MATW · Read the filing

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Matthews and related notes thereto. In addition, see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The Company manages its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment consists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, engineered products, imaging services, digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily for the consumer goods and retail industries. The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

The Company's primary measure of segment profitability is adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA"). Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. This presentation is consistent with how the Company's chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) evaluates the results of operations and makes strategic decisions about the business. For these reasons, the Company believes that adjusted EBITDA represents the most relevant measure of segment profit and loss.

In addition, the CODM manages and evaluates the operating performance of the segments, as described above, on a pre-corporate cost allocation basis. Accordingly, for segment reporting purposes, the Company does not allocate corporate costs to its reportable segments. Corporate costs include management and administrative support to the Company, which consists of certain aspects of the Company’s executive management, legal, compliance, human resources, information technology (including operational support) and finance departments. These costs are included within "Corporate and Non-Operating" in the following table to reconcile to consolidated adjusted EBITDA and are not considered a separate reportable segment. Management does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest to the segments.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The following table sets forth sales and adjusted EBITDA for the Company's SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies segments for each of the last three fiscal years. Refer to Note 19, "Segment Information" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplemental Data" for the Company's financial information by segment.

Years Ended September 30,

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Sales to external customers:

Adjusted EBITDA:

(1) Total Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section below.

Comparison of Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2019:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2020 were $1.50 billion, compared to $1.54 billion for the year ended September 30, 2019, representing a decrease of $39.0 million. The decrease in fiscal 2020 sales reflected lower sales in the SGK Brand Solutions and Industrial Technologies segments, partially offset by increased sales in the Memorialization segment. Changes in foreign currency rates were estimated to have an unfavorable impact of $6.9 million on fiscal 2020 consolidated sales compared to a year ago. Fiscal 2020 sales were unfavorably impacted by the global outbreak of COVID-19, which has caused some commercial impact and business disruptions in certain of the Company's segments and geographic locations. While substantially all of the Company's operations have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, management expects COVID-19 to continue to impact its sales and results of operations in the short-term until the pandemic subsides (see "Forward Looking Information" below).

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for fiscal 2020 were $693.1 million, compared to $743.9 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease primarily resulted from lower brand sales in the U.S. and the U.K., sales declines in the private label brand market, and lower sales of cylinders and surfaces products in Europe. These decreases were partially offset by increased revenues from purpose-built machinery projects and higher sales in the Asia-Pacific region. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $5.9 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2020 were $656.0 million, compared to $636.9 million for fiscal 2019. The increase in sales primarily resulted from increased unit sales of caskets due to COVID-19, improved price realization on caskets and cemetery memorial products, and higher sales of cremation and incineration equipment. These increases were partially offset by lower unit sales of cemetery memorial products, which were impacted by COVID-19 related stay-at-home orders that limited families' access with cemeteries to arrange for their memorials. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $615,000 on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. Industrial Technologies segment sales for fiscal 2020 were $149.2 million, compared to $156.5 million for fiscal 2019. The decrease primarily reflected lower sales of warehouse automation systems. Orders for warehouse automation solutions remained strong, but access to job sites to complete these projects has been restricted due to COVID-19. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $356,000 on the segment's sales compared to the prior year.

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $497.8 million, compared to $542.5 million for fiscal 2019. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 33.2% and 35.3% in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. The decrease in gross profit primarily reflected lower sales, unfavorable changes in product mix, ongoing price competition in the brand market, and unfavorable changes in margins for cylinders, surfaces and engineered products. These declines were partially offset by the realization of productivity improvements and cost-reduction initiatives. Gross profit also included acquisition integration costs and other charges primarily in connection with cost-reduction initiatives totaling $12.4 million and $2.4 million in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Selling and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2020 were $400.0 million, compared to $408.8 million for fiscal 2019. Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 26.7% for fiscal 2020, compared to 26.6% in fiscal 2019. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses reflected the impact of lower sales in fiscal 2020, reduced travel and entertainment ("T&E") costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and benefits from ongoing cost-reduction initiatives, partially offset by increased performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2019. Fiscal 2020 selling and administrative expenses included a $10.6 million charge for a legal matter involving a letter of credit for a customer in Saudi Arabia (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below). Fiscal 2019 selling and administrative expenses included $7.3 million of net gains from the sale of buildings and vacant properties. Selling and administrative expenses included an $11.2 million gain and $6.5 million of losses recognized on the sales of ownership interests in Memorialization businesses completed in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Selling and administrative expenses also included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges primarily in connection with cost-reduction initiatives totaling $31.5 million in fiscal 2020, compared to $30.5 million in fiscal 2019. Intangible amortization for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $71.5 million, compared to $45.8 million for fiscal 2019. The increase in intangible amortization primarily reflected $24.4 million of incremental amortization resulting from the fiscal 2019 reduction in useful lives for certain trade names that are being discontinued. The Company recorded goodwill write-downs within the SGK Brand Solutions segment totaling $90.4 million and $77.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Refer to Note 21, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further details.

Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2020 was $203.1 million, compared to $220.9 million for fiscal 2019. Adjusted EBITDA for the SGK Brand Solutions segment for fiscal 2020 was $90.6 million, compared to $119.5 million for fiscal 2019. The decrease in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of lower sales, unfavorable changes in product mix, ongoing price competition, a decline in margins for cylinders, surfaces and engineered products, and increased performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2019. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $1.8 million on the segment's adjusted EBITDA compared to the prior year. These decreases in segment adjusted EBITDA were partially offset by benefits from cost-reduction initiatives, and reduced T&E costs resulting from COVID-19. Memorialization segment adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2020 was $146.3 million, compared to $134.3 million for fiscal 2019. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of higher sales, benefits from productivity initiatives and lower T&E costs, partially offset by increased performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2019. Adjusted EBITDA for the Industrial Technologies segment for fiscal 2020 was $22.8 million, compared to $24.1 million in fiscal 2019. Industrial Technologies segment adjusted EBITDA primarily reflected the impact of lower sales, partially offset by benefits from cost-reduction initiatives and reduced T&E costs.

Investment income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 was $2.0 million, compared to $1.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2019. The increase primarily reflected higher rates of return on investments (primarily marketable securities) held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans. Interest expense for fiscal 2020 was $34.9 million, compared to $41.0 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease in interest expense reflected lower average interest rates and a decrease in average borrowing levels in the current fiscal year. Other income (deductions), net for the year ended September 30, 2020 represented a decrease in pre-tax income of $9.2 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $8.9 million in fiscal 2019. Other income (deductions), net includes banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances. Other income (deductions), net also includes the non-service components of pension and postretirement expense, which totaled $7.8 million and $3.8 million in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. Fiscal 2019 other income (deductions), net also included a $3.7 million loss from the write-down of a cost-method investment and related assets.

The Company's consolidated income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2020 were a benefit of $18.7 million, compared to an expense of $806,000 for fiscal 2019. The difference between the Company's consolidated income taxes for fiscal 2020 versus fiscal 2019 primarily resulted from the fiscal 2020 consolidated loss before income taxes, which reflected the goodwill write-down recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2020, which was partially non-deductible, as well as a benefit for an expected net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback. The NOL will be carried back five years allowing it to offset income that was previously taxed at a federal statutory tax rate of 35%. The Company’s fiscal 2020 effective tax rate was negatively affected by the non-deductible portion of the goodwill write-down along with certain other non-deductible expenses. The fiscal 2020 effective tax rate benefited from research and development and foreign tax credits, the reduction of uncertain tax positions due to the completion of a foreign tax audit, and the tax benefit of the NOL carryback. Refer to Note 16, “Income Taxes” in Item 8 - “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details regarding income taxes.

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $497,000 in fiscal 2020, compared to $901,000 in fiscal 2019. The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned businesses.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

Comparison of Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018:

For a comparison of the Company's results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, see "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 filed with the SEC on November 22, 2019.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES:

Included in this report are measures of financial performance that are not defined by GAAP. The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures to assist in comparing its performance on a consistent basis for purposes of business decision-making by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company’s core operations including acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, strategic initiative and other charges (which includes non-recurring charges related to operational initiatives and exit activities), stock-based compensation and the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense. Management believes that presenting non-GAAP financial measures is useful to investors because it (i) provides investors with meaningful supplemental information regarding financial performance by excluding certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company's core operations, (ii) permits investors to view performance using the same tools that management uses to budget, forecast, make operating and strategic decisions, and evaluate historical performance, and (iii) otherwise provides supplemental information that may be useful to investors in evaluating the Company’s results. The Company believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to those measures, provided herein, provides investors with an additional understanding of the factors and trends affecting the Company’s business that could not be obtained absent these disclosures.

The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA provides relevant and useful information, which is used by the Company’s management in assessing the performance of its business. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain non-cash and/or non-recurring items that do not contribute directly to management’s evaluation of its operating results. These items include stock-based compensation, the non-service portion of pension and postretirement expense, acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges. Adjusted EBITDA provides the Company with an understanding of earnings before the impact of investing and financing charges and income taxes, and the effects of certain acquisition and ERP integration costs, and items that do not reflect the ordinary earnings of the Company’s operations. This measure may be useful to an investor in evaluating operating performance. It is also useful as a financial measure for lenders and is used by the Company’s management to measure business performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of the Company's financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of the Company's liquidity. The Company's definition of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

Years Ended September 30,

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 497 901 260

Legal matter reserve (4) 10,566 — —

Non-recurring / incremental COVID-19 costs (5) 4,655 — —

Net realized (gains) losses on divestitures and asset dispositions:

(Gain) loss on sale of ownership interests in subsidiaries (7) (11,208) 6,469 —

Realized loss (gain) on cost-method investments (8) — 4,731 (3,771)

Net gains from the sale of buildings and vacant properties (9) — (7,347) —

(2) Represents costs associated with global ERP system integration efforts.

* Depreciation and amortization was $87.6 million, $59.7 million, and $46.3 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $20.5 million, $19.7 million, and $20.0 million for the Memorialization segment, $5.8 million, $6.2 million, and $5.8 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $5.2 million, $5.2 million, and $4.9 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

** Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $14.0 million, $8.9 million, and $11.0 million for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, $0.3 million, $3.1 million, and $0.6 million for the Industrial Technologies segment, and $23.0 million, $19.9 million, and $14.0 million for Corporate and Non-Operating, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Acquisition costs, ERP integration costs, and strategic initiatives and other charges were $2.7 million, and $1.4 million for the Memorialization segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2020 and 2018, respectively.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $180.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2020, compared to $131.1 million and $147.6 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Operating cash flow for fiscal 2020 principally included net (loss) income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, net losses related to goodwill and investments, and non-cash pension expense, and changes in working capital items. The favorable movements in working capital in fiscal 2020 primarily reflected enhanced accounts receivable collection efforts and effective management of trade accounts payable, as the Company has been focusing its efforts on cash management. The fiscal 2020 decrease in other assets reflects changes in operating leases assets. Operating cash flow for fiscal 2019 principally included net (loss) income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, net losses related to goodwill and investments, net gains from the sale of buildings and other property, and non-cash pension expense, and changes in working capital items. Operating cash flow for fiscal 2018 principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, net gains related to investments, and non-cash pension expense, and changes in working capital items. Fiscal 2018 operating cash flow also included cash contributions of $12.7 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans.

Cash used in investing activities was $2.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2020, compared to $60.8 million and $162.3 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Investing activities for fiscal 2020 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $34.8 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $1.0 million, proceeds of $42.2 million from the sale of an ownership interest in a pet cremation business, and investments and advances of $9.7 million. Investing activities for fiscal 2019 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $37.7 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $11.5 million, proceeds of $13.3 million from the sale of assets, proceeds of $8.3 million from the sale of a controlling interest in a Memorialization business, and additional investments made in non-consolidated subsidiaries of $33.1 million. Investing activities for fiscal 2018 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $43.2 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $121.1 million, proceeds of $9.2 million from the sale of certain cost-method investments, and cash payments of $11.9 million for purchases of investments.

Capital expenditures were $34.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2020, compared to $37.7 million and $43.2 million for fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures in each of the last three fiscal years reflected reinvestments in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new production machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements. Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $38.6 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash. Capital spending for fiscal 2021 is currently estimated to be approximately $40 million. The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $172.3 million, and principally reflected repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $126.3 million, purchases of treasury stock of $4.4 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $26.4 million ($0.84 per share), $10.2 million of holdback and contingent consideration payments related to acquisitions from prior years, and payment of deferred financing fees of $2.0 million (see below). Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2019 was $75.0 million, and principally reflected repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $16.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $26.1 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $25.6 million ($0.80 per share), and $4.4 million of holdback and contingent consideration payments related to a fiscal 2018 acquisition. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $0.9 million, and primarily reflected proceeds, net of repayments on long-term debt of $53.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $21.2 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $24.6 million ($0.76 per share), and payment of deferred financing fees of $4.1 million.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that was amended and restated in March 2020. The amended and restated loan agreement includes a $750.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which matures in March 2025, and a $35.0 million senior secured amortizing term loan, which matures in July 2021. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $350.0 million ) can be drawn in foreign currencies. The term loan requires scheduled quarterly principal payments through its maturity date. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR (Euro LIBOR for balances drawn in Euros) plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.50% at September 30, 2020) based on the Company's secured leverage ratio. The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $2.0 million in connection with the amended and restated agreement, which was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the facility.

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $257.4 million and $325.6 million, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were €117.0 million($137.2 million) and €125.0 million ($136.5 million), respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $22.4 million and $53.5 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 2.41% and 2.65%, respectively.

The Company has$300.0 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $2.7 million and $3.3 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company has a $115.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. The Securitization Facility, which had a maturity date of April 2020, was amended in March 2020 to extend the maturity date until March 2022. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $67.7 million and $94.0 million, respectively. The interest rate on borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 0.90% and 2.77%, respectively.

The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges:

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Net unrealized loss $ (7,792) $ (534)

Weighted-average maturity period (years) 2.6 1.9

Weighted-average received rate 0.15 % 2.02 %

Weighted-average pay rate 1.34 % 1.41 %

The Company enters into interest rate swaps in order to achieve a mix of fixed and variable rate debt that it deems appropriate. The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of future variable interest payments which are considered probable of occurring. Based on the Company's assessment, all of the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were consideredhighly effective.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized loss of $7.8 million ($5.9 million after tax) and an unrealized loss net of unrealized gains of $534,000 ($403,000 after tax) at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2020, a loss (net of tax) of approximately $2.4 million included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is €35.0 million ($41.0 million). The credit facility matures in December 2020 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €18.9 million ($22.2 million) and €12.8 million ($14.0 million) at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 1.25%.

The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH, had €15.0 million ($16.4 million at September 30, 2019) of senior unsecured notes with European banks. The notes matured in November 2019 at which point they were paid. The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2019 was1.40%.

Finance lease liabilities included as a component of debt totaled $9.7 million and $3.6 million at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 10, "Leases" in Item 8 - “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further discussion on the Company's lease obligations. Other borrowings totaled $20.7 million and $395,000 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on other borrowings was 2.10% and 2.17% at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2020.

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations. Currency losses of $4.4 million (net of income taxes of $1.4 million) and currency gains of $3.3 million (net of income taxes of $1.1 million), which represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed by a customer seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8.6 million ($11.0 million at September 30, 2020) with respect to a performance guarantee on an incineration equipment project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "U.K. Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the U.K. Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the U.K. Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the U.K. Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the U.K. Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, the ongoing dispute involves litigation in multiple foreign jurisdictions because the contract between the parties includes a venue clause requiring the venue for any litigation to be in the United Kingdom, while the enforcement of any final judgment is required to be executed in Saudi Arabia. The Company continues to pursue a trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia; however, given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the case has been further delayed. As the Company has successfully completed the project and subsequently operated the equipment, the Company remains confident regarding the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia and expects to be in a position to enforce the judgment and initiate collection efforts following completion of that trial. However, the Company’s level of success in recovering funds from the customer will depend upon several factors including a successful completion of the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia, the availability of recoverable funds, and the subsequent level of support of the Saudi Arabian government to enforce a potential judgment against the customer.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2020, the Saudi Arabian government implemented restrictions on travel to Mecca due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Company was not able to support the operation of the incineration equipment for the local agency responsible for its operation during the current year Hajj Pilgrimage. Consequently, as of the filing of this report, the Company is now concerned regarding the level of anticipated support from the government in its collection efforts. Therefore, when considered collectively with the potential delay in completing the trial and other collectability risks, the Company established a reserve for the full value of the funded letter of credit as of June 30, 2020. The funded letter of credit was previously classified within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2019. The Company will continue to assess the accounting and collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances evolve.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

The Company has a stock repurchase program. Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 538,736 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2020. The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share. Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.

The Company utilized certain provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (commonly referred to as the CARES Act) and other similar economic relief initiatives that were enacted in response to COVID-19. Under the CARES Act, the Company elected to defer payments for certain taxes, primarily U.S. payroll taxes, which were $8.4 million for fiscal 2020.

Consolidated working capital was $258.7 million at September 30, 2020, compared to $303.8 million at September 30, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents were $41.3 million at September 30, 2020, compared to $35.3 million at September 30, 2019. The Company's current ratio was 1.8 and 2.1 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES:

Refer to Note 20, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details on the Company's acquisitions.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

The Company's current strategy to attain annual operating growth primarily consists of the following: internal growth - which includes organic growth, cost structure and productivity improvements, new product development and the expansion into new markets with existing products - and acquisitions and related integration activities to achieve synergy benefits.

The significant factors (excluding acquisitions) influencing sales growth in the SGK Brand Solutions segment are global economic conditions, brand innovation, the level of marketing spending by the Company's clients, and government regulation. Due to the global footprint of this segment, currency fluctuations can also be a significant factor. For the Memorialization segment, North America death rates, the cremation trend, and price realization impact sales growth for the Company's bronze and granite memorials, caskets and cremation and incineration-related products. For the Industrial Technologies segment, sales growth drivers include economic/industrial market conditions, new product development, and the e-commerce trend.

During fiscal 2019, the Company initiated a strategic evaluation to improve profitability and reduce the Company's cost structure. These actions leveraged the benefit of the Company's new global ERP platform, primarily targeted at the SGK Brand Solutions segment, both operational and commercial structure, and the Company's shared financial services and other administrative functions. This evaluation identified opportunities for significant cost structure improvements, which the Company expects to achieve through fiscal 2022. The Company's recent strategic review has also resulted in improvements to the commercial structure within the SGK Brand Solutions segment, including the consolidation of several of the segment's trade names. As a result, the amortization of these intangible assets will significantly increase for fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2022.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared an outbreak of COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and subsequently recognized COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Widespread efforts have been deployed by multiple countries around the world to prevent the virus from spreading, including temporary closures of non-essential businesses, event cancellations, travel restrictions, quarantines, and other disruptive actions. Substantially all of the Company’s operations have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they have been considered “essential” businesses during this time. However, the Company hasexperienced some commercial impact and business disruptions in certain segments and geographic locations as a result of COVID-19.

Considerable judgement is necessary to assess and predict the potential financial impacts of COVID-19 on the Company’s future operating results. Management expects that each of its business segments will experience some level of sales impacts in the short-term, potentially due to customer business disruptions, facilities shut-downs, weaker global economic conditions, and possible customer project delays. Longer-term financial impacts will depend on global economic conditions eventually resulting from COVID-19. Management expects each of its businesses to experience increased financial volatility in the short-term, but currently anticipates its core businesses will return to a more normalized future state once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment based on various assumptions and other factors such as historical experience, economic conditions, and in some cases, actuarial techniques. Actual results may differ from those estimates. A discussion of market risks affecting the Company can be found in Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company's significant accounting policies are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide useful and reliable financial information about the Company's operating results and financial condition. The following accounting policies involve significant estimates, which were considered critical to the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020.

Long-Lived Assets, including Property, Plant and Equipment:

Long-lived assets are recorded at their respective cost basis on the date of acquisition. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and intangibles with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis. No such charges were recognized during the years presented.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles:

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested annually for impairment, or when circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist. In general, when the carrying value of these assets exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized. A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets. For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and other market indicators. A number of assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the discounted cash flow model to forecast operating cash flows, including sales volumes and pricing, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, working capital changes, and discount rates. The Company estimates future cash flows using volume and pricing assumptions based largely on existing customer relationships and contracts, and operating cost assumptions management believes are reasonable based on historical performance and projected future performance as reflected in its most recent operating plans and projections. The discount rates used in the discounted cash flow analyses are developed with the assistance of valuation experts and management believes the discount rates appropriately reflect the risks associated with the Company's operating cash flows. In order to further validate the reasonableness of the estimated fair values of the reporting units as of the valuation date, a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values of all reporting units to market capitalization is performed using a reasonable control premium.

The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2020 (January 1, 2020) and determined that the estimated fair values for all goodwill reporting units exceeded their carrying values. The estimated fair values for two reporting units within the SGK Brand Solutions segment (Graphics Imaging and Cylinders, Surfaces and Engineered Products) exceeded their carrying values (expressed as a percentage of carrying value) by less than 10% as of January 1, 2020.

In its assessment of the potential impacts of COVID-19 on the estimated future earnings and cash flows for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and in light of the limited excess fair values for its two reporting units (discussed above), management determined that COVID-19 represented a triggering event, resulting in a re-evaluation of the goodwill for its reporting units within the SGK Brand Solutions segment (Graphics Imaging and Cylinders, Surfaces and Engineered Products), as of March 31, 2020. As a result of this interim assessment, the Company recorded a goodwill write-down totaling $90.4 million during the fiscal 2020 second quarter. Subsequent to this write-down, the fair values of the two reporting units within the SGK Brand Solutions segment (Graphics Imaging and Cylinders, Surfaces and Engineered Products) approximated their carrying values at March 31, 2020. The fair values for these reporting units were determined using level 3 inputs (including estimates of revenue

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

growth, EBITDA contribution and the discount rates) and a combination of the income approach using the estimated discounted cash flows and a market-based valuation methodology. If current projections are not achieved or specific valuation factors outside the Company’s control (such as discount rates and continued economic and industry impacts of COVID-19) significantly change, additional goodwill write-downs may be necessary in future periods.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company initiated an in-depth review of the commercial and cost structure of the SGK Brand Solutions segment as a result of continued challenging market conditions affecting the segment. This review identified certain opportunities to improve the segment’s profitability and reduce its operating cost structure and, as a result, the Company revised its estimates of future earnings and cash flows for the Graphics Imaging reporting unit. In response to these revised projections, the Company re-evaluated the goodwill for the Graphics Imaging reporting unit, as of September 1, 2019. As a result of this interim assessment, the Company recorded a goodwill write-down of $77.6 million during the fiscal 2019 fourth quarter.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits:

The Company's principal pension plan maintains a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities in accordance with the investment policy established by the Company's pension board. Based on an analysis of the historical performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 6.75% at September 30, 2019 for purposes of determining fiscal 2020 pension cost. The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 for the fiscal year end valuation. The discount rate was 2.62%, 3.13% and 4.21% in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer to Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for disclosure about the hypothetical impact of changes in actuarial assumptions.

Income Taxes:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Deferred income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries since they have either been previously taxed, or are now exempt from tax, under the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely in foreign operations.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:

The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at September 30, 2020, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

Payments due in fiscal year:

Contractual Cash Obligations: (Dollar amounts in thousands)

(1)The Company maintains certain debt facilities with current maturity dates in fiscal 2021 that it intends and has the ability to extend beyond fiscal 2021 totaling $32.3 million. These balances have been classified as non-current on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)Lease obligations have not been discounted to their present value.

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates. At September 30, 2020, the weighted-average interest rate was 2.41% on the Company's domestic credit facility, 0.90% on the Company's Securitization Facility, 1.25% on the credit facility through the Company's European subsidiaries, and 2.10% on other outstanding borrowings.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are funded from the Company's operating cash. In response to COVID-19, the federal government passed a modified relief bill, which provides additional funding measures associated with IRS regulations. In accordance with this bill, the Company was not required to make contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2020. However, the Company contributed 668,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock to its principal retirement plan during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The shares had a market value of approximately $15.0 million at the time of the contribution.

The Company is required to make cash contributions of approximately $4.2 million to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2021. The Company estimates that benefit payments to participants under its retirement plans (including its supplemental retirement plan) and postretirement benefit payments will be approximately $11.4 million and $831,000, respectively, in fiscal 2021. The amounts are expected to increase incrementally each year thereafter, to $14.3 million and $931,000, respectively, in 2025. The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities. If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest, of approximately $10.5 million. The timing of potential future payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits is not presently determinable. The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

INFLATION:

Except for the volatility in the cost of bronze ingot, steel, wood, granite and fuel (see "Results of Operations"), inflation has not had a material impact on the Company over the past three years nor is it anticipated to have a material impact for the foreseeable future.

ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, (continued)

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Refer to Note 3, "Accounting Pronouncements" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details on recently issued accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

The following discussion about the Company's market risk involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company has market risk related to changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not generally use derivative financial instruments in connection with these market risks, except as noted below.

Interest Rates - The Company's most significant long-term instrument is the domestic credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR (Euro-LIBOR for balances drawn in Euros).

The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges:

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Net unrealized loss $ (7,792) $ (534)

Weighted-average maturity period (years) 2.6 1.9

Weighted-average received rate 0.15 % 2.02 %

Weighted-average pay rate 1.34 % 1.41 %

The interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the future variable interest payments which are considered probable of occurring. Based on the Company's assessment, all the critical terms of each of the hedges matched the underlying terms of the hedged debt and related forecasted interest payments, and as such, these hedges were considered highly effective.

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized loss, of $7.8 million ($5.9 million after-tax) at September 30, 2020 that is included in equity as part of AOCI. A decrease of 10%in market interest rates (e.g., a decrease from 5.0% to 4.5%) would result in a decrease of approximately $1.0 million in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.

Commodity Price Risks - In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to commodity price fluctuations related to the purchases of certain materials and supplies (such as bronze ingot, steel, granite, fuel and wood) used in its manufacturing operations. The Company obtains competitive prices for materials and supplies when available. In addition, based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers through contracts or similar arrangements, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates - The Company is subject to changes in various foreign currency exchange rates, primarily including the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar in the conversion from local currencies to the U.S. dollar of the reported financial position and operating results of its non-U.S. based subsidiaries. An adverse change (strengthening U.S. dollar) of 10%in exchange rates would have resulted in a decrease in reported sales of $49.1 million and a decrease in reported operating income of $5.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2020.

ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK, (continued)

Actuarial Assumptions - The most significant actuarial assumptions affecting pension expense and pension obligations include the valuation of retirement plan assets, the discount rates and the estimated return on plan assets. The estimated return on plan assets is currently based upon projections provided by the Company's independent investment advisor, considering the investment policy of the plan and the plan's asset allocation. The fair value of plan assets and discount rates are "point-in-time" measures, and volatility of the debt and equity markets makes estimating future changes in fair value of plan assets and discount rates challenging. The Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using a modified assumption of future mortality that reflects a significant improvement in life expectancy over the previous mortality assumptions. Refer to Note 14, "Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" in Item 8 – "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.

The following table summarizes the impact on the September 30, 2020 actuarial valuations of changes in the primary assumptions affecting the Company's retirement plans and supplemental retirement plan.

Impact of Changes in Actuarial Assumptions

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

(Decrease) increase in projected benefit obligation (40,284) 50,506 — — — —

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Description Pages

Management's Report to Shareholders 34

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 35

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 36

Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 38

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 44

Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited) 76

Financial Statement Schedule – Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries

Management's Report on Financial Statements

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Matthews International Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") were prepared by management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and include amounts that are based on management's best judgments and estimates. The other financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15f. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting management has conducted an assessment using the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Internal controls over financial reporting is a process under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by the Company's board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO, and has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020. The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Management's Certifications

The certifications of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been included as Exhibits 31 and 32 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2 and our report dated November 20, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 20, 2020

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated November 20, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of ASU No. 2016-02

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, effective October 1, 2019, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Valuation of Graphics Imaging Reporting Unit Goodwill

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 20, 2020

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2020 and 2019

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Current assets:

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued

September 30, 2020 and 2019

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2020 2019

Current liabilities:

Long-term debt, current maturities $ 26,824 $ 42,503

Shareholders' equity-Matthews:

Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued — —

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 497 901 260

(Loss) earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustment 4,333 (7) 4,326

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (11,211) — (11,211)

Unrecognized (loss) gain on derivatives:

Net change from periodic revaluation (6,130) — (6,130)

Net amount reclassified to earnings 650 — 650

Net change in unrecognized loss on derivatives (5,480) — (5,480)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (12,358) (7) (12,365)

Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustment (21,254) (92) (21,346)

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits (33,867) — (33,867)

Unrecognized loss on derivatives:

Net change from periodic revaluation (6,540) — (6,540)

Net amount reclassified to earnings (2,402) — (2,402)

Net change in unrecognized loss on derivatives (8,942) — (8,942)

Matthews Noncontrolling Interest Total

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits 15,631 — 15,631

Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:

Net change from periodic revaluation 6,095 — 6,095

Net amount reclassified to earnings (1,042) — (1,042)

Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives 5,053 — 5,053

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (1,369) 71 (1,298)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits — — — 15,631 — — 15,631

Fair value of derivatives — — — 5,053 — — 5,053

Total comprehensive income 105,813

Cancellation of 6,756 shares of treasury stock — 400 — — (400) — —

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits — — — (33,867) — — (33,867)

Fair value of derivatives — — — (8,942) — — (8,942)

Total comprehensive loss (103,044)

Stock-based compensation — 7,729 — — — — 7,729

Issuance of 3,782 shares of treasury stock — (154) — — 154 — —

Cancellation of 20,114 shares of treasury stock — 947 — — (947) — —

Cumulative tax adjustment for intra-entity transfers — — (4,176) — — — (4,176)

Pension plans and other postretirement benefits — — — (11,211) — — (11,211)

Translation adjustment — — — 4,333 — (7) 4,326

Fair value of derivatives — — — (5,480) — — (5,480)

Total comprehensive loss (100,017)

Stock-based compensation — 8,096 — — — — 8,096

Issuance of 12,125 shares of treasury stock — (486) — — 486 — —

Cancellation of 23,461 shares of treasury stock — 1,527 — — (1,527) — —

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

(Gain) loss on sale of ownership interests in subsidiaries (11,208) 6,469 —

Losses from equity-method investments 3,498 2,050 —

Realized loss (gain) on cost-method investments — 4,731 (3,771)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sale of cost-method investments — — 9,158

Proceeds from sale of ownership interests in subsidiaries 42,210 8,254 —

Cash flows from financing activities:

Acquisition holdback and contingent consideration payments (10,215) (4,421) —

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (172,252) (75,042) 901

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 555 (1,552) (2,082)

Cash paid during the year for:

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Acquisition of long-term asset under financing arrangement $ — $ — $ 14,544

Contribution of treasury stock to principal retirement plan 14,983 — —

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company"), founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a global provider of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies. Brand solutions consists of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, engineered products, imaging services, digital asset management, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily for the consumer goods and retail industries. Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. Industrial technologies include marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

The Company has facilities in the North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation:

The consolidated financial statements include all domestic and foreign subsidiaries in which the Company maintains an ownership interest and has operating control. Investments in certain companies over which the Company exerts significant influence, but does not control the financial and operating decisions, are accounted for as equity method investments. Investments in certain companies over which the Company does not exert significant influence are accounted for as cost-method investments. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

The Company considers all investments purchased with a remaining maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Trade receivables are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Trade credit is generally extended on a short-term basis; thus trade receivables do not bear interest, although a finance charge may be applied to such receivables that are more than 30 days past due. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on an evaluation of specific customer accounts for which available facts and circumstances indicate collectability may be uncertain.

Inventories:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost generally determined under the average cost method. Inventory costs include material, labor, and applicable manufacturing overhead (including depreciation) and other direct costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment. Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate. An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis. No such charges were recognized during the years presented.

Leases:

A lease exists at contract inception if the contract conveys the right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is considered to exist when the lessee has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of an identified asset, as well as the right to direct the use of that asset. If a contract is considered to be a lease, the Company recognizes a lease liability based on the present value of the future lease payments, and a corresponding right-of-use ("ROU") asset. As a majority of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit interest rate within the lease, an incremental borrowing rate is used to determine the ROU asset and lease liability which is based on information available at the commencement date. Options to purchase, extend or terminate a lease are included in the ROU asset and lease liability when it is reasonably certain an option will be exercised. Renewal options are most prevalent in the Company’s real estate leases. In general, the Company has not included renewal options for leases in the ROU asset and lease liability because the likelihood of renewal is not considered to be reasonably certain. In addition, leases may include variable lease payments, for items such as maintenance and utilities, which are expensed as incurred as variable lease expense.

The Company applies the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components for all asset classes. In addition, the Company applies the practical expedient to utilize a portfolio approach for certain equipment asset classes, primarily information technology, as the application of the lease model to the portfolio would not differ materially from the application of the lease model to the individual leases within the portfolio.

There are two types of leases, operating leases and finance leases. Lease classification is determined at lease commencement. Leases not meeting the finance lease criteria are classified as operating leases. Effective October 1, 2019, ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. ROU assets for operating leases are classified in other assets, and ROU assets for finance leases are classified in property, plant and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For operating leases, short-term lease liabilities are classified in other current liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities are classified in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For finance leases, short-term lease liabilities are classified in long-term debt, current maturities, and long-term lease liabilities are classified in long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Leases with an initial lease term of twelve months or less have not been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Reporting periods prior to October 1, 2019 continue to be presented in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance under GAAP.

Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense, while the expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the interest method of recognition. On the cash flow statement, payments for operating leases are classified as operating activities. Payments for finance leases are classified as a financing activity, with the exception of the interest component of the payment which is classified as an operating activity.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 2 to 15 years, and are reviewed when appropriate for possible impairment, similar to property, plant and equipment. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are tested annually for impairment, or when circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist. In general, when the carrying value of these assets exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss must be recognized. A significant decline in cash flows generated from these assets may result in a write-down of the carrying values of the related assets. For purposes of testing goodwill for impairment, the Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and other market indicators. For purposes of testing indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company generally uses a relief from royalty method.

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:

Pension assets and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and the discount rate used to determine the present value of benefit obligations. Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets, the expected return on plan assets and changes in the selected discount rate will affect the amount of pension cost. Differences between actual and expected results or changes in the value of the obligations and plan assets are initially recognized through other comprehensive income and subsequently amortized to the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Environmental:

Costs that mitigate or prevent future environmental issues or extend the life or improve equipment utilized in current operations are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs that relate to current operations or an existing condition caused by past operations are expensed. Environmental liabilities are recorded when the Company's obligation is probable and reasonably estimable. Accruals for losses from environmental remediation obligations do not consider the effects of inflation, and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.

Derivatives and Hedging:

Derivatives are held as part of a formal documented hedging program. All derivatives are held for purposes other than trading. Matthews measures effectiveness by formally assessing, at least quarterly, the historical and probable future high correlation of changes in the fair value or future cash flows of the hedged item. If the hedging relationship ceases to be highly effective or it becomes probable that an expected transaction will no longer occur, gains and losses on the derivative will be recorded in other income (deductions) at that time.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"), net of tax, and are reclassified to earnings in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item. The cash flows from derivative activities are recognized in the statement of cash flows in a manner consistent with the underlying hedged item.

Foreign Currency:

The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is generally the local currency. Balance sheet accounts for foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Gains or losses that result from this process are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The revenue and expense accounts of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates that prevailed during the period. Realized gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are presented in the Statement of Income in a consistent manner with the underlying transaction based upon the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 830 "Foreign Currency Matters."

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income adjusted for changes, net of any related income tax effect, in cumulative foreign currency translation, the fair value of derivatives, unrealized investment gains and losses and remeasurement of pension and other postretirement liabilities.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Treasury Stock:

Treasury stock is carried at cost. The cost of treasury shares sold is determined under the average cost method.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized when control of a good or service promised in a contract (i.e., performance obligation) is transferred to a customer. Control is obtained when a customer has the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from that good or service. For substantially all transactions, control passes in accordance with agreed upon delivery terms, including in certain circumstances, customer acceptance. This approach is consistent with the Company’s historical revenue recognition methodology. In limited instances revenue is recognized over time as critical milestones are met and as services are provided. Transaction price, for revenue recognition, is allocated to each performance obligation consisting of the stand alone selling price for goods and services, as well as warranties. Transaction price also reflects estimates of rebates, other sales or contract renewal incentives, cash discounts and sales returns ("Variable Consideration"). Estimates are made for Variable Consideration based on contract terms and historical experience of actual results and are applied to the performance obligations as they are satisfied. Each product or service delivered to a third-party customer is considered to satisfy a performance obligation. Performance obligations generally occur at a point in time and are satisfied when control of the goods passes to the customer. Certain revenue related to mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including cremation and incineration projects, and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized over time using the input method measuring progress toward completion of such projects. Amounts recognized using the over time method were less than 5% of the Company's consolidated revenue for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The Company is entitled to collection of the sales price under normal credit terms in the regions in which it operates. Refer to Note 4, “Revenue Recognition,” for a further discussion.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs:

All fees billed to the customer for shipping and handling are classified as a component of net revenues. All costs associated with shipping and handling are classified as a component of cost of sales or selling expense.

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $22,289, $26,176 and $24,984 for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.

Income Taxes:

Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes the issuance of common stock for all dilutive securities.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

3. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Issued

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20), which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which provides financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each report date. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses and ASU No. 2020-02, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842), that provide certain amendments to the new guidance. These ASUs are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2021. The adoption of these ASUs are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The amendments in this update remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. The amendments in this ASU will be applied using different approaches depending on what the specific amendment relates to and, for public entities, are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company early adopted this ASU in the quarter ended March 31, 2020. The adoption of this ASU had no significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but modifies the methodology to assess certain tax principles in Topic 740 prospectively.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2019 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2019 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost. ASU 2017-07 requires a company to present the service cost components of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs, with the remaining components of net periodic benefit cost presented separately from the service cost components and outside of any subtotal of operating income, if one is presented. The Company adopted this standard on October 1, 2018 applying the presentation requirements retrospectively.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

3. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, (continued)

than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted ASU 2016-16 on October 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which resulted in a decrease to retained earnings and other assets of $4,176.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Subsequently, the FASB issued several ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, ASU 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842): Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, and ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the standard using the transition method as of October 1, 2019. Under this approach, the Company recognized and recorded ROU assets and related lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of approximately $80 million with no impact to retained earnings. Reporting periods prior to October 1, 2019 continue to be presented in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance under GAAP. As part of the adoption, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which includes the ability to carry forward historical lease classification.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs in the first quarter ended December 31, 2018 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs in the first fiscal quarter of 2019, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of these ASUs did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements and therefore, there was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which provides new guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amount of reclassification is the difference between the Company's historical U.S. income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The Company early adopted this ASU in the third quarter ended June 30, 2018. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a decrease to AOCI and corresponding increase to retained earnings of $8,814.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

4. REVENUE RECOGNITION:

The Company delivers a variety of products and services through its business segments. The SGK Brand Solutions segment delivers brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, engineered products, and imaging services for consumer goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services primarily to the consumer goods and retail industries. The Memorialization segment produces and delivers bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets, and cremation and incineration equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment delivers marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products for the warehousing and industrial industries.

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by geography, as it believes geographic regions best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Disaggregated sales by segment and region for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

North America Central and South America Europe Australia Asia Consolidated

SGK Brand Solutions:

Memorialization:

Industrial Technologies:

Consolidated:

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three level fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs used in valuations, as defined below:

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS, (continued)

As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

Assets:

Equity and fixed income mutual funds — 24,610 — 24,610

Total assets at fair value $ — $ 29,231 $ — $ 29,231

Liabilities:

Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 7,792 $ — $ 7,792

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total

Assets:

Equity and fixed income mutual funds — 22,986 — 22,986

Total assets at fair value $ — $ 27,861 $ — $ 27,861

Liabilities:

Total liabilities at fair value $ — $ 1,379 $ — $ 1,379

6. INVENTORIES:

Inventories at September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

7. INVESTMENTS:

At September 30, 2020 and 2019, non-current investments were as follows:

Equity and fixed income mutual funds $ 24,610 $ 22,986

Equity and fixed income mutual funds represent investments held in trust for the Company's non-qualified supplemental retirement plan and are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair value. The market value of these investments exceeded cost by $138 and $941 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in investment income. Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 were not material.

During fiscal 2019, the Company completed the sale of a 51% ownership interest in a small Memorialization business. This transaction resulted in the recognition of a $5,587 pre-tax loss which was included as a component of administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2019. Immediately following the transaction, the Company retained a non-controlling interest in this business, which was accounted for as an equity-method investment. The Company made additional capital contributions to this non-consolidated subsidiary totaling $29,148 during fiscal 2019 and continued to account for this non-controlling interest as an equity method investment.

During fiscal 2020, the Company made $9,482 of additional investments in its non-consolidated Memorialization subsidiary. Subsequently in fiscal 2020, the Company sold its ownership interest in this subsidiary for $42,210 of cash and $15,000 of senior preferred shares. The senior preferred shares earn a yield based on an escalating rate ranging from 6% to 14% and are expected to be redeemed before the end of calendar year 2022. In connection with this sale transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $11,208 which has been recorded as a component of administrative expenses. The senior preferred shares are included within other investments in the table above along with ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost-method of accounting.

8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under finance lease, was $47,544,$45,037 and $45,412 for each of the three years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

9. LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt at September 30, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

Notes payable to banks — 16,376

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that was amended and restated in March 2020. The amended and restated loan agreement includes a $750,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, which matures in March 2025, and a $35,000 senior secured amortizing term loan, which matures in July 2021. A portion of the revolving credit facility (not to exceed $350,000) can be drawn in foreign currencies. The term loan requires scheduled quarterly principal payments through its maturity date. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR (Euro LIBOR for balances drawn in Euros) plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.50% at September 30, 2020) based on the Company's secured leverage ratio. The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) as defined within the domestic credit facility agreement. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.30% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $2,000 in connection with the amended and restated agreement, which was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the facility.

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding U.S. dollar denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $257,439and $325,638, respectively. Outstanding Euro denominated borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were €117.0 million($137,188) and €125.0 million ($136,470), respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $22,359 and $53,497, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps and Euro denominated borrowings) at September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 2.41% and 2.65%, respectively.

The Company has $300,000 of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes. Unamortized costs were $2,744 and $3,284 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company has a $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. The Securitization Facility, which had a maturity date of April 2020, was amended in March 2020 to extend the maturity date until March 2022. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $67,700 and $93,950, respectively. The interest rate on borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2020 and 2019 was 0.90% and 2.77%, respectively.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

9. LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

The following table presents information related to interest rate contracts entered into by the Company and designated as cash flow hedges:

Net unrealized loss $ (7,792) $ (534)

Weighted-average maturity period (years) 2.6 1.9

Weighted-average received rate 0.15 % 2.02 %

Weighted-average pay rate 1.34 % 1.41 %

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized loss of $7,792 ($5,884 after tax) and an unrealized loss net of unrealized gains of $534 ($403 after tax) at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2020, a loss (net of tax) of approximately $2,389 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2020 and 2019, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected on a gross-basis in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Current assets:

Other current assets $ — $ 548

Long-term assets:

Other assets — 297

Current liabilities:

Other current liabilities (3,164) (484)

Long-term liabilities:

The (losses) gains recognized on derivatives was as follows:

Interest rate swaps Interest expense $(861) $3,181 $1,380

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

9. LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

The Company recognized the following (losses) gains in AOCI:

* There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews. The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is €35.0 million ($41,039). The credit facility matures in December 2020 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility totaled €18.9 million ($22,166) and €12.8 million ($14,024) at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility was 1.25% at September 30, 2020 and 2019.

The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH, had €15.0 million ($16,376 at September 30, 2019) of senior unsecured notes with European banks. The notes matured in November 2019 at which point they were paid. The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2019 was1.40%.

Finance lease liabilities included as a component of debt totaled 9,684 and 3,631 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other borrowings totaled $20,742 and $395 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 2.10% and 2.17% at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The Company uses certain foreign currency debt instruments as net investment hedges of foreign operations. Currency losses of $4,377 (net of income taxes of $1,420) and currency gains of $3,320 (net of income taxes of $1,077), which represent effective hedges of net investments, were reported as a component of AOCI within currency translation adjustment for fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed by a customer seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ($11,032 at September 30, 2020) with respect to a performance guarantee on an incineration equipment project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "U.K. Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the U.K. Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the U.K. Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the U.K. Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the U.K. Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, the ongoing dispute involves litigation in multiple foreign jurisdictions because the contract between the parties includes a venue clause requiring the venue for any litigation to be in the United Kingdom, while the enforcement of any final judgment is required to be executed in Saudi Arabia. The Company continues to pursue a trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia; however, given the recent coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, the case has been further delayed. As the Company has successfully completed the project and subsequently operated the equipment, the Company remains confident regarding the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia and expects to be in a position to enforce the judgment and initiate collection efforts following completion of that trial. However, the Company’s level of success in recovering funds from the customer will depend upon several factors including a successful completion of the pending trial on the merits in Saudi Arabia, the availability of recoverable funds, and the subsequent level of support of the Saudi Arabian government to enforce a potential judgment against the customer.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

9. LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

As of September 30, 2020 and 2019 the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2020.

Aggregate maturities by fiscal year of long-term debt, including other borrowings, is as follows:

Finance lease obligations 9,684 (b)

(a) The Company maintains certain debt facilities with current maturity dates in fiscal 2021 that it intends and has the ability to extend beyond fiscal 2021 totaling $32,255. These balances have been classified as non-current on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b) Aggregate maturities of finance lease obligations can be found in Note 10, "Leases."

10. LEASES:

The Company’s lease portfolio includes various contracts for real estate, vehicles, information technology and other equipment. Effective October 1, 2019, ROU assets and corresponding lease liabilities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Reporting periods prior to October 1, 2019 continue to be presented in accordance with previous lease accounting guidance under GAAP. The following table presents the balance sheet and lease classification for the Company's lease portfolio:

Balance Sheet Classification Lease Classification September 30, 2020

Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment, net Finance $ 9,185

Other assets Operating 72,011

Total lease assets $ 81,196

Current liabilities:

Long-term debt, current maturities Finance $ 3,515

Other current liabilities Operating 23,942

Non-current liabilities:

Long-term debt Finance 6,169

Other liabilities Operating 49,297

Total lease liabilities $ 82,923

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

10. LEASES, (continued)

The following table presents the components of lease cost:

For the Year Ended September 30, 2020

Finance lease cost:

Amortization of ROU assets $ 2,112

Interest on lease liabilities 206

Operating lease cost (a) 23,735

Variable lease cost (a) 5,298

Sublease income (732)

(a) Annual lease cost under operating leases were $29,033, $38,015 and $38,934 in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Supplemental information regarding the Company's leases follows:

For the Year Ended September 30, 2020

Cash paid for finance and operating lease liabilities:

Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 207

Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 29,309

Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 2,064

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 2,613

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 12,442

Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (years) 4.39

Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (years) 3.52

Weighted-discount rate - finance leases 2.89 %

Weighted-discount rate - operating leases 2.82 %

Maturities of lease obligations by fiscal year were as follows as of September 30, 2020:

Operating Leases Finance Leases

Present value of lease liabilities: $ 73,239 $ 9,684

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

11. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value.

The Company has a stock repurchase program. The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share. Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation. Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 538,736 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2020.

12. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 1,700,000. At September 30, 2020, there were 1,700,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.565,860 restricted share units have been granted under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan and are outstanding as of September 30, 2020. The 2017 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

With respect to the restricted share grants, generally one-half of the shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant, one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon the attainment of pre-defined levels of adjusted earnings per share, and the remaining one-quarter of the shares vest in one-third increments upon attainment of pre-defined levels of appreciation in the market value of the Company's Class A Common Stock. Additionally, restricted shares cannot vest until the first anniversary of the grant date. Unvested restricted shares generally expire on the earlier of three or five years from the date of grant, upon employment termination, or within specified time limits following voluntary employment termination (with the consent of the Company), retirement or death. The Company issues restricted shares from treasury shares.

With respect to the restricted share unit grants, units generally vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The number of units that vest depend on certain time and performance thresholds. Approximately thirty-eight percent of the shares vest based on time, while the remaining vest based on pre-defined performance thresholds. The Company issues common stock from treasury shares once vested.

For the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, stock-based compensation cost totaled $8,096, $7,729 and $13,460, respectively. The years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 included $1,564, $1,849, and $2,850 respectively, of stock-based compensation cost that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $1,665, $1,535 and $2,826 for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The transactions for restricted shares and restricted share units for the year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows:

Shares Weighted-averageGrant-dateFair Value

As of September 30, 2020, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $9,122 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, (continued)

The Company maintains the 2019 Director Fee Plan, the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the 1994 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans"). There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan and the 1994 Director Fee Plan. Under the 2019 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2020, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85. The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2020 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185. Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board. The total number of shares of stock that have been authorized to be issued under the 2019 Director Fee Plan or credited to a deferred stock compensation account for subsequent issuance is 150,000 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment upon certain events such as stock dividends or stock splits). The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities. A total of 30,764 shares and share units had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2020. Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares or units) with a value of $125 for fiscal year 2020. 241,378 restricted shares and restricted share units have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 68,149 of which were issued under the 2019 Director Fee Plan and are unvested at September 30, 2020.

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE:

The information used to compute (loss) earnings per share attributable to Matthews' common shareholders was as follows:

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):

Effect of dilutive securities — — 187

Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilutive calculation were insignificant for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants. The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2020 and 2019:

Pension Other Postretirement

Change in benefit obligation:

Exchange loss (gain) 799 (581) — —

Change in plan assets:

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:

Amounts recognized in accumulated

other comprehensive loss (income):

(1) The fair value of plan assets and funded status do not include the value of investments held in trust for the Company's non-qualified supplemental retirement plan. These investments totaled $24,610 and $22,986 as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Refer to Note 7, "Investments" for further details.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Based upon actuarial valuations performed as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $295,674 and $270,140 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $318,887 and $289,957 at September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit cost for the plans included the following:

Pension Other Postretirement

Amortization:

* Non-service components of pension and postretirement expense are included in other income (deductions), net.

Matthews has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows.

Contributions made in fiscal 2020 are as follows:

Contributions Pension Other Postretirement

Principal retirement plan * $ 14,983 $ —

Supplemental retirement plan 821 —

Other retirement plans 422 —

MATW US Equity

MATW · 10-K · period ended 2020-09-30

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

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

MATW US Equity☆

MATW · 10-K · period ended 2020-09-30

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

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK:

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

MATW US Equity