Agreement.

          The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on additional indebtedness, guarantees, liens and asset sales.

          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2008.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315,000 of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150,000 of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  During the twelve months ended March 31, 2008, the Company purchased $42,285 of its $315,000 11% Senior Note due May 2012 on the open market. All purchased securities were canceled leaving $272,715 of the 11% Senior Notes outstanding at March 31, 2008.  Associated cash premiums paid were $1,990 and non-cash deferred financing costs of $732 were accelerated.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased $8,334 of its $315,000 11% senior notes due 2012 on the open market.  All purchased securities were canceled leaving $264,381 of the 11% senior notes outstanding at September 30, 2008.  Associated cash premiums paid were $73 and non-cash deferred financing costs of $123 were accelerated.  From time to time in the future the Company may purchase more of its debt securities in the open market or through a tender process.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2008.


Senior Subordinated Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $100,000 of 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 at a 10% original issue discount to reflect a 15% yield to maturity.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased $10,500 of its $100,000 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 on the open market.  All purchased securities were canceled leaving $89,500 of the 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes outstanding at September 30, 2008.  Associated non-cash deferred financing costs of $758 were accelerated.  The indenture governing the senior subordinated notes contains covenants substantially identical to those contained in the indentures governing the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes.   

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



11.  DEBT ARRANGEMENTS (Continued)


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short-term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $649,157 drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $947,233 subject to limitations as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Additionally, against these lines there was $30,189 available in unused letter of credit capacity with $20,075 issued but unfunded.

         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of September 30, 2008:


 

 

September 30, 2008

 

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

 

March 31,

September 30,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4)

 

2008    

2008       

Available

Rate

 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Revolver

$             -

$              - 

$250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Term loan B

-

-

 

 

 

-

250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    11% senior notes due 2012

272,715

264,381 

-

11.0%

 

264,381 

    8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149,390

149,453 

-

8.5%

 

(66)

(142)

(155)

(169)

149,985 

    Other (1)

10,157

10,157 

-

 

 

3,437 

6,285 

435 

 

432,262

423,991 

-

 

 

(66)

(142)

(155)

3,268 

420,651 

435 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
    notes due 2012

92,647

83,439 

-

12.8%

 

(560)

(1,253)

(1,454)

(1,687)

88,393 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term debt

58,068

49,315 

33,699

9.0%

(2)

11,587 

13,538 

12,418 

11,381 

42 

349 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

387,157

649,157 

247,812

5.2%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total debt

$  970,134

$1,205,902 

531,511

 

 

$10,961 

$12,143 

$10,809 

$12,962 

$509,086 

$784 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$  387,157

$   649,157 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Long term debt current

$    19,004

$       2,506 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Long term debt

563,973

554,239 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$  582,977

$   556,745 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$    22,151

$     20,075 

30,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total credit available

 

 

$561,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Balance consists of legacy DIMON and Standard Senior Notes with balances and maturities as follows:
      $ 3,437    9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011
            435    7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013
         6,285    8% Senior Notes due 2012
     $10,157

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the six months ended September 30, 2008

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       excludes repayments made through September 30, 2008.

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



12.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS


Forward Currency Contracts

The Company periodically enters into forward currency contracts to protect against volatility associated with certain non-U.S. dollar denominated forecasted transactions.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133, when these derivatives qualify for hedge accounting treatment, they are accounted for as cash flow hedges and are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes.  

          The Company has entered into forward currency contracts to hedge cash outflows in foreign currencies around the world for green tobacco purchases and processing costs, selling, administrative and general costs as well as collection of receivables.  These contracts do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS No. 133, and as such, changes in fair value are reported in income. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, a loss of $17,936 and $206, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, a loss of $1,142 and income of $9,601, respectively, has been recorded in cost of goods and services sold.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, a loss of $9 and income of $18, respectively, has been recorded in selling, administrative and general expenses.  For the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, a loss of $72 and income of $18, respectively, has been recorded in selling, administrative and general expenses.  Cash flows associated with derivatives are recorded as operating activities.


Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company recognizes all derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swap contracts and foreign exchange contracts, at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument.  Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting, and if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge.  Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are recorded in income along with the portions of the changes in the fair values of the hedged items that relate to the hedged risk(s).  Changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income net of deferred taxes.  Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in income.  Derivative asset positions are recorded in Other Current Assets and derivative liability positions are recorded in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities.  Fair value estimates are based on a model utilizing observable market data.


13.  PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS


The Company has a defined benefit plan that provides retirement benefits for substantially all U.S. salaried personnel based on years of service rendered, age and compensation.  The Company also maintains various other excess benefit and supplemental plans that provide additional benefits to (1) certain individuals whose compensation and the resulting benefits that would have actually been paid are limited by regulations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code and (2) certain individuals in key positions.  The Company funds these plans in amounts consistent with the funding requirements of federal law and regulations.

          Additional non-U.S. defined benefit plans sponsored by certain subsidiaries cover certain full-time employees located in Germany, Greece, Turkey, Guatemala and Malawi.


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic pension cost for continuing operations consisted of the following:


 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Six Months Ended
September 30,

 

2008  

 

2007  

 

2008 

 

2007 

     Service cost

$   1,125 

 

$   700 

 

$2,250 

 

$1,400 

     Interest expense

2,284 

 

1,947 

 

4,568 

 

3,894 

     Expected return on plan assets

(1,622)

 

(1,706)

 

(3,244)

 

(3,412)

     Amortization of prior service cost

(71)

 

(36)

 

(143)

 

(72)

     Actuarial loss

(84)

 

162 

 

(168)

 

324 

     Net periodic pension cost

$   1,632 

 

$1,067 

 

$3,263 

 

$2,134 







Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



13.  PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Continued)


Employer Contributions

The Company’s investment objectives are to generate consistent total investment return to pay anticipated plan benefits, while minimizing long-term costs.  Financial objectives underlying this policy include maintaining plan contributions at a reasonable level relative to benefits provided and assuring that unfunded obligations do not grow to a level to adversely affect the Company’s financial health.  As of September 30, 2008, contributions of $8,929 were made to pension plans for fiscal 2009.  Additional contributions to pension plans of approximately $4,009 are expected during the remainder of fiscal 2009.  However, this amount is subject to change, due primarily to potential plan combinations, asset performance significantly above or below the assumed long-term rate of return on pension assets and significant changes in interest rates.


Postretirement Health and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company also provides certain health and life insurance benefits to retired employees, and their eligible dependents, who meet specified age and service requirements. The Company has amended the U.S. plan effective September 1, 2005 to limit benefits paid to retirees under the age of 65 to a maximum of two thousand five hundred dollars per year.  Employees joining after August 31, 2005 will not be eligible for any retiree medical benefits.  As of September 30, 2008, contributions of $490 were made to the plans for fiscal 2009.  Additional contributions of $478 to the plans are expected during the rest of fiscal 2009.  The Company retains the right, subject to existing agreements, to modify or eliminate the medical benefits.


Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit cost for postretirement health and life insurance benefit plans consisted of the following:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Six Months Ended
September 30,

 

2008 

 

2007  

 

2008  

 

2007   

     Service cost

$    32 

 

$   18 

 

$    64 

 

$   36 

     Interest expense

205 

 

141 

 

411 

 

282 

     Amortization of prior service cost

(405)

 

(405)

 

(811)

 

(810)

     Actuarial loss

94 

 

105 

 

188 

 

210 

     Net periodic pension cost

$   (74)

 

$(141)

 

$ (148)

 

$(282)


14.  ADVANCES ON PURCHASES OF TOBACCO


The Company provides seasonal crop advances of, or for, seed, fertilizer, and other supplies. These advances are short term in nature, are repaid upon delivery of tobacco to the Company, and are reported in advances on purchases of tobacco in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Primarily in Brazil and certain African countries, the Company has made long-term advances to tobacco farmers to finance curing barns and other farm infrastructure. In addition, due to low crop yields and other factors, in some years individual farmers may not deliver sufficient volumes of tobacco to fully repay their seasonal advances, and the Company may extend repayment of those advances into future crop years. Current advances of $147,389 at September 30, 2008 and $77,439 at September 30, 2007 are presented as advances on purchases of tobacco, net in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  The long-term portion of advances of $49,451 at September 30, 2008 and $29,946 at September 30, 2007 are included in other non-current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Both the current and the long-term portion of advances on purchases of tobacco are reported net of allowances.  Allowances are recorded when the Company determines that amounts outstanding are not likely to be collected.  Total allowances were $106,605 at September 30, 2008, and $57,765 at September 30, 2007, and were estimated based on the Company’s historical loss information and crop projections. The allowances were increased by provisions for estimated uncollectible amounts of approximately $39,187 and $24,751 for the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Estimated bad debt expense on current year advances are capitalized into inventory.  As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, write-downs charged against the allowance were $30,040 and $443.

          In Brazil, farmers obtain government subsidized rural credit financing which is guaranteed by the Company.  The farmers borrow these funds from local banks.  Repayment of both Company advances and rural credit financing by the farmer is concurrent with delivery of tobacco to the Company.  Terms of rural credit financing are such that repayment is due only after tobacco deliveries are complete.  At fiscal year end, the Company will generally have accumulated balances from farmers for repayment to the local banks for the rural credit financing.  As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the Company had balances of $6,678 and $63,188 that were due to local banks on behalf of farmers.  These amounts are included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, the Company was guarantor for Brazilian farmer loans of $143,783 and $298,995 with outstanding amounts of $135,339 and $275,185.  The fair value of guarantees for rural credit financing was $16,078 and $16,511 as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is recorded as a liability.


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



15.  SALE OF RECEIVABLES


Alliance One International, A.G., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is engaged in a revolving trade accounts receivable securitization agreement to sell receivables to a third party limited liability company. The agreement was amended in March 2008 to increase the size of the facility and also reduce expenses. The agreement, which matures March 26, 2013, is funded through loans to the third party limited liability company which is committed up to a maximum of $100,000 in funding at any time. To the extent that the balance of the loan is less than $100,000 the Company is subject to a 0.25% fee on the unused amount. The Company retains servicing responsibilities and subordinated interests in the receivables sold. The Company receives annual service fees of 0.5% of the outstanding balance which approximates the fair value of services to be rendered at current funding levels. Historically, credit loss and prepayments of customer receivables have been negligible. Losses on sale of receivables are recorded as a component of other income (expense) in the statement of operations.

          The following table summarizes the Company’s accounts receivable securitization information as of September 30:


 

 

2008        

 

2007        

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables outstanding in facility:

 

 

 

 

   As of April 1

 

$   70,862   

 

$ 31,282   

   Sold

 

338,159   

 

81,806   

   Collected

 

(343,620)  

 

(81,119)  

   As of September 30

 

$   65,401   

 

$ 31,969   

 

 

 

 

 

Retained interest as of September 30

 

$   12,570   

 

$   2,198   

 

 

 

 

 

Decreases in retained interest resulting from changes in discount rate:

 

 

 

 

   10%

 

$          65   

 

$        70   

   20%

 

$        131   

 

$      140   

 

 

 

 

 

Criteria to determine retained interest as of September 30:

 

 

 

 

   Weighted average life in days

 

66   

 

89   

   Discount rate (inclusive of 0.5% servicing fee)

 

5.9%

 

8.7%

   Unused balance fee

 

0.25%

 

0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

Cash proceeds for the six months ended September 30:

 

 

 

 

   Current purchase price

 

$ 239,868   

 

$ 52,835   

   Deferred purchase price

 

110,340   

 

22,240   

   Service fees

 

225   

 

139   

      Total

 

$ 350,433   

 

$ 75,214   

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on sale of receivables:

 

 

 

 

   Three months ended September 30

 

$        870   

 

$      863   

   Six months ended September 30

 

$     1,226   

 

$   1,580   


          It is the Company’s intention to maximize the receivables sold under the revolving agreement meaning that amounts collected by the pool would be reinvested in the purchase of additional eligible receivables. Since April 1, 2008, the average outstanding balance of receivables sold has been $53,149 with a minimum outstanding balance of $43,845 and a maximum of $70,000.







.







Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



16.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


The Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements as of April 1, 2008 for all recurring financial assets and liabilities.  It utilized the deferral provision of FSP No. FAS 157-2 for all non-recurring non-financial assets and liabilities within its scope.  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  SFAS No. 157 also specifies a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques.  Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions.  In accordance with SFAS No. 157, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:


·

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

·

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.

·

Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.


          When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine fair value, and it classifies such measurements within Level 1.  In some cases where market prices are not available, it makes use of observable market based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2.  If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves, currency rates, etc.  These measurements are classified within Level 3.

          Fair value measurements are classified according to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation.  A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.


Derivative financial instruments

The fair value of foreign currency and interest rate swap contracts are based on third-party market maker valuation models that discount cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract rate and the market-based forward rate or curve capturing volatility and establishing intrinsic and carrying values.


Securitized retained interests

The fair value of securitized retained interests is based upon a valuation model that calculates the present value of future expected cash flows using key assumptions for credit losses, prepayment speeds and discount rates.  These assumptions are based on our historical experience, market trends and anticipated performance relative to the particular assets securitized


          Assets measured at fair value included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2008 are summarized below:


 

September 30, 2008                                              

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total Assets /
Liabilities,
at Fair Value

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

   Derivative financial instruments

$   -             

$ 20,275         

$          -          

$   20,275         

   Securitized retained interests

-             

-         

12,570         

12,570         

   Total Assets

$   -             

$ 20,275         

$ 12,570         

$   32,845         

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

   Derivative financial instruments

$   -             

$  22,443        

$          -          

$   22,443         





Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



16.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)


          Below is a roll-forward of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008.  These instruments were valued using pricing models that, in management’s judgment, reflect the assumptions a marketplace participant would use.


Securitized
Retained Interests

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Six Months Ended
September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$     5,127             

 

$     15,207             

   Total gains or losses (realized / unrealized)
      included in earnings

870             

 

1,227             

   Purchases, issuances, and settlements, net

6,573             

 

(3,864)            

Ending balance at September 30, 2008

$   12,570             

 

$     12,570             


          The amount of total losses included in earnings for the six months ended September 30, 2008 attributable to the change in unrealized losses on assets was $667 related to securitized retained interests.

          Gains and losses included in earnings are reported in Other Income (Expense).


17.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


The Company’s operating subsidiaries engage in transactions with related parties in the normal course of business. The following is a summary of balances and transactions with related parties of the Company:


 

September 30 , 2008

September 30 , 2007

March 31, 2008

Balances:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

$36,288             

$12,185          

$         -             

Accounts payable

814             

-          

993             


 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Six Months Ended
September 30,

 

2008

2007

 

2008

2007

Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

   Purchases

$34,583    

$28,846     

 

$62,851    

$51,956    


          The Company’s operating subsidiaries have entered into transactions with affiliates of Alliance One for the primary purpose of procuring inventory.

          The Company’s primary balances due to and from related parties are its deconsolidated Zimbabwe subsidiary.  As of March 31, 2006, the Company deconsolidated its operations in Zimbabwe in accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements (“ARB 51”). ARB 51 provides that when a parent does not have control over a subsidiary due to severe foreign exchange restrictions or governmentally imposed uncertainties, the subsidiary should not be consolidated. Therefore, the Company does not consolidate its Zimbabwe operations, but continues to provide advances to Zimbabwe for the purchase of tobacco.

          The remaining related party balances and transactions relate to the Company’s equity basis investments in companies primarily located in Asia which purchase and process tobacco.







 


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



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



EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW


The following executive overview is intended to provide significant highlights of the discussion and analysis that follows.


Financial Results


Supply and demand dynamics for the quarter continued to reflect the trends foreseen at the beginning of the year, as average sales prices increased from the prior year due to tighter industry wide stocks.  As anticipated, higher prices paid were partially offset by a decrease in kilos sold due to shipment delays related to an inability to procure needed containers in some countries, differences in the timing of purchasing and packing schedules and reduced crop sizes.  Customer orders and the outlook for the year are in line with expectations.  For the quarter, gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of sales were both negatively impacted by foreign currency hedging activities following significant market volatility, which outweighed underlying operating performance.


Liquidity


Our liquidity requirements are predicated upon the seasonal nature of our business, industry and country supply and demand dynamics, as well as, external economic and currency movements.  We utilize a combination of cash from operations, our committed Senior Credit Facility, sale of accounts receivable, active working capital management, advances from our well capitalized customers, and bilateral short-term credit lines throughout the world. Recent worldwide capital markets dislocation has placed pressure on availability of credit and in particular uncommitted lines. The current situation may improve or deteriorate further as a result of future global events and could place pressure on our liquidity. Currently we have access to required funding and believe that the diversified nature of our liquidity sources positions our company uniquely, but future market conditions could negatively impact our position. Our primary overnight investment accounts are with major well capitalized banks throughout the world. We do not invest cash in auction rate securities, mortgage backed money market funds, nor do we believe that we have exposure to any institutions in liquidation or receivership. Loss of principal is not anticipated nor are changes in access to our cash unless unforeseen market events occur. As of September 30, 2008, we had $645.6 million of cash and available credit comprised of $83.9 million of cash and $561.7 million in available credit inclusive of our undrawn $250.0 million senior credit facility, $33.7 million of other long term debt, $247.8 million of notes payable to banks, and $30.2 million exclusively for letters of credit.  We plan on continuing to watch financial market dynamics and modify our liquidity strategy to protect capital, preserve funding sources and minimize costs while maintaining appropriate enterprise flexibility.


Outlook


As we expected, a marketplace where global supply and demand is very tight and uncommitted inventories are below historical levels has presented many opportunities and challenges.  While decreased supply has translated to higher customer prices, it has also led to higher green costs for the tobacco.  We also have higher production costs as a result of increased fuel and other costs.  These factors, coupled with the impact of an overall weak U.S. dollar, challenge us to achieve appropriate returns and now we are facing a global financial crisis, too.  At the same time we are beginning to see some strengthening in the U.S. dollar versus some of the currencies in which we do business, including the Brazilian real. Should this trend continue, it will help mitigate future costs.  Additionally, as a result of the increasing green prices for tobacco occurring this year, we expect to see a gradual easing of the current tight supply situation going forward.  While turbulent times appear to be ahead of us, we remain confident that we are positioned to meet these challenges by focusing our attention and resources on improving future performance and enhancing our already strong customer relationships to allow us to grow with our customers. As such, we are continuing to focus on those origins that are growing in market importance, on delivering outstanding customer service and exercising expense discipline.










Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions)

2008  

$     

%    

2007  

 

2008   

$     

%    

2007   

Sales and other operating revenues

$597.1   

$ 10.5   

1.8 

$586.6   

 

$1,056.3   

$     8.0   

0.8

$1,048.3   

Gross profit

80.4   

(3.4)  

(4.1)

83.8   

 

157.1   

1.5   

1.0

155.6   

Selling, administrative and general expenses

40.0   

3.5   

9.6 

36.5   

 

78.2   

2.2   

2.9

76.0   

Other income (expense)

(0.8)  

(3.0)  

 

2.2   

 

1.4   

(2.8)  

 

4.2   

Restructuring and asset impairment charges

-   

(9.3)  

 

9.3   

 

0.5   

(9.2)  

 

9.7   

Debt retirement expense

1.0   

(0.3)  

 

1.3   

 

1.0   

(2.2)  

 

3.2   

Interest expense

26.4   

1.2   

 

25.2   

 

50.8   

0.8   

 

50.0   

Interest income

0.7   

(1.4)  

 

2.1   

 

1.6   

(2.7)  

 

4.3   

Income tax expense (benefit)

(6.4)  

(11.5)  

 

5.1   

 

(4.6)  

(13.0)  

 

8.4   

Equity in net income of investee companies

1.1   

0.8   

 

0.3   

 

1.1   

0.8   

 

0.3   

Minority interests

0.1   

0.1   

 

-   

 

0.2   

0.2   

 

-   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

-   

(0.4)  

 

0.4   

 

0.5   

0.1   

 

0.4   

Net income

$  20.4* 

$  8.9   

 

$  11.5* 

 

$     35.7* 

$   18.3* 

 

$     17.4* 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*  Amounts do not equal column totals due to rounding.

 

Sales and Other Operating Revenue Supplemental Information

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

Change      

 

 

 

Change      

 

(in millions, except per kilo amounts)

2008 

$     

%    

2007

 

2008   

$     

%    

2007   

Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Sales and other operating revenues

$589.3   

$   8.6  

1.5 

$580.7   

 

$1,038.9 

$   1.6   

0.2 

$1,037.3 

     Kilos

142.6   

(28.9) 

(16.9)

171.5   

 

249.3 

(57.3)  

(18.7)

306.6 

     Average price per kilo

$  4.13   

$ 0.74  

21.8 

$  3.39   

 

$     4.17 

$ 0.79   

23.4 

$     3.38 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Processing and other revenues

$    7.8   

$   1.9  

32.2 

$    5.9   

 

$     17.4 

$   6.4   

58.2 

$     11.0 

Total sales and other operating revenues

$597.1   

$ 10.5  

1.8 

$586.6   

 

$1,056.3 

$   8.0   

0.8 

$1,048.3 


Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007


Sales and other operating revenues.  The increase of 1.8% from $586.6 million in 2007 to $597.1 million in 2008 is primarily the result of a 21.8% or $0.74 per kilo increase in average sales prices substantially offset by a 16.9% or 28.9 million kilo decrease in quantities sold.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America Region operating segment decreased $28.1 million or 8.0% resulting from a decrease in volumes of 31.6 million kilos that was substantially offset by an increase of $1.18 per kilo in average sales prices.  Due to a shortage of containers and timing of purchases and packing schedules, volume decreases should be partially recovered in the next quarter as a result of the timing of shipments between second quarter and third quarter in 2008 compared to 2007.  Improved customer pricing significantly offset the impact of the reduced volumes.  


Other Regions.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment increased $36.7 million or 16.0% primarily as a result of an increase of $0.38 per kilo in average sales prices and a slight increase in volumes of 2.7 million kilos.  Volume increases in Asia were substantially offset by decreased volumes in Europe.  In Asia, the current year second quarter included shipments that had been delayed from the first quarter.  In Europe, volumes decreased as a result of shipments which were accelerated into the prior year second quarter that did not recur in the current year second quarter.  Increased average sales prices in Asia and Africa were partially offset by decreased average sales prices in Europe as a result of the change in product mix.  Average sales prices decreased slightly in the United States.  Processing and other revenues increased 32.2% or $1.9 million from $5.9 million in 2007 to $7.8 million in 2008 primarily as a result of increased processing volumes and prices in Europe and in Asia.


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)


Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 (Continued)


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit decreased 4.1% from $83.8 million in 2007 to $80.4 million in 2008 and gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 14.3% in 2007 to 13.5% in 2008.


South America Region.  Gross profit in the South America Region operating segment decreased $23.1 million primarily due to losses on derivative financial instruments and decreased volumes for the quarter which were substantially offset by increased average sales prices.  We enter into forward currency contracts to hedge cash outflows in Brazil for green tobacco purchases and processing costs.  Due to the volatility of the Brazilian real during the quarter, we recorded losses on our derivative financial instruments of $18.1 million compared to the second quarter in the prior year.  While volumes decreased 31.6 million kilos, increased sales prices limited the impact on gross profit to a net decrease of $5.0 million.      


Other Regions.  The increase in gross profit of $19.7 million is primarily attributable to the Africa and Asia regions.  Gross profit in Africa increased as a result of better sales prices combined with lower period costs as a result of more throughput due to increased third party processing.  Gross profit in Asia increased as a result of delayed shipments into the second quarter and increased sales prices in Thailand as a result of lower burley volumes available.


Selling, administrative and general expenses increased 9.6% from $36.5 million in 2007 to $40.0 million in 2008.  The increase is primarily due to increased compensation costs partially offset by customer bad debt expense recorded in 2007.  


Other income (expense) decreased from income of $2.2 million in 2007 to an expense of $0.8 million in 2008.  The decrease is primarily due to $3.0 million in gains on sales of fixed assets and assets held for sale in 2007 that did not occur in 2008.


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $9.3 million in 2007 and primarily relate to $6.9 million of restructuring and asset impairment charges related to CdF which was sold subsequently on October 2, 2007.  Of these charges, $6.1 million are impairment charges relating to CdF which considers the currency translation account debit that was previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining $0.8 million of CdF related charges are for employee severance.  The remaining 2007 costs of $2.4 million primarily relate to employee severance charges as we continue the execution of our merger integration plan.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Debt retirement expense of $1.0 million in 2008 and $1.3 million in 2007 relates to accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs as a result of debt prepayment during the quarter.


Interest expense increased $1.2 million from $25.2 million in 2007 to $26.4 million in 2008 primarily due to higher average borrowings partially offset by lower average rates during the quarter.


Interest income decreased from $2.1 million in 2007 to $0.7 million in 2008 primarily due to lower average cash balances and lower average interest rates.


Effective tax rates were a benefit of 49.2% in 2008 and an expense of 32.0% in 2007.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2009 will be a benefit of 17.0% after absorption of discrete items.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded a specific event adjustment benefit of $0.3 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the quarter from a benefit of 46.7% to 49.2%.  This specific event adjustment benefit relates primarily to additional interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and net exchange gains on income tax accounts.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2007, expense adjustments of $2.9 million, primarily related to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts, were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 13.8% to 32.0%.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in no income or loss in 2008 compared to income of $0.4 million in 2007.  The income in 2007 is primarily a result of our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.



Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)


Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

Sales and other operating revenues.  The increase of 0.8% from $1,048.3 million in 2007 to $1,056.3 million in 2008 is primarily the result of a 23.4% or $0.79 per kilo increase in average sales prices partially offset by an 18.7% or 57.3 million kilo decrease in quantities sold.


South America Region.  Tobacco sales from the South America Region operating segment decreased $33.5 million or 5.4% resulting from a decrease in volumes of 47.7 million kilos that was substantially offset by an increase of $1.11 per kilo in average sales prices.  The volume decrease is mainly attributable to a reduction in demand and, as a result of a shortage of containers and timing of purchases and packing schedules, will only be partially recovered in the next quarter due to the timing of shipments between quarters and fiscal years.  Improved customer pricing significantly offset the impact of the reduced volumes.  


Other Region.  Tobacco sales from the Other Regions operating segment increased $35.1 million or 8.4% primarily as a result of an increase of $0.52 per kilo in average sales prices which was partially offset by a decrease in volumes of 9.6 million kilos.  Average sales prices increased across all regions. Volume decreases in Europe and Africa were partially offset by increased volumes in Asia.  In Europe, volumes decreased as a result of shipments which were accelerated into the prior year second quarter as well as the exit from the Greek and Spanish tobacco markets.  In Africa, volumes decreased due to lower volumes available from the previous fiscal year to be carried over into the current fiscal year.  However, in Asia, volumes increased as a result of shipments in the current year that were delayed from the prior year and increased customer demand.  Processing and other revenues increased 58.2% or $6.4 million from $11.0 million in 2007 to $17.4 million in 2008 primarily as a result of increased processing volumes and prices in the United States, Europe and in Asia.





 


Gross profit as a percentage of sales.  Gross profit increased $1.5 million or 1.0% from $155.6 million in 2007 to $157.1 million in 2008 and gross profit as a percentage of sales increased slightly from 14.8% in 2007 to 14.9% in 2008.  


South America Region.  Gross profit in the South America Region operating segment decreased $29.4 million primarily as a result of decreased volumes and net losses on derivative financial instruments which were partially offset by increased average sales prices.  Gross profit from sales of the 2008 crop remain negatively impacted by higher grower bad debt and other costs that result from the global shortage of tobacco volumes available.  However, increased sales prices mitigate the impact of these higher costs.  The net impact to gross profit from derivative financial instruments and exchange losses was a loss of $19.0 million compared to the prior year as a result primarily of the volatility in the Brazilian real.  


Other Region.  The increase in gross profit of $30.9 million is primarily attributable to the Africa and Asia regions.  Gross profit in Africa increased as a result of better sales prices combined with lower freight costs and lower period costs as a result of more throughput due to increased third party processing.  Gross profit in Asia increased as a result of delayed shipments from the prior fiscal year into the current fiscal year and increased sales prices in Thailand as a result of the lower supply of burley volumes.  The demand for tobacco in response to lower volumes available around the world is resulting in higher green costs.  In addition, green costs and processing costs have also increased as a result of the weak U.S. dollar and high fuel costs.  However, current conditions in the market are still expected to yield sufficient price increases to offset the higher costs.


Selling, administrative and general expenses increased $2.2 million or 2.9% from $76.0 million in 2007 to $78.2 million in 2008.  The increase is primarily due to increased compensation costs substantially offset by decreased depreciation and travel expenses and customer bad debt expense recorded in 2007.  


Other income (expense) decreased from $4.2 million in 2007 to $1.4 million in 2008.  The $2.8 million decrease is primarily due to a $1.6 million decrease in gains on sales of fixed assets and assets held for sale in 2007 compared to 2008 and a $1.2 million increase in losses on sale of receivables as a result of our expanded trade accounts receivable securitization agreement.  See Note 15 “Sale of Receivables” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.








Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (Continued)


Six Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 (Continued)


Restructuring and asset impairment charges were $0.5 million in 2008 compared to $9.7 million in 2007.  The costs of $0.5 million in 2008 primarily relate to employee severance costs in connection with the closure of an operation in Germany.  The costs of $9.7 million in 2007 primarily relate to $6.9 million of restructuring and asset impairment charges related to CdF which was sold subsequently on October 2, 2007.  Of these charges, $6.1 million are impairment charges relating to CdF which considers the currency translation account debit that was previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income and the valuation of assets to be received from the purchaser.  The remaining $0.8 million of CdF related charges are for employee severance.  The remaining 2007 costs of $2.8 million primarily relate to employee severance charges as we continue the execution of our merger integration plan.  See Note 3 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Debt retirement expense of $1.0 million in 2008 and $3.2 million in 2007 relates to accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs as a result of debt prepayment.


Interest expense increased $0.8 million from $50.0 million in 2007 to $50.8 million in 2008 due to higher average borrowings partially offset by lower average rates.


Interest income decreased from $4.3 million in 2007 to $1.6 million in 2008 due to lower average cash balances and lower average interest rates.


Effective tax rates were a benefit of 15.5% in 2008 and an expense of 33.4% in 2007.  The effective tax rates for these periods are based on the current estimate of full year results after the effect of taxes related to specific events which are recorded in the interim period in which they occur.  We forecast the tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2009 will be a benefit of 17.0% after absorption of discrete items.  For the six months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded a specific event adjustment expense of $1.0 million bringing the effective tax rate estimated for the six months from a benefit of 18.7% to 15.5%.  This specific event adjustment expense relates to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and net exchange gains on income tax accounts.  During the six months ended September 30, 2007, adjustments of $4.8 million, primarily related to interest on liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and exchange losses on income tax accounts, were recorded as specific events.  The net effect of these adjustments on the tax provision was to increase the effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2007 from an expense of 14.3% to 33.4%.


Income (loss) from discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations resulted in income of $0.5 million in 2008 compared to $0.4 million in 2007 as a result of our exit from the discontinued operations in Italy, Mozambique and wool operations.  See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations” to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:


Overview

We utilize capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance accounts receivable, inventory and advances to farmers for pre-financing tobacco crops in foreign countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Guatemala, Malawi, Tanzania, Turkey and Zambia.  Our business is seasonal, and purchasing, processing and selling activities have several associated peaks where cash on hand and outstanding indebtedness may be significantly greater or less than at fiscal year-end. In addition, from time to time in the future, we may elect to purchase, redeem, repay, retire or cancel indebtedness prior to stated maturity under our various foreign credit lines, senior secured credit agreement and indentures, as permitted therein.

         As of September 30, 2008, we have reached our seasonally adjusted high for our South American crop lines as we are shipping inventory and collecting receivables. In Africa, purchasing is complete and processing and shipping will peak in the third quarter. In Asia, the Thai crop has been processed, packed and is shipping, while Indian Mysore is being purchased and processed with shipping just starting. Indonesian purchasing also began in August and we are processing and beginning to ship. Europe has completed processing and shipping will be completed in the third and fourth quarters.  North America commenced flue cured purchasing in August with processing and shipping moving into full effect, seasonally elevating its working capital requirements. The U.S. dollar has begun to appreciate as a result of the current global economic crisis and will reduce our foreign currency costs compared to prior periods, positively impacting our working capital position should recent trends stay constant or accelerate. We continue to monitor foreign currency revenue and costs and will hedge as needed on a currency by currency basis.


Working Capital

Our working capital increased from $440.2 million at March 31, 2008 to $472.9 million at September 30, 2008.  Our current ratio was 1.5 to 1 at September 30, 2008 compared to 1.6 to 1 at March 31, 2008.  The increase in working capital is primarily related to increases in inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco partially offset by increases in notes payable to banks.  These changes are attributable to the purchasing and processing of tobacco in the United States, Europe and Malawi as well as the financing of crops in South America.

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: (Continued)


         The following table is a summary of items from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


 

As of                             

 

 

 

 

September 30,      

 

March 31,

(in millions except for current ratio)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007 

 

2008   

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

$    83.9 

 

$   129.2 

 

$    112.2

Net trade receivables

 

 

 

162.7 

 

216.4 

 

181.0

Inventories and advances on purchases of tobacco

 

 

 

1,029.3 

 

686.1 

 

801.8

Total current assets

 

 

 

1,444.4 

 

1,168.5 

 

1,191.9

Notes payable to banks

 

 

 

649.2 

 

347.1 

 

387.2

Accounts payable

 

 

 

75.5 

 

147.4 

 

157.5

Advances from customer

 

 

 

112.6 

 

119.9 

 

91.9

Total current liabilities

 

 

 

971.5 

 

702.2 

 

751.7

Current ratio

 

 

 

1.5 to 1 

 

1.7 to 1 

 

1.6 to 1

Working capital

 

 

 

472.9 

 

466.3 

 

440.2

Total long term debt

 

 

 

554.2 

 

576.2 

 

564.0

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

243.2 

 

212.9 

 

211.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Operating activities

 

 

 

(262.9)

 

28.8 

 

 

      Investing activities

 

 

 

(5.3)

 

10.2 

 

 

      Financing activities

 

 

 

243.9 

 

9.6 

 

 


Operating Cash Flows

Net cash used by operating activities increased $291.7 million in 2008 compared to 2007.  The increase in cash used was primarily due to an increase of $234.9 million in inventories and advances to suppliers, $20.1 million in deferred items, $20.3 million in current derivative assets, $10.5 million in receivables, $8.3 million in other operating assets and liabilities and a $26.5 million decrease in payables and accrued expenses and other current liabilities.  These increases in cash used were partially offset by an increase of $27.1 million in advances from customers.


Investing Cash Flows

Net cash from investing activities was a use of cash of $5.3 million in 2008 compared to a provision of cash of $10.2 million in 2007.  The decrease in cash provided of $15.5 million is primarily attributable to decreased proceeds on sale of property and equipment and less return of capital on investments in unconsolidated affiliates.


Financing Cash Flows

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $234.3 million in 2008 compared to 2007.  This increase is primarily due to a $174.4 million net increase in short-term borrowings and $117.4 million less repayments of long term debt which is partially offset by a $55.1 million net decrease in short-term demand notes.


Debt Financing

We continue to finance our business with a combination of cash from operations, short-term seasonal credit lines, our revolving credit facility, long term debt securities and customer advances.  At September 30, 2008 we had cash of $83.9 million and total debt outstanding of $1,205.9 million comprised of $649.2 million of notes payable to banks, $49.3 million of other long term debt, $264.4 million of 11% senior notes, $149.4 million of 8.5% senior notes, $83.4 million of senior subordinated notes and $10.2 million of other legacy company senior notes.  The $262.0 million seasonal increase in notes payable to banks from March 31, 2008 to September 30, 2008 is anticipated seasonal fluctuation to account for the current purchase of U.S. tobacco and the higher cost Brazilian crop. Available credit as of September 30, 2008 was $561.7 million comprised of our $250.0 million revolver, $33.7 million of other long term debt, $247.8 million of notes payable to banks and $30.2 million of availability exclusively for letters of credit. We expect to incur $25 million of capital expenditures during fiscal year 2009 with $14.0 million anticipated through the remainder of the fiscal year. Our previously announced SAP software implementation is one of the prime drivers of capital expenditures in addition to regularly scheduled maintenance. No cash dividends were paid to stockholders during the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  We repurchased $18.8 million of our senior notes and senior subordinated notes during the quarter ended September 30, 2008.  We believe that these sources of liquidity versus our requirements will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for fiscal year 2009.


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: (Continued)


Debt Financing (Continued)


         The following table summarizes our debt financing as of September 30, 2008:


 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

 

Outstanding

Lines and

 

 

 

March 31,

September 30,

Letters

Interest

 

Repayment Schedule (4)

(in millions except for interest rates)

2008    

2008       

Available

Rate

 

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Later

Senior secured credit facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Revolver

$        -

$         -

$250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Term loan B

-

-

-

 

 

 

-

-

250.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     11% senior notes due 2012

272.7

264.4

-

11.0%

 

264.4 

     8 ½% senior notes due 2012

149.4

149.4

-

8.5%

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

(.2)

150.0 

     Other (1)

10.2

10.2

-

 

 

3.5 

6.3 

0.4 

 

432.3

424.0

-

 

 

(.1)

(.1)

(.2)

3.3 

420.7 

0.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 ¾% senior subordinated
       notes due 2012

92.6

83.4

-

12.8%

 

(.5)

(1.3)

(1.4)

(1.8)

88.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term debt

58.1

49.3

33.7

9.0%

(2)

11.5 

13.5 

12.4 

11.5 

0.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to banks (3)

387.2

649.2

247.8

5.2%

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total debt

$ 970.2

$1,205.9

531.5

 

 

$10.9 

$12.1 

$10.8 

$13.0 

$509.1 

$0.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short term

$ 387.2

$  649.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt current

$   19.0

$      2.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Long term debt

  564.0

554.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 583.0

$  556.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters of credit

$   22.2

$    20.1

30.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Total credit available

 

 

$561.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Balance consists of legacy DIMON and Standard Senior Notes with balances and maturities as follows:
      $ 3.5    9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011
         0.4    7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013
         6.3    8% Senior Notes due 2012
     $10.2

 

(2)  Weighted average rate for the six months ended September 30, 2008

 

(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit

 

(4)  Debt repayment classification is based on fiscal years ended March 31 for all years except the current year.  The current fiscal year
       repayments have been adjusted for payments made through September 30, 2008.


The following summarizes the material terms of each significant component of our debt financing.







Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: (Continued)


Senior Secured Credit Facility


On March 30, 2007, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with a syndicate of banks that amends and restates the Company’s prior credit agreement and provides for a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that consists of:


·

a three and one-half year $240.0 million revolver (the “Revolver”) which initially accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%; and

·

a four-year $145.0 million term loan B (the “Term Loan B”) which accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%.


         The interest rate for the Revolver may increase or decrease according to a consolidated interest coverage ratio pricing matrix as defined in the Credit Agreement.  Effective May 25, 2007, the Company increased the Revolver by $10.0 million to $250.0 million by adding additional Lenders thereto.  The $145.0 million term loan B was repaid in full as of September 30, 2007.


Fourth Amendment.  On August 4, 2008, the Company closed the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement which included the following modifications effective March 31, 2008:


·

Increased the permitted lien basket for foreign subsidiary debt from $150.0 million to $275.0 million;

·

Increased the maximum uncommitted inventories basket from $150.0 million to $225.0 million through March 30, 2009;

·

Increased permitted foreign subsidiary indebtedness from $600.0 million to $685.0 million from April 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008, $840.0 million from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, $675.0 million from January 1, 2009 through March 30, 2009 and as of March 31, 2009 and at all times thereafter $600.0 million;

·

Amended and restated the consolidated EBIT, committed inventories, confirmed order and uncommitted inventories definitions; and

·

Added a new definition for “permitted allowance.”


Borrowers and Guarantors.  One of the Company’s primary foreign holding companies, Intabex Netherlands B.V. (“Intabex”), is co-borrower under the Revolver, and the Company’s portion of the borrowings under the Revolver is limited to $150.0 million outstanding at any one time.  One of the Company’s primary foreign trading companies, Alliance One International AG (“AOIAG”), is a guarantor of Intabex’s obligations under the Credit Agreement. Such obligations are also currently guaranteed by the Company and must be guaranteed by any of its material direct or indirect domestic subsidiaries.


Collateral.  The Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a first priority pledge of:


·

100% of the capital stock of any material domestic subsidiaries;

·

65% of the capital stock of any material first tier foreign subsidiaries;

·

U.S. accounts receivable and U.S. inventory owned by the Company or its material domestic subsidiaries (other than inventory the title of which has passed to a customer and inventory financed through customer advances); and

·

Intercompany notes evidencing loans or advances the Company makes to subsidiaries that are not guarantors.


          In addition, Intabex’s borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by a pledge of 100% of the capital stock of Intabex, AOIAG, and certain of the Company’s and Intabex’s material foreign subsidiaries.


Financial Covenants.  The Credit Facility includes certain financial covenants and required financial ratios, including:


·

a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.70 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 5.25 to 1.00;

·

a maximum consolidated total senior debt to borrowing base ratio of not more than 0.80 to 1.00; and

·

a maximum amount of annual capital expenditures of $40.0 million during any fiscal year of the Company.


          Certain of these financial covenants and required financial ratios adjust over time in accordance with schedules in the Credit Agreement.

          The Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, without limitation, restrictions on additional indebtedness, guarantees, liens and asset sales.

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: (Continued)


Senior Secured Credit Facility (Continued)


          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2008.  If the Company was in default and was unable to obtain the necessary amendments or waivers under its Credit Facility, the lenders under that facility have the right to accelerate the loans thereby demanding repayment in full and extinguishment of their commitment to lend.  Certain defaults under the Credit Facility would result in a cross default under the indentures governing the Company’s senior notes and senior subordinated notes and could impair access to its seasonal operating lines of credit in local jurisdictions.  A default under the Company’s Credit Facility would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and financial condition.


Senior Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $315.0 million of 11% senior notes due 2012 and on March 7, 2007, the Company issued $150.0 million of 8 ½% senior notes due 2012 at a 0.5% original issue discount to reflect an 8.6% yield to maturity.  During the twelve months ended March 31, 2008, the Company purchased $42.3 million of its $315.0 million 11% Senior Note due May 2012 on the open market. All purchased securities were canceled leaving $272.7 million of the 11% Senior Notes outstanding at March 31, 2008.  Associated cash premiums paid were $2.0 million and non-cash deferred financing costs of $0.7 million were accelerated.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased $8.3 million of its $315.0 million 11% senior notes due 2012 on the open market.  All purchased securities were canceled leaving $264.4 million of the 11% senior notes outstanding at September 30, 2008.  Associated cash premiums paid were $.1 million and non-cash deferred financing costs of $.1 million were accelerated.  From time to time in the future the Company may purchase more of its debt securities in the open market or through a tender process.  The indentures governing each of the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness; issue preferred stock; merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of its assets; grant liens on its assets; pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions or restricted payments; repurchase or redeem capital stock or prepay subordinated debt; make certain investments; agree to restrictions on the payment of dividends to the Company by its subsidiaries; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of its subsidiaries; enter into transactions with its affiliates; and enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.  The Company continuously monitors its compliance with these covenants and is not in default as of, or for the three months or six months ended September 30, 2008.


Senior Subordinated Notes


On May 13, 2005, the Company issued $100.0 million of 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 at a 10% original issue discount to reflect a 15% yield to maturity.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company purchased $10.5 million of its $100.0 million 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 on the open market.  All purchased securities were canceled leaving $89.5 million of the 12 3/4% senior subordinated notes outstanding at September 30, 2008.  Associated non-cash deferred financing costs of $.8 million were accelerated.  The indenture governing the senior subordinated notes contains covenants substantially identical to those contained in the indentures governing the 11% senior notes and the 8 ½% senior notes.


Foreign Seasonal Lines of Credit


The Company has typically financed its non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These operating lines are seasonal in nature, normally extending for a term of 180 to 270 days corresponding to the tobacco crop cycle in that location.  These facilities are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  These loans are typically renewed at the outset of each tobacco season.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $649.2 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $947.2 million subject to limitations as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Additionally against these lines there was $30.2 million available in unused letter of credit capacity with $20.1 million issued but unfunded.


NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). This standard will significantly change the accounting for business acquisitions both during the period of the acquisition and in subsequent periods. Among the more significant changes in the accounting for acquisitions are the following: (a) transaction costs will generally be expensed, (b) in-process research and development will be accounted for as an asset, with the cost recognized as the research and development is realized or abandoned, (c) contingencies, including contingent consideration, will generally be  recorded  at fair value with subsequent adjustments recognized in operations, and (d) decreases in valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets will be recognized in operations. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 141R on its financial condition and results of operations.

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)


          In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (“SFAS No. 160”). This standard will significantly change the accounting and reporting related to noncontrolling interests in a consolidated subsidiary. It will require noncontrolling interests (or minority interests) to be reported as a component of shareholders’ equity, which is a change from its current classification between liabilities and shareholders’ equity. It also requires earnings attributable to minority interests to be included in net earnings, although such earnings will continue to be deducted to measure earnings per share.  SFAS No. 160 is effective for the Company as of April 1, 2009. The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 160 on its financial condition and results of operations.

          In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. SFAS No. 161 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS No. 161 is effective for the Company as of January 1, 2009. The Company is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 161 on its financial condition and results of operations.


FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS:


This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes statements that reflect projections or expectations of the future financial condition, results of operations, liabilities and business of the Company that are subject to risk and uncertainty.  We believe those statements to be “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  When used in this report, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” or “may” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements.  These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include changes in the timing of anticipated shipments, changes in anticipated geographic product sourcing, political instability in sourcing locations, currency and interest rate fluctuations, shifts in the global supply and demand position for our tobacco products, changes in forecasted tax rates, and the impact of regulation and litigation on our customers.  A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.


Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.


Derivatives policies: Hedging interest rate exposure using swaps and hedging foreign exchange exposure using forward contracts are specifically contemplated to manage risk in keeping with management’s policies. We may use derivative instruments, such as swaps or forwards, which are based directly or indirectly upon interest rates and currencies to manage and reduce the risks inherent in interest rate and currency fluctuations.  

          We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes, and we do not enter into market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.  Other than our foreign currency hedges, derivatives are transaction specific so that a specific debt instrument, contract, or invoice determines the amount, maturity, and other specifics of the hedge.


Foreign exchange rates: Our sales are generally conducted in U.S. dollars, as is the business of the tobacco industry as a whole.  However, local country operating costs, including the purchasing and processing costs for tobaccos, are subject to the effects of exchange fluctuations of the local currency against the U.S. dollar.  We attempt to minimize such currency risks by matching the timing of our working capital borrowing needs against the tobacco purchasing and processing funds requirements in the currency of the country where the tobacco is grown.  Also, in some cases, our sales pricing arrangements with our customers allow adjustments for the effect of currency exchange fluctuations on local purchasing and processing costs.  Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.  We have recognized exchange gains (losses) in our cost of goods and services sold of $7.6 million and $(3.1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  For the six months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we have recognized exchange gains (losses) of $2.9 million and $(0.8) million, respectively in our cost of goods and services sold.  We have recognized exchange losses related to tax balances in our tax expense of $5.1 million and $2.7 million for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

          Our consolidated selling, administrative and general expenses denominated in foreign currencies are subject to translation risks from currency exchange fluctuations.  These foreign denominated expenses are primarily denominated in the euro, sterling and Brazilian real.


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. (Continued)


Interest rates: We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate and variable rate debt in our total debt portfolio.  A 1% change in interest rates would increase or decrease our reported interest cost by approximately $3.2 million and $5.9 million for the three months and six months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.  A substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.


Item 4.    Controls and Procedures


Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures”, as such term is defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of other members of management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to our failure to remedy by September 30, 2008 the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting that existed as of March 31, 2008 with respect to accounting for income taxes and financial reporting.

          A material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting is defined as “a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.”  In light of these material weaknesses, the Company performed additional analyses and other post-closing procedures to ensure the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, management believes that the financial statements included in this report fairly represent in all material respects the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.


Accounting for Income Taxes

The design of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting lacked effective controls over the determination and reporting of its income taxes as it relates to income tax receivable and payable, deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the related valuation allowances and income tax expense. Specifically, effective controls were not designed and in place to: (i) ensure management maintained the appropriate level of personnel with adequate experience and expertise in the area of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) accounting for income taxes; (ii) ensure roles and responsibilities with respect to accounting for income taxes were clearly defined; (iii) identify and evaluate in a timely manner the tax implications of certain non-routine transactions; (iv) provide reasonable assurance as to the completeness and accuracy of the provision for income taxes and income taxes payable including tax reserves and return to provision adjustments; and (v) reconcile differences between the tax and financial reporting basis of its assets and liabilities with its deferred income tax assets and liabilities. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, management identified certain misstatements which related to current and prior periods.  Management evaluated these errors and the correction of such errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements.  However, the Company has concluded that there is a material weakness related to the accounting for income taxes because there was a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  As of September 30, 2008, the material weakness has not been remediated.


Financial Reporting

The Company did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel in certain operating locations with an appropriate level of technical accounting knowledge, experience, or training to communicate to corporate financial reporting management or determine proper application of GAAP to various complex financial accounting and reporting requirements, including farmer advance financing, pensions and post retirement plans and other technical accounting matters.  Management evaluated these errors and the correction of such errors and concluded that they were not material to the prior or current financial statements.  However, the Company has concluded that there is a material weakness related to the proper application of GAAP because there was a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  This material weakness was first identified as of March 31, 2008 and as of September 30, 2008, has not been remediated.






Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Item 4.    Controls and Procedures (Continued)


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

          As noted above, management identified material weaknesses related to accounting for income taxes and financial reporting at March 31, 2008.  In response to these material weaknesses, the Company has implemented (or, where noted, intends to implement) the remedial measures described below.  Notwithstanding these measures, these material weaknesses have not been remediated as of September 30, 2008.

          The Company is currently implementing an ERP system using SAP applications. The implementation is part of a multi-year plan to install SAP at certain operations throughout the world to improve the Company’s business processes and deliver enhanced operational and financial performance. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company substantially completed the process of implementing SAP in its U.S. operations. The implementation of this phase of the project has involved changes to certain internal controls over financial reporting, which the Company believes were material.

          Other than the remedial measures and the implementation of SAP in the Company’s U.S. operations, there were no other changes that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management has developed a remediation plan to address the material weaknesses in controls described herein and is actively engaged in executing on the remediation plan.  The components of this remediation plan are intended to ensure that the key controls over the process are operating effectively and are sustainable. These components include:


Accounting for Income Taxes

Components implemented as of September 30, 2008:

·

Realigned the corporate tax function, which ensures internal tax staff members have appropriate qualifications and training in accounting for income taxes to establish a self sufficient tax department which coordinates all tax financial reporting matters and tax compliance processes; and

·

Initiated a thorough review of the design of the internal controls related to the preparation of income taxes on a quarterly basis.


Components currently being implemented:

·

Instituting and maintaining a formal program for training of internal staff members in accounting for income taxes;

·

Implementing supporting technology to help calculate the income tax provision and related balance sheet accounts; and

·

Requiring additional documentation from our worldwide financial reporting units to ensure timely identification and resolution of potential tax issues.



Financial Reporting

Components implemented as of September 30, 2008:

·

Hired a Financial Reporting Manager at the corporate level responsible for adherence to US GAAP;

·

Delivered US GAAP training at various worldwide financial reporting units to ensure timely identification and resolution of potential accounting issues;

·

Formalized requirements from the units in the form of a US GAAP checklist;

·

Ensuring adherence with existing Company financial reporting policy;

·

Improved coordination and communication within corporate functions and with the worldwide financial reporting units to ensure timely identification and resolution of potential accounting issues in accordance with GAAP;

·

Instituted and maintained a formal program for training of internal staff members in new and existing financial accounting issues; and

·

Initiated a thorough review of the design of the procedures for the preparation of financial statements with emphasis on compliance with GAAP and ensuring all reporting unit requirements are appropriately supported in the form of check lists and policies.


Components currently being implemented:

·

Developing an Accounting and Tax Policies and Procedures Manual to codify Company policy.


          Management continues to assign the highest priority to the remediation efforts in these areas, with the goal of remediating these material weaknesses prior to March 31, 2009.

Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Part II.  Other Information

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings


In October 2001, the Directorate General for Competition (“DGCOMP”) of the European Commission (“EC”) began an administrative investigation into certain tobacco buying and selling practices alleged to have occurred within the leaf tobacco industry in some countries within the European Union, including Spain, Italy, Greece and potentially other countries.  The Company and its subsidiaries in Spain, Italy and Greece have been subject to these investigations. In respect of the investigation into practices in Spain, in 2004, the EC fined the Company and its Spanish subsidiaries €4.4 million (US$5.6 million).  In respect of the investigation into practices in Italy, in October 2005, the EC announced that the Company and its Italian subsidiaries have been assessed a fine in the aggregate amount of €24.0 million (US$28.8 million).  With respect to both the Spanish and Italian investigations, the fines imposed on the Company and its predecessors and subsidiaries were part of fines assessed on several participants in the applicable industry.  With respect to the investigation relating to Greece, the EC informed the Company in March 2005 it had closed its investigation in relation to the Greek leaf tobacco industry buying and selling practices.  The Company, along with its applicable subsidiaries, has appealed the decisions of the EC with respect to Spain and Italy to the Court of First Instance of the European Commission for the annulment or modification of the decision, but the outcome of the appeals process as to both timing and results is uncertain.  The Company has fully recognized the impact of each of the fines set forth above and has paid all of such fines as part of the appeal process.

          In March 2004, the Company discovered potential irregularities with respect to certain bank accounts in southern Europe and central Asia.  The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged an outside law firm to conduct an investigation of activity relating to these accounts.  That investigation revealed that, although the amounts involved were not material and had no material impact on the Company’s historical financial statements, there were payments from these accounts that may have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”).  In May 2004, the Company voluntarily reported the matter to the U.S. Department of Justice (“Justice”).  Soon thereafter, the Company closed the accounts in question, implemented personnel changes and other measures designed to prevent similar situations in the future, including the addition of new finance and internal audit staff and enhancement of existing training programs, and disclosed these circumstances in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  In August 2006, the Company learned that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation of the Company and others to determine if these or other actions, including those in other countries in which the Company does business, may have violated certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and rules thereunder.  The Company is cooperating fully with the SEC with respect to the investigation.  In May 2008, the Company learned that Justice is conducting an investigation into possible violations of federal law stemming from the same actions being investigated by the SEC.

          If the U.S. authorities determine that there have been violations of federal laws, they may seek to impose sanctions on the Company that may include, among other things, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties and modifications to business practices.  It is not possible to predict at this time whether the authorities will determine that violations have occurred, and if they do, what sanctions they might seek to impose.  It is also not possible to predict how the government’s investigation or any resulting sanctions may impact the Company’s business, results of operations or financial performance, although any monetary penalty assessed may be material to the Company’s results of operations in the quarter in which it is imposed.

         The Company had previously disclosed that it had received notice from Mindo, S.r.l., the purchaser in June 2004, of the Company’s Italian subsidiary Dimon Italia, S.r.l., of its intent to assert against the Company, or its subsidiaries, a claim arising out of that sale transaction.  That claim, which may be followed by additional claims, was filed before the Court of Rome on April 12, 2007.  The claim, allegedly arising from a guaranty letter issued by a consolidated subsidiary of the Company in connection with the sale transaction, seeks the recovery of €7.4 million (US$10.7 million) plus interest and costs.  The Company believes the claim to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend it.

           On December 13, 2007, the Public Prosecutors’ offices in the States of Santa Catarina and Parana filed claims against the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary, Alliance One Brazil Exportadora de Tobaccos Ltda. and a number of other tobacco processors, on behalf of all tobacco farmers in those states.  The lawsuits primarily assert that there exists an employment relationship between tobacco processors and tobacco farmers.  The Company believes these claims to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend them.

           At the initial hearing in Santa Catarina, on January 29, 2008, the Court granted the Company’s motion to have the case moved to the Labor Court in Brazilia.  No hearing date has yet been set.

           In the state of Parana, the relief sought by the Public Prosecutor was granted by the local Labor Court.  The Company appealed that initial ruling and it was overturned in part and affirmed in part.  The Company has appealed from that part of the initial ruling which was affirmed and no ruling has yet been rendered on the appeal.  The Company has separately asserted, on April 11, 2008, a lack of jurisdiction motion similar to that which it asserted in the case in Santa Catarina which resulted in the transfer of that case to the Labor Court in Brazilia.  No hearing date for that motion has been set.




Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Item 1A.    Risk Factors


Risks Related to the Current Global Financial Crisis


The volatility and disruption of global credit markets and adverse changes arising from the current global financial crisis may negatively impact our ability to access financing and expose us to unexpected risks.


The current global financial and credit crisis exposes us to a variety of risks.  We fund our business with a combination of cash from operations, short-term seasonal credit lines, our revolving credit facility, long term debt securities and customer advances.  We have financed our non-U.S. operations with uncommitted unsecured short term seasonal lines of credit at the local level.  These local operating lines typically extend for a term of 180 to 270 days and are typically uncommitted in that the lenders have the right to cease making loans and demand repayment of loans at any time.  As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $649.2 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $947.2 million.  In light of the global credit crisis it is uncertain whether local seasonal lines will continue to be available to finance our non-U.S. operations to the extent or on terms similar to what has been available in the past and whether repayment of existing loans under these lines will be demanded prior to maturity.  To the extent that local seasonal lines cease to be available at levels necessary to finance our non-U.S. operations or we are required to repay loans under the lines prior to maturity, we may be required to seek alternative financing sources beyond our existing committed sources of funding.  In light of the current capital and credit market disruption and volatility, we cannot assure you that such alternative funding will be available to us on terms and conditions acceptable to us, or at all.  In the event that we may be required to support our non-U.S. operations by borrowing U.S. dollars under our existing revolving credit line, we may be exposed to additional currency exchange risk that we may be unable to successfully hedge.  In addition, we maintain deposit accounts with numerous financial institutions around the world in amounts that exceed applicable governmental deposit insurance levels.  While we actively monitor our deposit relationships, we are subject to risk of loss in the event of the unanticipated failure of a financial institution in which we maintain deposits, which loss could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.


Derivative transactions may expose us to unexpected risk and potential losses.


We are party to certain derivative transactions, such as interest rate swap contracts and foreign exchange contracts, with financial institutions to hedge against certain financial risks.  Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments that are not cash flow hedges are reported in income, and accordingly could materially affect our reported income in any period.  Moreover, in the light of current economic uncertainty and potential for financial institution failures, we may be exposed to the risk that our counterparty in a derivative transaction may be unable to perform its obligations as a result of being placed in receivership or otherwise.  In the event that a counterparty to a material derivative transaction is unable to perform its obligations thereunder, we may experience material losses that could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.


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

 

None.


Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

















Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders


( a )

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on July 31, 2008.

 

 

( b )

The following Directors were elected at the meeting:  C. Richard Green, Jr., Nigel G. Howard, Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. and William S. Sheridan as Class II Directors for a three (3) year term expiring in 2011.  In addition to those Directors elected at the meeting, the following directors remained in office after the meeting:  Robert E. Harrison, John M. Hines, Mark W. Kehaya, B. Clyde Preslar, Norman A. Scher and Martin R. Wade, III.   

 

 

( c )

The following matters were voted upon at the meeting:  

 

 

(1)

The election of four nominees for director (Messrs. Green, Howard, Lanier and Sheridan) to serve as Class II Directors until the expiration of their terms in 2011; or until their respective successors are elected and qualified.  Each nominee received the following votes:

 

 

 

Nominee

Votes For

Votes Withheld

 

 

C. Richard Green, Jr. (Class II)

69,641,346      

7,450,204          

 

 

Nigel G. Howard (Class II)

75,107,132      

1,984,419          

 

 

Joseph L. Lanier, Jr. (Class II)

75,232,100      

1,859,451          

 

 

William S. Sheridan. (Class II)

75,125,146      

1,966,404          

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009:

 

 

 

Votes For

Votes Against

Abstain

Broker Non Vote

 

 

76,992,423     

53,326       

45,799         

2                    

 


Item 5.    Other Information


None.


Item 6.    Exhibits.

 

10.1

 

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 4, 2008, by and among the Alliance One International, Inc. and Intabex Netherlands B.V., Alliance One International AG, the Lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and Societe Generale, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 of Alliance One International, Inc. (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Awards (Career Shares), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Units (Career Share Units), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Units (Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Performance Awards, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 




 



Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Alliance One International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Hampton R. Poole, Jr.                                           

Date:  November 5, 2008

 

Hampton R. Poole, Jr.
Vice President - Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries



INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 4, 2008, by and among the Alliance One International, Inc. and Intabex Netherlands B.V., Alliance One International AG, the Lenders, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., and ING Bank N.V., London Branch, Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch and Societe Generale, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008 of Alliance One International, Inc. (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Awards (Career Shares), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Units (Career Share Units), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Stock Units (Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

 

Alliance One International Inc. 2007 Incentive Plan, Form of Agreement for Performance Awards, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Alliance One International, Inc., filed August 6, 2008 (SEC File No. 1-3684).

 

 

 

 

 

31.01

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

31.02

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).