MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP

Previous wording

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are included pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies of the Company regarding the future, and may be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “objective,” “targets,” “potential,” “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “could” or the negative of these terms, other comparable terminology and variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations, and no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct. Factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, any impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, environmental liability and limitations on the Company’s operations due to environmental laws and regulations, disruptions to certain services, such as telecommunications, network server maintenance, cloud computing or transaction processing services, provided to the Company by third-parties, changes in mortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates or other factors such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages or labor cost increases, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, ability to achieve cost-reduction objectives, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions and divestitures, cybersecurity concerns and costs arising with management of cybersecurity threats, effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company's control, impact of pandemics or similar outbreaks or other disruptions to our industries, customers or supply chains, the impact of global conflicts, such as the current war between Russia and Ukraine, and other factors described in Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-Q and Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in the Com…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") and related notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are included pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies of the Company regarding the future, and may be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “plans,” “seeks,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “objective,” “targets,” “potential,” “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “could” or the negative of these terms, other comparable terminology and variations thereof. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations, and no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct. Factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, any impairment of goodwill or intangible assets, environmental liability and limitations on the Company’s operations due to environmental laws and regulations, disruptions to certain services, such as telecommunications, network server maintenance, cloud computing or transaction processing services, provided to the Company by third-parties, changes in mortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates or other factors such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages or labor cost increases, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, ability to achieve cost-reduction objectives, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions and divestitures, cybersecurity concerns and costs arising with management of cybersecurity threats, effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company's control, impact of pandemics or similar outbreaks or other disruptions to our industries, customers or supply chains, the impact of global conflicts, such as the current war between Russia and Ukraine, the outcome of the Company's dispute with Tesla, Inc. ("Tesla"), and other factors described in Item 1A - "Risk F…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

The following table sets forth the sales and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's three reporting segments for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Refer to Note 14, "Segment Information" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for the Company's financial information by segment.

Current wording

The following table sets forth the sales and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's three reporting segments for the three and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. Refer to Note 14, "Segment Information" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for the Company's financial information by segment.

Previous wording

Sales for the six months ended March 31, 2024 were $921.2 million, compared to $928.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in fiscal 2024 sales reflected higher sales in the Memorialization segment, offset by lower sales in the Industrial Technologies and SGK Brand Solutions segments. On a consolidated basis, changes in foreign currency exchange rates were estimated to have a favorable impact of $4.8 million on fiscal 2024 sales compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 were $1.35 billion, compared to $1.40 billion for the nine months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in fiscal 2024 sales primarily reflected lower sales in the Industrial Technologies segment. Sales in the Memorialization segment were also lower. On a consolidated basis, changes in foreign currency exchange rates were estimated to have a favorable impact of $660,000 on fiscal 2024 sales compared to the prior year.

Previous wording

Memorialization segment sales for the first six months of fiscal 2024 were $430.2 million, compared to $429.4 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. The sales increase reflected higher sales of granite memorial products, benefits from recent acquisitions (primarily the fiscal 2023 acquisition of Eagle Granite Company) and improved price realization. These increases were partially offset by lower unit sales of caskets, bronze memorial products and cremation equipment. These declines reflected a return to more normalized death rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact of $403,000 on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. Industrial Technologies segment sales were $227.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2024, compared to $234.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. The change in sales reflected higher sales of purpose-built engineered products (primarily energy storage solutions for the electric vehicle market), higher product identification sales, and increased sales of surfaces products. These increases were offset by reduced sales of warehouse automation solutions and automotive engineering solutions, and the sales impact of a fiscal 2023 divestiture (see Acquisitions and Divestitures below). Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact of $4.7 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for the first six months of fiscal 2024 were $263.5 million, compared to $264.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in sales primarily reflected lower retail-based sales and lower brand sales in Europe. These decreases were partially offset by higher brand sales in the U.S., increased sales of cylinder (packaging) products in Europe, and improved price realization. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $314,000 on the segment's sales compared to the prior year.

Current wording

Memorialization segment sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 were $632.9 million, compared to $638.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The sales decrease reflected lower unit sales of caskets, cemetery memorial products, and cremation equipment, predominantly resulting from a return to more normalized death rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. These declines were partially offset by improved price realization, higher mausoleum sales, and benefits from recent acquisitions (primarily the fiscal 2023 acquisition of Eagle Granite Company). Industrial Technologies segment sales were $319.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, compared to $365.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in sales reflected lower sales of purpose-built engineered products (primarily energy storage solutions for the electric vehicle market) and reduced sales of warehouse automation solutions. The decrease also reflected lower sales of automotive engineering solutions and the sales impact of a fiscal 2023 divestiture (see Acquisitions and Divestitures below). Fiscal 2024 sales for the Industrial Technologies segment were impacted by slower market conditions for the warehouse automation business, and customer delays impacting the timing of projects within the energy storage business. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact of $3.3 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. In the SGK Brand

Previous wording

Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $280.5 million, compared to $288.6 million for the same period a year ago. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 30.5% and 31.1% for the first six months of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The decrease in gross profit reflected the impact of lower sales, lower margins on engineered products and cremation products, and higher material and labor costs. These decreases were partially offset by improved margins on product identification, warehouse automation solutions and cylinder (packaging) products, and benefits from the realization of productivity improvements and other cost-reduction initiatives. Gross profit also included acquisition integration costs and other charges primarily in connection with cost-reduction initiatives totaling $5.9 million and $3.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 was $412.4 million, compared to $426.9 million for the same period a year ago. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 30.6% and 30.5% for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The decrease in gross profit reflected the impact of lower sales, lower margins on engineered products, and higher material and labor costs. These decreases were partially offset by improved margins on product identification sales and cylinder (packaging) products, and benefits from the realization of productivity improvements and other cost-reduction initiatives. Gross profit also included acquisition integration costs and other charges primarily in connection with cost-reduction initiatives totaling $9.2 million and $6.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Selling and administrative expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2024 were $231.0 million, compared to $227.4 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. Consolidated selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, were 25.1% for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 24.5% for the same period last year. Selling and administrative expenses included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges primarily in connection with certain commercial, operational and cost-reduction initiatives totaling $10.8 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $7.8 million in fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2024 selling and administrative expenses also reflected the impact of higher compensation, partially offset by benefits from ongoing cost-reduction initiatives. Intangible amortization for the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $18.8 million, compared to $20.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023.

Current wording

Selling and administrative expenses for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 were $347.1 million, compared to $333.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Consolidated selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of sales, were 25.7% for the nine months ended June 30, 2024, compared to 23.8% for the same period last year. Selling and administrative expenses included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges primarily in connection with certain commercial, operational and cost-reduction initiatives totaling $9.1 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $10.8 million in fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2024 selling and administrative expenses also included $8.1 million of legal costs related to an ongoing dispute in the Company's energy storage business (see Legal Matter below). Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2024 also reflected the impact of higher compensation, partially offset by benefits from ongoing cost-reduction initiatives. Intangible amortization for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 was $27.8 million, compared to $31.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Adjusted EBITDA was $102.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and $107.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. Memorialization segment adjusted EBITDA was $83.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2024 compared to $87.2 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA reflected the impact of higher material and labor costs, and lower margins on cremation products. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of benefits from productivity initiatives and lower performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Industrial Technologies segment was $19.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $27.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of lower sales, higher labor costs, and lower margins on engineered products. These decreases were partially offset by improved margins on product identification and warehouse automation solutions, and benefits from cost-reduction initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA for the SGK Brand Solutions segment was $28.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2024 compared to $23.3 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of benefits from cost-reduction initiatives and improved margins on cylinder (packaging) products, partially offset by the impact of higher labor costs.

Current wording

Adjusted EBITDA was $147.0 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and $163.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2023. Memorialization segment adjusted EBITDA was $122.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $127.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA reflected the impact of lower unit sales, higher material and labor costs, and lower margins on cremation equipment. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of improved price realization, benefits from productivity initiatives, lower transportation costs, and lower performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the Industrial Technologies segment was $23.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $42.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of lower sales, higher labor costs, and lower margins on engineered products. These decreases were partially offset by improved margins on product identification sales, benefits from cost-reduction initiatives, and lower performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the SGK Brand Solutions segment was $44.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to $39.6 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of improved price realization, benefits from cost-reduction initiatives and improved margins on cylinder (packaging) products, partially offset by the impact of higher labor costs and higher performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2023.

Previous wording

Interest expense for the first six months of fiscal 2024 was $24.1 million, compared to $22.3 million for the same period last year. The increase in interest expense reflected higher average interest rates and an increase in average borrowing levels in the current fiscal year. Other income (deductions), net, for the six months ended March 31, 2024 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $1.8 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $551,000 for the same period last year. Other income (deductions), net includes the non-service components of pension and postretirement expense, which totaled $219,000 and $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Fiscal 2023 non-service pension expense included a $1.3 million non-cash charge resulting from the settlement of the Company's supplemental retirement plan ("SERP") and defined benefit portion of the officers retirement restoration plan ("ORRP") obligations. Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for further details. Other income (deductions), net also includes investment income, banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances. Other income (deductions), net included $710,000 and $1.2 million of currency losses associated with highly inflationary accounting for the Company's subsidiaries in Turkey for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively (see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements"). Fiscal 2023 other income (deductions), net also included loss recoveries of $2.2 million related to a previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

Current wording

Interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 was $36.9 million, compared to $33.2 million for the same period last year. The increase in interest expense reflected higher average interest rates and an increase in average borrowing levels in the current fiscal year. Other income (deductions), net, for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $2.7 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $3.0 million for the same period last year. Other income (deductions), net includes the non-service components of pension and postretirement expense, which totaled $327,000 and $1.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Fiscal 2023 non-service pension expense included a $1.3 million non-cash charge resulting from the settlement of the Company's supplemental retirement plan ("SERP") and defined benefit portion of the officers retirement restoration plan ("ORRP") obligations. Refer to Note 11, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements" for further details. Other income (deductions), net also includes investment income, banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances. Other income (deductions), net included $895,000 and $3.1 million of currency losses associated with highly inflationary accounting for the Company's subsidiaries in Turkey for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively (see Note 2, "Basis of Presentation" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements").

Previous wording

Income tax provisions for the Company's interim periods are based on the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Company's consolidated income taxes for the first six months of fiscal 2024 were a benefit of $1.8 million, compared to an expense of $4.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. The difference between the Company’s consolidated income taxes for the first six months of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period for fiscal 2023 resulted from a decrease in consolidated pre-tax income in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023 as well as a net tax benefit from discrete items.

Current wording

Income tax provisions for the Company's interim periods are based on the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year. The Company's consolidated income taxes for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 represented a benefit of $10.7 million, compared to an expense of $4.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. The difference between the Company’s consolidated income taxes for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 compared to the same period for fiscal 2023 resulted from a consolidated pre-tax loss in fiscal 2024 compared to pre-tax income in fiscal 2023, as well as a net tax benefit from discrete items in fiscal 2024. The Company’s fiscal 2024 nine month effective tax rate varied from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to tax credits, jurisdictional tax rate netting, recognition of certain previously unrecognized deferred tax assets and other net discrete tax benefits. The Company’s fiscal 2023 nine month effective tax rate varied from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21.0% primarily due to state taxes, foreign statutory rate differentials, tax credits, and non-tax benefited foreign losses.

Previous wording

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $58,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2023, reflecting losses in less than wholly-owned businesses.

Current wording

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $125,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, reflecting losses in less than wholly-owned businesses.

Previous wording

(1) Includes fees for receivables sold under the RPA and factoring arrangements totaling $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $2.4 million and $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

(1) Includes fees for receivables sold under the RPA and factoring arrangements totaling $1.2 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $3.6 million and $2.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

(3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with commercial, operational and cost-reduction initiatives, and costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts. Fiscal 2024 also includes costs related to an ongoing contractual dispute which totaled $5.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024. Fiscal 2023 includes loss recoveries totaling $2.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023, which were related to a previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

Current wording

(3) Includes certain non-recurring costs associated with commercial, operational and cost-reduction initiatives, and costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts. Fiscal 2024 also includes legal costs related to an ongoing dispute with Tesla, which totaled $3.2 million and $8.1 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2024, respectively (see Note 17, "Legal Matter" in Item 1 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"). Fiscal 2023 includes loss recoveries totaling $2.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, which were related to a previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

Previous wording

Depreciation and amortization was $6.9 million and $5.7 million for the Memorialization segment, $5.6 million and $5.9 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $9.7 million and $11.3 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $1.1 million and $1.2 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Depreciation and amortization was $13.3 million and $11.3 million for the Memorialization segment, $11.9 million and $11.8 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $19.2 million and $22.4 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $2.3 million and $2.4 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Depreciation and amortization was $7.1 million and $5.8 million for the Memorialization segment, $5.8 million and $5.8 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $9.7 million and $11.2 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $1.1 million and $1.2 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Depreciation and amortization was $20.4 million and $17.1 million for the Memorialization segment, $17.7 million and $17.6 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $28.9 million and $33.5 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $3.4 million and $3.6 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $1.0 million and $333,000 for the Memorialization segment, $4.4 million and $2.4 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $358,000 and $2.6 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $1.2 million and income of $1.2 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $1.1 million and $711,000 for the Memorialization segment, $9.8 million and $3.4 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $1.2 million and $3.1 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $2.1 million and income of $18,000 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $1.1 million and $270,000 for the Memorialization segment, $4.5 million and $120,000 for the Industrial Technologies segment, $1.5 million and $3.9 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $1.4 million and $715,000 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $2.2 million and $981,000 for the Memorialization segment, $14.3 million and $3.5 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, $2.7 million and $7.0 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and $3.5 million and $697,000 for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $29.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2024, compared to $44.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2023. Operating cash flow for both periods principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash pension expense, other non-cash adjustments, and changes in working capital items. Fiscal 2023 operating cash flow also reflected $24.2 million of contributions to fund the settlement of the Company's SERP and ORRP obligations, and $10.5 million of proceeds from the settlement of cash flow hedges. Net changes in working capital items decreased operating cash flow by $35.6 million and $10.9 million in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The fiscal 2024 change in working capital principally reflected incentive compensation-related payments, changes in contract assets and liabilities related to products and services provided to customers over time, lower accounts receivable, inventory and trade accounts payables, and changes in other accounts.

Current wording

Net cash provided by operating activities was $43.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, compared to $76.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2023. Operating cash flow for both periods principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash pension expense, other non-cash adjustments, and changes in working capital items. Fiscal 2023 operating cash flow also reflected $24.2 million of contributions to fund the settlement of the Company's SERP and ORRP obligations, and $10.5 million of proceeds from the settlement of cash flow hedges. Net changes in working capital items decreased operating cash flow by $29.2 million and $16.1 million in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. The fiscal 2024 change in working capital principally reflected lower accounts receivable and inventory, changes in contract assets and liabilities related to products and services provided to customers over time, lower performance-based compensation accruals, and changes in other accounts.

Previous wording

Cash used in investing activities was $29.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $31.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023. Investing activities for the first six months of fiscal 2024 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $24.0 million, and acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $5.8 million. Investing activities for the first six months of fiscal 2023 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $23.8 million, and acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $7.6 million.

Current wording

Cash used in investing activities was $38.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $53.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2023. Investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2024 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $33.2 million, acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $5.8 million, and purchases of investments of $825,000. Investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2023 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $37.1 million, acquisitions, net of cash acquired, of $15.3 million, and purchases of investments of $1.5 million.

Previous wording

Capital expenditures reflected reinvestment in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new production machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency and capacity, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements. Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash. Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $48.7 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital spending for fiscal 2024 is currently estimated to be approximately $60 million. Capital spending in fiscal 2023 and 2024 reflects additional capital projects to support new production capabilities and increased efficiencies within the Memorialization and Industrial Technologies segments. The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Current wording

Capital expenditures reflected reinvestment in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new production machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency and capacity, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements. Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash. Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $48.7 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital spending for fiscal 2024 is currently estimated to be approximately $50 million. Capital spending in fiscal 2024 and 2023 reflects additional capital projects to support new production capabilities and increased efficiencies, particularly within the Memorialization and Industrial Technologies segments. The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Previous wording

Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2024 was $3.0 million, primarily reflecting proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $41.6 million, treasury stock purchases of $17.2 million, dividends of $16.7 million, and payments of debt issuance costs of $4.7 million (see below). Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $44.9 million, primarily reflecting repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $27.1 million, treasury stock purchases of $2.7 million and dividends of $14.1 million.

Current wording

Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2024 was $4.1 million, primarily reflecting proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $27.8 million, treasury stock purchases of $20.5 million, dividends of $24.1 million, payments of debt issuance costs of $4.7 million (see below), and proceeds from a net investment hedge of $17.4 million (see below). Cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2023 was $56.4 million, primarily reflecting repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $31.4 million, treasury stock purchases of $2.8 million and dividends of $21.2 million.

Previous wording

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that was amended and restated in January 2024. The amended and restated loan agreement includes a $750.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which matures in January 2029, subject to the terms and conditions of the amended facility. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $350.0 million) can be drawn in foreign currencies. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), plus a 0.10% per annum rate spread adjustment, plus a factor ranging from 1.00% to 2.00% (1.50% at March 31, 2024) based on the Company's leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is defined as total indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The Company incurred new debt issuance costs of $4.7 million in connection with the amended and restated agreement, which were deferred and are being amortized over the term of the facility. Unamortized costs were $5.4 million and $949,000 at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that was amended and restated in January 2024. The amended and restated loan agreement includes a $750.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which matures in January 2029, subject to the terms and conditions of the amended facility. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $350.0 million) can be drawn in foreign currencies. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), plus a 0.10% per annum rate spread adjustment, plus a factor ranging from 1.00% to 2.00% (1.50% at June 30, 2024) based on the Company's leverage ratio. The leverage ratio is defined as total indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The Company incurred new debt issuance costs of $4.7 million in connection with the amended and restated agreement, which were deferred and are being amortized over the term of the facility. Unamortized costs were $5.1 million and $949,000 at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $55.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were $447.9 million and $405.0 million, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were €55.0 million ($59.4 million) and €55.0 million ($58.2 million), respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at March 31, 2024 and 2023 was 4.89% and 5.17%, respectively.

Current wording

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $55.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were $436.6 million and $405.0 million, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were €55.0 million ($58.9 million) and €55.0 million ($58.2 million), respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at June 30, 2024 and 2023 was 4.61% and 5.59%, respectively.

Previous wording

The Company has $299.2 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $855,000 and $1.1 million at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The Company has $299.2 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $720,000 and $1.1 million at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

The proceeds of the RPA are classified as operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash received from collections of sold receivables may be used to fund additional purchases of receivables on a revolving basis, or to reduce all or any portion of the outstanding capital of the Purchasers. The fair value of the sold receivables approximated book value due to their credit quality and short-term nature, and as a result, no gain or loss on sale of receivables was recorded. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the amount sold to the Purchasers was $109.9 million and $101.8 million, respectively, which was derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As collateral against sold receivables, Matthews RFC maintains a certain level of unsold receivables, which was $51.8 million and $57.9 million as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The proceeds of the RPA are classified as operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Cash received from collections of sold receivables may be used to fund additional purchases of receivables on a revolving basis, or to reduce all or any portion of the outstanding capital of the Purchasers. The fair value of the sold receivables approximated book value due to their credit quality and short-term nature, and as a result, no gain or loss on sale of receivables was recorded. As of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the amount sold to the Purchasers was $105.1 million and $101.8 million, respectively, which was derecognized from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As collateral against sold receivables, Matthews RFC maintains a certain level of unsold receivables, which was $52.5 million and $57.9 million as of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

In March 2023, the Company, through its U.K. subsidiary, entered into a non-recourse factoring arrangement. In connection with this arrangement, the Company periodically sells trade receivables to a third-party purchaser in exchange for cash. These transfers of financial assets are recorded at the time the Company surrenders control of the assets. As these transfers qualify as true sales under the applicable accounting guidance, the receivables are de-recognized from the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets upon transfer. The principal amount of receivables sold under this arrangement was $35.0 million and $17.0 million during the six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The discounts on the trade receivables sold are included within administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The proceeds from the sale of receivables are classified as operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the amount of factored receivables that remained outstanding was $15.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively.

Current wording

In March 2023, the Company, through its U.K. subsidiary, entered into a non-recourse factoring arrangement. In connection with this arrangement, the Company periodically sells trade receivables to a third-party purchaser in exchange for cash. These transfers of financial assets are recorded at the time the Company surrenders control of the assets. As these transfers qualify as true sales under the applicable accounting guidance, the receivables are de-recognized from the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets upon transfer. The principal amount of receivables sold under this arrangement was $53.1 million and $36.0 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The discounts on the trade receivables sold are included within administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The proceeds from the sale of receivables are classified as operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the amount of factored receivables that remained outstanding was $16.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively.

Previous wording

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowing available under this facility is €10.0 million ($10.8 million). The facility also provides €18.5 million ($20.0 million) for bank guarantees. This facility has no stated maturity date and is available until terminated. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €3.5 million ($3.7 million) at March 31, 2024. There were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at September 30, 2023. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility was 6.11% and 5.17% at March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowing available under this facility is €10.0 million ($10.7 million). The facility also provides €18.5 million ($19.8 million) for bank guarantees. This facility has no stated maturity date and is available until terminated. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €2.9 million ($3.1 million) at June 30, 2024. There were no outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at September 30, 2023. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility was 5.88% and 5.65% at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

Other borrowings totaled $17.2 million and $19.2 million at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.55% and 3.01% at March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Other borrowings totaled $16.7 million and $19.2 million at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.61% and 2.44% at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected a net unrealized gain of $1.8 million ($1.3 million after tax) at March 31, 2024 and $4.0 million ($3.0 million after tax) at September 30, 2023, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Unrecognized gains of $5.8 million ($4.3 million after tax) and $8.1 million ($6.0 million after tax) related to previously terminated LIBOR-based swaps were also included in AOCI as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at March 31, 2024, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $2.9 million included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

Current wording

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected a net unrealized gain of $2.3 million ($1.7 million after tax) at June 30, 2024 and $4.0 million ($3.0 million after tax) at September 30, 2023, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Unrecognized gains of $4.8 million ($3.5 million after tax) and $8.1 million ($6.0 million after tax) related to previously terminated LIBOR-based swaps were also included in AOCI as of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at June 30, 2024, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $2.6 million included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

Previous wording

The Company has a U.S. Dollar/Euro cross currency swap with a notional amount of $81.4 million as of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, which has been designated as a net investment hedge of foreign operations. The swap contract matures in September 2027. The Company assesses hedge effectiveness for this contract based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in spot prices. A loss of $3.8 million (net of income taxes of $1.3 million) and a loss of $2.1 million (net of income taxes of $701,000), which represented effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Income of $327,000 and $586,000, which represented the recognized portion of the fair value of cross currency swaps excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, was included in current period earnings as a component of interest expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, respectively. Income of $309,000 and $581,000, which represented the recognized portion of the fair value of cross currency swaps excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, was included in current period earnings as a component of interest expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, respectively. At March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the swap totaled $5.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and was included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Current wording

The Company has a U.S. Dollar/Euro cross currency swap with a notional amount of $81.4 million as of June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, which has been designated as a net investment hedge of foreign operations. The swap contract matures in September 2027. The Company assesses hedge effectiveness for this contract based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in spot prices. A loss of $2.9 million (net of income taxes of $1.0 million) and a loss of $2.1 million (net of income taxes of $701,000), which represented effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. Income of $306,000 and $891,000, which represented the recognized portion of the fair value of cross currency swaps excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, was included in current period earnings as a component of interest expense for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. Income of $284,000 and $866,000, which represented the recognized portion of the fair value of cross currency swaps excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, was included in current period earnings as a component of interest expense for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. At June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the swap totaled $3.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, and was included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Previous wording

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations with a notional amount of €55.0 million ($59.4 million) as of March 31, 2024. Currency losses of $2.0 million (net of income taxes of $675,000), which represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at March 31, 2024.

Current wording

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations with a notional amount of €55.0 million ($58.9 million) as of June 30, 2024. Currency losses of $1.7 million (net of income taxes of $574,000), which represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at June 30, 2024.

Previous wording

The Company has a stock repurchase program. The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its Class A common stock, and add to earnings per share. Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation. Under the current authorization, 728,031 shares remain available for repurchase as of March 31, 2024. Refer to Item 2 - "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" in Part II - "Other Information" for further details on the Company's repurchases in fiscal 2024.

Current wording

The Company has a stock repurchase program. The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its Class A common stock, and add to earnings per share. Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation. Under the current authorization, 613,365 shares remain available for repurchase as of June 30, 2024. Refer to Item 2 - "Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds" in Part II - "Other Information" for further details on the Company's repurchases in fiscal 2024.

Previous wording

Consolidated working capital of the Company was $295.3 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $253.7 million at September 30, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents were $45.5 million at March 31, 2024, compared to $42.1 million at September 30, 2023. The Company's current ratio was 1.8 at March 31, 2024 and 1.6 at September 30, 2023, respectively.

Current wording

Consolidated working capital of the Company was $255.9 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $253.7 million at September 30, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents were $42.7 million at June 30, 2024, compared to $42.1 million at September 30, 2023. The Company's current ratio was 1.7 at June 30, 2024 and 1.6 at September 30, 2023, respectively.

Previous wording

In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company made lump sum payments totaling $24.2 million to fully settle the SERP and defined benefit portion of the ORRP obligations. The settlement of these plan obligations resulted in the recognition of a non-cash charge of $1.3 million, which has been presented as a component of other income (deductions), net for the six months ended March 31, 2023. This amount represents the immediate recognition of the deferred AOCI balances related to the SERP and ORRP.

Current wording

In the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company made lump sum payments totaling $24.2 million to fully settle the SERP and defined benefit portion of the ORRP obligations. The settlement of these plan obligations resulted in the recognition of a non-cash charge of $1.3 million, which has been presented as a component of other income (deductions), net for the nine months ended June 30, 2023. This amount represents the immediate recognition of the deferred AOCI balances related to the SERP and ORRP.

Previous wording

The significant factors influencing organic sales growth in the Industrial Technologies segment include economic/industrial market conditions, new product development, and the electric vehicles ("EV") and e-commerce trends. For the Memorialization segment, the Company expects that sales growth will be influenced by North America death rates and the impact of the increasing trend toward cremation on the segment's product offerings, including caskets, cemetery memorial products and cremation-related products. For the SGK Brand Solutions segment, the Company expects that sales growth will be influenced by global economic conditions, brand innovation, the level of marketing spending by the Company's clients, and government regulation. Due to the global footprint of the Company’s businesses, particularly the Industrial Technologies and SGK Brand Solutions segments, currency fluctuations can also be a significant factor on Company’s U.S. dollar reported results.

Current wording

The significant factors influencing organic sales growth in the Industrial Technologies segment include economic/industrial market conditions, new product development, and the electric vehicles ("EV") and e-commerce trends. Sales within this segment may also be influenced by the timing of work with the Company's largest energy storage customer, as well as the level of advancement by existing and potential new customers towards adopting new production solutions. For the Memorialization segment, the Company expects that sales growth will be influenced by North America death rates and the impact of the increasing trend toward cremation on the segment's product offerings, including caskets, cemetery memorial products and cremation-related products. For the SGK Brand Solutions segment, the Company expects that sales growth will be influenced by global economic conditions, brand innovation, the level of marketing spending by the Company's clients, and government regulation. Due to the global footprint of the Company’s businesses, particularly the Industrial Technologies and SGK Brand Solutions segments, currency fluctuations can also be a significant factor on the Company’s U.S. dollar reported results.

Previous wording

Recent labor cost increases, supply chain challenges, and other inflation-related impacts are expected to impact the Company's results for the near future. The Company expects to partially mitigate these cost increases through price realization and cost-reduction initiatives.

Current wording

Recent labor cost increases, supply chain challenges, and other inflation-related impacts are expected to impact the Company's results for the near future. The Company expects to partially mitigate these cost increases through price realization and cost-reduction initiatives. The Company plans to initiate cost reduction programs during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, which are primarily focused on the Company's engineering and tooling operations in Europe. These initiatives are designed to position these businesses to capitalize on future growth opportunities.