Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lancaster Colony Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “registrant,” or the “Company.” Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Unless otherwise noted, references to “year” pertain to our fiscal year; for example, 2024 refers to fiscal 2024, which is the period from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates included in these consolidated financial statements include allowances for customer deductions, net realizable value of inventories, useful lives for the calculation of depreciation and amortization, distribution accruals, pension and postretirement assumptions and self-insurance accruals. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Fair Value Fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. GAAP sets forth a three-level fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The three levels are as follows: Level 1 – defined as observable inputs, such as quoted market prices in active markets. Level 2 – defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable. Level 3 – defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Our financial assets and liabilities subject to the three-level fair value hierarchy consist principally of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and defined benefit pension plan assets. The estimated fair value of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their carrying value. See Note 10 for fair value disclosures related to our defined benefit pension plan assets. Impairment charges for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets resulted from nonrecurring fair value measurements. See further discussion in Note 1 and Note 5. Cash and Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and equivalents approximate fair value due to their short maturities and are considered level 1 investments, which have quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets. As a result of our cash management system, checks issued but not presented to the banks for payment may create negative book cash balances. When such negative balances exist, they are included in Accrued Liabilities. Receivable Allowances Our receivables balance is net of trade-related allowances, which consist of sales discounts, trade promotions and certain other sales incentives. We evaluate the adequacy of these allowances considering several factors including historical experience, specific trade programs and existing customer relationships. These allowances can fluctuate based on the level of sales and promotional programs as well as the timing of deductions. We also provide an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our estimate of expected credit losses, which considers the aging of accounts receivable balances, historical write-off experience and on-going reviews of our trade receivables. Measurement of expected credit losses requires credit review of existing customer relationships, consideration of historical loss experience, including the need to adjust for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates and the economic health of customers. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was immaterial for all periods presented. Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and equivalents and trade accounts receivable. By policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure to any one institution or issuer. We maintain our cash and equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. Deposits with these financial institutions may exceed the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The majority of our excess cash is invested in AAA-rated money market funds that primarily invest in U.S. government securities. Our concentration of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is mitigated by our credit evaluation process and our broad Retail and Foodservice customer base. However, see Note 8 with respect to our accounts receivable with Walmart Inc. and McLane Company, Inc., a wholesale distribution subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value and are costed by various methods that approximate actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. Due to the nature of our business, work in process inventory is not a material component of inventory. When necessary, we provide allowances to adjust the carrying value of our inventory to the lower of cost or net realizable value, including any costs to sell or dispose. The determination of whether inventory items are slow moving, obsolete or in excess of needs requires estimates about the future demand for our products. The estimates as to future demand used in the valuation of inventory are subject to the ongoing success of our products and may differ from actual due to factors such as changes in customer and consumer demand. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, except for those acquired as part of a business combination, which are recorded at fair value at the time of purchase. We use the straight-line method of computing depreciation for financial reporting purposes based on the estimated useful lives of the corresponding assets. Estimated useful lives for buildings and improvements range generally from 10 to 40 years, machinery and equipment, excluding technology-related equipment, range generally from 3 to 15 years and technology-related equipment range generally from 3 to 5 years. For tax purposes, we generally compute depreciation using accelerated methods. The following table summarizes the components of gross property, plant and equipment at June 30: 2024 2023 Land, buildings and improvements $ 297,907 $ 297,611 Machinery and equipment 536,938 513,458 Construction in progress 42,681 42,640 Property, plant and equipment-gross $ 877,526 $ 853,709 Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in Accounts Payable and excluded from the property additions and the change in accounts payable in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows at June 30 were as follows: 2024 2023 2022 Construction in progress in Accounts Payable $ 5,799 $ 8,714 $ 19,644 The following table sets forth depreciation expense, including finance lease amortization, in each of the years ended June 30: 2024 2023 2022 Depreciation expense $ 53,029 $ 46,405 $ 39,799 In 2024, we recorded an impairment charge of $9.0 million for certain property, plant and equipment related to Angelic Bakehouse (“Angelic”) and Flatout. This charge resulted from our decision to exit our perimeter-of-the-store bakery product lines, which triggered impairment testing, and represents the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. The fair value was based on actual selling prices for the real estate and manufacturing equipment at the Angelic sprouted grain bakery facility in Cudahy, Wisconsin and the Flatout flatbread facility in Saline, Michigan, which represents a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The impairment charge was reflected in Restructuring and Impairment Charges and was not allocated to our two reportable segments due to its unusual nature. In 2022, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.6 million for certain property, plant and equipment related to the Bantam Bagels, LLC (“Bantam”) business. This charge resulted from our decision to explore strategic alternatives and ultimately exit this business and represented the excess of the carrying value over the fair value. The fair value was based on agreed-upon selling prices for these assets, which represented a Level 2 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The impairment charge was reflected in Restructuring and Impairment Charges and was not allocated to our two reportable segments due to its unusual nature. Deferred Software Costs We capitalize certain costs related to hosting arrangements that are service contracts (cloud computing arrangements). Capitalized costs are included in Other Current Assets or Other Noncurrent Assets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. In 2024 and 2022, we capitalized $1.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of deferred software costs related to cloud computing arrangements. Long-Lived Assets We monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of our long-lived assets by periodically considering whether indicators of impairment are present. If such indicators are present, we determine if the assets are recoverable by comparing the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows to the assets’ carrying amounts. Our cash flows are based on historical results adjusted to reflect our best estimate of future market and operating conditions. If the carrying amounts are greater, then the assets are not recoverable. In that instance, we compare the carrying amounts to the fair value to determine the amount of the impairment to be recorded. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill is not amortized. It is evaluated annually at April 30, or when events or circumstances indicate potential recoverability concerns, by applying impairment testing procedures. Other intangible assets were amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. We monitored the recoverability of the carrying value of our other intangible assets similar to our long-lived assets discussed above. Carrying amounts were adjusted appropriately when determined to have been impaired. See further discussion regarding goodwill and other intangible assets in Note 5. Leases We record right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of the lease payments for operating leases and finance leases with an initial term in excess of 12 months. We made an accounting policy election to exclude short-term leases from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In evaluating our contracts to determine whether a contract is or contains a lease, we consider the following: • Whether explicitly or implicitly identified assets have been deployed in the contract; and • Whether we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset, and we can direct how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. In determining how to allocate consideration between lease and non-lease components in a contract that was deemed to contain a lease, we use judgment and consistent application of assumptions to reasonably allocate the consideration. For leases containing options to extend or terminate, we determine whether the extension or termination should be considered reasonably certain to be exercised. The discount rate for leases, if not explicitly stated in the lease, is the incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We use a discount rate to calculate the present value of lease liabilities. In the development of the discount rate, we consider our internal borrowing rate, treasury security rates, collateral and credit risk specific to us, and our lease portfolio characteristics. Accrued Distribution We incur various freight and other related costs associated with shipping products to our customers and warehouses. We provide accruals for unbilled shipments from carriers utilizing historical or projected freight rates and other relevant information. Accruals for Self-Insurance Self-insurance accruals are made for certain claims associated with employee health care, workers’ compensation and general liability insurance up to stop-loss coverage. These accruals include estimates that are primarily based on historical loss development factors. Shareholders’ Equity We are authorized to issue 3,050,000 shares of preferred stock consisting of 750,000 shares of Class A Participating Preferred Stock with $1.00 par value, 1,150,000 shares of Class B Voting Preferred Stock with no par value and 1,150,000 shares of Class C Nonvoting Preferred Stock with no par value. Our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase authorization of 2,000,000 common shares in November 2010. At June 30, 2024, 1,131,564 common shares remained authorized for future purchase. Revenue Recognition When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account for revenue recognition. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The singular performance obligation of our customer contracts is determined by each individual purchase order and the respective food products ordered, with revenue being recognized at a point-in-time when the obligation under the terms of the agreement is satisfied and product control is transferred to our customer. Specifically, control transfers to our customers when the product is delivered to or picked up by our customers based upon applicable shipping terms, as our customers can direct the use and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the asset at this point in time. The performance obligations in our customer contracts are generally satisfied within 30 days. As such, we have not disclosed the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations as of June 30, 2024. Significant Payment Terms In general, within our customer contracts, the purchase order identifies the product, quantity, price, pick-up allowances, payment terms and final delivery terms. Payment terms usually include early pay discounts. We grant payment terms consistent with industry standards. Although some payment terms may be more extended, presently the majority of our payment terms are less than 60 days. As a result, we have used the available practical expedient and, consequently, do not adjust our revenues for the effects of a significant financing component. Distribution Distribution fees billed to customers are included in Net Sales. All distribution costs associated with outbound freight are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of Sales; this includes distribution costs incurred after control over a product has transferred to a customer, as we have chosen to use the available practical expedient to account for these costs within our cost of sales. Variable Consideration In addition to fixed contract consideration, our contracts include some form of variable consideration, including sales discounts, returns, trade promotions and certain other sales and consumer incentives, including rebates and coupon redemptions. In general, variable consideration is treated as a reduction in revenue when the related revenue is recognized. Depending on the specific type of variable consideration, we use either the expected value or most likely amount method to determine the variable consideration. We believe there will be no significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration when any related uncertainties are resolved with our customers. We review and update our estimates and related accruals of variable consideration each period based on historical experience and any recent changes in the market. Warranties & Returns We provide all customers with a standard or assurance type warranty. Either stated or implied, we provide assurance the related products will comply with all agreed-upon specifications and other warranties provided under the law. No services beyond an assurance warranty are provided to our customers. We do not grant a general right of return. However, customers may return defective or non-conforming products. Customer remedies may include either a cash refund or an exchange of the product. As a result, the right of return and related refund liability is estimated and recorded as a reduction in revenue. This return estimate is reviewed and updated each period and is based on historical sales and return experience. Contract Balances We do not have deferred revenue or unbilled receivable balances and thus do not have any related contract asset and liability balances as of June 30, 2024. Contract Costs We have identified sales commissions as an incremental cost incurred to obtain a customer contract. These costs are required to be capitalized under the new revenue recognition standard. We have chosen to use the available practical expedient to continue to expense these costs as incurred as the amortization period for such costs is one year or less. We do not incur significant fulfillment costs related to customer contracts which would require capitalization. Disaggregation of Revenue See Note 8 for disaggregation of our net sales by class of similar product and type of customer. Advertising Expense We expense advertising as it is incurred. The following table summarizes advertising expense as a percentage of net sales in each of the years ended June 30: 2024 2023 2022 Advertising expense as a percentage of net sales 2 % 1 % 1 % Research and Development Costs We expense research and development costs as they are incurred. The estimated amount spent during each of the last three years on research and development activities was less than 1% of net sales. Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans We account for our stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with GAAP for stock-based compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost of the employee services is recognized as compensation expense over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award, which is typically the vesting period. See further discussion and disclosure in Note 9. Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in numerous domestic jurisdictions. Our annual effective tax rate is determined based on our income, statutory tax rates and the permanent tax impacts of items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Tax law requires certain items be included in the tax return at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible in our tax return, and some differences are temporary, reversing over time, such as depreciation expense. These temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A change in tax rates may result in stranded tax effects when the effect of the change is required to be included in income even when the related income tax effects of items in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss were originally recognized in other comprehensive income rather than in income. Our accounting policy is to release stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive loss. Realization of certain deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate jurisdiction prior to the expiration of the carryforward periods. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized and thus we have not recorded any valuation allowance for the years ended June 30, 2024 or 2023. In accordance with accounting literature related to uncertainty in income taxes, tax benefits and liabilities from uncertain tax positions that are recognized in the financial statements are measured based on the largest attribute that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Changes in tax laws and rates could also affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities in the future. Management is not aware of any such changes that would have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. See further discussion in Note 7. Earnings Per Share Earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights and performance units) outstanding during each period. Unvested shares of restricted stock granted to employees are considered participating securities since employees receive nonforfeitable dividends prior to vesting and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under the two-class method. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which includes the dilutive potential common shares associated with nonparticipating restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights and performance units. Basic and diluted net income per common share were calculated as follows: 2024 2023 2022 Net income $ 158,613 $ 111,286 $ 89,586 Net income available to participating securities (413) (257) (224) Net income available to common shareholders $ 158,200 $ 111,029 $ 89,362 Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 27,440 27,462 27,448 Incremental share effect from: Nonparticipating restricted stock 2 2 2 Stock-settled stock appreciation rights (1) 6 15 21 Performance units 13 3 1 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 27,461 27,482 27,472 Net income per common share - basic $ 5.77 $ 4.04 $ 3.26 Net income per common share - diluted $ 5.76 $ 4.04 $ 3.25 (1) Excludes the impact of 0.1 million and 0.3 million weighted average stock-settled stock appreciation rights outstanding in 2023 and 2022, respectively, because their effect was antidilutive. Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive income includes changes in equity that result from transactions and economic events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income is composed of two subsets – net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Included in other comprehensive income (loss) are pension and postretirement benefits adjustments. The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component: 2024 2023 Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year $ (9,365) $ (11,172) Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items: Net gain arising during the period 500 1,527 Amortization of unrecognized net loss (1) 633 725 Postretirement Benefit Plan Items: (2) Net gain arising during the period 54 332 Amortization of unrecognized net gain (60) (46) Amortization of prior service credit (181) (181) Total other comprehensive income, before tax 946 2,357 Total tax expense (221) (550) Other comprehensive income, net of tax 725 1,807 Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year $ (8,640) $ (9,365) (1) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit income/cost. See Note 10 for additional information. (2) Additional disclosures for postretirement benefits are not included as they are not considered material. Recent Accounting Standards In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance related to the disclosure requirements for reportable segments. The new guidance requires enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. Additionally, all current annual disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets will also be required in interim periods. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. This guidance will be effective for our annual disclosures in fiscal 2025 and for our interim-period disclosures in fiscal 2026. As the guidance only relates to disclosures, there will be no impact on our financial position or results of operations. In December 2023, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the disclosure requirements for income taxes. The new guidance requires annual disclosures in the rate reconciliation table to be presented using both percentages and reporting currency amounts, and this table must include disclosure of specific categories. Additional information will also be required for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The new guidance also requires enhanced disclosures of income taxes paid, including the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes and the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by individual jurisdictions that exceed a quantitative threshold. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. This guidance will be effective for our annual disclosures in fiscal 2026. As the guidance only relates to disclosures, there will be no impact on our financial position or results of operations. |