AOI-2012.03.31-10K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

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, North Carolina 27560-8417
(Address of principal executive offices)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock (no par value)
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [ ] No[X]                                                             
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act.                                                                  Yes [ ] No [X]

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):           
                                                                
Large Accelerated Filer    []   Accelerated Filer    [X]    Non-Accelerated filer    []    Smaller Reporting Company    []  
                                                                   (Do not check if a 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 September 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $200.8 million based on the closing sale price of the common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. As of June 5, 2012, there were 87,381,035 shares of Common Stock outstanding (no par value) excluding 7,853,121 shares owned by a wholly owned subsidiary.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (to be held August 9, 2012) of the registrant is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
 
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
 
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
 
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
 
 
PART IV
 
ITEM 15.



PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS

A. The Company

Alliance One is a Virginia corporation with revenues of approximately $2.2 billion and operating income of approximately $154.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2012. Our common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1995. Through our predecessor companies, we have a long operating history in the leaf tobacco industry with some customer relationships beginning in the early 1900s. Alliance One is one of only two global publicly held leaf tobacco merchants, each with substantially similar global market shares. We have broad geographic processing capabilities, a diversified product offering and an established customer base, including all of the major consumer tobacco product manufacturers. Our goal is to be the preferred supplier of quality tobacco products and innovative solutions to the world’s manufacturers and marketers of tobacco products.

Additional Information
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
          Our website address is http://www.aointl.com. We make available free of charge through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The information contained on our website shall not be deemed part of this annual report on Form 10-K for any reason.

B. The Business

Leaf tobacco merchants purchase, process, pack, store and ship tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products throughout the world. In an increasing number of markets, we also provide agronomy expertise for growing leaf tobacco. Our revenues are primarily comprised of sales of processed tobacco and fees charged for processing and related services to these manufacturers of tobacco products. Processing and other revenues are less than 5% of our total revenues. We do not manufacture cigarettes or other consumer tobacco products.
          We deal primarily in flue-cured, burley, and oriental tobaccos that are used in international brand cigarettes. Several of the large multinational cigarette manufacturers have expanded their operations throughout the world, particularly in Asia, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, in order to increase their access to and penetration of international brand cigarette markets. As cigarette manufacturers expand their global operations, we believe that demand will increase for local sources of leaf tobacco and local tobacco processing and distribution, primarily due to beneficial tariff rates and lower freight costs. For some large multinational cigarette manufacturers, international expansion will cause them to place greater reliance on the services of leaf tobacco merchants with the ability to source and process tobacco on a global basis and to help develop higher quality local sources of tobacco by improving local agronomic practices. For other large multinational cigarette manufacturers, international expansion also includes vertical integration of their operations, either through acquisition of our competitors, establishing new operations or contracting directly with suppliers. In recent years, Japan Tobacco, Inc. (“JTI”) began enhancing their direct leaf procurement capabilities with the acquisition of small leaf processors in Malawi and Brazil and the formation a joint venture for tobacco leaf in the United States. Last year, Philip Morris International, Inc. (“PMI”) began strengthening their direct leaf procurement capabilities with the acquisition of supplier contracts and the related assets from Alliance One and another tobacco merchant in Brazil. In addition, some customers are entering into joint venture arrangements to secure their future leaf requirements. We will continue to work with our customers to meet all their needs as their buying patterns and business models change while continuing to be a provider of quality tobacco products and innovative solutions.

Purchasing
Tobacco is primarily purchased directly from suppliers with small quantities still sold at auction. In non-auction markets, we purchase tobacco directly from suppliers and we assume the risk of matching the quantities and grades required by our customers to the entire crop we must purchase under contract. In other non-auction markets, such as China, we buy tobacco from local entities that have purchased tobacco from suppliers and supervise the processing of that tobacco by those local entities. Principal auction markets include India, Malawi and Zimbabwe and our network of tobacco operations and buyers allows us to cover the major auctions of flue-cured and burley tobacco throughout the world. In the United States and other locations, a number of our customers purchase tobacco directly from the suppliers in addition to the leaf merchants. Although our facilities process the tobacco purchased directly from suppliers by these customers, we do not take ownership of that tobacco and do not record sales revenues associated with its resale. The number of customers purchasing tobacco directly from suppliers and the locations in which they purchase tobacco directly from suppliers is expanding.

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Purchasing (continued)
          Our arrangements with suppliers vary from locale to locale depending on our predictions of future supply and demand, local historical practice and availability of capital. In certain jurisdictions, we purchase seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and other products related to growing tobacco and advance them to suppliers, which represents prepaid inventory. The suppliers then utilize these inputs to grow tobacco, which we are contractually obligated to purchase. The advances of inputs for the current crop generally include the original cost of the inputs plus a mark-up and interest as it is earned. Where contractually permitted, we charge interest to the suppliers during the period the current crop advance is outstanding. We generally advance inputs at a price greater than our cost, which results in a mark-up on the inputs. We account for our advances to tobacco suppliers using a cost accumulation model, which results in us reporting our advances at the lower of cost or recoverable amounts excluding the mark-up and interest. The mark-up and interest on our advances are recognized when the tobacco is delivered as a decrease in our cost of the current crop. Upon delivery of tobacco, part of the purchase price paid to the supplier is paid in cash and part through a reduction of the advance balance. The advances applied to the delivery are then reclassed out of advances and included as unprocessed inventory. We advance inputs only to suppliers with whom we have purchase contracts. For example, in Brazil, we generally contract to purchase a supplier's entire tobacco crop at the market price per grade at the time of harvest based on the quality of the tobacco delivered. Pursuant to these purchase contracts, we provide suppliers with fertilizer and other materials necessary to grow tobacco and may guarantee Brazilian rural credit loans to suppliers to finance the crop. Under longer-term arrangements with suppliers, we may advance or guarantee financing on suppliers' capital assets, which are also recovered through the delivery of tobacco to us by our suppliers.
          In these jurisdictions, our agronomists maintain frequent contact with suppliers prior to and during the growing and curing seasons to provide technical assistance to improve the quality and yield of the crop. As a result of various factors including weather, not all suppliers are able to settle the entire amount of advances through delivery of tobacco in a given crop year. Throughout the crop cycle, we monitor events that may impact the suppliers’ ability to deliver tobacco. If we determine we will not be able to recover the original cost of the advances with deliveries of the current crop, or future crop deliveries, the unit cost of tobacco actually received is increased when unrecoverable costs are within a normal range which is based on our historical results or expensed immediately when they are above a normal range based on our historical results. We account for the unrecoverable costs in this manner to ensure only costs within a normal range are capitalized in inventory and costs that are above a normal range are expensed immediately as current period charges.
          Alliance One has developed an extensive international network through which we purchase, process and sell tobacco and we hold a leading position in most tobacco growing regions in the world. We purchase tobacco in more than 35 countries. During the three years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, approximately 27%, 35% and 36%, respectively, of our purchases of tobacco were from the South America operating segment and approximately 73%, 65% and 64%, respectively, were from the Other Regions operating segment. Within the Other Regions operating segment, approximately 28%, 30% and 32% of our purchases for the three years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were from Malawi, China, the United States and Turkey.

Processing
We process tobacco to meet each customer's specifications as to quality, yield, chemistry, particle size, moisture content and other characteristics. Unprocessed tobacco is a semi-perishable commodity that generally must be processed within a relatively short period of time to prevent fermentation or deterioration in quality. The processing of leaf tobacco facilitates shipping and prevents spoilage and is an essential service to our customers because the quality of processed leaf tobacco substantially affects the quality of the manufacturer’s end product. Accordingly, we have located our production facilities in proximity to our principal sources of tobacco.
          We process tobacco in more than 35 owned and third-party facilities around the world including Argentina, Brazil, China, Guatemala, India, Tanzania, the United States, Malawi, Thailand, Germany, Indonesia, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey. These facilities encompass all leading export locations of flue-cured, burley and oriental tobaccos. In addition, we have entered into contracts, joint ventures and other arrangements for the purchase of tobacco grown in substantially all other countries that produce export-quality flue-cured and burley tobacco.
          Upon arrival at our processing plants, flue-cured and burley tobacco is first reclassified according to grade. Most of that tobacco is then blended to meet customer specifications regarding color, body and chemistry, threshed to remove the stem from the leaf and further processed to produce strips of tobacco and sieve out small scrap. We also sell a small amount of processed but unthreshed flue-cured and burley tobacco in loose-leaf and bundle form to certain customers. Oriental tobaccos are handled and processed in a similar manner other than that the tobaccos are not threshed to remove stems.
          Processed flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco is redried to remove excess moisture so that it can be held in storage by customers or us for long periods of time. After redrying, whole leaves, bundles, strips or stems and scrap where applicable are separately packed in cases, bales, cartons or hogsheads for storage and shipment. Packed flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco generally is transported in the country of origin by truck or rail, and exports are moved by ship. Prior to and during processing, steps are taken to ensure consistent quality of the tobacco, including the regrading and removal of undesirable leaves, dirt and other non-tobacco related material. Customer representatives are frequently present at our facilities to monitor the processing of their particular orders. Throughout the processing, our technicians use quality control laboratory test equipment to ensure that the product meets all customer specifications.



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Selling
We ship tobacco to manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products located in more than 90 countries around the world as designated by these manufacturers. We recognize sales revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the customer is fixed, collectability is reasonably assured and title and risk of ownership is passed to the customer, which is upon shipment or delivery. In certain countries we also use commissioned agents to supplement our selling efforts. Individual shipments may be large, and since the customer typically specifies shipping dates, our financial results may vary significantly between reporting periods due to timing of sales. In some markets, principally the United States, we process tobacco that is owned by our customers, and revenue is recognized when the processing is completed.
          The consumer tobacco business is dominated by a relatively small number of large multinational cigarette manufacturers and by government controlled entities. Including their respective affiliates, accounting for more than 10% of our revenues from continuing operations were each of PMI, JTI and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC for the year ended March 31, 2012; and PMI, JTI and British American Tobacco p.l.c. for the years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
          In 2012, Alliance One delivered approximately 43% of its tobacco sales to customers in Europe and approximately 20% to customers in the United States. One customer directs shipments to its Belgium storage and distribution center before shipment to its manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia. In 2012, these Belgium sales accounted for 24% of sales to customers in Europe. The remaining sales are to customers located in Asia, Africa and other geographic regions of the world.

Seasonality
The purchasing and processing activities of our tobacco business are seasonal. Flue-cured tobacco grown in the United States is purchased, processed and marketed generally during the five-month period beginning in July and ending in November. U.S. grown burley tobacco is purchased, processed and marketed usually from late November through January or February. Tobacco grown in Brazil is usually purchased, processed and marketed from January through July and in Africa from April through September. Other markets around the world have similar purchasing periods, although at different times of the year.
          During the purchasing, processing and marketing seasons, inventories of unprocessed tobacco, inventories of redried tobacco and trade accounts receivable normally reach peak levels in succession. Current liabilities, particularly advances from customers and short-term notes payable to banks, normally reach their peak in this period as a means of financing the seasonal expansion of current assets. At March 31, the end of our fiscal year, the seasonal components of our working capital reflect primarily the operations related to foreign grown tobacco.

Competition
Alliance One is one of only two global publicly held leaf tobacco merchants, with substantially similar global market shares in markets in which we both operate. We expect to maintain a major position in most major tobacco growing regions in the world, including the principal export markets for flue-cured, burley and oriental tobacco and, as a result of our scale, global reach, and financial resources, we believe we are well-suited to serve the needs of all manufacturers of cigarettes and other consumer tobacco products.
          The leaf tobacco industry is highly competitive and competition is based primarily on the price charged for products and services as well as the merchant's ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing, residue compliance and financing of tobacco. In addition to the primary global independent leaf tobacco merchants, there are a number of other independent global, regional or national competitors. Local independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead also supply cigarette manufacturers. Recent vertical integration initiatives and other changes in customer buying patterns have resulted in a more dynamic and competitive operating environment. There is also competition in all countries to buy the available leaf tobacco and in many areas, total leaf tobacco processing capacity exceeds demand.

Reportable Segments
The purchasing, processing, selling and storing of leaf tobacco is similar throughout our business. However, we maintain regional operating and financial management in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia to monitor our various operations in these areas. In reviewing these operations, we have concluded that the economic characteristics of South America are dissimilar from the other operating regions. Based on this fact, we disclose South America separately and aggregate the remaining four operating segments, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America into one reportable segment “Other Regions.” Our financial performance is reviewed at this level and these regions represent our operating segments. See Note 14 “Segment Information” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for financial information attributable to our reportable segments.

C. Other

Research and Development
We routinely cooperate with both our customers and the manufacturers of the equipment used in our processing facilities to improve processing technologies. However, no material amounts are expended for research and development, and we hold no material patents, licenses, franchises, or concessions.




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Alliance One Employees
Alliance One's consolidated entities employed approximately 3,255 persons, excluding seasonal employees, in our worldwide operations at March 31, 2012. In the Other Regions operating segment, Alliance One's consolidated entities employed approximately 2,622 employees at March 31, 2012 excluding approximately 4,642 seasonal employees. During processing periods, most seasonal employees as well as approximately 246 full-time factory personnel in the United States are covered by collective bargaining agreements. In the South America operating segment, Alliance One's consolidated entities employed approximately 633 persons, excluding approximately 2,862 seasonal employees, at March 31, 2012. We consider Alliance One's employee relations to be satisfactory.

Government Regulation and Environmental Compliance
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a discussion of government regulation. Currently there are no material estimated capital expenditures related to environmental control facilities. In addition, there is no material effect on capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position anticipated as a result of compliance with current or pending federal or state laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF ALLIANCE ONE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The following information is furnished with respect to the Company’s executive officers as of April 1, 2012, and the capacities in which they serve. These officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and are elected at each annual organizational meeting of the Board.

NAME
AGE
TITLE
Mark W. Kehaya
44
Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
J. Pieter Sikkel
48
President
 
 
 
J. Henry Denny
61
Executive Vice President - Global Operations
 
 
 
Robert A. Sheets
57
Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
 
 
 
William L. O’Quinn, Jr.
43
Senior Vice President - Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

The business experience summaries provided below for the Company’s executive officers describe positions held by the named individuals during the last five years.

Mark W. Kehaya has served as Chairman of Alliance One and Interim Chief Executive Officer since December 14, 2010, and remains a founding partner at Meriturn Partners, LLC, an investment firm specializing in restructurings and turnarounds of middle-market companies, since January 2002.

J. Pieter Sikkel has served as President of Alliance One International, Inc., since December 14, 2010, having previously served as Executive Vice President – Business Strategy and Relationship Management from April 2007 through December 13, 2010, and as Regional Director of Asia from May 2005 through April 2007.

J. Henry Denny has served as Executive Vice President – Global Operations since July 2009, having previously served as Regional Director of North and Central America from June 2006 through July 2009, and as Director of Leaf Purchasing for North America from May 2005 through June 2006.

Robert A. Sheets has served as Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer since December 14, 2010, having previously served as Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer from April 1, 2008 through December 13, 2010, and as a member of the Board of Directors and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of a corporate predecessor, Standard Commercial Corporation, until its merger into Alliance One in May 2005.

William L. O’Quinn, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President - Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since April 1, 2011, having previously served as Senior Vice President - Secretary since January 1, 2011, and as Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from August 2005.










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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, our financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this Annual Report.
          We may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in filings with the SEC, in reports to stockholders and in press releases and investor calls and webcasts. You can identify these forward-looking statements by use of words such as “strategy,” “expects,” “continues,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “projects,” “goals,” “targets” and other words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
          We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements and whether to invest in or remain invested in Alliance One International, Inc. securities. In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are identifying important risk factors that, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by us; any such statement is qualified by reference to the following cautionary statements. We elaborate on these and other risks we face throughout this document. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that we may make from time to time.

Risks Relating to Our Operations

Our reliance on a small number of significant customers may adversely affect our financial statements.
Our customers are manufacturers of cigarette and other tobacco products. Several of these customers individually account for a significant portion of our sales in a normal year.
          For the year ended March 31, 2012, each of Philip Morris International, Inc., Japan Tobacco Inc. and Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, including their respective affiliates, accounted for more than 10% of our revenues from continuing operations. In addition, tobacco product manufacturers are experiencing consolidation and further consolidation among our customers could decrease such customers’ demand for our leaf tobacco or processing services. The loss of any one or more of our significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Continued vertical integration by our customers could materially adversely affect our financial statements.
Demand for our leaf tobacco or processing services could be materially reduced if cigarette manufacturers continue to significantly vertically integrate their operations, either through acquisition of our competitors, establishing new operations or contracting directly with suppliers. Japan Tobacco, Inc. began its vertical integration operations with the prior crop in Malawi, Brazil and the United States. Philip Morris International, Inc. acquired supplier contracts and related assets in Brazil to procure leaf directly beginning with the current crop. Our results of operations were adversely affected by these initiatives. Further vertical integration by our customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Global shifts in sourcing customer requirements may negatively impact our organizational structure and asset base.
The global leaf tobacco industry is experiencing shifts in the sourcing of customer requirements for tobacco. For example, significant tobacco production volume decreases have occurred in the United States, Zimbabwe and Western Europe from historical levels. At the same time, production volumes in other sourcing origins, such as Brazil and other areas of Africa, are stabilizing. Additional shifts in sourcing may occur as a result of currency fluctuations, including devaluation of the U.S. dollar. A shift in sourcing origins in Europe has been influenced by modifications to the tobacco price support system in the European Union (EU). Customer requirements are changing due to these variations in production, which could influence our ability to plan effectively for the longer term in Europe.
          We may not be able to timely or efficiently adjust to these shifts in sourcing origins, and adjusting to these shifts may require changes in our production facilities in certain origins and changes in our fixed asset base. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, restructuring charges as we continue to adjust to these shifts in sourcing. Adjusting our capacity and adjusting to these shifts in sourcing may have an adverse impact on our ability to manage our costs, and could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.









6-


Risks relating to Our Operations (continued)

Our financial results will vary according to growing conditions, customer indications and other factors, which reduces your ability to gauge our quarterly and annual financial performance.
Our financial results, particularly the quarterly financial results, may be significantly affected by fluctuations in tobacco growing seasons and crop sizes which affect the supply of tobacco. The cultivation period for tobacco is dependent upon a number of factors, including the weather and other natural events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms, and our processing schedule and results of operations can be significantly altered by these factors.
          The cost of acquiring tobacco can fluctuate greatly due to crop sizes and increased competition in certain markets in which we purchase tobacco. For example, in Malawi in 2007, a smaller crop and increased competition in the Malawi market increased green tobacco costs at auction by almost 100%, while processing and overhead costs also increased. Furthermore, short crops in periods of high demand translate into higher average green prices, higher throughput costs and less volume to sell.
          Further, the timing and unpredictability of customer indications, orders and shipments cause us to keep tobacco in inventory, increase our risk and result in variations in quarterly and annual financial results. The timing of shipments can be materially impacted by shortages of containers and vessels for shipping as well as infrastructure and accessibility issues in ports we use for shipment. We may from time to time in the ordinary course of business keep a significant amount of processed tobacco in inventory for our customers to accommodate their inventory management and other needs. Sales recognition by us and our subsidiaries is based on the passage of ownership, usually with shipment of product. Because individual shipments may represent significant amounts of revenue, our quarterly and annual financial results may vary significantly depending on our customers’ needs and shipping instructions. These fluctuations result in varying volumes and sales in given periods, which also reduces your ability to compare our financial results in different periods or in the same periods in different years.

Suppliers who have historically grown tobacco and from whom we have purchased tobacco may elect to grow other crops instead of tobacco, which affects the world supply of tobacco and may impact our quarterly and annual financial performance.
Increases in the prices for other crops have led and may in the future lead suppliers who have historically grown tobacco, and from whom we have purchased tobacco, to elect to grow these other, more profitable items instead of tobacco. A decrease in the volume of tobacco available for purchase may increase the purchase price of such tobacco. As a result, we could experience an increase in tobacco crop acquisition costs which may impact our quarterly and annual financial performance.

Our advancement of inputs to tobacco suppliers could expose us to losses.
We advance seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and other products related to growing tobacco to our suppliers, which represent prepaid inventory, in many countries to allow the suppliers to grow tobacco, which we are contractually obligated to purchase. The advances to tobacco suppliers are settled as part of the consideration paid upon the suppliers delivering us unprocessed tobacco at market prices. Two primary factors determine the market value of the tobacco suppliers deliver to us: the quantity of tobacco delivered and the quality of the tobacco delivered. Unsatisfactory quantities or quality of the tobacco delivered could result in losses with respect to advances to our tobacco suppliers or the deferral of those advances.

When we purchase tobacco directly from suppliers, we bear the risk that the tobacco will not meet our customers’ quality and quantity requirements.
In countries where we contract directly with tobacco suppliers, including Argentina, Brazil, the United States and certain African countries, we bear the risk that the tobacco delivered will not meet quality and quantity requirements of our customers. If the tobacco does not meet such market requirements, we may not be able to sell the tobacco we agreed to buy and may not be able to meet all of our customers’ orders, which would have an adverse effect on profitability and results of operations.

Weather and other conditions can affect the marketability of our inventory.
Like other agricultural products, the quality of tobacco is affected by weather and the environment, which can change the quality or size of the crop. If a weather event is particularly severe, such as a major drought or hurricane, the affected crop could be destroyed or damaged to an extent that it would be less desirable to our customers, which would result in a reduction in revenues. If such an event is also widespread, it could affect our ability to acquire the quantity of products required by customers. In addition, other items can affect the marketability of tobacco, including, among other things, the presence of:

non-tobacco related material;
genetically modified organisms; and
excess residues of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

          A significant event impacting the condition or quality of a large amount of any of the tobacco crops we buy could make it difficult for us to sell such tobacco or to fill our customers’ orders. In addition, in the event of climate change, adverse weather patterns could develop in the growing regions in which we purchase tobacco. Such adverse weather patterns could result in more permanent disruptions in the quality and size of the available crop, which could adversely affect our business.


7-


Risks relating to Our Operations (continued)

We face increased risks of doing business due to the extent of our international operations.
We do business in more than 35 countries, some of which do not have stable economies or governments. Our international operations are subject to international business risks, including unsettled political conditions, uncertainty in the enforcement of legal obligations, including the collection of accounts receivable, expropriation, import and export restrictions, exchange controls, inflationary economies, currency risks and risks related to the restrictions on repatriation of earnings or proceeds from liquidated assets of foreign subsidiaries. These risks are exacerbated in countries where we have advanced substantial sums or guaranteed local loans or lines of credit for the purchase of tobacco from suppliers. For example, in 2006 as a result of the political environment, economic instability, foreign currency controls and governmental regulations in Zimbabwe, we deconsolidated our Zimbabwe subsidiaries.
          Our international operations are in areas where the demand is for the export of lower priced tobacco. We have significant investments in our purchasing, processing and exporting operations in Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Tanzania and Turkey.
          In recent years, economic problems in certain African countries have received wide publicity related to devaluation and appreciation of the local currency and inflation. Devaluation and appreciation can affect our purchase costs of tobacco and our processing costs. In addition, we conduct business with suppliers and customers in countries that have recently had or may be subject to dramatic political regime change, such as Tunisia and Egypt. In the event of such dramatic changes in the government of such countries, we may be unable to continue to operate our business, or adequately enforce legal obligations, after the change in a manner consistent with prior practice.
          We are subject to potentially inconsistent actions by the governments of certain foreign countries in which we operate which may have a significant impact on our financial results. For example, in 2006, our concession to promote tobacco production in the Chifunde district of Mozambique was terminated by the government. Thereafter, we assessed our remaining Mozambique operations without the Chifunde district and determined that it was not in our economic interest to remain in Mozambique without this strategic district. Consequently, we discontinued our operations within Mozambique after the 2006 crop.

We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and operate in jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations.
We are subject to the FCPA, which generally prohibits companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business and/or other benefits. We operate in a number of jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential FCPA violations. Although our corporate policy prohibits foreign bribery and we have adopted procedures to promote compliance, there is no assurance that our policy or procedures will work effectively all of the time or protect us against liability under the FCPA for actions taken by our agents, employees and intermediaries with respect to our business or any businesses that we acquire. Failure to comply with the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws and other laws governing the conduct of business with government entities (including local laws) could lead to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures (including further changes or enhancements to our procedures, policies, and controls, the imposition of a compliance monitor at our expense and potential personnel changes and/or disciplinary actions), any of which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Any investigation of any potential violations of the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws by U.S. or foreign authorities also could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
          In 2010, we entered into settlements with the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve their investigations regarding potential criminal and civil violations of the FCPA. The settlements resulted in the disgorgement in profits and fines totaling $19.45 million, which have been paid. Both settlements require us to retain an independent compliance monitor for a term of three years.

Our exposure to changes in foreign tax regimes could adversely impact our business.
We do business in countries that have tax regimes in which the rules are not clear, are not consistently applied and are subject to sudden change. This is especially true with regard to international transfer pricing. Our earnings could be reduced by the uncertain and changing nature of these tax regimes.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations.
We conduct our business in many countries around the world. Our business is generally conducted in U.S. dollars, as is the business of the leaf tobacco industry as a whole. However, we generally must purchase tobacco in non-U.S. countries using local currency. As a result, 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. When the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, our costs for purchasing and processing tobacco in such currencies increases. 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. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies can significantly affect our operating results.




8-


Risks relating to Our Operations (continued)

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations. (continued)
          In addition, the devaluation of foreign currencies has resulted and may in the future result in reduced purchasing power from customers whose capital resources are denominated in those currencies. We may incur a loss of business as a result of the devaluation of these currencies now or in the future.

Low investment performance by our defined benefit pension plan assets may increase our pension expense, and may require us to fund a larger portion of our pension obligations, thus, diverting funds from other potential uses.
We sponsor defined benefit pension plans that covers certain eligible employees. Our pension expense and required contributions to our pension plan are directly affected by the value of plan assets, the projected rate of return on plan assets, the actual rate of return on plan assets, and the actuarial assumptions we use to measure the defined benefit pension plan obligations.
          Due to the significant market downturn that began in 2008, plan asset values declined significantly. If plan assets perform below the assumed rate of return used to determine pension expense, future pension expense will increase. Further, as a result of the global economic instability, our pension plan investment portfolio has recently incurred greater volatility.
          The proportion of pension assets to liabilities, which is called the funded status, determines the level of contribution to the plan that is required by law. In recent years, we have funded the plan in amounts as required, but changes in the plan’s funded status related to the value of assets or liabilities could increase the amount required to be funded. We cannot predict whether changing market or economic conditions, regulatory changes or other factors will further increase our pension funding obligations, diverting funds we would otherwise apply to other uses.

Competition could erode our earnings.
The leaf tobacco industry is highly competitive. We are one of two global publicly held competitors in the leaf tobacco industry, each with approximately equal market share. Competition is based primarily on the prices charged for products and services as well as the merchant’s ability to meet customer specifications in the buying, processing and financing of tobacco. In addition, there is competition in all countries to buy the available tobacco. The loss or substantial reduction of any large or significant customer could reduce our earnings.
          In addition to the two primary global independent leaf tobacco merchants, the cigarette manufacturers increasingly buy tobacco directly from suppliers, and new independent leaf merchants are entering the leaf purchasing and processing business. We face increasing competition from new local and regional independent leaf merchants with low fixed costs and overhead and good customer connections at the local level. These new independent merchants are buying an increasing portion of the crops in certain international markets, particularly Brazil and parts of Africa, where the new entrants have been able to capitalize in the global transition to those markets. Any of these sources of new competition may result in less tobacco available for us to purchase and process in the applicable markets.

We have identified several material weaknesses related to our internal control in the past, and there can be no assurance that material weaknesses will not be identified in the future.
In the past, we have identified certain matters involving our internal control over financial reporting that we and our independent registered public accounting firm determined to be material weaknesses under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. We remediated those material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, and we believe that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at March 31, 2012 as reported elsewhere in this Annual Report. Although we intend to continue to monitor and improve our internal controls, we cannot assure you that other material weaknesses will not occur in the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in misstatements in our financial statements in amounts that could be material. Inferior internal controls could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the value of our common stock and could also require additional restatements of our prior reported financial information.

Risks Relating to Our Capital Structure

We may not continue to have access to the capital markets to obtain long-term and short-term financing on acceptable terms and conditions.
We access the short-term capital markets and, from time to time, the long-term markets to obtain financing. Although we believe that we can continue to access the capital markets in fiscal 2013 on acceptable terms and conditions, our access and the availability of acceptable terms and conditions are impacted by many factors, including: (i) our credit ratings; (ii) the liquidity and volatility of the overall capital markets, which has been negatively impacted by the U.S. sub-prime debt turmoil and the turmoil created by the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and elsewhere; and (iii) the current state of the economy, including the tobacco industry. There can be no assurances that we will continue to have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to us.




9-


Risks Relating to Our Capital Structure (continued)

We may not have access to available capital to finance our local operations in non-U.S. jurisdictions.
We have typically financed our non-U.S. local operations with uncommitted short-term operating credit lines at the local level. These operating lines are typically 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 or demand payment of outstanding loans at any time. In addition, each of these operating lines must be renewed with each tobacco crop season in that jurisdiction. Although our foreign subsidiaries are the borrowers under these lines, many of them are guaranteed by us.
          As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $374.5 million drawn and outstanding on short-term foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $655.2 million subject to limitations as provided for in our Credit Agreement. Additionally against these lines there was $14.0 million available in unused letter of credit capacity with $7.2 million issued but unfunded. At March 31, 2012 we had $88.2 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal borrowings with maturity greater than one year with a maximum capacity of $125.0 million subject to limitations as provided for in the agreements.
          Because the lenders under these operating lines typically have the right to cancel the loan at any time and each line must be renewed with each crop season, there can be no assurance that this capital will be available to our subsidiaries. If a number of these lenders cease lending to our subsidiaries or dramatically decrease such lending, it could have a material adverse affect on our liquidity.

Failure of foreign banks in which our subsidiaries deposit funds or the failure to transfer funds or honor withdrawals may affect our results of operations.
Funds held by our foreign subsidiaries are often deposited in their local banks. Banks in certain foreign jurisdictions may be subject to a higher rate of failure or may not honor withdrawals of deposited funds. In addition, the countries in which these local banks operate may lack sufficient regulatory oversight or suffer from structural weaknesses in the local banking system. Due to uncertainties and risks relating to the political stability of certain foreign governments, these local banks also may be subject to exchange controls and therefore unable to perform transfers of certain currencies. If our ability to gain access to these funds was impaired, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We have substantial debt which may adversely affect us by limiting future sources of financing, interfering with our ability to pay interest and principal on the senior notes and subjecting us to additional risks.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness and debt service obligations. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately $1,203.0 million of indebtedness. In addition, the indenture governing the senior notes allows us to incur additional indebtedness under certain circumstances. If we add new indebtedness to our current indebtedness levels, the related risks that we now face could increase.
          Our substantial debt will have important consequences, including:

that our indebtedness may make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the senior notes and our other obligations;
that our indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms and to otherwise fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt refinancing, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements;
that a significant portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to paying interest on and the repayment of the principal of our indebtedness. This reduces the amount of cash we have available for making principal and interest payments under the senior notes and for other purposes and makes us more vulnerable to a decrease in demand for leaf tobacco, increases in our operating costs or general economic or industry conditions;
that our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and to compete with other global leaf tobacco merchants may be hampered by the amount of debt we owe;
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or are less leveraged;
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities.

          In addition, the indenture governing the senior notes and our senior secured credit facility each contain financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt. Also, a substantial portion of our debt, including borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which would adversely affect our cash flow. While we may enter into agreements limiting our exposure to higher debt service requirements, any such agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.




10-


Risks Relating to Our Capital Structure (continued)

Despite current indebtedness levels, we may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our significant leverage.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures governing our publicly traded senior notes and our credit agreement restrict, but do not completely prohibit, us from doing so. Our senior secured credit facility provides for a revolving credit line that was previously increased to $290.0 million. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at March 31, 2012. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks we now face could intensify.

The indentures governing the senior notes and our senior secured credit facility contain, and in the future could contain additional, covenants and tests that limit our ability to take actions or cause us to take actions we may not normally take.
The indentures governing the senior notes and our senior secured credit facility contain a number of significant covenants. These covenants limit our ability to, among other things:

incur additional indebtedness;
issue preferred stock;
merge, consolidate or dispose of substantially all of our assets;
grant liens on our 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 us by our subsidiaries;
sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests of our subsidiaries;
enter into transactions with our affiliates; and
enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions.

          Our senior secured credit facility and the indentures require us to meet certain financial tests. Complying with these covenants and tests may cause us to take actions that we otherwise would not take or not take actions that we otherwise would take. The failure to comply with these covenants and tests would cause a default under the credit facility and, under the indenture, would prevent us from taking certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, paying dividends or redeeming senior notes or subordinated debt. A default, if not waived, could result in the debt under our senior secured credit facility and the indenture becoming immediately due and payable and could result in a default or acceleration of our other indebtedness with cross-default provisions. If this occurs, we may not be able to pay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing is available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.

We have had to obtain waivers and amendments under our existing financing arrangements to avoid future defaults or cure past defaults.
In the recent past, we have sought and obtained waivers and amendments under our existing financing arrangements to avoid future non-compliance with financial covenants and cure past defaults under restrictive covenants. We also paid significant fees to obtain these waivers and consents. You should consider this in evaluating our ability to comply with restrictive covenants in our debt instruments and the financial costs of our ability to do so. Any future defaults for which we do not obtain waivers or amendments could result in the acceleration of a substantial portion of our indebtedness, much of which is cross-defaulted to other indebtedness.

We will require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that may be beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior secured credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including the senior notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the senior notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our debt, including our senior secured credit facility or the senior notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Additionally, to the extent permitted under our senior secured credit agreement and indentures, we may repurchase, repay or tender for our bank debt, senior notes or senior subordinated notes, which may place pressure on future cash requirements to the extent that the debt repurchased, repaid or tendered cannot be redrawn.

If we refinance our current credit facilities, we may not be able to obtain the same credit availability or at interest rates similar to our current credit facilities.
Our senior credit facility matures in March 2013. If credit market conditions worsen, it could have a material adverse impact on our ability to refinance our current credit facilities on similar or better terms than our current credit facility.


11-


Risks Related to Global Financial and Credit Markets

Volatility and disruption of global financial and credit markets may negatively impact our ability to access financing and expose us to unexpected risks.
Global financial and credit markets exposes us to a variety of risks as 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 up to one year 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 March 31, 2012, we had approximately $462.7 million drawn and outstanding on short-term and long-term foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $780.2 million. Changes in the global financial and credit markets could create uncertainty as to 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. Based on the current financial and credit markets, 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. Further, there is additional risk that certain banks in the U.S. revolving credit line syndicate could be unable to meet contractually obligated borrowing requests in the future if their financial condition were to deteriorate. 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 potential losses and counterparty risk.
We have entered into certain derivative transactions, including interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts. Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments that are not accounted for as cash flow hedges are reported as income, and accordingly could materially affect our reported income in any period. In addition, the counterparties to these derivative transactions, and to the convertible note hedge transactions, are financial institutions or affiliates of financial institutions, and we are subject to risks that these counterparties default under these transactions. In some of these transactions, including the convertible note hedge transactions, our exposure to counterparty credit risk is not secured by any collateral. Global economic conditions over the last few years have resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions, including bankruptcy. If one or more of the counterparties to one or more of our derivative transactions not secured by any collateral becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at the time under those transactions. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any of our counterparties.

Risks Relating to the Tobacco Industry

Reductions in demand for consumer tobacco products could adversely affect our results of operations.
The tobacco industry, both in the United States and abroad, continues to face a number of issues that may reduce the consumption of cigarettes and adversely affect our business, sales volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
          These issues, some of which are more fully discussed below, include:

governmental actions seeking to ascribe to tobacco product manufacturers liability for adverse health effects associated with smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke;
smoking and health litigation against tobacco product manufacturers;
tax increases on consumer tobacco products;
current and potential actions by state attorneys general to enforce the terms of the Master Settlement Agreement, or MSA, between state governments in the United States and tobacco product manufacturers;
governmental and private bans and restrictions on smoking;
actual and proposed price controls and restrictions on imports in certain jurisdictions outside the United States;
restrictions on tobacco product manufacturing, marketing, advertising and sales;
the diminishing social acceptance of smoking;
increased pressure from anti-smoking groups;
other tobacco product legislation that may be considered by Congress, the states, municipalities and other countries; and
the impact of consolidation among multinational cigarette manufacturers.





12-


Risks Relating to the Tobacco Industry (continued)

Tobacco product manufacturer litigation may reduce demand for our services.
Our primary customers, the leading cigarette manufacturers, face thousands of lawsuits brought throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, the rest of the world. These lawsuits have been brought by plaintiffs, including (1) individuals and classes of individuals alleging personal injury and/or misleading advertising, (2) governments (including governmental and quasi-governmental entities in the United States and abroad) seeking recovery of health care costs allegedly caused by cigarette smoking, and (3) other groups seeking recovery of health care expenditures allegedly caused by cigarette smoking, including third-party health care payors, such as unions and health maintenance organizations. Damages claimed in some of the smoking and health cases range into the billions of dollars. There have been several jury verdicts in tobacco product litigation during the past several years. Additional plaintiffs continue to file lawsuits. The effects of the lawsuits on our customers could reduce their demand for tobacco from us.

Recent legislation and regulatory and other governmental initiatives could impose burdensome restrictions on the tobacco industry and reduce consumption of consumer tobacco products and demand for our services.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which was enacted in June 2009, extends the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products. This act authorizes the FDA to adopt product standards for tobacco products, including the level of nicotine yield and the reduction or elimination of other constituents of the products, along with provisions for the testing of products against these standards. The act imposes further restrictions on advertising of tobacco products, authorizes the FDA to limit the sales of tobacco products to face-to-face transactions permitting the verification of the age of the purchaser, authorizes a study to determine whether the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco products should be increased and requires submission of reports from manufacturers of tobacco products to the FDA regarding product ingredients and other matters, including reports on health, toxicological, behavioral, or physiologic effects of tobacco products and their constituents. The act also mandates warning labels and requires packaging to indicate the percentage of domestically grown tobacco and foreign grown tobacco included in the product.
          In addition, the act directs the FDA to promulgate regulations requiring that the methods used in, and the facilities and controls used for, the manufacture, preproduction design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product conform to current good manufacturing practice. The act does not apply to tobacco leaf that is not in the possession of a manufacturer of tobacco products, or to the producers of tobacco leaf, including tobacco suppliers, tobacco warehouses, and tobacco supplier cooperatives unless those entities are controlled by a tobacco product manufacturer. The full impact of this legislation and the required regulatory actions is uncertain. However, if the effect of such legislation is a significant reduction in consumption of tobacco products, it could materially adversely affect our business, volume, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
          Reports with respect to the harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicized for many years, and the sale, promotion and use of cigarettes continue to be subject to increasing governmental regulation. Since 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services have released a number of reports linking cigarette smoking with a broad range of health hazards, including various types of cancer, coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease, and recommending various governmental measures to reduce the incidence of smoking. More recent reports focus upon the addictive nature of cigarettes, the effects of smoking cessation, the decrease in smoking in the United States, the economic and regulatory aspects of smoking in the Western Hemisphere, and cigarette smoking by adolescents, particularly the addictive nature of cigarette smoking in adolescence. Numerous state and municipal governments have taken and others may take actions to diminish the social acceptance of smoking of tobacco products, including banning smoking in certain public and private locations.
          A number of foreign nations also have taken steps to restrict or prohibit cigarette advertising and promotion, to increase taxes on cigarettes and to discourage cigarette smoking. In some cases, such restrictions are more onerous than those in the United States. For example, advertising and promotion of cigarettes has been banned or severely restricted for a number of years in Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Italy, Singapore and other countries. Further, in February 2005, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) treaty, the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (“FCTC”), entered into force. This treaty, to which 164 nations were parties at March 31, 2009, requires signatory nations to enact legislation that would require, among other things, specific actions to prevent youth smoking; restrict or prohibit tobacco product marketing; inform the public about the health consequences of smoking and the benefits of quitting; regulate the content of tobacco products; impose new package warning requirements including the use of pictorial or graphic images; eliminate cigarette smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes; restrict smoking in public places; increase and harmonize cigarette excise taxes; abolish duty-free tobacco sales; and permit and encourage litigation against tobacco product manufacturers.
          Due to the present regulatory and legislative environment, a substantial risk exists that past growth trends in tobacco product sales may not continue and that existing sales may decline.

Government actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing of tobacco. If some of the current efforts are successful, we could have difficulty obtaining sufficient tobacco to meet our customers’ requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations.
The WHO, through the FCTC, has created a formal study group to identify and assess crop diversification initiatives and alternatives
to leaf tobacco growing in countries whose economies depend upon tobacco production. The study group began its work in February 2007.

13-


Risks Relating to the Tobacco Industry (continued)

Government actions can have a significant effect on the sourcing of tobacco. If some of the current efforts are successful, we could have difficulty obtaining sufficient tobacco to meet our customers’ requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our performance and results of operations. (continued)
          If certain countries were to partner with the FCTC study group and seek to eliminate or significantly reduce leaf tobacco production, we could encounter difficulty in sourcing leaf tobacco to fill customer requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We have been, and continue to be, subject to governmental investigations into, and litigation concerning, leaf tobacco industry buying and other payment practices.
The leaf tobacco industry, from time to time, has been the subject of government investigations regarding trade practices. For example, we were the subject of an investigation by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice into certain buying practices alleged to have occurred in the industry, we were named defendants in an antitrust class action litigation alleging a conspiracy to rig bids in the tobacco auction markets, and we were the subject of 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.
          Our subsidiaries in Spain, Italy and Greece have been subject to these investigations. In 2004, the EC fined us and our Spanish subsidiaries €4.4 million ($5.6 million) solely relating to the investigations in Spain. In respect of the Italian investigation, in October 2005, the EC announced that we and our Italian subsidiaries have been assessed a fine in the aggregate amount of €24.0 million ($28.8 million). Several tobacco processors, suppliers and agricultural associations that were the subject of the investigation in Italy were assessed fines in various amounts totaling €56.0 million ($67.0 million), inclusive of the fines imposed on us and our subsidiaries. We, along with the applicable subsidiaries, lodged several appeals against the EC decisions and these cases are currently at various stages of appeal before the European Court of Justice. The outcome of the appeals is uncertain as to both timing and results.
          In March 2005, the EC informed us that it had closed its investigation in relation to the Greek leaf tobacco industry buying and selling practices. In relation to these investigations into certain tobacco buying and selling practices, the DGCOMP could decide to pursue investigations into other countries and additional fines may be assessed in those countries.
          We have been made aware of a review by the Malawi Government of the operation of its tobacco auction markets. The Government’s preliminary report suggests that there may have been violations by the leaf dealer industry of certain Malawi competition laws. The Government’s review has not been finalized and it is not possible to predict its outcome or its possible impact on us. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Following is a description of Alliance One’s material properties as of March 31, 2012.

Corporate
Our corporate headquarters are located in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Facilities

We own a total of 12 production facilities in 8 countries. We operate each of our tobacco processing plants for seven to nine months during the year to correspond with the applicable harvesting season. While we believe our production facilities have been efficiently utilized, we continually compare our production capacity and organization with the transitions occurring in global sourcing of tobacco. We also believe our domestic production facilities and certain foreign production facilities have the capacity to process additional volumes of tobacco if required by customer demand.










14-


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES (continued)

Facilities (continued)

          The following is a listing of the various material properties used in operations all of which are owned by Alliance One:

LOCATION
USE
SOUTH AMERICA SEGMENT
 
SOUTH AMERICA
 
VENANCIO AIRES, BRAZIL
FACTORY/STORAGE
ARARANGUA, BRAZIL
FACTORY/STORAGE
EL CARRIL, ARGENTINA
FACTORY/STORAGE
OTHER REGIONS SEGMENT
 
UNITED STATES
 
WILSON, N.C.
FACTORY/STORAGE
FARMVILLE, N.C.
FACTORY/STORAGE
DANVILLE, VA
STORAGE
AFRICA
 
LILONGWE, MALAWI
FACTORY/STORAGE
MOROGORO, TANZANIA
FACTORY/STORAGE
EUROPE
 
IZMIR, TURKEY
FACTORY/STORAGE
KARLSRUHE, GERMANY
FACTORY/STORAGE
ASIA
 
NGORO, INDONESIA
FACTORY/STORAGE

ITEM 3. 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 and Italy. 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 were assessed fines 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. The Company, along with its applicable subsidiaries, lodged several appeals against the EC decisions and these cases are currently at various stages of appeal before the European Court of Justice. The outcome of the appeals is uncertain as to both timing and results. 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.
          Mindo, S.r.l. has asserted claims against a subsidiary of the Company arising out of the 2004 sale of the Company’s former Italian subsidiary, Dimon Italia, S.r.l., in an action 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 $9.8 million) plus interest and costs. A hearing for the disposition of this matter was held in December 2011 and the court’s ruling is pending. Due to the uncertain legal interpretation in a foreign jurisdiction and the complexity of the matter, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the outcome.
          On June 6, 2008, the Company’s Brazilian subsidiary and a number of other tobacco processors were notified of a class action initiated by the ALPAG - Associação Lourenciana de Pequenos Agricultrores ("Association of Small Farmers of São Lourenço”). The class action’s focus is a review of tobacco supplier contracts and business practices, specifically aiming to prohibit processors from notifying the national credit agency of producers in debt, prohibiting processors from deducting tobacco suppliers’ debt from payments for tobacco, and seeking the modification of other contractual terms historically used in the purchase of tobacco. The case is currently before the 2nd civil court of São Lourenço do Sul. On April 20, 2012, the Company’s motion to dismiss the class action was granted in part and denied in part. A hearing with respect to the remaining claims is scheduled to be held on June 27, 2012. The Company believes the remaining claims in this action to be without merit and is vigorously defending the action. Due to the broad scope of the pleading, the ultimate exposure if an unfavorable outcome is received is not estimable.







15-


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (continued)

          The Company has been named as one of several defendants in Hupan, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al., and Chalanuk, et al. v. Alliance One International, Inc., et al., which are distinct but related lawsuits respectively filed in New Castle County, Delaware state court on February 14, 2012 and April 5, 2012.  The lawsuits were brought by numerous individuals claiming to be tobacco farmers and their family members, all residing in Misiones Province, Argentina.  The complaints seek compensatory and punitive damages from the Company and other multinational defendants under U.S. and Argentine law for alleged injuries, including birth defects, purportedly caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals in connection with the production and cultivation of tobacco.  The Company has not yet filed answers or other responsive pleadings in these actions, as to which the time for filing has been extended.  Based on its preliminary investigation, the Company believes the claims against it to be without merit and intends to vigorously defend against them.  Because the Company has only recently been named in the lawsuits, the ultimate exposure if an unfavorable outcome is received is not estimable.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None


PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Alliance One’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol "AOI."
          The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low reported sales prices of our common stock as reported by the NYSE and the amount of dividends declared per share for the periods indicated.
 
High
Low
Dividends
Declared
Year Ended March 31, 2012
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
$3.85
$2.80
$—
Third Quarter
3.12
2.26
Second Quarter
3.50
2.44
First Quarter
4.14
2.98
Year Ended March 31, 2011
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
$4.37
$3.49
$—
Third Quarter
4.83
3.74
Second Quarter
4.15
3.21
First Quarter
5.41
3.64
          As of March 31, 2012, there were approximately 6,380 shareholders, including approximately 5,506 beneficial holders of our common stock.
          The payment of dividends by Alliance One is subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on business conditions, compliance with debt agreements, achievement of anticipated cost savings, financial condition and earnings, regulatory considerations and other factors. Our senior credit agreement and the indentures governing our senior notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Dividends.”














16-


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (continued)

Alliance One International, Inc. Comparison of Cumulative Total Return to Shareholders

The following line graph and table presents the cumulative total shareholder return of a $100 investment including reinvestment of dividends and price appreciation over the last five years in each of the following: Alliance One International, Inc. (AOI) common stock, the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 600 Small Cap Index and an index of peer companies. The sole company in the peer group is Universal Corporation (UVV).

        


Cumulative Total Return
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
 
3/31/2007
 
3/31/2008
 
3/31/2009
 
3/31/2010
 
3/31/2011
 
3/31/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alliance One International, Inc.
 
$100.00
 
$65.44
 
$41.60
 
$55.15
 
$43.55
 
$40.85
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Custom Peer Group
 
$100.00
 
$110.16
 
$52.49
 
$97.00
 
$83.75
 
$93.89
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S&P 500 Index
 
$100.00
 
$94.92
 
$58.77
 
$88.02
 
$101.79
 
$110.48
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S&P Small Cap 600 Index
 
$100.00
 
$89.39
 
$55.37
 
$90.81
 
$113.75
 
$119.47
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 









ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL STATISTICS
Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Years Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amount, ratio and number of stockholders)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Summary of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
   Sales and other operating revenues
$
2,150,767

$
2,094,062

$
2,308,299

$
2,258,219

$
2,011,503

   Restructuring and asset impairment charges
1,006

23,467


591

19,580

   Operating income
154,813

132,874

223,814

204,462

93,595

   Debt retirement expense (1)

4,584

40,353

954

5,909

   Income (loss) from continuing operations
29,191

(72,148
)
79,946

132,830

9,374

   Income from discontinued operations



407

7,855

         Net income (loss)
29,191

(72,148
)
79,946

133,237

17,229

   Net income (loss) attributable to
      Alliance One International, Inc.
29,451

(71,551
)
79,167

132,558

16,861

Per Share Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
   Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
   Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.34

$
(0.81
)
$
0.89

$
1.50

$
0.10

   Income from discontinued operations




0.09

   Net income (loss) attributable to
      Alliance One International, Inc.
0.34

(0.81
)
0.89

1.50

0.19

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
   Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.30

$
(0.81
)
$
0.78

$
1.49

$
0.10

   Income from discontinued operations




0.09

   Net income (loss) attributable to
      Alliance One International, Inc. (2)
0.30

(0.81
)
0.78

1.49

0.19

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash dividends paid





   Book value per share
3.75

3.59

4.38

3.67

2.38

 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
   Working capital
$
828,681

$
846,860

$
795,229

$
608,179

$
440,213

   Total assets
1,949,845

1,808,330

1,911,199

1,758,519

1,712,865

   Long-term debt
821,453

884,371

788,880

652,584

563,973

   Stockholders’ equity attributable to
      Alliance One International, Inc.
327,482

312,813

390,400

326,661

211,467

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data
 
 
 
 
 
   Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
1.49

1.30

1.63

2.07

1.02

   Common shares outstanding at year end (3)
87,381

87,085

89,113

88,974

88,897

   Number of stockholders at year end (4)
6,380

8,849

7,716

6,754

7,670


(1) For the year ended March 31, 2010, the Company refinanced its credit facility and long-term debt which resulted in recognition
of significant costs to retire existing debt and accelerated recognition of related deferred financing costs and original issue
discounts.
(2) For the year ended March 31, 2011, all outstanding restricted shares and shares applicable to stock options and restricted stock
units are excluded because their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on the loss per share. For the year ended
March 31, 2011, assumed conversion of convertible notes at the beginning of the period has an antidultive effect on the loss
per share.
(3) Excluding 7,853 shares owned by a wholly owned subsidiary.
(4) Includes the number of stockholders of record and non-objecting beneficial owners.


17-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussions should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K:

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

Financial Results

Fiscal 2012 was affected by an oversupply of leaf tobacco in many of our key origins. Brazil, Argentina, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Malawi all experienced larger than normal crop sizes. In addition, the deliveries of these crops were delayed due to the tobacco suppliers and our customers delaying action in order to evaluate the marketing environment as well as weather in many markets. These factors were mitigated by our efforts to improve our efficiencies and improve yields while increasing our third party processing earnings and resulted in revenues increasing $56.7 million and gross profit increasing $10.9 million over the prior year. We also benefited from the execution of our restructuring projects which resulted in lower selling, general and administrative expenses of $10.3 million. During this difficult marketing season, we successfully managed our risk of excess inventories and ended the year with lower levels of uncommitted inventory than the prior year.

Liquidity

Our liquidity requirements are affected by crop seasonality, foreign currency and interest rates, green tobacco prices, crop size and quality, and customer mix, as well as other factors. We monitor and adjust funding sources that include cash from operations and various types of financings based on a number of industry, business, and financial market dynamics. Movement and changes between these various funding sources provides flexibility to help maximize various business opportunities, while minimizing associated costs where possible. We continue monitoring turbulence in the capital markets as a result of the European debt crisis, and believe that we are well positioned with no major long-term debt maturities in the next twelve months, good availability to crop lines globally, and appropriate levels of cash on hand. As of March 31, 2012, available credit lines and cash were $720.1 million, comprised of $119.7 million in cash and $600.4 million of credit lines, of which $6.7 million was exclusively for letters of credit.

Outlook

As we move into fiscal 2013, we are seeing reduced crop sizes in most of the key markets for flue-cured and burley tobaccos as a result of the natural cyclicality of the global business. With the smaller crop sizes, the market is returning to a more balanced supply/demand position but with potential shortage of the higher quality flavor styles. The demand for flavor Oriental styles continues to be strong and we are well positioned in the traditional markets as well as the Asian markets. Our enhanced agronomy programs focus on sustainable supply security as well as improving tobacco supplier income and efficiencies. This focus helps our customers meet their quality and volume requirements, which in turn creates growth opportunities. Combined with continued emphasis on efficiency and cost improvements that include strategic capital allocation, these should position our company to deliver improved shareholder value as we move to the future.






















18-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Results of Operations

Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
Change
 
 
Change
 
(in millions)
2012
 
$
 
%
2011
 
$
 
%
2010
Sales and other operating revenues
$
2,150.8

 
$
56.7

 
2.7

$
2,094.1

 
$
(214.2
)
 
(9.3
)
$
2,308.3

Gross profit
287.7

 
10.9

 
3.9

276.8

 
(119.7
)
 
(30.2
)
396.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses
147.6

 
(10.3
)
 
(6.5
)
157.9

 
2.5

 
1.6

155.4

Other income (expense)
15.7

 
(21.7
)
 
 
37.4

 
54.7

 
 
(17.3
)
Restructuring and asset impairment charges
1.0

 
(22.5
)
 
 
23.5

 
23.5

 
 
-

Operating income
154.8

 
21.9

*
 
132.9

*
(90.9
)
*
 
223.8

Debt retirement expense

 
(4.6
)
 
 
4.6

 
(35.8
)
 
 
40.4

Interest expense
106.8

 
4.1

 
 
102.7

 
(11.1
)
 
 
113.8

Interest income
6.1

 
(1.2
)
 
 
7.3

 
2.7

 
 
4.6

Income tax expense (benefit)
25.0

 
(82.5
)
 
 
107.5

 
111.3

 
 
(3.8
)
Equity in net income of investee companies
0.1

 
(2.4
)
 
 
2.5

 
0.5

 
 
2.0

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(0.3
)
 
0.3

 
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.4
)
 
 
0.8

Net income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
29.5

 
$
101.0

 
 
$
(71.6
)
*
$
(150.8
)
*
 
$
79.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  *  Amounts do not equal column totals due to rounding.

Sales and Other Operating Revenue Supplemental Information
 
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
 
 
Change
 
Change
 
(in millions, except per kilo amounts)
2012
$
%
2011
$
%
2010
Tobacco sales and other operating revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Sales and other operating revenues
$
2,054.6

$
21.2

1.0

$
2,033.4

$
(204.7
)
(9.1
)
$
2,238.1

     Kilos
426.9

(12.2
)
(2.8
)
439.1

(50.4
)
(10.3
)
489.5

     Average price per kilo
$
4.81

$
0.18

3.9

$
4.63

$
0.05

1.1

$
4.58

Processing and other revenues
$
96.2

$
35.5

58.5

$
60.7

$
(9.5
)
(13.5
)
$
70.2

Total sales and other operating revenues
$
2,150.8

$
56.7

2.7

$
2,094.1

$
(214.2
)
(9.3
)
$
2,308.3


Comparison of the Year Ended March 31, 2012 to the Year Ended March 31, 2011

Summary
Total sales and other operating revenues increased $56.7 million compared to the prior year. Our tobacco sales increased $21.2 million despite lower green costs for the fiscal 2012 crop which were passed on to the customer and lower volumes primarily from the prior year assignment of approximately 20% of our tobacco suppliers in Brazil to PMI. Processing and other revenues increased $35.5 million from long-term processing agreements in Brazil and other countries as customers increasingly source their leaf supply directly. Gross profit increased 3.9% primarily due to improved factory efficiencies, product mix and the non-recurrence of lower of cost or market inventory adjustments from the prior year. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased marginally from 13.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2012. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased 6.5% compared to the prior year primarily from reduced compensation costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives in the prior year and the non-recurrence of significant reserves on customer receivables in the prior year. Offsetting decreased SG&A was independent monitor costs of $6.1 million, an increase of $2.7 million over the prior year. Other operating income (expense) was $15.7 million in 2012 and $37.4 million in 2011 primarily from asset gains in Brazil. In the prior year, we began several strategic initiatives in response to shifting supply and demand balances and the changing business models of customers. While substantially complete, these initiatives resulted in restructuring and asset impairment charges of $1.0 million in 2012 and $23.5 million in the prior year. As a result of increased sales and margins and lower SG&A costs, operating income increased 16.5% or $21.9 million compared to the prior year.






19-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Comparison of the Year Ended March 31, 2012 to the Year Ended March 31, 2011 (continued)

Summary (continued)
         Our net debt retirement and interest costs were consistent with the prior year. As a result, our pretax income increased 65.2% from $32.8 million in 2011 to $54.2 million in 2012.
          Our effective tax rate decreased from 327.1% in 2011 to 46.2% in 2012. Our effective rates in both years vary significantly from the statutory tax rate due to foreign income tax rates that are lower than the U.S. rate, permanent differences related to local goodwill amortization, exchange gains and losses and currency translation adjustments, and changes to valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The significant decrease in the tax rate in 2012 is primarily due to a prior year increase in the valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets of $108.5 million. The effective tax rate varied from the statutory rate in 2012 primarily due to increases in unrecognized tax benefits, exchange effects and currency translation.

South America Region
Tobacco revenues decreased $111.5 million or 15.7% primarily due to an 8.5 million kilo decrease in quantities sold and a decrease of $.54 per kilo in average sales prices. The change in volume is mainly attributable to the assignment of tobacco suppliers in Brazil in the prior year and a change in customer mix that resulted in sales commitments for the fiscal 2012 crop that will not be shipped until next year. The decrease in average sales price is primarily due to lower green costs for the fiscal 2012 crop that have been passed on to the customer. The fiscal 2012 crop is larger than normal but of lower quality which lowered green costs even though exchange rates have appreciated. Partially offsetting the decrease in tobacco revenues is a $20.1 million increase in processing and other revenues primarily from additional long-term processing contracts.
          Gross profit decreased $13.2 million primarily due to lower revenues from lower green costs passed on to the customer, product mix and the exchange rate impact on foreign denominated processing costs. Partially offseting the decrease in gross margin is the non-recurrence of lower of cost or market inventory adjustments in the prior year and recoveries of prior unrecovered tobacco supplier advances as a result of the larger crop size this year. Gross margin as a percentage of sales remained consistent with the prior year.

Other Regions
Tobacco revenues increased $132.7 million or 10.0% primarily as a result of a $.49 per kilo increase in average sales prices partially offset by a 3.7 million kilo decrease in quantities sold. Although lower green costs in Africa were passed on to the customer, average sales prices increased overall primarily due to product mix and the decreased sales of Asian byproducts that were sold in the prior year due to market opportunities. Volume decreases, primarily Asian, were partially offset by larger African crops and shipments in the current year that had been delayed from the prior year. Processing and other revenues increased $15.4 million primarily as a result of increased customer requirements in North America.
          Gross profits increased $24.1 million in 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to non-recurring lower of cost or market inventory adjustments, improved factory efficiencies and the impact of exchange rates on foreign denominated processing costs. Gross profit as a percentage of sales remained consistent with the prior year.

Comparison of the Year Ended March 31, 2011 to the Year Ended March 31, 2010

Summary
Compared to the prior year, sales and other operating revenues decreased 9.3% and gross profit decreased 30.2% due to JTI’s vertical integration initiative and lower demand by customers as a result of reduced cigarette consumption in some markets. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 17.2% in 2010 to 13.2% in 2011. Impacting gross profit was increased lower of cost or market inventory adjustments and margin pressures due to the industry entering into an oversupply situation. Gross profit was also impacted by higher local costs and product mix. Selling, general and administrative expenses were relatively constant compared to the prior year although this year includes independent monitor costs of $3.4 million and reserves on customer receivables of $3.1 million. Other operating income (expense) was $37.4 million in 2011 primarily related to gains of $37.8 million from the sale of contracts with tobacco suppliers and other assets in Brazil to Philip Morris International, Inc. In 2010, other operating income (expense) was $(17.3) million primarily related to recording an estimated loss of $19.5 million, including disgorgement and penalties, in connection with negotiations with the SEC and Department of Justice and their investigation of alleged FCPA violations. In response to shifting supply and demand balances and the changing business models of customers, several strategic initiatives were implemented this year. In addition to the appointment of new leadership to better position us for the future, we began realigning origin and corporate operations to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. These initiatives resulted in restructuring charges of $23.5 million. This review is ongoing as we continue to define and execute the necessary changes to support core business functions. As a result of lower sales and margins, operating income decreased 40.6% or $90.9 million compared to the prior year.



20-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Results of Operations (continued)

Comparison of the Year Ended March 31, 2011 to the Year Ended March 31, 2010 (continued)

Summary (continued)
          In 2011, we purchased $23.6 million of our 8.5% senior notes and $35.0 million of our 10% senior notes. Associated costs and the related accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount resulted in our recording $4.6 million of debt retirement expense this year. In the prior year, we refinanced our credit facility and long-term debt which resulted in recognition of $40.4 million in significant costs to retire our existing debt and accelerated recognition of the related deferred financing costs and original issue discounts. Our interest costs decreased $11.1 million as a result of lower interest rates primarily on our seasonal lines of credit. Although our net financing costs decreased 33.2% from the prior year, our pretax income decreased 55.7% from $74.2 million in 2010 to $32.8 million in 2011.
          Our effective tax rate changed from a benefit of 5.1% in 2010 to an expense of 327.1% in 2011. Our effective rates in both years vary significantly from the statutory tax rate due to foreign income tax rates that are lower than the U.S. rate, permanent differences related to local goodwill amortization, exchange gains and losses and currency translation adjustments, and changes to valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The significant increase in the tax rate in 2011 is primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance on U.S. deferred tax assets of $108.5 million. Management’s evaluation of available positive and negative evidence resulted in a judgment that realization of tax benefits for U.S. deferred tax assets was less than likely and therefore a valuation allowance was recorded. The effective tax rate varied from the statutory rate in 2010 due to reductions in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and other factors.

South America Region
Tobacco revenues decreased $116.3 million or 14.1% primarily due to a 46.6 million kilo decrease in quantities sold mainly attributable to the impact of JTI’s vertical integration in Brazil in the prior fiscal year. Partially offsetting the impact of decreased volumes is an increase of $0.77 per kilo in average sales prices and a $2.8 million increase in processing and other revenues. The increased average sales price is primarily due to product mix and improved customer pricing to offset higher costs in local currency and exchange rate appreciation.
          Gross profit decreased $50.4 million due to the impact of JTI’s initiative, increased lower of cost or market inventory adjustments of $8.5 million, increased prices paid to suppliers and the exchange rate impact on purchase and processing costs which are denominated in local currency. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 4.4% as a result of these factors.

Other Regions
Tobacco revenues decreased $88.4 million or 6.3% primarily as a result of a $0.24 per kilo decrease in average sales prices and a 3.8 million kilo decrease in quantities sold. Decreased average sales prices were primarily due to product mix and the increased sales of lower priced byproducts. Volume increases in Asia were offset by the negative impact of JTI’s vertical integration initiative, less opportunistic sales and shipping delays, including congestion and other logistical issues at the port of Beira. Processing and other revenues decreased 18.2% or $12.3 million primarily as a result of decreased customer requirements in Africa and North America including those of JTI.
          Gross profits decreased $69.3 million in 2011 compared to 2010 primarily due to JTI’s vertical integration initiative, increased lower of cost or market inventory adjustments of $5.9 million, product mix and shipping delays. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 3.8% as a result of these factors.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview
Historically we have needed capital in excess of cash flow from operations to finance accounts receivable, inventory and advances to suppliers for tobacco crops in certain foreign countries. Purchasing, processing and selling activities of our business are seasonal and our need for capital fluctuates with corresponding peaks where outstanding indebtedness may be significantly greater or less as a result. Our long-term borrowings consist of unsecured senior and convertible senior subordinated notes as well as a senior secured revolving credit facility. We also have short-term lines of credit available with a number of banks throughout the world to provide needed seasonal working capital to correspond with regional peaks of our business. Over the last twelve months, as a result of the shift in our sales patterns from shipping larger volumes in the first half of our fiscal year to the second half, we increased debt, net of cash, by $10.2 million from $1,073.1 million as of March 31, 2011 to $1,083.3 million as of March 31, 2012. Our debt is longer term in nature with a significant portion of the maturities extending out to 2016. On June 13, 2012, we entered into the Fifth Amendment to our $290.0 million revolving credit facility, which incorporates provisions that eliminate Restricted Payments, including distributions, Company Common Stock repurchases, and purchases of our public Senior Notes and Convertible Senior Subordinated Debt prior to the revolving credit facility's new extended maturity of April 15, 2014.

21-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Overview (continued)
          At March 31, 2012, we had $119.7 million in cash on our balance sheet, $462.7 million outstanding under short-term and long-term foreign lines with an additional $303.4 million available under those lines and $4.1 million outstanding of other debt for a total of $713.4 million of debt availability and cash on hand around the world, excluding $7.2 million in issued but unfunded letters of credit with $6.7 million available. Another source of liquidity as of March 31, 2012 was $155.6 million funded under our accounts receivable sale programs. Additionally, customer advances were $14.9 million in 2012 compared to $17.6 million in 2011. To the extent that these customers do not provide this advance funding, we must provide financing for their inventories. Should customers pre-finance less in the future for committed inventories, this action could negatively affect our short-term liquidity. We believe that the sources of capital we possess, or have access to, will be sufficient to fund our anticipated needs for fiscal year 2013. No cash dividends were paid to stockholders during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012. On July 28, 2010, our board of directors authorized the purchase up to $40.0 million of our common stock over the next two years and we purchased 2.4 million shares of our common stock at a weighted average price paid per share of $3.78 through March 31, 2012. Effective March 31, 2012, we did not satisfy the fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.0 to 1.0 required under the indenture governing our senior notes to permit us to access the restricted payments basket for the purchase of common stock and other actions under that basket. From time to time we may not satisfy the required ratio. Effective June 13, 2012, the Fifth Amendment to our revolving credit facility eliminates Restricted Payments, including Company Common Stock repurchases prior to its extended maturity of April 15, 2014. See Note 7 “Short-term Borrowing Arrangements” and Note 17 “Sale of Receivables” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.
          Seasonal liquidity beyond cash flow from operations is provided by our revolving credit facility, seasonal working capital lines throughout the world, advances from customers and sale of accounts receivable. For the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, our average short-term borrowings, aggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding and weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings were as follows:

        
(dollars in millions)
2012
2011
Average short-term borrowings
$
448.9

$
373.4

Aggregated peak short-term borrowings outstanding
$
680.7

$
619.3

Weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings
2.91
%
3.47
%

          Aggregated peak borrowings for 2012 and 2011 were during the second quarter as we reach our seasonally adjusted high for our South American crop lines as we are shipping inventory and collecting receivables. Peak borrowings for 2012 and 2011 were repaid with cash provided by operating activities.
          As of March 31, 2012, we are in our working capital build. In South America we are in the process of purchasing and processing the most recent crop, while the peak tobacco sales season for South America is at its beginning stages. Africa is also in the middle of its buying, processing and selling season and is utilizing working capital funding as well. North America and Europe are still selling and planning for the next crop that is now being grown.

Working Capital
Our working capital decreased from $846.9 million at March 31, 2011 to $828.6 million at March 31, 2012. Our current ratio was 2.3 to 1 at March 31, 2012 compared to 2.8 to 1 at March 31, 2011. The decrease in working capital is primarily related to the shift in our sales patterns and timing of shipments from larger volumes shipping in the first part of our fiscal year to the second half of the fiscal year. The volumes and timing of fourth quarter shipments resulted in increased notes payable to banks partially offset by increased accounts receivable and cash balances compared to the prior year.














22-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Working Capital (continued)
          The following table is a summary of items from the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Approximately $17.6 million of our outstanding cash balance at March 31, 2012 was held in foreign jurisdictions. As a result of our cash needs abroad, it is our intention to permanently reinvest these funds in foreign jurisdictions regardless of the fact that, due to the valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryovers, the cost of repatriation would not have a material financial impact.

 
As of March 31,
 
 
Change
 
Change
 
(in millions except for current ratio)
2012
$
%
2011
$
%
2010
Cash and cash equivalents
$
119.7

$
76.2

175.2

$
43.5

$
(86.2
)
(66.5
)
$
129.7

Net trade receivables
303.1

23.2

8.3

279.9

72.5

35

207.4

Inventories and advances to tobacco suppliers
929.3

54.4

6.2

874.9

(20.0
)
(2.2
)
894.9

Total current assets
1,477.8

160.5

12.2

1,317.3

(65.6
)
(4.7
)
1,382.9

Notes payable to banks
374.5

143.1

61.8

231.4

42.4

22.4

189.0

Accounts payable
120.1

34.0

39.5

86.1

(60.3
)
(41.2
)
146.4

Advances from customers
14.9

(2.7
)
(15.3
)
17.6

(84.7
)
(82.8
)
102.3

Total current liabilities
649.2

178.8

38.0

470.4

(117.3
)
(20
)
587.7

Current ratio
2.3 to 1

 
 
2.8 to 1

 
 
2.4 to 1

Working capital
828.6

(18.3
)
(2.2
)
846.9

51.7

6.5

795.2

Total long term debt
821.5

(62.9
)
(7.1
)
884.4

95.5

12.1

788.9

Stockholders’ equity attributable to
   Alliance One International, Inc.
327.5

14.7

4.7

312.8

(77.6
)
(19.9
)
390.4

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Net cash provided (used) by:
 
 
 
 


 
 
      Operating activities
59.0

242.0

 
(183.0
)
(294.3
)
 
111.3

      Investing activities
(65.1
)
(49.2
)
 
(15.9
)
(6.6
)
 
(9.3
)
      Financing activities
80.9

(32.1
)
 
113.0

172.3

 
(59.3
)

Operating Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $242.0 million in 2012 compared to 2011 which decreased $294.3 million compared to 2010. The increase in 2012 compared to 2011 is primarily due to less cash used for receivables and customer funding for the current crop compared to the prior year as well as increased payables and accrued expenses compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting these increases are higher levels of inventories and advances to tobacco suppliers. The decrease in 2011 compared to 2010 is primarily due to the negative impact of JTI's vertical integration initiatives on earnings, less customer funding for the current crop and the related increase in cash used for receivables. Partially offsetting these decreases are reduced levels of inventories and advances to tobacco suppliers compared to the prior year.

Investing Cash Flows
Net cash used by investing activities increased $49.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011 which increased $6.6 million compared to 2010. The increase in cash used in 2012 compared to 2011 is primarily a result of prior year events that didn't recur in the current year. In the prior year, proceeds from the sale of assets primarily related to the assets sold to PMI in Brazil are partially offset by decreased capital expenditures primarily due to the construction of our new processing facility in Brazil last year. Net cash used by investing activities also increased in 2012 compared to 2011 due to restricted cash deposits in accordance with long-term foreign seasonal lines of credit agreements entered into this year. The increase in cash used in 2011 compared to 2010 is a result of increased capital expenditures of $53.7 million primarily related to the construction of our new processing facility in Brazil. Partially offsetting the increase in cash used are increased proceeds from the sale of assets of $44.1 million primarily related to the assets sold to PMI in Brazil last year. Reductions in the purchase of foreign currency derivatives and less costs incurred for internally developed software were offset by less proceeds from notes receivable.







23-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Financing Cash Flows
Net cash provided by financing activities was $80.9 million in 2012 compared to $113.0 million in 2011 and net cash used of $59.3 million in 2010. The decrease in cash provided in 2012 compared to 2011 is primarily related to the repayment of our revolver balance that was outstanding in the prior year partially offset by the net change in short-term borrowings as a result of the timing and volumes of our fourth quarter shipments. The increase in cash provided in 2011 compared to cash used in 2010 is primarily related to the impact of our debt refinancing on 2010 cash flows that did not recur in 2011. Partially offsetting these increases in cash provided are the purchase of $58.6 million of our 8.5% senior notes and 10% senior notes in 2011 as well as the purchase 2.4 million shares of our common stock last year.
          The following table summarizes our debt financing as of March 31, 2012:

 
 
March 31, 2012
 
 
 
Outstanding
Lines and
 
 
 
 
  March 31,
2011
March 31,
2012
Letters
Interest
 
Long Term Debt Repayment Schedule
 
Available
Rate
 
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Later
Senior secured credit facility:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Revolver (1)
$
148.0

$

$
290.0

6.0
%
 
$

$

$

$

$

$

Senior notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   10% senior notes due 2016 (4)
611.8

615.2


10.0
%
 




615.2


   8 ½% senior notes due 2012
6.0

6.0


8.5
%
 
6.0






 
617.8

621.2


 
 
6.0




615.2


5 ½% convertible senior    subordinated notes due 2014
115.0

115.0


5.5
%
 


115.0




Long-term foreign seasonal borrowings

88.2

36.8

3.7
%
(2) 

88.2





Other long-term debt
4.4

4.1

0.3

6.6
%
(2) 
1.1

1.3

0.9

0.5


0.3

Notes payable to banks (3)
231.4

374.5

266.6

2.9
%
(2) 






   Total debt
$
1,116.6

$
1,203.0

593.7

 
 
$
7.1

$
89.5

$
115.9

$
0.5

$
615.2

$
0.3

Short-term
$
231.4

$
374.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Long-term debt current
$
0.8

$
7.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Long-term debt
884.4

821.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
885.2

$
828.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Letters of credit
$
4.9

$
7.2

6.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total credit available
 
 
$
600.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) As of March 31, 2012, pursuant to Section 2.1 (A) (iv) of the Credit Agreement, the full Revolving Committed Amount was available
based on the calculation of the lesser of the Revolving Committed Amount and the Working Capital Amount.
(2)  Weighted average rate for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.
(3)  Primarily foreign seasonal lines of credit.
(4) Repayment of $615.2 is net of original issue discount of $19.8. Total repayment will be $635.0.

Senior Secured Credit Facility
On July 2, 2009, the Company replaced its previous credit agreement by entering into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with a syndicate of banks that provided for a senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) of a three and one-quarter year $270.0 million revolver (the “Revolver”) which initially accrued interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.50%. 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, plus an applicable percentage. As of April 7, 2010, the Company increased the Revolver to $290.0 million.

First Amendment. On August 24, 2009, the Company closed the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement which included allowing the issuance of up to an additional $100.0 million of Senior Notes due 2016 within 90 days of the First Amendment Effective Date, amending the definition of Consolidated Total Senior Debt to exclude the Existing Senior Notes 2005, amending the definition of applicable percentage to clarify the effective date of the change in the applicable percentage and modifications to several schedules within the Credit Agreement.


24-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Senior Secured Credit Facility (continued)

Second Amendment. On June 9, 2010, the Company closed the Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which included adding back the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act estimate of $19.45 million to Consolidated Net Income for the period ended March 31, 2010 and increasing the Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio to 5.25 to 1.00 for the period ending September 30, 2010 and to 5.00 to 1.00 for the period ending March 31, 2011. The Second Amendment also allowed a subsidiary of the Company to incur indebtedness of up to $25.0 million after ceasing to be a wholly owned subsidiary, a guarantee by the Company of that indebtedness, the issuance of up to 30% equity interests in the subsidiary to officers, employees, directors, advisory boards and/or its third parties investors and allow certain restricted payments by the subsidiary.

Third Amendment. On June 6, 2011, the Company closed the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement whereby the lenders agreed to extend the term of the facility to March 31, 2013. In addition, the Third Amendment modified certain financial covenants under the Credit Agreement, including establishing the financial maximum consolidated leverage ratio for each fiscal quarter through maturity, reducing the minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and the first three quarters of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012, permitting the exclusion of the effect of specified levels of restructuring and impairment charges for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 for the financial covenants impacted by the Company’s EBIT, and excluding the effect of noncash deferred compensation expense up to $2.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 for these same covenants. The Third Amendment also increased the basket for capital expenditures for the year ending March 31, 2012 by $15.0 million and permitted the Company to form a subsidiary for a specified business purpose to be funded by up to $1.0 million in equity and $30.0 million in subordinated note investments by the Company, provided the subsidiary receives either revolving credit financing of up to $200.0 million from third parties or issues subordinated notes for an aggregate not to exceed $100.0 million. The Third Amendment increased the interest rates on base rate and LIBOR loans by 1.0 percentage point and the commitment fee on unborrowed amounts under the facility by 0.25 of a percentage point. In addition, pursuant to the Third Amendment, the Company agreed to grant the lenders a security interest on certain U.S. real estate.

Fourth Amendment. On November 3, 2011, the Company closed the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement that expires March 31, 2013. The amendment permitted the exclusion of specified levels of restructuring and impairment charges from the financial covenants impacted by the Company’s EBIT for fiscal quarters ending on or prior to March 31, 2012 and permitted the exclusion of specified levels of costs and expenses associated with the commercialization, sale or dissolution of the Company’s Alert business from the financial covenants impacted by the Company’s EBIT for fiscal quarters ending on or prior to December 31, 2011. The amendment also extended to April 30, 2012 the period in which the Company is permitted to form one or more subsidiaries for a specified business purpose to be funded by up to $1.0 million in equity and $30.0 million in subordinated note investments by the Company, provided the subsidiary or subsidiaries receive revolving credit financing of up to $200.0 million from third parties and issue subordinated notes for an aggregate of up to $100.0 million.

Fifth Amendment. Effective June 13, 2012, the Company closed the Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement. See Note 21 "Subsequent Event" to the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" and Item 9B "Other Information" for further information.

Financial Covenants. Certain financial covenants and required financial ratios adjust over time in accordance with schedules in the Credit Agreement. After giving effect to the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement, the requirements of those covenants and financial ratios at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 1.90 to 1.00 (1.65 for the quarters ending June and September 30, 2011 and 1.80 for the quarter ending December 31, 2011);

a maximum consolidated leverage ratio in an amount not more than a ratio specified for each fiscal quarter as set forth in a schedule, which ratio is 5.50 for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 (6.70 for the quarter ending June 30, 2011, 7.50 for the quarter ending September 30, 2011 and 6.10 for the quarter ending December 31, 2011);

a maximum consolidated total senior debt to working capital amount ratio of not more than 0.80 to 1.00; and

maximum annual capital expenditures of $55.0 million during fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 and $40.0 million during any fiscal year thereafter, in each case with a one-year carry-forward for capital expenditures in any fiscal year below the maximum amount.







25-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Senior Secured Credit Facility (continued)
          The Company continuously monitors its compliance with the covenants. At March 31, 2012 and during the fiscal year, the Company was in compliance with the covenants (as revised by the Third Amendment). For the third quarter ended December 31, 2011, had the Company not received a waiver which waived the testing of the maximum consolidated leverage covenant for the period October 1, 2011 through and including December 31, 2011, the Company would not have been in compliance for that period end. Significant changes in market conditions could adversely affect the Company's business. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain compliance with its financial covenants in the future. The Company records all fees and third-party costs associated with the Credit Agreement, including amendments thereto, in accordance with accounting guidance for changes in line of credit or revolving debt arrangements.

Senior Notes
On July 2, 2009, the Company issued $570.0 million of 10% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Senior Notes”) at a price of 95.177% of the face value. On August 26, 2009, the Company issued an additional $100.0 million tranche of 10% Senior Notes due 2016 at a price of 97.500% of the face value. These additional notes form part of the same series as the Senior Notes issued on July 2, 2009. The Senior Notes are required to be guaranteed by any “material domestic subsidiaries” of the Company as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Notes. The Company does not have a “material domestic subsidiary” at March 31, 2012.
          During fiscal 2011, the Company purchased $35.0 million of these notes on the open market. All purchased securities were cancelled leaving $635.0 million of the 10% senior notes outstanding at March 31, 2011. Associated cash premiums and other costs paid were $1.6 million. Deferred financing costs and amortization of original issue discount of $2.0 million were accelerated.

Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes
On July 2, 2009, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5 ½% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the “Convertible Notes”). The initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes were granted an option to purchase up to an additional $15.0 million of Convertible Notes solely to cover over-allotments which was exercised on July 15, 2009. Holders may surrender their Convertible Notes, in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount, for conversion into shares of the Company’s common stock at the then-applicable conversion rate until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 198.8862 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes. The conversion rate is subject to adjustments based on certain events as described in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. In addition, holders of these notes have certain rights and entitlements upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes (as defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes).

Other Senior Notes and Senior Subordinated Notes
The Company applied a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes and Convertible Notes to fund the purchase of $120.4 million of its previously existing 8 1/2% Senior Notes due 2012 and the purchase, defeasance and redemption of all of its previously existing 11% Senior Notes due 2012, 12 ¾% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012, 9 5/8% Senior Notes due 2011, 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2013 and 8% Senior Notes due 2012, Series B pursuant to an early settlement of a cash tender offer.
          As a result of the repurchase, defeasance and redemption of these existing notes, the Company accelerated approximately $5.6 million of deferred financing costs and $5.6 million of amortization of original issue discount during the year ended March 31, 2010.
          During fiscal 2011, the Company purchased $23.6 million of the remaining 8 1/2% Senior Notes due 2012 on the open market. All purchased securities were cancelled leaving $6.0 million of the 8 1/2% senior notes outstanding at March 31, 2011. Associated cash premiums and other costs paid were $0.7 million. Deferred financing costs and amortization of original issue discount of $0.3 million were accelerated.













26-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions
In connection with the offering of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with three counterparties (“hedge counterparties”) to cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that initially underlie the Convertible Notes and expire on the last day that any Convertible Notes remain outstanding. The Company also entered separately into privately negotiated warrant transactions relating to the same number of shares of the Company’s common stock with the hedge counterparties. The convertible note hedge transactions are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to the common stock of the Company upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the value per share of common stock, as measured under the convertible note hedge transactions, during the applicable valuation period, is greater than the strike price of the convertible note hedge transactions, which corresponds to the $5.0280 per share initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes and is similarly subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. If, however, the price per share of the Company’s common stock, as measured under the warrants, exceeds the strike price of the warrant transactions during the applicable valuation period, there would be dilution from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the warrants. The warrants have a strike price of $7.3325 per share, which is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments and the maximum number of shares that could be issued under the warrant transactions is 45,743,836. The warrants expire in daily installments commencing on October 15, 2014 and ending on April 8, 2015. Both the convertible note hedge transactions and the warrant transactions require physical net-share settlement and are accounted for as equity instruments.

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 March 31, 2012, the Company had approximately $374.5 million drawn and outstanding on foreign seasonal lines with maximum capacity totaling $655.2 million subject to limitations as provided for in the Credit Agreement. Additionally, against these lines there was $14 million available in unused letter of credit capacity with $7.2 million issued but unfunded.

Long-Term Foreign Seasonal Borrowings
As of March 31, 2012, the Company had foreign seasonal borrowings with maturity greater than one year. Approximately $88.2 million was drawn and outstanding with maximum capacity totaling $125.0 million. Certain of these foreign seasonal borrowings are secured by certain of the subsidiary borrowers' accounts receivable and inventories and restrict the payment of dividend by the subsidiary borrower during the term of the agreement. The Company records outstanding borrowings under its foreign seasonal revolver agreement as long-term as the Company intends to extend repayment terms to the maturity date in accordance with the agreement.


Dividends
The Fifth Amendment to the Credit Agreement eliminated the basket for restricted payments for the term of the Credit Agreement and accordingly, we may not pay any dividends under the Credit Agreement for its remaining term. In addition, the indenture governing our senior notes contains similar restrictions and also prohibits the payment of dividends and other distributions if we fail to satisfy a ratio of consolidated EBITDA to fixed charges of at least 2.0 to 1.0. At March 31, 2012, we did not satisfy this fixed charge coverage ratio. We may from time to time not satisfy this ratio.

















27-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Aggregate Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have summarized in the table below our contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments as of March 31, 2012.
    
 
 
Payments / Expirations by Period
(in millions)
    Total
2013
   Years
2014-2015
   Years
2016-2017
   After
2017
Long-Term Debt Obligations*
$
1,141.9

$
84.0

$
352.8

$
704.8

$
0.3

Capital Lease Obligations*
0.2

0.1

0.1



Other Long-Term Obligations**
58.0

10.5

10.4

9.8

27.3

Operating Lease Obligations
39.2

10.2

14.5

6.8

7.7

Capital Expenditure Commitments
2.9

2.9




Tobacco Purchase Obligations
742.3

742.3




Beneficial Interest in Receivables Sold
25.9

25.9




Amounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers
127.1

119.7

7.4


Total Contractual Obligations and Other
     Commercial Commitments
$
2,137.5

$
995.6

$
385.2

$
721.4

$
35.3

* Long-Term Debt Obligations and Capital Lease Obligations include projected interest for both fixed and variable rate debt. We assume that there will be no drawings on the senior secured revolving credit facility in these calculations. The variable rate used in the projections is the rate that was being charged on our variable rate debt as of March 31, 2012. These calculations also assume that there is no refinancing of debt during any period. These calculations are on Long-Term Debt Obligations and Capital Lease Obligations only.
**Other long-term obligations consist of accrued pension and postretirement costs. Contributions for funded pension plans are based on the Pension Protection Act and tax deductibility and are not reasonably estimable beyond one year. Contributions for unfunded pension plans and postretirement plans captioned under "After 2017" include obligations during the next five years only. These obligations are not reasonably estimable beyond tens years. In addition, the following long-term liabilities included on the consolidated balance sheet are excluded from the table above: accrued postemployment costs, income taxes and tax contingencies, and other accruals. We are unable to estimate the timing of payments for these items.

          We do not have any other off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, as defined under the rules of SEC Release No. FRR-67, Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.

Lease Obligations
We have both capital and operating leases. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, operating leases are not reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The operating leases are for land, buildings, automobiles and other equipment; the capital leases are primarily for production machinery and equipment. The capitalized lease obligations are payable through 2015. Operating assets that are of long-term and continuing benefit are generally purchased.

Tobacco Purchase Obligations
Tobacco purchase obligations result from contracts with suppliers, primarily in the United States, Brazil and Turkey, to buy either specified quantities of tobacco or the supplier’s total tobacco production. Amounts shown as tobacco purchase obligations are estimates based on projected purchase prices of the future crop tobacco. Payment of these obligations is net of our advances to these suppliers. Our tobacco purchase obligations do not exceed our projected requirements over the related terms and are in the normal course of business.

Beneficial Interest in Receivables Sold
We sell accounts receivable in a revolving trade accounts receivable securitization. Under the agreement, we receive 90% of the face value of the receivable sold, less contractual dilutions which limit the amount that may be outstanding from any one particular customer and insurance reserves that also have the effect of limiting the risk attributable to any one customer. Our 10% beneficial interest is subordinate to the purchaser of the receivables. See Note 17 “Sale of Receivables” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.



28-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources (continued)

Aggregate Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements (continued)

Amounts Guaranteed for Tobacco Suppliers
In Brazil and Malawi, we provide guarantees to ensure financing is available to our tobacco suppliers. In the event these suppliers should default, we would be responsible for repayment of the funds provided to these suppliers. We also provide guarantees for financing by certain unconsolidated subsidiaries in Asia and Zimbabwe. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies – Advances to Tobacco Suppliers” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Planned Capital Expenditures
We have projected a total of $75.1 million in capital investments for our 2013 fiscal year of which $2.9 million is under contract at March 31, 2012. We forecast our capital expenditure needs for routine replacement of equipment as well as investment in assets that will add value to the customer or increase efficiency.

Tax and Repatriation Matters
We are subject to income tax laws in each of the countries in which we do business through wholly owned subsidiaries and through affiliates. We make a comprehensive review of the income tax requirements of each of our operations, file appropriate returns and make appropriate income tax planning analyses directed toward the minimization of our income tax obligations in these countries. Appropriate income tax provisions are determined on an individual subsidiary level and at the corporate level on both an interim and annual basis. These processes are followed using an appropriate combination of internal staff at both the subsidiary and corporate levels as well as independent outside advisors in review of the various tax laws and in compliance reporting for the various operations.
          We consider unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries operating outside the United States to be invested indefinitely. No U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes are provided on such permanently reinvested earnings, in accordance with ASC 740. We regularly review the status of the accumulated earnings of each of our foreign subsidiaries and reassess this determination as part of our overall financing plans. Following this assessment, we provide deferred income taxes, net of any foreign tax credits, on any earnings that are determined to no longer be indefinitely invested. We did not record any deferred income taxes for 2012. See Note 12 “Income Taxes” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.


Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) requires the use of estimates and assumptions that have an impact on the assets, liabilities, revenue and expense amounts reported. These estimates can also affect supplemental disclosures including information about contingencies, risk and financial condition.
          Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties and potentially yield materially different results under different assumptions or conditions. Given current facts and circumstances, we believe that our estimates and assumptions are reasonable, adhere to GAAP and are consistently applied. Our selection and disclosure of our critical accounting policies and estimates has been reviewed with our Audit Committee. Following is a review of the more significant assumptions and estimates and the accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. For all of these estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” which discusses the significant accounting policies that we have adopted.

Inventories
Costs included in inventory include processed tobacco inventory, unprocessed tobacco inventory and other inventory costs.
          Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market (“LCM”), which requires us to make significant estimates in assessing our inventory balances for potential LCM adjustments. We evaluate our inventories for LCM adjustments by country and type of inventory. Therefore, processed tobacco and unprocessed tobacco are evaluated separately for LCM purposes.
          We compare the cost of our processed tobacco to market values based on recent sales of similar grades when evaluating those balances for LCM adjustments. We also consider whether our processed tobacco is committed to a customer, whereby the expected sales price would be utilized in determining the market value for committed tobacco.
          We review data on market conditions in performing our LCM evaluation for our unprocessed tobacco. Further, we identify the tobacco cost plus estimated costs to complete and compare those costs to the current market prices based on purchase commitments in determining whether an LCM adjustment is needed on our unprocessed tobacco.
          See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories” and Note 2 “Inventories” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

29-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates (continued)

Income Taxes
Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates, exchange rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions including evaluating uncertainties under ASC 740. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available.
          Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income inherently rely heavily on estimates. To provide insight, we use our historical experience and our short and long-range business forecasts. We believe it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred income tax assets may expire unused and have established a valuation allowance against them. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred income tax assets, we believe it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. However, deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if our estimates of taxable income are significantly reduced. See Note 12 “Income Taxes” and Note 16 “Contingencies and Other Information” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.



Advances to Tobacco Suppliers
We evaluate our advances to tobacco suppliers, which represent prepaid inventory, for recoverability by crop and country. Our recoverability assessment for our advances to tobacco suppliers and our LCM evaluation for our inventories achieve a similar objective. We reclass the advances at the time suppliers deliver tobacco. The purchase price for the tobacco delivered by the suppliers is based on market prices. Two primary factors determine the market value of the tobacco suppliers deliver to us: the quantity of tobacco delivered and the quality of the tobacco delivered. Therefore, and at the time of delivery, we ensure our advances to tobacco suppliers are appropriately stated at the lower of cost or their recoverable amounts.
          Upon delivery of tobacco, part of the purchase price to the supplier is paid in cash and part through a reduction of the advance balance. If a sufficient value of tobacco is not delivered to allow the reduction of the entire advance balance, then we first determine how much of the deficiency for the current crop is recoverable through future crops. This determination is made by analyzing the suppliers’ ability-to-deliver a sufficient supply of tobacco. This analysis includes historical quantity and quality of production with monitoring of crop information provided by our field service technicians related to flood, drought and disease. The remaining recoverable advance balance would then be classified as noncurrent. Any increase in the estimate of unrecoverable advances associated with the noncurrent portion is charged to cost of goods and services sold in the income statement when determined.
          Amounts not expected to be recovered through current or future crops are then evaluated to determine whether the yield is considered to be normal or abnormal. If the yield adjustment is normal, then we capitalize the applicable variance in the current crop of inventory. If the yield adjustment is considered abnormal, then we immediately charge the applicable variance to cost of goods and services sold in the income statement. A normal yield adjustment is based on the range of unrecoverability for the previous three years by country. Our normal yield in the South America region is 5.0% to 7.0%.
          We account for our advances to tobacco suppliers using a cost accumulation model, which results in reporting our advances at the lower of cost or recoverable amounts exclusive of the mark-up and interest. The mark-up and interest on our advances are recognized upon delivery of tobacco as a decrease in our cost of the current crop.
          The following table illustrates the amounts of favorable and unfavorable variances on current crop advances to tobacco suppliers (prepaid inventory) that will be capitalized into inventory when the crop has been purchased as of March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The current crop is primarily sold in the next fiscal year when the net favorable / (unfavorable) variance is recognized through cost of sales. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies – Advances to Tobacco Suppliers” for further information on the various components noted below. Variances on advances serve to state the tobacco inventory at cost by accumulating actual total cash expended and allocating it to the tobacco received during the crop cycle.

        
(in millions)
2012
2011
2010
Favorable variances (including mark-up)
$
21.1

$
25.0

$
50.6

Unfavorable variances (including unrecoverable advances)
(13.7
)
(15.2
)
(25.1
)
Net favorable / (unfavorable) variance in crop cost in inventory
$
7.4

$
9.8

$
25.5





30-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates (continued)

Advances to Tobacco Suppliers (continued)

South America Region
The price, and the resulting mark-up, of the inputs we advance is determined at the beginning of each season and depends on various market considerations. We purchase and advance the inputs in the currency of the local market. In 2011, we assigned approximately 20% of our tobacco suppliers to the Brazilian affiliate of Philip Morris International, Inc. (“PMI”). Therefore, the 2012 and 2011 variances are not comparable with 2010. The amount of inputs advanced for the 2012 and 2011 crops were less than the inputs advanced for the 2010 crop. While the local currency appreciated against the U.S. dollar, higher input acquisition costs resulted in a lower favorable variance percentage than 2010. We believe the favorable variances relating to the 2012 and 2011 crops are representative of average favorable variance percentages.
          We base our estimate of the unrecoverable advances on numerous factors, including, but not limited to our expectations of the quantity and quality of tobacco our suppliers will deliver to us. Again, the 2012 and 2011 variances are not comparable with 2010 due to the transaction with PMI. The 2012 and 2011 unfavorable variance percentages improved over 2010 primarily as a result of tighter credit controls in evaluating tobacco suppliers.

Other Regions
Within the Other Regions, Africa and Guatemala are the primary areas where we advance some inputs to suppliers for the coming crop. Advances to tobacco suppliers in most other areas are primarily cash advances to third party commercial suppliers. The Company did not incur substantial net variances within the Other Regions operating segments for 2012, 2011 and 2010 that were absorbed into inventory.

Asset Impairment
Long-lived assets, including recoverable intrastate trade tax credits, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which undiscounted cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount, and the asset’s residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We derive the required undiscounted cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans. To determine fair value, we use our internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate interest rate, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate. Accordingly, the fair value of an asset could be different using different estimates and assumptions in these valuation techniques which would increase or decrease the impairment charge.

Other Intangible Assets
We have no other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. We test other identified intangible assets with defined useful lives and subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We perform this test by initially comparing the carrying amount to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment loss would be indicated. The amount of the impairment loss to be recorded would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its discounted future cash flows. We use judgment in assessing whether the carrying amount of our intangible assets is not expected to be recoverable over their estimated remaining useful lives. See Note 5 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

















31-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Critical Accounting Estimates (continued)

Pensions and Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
The valuation of our pension and other postretirement health care and life insurance plans requires the use of assumptions and estimates that are used to develop actuarial valuations of expenses, assets and liabilities. These assumptions include discount rates, investment returns, projected salary increases and benefits and mortality rates. The significant assumptions used in the calculation of pension and postretirement obligations are:
Discount rate: The discount rate is based on investment yields available at the measurement date on high-quality fixed income obligations, such as those included in the Moody’s Aa bond index.
 
Salary increase assumption: The salary increase assumption reflects our expectations with respect to long-term salary increases of our workforce. Historical pay increases, expectations for the future, and anticipated inflation and promotion rates are considered in developing this assumption.
 
Cash Balance Crediting Rate: Interest is credited on cash balance accounts based on the yield on one-year Treasury Constant Maturities plus 1%. The assumed crediting rate thus considers the discount rate, current treasury rates, current inflation rates, and expectations for the future.
 
Mortality Rates: Mortality rates are based on gender-distinct group annuity mortality (GAM) tables.
 
Expected return on plan assets: The expected return reflects asset allocations, investment strategy and our historical actual returns.
 
Termination and Retirement Rates: Termination and retirement rates are based on standard tables reflecting past experience and anticipated future experience under the plan. No early retirement rates are used since benefits provided are actuarially equivalent and there are not early retirement subsidies in the plan.

          Management periodically reviews actual demographic experience as it compares to the actuarial assumptions. Changes in assumptions are made if there are significant deviations or if future expectations change significantly. Based upon anticipated changes in assumptions, pension and postretirement expense is expected to increase by $4.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 as compared to March 31, 2012. We continually evaluate ways to better manage benefits and control costs. The cash contribution to our employee benefit plans in fiscal 2012 was $12.3 million and is expected to be $10.5 million in fiscal 2013.
          The effect of actual results differing from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect our recognized expense in such future periods. Changes in other assumptions and future investment returns could potentially have a material impact on our pension and postretirement expenses and related funding requirements.
          The effect of a change in certain assumptions is shown below:
    
 
 
Estimated Change
in Projected
Benefit Obligation
Increase (Decrease)
(in 000’s)
 
Estimated Change in
Annual Expense
Increase (Decrease)
(in 000’s)
Change in Assumption (Pension and Postretirement Plans)
 
 
 
 
     1% increase in discount rate
 
$
(18,271
)
 
$
(385
)
     1% decrease in discount rate
 
$
21,071

 
$
880

 
 
 
 
 
     1% increase in salary increase assumption
 
$
1,080

 
$
247

     1% decrease in salary increase assumption
 
$
(980
)
 
$
(207
)
 
 
 
 
 
     1% increase in cash balance crediting rate
 
$
1,348

 
$
309

     1% decrease in cash balance crediting rate
 
$
(1,192
)
 
$
(272
)
 
 
 
 
 
     1% increase in rate of return on assets
 
$

 
$
(870
)
     1% decrease in rate of return on assets
 
$

 
$
870


          Changes in assumptions for other post retirement benefits are no longer applicable as the benefit is capped and no longer subject to inflation. See Note 13 “Employee Benefits” to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.






32-


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on comprehensive income that was amended in December 2011. The objective of this accounting guidance is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity and requires them to be presented in the statement of comprehensive income instead. This accounting guidance, as amended, will be effective for the Company on April 1, 2012. The Company does not expect the impact of this new accounting guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
          In September 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The primary objective of this accounting guidance is to reduce complexity and costs by allowing an entity to make a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment to determine whether it should calculate the fair value of a reporting unit. If, after assessing qualitative factors, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is unnecessary. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal 2013 but early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the impact of this new accounting guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.
          In December 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The requirements for offsetting are different under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Therefore, the objective of this accounting guidance is to facilitate comparison between financials statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRS by enhancing disclosures of the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position, including the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain assets and liabilities. This accounting guidance will be effective for the Company on April 1, 2013. The Company does not expect the impact of this new accounting guidance to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.





































33-


ITEM 7A. 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. 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 business is 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. In our cost of goods and services sold, we have recognized exchange gains (losses) of $1.2 million, $(0.01) million and $(8.1) million for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We recognized exchange gains (losses) of $(10.0) million, $8.4 million and $20.3 million related to tax balances in our tax expense for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, foreign currency fluctuations in the Euro and (U.K.) Sterling can significantly impact the currency translation adjustment component of accumulated other comprehensive income. We recognized gains (losses) of $(1.5) million, $2.3 million and $(1.8) million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, as a result of fluctuations in these currencies.
          Our consolidated selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses denominated in foreign currencies are subject to translation risks from currency exchange fluctuations. These foreign denominated expenses accounted for approximately 31.3% or $46.1 million of our total SG&A expenses for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012. A 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to those currencies would have caused the reported value of those expenses to increase or decrease by approximately $4.6 million.

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 variable interest rates would increase or decrease our reported interest cost by approximately $5.8 million. A substantial portion of our borrowings are denominated in U.S. dollars and bear interest at commonly quoted rates.

34-



ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
 
Years Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
2011
2010
Sales and other operating revenues
 
$
2,150,767

$
2,094,062

$
2,308,299

Cost of goods and services sold
 
1,863,115

1,817,243

1,911,849

Gross profit
 
287,652

276,819

396,450

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
147,558

157,920

155,376

Other income (expense)
 
15,725

37,442

(17,260
)
Restructuring and asset impairment charges
 
1,006

23,467


Operating income
 
154,813

132,874

223,814

Debt retirement expense
 

4,584

40,353

Interest expense
 
106,804

102,696

113,819

Interest income
 
6,149

7,255

4,550

Income before income taxes and other items
 
54,158

32,849

74,192

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
25,039

107,460

(3,791
)
Equity in net income of investee companies
 
72

2,463

1,963

Net income (loss)
 
29,191

(72,148
)
79,946

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(260
)
(597
)
779

Net income (loss) attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.
 
$
29,451

$
(71,551
)
$
79,167

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
29,191

$
(72,148
)
$
79,946

Currency translation adjustment
 
(1,546
)
2,297

(1,837
)
Pension adjustment, net of tax expense (benefit) of $420 in 2012, $26 in 2011 and $(5,107) in 2010
 
(15,324
)
(2,789
)
(6,383
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
12,321

(72,640
)
71,726

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(260
)
(615
)
763

Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.
 
$
12,581

$
(72,025
)
$
70,963

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.34

$
(0.81
)
$
0.89

Diluted
 
$
0.30

$
(0.81
)
$
0.78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


35-


ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
(in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
119,743

 
$
43,506

Trade and other receivables, net
303,090

 
279,904

Accounts receivable, related parties
32,316

 
61,981

Inventories
839,902

 
800,365

Advances to tobacco suppliers
89,378

 
74,556

Recoverable income taxes
9,592

 
7,191

Current deferred taxes
23,855

 
3,955

Prepaid expenses
45,097

 
42,319

Assets held for sale

 
413

Current derivative asset
312

 
2,543

Other current assets
14,562

 
542

Total current assets
1,477,847

 
1,317,275

Other assets
 
 
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
24,530

 
25,665

Goodwill and other intangible assets
35,865

 
41,205

Deferred income taxes
73,378

 
82,707

Other deferred charges
12,467

 
21,019

Other noncurrent assets
66,079

 
83,371

 
212,319

 
253,967

Property, plant and equipment, net
259,679

 
237,088

 
$
1,949,845

 
$
1,808,330

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
374,532

 
$
231,407

Accounts payable
120,148

 
86,103

Due to related parties
37,520

 
38,937

Advances from customers
14,876

 
17,576

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
78,742

 
78,459

Current derivative liability
16

 

Income taxes
16,282

 
17,149

Long-term debt current
7,050

 
784

Total current liabilities
649,166

 
470,415

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
821,453

 
884,371

Deferred income taxes
9,494

 
3,816

Liability for unrecognized tax benefits
18,183

 
14,733

Pension, postretirement and other long-term liabilities
121,128

 
118,983

 
970,258

 
1,021,903

Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common stock—no par value:
 
 
 
250,000 authorized shares, 95,234 issued and outstanding (94,938 at March 31,
2011)
457,497

 
455,409

Retained deficit
(91,342
)
 
(120,793
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(38,673
)
 
(21,803
)
Total stockholders’ equity of Alliance One International, Inc.
327,482

 
312,813

Noncontrolling interests
2,939

 
3,199

Total equity
330,421

 
316,012

 
$
1,949,845

 
$
1,808,330

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 

36-


ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
Attributable to Alliance One International, Inc.
 
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
 
 
(in thousands)
Common
Stock
Retained
Deficit
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
Pensions,
Net of Tax
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, March 31, 2009
$
468,195

$
(128,409
)
$
(1,870
)
$
(11,255
)
$
4,119

$
330,780

Net income

79,167



779

79,946

Stock warrants issued
16,821





16,821

Call option related to convertible debentures, net of tax of $14,978
(24,440
)




(24,440
)
Restricted stock surrendered
(249
)




(249
)
Exercise of employee stock options
75





75

Stock-based compensation
569





569

Noncontrolling interest dividend paid




(360
)
(360
)
Conversion of foreign currency financial statements


(1,821
)

(16
)
(1,837
)
Adjustment in pensions



(6,383
)

(6,383
)
Balance, March 31, 2010
$
460,971

$
(49,242
)
$
(3,691
)
$
(17,638
)
$
4,522

$
394,922

Net (loss)

(71,551
)


(597
)
(72,148
)
Restricted stock surrendered
(582
)




(582
)
Exercise of employee stock options
130





130

Stock-based compensation
3,888





3,888

Shares purchased
(9,042
)




(9,042
)
Purchase of additional investment in subsidiary
44




(424
)
(380
)
Noncontrolling interest dividend paid




(284
)
(284
)
Conversion of foreign currency financial statements


2,315


(18
)
2,297

Adjustment in pensions



(2,789
)

(2,789
)
Balance, March 31, 2011
$
455,409

$
(120,793
)
$
(1,376
)
$
(20,427
)
$
3,199

$
316,012

Net income

29,451



(260
)
29,191

Restricted stock surrendered
(198
)




(198
)
Stock-based compensation
2,286





2,286

Conversion of foreign currency financial statements


(1,546
)


(1,546
)
Adjustment in pensions



(15,324
)

(15,324
)
Balance, March 31, 2012
$
457,497

$
(91,342
)
$
(2,922
)
$
(35,751
)
$
2,939

$
330,421

 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


37-


ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (continued)

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Alliance One International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 
Years Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
2012
2011
2010
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
29,191

$
(72,148
)
$
79,946

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
33,143

28,216

29,113

Debt amortization/interest
14,024

12,959

13,104

Debt retirement cost

4,584

40,353

Restructuring and asset impairment charges
(415
)
10,323


(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions
8,810

(8,387
)
(12,288
)
Gain on disposition of fixed assets
(4,500
)
(4,355
)
(5,981
)
Gain on other sales of assets
(13,667
)
(37,765
)

Bad debt expense
477

3,002

81

Stock-based compensation
2,618

4,609

448

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net:
 
 
 
Trade and other receivables
(5,563
)
(100,711
)
(28,974
)
Inventories and advances to tobacco suppliers
(48,806
)
60,123

(61,324
)
Prepaid expenses
(432
)
321

(3,352
)
Deferred items
(12,981
)
99,646

(14,947
)
Recoverable income taxes
7,759

(535
)
(6,711
)
Payables and accrued expenses
47,676

(95,239
)
30,828

Advances from customers
(1,926
)
(84,832
)
57,844

Current derivative asset
2,232

(16
)
(1,699
)
Income taxes
(776
)
(1,416
)
(7,773
)
Other operating assets and liabilities
1,506

(1,620
)
2,213

Other, net
600

224