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Brady

brc · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker brc
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Security & Protection Services
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Brady
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Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT 
OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission file number 1-14959 

BRADY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Wisconsin
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
6555 West Good Hope Road,
Milwaukee, WI
(Address of principal executive offices)

39-0178960
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

53223
(Zip Code)

(414) 358-6600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, Par
Value $.01 per share

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  

    No  

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements 
for the past 90 days.    Yes  

    No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required 
to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
submit and post such files).    Yes  

    No  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See 

definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  

    No  

The aggregate market value of the non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of January 31, 2016, was approximately $989,699,158 
based on the closing sale price of $22.44 per share on that date as reported for the New York Stock Exchange. As of September 12, 2016, there were 46,966,421 
outstanding shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock (the “Class A Common Stock”), and 3,538,628 shares of Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common 
Stock, all of which is held by affiliates of the registrant, is the only voting stock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Table of Contents

INDEX

PART I

Page

Item.1 Business

General Development of Business
Financial Information About Industry Segments
Narrative Description of Business

Overview
Research and Development
Operations
Environment
Employees

Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales
Information Available on the Internet

Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II
Item  5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
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
Item  9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation

PART III

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Management Development and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Management Development and Compensation Committee Report
Compensation Policies and Practices
Summary Compensation Table
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2016
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year End
Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2016
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2016
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Compensation of Directors
Director Compensation Table — Fiscal 2016

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures

PART IV

3
3
3
4
4
5
6
6
6
6
6
7
11
11
11
11

12
14
15
28
29
62
63
65

65
70
70
82
82
82
83
84
85
86
87
87
90
91
92
94
95

96
101

2

Item 1. Business

(a) General Development of Business

PART I

Brady Corporation (“Brady,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the state of Wisconsin in 
1914. The Company’s corporate headquarters are located at 6555 West Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223, and the 
telephone number is (414) 358-6600.

Brady  Corporation  is  a  global  manufacturer  and  supplier  of  identification  solutions  and  workplace  safety  products  that 
identify and protect premises, products and people. The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized 
and diverse products for use in various applications, along with a commitment to quality and service, a global footprint, and 
multiple sales channels, have made Brady a leader in many of its markets.

The Company’s primary objective is to build upon its market position and increase shareholder value by improving in the 

following key competencies:

•  Operational excellence — Continuous productivity improvement and process transformation.
•  Customer service — Focus on the customer and understanding customer needs. 
• 

Innovation advantage — Technologically advanced, internally developed products drive growth and sustain gross 
profit margins.

•  Global leadership position in niche markets.
•  Digital capabilities.
•  Compliance expertise.

The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized and diverse products for use in various 
applications across multiple customers and geographies, along with a commitment to quality and service, have made Brady a 
leader in many of its markets. The long-term sales growth and profitability of our segments will depend not only on improved 
demand  in  end  markets  and  the  overall  economic  environment,  but  also  on  our  ability  to  continuously  improve  operational 
excellence, focus on the customer, develop and market innovative new products, and to advance our digital capabilities. In our 
Identification Solutions ("ID Solutions" or "IDS") business, our strategy for growth includes an increased focus on key customers, 
industries and products and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the research and development ("R&D") function. In our 
Workplace Safety ("WPS") business, our strategy for growth includes a focus on workplace safety critical industries, innovative 
new product offerings, and increased investment in digital capabilities.

The following were key initiatives supporting the strategy in fiscal 2016:

•  Driving  operational  efficiency  within  our  manufacturing  facilities  and  throughout  the  organization  to  improve 

profitability.
• 
Focusing on operational excellence and providing the Company's customers with the highest level of customer service.
•  Enhancing  our  innovation  development  process  to  deliver  high-value,  innovative  products  that  align  with  the 

Company's target markets.
Performing comprehensive product reviews to optimize the Company's product offerings.

• 
•  Expanding our digital presence with a heightened focus on mobile technologies.
•  Growing through focused sales and marketing efforts in selected vertical markets and strategic accounts.
•  Enhancing our global employee development process to attract and retain key talent.

(b) Financial Information About Industry Segments

The information required by this Item is provided in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in 

Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

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Table of Contents

(c) Narrative Description of Business

Overview

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within two reportable segments: Identification Solutions and 

Workplace Safety.

The IDS segment includes high-performance and innovative identification and healthcare products that are manufactured 
under multiple brands, including the Brady brand, and are primarily sold through distribution to a broad range of maintenance, 
repair, and operations ("MRO") and original equipment manufacturing ("OEM") customers and through other channels, including 
direct sales, catalog marketing, and digital. 

The WPS segment includes workplace safety and compliance products, which are sold under multiple brand names through 
catalog  and  digital  to  a  broad  range  of  MRO  customers. Approximately  half  of  the WPS  business  is  derived  from  internally 
manufactured product and half is from externally sourced products. 

Below is a summary of sales by reportable segments for the fiscal years ended July 31: 

IDS

WPS

Total

ID Solutions

2016

2015

2014

69.3%
30.7%
100.0%

68.8%
31.2%
100.0%

67.4%
32.6%
100.0%

Within the ID Solutions segment, the primary product categories include:
• 

Facility identification and protection, which includes safety signs, pipe markers, labeling systems, spill control 
products, lockout/tagout devices, and software and services for auditing, procedure writing and training.
Product identification, which includes materials and printing systems for product identification, brand protection 
labeling, work in process labeling, and finished product identification.

• 

•  Wire identification, which includes hand-held printers, wire markers, sleeves, and tags.
• 
• 

People identification, which includes self-expiring name tags, badges, lanyards, and access control software.
Patient identification, which includes wristbands and labels used in hospitals for tracking and improving the safety of 
patients.

•  Custom wristbands used in the leisure and entertainment industry such as theme parks, concerts and festivals.

Approximately 65% of ID Solutions products are sold under the Brady brand. In the United States, identification products 
for the utility industry are marketed under the Electromark brand; spill-control products are marketed under the SPC brand; and 
security and identification badges and systems are marketed under the Identicard, PromoVision, and Brady People ID brands. 
Wire identification products are marketed under the Modernotecnica brand in Italy and lockout/tagout products are offered under 
the Scafftag brand in the U.K. Custom labels and nameplates are available under the Stickolor brand in Brazil; identification and 
patient safety products in the healthcare industry under the PDC Healthcare brand in the U.S. and Europe; and custom wristbands 
for the leisure and entertainment industry are available under the PDC brand in the U.S. and the PDC B.I.G. brand in Europe. 

 The ID Solutions segment offers high quality products with rapid response and superior service to provide solutions to 
customers. The business markets and sells products through multiple channels including distributors, direct sales, catalog marketing, 
and e-commerce. The ID Solutions sales force partners with end-users and distributors by providing technical application and 
product expertise.

This  segment  manufactures  differentiated,  proprietary  products,  most  of  which  have  been  internally  developed.  These 
internally developed products include materials, printing systems, and software. IDS competes for business principally on the 
basis of engineering, research and development capabilities, materials expertise, customer service, product quality and price, safety 
expertise, and production capabilities. Competition is highly fragmented, ranging from smaller companies offering minimal product 
variety, to some of the world's largest major adhesive and electrical product companies offering competing products as part of 
their overall product lines.

  ID  Solutions  serves  customers  in  many  industries,  which  include  industrial  manufacturing,  electronic  manufacturing, 
healthcare, chemical, oil, gas, automotive, aerospace, defense, mass transit, electrical contractors, leisure and entertainment and 
telecommunications, among others.

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Table of Contents

Workplace Safety 

Within the Workplace Safety segment, the primary product categories include:
•  Safety and compliance signs, tags, and labels.
• 
Informational and architectural signage.
•  Asset tracking labels.
•  First aid products.
• 
•  Labor law compliance posters.

Industrial warehouse and office equipment.

Products within the Workplace Safety segment are sold under a variety of brands including: safety and facility identification 
products offered under the Seton, Emedco, Signals, Safety Signs Service and Pervaco brands; first aid supplies under the Accidental 
Health and Safety, Trafalgar, and Securimed brands; warehouse supplies and industrial furniture under the Runelandhs and Welco 
brands; wire identification products marketed under the Carroll brand; and labor law compliance posters under the Personnel 
Concepts brand.

The Workplace Safety segment manufactures a broad range of stock and custom identification products, and also sells a 
broad range of related resale products. Historically, both the Company and many of our competitors focused their businesses on 
catalog marketing, often with varying product niches. However, the competitive landscape is changing with the continued evolution 
of digital channels. Many of our competitors extensively utilize e-commerce to promote the sale of their products.  A consequence 
of this shift is price transparency, as prices on non-proprietary products can be easily compared. Therefore, to compete effectively, 
we continue to focus on developing dynamic pricing capabilities and enhancing customer experience as these are critical to convert 
customers from traditional catalog channels to digital. 

Workplace Safety primarily sells to other businesses and serves many industries, including manufacturers, process industries, 
government, education, construction, and utilities. The business markets and sells products through multiple channels, including 
catalog, telemarketing and digital. 

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations include the Asia Die-Cut and European Die-Cut businesses ("Die-Cut"), which were announced as 
held for sale in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the Company entered into an agreement 
with LTI Flexible Products, Inc. (d/b/a Boyd Corporation) for the sale of Die-Cut. The first phase of the divestiture closed in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and the second phase of the divestiture closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The operating results 
of the Die-Cut businesses were reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended 
July 31, 2015 and 2014. 

The Die-Cut business consisted of the manufacture and sale of precision converted products such as gaskets, meshes, heat-
dissipation materials, antennaes, dampers, filters, and similar products sold primarily to the electronics industry with a concentration 
in the mobile-handset and hard-disk drive industries. p;,m

Research and Development

The Company focuses its research and development ("R&D") efforts on pressure sensitive materials, printing systems and 
software, and it mainly supports the IDS segment. Material development involves the application of surface chemistry concepts 
for top coatings and adhesives applied to a variety of base materials. Systems design integrates materials, embedded software and 
a variety of printing technologies to form a complete solution for customer applications. In addition, the research and development 
team supports production and marketing efforts by providing application and technical expertise.

The Company owns patents and tradenames relating to certain products in the United States and internationally. Although 
the Company believes that patents are a significant driver in maintaining its position for certain products, technology in the areas 
covered by many of the patents continues to evolve and may limit the value of such patents. The Company's business is not 
dependent on any single patent or group of patents. Patents applicable to specific products extend for up to 20 years according to 
the date of patent application filing or patent grant, depending upon the legal term of patents in the various countries where patent 
protection is obtained. The Company's tradenames are valid ten years from the date of registration, and are typically renewed on 
an ongoing basis.

The Company spent $35.8 million, $36.7 million, and $35.0 million on its R&D activities during the fiscal years ended 
July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The decrease in R&D spending in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year was primarily 
due to efficiency gains within the R&D function and to a lesser extent, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. As of July 31, 2016, 
210 employees were engaged in R&D activities for the Company.

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Table of Contents

Operations

The materials used in the products manufactured consist of a variety of plastic and synthetic films, paper, metal and metal 
foil, cloth, fiberglass, inks, dyes, adhesives, pigments, natural and synthetic rubber, organic chemicals, polymers, and solvents for 
consumable identification products in addition to electronic components, molded parts and sub-assemblies for printing systems. 
The Company operates a coating facility that manufactures bulk rolls of label stock for internal and external customers. In addition, 
the Company purchases finished products for resale.

The Company purchases raw materials, components and finished products from many suppliers. Overall, we are not dependent 
upon any single supplier for our most critical base materials or components; however, we have chosen in certain situations to sole 
source, or limit the sources of materials, components, or finished items for design or cost reasons. As a result, disruptions in supply 
could have an impact on results for a period of time, but we believe any disruptions would simply require qualification of new 
suppliers and the disruption would be modest. In certain instances, the qualification process could be more costly or take a longer 
period of time and in rare circumstances, such as a global shortage of critical materials or components, the financial impact could 
be material. The Company currently operates 42 manufacturing and distribution facilities globally.

The  Company  carries  working  capital  mainly  related  to  accounts  receivable  and  inventory.  Inventory  consists  of  raw 
materials, work in process and finished goods.  Generally, custom products are made to order while an on-hand quantity of stock 
product is maintained to provide customers with timely delivery.  Normal and customary payment terms range from net 30 to 90 
days from date of invoice and varies by geographies.  

The Company has a broad customer base, and no individual customer is 10% or more of total net sales. 

Average delivery time for customer orders varies from same-day delivery to one month, depending on the type of product, 
customer request, and whether the product is stock or custom-designed and manufactured.  The Company's backlog is not material, 
does not provide significant visibility for future business and is not pertinent to an understanding of the business.

Environment

Compliance with federal, state and local environmental protection laws during fiscal 2016 did not have a material impact 

on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Employees

As of July 31, 2016, the Company employed approximately 6,500 individuals. Brady has never experienced a material work 

stoppage due to a labor dispute and considers its relations with employees to be good.

(d) Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export Sales

The information required by this Item is provided in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in 

Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(e) Information Available on the Internet

The Company’s Corporate Internet address is http://www.bradycorp.com. The Company makes available, free of charge, 
on or through its Internet website copies of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports 
on Form 8-K, and amendments to all such reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with 
or furnished to the SEC. The Company is not including the information contained on or available through its website as part of, 
or incorporating such information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investors should carefully consider the risks set forth below and all other information contained in this report and other 
documents we file with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but 
are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Our business is also subject to general risk and uncertainties that affect many 
other companies, such as market conditions, geopolitical events, changes in laws or accounting rules, fluctuations in interest rates, 
terrorism,  wars  or  conflicts,  major  health  concerns,  natural  disasters  or  other  disruptions  of  expected  economic  or  business 
conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may 
impair our business and financial results.

Business Risks

Failure to compete effectively or to successfully execute our strategy may have a negative impact on our business and 

financial results.

We actively compete with companies that produce and market the same or similar products, and in some instances, with 
companies that sell different products that are designed for the same end user. Competition may force us to reduce prices or incur 
additional costs to remain competitive. We compete on the basis of price, customer support, product innovation, product offering, 
product  quality,  expertise,  production  capabilities,  and  for  multinational  customers,  our  global  footprint.  Present  or  future 
competitors may develop and introduce new and enhanced products, offer products based on alternative technologies and processes, 
accept lower profit, have greater financial, technical or other resources, or have lower production costs or other pricing advantages. 
Any of these could put us at a disadvantage by threatening our share of sales or reducing our profit margins, which could adversely 
impact our business and financial results. Additionally, throughout our global business, distributors and customers may seek lower 
cost sourcing opportunities, which could result in a loss of business that may adversely impact our business and financial results.

Our strategy is to expand into higher-growth adjacent product categories and markets with technologically advanced new 
products, as well as to grow our sales generated through the digital channel. While traditional direct marketing channels such as 
catalogs are an important means of selling our products, an increasing number of customers are purchasing products on the internet. 
Our strategy to increase sales through the digital channel is an investment in our internet sales capabilities. There is a risk that we 
may not continue to successfully implement this strategy, or if successfully implemented, not realize its expected benefits due to 
the  continued  levels  of  increased  competition  and  pricing  pressure  brought  about  by  the  internet.  Our  failure  to  successfully 
implement our strategy could adversely impact our business and financial results.

Failure to develop technologically advanced products that meet customer demands, including price expectations, could 

adversely impact our business and financial results.

Development  of  technologically  advanced  new  products  is  targeted  as  a  driver  of  our  organic  growth  and  profitability. 
Technology is changing rapidly and our competitors are innovating quickly. If we do not keep pace with developing technologically 
advanced products, we risk product commoditization, deterioration of the value of our brand, and reduced ability to effectively 
compete. We must continue to develop innovative products, as well as acquire and retain the necessary intellectual property rights 
in these products. If we fail to make innovations, or we launch products with quality problems, or if customers do not accept our 
products, then our business and financial results could be adversely affected.

Our failure or the failure of third-party service providers to protect our sites, networks and systems against security 

breaches, or otherwise to protect our confidential information, could adversely affect our business and financial results. 

Our business systems collect, maintain, transmit and store data about our customers, vendors and others, including credit 
card information and personally identifiable information, as well as other confidential and proprietary information. We also employ 
third-party service providers that store, process and transmit proprietary, personal and confidential information on our behalf. We 
rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties in an effort to securely transmit confidential and 
sensitive information, including credit card numbers. Our security measures, and those of our third-party service providers, may 
not detect or prevent all attempts to hack our systems, denial-of-service attacks, viruses, malicious software, break-ins, phishing 
attacks, social engineering, security breaches or other attacks and similar disruptions that may jeopardize the security of information 
stored in or transmitted by our sites, networks and systems or that we or our third-party service providers otherwise maintain. We 
and our service providers may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent all types of attacks, and 
techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or sabotage systems change frequently and may not be known until launched 
against us or our third-party service providers. In addition, security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, 
including intentional or inadvertent breaches by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships. 
Although we maintain privacy, data breach and network security liability insurance, we cannot be certain that our coverage will 
be adequate or cover liabilities actually incurred, or that insurance will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable 

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terms, or at all. Any compromise or breach of our security measures, or those of our third-party service providers, could adversely 
impact our ability to conduct business, violate applicable privacy, data security and other laws, and cause significant legal and 
financial exposure, adverse publicity, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could have an adverse and material 
effect on our business and financial results.

Deterioration of or instability in the global economy and financial markets may adversely affect our business and financial 

results.

Our business and operating results could be affected by global economic conditions. When global economic conditions 
deteriorate or economic uncertainty continues, customers and potential customers may experience deterioration of their businesses, 
which may result in the delay or cancellation of plans to purchase our products. Our sensitivity to economic cycles and any related 
fluctuations in the businesses of our customers or potential customers could have a material adverse impact on our business and 
financial results.

Demand for our products may be adversely affected by numerous factors, some of which we cannot predict or control. 

This could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Numerous factors may affect the demand for our products, including:

•  Future financial performance of major markets served.
•  Consolidation in the marketplace allowing competitors and customers to be more efficient and more price competitive.
•  Future competitors entering the marketplace.
•  Decreasing product life cycles.
•  Changes in customer preferences.

If any of these factors occur, the demand for our products could suffer, and this could adversely impact our business and 

financial results.

The loss of large customers could adversely affect our business and financial results.

While we have a broad customer base and no individual customer represents 10% or more of total sales, we conduct business 
with several large customers and distribution companies. Our dependence on these customers makes relationships with them 
important. We cannot guarantee that these relationships will be retained in the future. Because these large customers account for 
a significant portion of sales, they may possess a greater capacity to negotiate reduced prices. If we are unable to provide products 
to our customers at the quality and prices acceptable to them, some of our customers may shift their business to competitors or 
may substitute another manufacturer's products. If one of our large customers consolidates, is acquired, or loses market share, the 
result of that event may have an adverse impact on our business. The loss of or reduction of business from one or more of these 
large customers could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results.

We depend on key employees and the loss of these individuals could have an adverse effect on our business and financial 

results.

Our success depends to a large extent upon the continued services of our key executives, managers and other skilled employees. 
We cannot ensure that we will be able to retain our key executives, managers and employees. The departure of key personnel 
without  adequate  replacement  could  disrupt  our  business  operations. Additionally,  we  need  qualified  managers  and  skilled 
employees with technical and  industry experience to operate our business  successfully.  If we are  unable to  attract and retain 
qualified individuals or our costs to do so increase significantly, our business and financial results could be materially adversely 
affected. 

Failure to execute facility consolidations and maintain acceptable operational service metrics may adversely impact our 

business and financial results.

In prior fiscal years, we incurred unplanned operating costs related to the consolidation of certain facilities and we experienced 
a deterioration in key customer service metrics. We continually assess our global footprint and expect to implement additional 
measures to reduce our cost structure, simplify our business, and standardize our processes, and these actions could result in 
unplanned operating costs and business disruptions in the future. If these risks materialize, or if we fail to successfully address 
these inefficiencies, their effects could adversely impact our business and financial results.

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We are a global company headquartered in the United States. We are subject to extensive regulations by U.S. and non-
U.S.  governmental  and  self-regulatory  entities  at  various  levels  of  the  governing  bodies.  Failure  to  comply  with  laws  and 
regulations could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our operations are subject to the risks of doing business domestically and globally, including the following:

Political and economic instability and disruptions.
Imposition of duties and tariffs.
Import, export and economic sanction laws.

•  Delays or disruptions in product deliveries and payments in connection with international manufacturing and sales.
• 
• 
• 
•  Current and changing governmental policies, regulatory, and business environments.
•  Disadvantages from competing against companies from countries that are not subject to U.S. laws and regulations 

including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

•  Local labor market conditions.
•  Regulations relating to climate change, air emissions, wastewater discharges, handling and disposal of hazardous 

materials and wastes.

Specific country regulations where our products are manufactured or sold.

•  Regulations relating to health, safety and the protection of the environment.
• 
•  Laws and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government, including audit requirements of 
government contracts related to procurement integrity, export control, employment practices, and the accuracy of 
records and recording of costs.

Further, these laws and regulations are constantly evolving and it is impossible to accurately predict the effect they may 

have upon our business and financial results.

We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls and compliance systems will always protect us from acts committed 
by employees, agents or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including the laws governing payments 
to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money 
laundering and data privacy. Any such improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other 
jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties and related lawsuits by shareholders 
and others, could damage our reputation, and could adversely impact our business and financial results. 

We are subject to litigation, including product liability claims, that could adversely impact our business, financial results, 

and reputation.

We are a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty, product 
liability and recall (strict liability and negligence) claims, patent and trademark matters, contract disputes and environmental, 
employment and other litigation matters. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims 
in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage. In addition, we face an inherent risk 
that our competitors will allege that aspects of our products infringe their intellectual property or that our intellectual property is 
invalid, such that we could be prevented from manufacturing and selling our products or prevented from stopping others from 
manufacturing and selling competing products. To date, we have not incurred material costs related to these types of claims. 
However, while we currently maintain insurance coverage in amounts that we believe are adequate, we cannot be sure that we 
will be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms or that this insurance will provide sufficient coverage against potential 
liabilities that may arise. Any claims brought against us, with or without merit, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial 
results and reputation as a result of potential adverse outcomes, the expenses associated with defending such claims, the diversion 
of our management’s resources and time and the potential adverse effect to our business and financial results.

Divestitures,  contingent  liabilities  from  divested  businesses  and  the  failure  to  properly  identify,  integrate  and  grow 

acquired companies could adversely affect our business and financial results. 

We continually assess the strategic fit of our existing businesses and may divest businesses that we determine do not align 
with our strategic plan, or that are not achieving the desired return on investment. For example, over the last three fiscal years, we 
divested our Asian Die-Cut and European Die-Cut businesses. Divestitures pose risks and challenges that could negatively impact 
our business. For example, when we decide to sell a business or assets, we may be unable to do so on satisfactory terms and within 
our anticipated time-frame, and even after reaching a definitive agreement to sell a business, the sale is typically subject to pre-
closing conditions which may not be satisfied. In addition, the impact of the divestiture on our revenue and net earnings may be 
larger than projected, which could distract management, and disputes may arise with buyers. Also, we have retained responsibility 
for and have agreed to indemnify buyers against certain contingent liabilities related to a number of businesses that we have sold. 

9

Table of Contents

The resolution of these contingencies has not had a material adverse impact on our financial results, but we cannot be certain that 
this favorable pattern will continue.

Our historical growth has included acquisitions, and our future growth strategy may include acquisition opportunities. If 
our future growth strategy includes a focus on acquisitions, we may not be able to identify acquisition targets or successfully 
complete acquisitions due to the absence of quality companies in our target markets, economic conditions, or price expectations 
from  sellers. Acquisitions  place  significant  demands  on  management,  operational,  and  financial  resources.  Recent  and  future 
acquisitions will require integration of operations, sales and marketing, information technology, and administrative operations, 
which could decrease the time available to focus on our other growth strategies. We cannot assure that we will be able to successfully 
integrate acquisitions, that these acquisitions will operate profitably, or that we will be able to achieve the desired sales growth or 
operational success. Our business and financial results could be adversely affected if we do not successfully integrate the newly 
acquired businesses, or if our other businesses suffer due to the increased focus on the acquired businesses. 

Financial/Ownership Risks

The global nature of our business exposes us to foreign currency fluctuations that could adversely affect our business 

and financial results.

Approximately 45% of our sales are derived outside the United States. Sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. 
dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, and may adversely affect our financial statements. 
Increased strength of the U.S. dollar will increase the effective price of our products sold in currencies other than U.S. dollars into 
other countries. Decreased strength of the U.S. dollar could adversely affect the cost of materials, products, and services purchased 
overseas. Our sales and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes, and the strengthening or weakening of 
the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation effects, which occurred during the fiscal years 2015 and 2016. In addition, 
certain of our subsidiaries may invoice customers in a currency other than its functional currency, which could result in unfavorable 
translation effects on our business and financial results.

Failure to execute our strategies could result in impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, which may negatively 

impact earnings and profitability.  

We have goodwill of $429.9 million and other intangible assets of $59.8 million as of July 31, 2016, which represents 46.9%
of our total assets. In fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of approximately $195 million related 
to  the  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  of  multiple  reporting  units. We  evaluate  goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  for 
impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present, based upon the fair value of each respective 
asset. These valuations include management's estimates of sales, profitability, cash flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, 
interest rates, capital expenditures, and other assumptions. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to our 
business, inability to achieve sales projections or cost savings, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected 
significant  changes  or  planned  changes  in  use  of  the  assets  or  in  entity  structure,  and  divestitures  may  adversely  impact  the 
assumptions used in the valuations. If the estimated fair value of our goodwill or other intangible assets change in future periods, 
we may be required to record an impairment charge, which would reduce the earnings in such period and potentially future earnings.

Changes in tax legislation or tax rates could adversely affect results of operations and financial statements. Additionally, 

audits by taxing authorities could result in tax payments for prior periods.

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in many non-U.S. jurisdictions. As such, our earnings are subject to risk due 
to changing tax laws and tax rates around the world. At any point in time, there are a number of tax proposals at various stages of 
legislation throughout the globe. While it is impossible for us to predict whether some or all of these proposals will be enacted, it 
likely would have an impact on our earnings.

Our tax filings are subject to audit by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. tax authorities. If these 

audits result in payments or assessments that differ from our reserves, our future net earnings may be adversely impacted.

We review the probability of the realization of our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis based on forecasts of taxable 
income in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. As part of this review, we utilize historical results, projected future operating 
results,  eligible  carry-forward  periods,  tax  planning  opportunities,  and  other  relevant  considerations.  Adverse  changes  in 
profitability and financial outlook in both the U.S. and/or foreign jurisdictions, or changes in our geographic footprint may require 
changes in the valuation allowances in order to reduce our deferred tax assets. Such changes could result in a material impact on 
earnings.

10

Table of Contents

Our annual cash needs could require us to repatriate cash to the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions, which may result in tax 
charges. We had no such tax charges during the fiscal years 2015 or 2016. However, in fiscal 2014, we repatriated cash to the U.S. 
in connection with the sale of the Die Cut businesses, which resulted in a tax charge of $4.0 million in continuing operations.

Substantially all of our voting stock is controlled by members of the Brady family, while our public investors hold non-
voting  stock.  The  interests  of  the  voting  and  non-voting  shareholders  could  differ,  potentially  resulting  in  decisions  that 
unfavorably affect the value of the non-voting shares.

Substantially all of our voting stock is controlled by Elizabeth Pungello Bruno, one of our Directors, and William H. Brady 
III, both of whom are descendants of the Company's founder.  All of our publicly traded shares are non-voting. Therefore, Ms. 
Bruno and Mr. Brady have control in most matters requiring approval or acquiescence by shareholders, including the composition 
of our Board of Directors and many corporate actions. Such concentration of ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from 
making a purchase offer that our public shareholders may find favorable, which in turn could adversely affect the market price of 
our common stock or prevent our shareholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.  Furthermore, this concentration 
of voting share ownership may adversely affect the trading price for our non-voting common stock because investors may perceive 
disadvantages in owning stock in companies whose voting stock is controlled by a limited number of shareholders.

Failure to meet certain financial covenants required by our  debt agreements may adversely affect our business and 

financial results.

As of July 31, 2016, we had $216.9 million in outstanding indebtedness. In addition, based on the availability under our 
credit facilities as of July 31, 2016, we had the ability to borrow an additional $183.7 million under our revolving credit agreement. 
Our current revolving credit agreement and long-term debt obligations also impose certain restrictions on us. Refer to Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") within Item 7 for more information regarding 
our credit agreement and long-term debt obligations. If we breach any of these restrictions or covenants and do not obtain a waiver 
from the lenders, then subject to applicable cure periods, the outstanding indebtedness (and any other indebtedness with cross-
default provisions) could be declared immediately due and payable, which could adversely affect our financial results.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

The Company currently operates 42 manufacturing and distribution facilities across the globe and are split by reporting 

segment as follows:

IDS:  Thirty facilities are used for our IDS business.  Five each are located within the United States and China; four in Belgium; 
three in Mexico; two each in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and India; and one each in Canada, Hong Kong, Denmark, Japan, 
Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa.

WPS:  Twelve facilities are used for our WPS business. Four are located in France; two each are located in Australia and Germany; 
and one each in the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The  Company’s  present  operating  facilities  contain  a  total  of  approximately  2.2  million  square  feet  of  space,  of  which 
approximately 1.6 million square feet is leased.  The Company believes that its equipment and facilities are modern, well maintained, 
and adequate for present needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The Company is, and may in the future be, party to litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company is not 
currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings in which management believes the ultimate resolution would have a 
material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

11

 
 
 
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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a)  Market Information

Brady Corporation Class A Nonvoting Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC. The 
following table sets forth the range of high and low daily closing sales prices for the Company’s Class A stock as reported on the 
New York Stock Exchange for each of the quarters in the fiscal years ended July 31:

4th Quarter

3rd Quarter

2nd Quarter

1st Quarter

2016

2015

2014

High

Low

High

Low

High

Low

$

$

$

$

32.68

27.82

26.39

24.29

$

$

$

$

26.29

21.13

20.84

19.52

$

$

$

$

26.76

28.91

27.56

27.07

$

$

$

$

23.15

26.03

23.50

21.19

$

$

$

$

30.75

27.89

31.61

35.54

$

$

$

$

24.26

25.15

27.36

29.19

There is no trading market for the Company’s Class B Voting Common Stock.

(b)  Holders

As of August 31, 2016, there were 1,063 Class A Common Stock shareholders of record and approximately 9,000 beneficial 

shareholders. There are three Class B Common Stock shareholders.

(c)  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company has a share repurchase program of the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. The plan may be 
implemented by purchasing shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with repurchased shares available 
for use in connection with the Company’s stock-based plans and for other corporate purposes. The Company did not repurchase 
any shares during the three months ended July 31, 2016.  As of July 31, 2016, there remained 2,000,000 shares to purchase in 
connection with this share repurchase program.

(i)  Dividends

The Company has historically paid quarterly dividends on outstanding common stock. Before any dividend may be paid on 
the Class B Common Stock, holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive an annual, noncumulative cash dividend 
of $0.01665 per share (subject to adjustment in the event of future stock splits, stock dividends or similar events involving shares 
of Class A Common Stock). Thereafter, any further dividend in that fiscal year must be paid on all shares of Class A Common 
Stock and Class B Common Stock on an equal basis. The Company believes that based on its historic dividend practice, this 
requirement will not impede it in following a similar dividend practice in the future.

During the two most recent fiscal years and for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company declared the following dividends 

per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock for the years ended July 31:

Class A

Class B

2017
1st Qtr
$ 0.2050

2016

2015

1st Qtr
$ 0.2025

2nd Qtr
$ 0.2025

3rd Qtr
$ 0.2025

4th Qtr
$ 0.2025

1st Qtr

$

0.20

2nd Qtr
0.20
$

3rd Qtr
0.20
$

4th Qtr
0.20
$

0.18835

0.18585

0.2025

0.2025

0.2025

0.18335

0.20

0.20

0.20

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

(e)  Common Stock Price Performance Graph

The graph below shows a comparison of the cumulative return over the last five fiscal years had $100 been invested at the 
close of business on July 31, 2011, in each of Brady Corporation Class A Common Stock, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, 
the Standard and Poor’s SmallCap 600 Index, and the Russell 2000 Index.

Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among Brady Corporation, the S&P 500 Index,
the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, and the Russell 2000 Index

* $100 invested on July 31, 2011 in stock or index—including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal years ended July 31:

Brady Corporation

S&P 500 Index

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

Russell 2000 Index

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

$

100.00

$

91.91

$

118.05

$

95.31

$

88.53

$

100.00

100.00

100.00

109.13

103.99

100.19

136.41

140.15

135.02

159.52

155.62

146.57

177.4

174.25

164.21

125.18

187.12

184.46

164.10

Copyright (C) 2016, Standard & Poor’s, Inc. and Russell Investments. All rights reserved.

13

 
Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Years Ended July 31, 2012 through 2016 

Operating data (1)

Net sales

Gross margin

Operating expenses:

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

1,120,625

$

1,171,731

$

1,225,034

$

1,157,792

$

1,071,504

558,773

558,432

609,564

609,348

590,969

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Restructuring charges (2)

Impairment charges (3)

Total operating expenses

Operating income (loss)

Other income (expense):

Investment and other (expense) income —
net

Interest expense

Net other expense

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes
Income taxes (4)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

(Loss) earnings from discontinued
operations, net of income taxes (5)
Net earnings (loss)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
per Common Share— (Diluted):

Class A nonvoting

Class B voting

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations
per Common Share - (Diluted):

Class A nonvoting

Class B voting

Cash Dividends on:

Class A common stock

Class B common stock

Balance Sheet at July 31:

Total assets

Long-term obligations, less current
maturities
Stockholders’ investment

Cash Flow Data:

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

35,799

405,096

—

—

440,895

117,878

(709)

(7,824)

(8,533)

109,345

29,235

36,734

422,704

16,821

46,867

523,126

35,306

845

(11,156)

(10,311)

24,995

20,093

35,048

452,164

15,012

148,551

650,775

33,552

427,858

26,046

204,448

691,904

(41,211)

(82,556)

2,402

(14,300)

(11,898)

(53,109)

(4,963)

3,523

(16,641)

(13,118)

(95,674)

42,583

80,110

$

4,902

$

(48,146) $

(138,257) $

—

(1,915)

2,178

(16,278)

80,110

$

2,987

$

(45,968) $

(154,535) $

1.58

1.56

$

$

— $

— $

0.81

0.79

$

$

0.10

0.08

$

$

(0.93) $

(0.95) $

(2.70) $

(2.71) $

(0.04) $

(0.04) $

0.80

0.78

$

$

0.04

0.05

0.78

0.76

$

$

$

$

(0.32) $

(0.32) $

0.76

0.74

$

$

34,528

392,694

6,084

—

433,306

157,663

2,082

(19,090)

(17,008)

140,655

37,162

103,493

(121,404)

(17,911)

1.95

1.94

(2.29)

(2.30)

0.74

0.72

1,043,964

1,062,897

1,438,683

1,438,683

1,607,719

211,982

603,598

200,774

587,688

201,150

830,797

201,150

830,797

254,944

1,009,353

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

138,976

$

93,348

$

93,420

$

143,503

$

144,705

Net  cash  (used  in)  provided  by  investing 
activities
Net cash used in financing activities

Depreciation and amortization

Capital expenditures

(15,416)

(14,365)

10,207

(325,766)

(64,604)

(99,576)

32,432

(17,140)

(32,152)

39,458

(26,673)

(115,387)

44,598

(43,398)

(33,060)

48,725

(35,687)

(147,824)

43,987

(24,147)

14

Table of Contents

(1)  Operating data has been impacted by the reclassification of the Die-Cut businesses into discontinued operations in fiscal 
years 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Company has elected to not separately disclose the cash flows related to discontinued 
operations. Refer to Note 13 within Item 8 for further information on discontinued operations. The operating data is also 
impacted by acquisitions with one and three acquisitions being completed in fiscal years ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, 
respectively. There were no acquisitions in fiscal years 2016,  2015, or 2014. 

(2)  In fiscal 2012, the Company underwent several measures to address its cost structure, including a reduction in its workforce 
and decreased discretionary spending. During fiscal 2013,  the Company  executed a business simplification project which 
included various measures to address its cost structure and resulted in restructuring charges during fiscal 2013 and into 
fiscal 2014. In addition, in fiscal 2014, the Company approved a plan to consolidate facilities in the  Americas, Europe, 
and Asia in order to enhance customer service, improve efficiency of operations, and reduce operating expenses. This plan 
resulted in restructuring charges during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2015. 

(3)  The Company recognized impairment charges of $46.9 million, $148.6 million, and $204.4 million during the fiscal years 
ended July 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The impairment charges primarily related to the following reporting 
units: WPS Americas and WPS APAC in fiscal 2015; PeopleID in fiscal 2014; and WPS Americas and IDS APAC in fiscal 
2013. Refer to Note 2 within Item 8 for further information regarding the impairment charges.

(4)  Fiscal 2015 was significantly impacted by the impairment charges of $46.9 million, of which $39.8 million was non-
deductible for income tax purposes.  Fiscal 2014 was significantly impacted by the impairment charges of $148.6 million, 
of which $61.1 million was non-deductible for income tax purposes, and a tax charge of $4.0 million in continuing operations 
associated with the repatriation of the cash proceeds from the sale of the Die-Cut business. Fiscal 2013 was significantly 
impacted by the impairment charges of $204.4 million, of which $168.9 million was non-deductible for income tax purposes, 
as well as a tax charge of $26.6 million associated with the funding of the Precision Dynamics Corporation ("PDC") 
acquisition. 

(5)  The loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2015 includes a $0.4 million net loss on the sale of the Die-Cut business, 
recorded during the three months ended October 31, 2014. The earnings from discontinued operations in fiscal 2014 include 
a $1.2 million net loss on the sale of the Die-Cut business recorded during the three months ended July 31, 2014. The Die-
Cut business was sold in two phases. The first phase closed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and the second and final 
phase closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2013 was primarily attributable 
to a $15.7 million write-down of the Die-Cut business to its estimated fair value less costs to sell. The loss from discontinued 
operations in fiscal 2012 was primarily attributable to the $115.7 million goodwill impairment charge recorded during the 
three months ending January 31, 2012, which was related to the Die-Cut disposal group. Refer to Note 13 within Item 8 
for further information regarding discontinued operations. 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We are a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions and workplace safety products that identify and protect 
premises,  products  and  people. The  IDS  segment  is  primarily  involved  in  the  design,  manufacture,  and  distribution  of  high-
performance and innovative identification and healthcare products. The WPS segment provides workplace safety and compliance 
products, half of which are internally manufactured and half are externally sourced. Approximately 45% of our total sales are 
derived outside of the United States. Foreign sales within the IDS and WPS segments are approximately 35% and 65%, respectively.

The ability to provide customers with a broad range of proprietary, customized and diverse products for use in various 
applications across multiple customers and geographies, along with a commitment to quality and service, have made Brady a 
leader in many of its markets. The long-term sales growth and profitability of our segments will depend not only on improved 
demand  in  end  markets  and  the  overall  economic  environment,  but  also  on  our  ability  to  continuously  improve  operational 
excellence, focus on the customer, develop and market innovative new products, and to advance our digital capabilities. In our 
IDS business, our strategy for growth includes an increased focus on key customers, industries and products and improving the 
efficiency and effectiveness of the research and development ("R&D") function. In our WPS business, our strategy for growth 
includes a focus on workplace safety critical industries, innovative new product offerings, and increased investment in digital 
capabilities. 

15

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

A comparison of results of operating income (loss) from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 

2015, and 2014 is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales

Gross margin

Operating expenses:

     Research and development

     Selling, general & administrative

     Restructuring charges

     Impairment charges

2016

%
Sales

2015

%
Sales

2014

%
Sales

$

1,120,625

$

1,171,731

$

1,225,034

558,773

49.9%

558,432

47.7%

609,564

49.8 %

35,799

3.2%

36,734

3.1%

35,048

2.9 %

405,096

36.1%

422,704

36.1%

452,164

36.9 %

—

—

—%

—%

16,821

46,867

1.4%

4.0%

15,012

1.2 %

148,551

12.1 %

Total operating expenses

440,895

39.3%

523,126

44.6%

650,775

53.1 %

Operating income (loss)

$

117,878

10.5% $

35,306

3.0% $

(41,211)

(3.4)%

In fiscal 2016, sales decreased 4.4% to $1,120.6 million, compared to $1,171.7 million in fiscal 2015, which consisted of an 
organic sales decline of 0.7% and a negative currency impact of 3.7% due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain other 
major currencies during the year. The decline in organic sales was primarily a result of reduced demand in the Americas and APAC 
regions. Organic sales declined in both the IDS and WPS segments in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015.  The IDS segment 
experienced sales declines in the Wire ID and Safety and Facility ID product lines, which were partially offset by sales growth in 
the Product ID and Healthcare ID product lines. Traditional catalog sales in the WPS segment declined, but were partially offset by 
sales growth in digital sales. 

During fiscal 2015, net sales decreased 4.4% from fiscal 2014, which consisted of organic growth of 1.0% and a negative 
currency impact of 5.4% due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain other major currencies during the year. Organic 
sales within the IDS segment were up, while organic sales within the WPS segment declined.

References in this Form 10-K to “organic sales” refer to sales from continuing operations calculated in accordance with U.S. 
GAAP, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. The company’s organic sales disclosures exclude the effects of foreign 
currency translation as foreign currency translation is subject to volatility that can obscure underlying business trends. Management 
believes that the non-GAAP financial measure of organic sales is meaningful to investors as it provides them with useful information 
to aid in identifying underlying sales trends in our businesses and facilitating comparisons of our sales performance with prior periods.

Gross margin increased 0.1% to $558.8 million in fiscal 2016 as compared to $558.4 million in fiscal 2015. As a percentage 
of sales, gross margin increased to 49.9% in fiscal 2016 from 47.7% in fiscal 2015. In the prior fiscal year we incurred on-going 
costs related to facility consolidation activities primarily in our Americas region which reduced our gross margin percentage to well 
below historical levels. These facility consolidation activities were completed during fiscal 2015, therefore the increase in gross 
margin percentage in 2016 was primarily due to our on-going efforts to enhance operational efficiencies in the newly consolidated 
facilities and return gross margin percentage to historic averages.

Gross margin decreased 8.4% to $558.4 million in fiscal 2015 as compared to $609.6 million in fiscal 2014. As a percentage 
of sales, gross margin decreased to 47.7% in fiscal 2015 from 49.8% in fiscal 2014. The decline in gross margin was due to increased 
costs related to facility consolidation activities in the Americas due to duplicate labor and facilities expenses as well as operating 
inefficiencies following the facility moves, such as additional freight costs and excess inventory and scrap charges. 

Research and development expenses decreased to $35.8 million in fiscal 2016 from $36.7 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease 
in R&D spending in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year was primarily due to efficiency gains within the R&D function and the 
strengthening of the U.S. dollar, which were partially offset by an increase in our investment in new products within the IDS segment 
to drive top line growth.

Research and development expenses increased to $36.7 million in fiscal 2015 from $35.0 million in fiscal 2014. The increase 
in R&D spending was a result of our innovation development initiative to realign the R&D processes in order to accelerate new 

16

  
Table of Contents

product  innovation,  increased  investments  in  emerging  technologies  such  as  RFID  and  sensing  technologies,  and  increased 
investments in other new products.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses include selling costs directly attributed to the IDS and WPS segments, 
as well as administrative expenses including finance, information technology, human resources and legal. SG&A expenses decreased 
4.2% to $405.1 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $422.7 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease in SG&A expense from the prior year 
is primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, reduced amortization expense of $3.0 million and our continued efforts to 
control general and administrative costs, which were partially offset by an increase to incentive-based compensation.

SG&A expense decreased to $422.7 million in fiscal 2015 compared to $452.2 million in fiscal 2014. The decline was primarily 
due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, and to a lesser extent, reduced amortization expense of $5.8 million, an amendment to 
our U.S.-based post-retirement medical benefit plan that resulted in a $4.3 million curtailment gain, and our focused efforts to reduce 
expenses. This decline was partially offset by continued investments in sales personnel within the IDS segment and increased spending 
in the WPS segment for both on-line and traditional print advertising. 

In fiscal 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan to consolidate facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The 
Company implemented this restructuring plan to enhance customer service, improve efficiency of our operations and reduce operating 
expenses. Restructuring activities related to facility consolidation activities extended into fiscal 2015 and were complete at the end 
of the fiscal year. 

In connection with this plan, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $16.8 million in fiscal 2015. These charges consisted 
of $5.4 million of employee separation costs, $5.2 million of  facility closure related costs, $2.0 million of contract termination costs, 
and $4.2 million of non-cash asset write-offs. The charges for employee separation costs consisted of severance pay, outplacement 
services, medical and other benefits. Non-cash asset write-offs consisted mainly of fixed assets written off in conjunction with facility 
consolidations. Of the $16.8 million recognized in fiscal 2015, $12.1 million was incurred within the IDS segment and $4.7 million 
was incurred within the WPS segment.

Restructuring  charges  were  $15.0  million  in  fiscal  2014  and  consisted  of $9.3  million of  employee  separation  costs, $4.4 
million of  facility  closure  related  costs, $1.0 million  of  contract  termination  costs,  and $0.3  million of  non-cash  asset  write-offs 
associated with the restructuring plan announced in February 2013 to reorganize into global product-based business platforms and 
reduce our global cost structure. Of the $15.0 million recognized in fiscal 2014, $9.0 million was incurred within the IDS segment 
and $6.0 million was incurred within the WPS segment. 

The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment assessment on May 1, 2016, and subsequently concluded that the 
fair value of the goodwill was substantially in excess of its carrying value at 20% or greater for all of the reporting units. No impairment 
charges were recorded in fiscal 2016. In conjunction with the goodwill impairment analysis, management also concluded that no 
other long-lived assets were impaired.  

The Company's annual goodwill impairment assessment performed in fiscal 2015 indicated the WPS Americas and WPS APAC 
reporting units were impaired. In conjunction with the goodwill impairment analysis, management concluded that other long-lived 
assets were impaired. Impairment charges were $46.9 million in fiscal 2015, which consisted of $37.1 million in goodwill charges 
associated with the WPS Americas and WPS APAC reporting units and $9.8 million related to the impairment of certain other long-
lived assets. 

The Company's annual goodwill impairment assessment performed in fiscal 2014 indicated that the PeopleID reporting unit 
was  impaired.  In  conjunction  with  the  goodwill  impairment  analysis,  management  concluded  that  other  long-lived  assets  were 
impaired. Impairment charges were $148.6 million in fiscal 2014, which consisted of $100.4 million in goodwill and $48.2 million 
in intangible assets primarily associated with the PeopleID reporting unit.

The Company generated operating income of $117.9 million in fiscal 2016. Operating income from continuing operations was 
$35.3 million in fiscal 2015; excluding impairment charges of $46.9 million and restructuring charges of $16.8 million, the Company 
generated operating income from continuing operations of $99.0 million in 2015. The increase of $18.9 million in operating income 
was due to the improvement in gross profit margin primarily in the IDS segment as well as reduced SG&A primarily in the WPS 
segment. The increase was partially offset by the negative impact of currency fluctuations.

Operating income from continuing operations was $35.3 million for fiscal 2015; excluding impairment charges of $46.9 million
and restructuring charges of $16.8 million, the Company generated operating income from continuing operations of $99.0 million. 
The Company incurred an operating loss from continuing operations of $41.2 million in fiscal 2014; excluding impairment charges 
of $148.6 million and restructuring charges of $15.0 million, the Company generated operating income from continuing operations 
of $122.4 million. The decrease of $23.4 million was primarily due to the segment profit declines in both the IDS and WPS segments, 

17

Table of Contents

facility consolidation costs incurred in both segments, and the negative impact of currency fluctuations during fiscal 2015 as compared 
to the prior year. 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO NET EARNINGS (LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands)

Operating income (loss)

Other (expense) and income:

2016

%  Sales

2015

%  Sales

2014

%  Sales

$

117,878

10.5 % $

35,306

3.0 % $

(41,211)

(3.4)%

         Investment and other (expense) income

         Interest expense

(709)

(7,824)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax

109,345

Income taxes

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of
income taxes
Net earnings (loss)

Investment and Other Income 

(0.1)%

(0.7)%

9.8 %

2.6 %

7.1 %

845

0.1 %

(11,156)

(1.0)%

24,995

20,093

4,902

2.1 %

1.7 %

0.4 %

2,402

(14,300)

(53,109)

(4,963)

(48,146)

0.2 %

(1.2)%

(4.3)%

(0.4)%

(3.9)%

29,235

80,110

—

— %

(1,915)

(0.2)%

2,178

0.2 %

$

80,110

7.1 % $

2,987

0.3 % $

(45,968)

(3.8)%

Investment and other expense was $0.7 million in fiscal 2016 compared to income of $0.8 million in fiscal 2015 and income 
of $2.4 million in fiscal 2014. The decline since 2014 was primarily due to foreign currency losses, and a decline in market value of 
securities held in executive deferred compensation plans.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased to $7.8 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $11.2 million in fiscal 2015 and $14.3 million in fiscal 
2014. The decline since 2014 was due to the Company's declining principal balance under its outstanding debt agreements and a 
reduction in the weighted average interest rate.

Income Taxes 

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 26.7% in fiscal 2016.  The effective income tax rate was reduced from the 
statutory tax rate of 35.0% due to certain adjustments to tax accruals and reserves, utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards, 
research and development tax credits and the section 199 manufacturer’s deduction.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 80.4% in fiscal 2015.  The effective income tax rate was significantly impacted 
by impairment charges of $46.9 million recognized during the period, as $39.8 million of these charges were nondeductible for 
income tax purposes.  The effective income tax rate was further impacted by $5.0 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards from 
the fiscal 2014 income tax return and increases in uncertain tax positions recognized in fiscal 2015.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 9.3% in fiscal 2014.  The effective income tax rate was significantly impacted 
by impairment charges of $148.6 million recognized during the period, as $61.1 million of these charges were non-deductible for 
income tax purposes.  The effective tax rate was further impacted by increases in uncertain tax positions recognized in fiscal 2014.

Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

Discontinued operations include the Asia Die-Cut and European Die-cut businesses ("Die-Cut"), of which a portion was divested 
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and the remainder was divested in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The loss from discontinued 
operations net of income taxes was $1.9 million in fiscal 2015, compared to earnings from discontinued operations net of income 
taxes of $2.2 million in fiscal 2014. The loss in fiscal 2015 consisted of a loss on operations of $1.5 million primarily related to 
professional fees associated with the divestiture and a $0.4 million loss on the sale of Die-Cut, recorded during the three months 
ended October 31, 2014. In fiscal 2014, the Die-Cut business had net earnings from operations of $3.4 million, offset by a net loss 
on the sale of Die-Cut of $1.2 million. 

There was no depreciation or amortization expense recognized within discontinued operations for fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014 
as the Die-Cut business was reported as held for sale beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, at which point the fixed assets 
and intangible assets of these businesses were no longer depreciated or amortized in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP. 

18

Table of Contents

Business Segment Operating Results

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within two reportable segments: ID Solutions and Workplace Safety. 
The segment results have been adjusted to reflect continuing operations in all periods presented. The sales and profit of discontinued 
operations are excluded from the following information.  

Following is a summary of segment information for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

(Dollars in thousands)
SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS

ID Solutions

WPS

Total

SALES GROWTH INFORMATION

ID Solutions

Organic

Currency

Acquisitions

Total

Workplace Safety

Organic

Currency

Total

Total Company

Organic

Currency

Acquisitions

Total

SEGMENT PROFIT

ID Solutions

Workplace Safety

Total

SEGMENT PROFIT AS A PERCENT OF SALES

ID Solutions

Workplace Safety

Total

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) RECONCILIATION 

(Dollars in thousands)
Total profit from reportable segments

Unallocated costs:

Administrative costs

Restructuring charges

Impairment charges

Investment and other expense (income)

Interest expense

Years ended July 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

776,877

$

806,484

$

825,123

343,748

365,247

399,911

$ 1,120,625

$ 1,171,731

$ 1,225,034

(0.7)%

(3.0)%

—%

(3.7)%

(0.8)%

(5.1)%

(5.9)%

(0.7)%

(3.7)%

—%

(4.4)%

1.7 %

(4.0)%

—%

(2.3)%

(0.4)%

(8.3)%

(8.7)%

1.0 %

(5.4)%

—%

(4.4)%

2.9 %

(0.2)%

8.9 %

11.6 %

(4.6)%

0.1 %

(4.5)%

0.2 %

(0.1)%

5.7 %

5.8 %

$

$

169,776

59,847

229,623

$

$

149,840

56,502

206,342

$

$

176,129

66,238

242,367

21.9 %

17.4 %

20.5 %

18.6 %

15.5 %

17.6 %

21.3 %

16.6 %

19.8 %

Years ended:

July 31, 2016

July 31, 2015

July 31, 2014

$

229,623

$

206,342

$

242,367

111,745

107,348

—

—

709

7,824

16,821

46,867

(845)

11,156

120,015

15,012

148,551

(2,402)

14,300

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

$

109,345

$

24,995

$

(53,109)

19

Table of Contents

ID Solutions

Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015  

Approximately 70% of net sales in the ID Solutions segment were generated in the Americas region, 20% in EMEA, and 10% 
in APAC. IDS sales decreased 3.7% to $776.9 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $806.5 million in fiscal 2015. Organic sales 
decreased 0.7% and currency fluctuations decreased sales by 3.0% due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain other 
major currencies during the year ended July 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in the prior year. 

Organic sales in the Americas declined in the low-single digits in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to a 
slowdown in order patterns with certain of our customers in the United States and Canada which is reflective of a general slowdown 
in the industrial sector. In addition, we realized double-digit declines in OEM sales in Brazil due to weak economic conditions and 
increased competitive pressure. The Americas region experienced sales declines in the Wire ID and Safety and Facility ID product 
lines, which were partially offset by sales growth in the Product ID and Healthcare ID product lines.

The IDS business in EMEA realized low-single digit organic sales growth in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. This increase 
was primarily driven by our core IDS businesses in Western and Central Europe where we have increased sales despite a lack of 
significant economic growth. The Product ID and Safety and Facility ID product lines in EMEA realized sales growth in 2016, which 
was partially offset by a sales decline in the Wire ID product line.

Organic sales in APAC declined in the mid-single digits in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. The region had mid-single 
digit declines in the first three quarters of the year and effectively flat organic sales in the fourth quarter. The overall decline in organic 
sales was primarily due to reduced demand in the electronics industry in China as well as other regions within Asia, which we are 
addressing through focused additions to our sales organization within the region.

Segment profit increased to $169.8 million in fiscal 2016 from $149.8 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of $20.0 million or 
13.4%. As a percent of sales, segment profit increased to 21.9% in fiscal 2016, compared to 18.6% in the prior year. The increase in 
segment profit was primarily driven by operational efficiencies in our manufacturing processes in the Americas and Europe.

Fiscal 2015 vs. 2014 

Approximately 70% of net sales in the IDS segment were generated in the Americas region, 20% in EMEA, and 10% in APAC. 
IDS sales decreased 2.3% to $806.5 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $825.1 million in fiscal 2014. Organic sales increased 1.7% 
and currency fluctuations decreased sales by 4.0% due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies during 
the year ended July 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Organic sales in the Americas grew in the low-single digits in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. This growth was primarily 
within the U.S. and was driven by our continued focus on expanding the core Brady-brand businesses and an increased focus on key 
customers, industries and new products. Our areas of highest growth in fiscal 2015 were in the global safety and facility identification 
product offerings, as well as in portable printer consumables and product identification. This growth was partially offset by double-
digit organic sales declines in Brazil in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. OEM sales were down in Brazil due to weak economic 
conditions and increased competitive pressure. In fiscal 2015, the Company consolidated a facility in Brazil to reduce its cost structure. 

Organic sales in the EMEA region also grew in the low-single digits in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. This increase 
was primarily driven by Central Europe where we increased our salesforce. Economic growth softened slightly in Western Europe, 
which impacted IDS sales at the beginning of the third fiscal quarter and into the fourth quarter; however, this geography had stronger 
sales in the first half of the year which contributed to organic sales growth for the full fiscal year as compared to the prior year.

Organic sales in Asia grew in the high-single digits in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. Similar to the prior year, we 

experienced slower growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 as compared to the preceding three quarters. 

Segment profit decreased to $149.8 million in fiscal 2015 from $176.1 million in fiscal 2014, a decrease of $26.3 million or 
14.9%. As a percent of sales, segment profit decreased to 18.6% in fiscal 2015, compared to 21.3% in the prior year. The decline in 
segment profit as a percent of sales was primarily in the IDS Americas businesses and was a result of increased costs associated with 
facility consolidation activities such as duplicate labor and facilities expenses, as well as increased costs from operating inefficiencies 
in our recently consolidated facilities in North America such as additional freight costs and excess inventory and scrap charges. In 
addition, although a much smaller impact, the decline was also due to our geographic product mix, as Asia was our region of greatest 
sales growth in fiscal 2015 and generally has the lowest segment profit margins.

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Table of Contents

Workplace Safety

Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015 

Approximately 50% of net sales in the WPS segment were generated in Europe, 35% in the Americas, and 15% in Australia. 
WPS sales decreased 5.9% to $343.7 million in fiscal 2016, compared to $365.2 million in fiscal 2015, which consisted of an organic 
sales decline of 0.8% and a negative currency impact of 5.1%. Since half of the WPS business is in Europe, the strengthening of the 
U.S. dollar against the Euro and British Pound during certain periods of the fiscal year had a larger impact on the WPS segment than 
it did on the IDS segment.

 The WPS business in Europe realized low-single digit organic sales growth in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year. The 
increase was primarily driven by Germany, France, and Belgium due to improvements in website functionality and key account 
management. These improvements led to a double-digit increase in digital sales in Europe as compared to the prior year.

Organic sales in the Americas declined in the low-single digits in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year. This decrease was 
primarily in North America due to reduced demand in the industrial end markets and a decrease in sales through traditional catalog 
channels, which were partially offset by slight growth in digital sales.

Organic sales in Australia declined in the mid-single digits in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease in the Australian 
business was due to its higher concentration in industries that are experiencing economic challenges, which include manufacturing 
and mining production. We continue to focus on enhancing our expertise in these industries to drive sales growth as well as addressing 
our cost structure to improve profitability.

Profit for the WPS segment increased to $59.8 million in fiscal 2016 from $56.5 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of $3.3 
million, or 5.8%. As a percentage of sales, segment profit increased to 17.4% in fiscal 2016 compared to 15.5% in the prior year. 
The increase in segment profit margin was mainly driven by a reduction in selling expenses and catalog advertising.

Fiscal 2015 vs. 2014 

Approximately 50% of net sales in the WPS segment were generated in EMEA, 35% in the Americas, and 15% in APAC. WPS 
sales decreased 8.7% to $365.2 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $399.9 million in fiscal 2014, which consisted of an organic sales 
decline of 0.4% and a negative currency impact of 8.3%. Because approximately half of the WPS business is located in Western 
Europe and another 15% of the WPS segment is in Australia , the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and the Australian 
Dollar had a larger impact on the WPS segment than it did on the IDS segment.

 Organic sales in Europe grew in the low-single digits in fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. The growth was driven primarily 
by  Germany,  France,  and  the  Nordics  region  due  to  improvements  in  website  functionality  and  key  account  management. We 
experienced growth in both traditional catalog sales and digital sales in Europe over the prior year. 

Organic sales in the Americas declined in the low-single digits in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. This decrease was primarily 

due to reduced demand in the industrial end markets and a decrease in sales through traditional catalog channels. 

Organic sales in Australia declined in the mid-single digits in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014. Our business in Australia is 
diversified  in  many  industries;  however,  it  has  a  higher  concentration  in  industries  that  are  experiencing  economic  challenges, 
including manufacturing and mining production.

Profit for the WPS segment decreased to $56.5 million in fiscal 2015 from $66.2 million in fiscal 2014, a decrease of $9.7 
million, or 14.7%. As a percentage of sales, segment profit decreased to 15.5% in fiscal 2015 compared to 16.6% in the prior year. 
The decrease in segment profit was mainly driven by the decline in sales, increased spending for both on-line and traditional print 
advertising due to the timing of catalog mailings, investments in digital capabilities and the increased costs associated with facility 
consolidation activities in the U.S., such as duplicate labor and facilities expenses.

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Table of Contents

Liquidity & Capital Resources

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  were  $141.2  million  at  July 31,  2016,  an  increase  of  $26.7  million  from  July 31,  2015. The 

significant changes were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
Net cash flow provided by (used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Fiscal 2016 vs. 2015  

Years ended July 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

138,976

$

93,348

$

93,420

(15,416)

(14,365)

10,207

(99,576)

(32,152)

(115,387)

2,752

(14,173)

2,536

$

26,736

$

32,658

$

(9,224)

Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $139.0 million during fiscal 2016 compared to $93.3 million in the 
prior year. The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $45.7 million was primarily due to an improvement in working 
capital of $14.0 million and an increase in net earnings compared to the prior fiscal year. The increase to working capital was due 
to reduced inventory levels that were elevated in the prior year due to the facility consolidations, reduced accounts receivable 
levels due to improved collections in our Americas and EMEA regions, and increased accrued incentive-based compensation.

Net cash used in investing activities was $15.4 million during fiscal 2016, compared to $14.4 million in the prior year. Current 
year  capital  expenditures  were  $17.1  million  compared  to  $26.7  million  in  the  prior  year  due  to  the  completion  of  facility 
consolidation activities in fiscal 2015. Prior year capital expenditures were offset by $6.2 million in cash received for certain assets 
sold as part of facility consolidation activities, and $6.1 million in net cash received from the Die-Cut divestiture.

Net cash used in financing activities was $99.6 million during fiscal 2016, compared to $32.2 million during the prior year. 
The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to improved operating performance and cash flow resulting in 
decreased net borrowings, which were partially offset by $23.6 million of share repurchases in fiscal 2016.

The effect of fluctuations in exchange rates increased cash balances by $2.8 million in fiscal 2016 primarily due to cash 

balances held in currencies that appreciated against the U.S. dollar during the current fiscal year.

Fiscal 2015 vs. 2014

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased slightly to $93.3 million during fiscal 2015 compared to $93.4 million 
in the prior year. The prior year results included discontinued operations, which generated approximately $2.7 million in cash 
from operating activities. Therefore, there was an increase in cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations of 
$2.6 million. This increase was primarily due to a change in working capital of $36.0 million, largely offset by the decrease in 
segment profit of $33.4 million. A majority of the decrease in working capital related to a decrease in prepaid catalog costs at July 
31, 2015, compared to July 31, 2014, due to a reduction in catalog mailings and a change in the timing of such catalog mailings. 
Inventories were also built in advance of facility consolidations in fiscal 2014, whereas inventories were effectively flat in fiscal 
2015. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $14.4 million during fiscal 2015 primarily due to capital expenditures of $26.7 
million, partially offset by the $6.1 million of net cash received from the Die-Cut divestiture during the three months ended October 
31, 2014. In addition, certain assets were sold as part of the facility consolidation activities, which reduced cash used in investing 
activities by $6.2 million compared to the prior year. Net cash provided by investing activities was $10.2 million during fiscal 
2014 due to the cash received from the first phase of the sale of the Die-Cut business of $54.2 million,
offset by $43.4 million spent on capital expenditures in fiscal 2014. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $32.2 million during fiscal 2015, compared to $115.4 million during the prior 
year. The decrease in cash used in financing activities of $83.2 million was primarily due to increased net borrowings of $40.1 

22

 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

million on the revolving loan agreement and lines of credit during fiscal 2015 and a reduction in the principal payments on long-
term debt of $18.8 million compared to the prior year. In addition, there were no share repurchases in fiscal 2015 compared to 
cash used of $30.6 million on share repurchases in the prior year, and proceeds from stock option exercises were lower by $10.5 
million in fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. 

The effect of fluctuations in exchange rates reduced cash balances by $14.2 million in fiscal 2015 due to the strengthening 

of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies.

The Company's cash balances are generated and held in numerous locations throughout the world. At July 31, 2016,  
approximately 99% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held outside the United States. The Company's growth has 
historically been funded by a combination of cash provided by operating activities and debt financing. The Company believes that 
its cash flow from operating activities, in addition to its borrowing capacity, are sufficient to fund its anticipated requirements for 
working capital, capital expenditures, common stock repurchases, scheduled debt repayments, and dividend payments for the next 
twelve months.

In fiscal 2014, the Company completed the first phase of the sale of its Die-Cut business and completed the second and 
final phase on August 1, 2014. In conjunction with the sale of this business, the Company repatriated approximately $57 million 
of the cash received to the United States. The cash received from the sale of Die-Cut in fiscal 2014 resulted in $4.0 million in 
income tax charges recognized in continuing operations during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014. The Company believes that 
its current credit arrangements are sound and that the strength of its balance sheet will allow financial flexibility to respond to 
both internal growth opportunities and those available through acquisition. However, future cash needs could require the Company 
to repatriate additional cash to the U.S. from foreign jurisdictions, which could result in material tax charges recognized in the 
period in which the decisions are made.

Refer to Item 8, Note 6, "Debt" for information regarding the Company's debt holdings.

23

 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Subsequent Events Affecting Financial Condition

On September 8, 2016, the Company announced an increase in the annual dividend to shareholders of the Company's Class 
A Common Stock, from $0.81 to $0.82 per share. A quarterly dividend of $0.2050 will be paid on October 31, 2016, to shareholders 
of record at the close of business on October 10, 2016. This dividend represents an increase of 1.2% and is the 31st consecutive 
annual increase in dividends. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have material off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company is not aware of factors that are reasonably 
likely to adversely affect liquidity trends, other than the risk factors described in this and other Company filings. However, the 
following additional information is provided to assist those reviewing the Company’s financial statements.

Operating Leases — The leases generally are entered into for investments in facilities such as manufacturing facilities, 

warehouses and office space, computer equipment and Company vehicles.

Purchase Commitments — The Company has purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services, and property, plant 
and equipment as part of the ordinary conduct of its business. In the aggregate, such commitments are not in excess of current 
market prices and are not material to the financial position of the Company. Due to the proprietary nature of many of the Company’s 
materials and processes, certain supply contracts contain penalty provisions for early termination. The Company does not believe 
a material amount of penalties will be incurred under these contracts based upon historical experience and current expectations.

Other Contractual Obligations — The Company does not have material financial guarantees or other contractual commitments 

that are reasonably likely to adversely affect liquidity.

Payments Due Under Contractual Obligations

The Company’s future commitments at July 31, 2016, for long-term debt, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations, 

interest obligations, tax obligations and other obligations are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Contractual Obligations
Long-term Debt Obligations

Operating Lease Obligations

Purchase Obligations (1)

Interest Obligations

Tax Obligations

Other Obligations (2)

Total

Payments Due by Period

Total

Less than
1 Year

1-3
Years

3-5
Years

More
than
5 Years

Uncertain
Timeframe

$

211,982

$

49,794

$

— $

162,188

$

— $

74,768

32,166

10,640

15,294

3,365

16,243

32,155

4,247

—

499

27,125

10

2,131

—

826

15,903

1

4,262

—

698

15,497

—

—

—

1,342

—

—

—

—

15,294

—

$

348,215

$

102,938

$

30,092

$

183,052

$

16,839

$

15,294

(1)  Purchase obligations include all open purchase orders as of July 31, 2016.
(2)  Other obligations represent expected payments under the Company’s U.S. postretirement medical plan and international 

pension plans as disclosed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, under Item 8 of this report.

24

 
 
Table of Contents

Inflation and Changing Prices

Essentially all of the Company’s revenue is derived from the sale of its products and services in competitive markets. Because 
prices are influenced by market conditions, it is not always possible to fully recover cost increases through pricing. Changes in 
product mix from year to year, timing differences in instituting price changes, and the large amount of part numbers make it 
impracticable to accurately define the impact of inflation on profit margins.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the 
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments 
that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets,  liabilities,  revenues  and  expenses,  and  related  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and 
liabilities. The Company bases these estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are 
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and judgments.

The Company believes the following accounting estimates are most critical to an understanding of its financial statements. 
Estimates are considered to be critical if they meet both of the following criteria: (1) the estimate requires assumptions about 
material matters that are uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made, and (2) material changes in the estimates are 
reasonably likely from period to period. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting estimates, refer 
to Note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

We operate in numerous taxing jurisdictions and are subject to regular examinations by U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. 
taxing authorities. Our income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each 
of the jurisdictions in which we do business. Due to the ambiguity of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and 
interplay in tax laws between those jurisdictions, the uncertainty of how underlying facts may be construed and the inherent 
uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, our estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from 
actual payments or assessments.

While we have support for the positions we take on our tax returns, taxing authorities may assert interpretations of laws and 
facts  and  may  challenge  cross-jurisdictional  transactions. The  Company  generally  re-evaluates  the  technical  merits  of  its  tax 
positions and recognizes an uncertain tax benefit when (i) there is completion of a tax audit; (ii) there is a change in applicable 
tax law including a tax case ruling or legislative guidance; or (iii) there is an expiration of the statute of limitations. The gross 
liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $15.3 million and $21.1 million as of July 31, 2016 
and 2015, respectively, of which the entire amount would reduce our effective income tax rate if recognized. Accrued interest and 
penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were $4.3 million and $4.2 million at July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We 
recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense (benefit) on the Consolidated Statement 
of Earnings. We believe it is reasonably possible that the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to 
$3.9 million in the next twelve months as a result of the resolution of worldwide tax matters, tax audit settlements, amended tax 
filings, and/or statute expirations, which would be the maximum amount that would be recognized through the Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings as an income tax benefit.

We  recorded  a  valuation  allowance  for  a  portion  of  our  deferred  tax  assets  related  to  net  operating  loss  and  tax  credit 
carryforwards ("carryforwards") and certain temporary differences in the amount of $38.0 million at July 31, 2016, and $39.9 
million at July 31, 2015, based on the projected profitability of the entity in the respective tax jurisdiction. The valuation allowance 
is based on an evaluation of the uncertainty that the carryforwards and certain temporary differences will be realized. Our income 
would increase if we determine we will be able to use more carryforwards or certain temporary differences than currently expected. 
Conversely, our income would decrease if we determine we are unable to realize our deferred tax assets in the future.

The Company does not provide for U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies 
that have been reinvested indefinitely. As of July 31, 2016, we have not provided U.S. deferred taxes for $259.3 million of such 
earnings, since these earnings have been, and under current plans will continue to be, permanently reinvested outside the U.S. At 
July 31, 2016, approximately $139.7 million of the Company's cash and cash equivalents were held outside the United States.

25

 
Table of Contents

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

The allocation of purchase price for business combinations requires management estimates and judgment as to expectations 
for future cash flows of the acquired business and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable intangible assets in determining 
the estimated fair value for purchase price allocation purposes. If the actual results differ from the estimates and judgments used 
in these estimates, the amounts recorded in the financial statements could result in a possible impairment of the intangible assets 
and goodwill or require acceleration of the amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets. In addition, accounting guidance 
requires that goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets be tested at least annually for impairment. If circumstances or 
events prior to the date of the required annual assessment indicate that, in management's judgment, it is more likely than not that 
there has been a reduction of fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value, the Company performs an impairment analysis 
at the time of such circumstance or event. Changes in management's estimates or judgments could result in an impairment charge, 
and such a charge could have an adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

The  Company has identified six reporting units within its two reportable segments, IDS and WPS, with the following goodwill 
balances as of July 31, 2016: IDS Americas & Europe, $291.4 million; PeopleID, $93.2 million; and WPS Europe, $45.3 million. 
The IDS APAC, WPS Americas, and WPS APAC reporting units each have a goodwill balance of zero. Brady continues to believe 
that the discounted cash flow model and market multiples model provide a reasonable and meaningful fair value estimate based 
upon the reporting units' projections of future operating results and cash flows and replicates how market participants would value 
the Company's reporting units. The projections of future operating results, which are based on both past performance and the 
projections and assumptions used in the Company's current and long range operating plans, are subject to change as a result of 
changing  economic  and  competitive  conditions.  Significant  estimates  used  by  management  in  the  discounted  cash  flows 
methodology include estimates of future cash flows based on expected growth rates, price increases, fluctuations in gross profit 
margins and SG&A expense as a percentage of sales, capital expenditures, working capital levels, income tax rates, and a weighted-
average cost of capital that reflects the specific risk profile of the reporting unit being tested. Significant negative industry or 
economic trends, disruptions to the Company's business, loss of significant customers, inability to effectively integrate acquired 
businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, and divestitures may 
adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations.

 The Company completes its annual goodwill impairment analysis on May 1st of each fiscal year and evaluates its reporting 
units for potential triggering events on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other." In 
addition to the metrics listed above, the Company considers multiple internal and external factors when evaluating its reporting 
units for potential impairment, including (a) U.S. GDP growth, (b) industry and market factors such as competition and changes 
in  the  market  for  the  reporting  unit's  products,  (c)  new  product  development,  (d)  hospital  admission  rates,  (e)  competing 
technologies, (f) overall financial performance such as cash flows, actual and planned revenue and profitability, and (g) changes 
in the strategy of the reporting unit. In the event the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, including goodwill, 
the Company would then perform an additional assessment that would compare the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying 
amount of goodwill. The determination of the implied fair value of goodwill would require management to compare the fair value 
of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. If necessary, the Company may 
consult valuation specialists to assist with the assessment of the estimated fair value of assets and liabilities for the reporting unit. 
If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge would be recorded.

The Company considers a reporting unit’s fair value to be substantially in excess of its carrying value at 20% or greater. The 
annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2016, in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (“Step 
One”) indicated that all of the reporting units passed Step One of the goodwill impairment test as each had a fair value substantially 
in excess of its carrying value.

Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets were analyzed in accordance with the Company's policy outlined above using the 
income approach. The valuation was based upon current sales projections and profitability for each asset group, and the relief 
from royalty method was applied. As a result of the analysis, all assets had a fair value in excess of carrying value.

New Accounting Standards

The information required by this Item is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in 

Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

26

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

In this annual report on Form 10-K, statements that are not reported financial results or other historic information are “forward-
looking statements.” These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the Company's future financial position, 
business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives 
of management for future operations.

The use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” 
or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their 
nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain and are subject to risks, assumptions, and other factors, some of 
which are beyond Brady's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such 
forward-looking statements. For Brady, uncertainties arise from:

•  Brady's ability to compete effectively or to successfully execute our strategy
•  Brady's ability to develop technologically advanced products that meet customer demands
•  Difficulties in protecting our websites, networks, and systems against security breaches
•  Deterioration or instability in the global economy and financial markets
•  Decreased demand for the Company's products
•  Brady's ability to retain large customers
•  Risks associated with the loss of key employees
•  Brady's ability to execute facility consolidations and maintain acceptable operational service metrics
•  Extensive regulations by U.S. and non-U.S. governmental and self regulatory entities
•  Litigation, including product liability claims
•  Divestitures and contingent liabilities from divestitures
•  Brady's ability to properly identify, integrate, and grow acquired companies
• 
• 
•  Changes in tax legislation and tax rates
•  Differing interests of voting and non-voting shareholders
•  Brady's ability to meet certain financial covenants required by our debt agreements.
•  Numerous  other  matters  of  national,  regional  and  global  scale,  including  those  of  a  political,  economic,  business, 
competitive, and regulatory nature contained from time to time in Brady's U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission 
filings, including, but not limited to, those factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section within Item 1A of Part I of this Form 
10-K.

Foreign currency fluctuations
Potential write-offs of Brady's substantial intangible assets

These uncertainties may cause Brady's actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in its forward-

looking statements. Brady does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Risk Factors

Refer to the information contained in Item 1A - Risk Factors.

27

Table of Contents

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s business operations give rise to market risk exposure due to changes in foreign exchange rates. To manage 
that risk effectively, the Company enters into hedging transactions according to established guidelines and policies that enable it 
to mitigate the adverse effects of this financial market risk.

The global nature of the Company’s business requires active participation in the foreign exchange markets. As a result of 
investments, production facilities and other operations on a global scale, the Company has assets, liabilities and cash flows in 
currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management is to minimize 
the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges a 
portion of known exposures using forward contracts. Main exposures are related to transactions denominated in the British Pound, 
the Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican Peso, and Singapore dollar. As of July 31, 2016, the notional amount of 
outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $34.5 million. The Company uses Euro-
denominated  debt  of  €75.0 million  and  British  Pound-denominated  intercompany  debt  of  £25.0  million  designated  as  hedge 
instruments to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in its Euro and British Pound denominated foreign operations. 
The Company's revolving credit facility allows it to borrow up to $150.0 million in currencies other than U.S. dollars under an 
alternative currency sub-limit. The Company has periodically borrowed funds in Euro and British Pounds under this sub-limit. 
Debt issued in currencies other than U.S. dollars acts as a natural hedge to the Company's exposure to the associated currency.

The Company also faces exchange rate risk from transactions with customers in countries outside the United States and 
from intercompany transactions between affiliates. Although the Company has a U.S. dollar functional currency for reporting 
purposes, it has manufacturing sites throughout the world and a significant portion of its sales are generated in foreign currencies. 
Costs incurred and sales recorded by subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated into U.S. dollars using 
exchange rates effective during the respective period. As a result, the Company is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of 
various currencies against the U.S. dollar. In particular, the Company has more sales in European currencies than it has expenses 
in  those  currencies. Therefore,  when  European  currencies  strengthen  or  weaken  against  the  U.S.  dollar,  operating  profits  are 
increased or decreased, respectively.

Currency exchange rates decreased fiscal 2016 sales by 3.7% compared to fiscal 2015 as the U.S. dollar appreciated, on 
average, against other major currencies throughout the year. The most significant impact on sales due to currency fluctuations 
occurred during the first half of fiscal 2016, as sales declined by 6.6% and 5.4% in the first and second quarters, respectively, as 
compared to the same periods in the prior year. 

The Company is subject to the risk of change in foreign currency exchange rates due to its operations in foreign countries. 
The Company has manufacturing facilities and sells and distributes its products throughout the world. As a result, the Company’s 
financial results could be significantly affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic 
conditions in the foreign markets in which the Company manufactures, distributes and sells its products. The Company’s operating 
results  are  principally  exposed  to  changes  in  exchange  rates  between  the  U.S.  dollar  and  the  Euro,  the Australian  dollar,  the 
Canadian dollar, the Mexican Peso, the Singapore dollar, the British Pound, the Brazilian Real, and the Chinese Yuan. Changes 
in foreign currency exchange rates for the Company’s foreign subsidiaries reporting in local currencies are generally reported as 
a component of stockholders’ investment. The Company’s currency translation adjustment recorded in fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014
as a separate component of stockholders’ investment was $1.4 million unfavorable, $120.3 million unfavorable, and $7.5 million 
favorable, respectively. As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries had net current assets (defined as current 
assets less current liabilities) subject to foreign currency translation risk of $207.7 million and $258.5 million, respectively. The 
potential decrease in net current assets as of July 31, 2016, from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in quoted foreign 
currency exchange rates would be approximately $20.8 million. This sensitivity analysis assumes a parallel shift in all major 
foreign currency exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar. Exchange rates rarely move in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar 
due to positive and negative correlations of the various global currencies. This assumption may overstate the impact of changing 
exchange rates on individual assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency.

The Company could be exposed to interest rate risk through its corporate borrowing activities. The objective of the Company’s 
interest rate risk management activities is to manage the levels of the Company’s fixed and floating interest rate exposure to be 
consistent  with  the  Company’s  preferred  mix. The  interest  rate  risk  management  program  allows  the  Company  to  enter  into 
approved interest rate derivatives if there is a desire to modify the Company’s exposure to interest rates. As of July 31, 2016, the 
Company had no interest rate derivatives. The Company had variable rate debt outstanding of $116.9 million at a current weighted 
average interest rate of 1.4%. A hypothetical change in the interest rate of 10% from the Company's current weighted average 
interest rate on variable rate debt obligations of 1.4% would not have a material impact on the Company's interest expense. 

28

Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

BRADY CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets — July 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Earnings — Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Investment — Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014

Page

30

31
32
33
34
35
36

29

 
Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Brady Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brady Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 
July 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' investment, 
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2016. Our audits also included the financial statement 
schedule  listed  in  the  Index  at  Item  15.  These  consolidated  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule  are  the 
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements 
and financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

In  our  opinion,  such  consolidated  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Brady 
Corporation and subsidiaries at July 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended July 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial 
statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
Company's internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report 
dated September 15, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 15, 2016

30

Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
July 31, 2016 and 2015 

ASSETS

2016

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

$

141,228
147,333

$

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable — net
Inventories:

Finished products
Work-in-process
Raw materials and supplies

Total inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Other assets:
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Deferred income taxes
Other

Property, plant and equipment:

Cost:

Land
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment — net

Total

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

Current liabilities:
Notes payable
Accounts payable
Wages and amounts withheld from employees
Taxes, other than income taxes
Accrued income taxes
Other current liabilities
Current maturities on long-term debt
Total current liabilities

Long-term obligations, less current maturities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ investment:

Class A nonvoting common stock — Issued 51,261,487 and 51,261,487 shares, respectively; 
(aggregate liquidation preference of $42,803 and $42,803 at July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) 

Class B voting common stock — Issued and outstanding 3,538,628 shares
Additional paid-in capital
Earnings retained in the business
Treasury stock — 4,340,513 and 3,480,303 shares at July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively of 
Class A nonvoting common stock, at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Other

Total stockholders’ investment

Total

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$

$

31

114,492
157,386

66,700
16,958
20,849
104,507
19,755
396,140

433,199
68,888
34,752
18,704

5,284
94,423
270,086
2,164
371,957
260,743
111,214
1,062,897

10,411
73,020
30,282
7,250
7,576
37,939
42,514
208,992
200,774
65,443
475,209

513
35
314,403
414,069

64,313
16,678
18,436
99,427
19,436
407,424

429,871
59,806
27,238
17,181

5,809
95,355
256,549
2,842
360,555
258,111
102,444
1,043,964

4,928
62,245
45,998
7,403
6,136
40,017
—
166,727
211,982
61,657
440,366

513
35
317,001
453,371

$

$

(108,714)
(54,745)
(3,863)
603,598
1,043,964

$

(93,234)
(45,034)
(3,064)
587,688
1,062,897

Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Net sales

Cost of products sold

Gross margin

Operating expenses:

Research and development

Selling, general and administrative

Restructuring charges

Impairment charges

Total operating expenses

Operating income (loss)

Other (expense) and income:

Investment and other (expense) income

Interest expense

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

Net earnings (loss)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share

Basic

Diluted

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic

Diluted

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:

Basic

Diluted

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic

Diluted

Net earnings (loss) per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends

Net earnings (loss) per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic

Diluted

Dividends

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

Basic

Diluted

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

32

2016

2015

2014

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

1,120,625

$

1,171,731

$

1,225,034

561,852

558,773

35,799

405,096

—

—

440,895

117,878

(709)

(7,824)

109,345

29,235

80,110

—

80,110

1.59

1.58

1.57

1.56

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

1.59

1.58

0.81

1.57

1.56

0.79

$

$

$

$

$

$

613,299

558,432

36,734

422,704

16,821

46,867

523,126

35,306

845

(11,156)

24,995

20,093

4,902

(1,915)

2,987

0.10

0.10

0.08

0.08

$

$

$

$

$

$

(0.04) $

(0.04) $

(0.04) $

(0.04) $

0.06

0.06

0.80

0.04

0.04

0.78

$

$

$

$

$

$

615,470

609,564

35,048

452,164

15,012

148,551

650,775

(41,211)

2,402

(14,300)

(53,109)

(4,963)

(48,146)

2,178

(45,968)

(0.93)

(0.93)

(0.95)

(0.95)

0.04

0.04

0.05

0.05

(0.89)

(0.89)

0.78

(0.90)

(0.90)

0.76

50,541

50,769

51,285

51,383

51,866

51,866

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

2016

2015
(Dollars in thousands)
$

2,987

$

80,110

2014

(45,968)

(1,405)
—
(1,405)

(85,622)
(34,697)
(120,319)

4,543
3,004
7,547

4,626

21,477

(4,243)

(6,906)
—
(6,906)

(1,254)

196
(1,058)

(293)
(612)
(1,035)
—
(1,940)

546
(393)
153

1,643

(1,325)
318

1,057
(741)
(1,170)
(1,741)
(2,595)

211
865
1,076

8

(147)
(139)

5,211
(240)
(203)
131
4,899

(6,683)

(3,028)
(9,711)
70,399

$

(100,966)

(8,224)
(109,190)
(106,203) $

9,140

(1,047)
8,093
(37,875)

Net earnings (loss)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Foreign currency translation adjustments:

Net (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)

Net investment hedge translation adjustments
Long-term intercompany loan translation adjustments:

Net (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net (loss) earnings

Cash flow hedges:

Net (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net earnings (loss)

Pension and other post-retirement benefits:

Net (loss) gain recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income 
Actuarial gain amortization
Prior service credit amortization
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

$

33

 
Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Earnings
Retained
in the
Business

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive 
(Loss)
Income

Other

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

548

$

306,191

$

538,512

$

(69,797) $

56,063

$

(720)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

847

(371)

(70)

5,214

—

—

—

(45,968)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(37,786)

(2,701)

—

—

11,266

(4,225)

—

—

(30,581)

—

—

—

8,093

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,439)

—

—

—

—

—

$

548

$

311,811

$

452,057

$

(93,337) $

64,156

$

(2,159)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,315)

2,312

(2,876)

4,471

—

—

2,987

—

—

—

—

—

(38,204)

(2,771)

—

—

2,735

(2,632)

—

—

—

—

—

(109,190)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(905)

—

—

—

—

$

548

$

314,403

$

414,069

$

(93,234) $

(45,034) $

(3,064)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(3,830)

(10)

(1,716)

8,154

—

—

—

80,110

—

—

—

—

—

—

(38,001)

(2,807)

—

—

8,300

(228)

—

—

(23,552)

—

—

—

(9,711)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(799)

—

—

—

—

—

Balances at July 31, 2013

Net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
of tax

Issuance of 490,507 shares of Class A 
Common Stock under stock option plan

Other

Tax benefit from exercise of stock
options and deferred compensation
distributions

Stock-based compensation expense
(Note 7)

Purchase of 1,180,531 shares of Class A 
Common Stock

Cash dividends on Common Stock

Class A — $0.78 per share

Class B — $0.76 per share

Balances at July 31, 2014

Net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
of tax

Issuance of 102,780 shares of Class A 
Common Stock under stock plan

Other

Tax (shortfall) benefit from exercise of
stock options and deferred compensation
distributions

Stock-based compensation expense
(Note 7)

Cash dividends on Common Stock

Class A — $0.80 per share

Class B — $0.78 per share

Balances at July 31, 2015

Net earnings (loss)

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net
of tax

Issuance of 304,471 shares of Class A 
Common Stock under stock plan

Other

Tax (shortfall) benefit from exercise of
stock options, vesting of RSUs, and
deferred compensation distributions

Stock-based compensation expense
(Note 7)

Purchase of 1,153,689 shares of Class A 
Common Stock

Cash dividends on Common Stock

Class A — $0.81 per share

Class B — $0.79 per share

Balances at July 31, 2016

$

548

$

317,001

$

453,371

$

(108,714) $

(54,745) $

(3,863)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

34

 
Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 

Operating activities:

Net earnings (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

$

80,110

$

2,987

$

(45,968)

2016

2015
(Dollars in thousands)

2014

Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash portion of restructuring charges
Non-cash portion of stock-based compensation expense
Impairment charges
Loss on sales of businesses, net
Deferred income taxes
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of effects of business acquisitions/
divestitures):

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Sales of businesses, net of cash retained
Other

Financing activities:

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Payment of dividends
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Purchase of treasury stock
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facilities
Repayment of borrowing on credit facilities
Principal payments on debt
Debt issuance costs
Income tax on equity-based compensation, and other

Net cash used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest
Income taxes paid

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

32,432
—
8,154
—
—
2,085

8,159
4,833
475
3,928
(1,200)
138,976

(17,140)
—
1,724
(15,416)

(40,808)
5,246
(23,552)
96,276
(91,759)
(42,514)
(803)
(1,662)
(99,576)
2,752
26,736
114,492
141,228

8,528
28,497

$

$

39,458
4,164
4,471
46,867
426
(7,233)

1,317
(763)
9,188
(8,516)
982
93,348

(26,673)
6,111
6,197
(14,365)

(40,976)
1,644
—
83,382
(32,314)
(42,514)
—
(1,374)
(32,152)
(14,173)
32,658
81,834
114,492

11,164
25,024

$

$

44,598
566
5,214
148,551
1,238
(27,516)

(3,600)
(12,608)
(278)
(20,508)
3,731
93,420

(43,398)
54,242
(637)
10,207

(40,487)
12,113
(30,581)
73,334
(62,398)
(61,264)
—
(6,104)
(115,387)
2,536
(9,224)
91,058
81,834

14,594
33,043

$

$

35

Table of Contents

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations — Brady Corporation is a global manufacturer and supplier of identification solutions and workplace 
safety products that identify and protect premises, products and people. The ability to provide customers with a broad range of 
proprietary, customized, and diverse products for use in various applications, along with a commitment to quality and service, a 
global footprint, and multiple sales channels, have made Brady a world leader in many of its markets.

Principles  of  Consolidation  —  The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Brady 
Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Brady” or the “Company”), all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Discontinued Operations — The results of operations of the Die-Cut businesses have been reported as discontinued operations 
for the years ended July 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no assets held for sale at July 31, 2016 or July 31, 2015 as the second and 
final phase of the Die-Cut sale closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In accordance with the authoritative literature, the Company 
has elected to not separately disclose the cash flows related to discontinued operations. See Note 13 for additional information 
about the Company's discontinued operations.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in 
the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities, 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Subsequent Events — On September 8, 2016, the Company announced an increase in the annual dividend to shareholders 
of the Company's Class A Common Stock, from $0.81 to $0.82 per share. A quarterly dividend of $0.2050 will be paid on October 
31, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 10, 2016. This dividend represents an increase of 1.2% and 
is the 31st consecutive annual increase in dividends.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (cash and 
cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable) is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of these instruments due to 
their short-term nature. See Note 6 for more information regarding the fair value of long-term debt and Note 11 for fair value 
measurements.

Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less 

when acquired to be cash equivalents, which are recorded at cost.

Accounts Receivables — Accounts receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $5,144 and $3,585 as 
of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated net sales 
in fiscal 2016, 2015 or 2014, or 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of July 31, 2016 or 2015. Specific 
customer provisions are made during review of significant outstanding amounts, in which customer creditworthiness and current 
economic trends may indicate that collection is doubtful. In addition, provisions are made for the remainder of accounts receivable 
based upon the age of the receivable and the Company’s historical collection experience.

Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out 
(“LIFO”) method for certain domestic inventories (14.0% of total inventories at July 31, 2016, and 12.7% of total inventories at 
July 31, 2015) and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods for other inventories. Had all domestic inventories been 
accounted for on a FIFO basis instead of on a LIFO basis, the carrying value of inventories would have increased by $6,929 and 
$7,346 as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Goodwill  — Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate 
that the asset might be impaired.  The Company completes impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair-value method 
based on management's judgments and assumptions. The fair value represents the amount at which a reporting unit could be bought 
or sold in a current transaction between market participants on an arms-length basis. In estimating the fair value, the Company 
utilizes a discounted cash flow model and market multiples approach. The estimated fair value is compared with the carrying 
amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2016, in accordance with 
ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other" ("Step One") indicated that all reporting units with remaining goodwill had a fair 

36

Table of Contents

value substantially in excess of its carrying value. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during the year ended July 31, 
2016.

Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets — The cost of intangible assets with determinable useful lives is amortized to reflect 
the pattern of economic benefits consumed on a straight-line basis, over the estimated periods benefited. Intangible assets with 
indefinite useful lives as well as goodwill are not subject to amortization. These assets are assessed for impairment annually or 
more frequently as deemed necessary.

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life 
of long-lived and other finite-lived intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be 
recoverable. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated by comparing the fair value of the 
asset to its carrying value. In fiscal 2016, long-lived and other intangible assets were analyzed for potential impairment. As a result 
of  the  analysis,  no  impairment  charges  were  recorded.  Refer  to  Note  2,  "Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible Assets"  for  further 
information.

Property,  Plant,  and  Equipment  —  Property,  plant,  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost.  The  cost  of  buildings  and 
improvements and machinery and equipment is being depreciated over their estimated useful lives using primarily the straight-
line method for financial reporting purposes. The estimated useful lives range from 3 to 33 years as shown below.

Asset Category
Buildings & Improvements

Computer Systems

Machinery & Equipment

   Range of Useful Lives

10 to 33 Years

5 Years

3 to 10 Years

Fully depreciated assets are retained in property and accumulated depreciation accounts until disposal. Upon disposal, assets 
and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the net amount, less proceeds from disposal, is charged 
or credited to operations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life 
of the respective asset. Depreciation expense was $23,375, $27,355, and $26,727 for the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 
2014, respectively.

Catalog Costs and Related Amortization — The Company accumulates all direct costs incurred, net of vendor cooperative 
advertising payments, in the development, production, and circulation of its catalogs on its balance sheet until such time as the 
related catalog is mailed. The catalog costs are subsequently amortized into selling, general, and administrative expense over the 
expected sales realization cycle, which is one year or less. Consequently, any difference between the estimated and actual revenue 
stream for a particular catalog and the related impact on amortization expense is realized within a period of one year or less. The 
estimate of the expected sales realization cycle for a particular catalog is based on the Company’s historical sales experience with 
identical or similar catalogs, and an assessment of prevailing economic conditions and various competitive factors. The Company 
tracks subsequent sales realization, reassesses the marketplace, and compares its findings to the previous estimate, and adjusts the 
amortization of future catalogs, if necessary. At July 31, 2016 and 2015, $8,290 and $9,547, respectively, of prepaid catalog costs 
were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. 

Revenue Recognition — Revenue is recognized when it is both earned and realized or realizable. The Company’s policy is 
to  recognize  revenue  when  title  to  the  product  and  risk  of  loss  have  transferred  to  the  customer,  persuasive  evidence  of  an 
arrangement exists, and collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured, all of which generally occur upon shipment of 
goods to customers. The majority of the Company’s revenue relates to the sale of inventory to customers, and revenue is recognized 
when title and the risks and rewards of ownership pass to the customer. Given the nature of the Company’s business and the 
applicable rules guiding revenue recognition, the Company’s revenue recognition practices do not contain estimates that materially 
affect the results of operations, with the exception of estimated returns and credit memos. The Company provides for an allowance 
for estimated product returns and credit memos which is recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of the sale. As of July 31, 
2016 and 2015, the Company had a reserve for estimated product returns and credit memos of $3,713 and $3,619, respectively. 

Sales Incentives — The Company accounts for cash consideration (such as sales incentives and cash discounts) given to its 
customers or resellers as a reduction of revenue rather than an operating expense. Sales incentives for the years ended July 31, 
2016, 2015, and 2014 were $36,084, $36,591, and $36,175, respectively. 

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs — Amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping and handling 

fees are reported as net sales and the related costs incurred for shipping and handling are reported as cost of goods sold.

37

  
  
  
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Advertising Costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except catalog and mailing costs as outlined previously. 

Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $74,204, $86,090, and $82,561, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation — The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant 
nonqualified stock options to purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock unit awards ("RSUs"), or 
restricted and unrestricted shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors. 

The options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date 
of grant. Restricted shares and RSUs issued under the plan have an issuance price equal to the fair market value of the underlying 
stock at the date of grant. The Company also grants restricted shares and RSUs to certain executives and key management employees 
that vest upon meeting certain financial performance conditions. 

In  accordance  with  ASC  718  "Compensation  -  Stock  Compensation,"  the  Company  measures  and  recognizes  the 
compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated grant-date fair values. The 
Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant. The Company 
recognizes the compensation cost of all share-based awards at the time it is deemed probable the award will vest. This cost is 
recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. If it is determined that it is unlikely the award will vest, 
the expense recognized to date for the award is reversed in the period in which this is evident and the remaining expense is not 
recorded.

The Black-Scholes model requires the use of assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards. The Company 
uses historical data regarding stock option exercise behaviors to estimate the expected term of options granted based on the period 
of  time  that  options  granted  are  expected  to  be  outstanding.  Expected  volatilities  are  based  on  the  historical  volatility  of  the 
Company’s stock. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical dividend payments and historical yield. The 
risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect on the grant date for the length of time corresponding to 
the expected term of the option. The market value is calculated as the average of the high and the low stock price on the date of 
the grant.

The Company includes as part of cash flows from financing activities the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the tax-
effected compensation of the related stock-based awards for options exercised and restricted shares and RSUs vested during the 
period. See Note 7 “Stockholder’s Investment” for more information regarding the Company’s incentive stock plans.

Research and Development — Amounts expended for research and development are expensed as incurred.

Other Comprehensive Income — Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, net 
unrealized gains and losses from cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, and the unamortized gain on the post-retirement 
medical plans net of their related tax effects.

Foreign Currency Translation — Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at end of 
period rates of exchange, and income and expense accounts are translated at the weighted average rates of exchange for the period. 
Resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income.

Risk Management Activities — The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 "Income Taxes", which requires an 
asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are 
computed for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible 
amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect 
taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be 
realized. Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred 
tax assets and liabilities. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is more 
likely than not. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs.

Foreign Currency Hedging — The objective of the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk management is to minimize 
the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions and minimize the foreign currency translation impact 
on the Company’s foreign operations. While the Company’s risk management objectives and strategies are driven from an economic 
perspective, the Company attempts, where possible and practical, to ensure that the hedging strategies it engages in qualify for 
hedge accounting and result in accounting treatment where the earnings effect of the hedging instrument provides substantial offset 
(in the same period) to the earnings effect of the hedged item. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use 

38

Table of Contents

of foreign currency derivatives to protect against exposure resulting from transactions in a currency differing from the respective 
functional currency. 

The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance 
Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated 
Statements of Earnings as "Investment and other income (expense) - net" or as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income ("AOCI") in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(Loss), as discussed below. 

The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange currency contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign 
currency denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed 
rate at a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months. These instruments may or  may not qualify as hedges under the 
accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities based upon the intended objective of the contract. Hedge 
effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in the fair 
value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be highly 
effective at the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis. Gains or losses on the derivative related to hedge ineffectiveness 
are recognized in current earnings. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not material for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 
2015, and 2014. 

The Company has designated a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges. For these instruments, the 
effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of AOCI and in the cash flow hedge section of 
the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which 
the hedged transaction affects earnings. 

The Company has designated a portion of its foreign exchange contracts as net investment hedges of the Company’s net 
investments  in  foreign  operations.  The  Company  also  utilizes  Euro-denominated  debt  and  British  Pound-denominated 
intercompany loans designated as hedge instruments to hedge portions of the Company’s net investments in Euro and British- 
Pound denominated foreign operations. For net investment hedges that meet the effectiveness requirements, the net gains or losses 
attributable to changes in spot exchange rates are recorded as cumulative translation within AOCI and are included in the net 
investment hedge section of the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Any ineffective portions are to be 
recognized in earnings. Recognition in earnings of amounts previously recorded in cumulative translation is limited to circumstances 
such as complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the hedged foreign operation. 

The  Company  also  enters  into  foreign  exchange  contracts  to  create  economic  hedges  to  manage  foreign  exchange  risk 
exposure.  The Company has not designated these derivative contracts as hedge transactions, and accordingly, the mark-to-market 
impact of these derivatives is recorded each period in current earnings.

See Note 12 "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for more information regarding the Company’s derivative instruments 

and hedging activities.

New Accounting Standards — In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Stock Compensation: Improvements to 
Employee  Share-Based  Payment Accounting,"  which  will  simplify  several  aspects  of  accounting  for  share-based  payment 
transactions. The update will require, among other items, that all excess tax deficiencies or benefits be recorded as income tax 
expense or benefit in the statement of earnings, and not in additional paid-in capital (APIC).  This guidance is effective for annual 
periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption of the ASU is permitted 
and the prospective transition method should be applied. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its 
consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which replaces the current lease accounting standard. The update 
will require, among other items, lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from most leases on the balance sheet.  
This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. 
The ASU must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently 
evaluating the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which eliminates the transaction-
and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaces it with a principles-based approach for 
determining revenue recognition. The new guidance requires revenue recognition when control of the goods or services transfers 
to the customer, replacing the existing guidance which requires revenue recognition when the risks and rewards transfer to the 
customer. Under the new guidance, companies should recognize revenues in amounts that reflect the payment to which a company 
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 

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Table of Contents

In  March  2016,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2016-08, "Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers  -  Principal  versus  Agent 
Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)", which amends the principal-versus-agent implementation guidance in 
ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-08 clarifies the principal-versus-agent guidance in ASU 2014-09 and requires an entity to determine 
whether the nature of its promise to provide goods or services to a customer is performed in a principal or agent capacity and to 
recognize revenue in a gross or net manner based on that designation.

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and 
Practical Expedients", which amends the transition, collectability, and non-cash consideration guidance in ASU 2014-09. ASU 
2016-12 clarifies that, for a contract to be considered completed at transition, substantially all of the revenue must have been 
recognized under legacy GAAP. The amendments also clarify how an entity should evaluate the collectability threshold and when 
an entity can recognize nonrefundable consideration received as revenue if an arrangement does not meet the standard’s contract 
criteria.

ASU  2014-09 (and related updates) is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2019. Entities have the option of using 
either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the standard. The Company is currently evaluating 
the impact of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, were as 

follows:

Balance as of July 31, 2014

Impairment charge

Translation adjustments

Balance as of July 31, 2015

Translation adjustments

Balance as of July 31, 2016

IDS

WPS

Total

$

412,289

$

102,715

$

515,004

—

(29,503)

382,786

1,743

384,529

$

$

(37,112)

(15,190)

50,413

(5,071)

45,342

$

$

(37,112)

(44,693)

433,199

(3,328)

429,871

$

$

Goodwill at July 31, 2016 and 2015 included $118,637 and $209,392 of accumulated impairment losses within the IDS and 
WPS segments, respectively, for a total of $328,029. There were no impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2016. The decrease 
of $3,328 in the carrying amount of goodwill as of July 31, 2016 compared to July 31, 2015 was due to the effect of currency 
fluctuations during the fiscal year.

The  annual  impairment  testing  performed  on  May  1,  2016,  in  accordance  with ASC  350,  “Intangibles  -  Goodwill  and 
Other” (“Step One”) indicated that all of the reporting units with remaining goodwill (IDS Americas & Europe, PeopleID, and 
WPS Europe) passed Step One of the goodwill impairment test as each had a fair value substantially in excess of its carrying 
value.

During fiscal 2015, goodwill with carrying amounts of $26,246 and $10,866 in the WPS APAC and WPS Americas reporting 

units, respectively, was written off entirely, resulting in impairment charges of $37,112. 

40

Table of Contents

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets include patents, tradenames, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and other intangible 
assets with finite lives being amortized in accordance with the accounting guidance for other intangible assets. The net book value 
of these assets was as follows:

July 31, 2016

July 31, 2015

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
(Years)

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Book
Value

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
(Years)

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Book
Value

Amortized other intangible
assets:

Patents

Tradenames and other

Customer relationships

Non-compete
agreements and other

Unamortized other intangible
assets:

Tradenames

Total

5

5

7

4

$

12,252

$

(11,063) $

1,189

14,359

135,795

(13,709)

650

(100,830)

34,965

9,153

(9,142)

11

5

5

7

4

$

12,073

$

(10,641) $

14,375

136,693

(12,471)

(94,537)

1,432

1,904

42,156

9,076

(9,032)

44

N/A

22,991

—

22,991

N/A

23,352

—

23,352

$

194,550

$

(134,744) $

59,806

$

195,569

$

(126,681) $

68,888

The decrease in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets as of July 31, 2016 compared to July 31, 2015 was 

primarily due to the effect of currency fluctuations during the year. 

In fiscal 2015, tradenames and customer relationships primarily associated with the WPS APAC and WPS Americas reporting 

units were written down to fair value. As a result, the Company recognized impairment charges of $6,651 during fiscal 2015.

Amortization expense on intangible assets during fiscal 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $9,056, $12,103 and $17,871, respectively. 
The amortization over each of the next five fiscal years is projected to be $7,068, $6,379, $6,101, $5,581 and $5,534 for the fiscal 
years ending July 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

3. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Other comprehensive (loss) income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses from 

cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, and the unamortized gain on post-retirement plans, net of their related tax effects.

The following table illustrates the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net 

of tax, for the periods presented:

Unrealized
gain (loss) on
cash flow
hedges

Gain on
postretirement
plans

Ending balance, July 31, 2014
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
income
Ending balance, July 31, 2015
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassification

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
income
Ending balance, July 31, 2016

$

$

$

(12) $
829

(808)
9
(986)

$

120
(857) $

4,854
2,236

(3,652)
3,438
445

(1,647)
2,236

Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
59,314
$
(73,098)

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
(loss) income
64,156
$
(70,033)

(34,697)
(48,481) $
(7,643)

—
(56,124) $

$

$

(39,157)
(45,034)
(8,184)

(1,527)
(54,745)

The increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of July 31, 2016 compared to July 31, 2015, was primarily due to 
the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against certain other currencies during the twelve-month period. The foreign currency translation 
adjustments column in the table above includes foreign currency translation, foreign currency translation on intercompany notes 
and the impact of settlements of net investment hedges, net of tax. Of the total $1,527 in amounts reclassified from AOCI, the 

41

 
Table of Contents

$120 loss on cash flow hedges was reclassified into cost of products sold, and the $1,647 net gain on post-retirement plans was 
reclassified into SG&A on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in fiscal 2016.

The following table illustrates the income tax (expense) benefit on the components of other comprehensive income:

Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive (loss)
income:

Net investment hedge translation adjustments
Long-term intercompany loan settlements
Cash flow hedges
Pension and other post-retirement benefits
Other income tax adjustments

2016

2015

2014

$

(1,804) $
—
192
738
(2,154)

(8,450) $
—
(308)
949
(415)

302
579
28
(1,898)
(58)

Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income

$

(3,028) $

(8,224) $

(1,047)

4. Employee Benefit Plans

The  Company  provides  postretirement  medical  benefits  (the  “Plan”)  for  eligible  regular  full  and  part-time  domestic 
employees (including spouses) who retired prior to January 1, 2016, as outlined by the Plan. Employer contributions to the plan 
are  based  on  the  employee’s  age  and  service  at  retirement.  The  Plan  was  amended  effective  March  16,  2015  to  eliminate 
postretirement medical benefits for eligible domestic employees retiring on or after January 1, 2016. This amendment resulted in 
a decrease in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $4,490 and recognition of a curtailment gain of $4,296 in fiscal 
2015. The curtailment gain was recorded in SG&A on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

The accounting guidance on defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans requires full recognition of the funded 
status of defined benefit and other postretirement plans on the balance sheet as an asset or a liability. The guidance also requires 
that unrecognized prior service costs/credits, gains/losses, and transition obligations/assets be recorded in AOCI, thus not changing 
the income statement recognition rules for such plans.

The Plan is unfunded and recorded as a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2016 and 
2015. The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the Plan’s accumulated benefit obligation during the years 
ended July 31:

Obligation at beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain) loss

Benefit payments

Plan amendments

Curtailment gain

Obligation at end of fiscal year

2016

2015

4,135

$

9

114

(38)

(420)

—

—

3,800

$

8,056

210

222

502

(365)

(1,935)

(2,555)

4,135

$

$

As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, amounts recognized as liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets consist 

of:

Current liability

Non-current liability

2016

2015

499

3,301

3,800

$

$

659

3,476

4,135

$

$

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Table of Contents

As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying 

Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:

Net actuarial gain

Prior service credit

2016

2015

6,048

—

6,048

$

$

6,655

1,035

7,690

$

$

Net periodic benefit (gain) cost for the Plan for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 includes the following components:

Net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  (gain)  cost  included  the  following 
components:

Service cost

Interest cost

Amortization of prior service credit

Amortization of net actuarial gain

        Curtailment gain

Periodic postretirement benefit (gain) cost

2016

Years Ended July 31,
2015

2014

$

$

9

$

114

(1,035)

(646)

—

$

210

222

(1,169)

(804)

(4,296)

(1,558) $

(5,837) $

674

534

(203)

(265)

—

740

The estimated net actuarial gain that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic 
postretirement benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $544. No prior service credit remains due to the plan amendment to eliminate 
post-retirement benefits for employees retiring after January 1, 2016.

The following assumptions were used in accounting for the Plan:

Weighted average discount rate used in determining accumulated postretirement 
benefit obligation 
Weighted average discount rate used in determining net periodic benefit cost

Assumed health care trend rate used to measure APBO at July 31

Rate to which cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

Fiscal year the ultimate trend rate is reached

2016

2015

2014

2.50%

3.00%

7.50%

5.50%

2018

3.00%

3.41%

7.00%

5.50%

2018

3.50%

4.00%

7.50%

5.50%

2018

The discount rate utilized in preparing the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation liability was decreased to 2.50%
in fiscal 2016 from 3.00% in fiscal 2015 as a result of a decrease in the bond yield as of the Company’s measurement date of 
July 31, 2016. 

A one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Plan:

Effect on future service and interest cost

Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at July 31, 2016

One-Percentage
Point Increase

One-Percentage
Point Decrease

$

$

3

17

(3)

(18)

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid during the 

years ending July 31:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 through 2026

$

499

449

377

359

339

1,342

43

 
 
Table of Contents

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that are primarily unfunded and provide an income benefit upon 
termination  or  retirement  for  certain  of  its  international  employees. As  of  July 31,  2016  and  2015,  the  accumulated  pension 
obligation related to these plans was $7,120 and $6,020, respectively. As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax amounts recognized 
in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets were losses of $1,161 and $1,361, 
respectively. The net periodic benefit cost for these plans was $795, $724, and $286 during the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014, respectively.

The Company has retirement and profit-sharing plans covering substantially all full-time domestic employees and certain 
employees of its foreign subsidiaries. Contributions to the plans are determined annually or quarterly, according to the respective 
plans,  based  on  earnings  of  the  respective  companies  and  employee  contributions.  Accrued  retirement  and  profit-sharing 
contributions of $3,380 and $2,743 were included in other current liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets 
as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The amounts charged to expense for these retirement and profit sharing plans were 
$10,407, $9,912, and $10,830 during the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company also has deferred compensation plans for directors, officers and key executives which are discussed below. 
At July 31, 2016 and 2015, $18,758 and $18,321, respectively, of deferred compensation was included in other long-term liabilities 
in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During fiscal 1998, the Company adopted a new deferred compensation plan that invests solely in shares of the Company’s 
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. Participants in a predecessor phantom stock plan were allowed to convert their balances in 
the old plan to this new plan. The new plan was funded initially by the issuance of shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock 
to a Rabbi Trust. All deferrals into the new plan result in purchases of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock by the Rabbi Trust. No 
deferrals are allowed into a predecessor plan. Shares held by the Rabbi Trust are distributed to participants upon separation from 
the Company as defined in the plan agreement.

During fiscal 2002, the Company adopted a new deferred compensation plan for executives and non-employee directors 
that allows future contributions to be invested in shares of the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock or in certain other 
investment vehicles. Prior deferred compensation deferrals must remain in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. 
All participant deferrals into the new plan result in purchases of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock or certain other investment 
vehicles by the Rabbi Trust. Balances held by the Rabbi Trust are distributed to participants upon separation from the Company 
as defined in the plan agreement. On May 1, 2006, the plan was amended to require that deferrals into the Company’s Class A 
Nonvoting Common Stock must remain in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and be distributed in shares of the 
Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. On May 21, 2014, the Director Deferred Compensation Plan was amended to 
allow participants to transfer funds from other investment funds into the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. Funds 
are not permitted to be transferred from the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock into other investment funds until six 
months after the Director resigns from the Board. No such amendment was made to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

5. Income Taxes

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations consists of the following:

United States

Other Nations

Total

2016

Years Ended July 31,
2015

2014

$

$

61,349

47,996

109,345

$

$

(582) $

25,577

24,995

$

(134,596)

81,487

(53,109)

44

 
 
Table of Contents

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following:

Current income tax expense (benefit):

United States

Other Nations

States (U.S.)

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):

United States

Other Nations

States (U.S.)

Total income tax expense (benefit)

2016

Years Ended July 31,
2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

5,048

$

9,075

$

19,929

1,348

26,325

3,946

(1,387)

351

2,910

29,235

$

$

$

$

18,806

(352)

27,529

$

(5,906) $

(1,868)

338

(7,436) $

20,093

$

(1,137)

19,513

1,090

19,466

(22,754)

(1,803)

128

(24,429)

(4,963)

Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses for financial statement 

and income tax purposes.

The approximate tax effects of temporary differences are as follows:

Inventories

Prepaid catalog costs

Employee benefits

Accounts receivable

Fixed Assets

Intangible Assets

Capitalized R&D expenditures

Deferred compensation

Postretirement benefits

Tax credit carry-forwards and net operating losses

Less valuation allowance

Other, net

Total

Assets

$

5,142

$

—

6,347

1,619

2,847

1,144

855

20,549

4,152

56,790

(37,992)

10,918

$

72,371

$

July 31, 2016
Liabilities

Total

(153) $

(1,577)

—

(15)

(2,695)

(31,777)

—

—

—

—

—

(15,173)

(51,390) $

4,989

(1,577)

6,347

1,604

152

(30,633)

855

20,549

4,152

56,790

(37,992)

(4,255)

20,981

45

 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Inventories

Prepaid catalog costs

Employee benefits

Accounts receivable

Fixed Assets

Intangible Assets

Capitalized R&D expenditures

Deferred compensation

Postretirement benefits

Tax credit carry-forwards and net operating losses

Less valuation allowance

Other, net

Total

Assets

$

4,387

$

—

1,612

1,136

3,344

1,242

1,140

19,549

3,563

66,744

(39,922)

9,538

$

72,333

$

July 31, 2015
Liabilities

Total

(197) $

(2,179)

—

(14)

(3,213)

(26,570)

—

—

—

—

—

(12,475)

(44,648) $

4,190

(2,179)

1,612

1,122

131

(25,328)

1,140

19,549

3,563

66,744

(39,922)

(2,937)

27,685

In November 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new 
guidance requires that all deferred taxes be presented as non-current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2016, the Company adopted this guidance and reclassified current deferred tax assets and current deferred tax liabilities 
from  prepaid  expenses  and  other  current  assets  and  other  current  liabilities,  respectively,  to  deferred  income  taxes  and  other 
liabilities, respectively, in prior-period Consolidated Balance Sheets to conform to the current period's presentation. The impact 
of this reclassification on the July 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet was a reclassification of $12,442 from prepaid expenses 
and other current assets to deferred income taxes and $254 from other current liabilities to other liabilities.

Tax loss carry-forwards at July 31, 2016 are comprised of:

•  Foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of $119,874, of which $89,637 have no expiration date and the remainder of   

which expire within the next eight years.

•  State net operating loss carry-forwards of $42,095, which expire from 2017 to 2034.
•  Foreign tax credit carry-forwards of $14,381, which expire from 2021 to 2025.
•  State research and development credit carry-forwards of $11,526, which expire from 2017 to 2031.

The valuation allowance decreased by $1,930 during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, primarily due to the appreciation 
of the U.S. Dollar against the Swedish Krona and the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in China and India. These 
decreases were partially offset by the increase in valuation allowances in Brazil due to the generation of current year net operating 
losses. If realized or reversed in future periods, substantially all of the valuation allowance would impact the income tax rate.

 The valuation allowance increased by $2,513 during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, mainly due to increased valuation 
allowances against state tax credit carryforwards and increased valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions, including Brazil, 
China, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These increases were partially offset by reductions in the tax rates applied to valuation 
allowances in the United Kingdom.

46

 
 
Table of Contents

Rate Reconciliation

A reconciliation of the tax computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to earnings (loss) from continuing 

operations before income taxes to the total income tax expense is as follows:

Tax at statutory rate

Impairment charges (1)

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (2)

International rate differential

Rate variances arising from foreign subsidiary distributions

Adjustments to tax accruals and reserves (3)

Research and development tax credits and section 199 manufacturer’s deduction

Non-deductible divestiture fees and account write-offs

Deferred tax and other adjustments (4)

Other, net

Effective tax rate

Years Ended July 31,

2016

2015

2014

35.0 %
— %

0.8 %

0.4 %

0.5 %

(3.7)%

(3.6)%

(0.4)%

(1.4)%

(0.9)%

26.7 %

35.0 %
55.8 %

1.6 %

(2.2)%

(0.3)%

17.8 %

(3.9)%

(4.8)%

(21.1)%

2.5 %

80.4 %

35.0 %

(40.3)%

(1.1)%

(1.3)%

(7.5)%

25.5 %

3.6 %

(5.2)%

0.7 %

(0.1)%

9.3 %

(1)  For the year ended July 31, 2015, $39.8 million of the total impairment charge of $46.9 million recorded is nondeductible 
for income tax purposes. For the year ended July 31, 2014, $61.1 million of the total impairment charge of $148.6 million
recorded is nondeductible for income tax purposes. 

(2)  The year ended July 31, 2014 includes a $3.1 million increase in valuation allowances against certain state tax credit 

carryforwards.

(3)  The years ended July 31, 2014 and 2015 include increases in current year uncertain tax positions, while the year ended 
July 31, 2016 includes reductions of uncertain tax positions resulting from the closure of audits and lapses in statutes 
of limitations. 

(4)  The year ended July 31, 2015 includes $5.0 million of foreign tax credit carryforward from the fiscal 2014 U.S. tax 

return.

47

 
 
 
Table of Contents

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 740, "Income Taxes" regarding uncertain tax positions. The guidance requires 

application of a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and de-recognition of tax positions.  A reconciliation of 
unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows:

Balance at July 31, 2013

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Lapse of statute of limitations

Settlements with tax authorities

Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other

Balance as of July 31, 2014

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Lapse of statute of limitations

Settlements with tax authorities

Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other

Balance as of July 31, 2015

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years 

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Lapse of statute of limitations

Settlements with tax authorities

Cumulative Translation Adjustments and other

Balance as of July 31, 2016

$

$

$

$

37,575

4,596

—

(14,569)

(3,711)

(5,832)

(210)

17,849

5,862

—

(280)

(805)

(221)

(1,272)

21,133

3,093

1,290

(9,369)

(344)

(456)

(53)

15,294

The $15,294 of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective income tax rate. The Company 
has classified $9,304 and $15,402, excluding interest and penalties, of the reserve for uncertain tax positions in Other Liabilities 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company has classified $5,990 and $5,731, 
excluding interest and penalties, as a reduction of long-term deferred income tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 
July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense (benefit) on 

the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Interest expense is recognized on the amount of potentially underpaid taxes associated with the Company's tax positions, 
beginning in the first period in which interest starts accruing under the respective tax law and continuing until the tax positions 
are settled. The Company recognized an increase of $3 and decreases of $157 and $498 in interest expense during the years ended 
July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. There was a $66 increase to the reserve for uncertain tax positions for penalties during 
the year ended July 31, 2016, no changes during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, and an increase of $25 for the year ended 
July 31, 2014. These amounts are net of reversals due to reductions for tax positions of prior years, statute of limitations, and 
settlements. At July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $1,530 and $1,531, respectively, accrued for interest on unrecognized 
tax benefits. Penalties are accrued if the tax position does not meet the minimum statutory threshold to avoid the payment of a 
penalty. 

At July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $2,730 and $2,664, respectively, accrued for penalties on unrecognized tax 

benefits.

The Company estimates that it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced by $3,878 within 
twelve months as a result of the resolution of worldwide tax matters, tax audit settlements, amended tax filings, and/or statute 

48

Table of Contents

expirations. The maximum amount that would be recognized through the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as an income tax 
benefit is $3,878. 

During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Company recognized $428 of tax benefits (including interest and penalties) associated 
with the lapse of statutes of limitations. The Company also recognized $10,728 of tax benefits (including interest and penalties) 
associated with the reduction of tax positions for prior years due to the closure of tax audits.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S., various state, and foreign jurisdictions. The following 

table summarizes the open tax years for the Company's major jurisdictions:

Jurisdiction
United States — Federal

France

Germany

United Kingdom

Unremitted Earnings

Open Tax Years
F’15 — F’16

F’12 — F’16

F’09 — F’16

F’14 — F’16

The Company does not provide for U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies 
that have been reinvested indefinitely. These earnings relate to ongoing operations and at July 31, 2016, were approximately 
$259,334. These earnings have been reinvested in non-U.S. business operations, and the Company does not intend to repatriate 
these earnings to fund U.S. operations. It is not practicable to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such 
earnings were not indefinitely reinvested. At July 31, 2016, $139,747 of the total $141,228 in cash and cash equivalents was held 
outside of the U.S.

6. Debt

On  May 13,  2010,  the  Company  completed  a  private  placement  of  €75.0  million  aggregate  principal  amount  of  senior 
unsecured notes to accredited institutional investors. The €75.0  million of senior notes consists of €30.0  million aggregate principal 
amount of 3.71% Series 2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2017 and €45.0  million aggregate principal amount of 4.24% Series 
2010-A Senior Notes, due May 13, 2020, with interest payable on the notes semiannually. This private placement was exempt 
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an 
unsecured basis by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.

During fiscal 2006 and 2007, the Company completed two private placement note issuances totaling $350 million in ten-
year fixed rate notes with varying maturity dates to institutional investors at interest rates varying from 5.30% to 5.33%. The notes 
must be repaid equally over seven years, with interest payable on the notes due semiannually on various dates throughout the year.   
The private placements were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The notes were not registered 
for resale and may not be resold absent such registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 
Securities Act of 1933 and applicable state securities laws. The notes have certain prepayment penalties for repaying them prior 
to the maturity date. Under the debt agreement, the Company made scheduled principal payments of $42.5 million in fiscal years 
2016 and 2015, respectively. The final principal payment for the 2006 series of notes was made during fiscal 2016, while the final 
principal payment for the 2007 series of notes is due in fiscal 2017. The Company intends to utilize our revolving credit facility 
to fund private placement principal payments due during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017, and therefore the maturities are 
included in "Long-term obligations, less current maturities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2016.

On September 25, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an unsecured $300,000 multi-currency  
revolving loan agreement with a group of six banks. Under the new revolving loan agreement, which has a final maturity date of 
September 25, 2020, the Company has the option to select either a base interest rate (based upon the higher of the federal funds 
rate plus one-half of 1%, the prime rate of Bank of America plus a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, 
or the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%) or a Eurocurrency interest rate (at the LIBOR rate plus a margin based on the Company’s 
consolidated leverage ratio). At the Company’s option, and subject to certain conditions, the available amount under the revolving 
loan agreement may be increased from $300,000 up to $450,000. During fiscal 2016, the Company drew $10,000 from its revolving 
loan agreement in order to fund general corporate needs and the maximum amount outstanding throughout the year was $135,000. 
As of July 31, 2016, the outstanding balance on the credit facility was $112,000 and the Company had outstanding letters of credit 
under the revolving loan agreement of $4,261. There was $183,739 available for future borrowing under the credit facility, which 
can be increased to $333,739 at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions. The revolving loan agreement has a final 
maturity date of September 25, 2020. As such, the borrowing is included in "Long-term obligations, less current maturities" on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

49

Table of Contents

The Company has two multi-currency lines of credit in China with capacity of $10,000 each. These lines of credit support 
USD-denominated or CNY-denominated borrowing to fund working capital and operations for the Company's Chinese entities 
and are due on demand. The borrowings under these facilities may be made for a period up to one year from the date of borrowing 
with interest on the USD-denominated borrowings incurred equal to U.S. dollar LIBOR on the date of borrowing plus a margin 
based upon duration and on the CNY-denominated borrowings incurred equal to the local China rate based upon duration. There 
is no ultimate maturity on the facilities and they are subject to periodic review and repricing. The Company is not required to 
comply with any financial covenants as part of the agreements. The maximum amount outstanding on these facilities was $10,411
and the Company repaid $5,483 during fiscal 2016. As of July 31, 2016, the aggregate outstanding balance on these lines of credit 
in China was $4,928 and there was $15,072 available for future borrowings. Due to the short-term nature of these credit facilities, 
the borrowings are classified as "Notes payable" within current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

The Company’s debt agreements require it to maintain certain financial covenants, including a ratio of debt to the trailing 
twelve months EBITDA, as defined in the debt agreements, of not more than a 3.5 to 1.0 ratio (leverage ratio) and the trailing 
twelve months EBITDA to interest expense of not less than a 3.0 to 1.0 ratio (interest expense coverage). As of July 31, 2016, the 
Company was in compliance with these financial covenants, with the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, 
equal to 1.4 to 1.0 and the interest expense coverage ratio equal to 19.9 to 1.0.

Total debt consists of the following as of July 31, 2016:

Euro-denominated notes payable in 2017 at a fixed rate of 3.71%

Euro-denominated notes payable in 2020 at a fixed rate of 4.24%

USD-denominated notes payable through 2016 at a fixed rate of 5.30%

USD-denominated notes payable through 2017 at a fixed rate of 5.33%

USD-denominated borrowing on revolving loan agreement at a weighted average rate of 
1.3136% and 1.2740% as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively
USD-denominated borrowing on revolving loan agreement at a weighted average rate of 
1.9501% as of July 31, 2015.
CNY-denominated borrowing on revolving loan agreement at a weighted average rate of 
4.0042% and 4.6634% as of July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (USD equivalent)

Less notes payable

Total long-term debt

2016

2015

$

33,459

$

50,188

—

16,335

112,000

—

4,928

32,960

49,442

26,143

32,743

102,000

1,836

8,575

$

$

216,910

$

253,699

(4,928)

(10,411)

211,982

$

243,288

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $4,261 and 3,327 at July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, respectively.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term obligations was $218,977 and $252,254 at July 31, 2016 and July 31, 
2015, respectively, as compared to the carrying value of $211,982 and $243,288 at July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, respectively. 
The  fair  value  of  the  long-term  obligations,  which  were  determined  using  the  market  approach  based  upon  the  interest  rates 
available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, were determined to be Level 2 under the fair value 
hierarchy. Due to the short-term nature and variable interest rate pricing of the Company's revolving debt in China, it is determined 
that the carrying value of the debt equals the fair value of the debt.

Maturities on long-term debt are as follows:

Years Ending July 31,
2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Total

50

$

$

49,794

—

—

50,188

112,000

211,982

 
Table of Contents

7. Stockholders' Investment

Information as to the Company’s capital stock at  July 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

Preferred Stock, $.01 par value

Cumulative Preferred Stock:    
6% Cumulative

1972 Series

1979 Series

Shares
Authorized

5,000,000

5,000

10,000

30,000

July 31, 2016
Shares
Issued

(thousands)
Amount

Shares
Authorized

July 31, 2015
Shares
Issued

(thousands)
Amount

5,000,000

5,000

10,000

30,000

Common  Stock,  $.01  par  value: 
Class A Nonvoting
Class B Voting

100,000,000

51,261,487

10,000,000

3,538,628

$

$

513

35

548

100,000,000

51,261,487

10,000,000

3,538,628

$

$

513

35

548

Before any dividend may be paid on the Class B Common Stock, holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to 
receive an annual, noncumulative cash dividend of $.01665 per share. Thereafter, any further dividend in that fiscal year must be 
paid on each share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock on an equal basis.

Other than as required by law, holders of the Class A Common Stock are not entitled to any vote on corporate matters, unless, 
in each of the three preceding fiscal years, the $.01665 preferential dividend described above has not been paid in full. Holders 
of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share for the entire fiscal year immediately following the third consecutive 
fiscal year in which the preferential dividend is not paid in full. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote per 
share for the election of directors and for all other purposes.

Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, and after distribution of any amounts due to holders of Preferred 
Stock, if any, holders of the Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the sum of $0.835 per share before any payment or 
distribution to holders of the Class B Common Stock. Thereafter, holders of the Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive a 
payment or distribution of $0.835 per share. Thereafter, holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share 
equally in all payments or distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

The preferences in dividends and liquidation rights of the Class A Common Stock over the Class B Common Stock will 

terminate at any time that the voting rights of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock become equal.

The following is a summary of other activity in stockholders’ investment for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 

2014:

Balances at July 31, 2013

Shares at July 31, 2013

Sale of shares at cost

Purchase of shares at cost

Effect of plan amendment

Amortization of restricted stock

Balances at July 31, 2014

Shares at July 31, 2014

Sale of shares at cost

Purchase of shares at cost

Balances at July 31, 2015

Shares at July 31, 2015

Sale of shares at cost

Purchase of shares at cost

Balances at July 31, 2016

Shares at July 31, 2016

Unearned
Restricted Stock

Deferred
Compensation

Shares Held in
Rabbi Trust, at cost

Total

$

(1,137) $

11,040

$

469,797

(1,637)

821

(2,435)

—

7,789

$

338,711

(2,325)

220

5,684

$

252,261

(1,238)

178

4,624

$

201,418

—

—

—

1,137

— $

—

—

— $

—

—

— $

51

$

$

$

(10,623) $

469,797

1,496

(821)

—

—

(9,948)

423,415

2,235

$

(1,035)

(8,748) $

362,025

1,278

(1,017)

(8,487) $

347,081

(720)

(141)

—

(2,435)

1,137

(2,159)

(90)

(815)

(3,064)

40

(839)

(3,863)

 
 
Table of Contents

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company has two deferred compensation plans, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the Director Deferred 
Compensation Plan. Both plans allow for compensation to be deferred into either the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common 
Stock or in other investment funds. The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan does not allow funds to be transferred between 
the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and the other investment funds. The Director Deferred Compensation Plan 
allows participants to transfer funds from other investment funds into the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. Funds 
are not permitted to be transferred from the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock into other investment funds until six 
months after the Director resigns from the Board.

At July 31, 2016, the deferred compensation balance in stockholders’ investment represents the investment at the original 
cost of shares held in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for the deferred compensation plans. The balance of 
shares held in the Rabbi Trust  represents the investment in the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock at the original cost 
of all the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock held in deferred compensation plans.

Incentive Stock Plans

The Company has an incentive stock plan under which the Board of Directors may grant nonqualified stock options to 
purchase shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or restricted and unrestricted shares of 
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to employees and non-employee directors. 

As of July 31, 2016, the Company has reserved 4,387,087 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for outstanding stock 
options, RSUs and restricted shares and 2,391,385 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock remain for future issuance of stock 
options, RSUs and restricted and unrestricted shares under the active plans. The Company uses treasury stock or will issue new 
Class A Nonvoting Common Stock to deliver shares under these plans.

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company during the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014
was $8,154 ($5,056 net of taxes), $4,471 ($2,772 net of taxes), and $5,214 ($3,232 net of taxes), respectively. As of July 31, 2016, 
total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation awards that are expected to vest was $15,318 pre-tax, 
net of estimated forfeitures, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

Stock options

The stock options issued under the plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the 
date of grant and generally vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third becoming exercisable one year after the grant date 
and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. Options issued under the plan, referred to herein as “service-based” 
options, generally expire 10 years from the date of grant. 

The Company has estimated the fair value of its service-based stock option awards granted during the years ended July 31, 
2016, 2015, and 2014 using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-
Scholes valuation model are reflected in the following table:

Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions
Expected term (in years)

Expected volatility

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Weighted-average market value of underlying stock at grant date

Weighted-average exercise price

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period

2016

2015

2014

6.11

6.05

5.97

29.95%

34.01%

37.32%

2.59%

1.64%

20.02

20.02

4.58

$

$

$

2.48%

1.90%

22.76

22.76

6.12

$

$

$

2.35%

1.80%

30.98

30.98

9.17

$

$

$

52

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of stock option activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016:

Option Price

Options Outstanding

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Balance as of July 31, 2015

$ 20.95 — $38.31

3,500,951

$

Options granted

Options exercised

Options cancelled

19.96 — 25.35

20.95 — 31.07

19.96 — 38.31

881,744

(194,419)

(479,570)

Balance as of July 31, 2016

$ 19.96 — $38.31

3,708,706

$

29.64

20.02

26.98

30.89

27.33

The total fair value of options vested during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, was $3,203, $3,950, and 
$6,605, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014
was $811, $208, and $2,452, respectively.

There were 2,488,527, 2,642,955, and 3,004,348 options exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $30.18, 
$30.88, and $31.15 at July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The cash received from the exercise of options during the fiscal 
years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, was $5,243, $1,644, and $12,113, respectively. The tax benefit on options exercised 
during the fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $308, $79, and $952, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at July 31, 2016:

Range of Exercise Prices
$19.96 - $26.99

$27.00 - $32.99

$33.00 - $38.31

Total

Number of   
Shares
Outstanding at
July 31, 2016

1,433,278

1,696,428

579,000

3,708,706

Options Outstanding

Options Outstanding and Exercisable

Weighted  
Average
Remaining
Contractual 
Life

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares
Exercisable
at July 31,
2016

Weighted  
Average
Remaining
Contractual 
Life

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$

8.1

4.9

1.3

5.6

21.80

29.05

37.78

27.61

291,899

1,617,628

579,000

2,488,527

5.2

4.7

1.3

4.0

$

$

20.97

29.12

37.78

30.18

As of July 31, 2016, the aggregate intrinsic value (defined as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock 
exceeds the exercise price of an option) of options outstanding and the options exercisable was $21,358 and $8,164, respectively.

Restricted Shares and RSUs

Restricted shares and RSUs issued under the plan have an issuance price equal to the fair market value of the underlying 

stock at the date of grant. 

Beginning in fiscal 2014, the Company awarded RSUs that vest solely upon meeting specified service conditions, referred 
to herein as “service-based RSUs.” The RSUs issued under the plan generally vest ratably over a three-year period, with one-third 
becoming exercisable one year after the grant date and one-third additional in each of the succeeding two years. In fiscal 2015, 
the Company also awarded 63,668 service-based RSUs that vest ratably at the end of years 3, 4, and 5 and 395,617 service-based 
RSUs that vest in increments of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% at the end of years 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. 

The following tables summarize the RSU and restricted share activity for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016:

Service-Based Restricted Shares and RSUs
Balance as of July 31, 2015

New grants

Vested

Forfeited

Balance as of July 31, 2016

53

Shares

Weighted Average 
Grant Date
 Fair Value

677,454

$

173,394

(113,640)

(58,827)

678,381

$

24.72

20.07

24.97

23.81

23.57

 
Table of Contents

The aggregate intrinsic value of unvested RSU's expected to vest at July 31, 2016, was $21,803. The total fair value of RSU's 
vested during the twelve months ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, was $2,797 and $805, respectively. The service-based RSUs 
granted during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015, had a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $24.28.

8. Segment Information

The Company is organized and managed on a global basis within three business platforms, ID Solutions, Workplace Safety, 
and  PeopleID,  which  aggregate  into  two  reportable  segments:  IDS  and  WPS.  The  Company  evaluates  short-term  segment 
performance based on segment profit or loss and customer sales. Segment profit or loss does not include certain administrative 
costs, such as the cost of finance, information technology, human resources, legal, and executive leadership, which are managed 
as global functions. Restructuring charges, impairment charges, equity compensation costs, interest expense, investment and other 
income (expense) and income taxes are also excluded when evaluating segment performance. 

Each business platform has a President or Vice-President that reports directly to the Company's chief operating decision 
maker, its Chief Executive Officer. Each platform has its own distinct operations, which are managed locally by its own management 
team, maintains its own financial reports and is evaluated based on global segment profit. The Company has determined that these 
business  platforms  comprise  its  three  operating  segments,  which  aggregate  into  the  two  reportable  segments  based  on  the 
information used by the Chief Executive Officer to allocate resources and assess performance.

Following is a summary of segment information for the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Sales to External Customers:

ID Solutions
WPS
Total Company

Depreciation & Amortization:

ID Solutions
WPS
Corporate
Total Company

Segment Profit:
ID Solutions
WPS
Total Company

Assets:

ID Solutions
WPS
Corporate
Total Company

Expenditures for property, plant & equipment:

ID Solutions
WPS
Corporate
Total Company

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

776,877
343,748
1,120,625

21,838
4,555
6,039
32,432

169,776
59,847
229,623

742,557
160,172
141,235
1,043,964

11,511
5,446
183
17,140

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

806,484
365,247
1,171,731

25,658
6,772
7,028
39,458

149,840
56,502
206,342

780,524
167,797
114,576
1,062,897

18,732
3,970
3,971
26,673

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

825,123
399,911
1,225,034

28,955
7,919
7,724
44,598

176,129
66,238
242,367

882,440
239,848
131,377
1,253,665

28,774
10,580
4,044
43,398

Following is a reconciliation of segment profit to net earnings (loss) for the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

Total profit from reportable segments
Unallocated costs:

Administrative costs
Restructuring charges
Impairment charges (1)
Investment and other expense (income)
Interest expense

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

$

54

Years Ended July 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

229,623

$

206,342

$

242,367

111,745
—
—
709
7,824
109,345

$

107,348
16,821
46,867
(845)
11,156
24,995

$

120,015
15,012
148,551
(2,402)
14,300
(53,109)

 
Table of Contents

(1) Of the total $46,867 impairment charges in fiscal 2015, $39,367 was in the WPS segment and $7,500 was in the IDS 
segment. The impairment charges in 2014 were in the IDS segment. 

Geographic information:

United States

Other

Eliminations

Revenues*
Years Ended July 31,
2015

2016

2014

2016

Long-Lived Assets**
As of Years Ended July 31,
2015

2014

$

663,511

$

677,401

$

675,771

$

376,045

$

389,150

$

519,579

(62,465)

559,649

(65,319)

615,974

(66,711)

216,076

224,151

—

—

425,733

314,456

—

Consolidated total

$

1,120,625

$

1,171,731

$

1,225,034

$

592,121

$

613,301

$

740,189

*      Revenues are attributed based on country of origin.
**    Long-lived assets consist of property, plant, and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill.

9. Net Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Net earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) (after deducting restricted stock dividends 
and the applicable preferential Class A Common Stock dividends) by the weighted average Common Shares outstanding of 50,541
for fiscal 2016, 51,285 for fiscal 2015, and 51,866 for fiscal 2014. The Company utilizes the two-class method to calculate earnings 
per share. Dividends on the Company’s performance-based restricted shares are reconciling items in the basic and diluted earnings 
per share calculations for the respective periods presented.

55

 
 
Table of Contents

Reconciliations of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the Company’s Class A 

and Class B common stock are summarized as follows:

Numerator: (in thousands)

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Less:

Restricted stock dividends

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per
Class A Nonvoting Common Share

Less:

Preferential dividends
Preferential dividends on dilutive stock options

Years ended July 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

80,110

$

4,902

$

(48,146)

—

—

(92)

80,110

$

4,902

$

(48,238)

(783)
(1)

(794)
(1)

(813)
(6)

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations per
Class B Voting Common Share

$

79,326

$

4,107

$

(49,057)

Denominator: (in thousands)

Denominator for basic earnings from continuing operations per share for both
Class A and Class B

Plus: Effect of dilutive stock options
Denominator for diluted earnings from continuing operations per share for both
Class A and Class B

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

Net earnings (loss) per Class A Nonvoting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

Net earnings (loss) per Class B Voting Common Share:

Basic
Diluted

50,541
228

50,769

51,285
98

51,383

51,866
—

51,866

1.59
1.58

1.57
1.56

$
$

$
$

— $
— $

— $
— $

1.59
1.58

1.57
1.56

$
$

$
$

0.10
0.10

0.08
0.08

$
$

$
$

(0.04) $
(0.04) $

(0.04) $
(0.04) $

0.06
0.06

0.04
0.04

$
$

$
$

(0.93)
(0.93)

(0.95)
(0.95)

0.04
0.04

0.05
0.05

(0.89)
(0.89)

(0.90)
(0.90)

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

Options to purchase approximately 3,172,755 and 3,568,264 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for the fiscal 
years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share as 
the impact of the inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive. In accordance with ASC 260, “Earnings per Share,” all 
options to purchase Class A Nonvoting Common Stock were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share for fiscal 
2014 since to do so would be anti-dilutive. 

56

 
 
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10. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has entered into various non-cancellable operating lease agreements. Rental expense charged to continuing 
operations  on  a  straight-line  basis  was  $17,253,  $19,029,  and  $17,344  for  the  years  ended  July 31,  2016,  2015,  and  2014, 
respectively. Future minimum lease payments required under such leases in effect at July 31, 2016 were as follows:

Years ending July 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

$

$

16,243
14,956
12,169
8,708
7,195
15,497
74,768

In the normal course of business, the Company is named as a defendant in various lawsuits in which claims are asserted 
against the Company. In the opinion of management, the liabilities, if any, which may ultimately result from lawsuits are not 
expected to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

11. Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" as it relates to its financial 
and non-financial assets and liabilities. The accounting guidance applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit 
fair value measurements, defines fair value based upon an exit price model, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and 
expands  the  applicable  disclosure  requirements.  The  accounting  guidance  indicates,  among  other  things,  that  a  fair  value 
measurement assumes that a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability 
or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

The accounting guidance on fair value measurements establishes a fair market value hierarchy for the pricing inputs used 
to measure fair market value. The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair market value are classified in one of the 
following categories:

Level 1 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments 
that are accessible as of the measurement date.

Level 2 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on other significant pricing inputs that are either directly or indirectly 
observable.

Level 3 — Assets or liabilities for which fair value is based on significant unobservable pricing inputs to the extent little or no 
market data is available, which result in the use of management's own assumptions.

57

Table of Contents

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that 
were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, according to the valuation techniques the 
Company used to determine their fair values.

Inputs
Considered As

Quoted Prices in 
Active 
Markets for 
Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)

Fair Values

Balance Sheet Classifications

July 31, 2016
Trading securities
Foreign exchange contracts

Total Assets

Foreign exchange contracts
Total Liabilities

July 31, 2015
Trading securities
Foreign exchange contracts

Total Assets

Foreign exchange contracts
Total Liabilities

$

$
$
$

$

$
$
$

13,834

$

— $

13,834 Other assets

—
13,834

$
— $
— $

2,138
2,138
738
738

$
$
$

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

2,138
15,972

738 Other current liabilities
738

15,356

$

— $

15,356 Other assets

—
15,356

$
— $
— $

685
685
1,280
1,280

$
$
$

Prepaid expenses and other
current assets

685
16,041
1,280 Other current liabilities
1,280

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Trading  securities: The  Company’s  deferred  compensation  investments  consist  of  investments  in  mutual  funds. These 
investments were classified as Level 1 as the shares of these investments trade with sufficient frequency and volume to enable us 
to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Foreign exchange contracts: The Company’s foreign exchange contracts were classified as Level 2, as the fair value was 
based on the present value of the future cash flows using external models that use observable inputs, such as interest rates, yield 
curves and foreign exchange rates. See Note 12, “Derivatives and Hedging Activities” for additional information.

There have been no transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value hierarchy levels, outlined above, during the fiscal 

years ended July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015. 

The Company’s financial instruments, other than those presented in the disclosures above, include cash and cash equivalents, 
accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and short-term and long-term debt. The fair values of 
cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximated carrying 
values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  See Note 6 for information regarding the fair value of the Company's 
short-term and long-term debt.

 The Company completes its annual goodwill impairment analysis on May 1st of each fiscal year and evaluates its reporting 
units for potential triggering events on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other." The  
annual impairment testing performed on May 1, 2016, indicated that all of the reporting units passed Step One of the goodwill 
impairment test as each had a fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value.

The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate that the remaining estimated useful 
life of other intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable. Management 
completed an assessment of other indefinite-lived and other finite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2016 and concluded that no 
long-lived assets were impaired. 

During fiscal 2015, goodwill with carrying amounts of $26,246 and $10,866 in the WPS APAC and WPS Americas reporting 
units, respectively, was written off entirely, resulting in impairment charges of $37,112.  In order to arrive at the implied fair value 
of goodwill, the Company calculated the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired 
in a business combination. After assigning fair value to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, it was determined there was 
no excess fair value of the reporting units over the implied fair value of goodwill and thus, the remaining goodwill balances were 

58

 
 
 
 
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impaired in fiscal 2015. The goodwill balances represented a Level 3 asset measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent 
to its original recognition.

During  fiscal  2015,  management  evaluated  other  indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  for  recoverability  using  the  income 
approach. The valuation was based upon current sales projections and profitability for each asset group, and the relief from royalty 
method was applied.  Management evaluated other finite-lived intangible assets for recoverability using an undiscounted cash 
flow analysis based upon current sales projections and profitability for each asset group. This analysis resulted in an amount that 
was  less  than  the  carrying  value  of  certain  finite-lived  intangible  assets.  Management  measured  the  impairment  loss  of  both 
indefinite and finite-lived intangible assets as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeded their fair value. 
As a result, other intangible assets with a carrying amount of $26,194 were written down to their estimated fair value of $19,543. 
These represented Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their original recognition. These 
items resulted in a total impairment charge of $6,651 in fiscal 2015.

During fiscal 2014, goodwill with a carrying amount of $193,689 in the People ID reporting unit was written down to its 
estimated implied fair value of $93,277, resulting in an impairment charge of $100,412. In order to arrive at the implied fair value 
of goodwill, the Company calculated the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired 
in a business combination. After assigning fair value to the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, the result was the implied 
fair value of goodwill of $93,277, which represented a Level 3 asset measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to 
its original recognition.

 During fiscal 2014, management completed an assessment of other finite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with 
the PeopleID reporting unit and concluded that the assets were impaired.  These assets were primarily associated with the acquisition 
of Precision Dynamics Corporation ("PDC"). Organic sales in the PDC business declined in the low single-digit percentages from 
fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014. U.S. hospital admission rates are a primary driver of PDC's sales under its existing strategy, and there 
was a decline of approximately 2% in these rates during fiscal 2014. Therefore, management revisited its planned growth and 
profit for the PDC business and concluded that the growth may not materialize as expected given slower than anticipated industry 
growth and fewer sales synergies than originally planned.

Management evaluated other finite-lived intangible assets for recoverability using an undiscounted cash flow analysis based 
upon sales projections and concluded there was an indicator of impairment. Management measured the impairment loss as the 
amount by which the carrying amount of the customer relationships exceeded their fair value, which represented Level 3 assets 
measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis subsequent to their original recognition. This resulted in an impairment charge of 
$48,139 recognized in fiscal 2014, which was classified within the "Impairment charges" line item on the Consolidated Statements 
of Earnings and was part of the IDS reportable segment. 

12. Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company utilizes forward foreign exchange contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk of specific foreign currency 
denominated transactions. These contracts typically require the exchange of a foreign currency for U.S. dollars at a fixed rate at 
a future date, with maturities of less than 18 months, which qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges under the 
accounting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The primary objective of the Company’s foreign currency 
exchange  risk  management  program  is  to  minimize  the  impact  of  currency  movements  due  to  transactions  in  other  than  the 
respective subsidiaries’ functional currency and to minimize the impact of currency movements on the Company’s net investment 
denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. To achieve this objective, the Company hedges a portion of known exposures 
using forward foreign exchange contracts. As of July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, the notional amount of outstanding forward 
foreign exchange contracts was $186,093 and $139,300, respectively.

The Company hedges a portion of known exposures using forward foreign exchange contracts. Main exposures are related 
to transactions denominated in the British Pound, the Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar, Mexican Peso, Malaysian Ringgit 
and Singapore dollar. Generally, these risk management transactions will involve the use of foreign currency derivatives to minimize 
the impact of currency movements on non-functional currency transactions.

Hedge effectiveness is determined by how closely the changes in fair value of the hedging instrument offset the changes in 
the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is permitted only if the hedging relationship is expected to be 
highly  effective  at  the  inception  of  the  hedge  and  on  an  on-going  basis.  Gains  or  losses  on  the  derivative  related  to  hedge 
ineffectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

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Table of Contents

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has designated a portion of its forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and recorded these 
contracts at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the 
derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into earnings in the same period 
or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. At July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015, unrealized losses of $761
and unrealized gains of $297 have been included in OCI, respectively. These balances are expected to be reclassified from OCI 
to earnings during the next twelve months when the hedged transactions impact earnings. For the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015, 
and 2014, the Company reclassified losses of $199, and gains of $1,325 and $147 from OCI into cost of goods sold, respectively. 

 As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, the notional amount of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash 

flow hedges was $34,540 and $33,223, respectively. 

Net Investment Hedges

The  Company  has  also  designated  intercompany  and  third  party  foreign  currency  denominated  debt  instruments  as  net 
investment hedges. At July 31, 2016, the Company designated £25,000 of intercompany loans as net investment hedges to hedge 
portions of its net investment in British foreign operations.  As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized in OCI gains 
of $6,887 and $889, respectively, on its intercompany loans designated as net investment hedges. On May 13, 2010, the Company 
completed the private placement of €75.0  million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes to accredited institutional 
investors. This Euro-denominated debt obligation was designated as a net investment hedge to selectively hedge portions of its 
net investment in European foreign operations. As of July 31, 2016 and 2015, the cumulative balance recognized in accumulated 
other comprehensive income were gains of $11,140 and $12,512, respectively, on the Euro-denominated debt obligation. The 
changes recognized in other comprehensive income during the years ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were losses of $1,372, 
gains of $18,008 and losses of $660, respectively, on the Euro-denominated debt obligation. The Company’s foreign denominated 
debt obligations are valued under a market approach using publicized spot prices. 

60

Table of Contents

Non-Designated Hedges

During  the  fiscal  years  ended  July 31,  2016  and  2015,  the  Company  recognized  gains  of  $2,162  and  losses  of  $1,705, 

respectively, in “Investment and other income” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings related to non-designated hedges. 

Fair values of derivative and hedging instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows: 

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

July 31, 2016

July 31, 2015

July 31, 2016

July 31, 2015

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Balance
Sheet
Location

Fair
Value

Derivatives
designated as
hedging instruments

Cash flow hedges

Foreign exchange
contracts

Net investment hedges

Foreign exchange
contracts

Foreign currency
denominated debt

Total derivatives
designated as hedging
instruments
Derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments

Foreign exchange
contracts

Total derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets
Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

13. Discontinued Operations

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets
Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

Prepaid
expenses and
other current
assets

$

265

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

265

1,873

1,873

$

518

Other current
liabilities

$

670

Other current
liabilities

$

737

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

518

168

168

Other current
liabilities

Long term
obligations, less
current
maturities

$

—

$ 116,888

Other current
liabilities

Long term
obligations, less
current
maturities

$

—

$ 121,514

$ 117,558

$ 122,251

Other current
liabilities

Other current
liabilities

$

$

68

68

$

$

543

543

The Company entered into an agreement with LTI Flexible Products, Inc. (d/b/a Boyd Corporation) on February 24, 2014, 
for the sale of the Die-Cut business. The first phase of this divestiture closed on May 1, 2014 and included the Die-Cut businesses 
in Korea, Thailand and Malaysia, and the Balkhausen business in Europe. The remainder of the Die-Cut business was located in 
China and it was divested on August 1, 2014. The operating results have been reported as discontinued operations for the fiscal 
years ending July 31, 2015 and 2014.

The following table summarizes the operating results of discontinued operations for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2015 

and 2014:

Net sales (1)
(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations (2)
Income tax expense
Loss on sale of discontinued operations (3)

Income tax benefit on sale of discontinued operations (4)

(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

2015

2014

— $

(1,201)
(288)
(487)

61

(1,915) $

179,050
6,715
(3,299)
(1,602)

364

2,178

$

$

(1)  The second and final phase of the Die-Cut divestiture closed on August 1, 2014. Thus, there were no sales from discontinued 

operations in fiscal 2015.

(2)  The loss from discontinued operations in fiscal 2015 primarily related to professional fees and restructuring charges associated 

with the divestiture.

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(3)  The first phase of the Die-Cut divestiture was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. A loss on the sale was recorded 
in the three months ended July 31, 2014 and includes $3.9 million in liabilities retained as part of the divestiture agreement. 
The second and final closing of the Die-Cut divestiture was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and an additional 
loss on the sale was recorded in the three months ended October 31, 2014.

(4)  The income tax benefit on the sale of discontinued operations in fiscal 2014 was significantly impacted by the release of a 
reserve for uncertain tax positions of $4.0 million, which was triggered as a result of the Thailand stock sale during the three 
months ended July 31, 2014. This was offset by $3.6 million in tax expense related to the gain on the sale of the Balkhausen 
assets. The Thailand stock sale and the Balkhausen asset sale were included in the first phase of the Die-Cut divestiture.

There were no assets or liabilities held for sale as of July 31, 2015. In accordance with authoritative literature, accumulated 
other comprehensive income of $34,697 was reclassified to the statement of earnings upon the closing of the second phase of the 
Die-Cut divestiture during the three months ended October 31, 2014.

14. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information

2016
Net sales
Gross margin
Operating income
Earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings from continuing operations per

Class A Common Share:

Basic
Diluted
2015
Net sales
Gross margin
Operating income *
Earnings from continuing operations
Earnings  (loss)  from  discontinued  operations,  net  of 
income taxes **
Net earnings from continuing operations per

Class A Common Share:

Basic***
Diluted***
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per

Class A Common Share:

Basic***
Diluted***

$

$
$

$

$
$

$
$

First

Second

Quarters
Third

Fourth

Total

$

$
$

$

283,073
139,349
30,102
18,703

0.37
0.37

310,240
150,161
26,973
15,499

$

$
$

$

268,630
132,892
23,589
15,290

0.30
0.30

282,628
138,203
16,811
11,584

(1,915)

—

$

$
$

$

286,816
145,443
30,784
20,981

0.42
0.42

290,227
140,999
24,285
17,213

—

$

$
$

$

282,106
141,089
33,403
25,136

0.50
0.49

288,636
129,069
(32,763)
(39,394)

1,120,625
558,773
117,878
80,110

1.59
1.58

1,171,731
558,432
35,306
4,902

—

(1,915)

0.30
0.30

$
$

0.23
0.23

$
$

0.34
0.33

$
$

(0.77) $
(0.77) $

0.10
0.10

(0.03) $
(0.04) $

— $
— $

— $
— $

— $
— $

(0.04)
(0.04)

*       In fiscal 2015, the Company recorded before tax impairment charges of $46,867 in the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2015 
and before tax restructuring charges of $4,278, $4,879, $4,834 and $2,830 in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 
fiscal 2015, respectively, for a total of $16,821. 

**  

In  fiscal  2015,  the  loss  from  discontinued  operations  included  a  net  loss  on  operations  of  $1,489  primarily  related  to 
professional fees associated with the divestiture and a $426 net loss on the sale of Die-Cut, recorded in the first quarter ended 
October 31, 2014. 

***   The sum of the quarters does not equal the year-to-date total for fiscal 2015 due to the quarterly changes in

weighted-average shares outstanding.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

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Table of Contents

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures:

Brady Corporation maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required 
to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
“Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. 
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required 
to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to 
the Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing 
similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company carried out an evaluation, 
under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its President and Chief Executive Officer and its 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure 
controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s President and 
Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls 
and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

The management of Brady Corporation and its subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is 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.

With the participation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 
management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2016, based 
on  the  framework  and  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated  Framework  (2013),  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of July 31, 
2016, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. 

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

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of July 31, 2016, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, 

an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15
(f) and 15d-15(f)) that occurred during the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are 
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Brady Corporation
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Brady Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 
31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
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.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal 
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, 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. 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper 
management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject 
to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 
2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended July 31, 2016, of the Company 
and our report dated September 15, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial 
statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 15, 2016

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Table of Contents

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

Name
J. Michael Nauman         

Age
54

Title
President, CEO and Director

Aaron J. Pearce

Thomas J. Felmer

Russell R. Shaller

Helena R. Nelligan

Louis T. Bolognini

Bentley N. Curran

Paul T. Meyer

Patrick W. Allender

Gary S. Balkema

Elizabeth Pungello Bruno

Nancy L. Gioia

Conrad G. Goodkind

Frank W. Harris

Bradley C. Richardson

Harold L. Sirkin

45

54

53

50

60

54

47

69

61

49

56

72

74

58

56

Senior V.P., Chief Financial Officer and Chief
Accounting Officer
Senior V.P., President - Workplace Safety

Senior V.P., President - Identification Solutions

Senior V.P. - Human Resources

Senior V.P., Secretary and General Counsel

V.P. - Digital Business and Chief Information Officer

Treasurer and Vice President - Tax

Director

Director

Director

Director 

Director

Director

Director

Director

J. Michael Nauman - Mr. Nauman has served on the Company’s Board of Directors and as the Company’s President and 
CEO since August 2014.   Prior to joining the Company, from 1994 to 2014 he held a number of senior management positions at 
Molex Incorporated. Mr. Nauman was Molex's Executive Vice President and President of the Global Integrated Products Division 
from 2009 to 2014, where he led global business units in the automotive, data communications, industrial, medical, military/
aerospace and mobile sectors. From 2004 to 2009, he served as Molex’s Senior Vice President and President, Global Integrated 
Product Division, President, Integrated Products Division and President, High Performance Products Division. Prior to joining 
Molex in 1994, Mr. Nauman was Controller and then President of Ohio Associated Enterprises, Inc., and a tax accountant and 
auditor for Arthur Andersen. He is a board member of the Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Coalition, and 
Museum of Discovery. Mr. Nauman’s broad operational and financial experience, as well as his leadership and strategic perspective, 
provide the Board with insight and expertise to drive the Company’s growth and performance. Mr. Nauman holds a bachelor’s of 
science degree in management from Case Western Reserve University, and is a certified public accountant and charter global 
management accountant.

Aaron J. Pearce - Mr. Pearce joined the Company in 2004 as Director of Internal Audit. From 2006 to 2008, he served as 
Finance Director for the Company’s Asia Pacific region, and from 2008 to 2010, served as Global Tax Director. In January 2010, 
Mr.  Pearce  was  appointed Vice  President, Treasurer,  and  Director  of  Investor  Relations,  and  in April  2013,  was  named Vice 
President - Finance, with responsibility for finance support to the Company’s Workplace Safety and ID Solutions businesses, 

65

Table of Contents

financial planning and analysis, and investor relations. Mr. Pearce was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
in September 2014, and Chief Accounting Officer in July 2015. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Pearce was an auditor with 
Deloitte & Touche  LLP  from  1994  to  2004.  He  holds  a  bachelor’s  degree  in  business  administration  from  the  University  of 
Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a certified public accountant.

Thomas J. Felmer - Mr. Felmer joined the Company in 1989 and held several sales and marketing positions until being 
named Vice President and General Manager of Brady's U.S. Signmark Division in 1994. In 1999, Mr. Felmer moved to Europe 
where he led the European Signmark business for two years, then gained additional responsibility for the European direct marketing 
business platforms, which he also led for two years. In 2003, Mr. Felmer returned to the United States where he was responsible 
for Brady's global sales and marketing processes, Brady Software businesses, and integration leader of the EMED acquisition. In 
June 2004, he was appointed President - Direct Marketing Americas, and was named Chief Financial Officer in January 2008. In 
October 2013, Mr. Felmer was appointed Interim President and CEO, and served in these positions until August 2014. In September 
2014, Mr. Felmer was named President - Workplace Safety. Mr. Felmer received a bachelor's degree in business administration 
from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay.

Russell R. Shaller - Mr. Shaller joined the Company in June 2015 as Senior Vice President and President - ID Solutions. 
Prior  to  joining  the  Company,  Mr.  Shaller  served  as  President,  Teledyne  Microwave  Solutions,  from  2008  to  2015,  with 
responsibility for advanced microwave products sold into the aerospace and communications industry. Before joining Teledyne 
in 2008, Mr. Shaller held a number of positions of increasing responsibility at W.L. Gore & Associates, including Division Leader, 
Electronic Products Division from 2003 to 2008 and General Manager of Gore Photonics from 2001 to 2003. Prior to joining W.L. 
Gore in 1993, Mr. Shaller worked in engineering and program management positions at Westinghouse Corporation. He holds a 
bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Johns 
Hopkins University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware.

Helena R. Nelligan - Ms. Nelligan joined the Company as Senior Vice President - Human Resources in November 2013. 
Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Nelligan held a variety of human resources leadership roles at Eaton Corporation from 2005 
to 2013, including Vice President of Human Resources - Electrical Products Group, Vice President - Human Resources, Electrical 
Sector Americas and Director Human Resources - Electrical Components Division. From 1997 to 2005, Ms. Nelligan served in 
human resources leadership roles with Merisant Worldwide, Inc. and British Petroleum. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal 
justice and a master’s degree in labor relations and human resources from Michigan State University.

Louis T. Bolognini - Mr. Bolognini joined the Company as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 
2013. Prior to joining the Company, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Imperial Sugar Company 
from June 2008 through September 2012 and was Vice President and General Counsel of BioLab, Inc., a pool and spa manufacturing 
and marketing company from 1999 to 2008. Mr. Bolognini served as Assistant General Counsel to BioLab's parent company, Great 
Lakes Chemical Corporation, from 1990 to 1999. Mr. Bolognini served as an officer of BioLab, Inc. within a two-year period 
prior to the March 18, 2009 Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition filed by BioLab's parent company, Chemtura Corporation, on behalf 
of itself and 26 U.S. affiliates, including BioLab. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University and a 
Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toledo.

Bentley N. Curran - Mr. Curran joined the Company in 1999 and held several technology leadership positions until being 
named Vice President of Information Technology in 2005. In October 2007, he was appointed Chief Information Officer of Brady 
globally. In February 2012, he was appointed to his current position, Vice President of Digital Business and Chief Information 
Officer. Prior to joining Brady, Mr. Curran served in a variety of technology leadership roles for Compucom and the Speed Queen 
Company. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Marian University and an associate of science degree in 
electronics and engineering systems from Moraine Park Technical College.

Paul T. Meyer - Mr. Meyer joined the Company in 2009 as Global Tax Director. In May 2013, he was appointed Treasurer, 
and was named Vice President - Tax in November 2013. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Meyer worked in the corporate tax 
departments of GE Healthcare and JohnsonDiversey. He began his career as a tax consultant with Ernst & Young. He holds a 
bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in taxation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Patrick W. Allender - Mr. Allender was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007. He serves as the Chair of the Finance 
Committee and as a member of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committees. He served as Executive Vice President and 
CFO of Danaher Corporation from 1998 to 2005 and Executive Vice President from 2005 to 2007. Additionally, he served as a 
public accountant at Arthur Andersen from 1968 to 1985. He has served as a director of Colfax Corporation since 2008 and Diebold, 
Inc. since 2011. Mr. Allender's strong background in finance and accounting, as well as his past experience as the CFO of a public 
company, provides the Board with financial expertise and insight.

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Table of Contents

Gary S. Balkema - Mr. Balkema was elected to the Board of Directors in 2010. He currently serves as the Chair of the 
Management Development and Compensation Committee and is a member of the Audit and Technology Committees. From 2000 
to 2011, he served as the President of Bayer Healthcare LLC and Worldwide Consumer Care Division. Mr. Balkema was also 
responsible for overseeing Bayer LLC USA's compliance program. He has over 20 years of general management experience. Mr. 
Balkema serves as a director of PLx Pharma, Inc.  Mr. Balkema brings strong experience in consumer marketing skills and mergers, 
acquisitions and integrations. His broad operating and functional experience are valuable to the Company given the diverse nature 
of the Company's portfolio.

Elizabeth Pungello Bruno, Ph.D - Dr. Bruno was elected to the Board of Directors in 2003. She serves as a member of the 
Management Development and Compensation, Corporate Governance and Technology Committees. Dr. Bruno is the President 
of the Brady Education Foundation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a Research Associate Professor in the Developmental 
Psychology  Program  at  the  University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill,  and  has  appointments  at  the  Frank  Porter  Graham 
Development Institute and the Center for Developmental Science. Dr. Bruno also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of 
Marriage and Family and the Early Childhood Research Quarterly, as a reviewer for several other journals, and on a number of 
other non-profit boards. She is the granddaughter of William H. Brady, Jr., the founder of Brady Corporation. As a result of her 
substantial ownership stake in the Company, as well as her family's history with the Company, she is well positioned to understand, 
articulate and advocate for the rights and interests of the Company's shareholders.

Nancy L. Gioia - Ms. Gioia was elected to the Board of Directors in 2013. She serves as the Chair of the Technology 
Committee and is a member of the Management Development and Compensation Committee.  Ms. Gioia also presently serves as 
a  Director  of  Exelon  Corporation  where  she  is  a  member  of  the  Finance  and  Risk  Committee  and  the  Generation  Oversight 
Committee.  In addition, Ms. Gioia is a former director of Inforum, a non-profit women’s professional development organization.  
Ms. Gioia joined Ford Motor Company in 1982 and served in a variety of engineering and technology roles through her retirement 
in October 2014.  Her senior executive leadership positions include Director, Global Connectivity, Electrical and User Experience; 
Director,  Global  Electrification;  Director,  Sustainable  Mobility  Technologies  and  Hybrid  Vehicle  Programs;  Director,  North 
America Current Vehicle Model Quality; Engineering Director, Visteon/Ford Due Diligence; Engineering Director, Small Front 
Wheel Drive/Rear Wheel Drive Car Platforms-North America; and Vehicle Programs Director, Lifestyle Vehicles. While at Ford 
Motor Company, she served on the Boards of Auto Alliance International, a joint venture of Ford Motor Company and Mazda 
Corporation; the Electric Drive Transportation Association; the California Plug-in EV Collaborative; and on the State of Michigan, 
Governor’s Talent Investment Board. Ms. Gioia's extensive experience in strategy, technology and engineering solutions, as well 
as her general business experience, provides the Board with important expertise in product development and operations.

Conrad G. Goodkind - Mr. Goodkind was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007. He currently serves as the Chair of the 
Board of Directors, Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Finance and Audit Committees. He 
previously served as Secretary of the Company from 1999 to 2007. Mr. Goodkind was a partner in the law firm of Quarles & 
Brady,  LLP,  where  his  practice  concentrated  in  corporate  and  securities  law  from  1979  to  2009.  Prior  to  1979,  he  served  as 
Wisconsin's Deputy Commissioner of Securities. Mr. Goodkind previously served as a director of Cade Industries, Inc. and Able 
Distributing, Inc. His extensive experience in advising companies on a broad range of transactional matters, including mergers 
and acquisitions and securities offerings, and historical knowledge of the Company provide the Board with expertise and insight 
into governance, business and compliance issues that the Company encounters.

Frank W. Harris, Ph.D - Dr. Harris was elected to the Board of Directors in 1991. He serves as a member of the Technology, 
Management Development and Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees. He served as the Distinguished Professor 
of Polymer Science and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Akron from 1983 to 2008 and Professor of Chemistry at 
Wright State University from 1970 to 1983. He is the founder of several technology-based companies including Akron Polymer 
Systems, where he serves as President and CEO. Dr. Harris is the inventor of several commercialized products, including an optical 
film that realized over one billion dollars in sales. His extensive experience in technology and engineering solutions provides the 
Board with important expertise in new product development.

Bradley C. Richardson - Mr. Richardson was elected to the Board of Directors in 2007. He serves as the Chair of the Audit 
Committee and is a member of the Corporate Governance and Finance Committees. He is the Executive Vice President and CFO 
of PolyOne Corporation. He previously served as the Executive Vice President and CFO of Diebold, Inc. from 2009 to 2013, and 
as Executive Vice President Corporate Strategy and CFO of Modine Manufacturing from 2003 to 2009. Prior to Modine, he spent 
21 years with BP Amoco serving in various financial and operational roles with assignments in North America, South America 
and Europe. Mr. Richardson previously served on the boards of Modine Manufacturing and Tronox, Inc. He brings to the Company 
extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of operations, strategy, accounting, tax accounting and finance, which are areas 
of critical importance to the Company as a global company.

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Harold L. Sirkin - Mr. Sirkin was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2015. He serves as a member of the Technology 
and Management Development and Compensation Committees. Mr. Sirkin is Senior Partner and Managing Director of the Boston 
Consulting Group, where he has worked since 1981. Prior to the Boston Consulting Group, Mr. Sirkin was an auditor for Deloitte, 
Haskins & Sells, and is a certified public accountant. His extensive experience in advising companies on a broad range of matters, 
including strategy, operations and new product development, as well as general business experience, provides the Board with 
expertise and insight to drive operations improvement and growth.

All Directors serve until their respective successors are elected at the next annual meeting of shareholders. Officers serve 
at the discretion of the Board of Directors. None of the Company's Directors or executive officers has any family relationship with 
any other Director or executive officer.

Board Leadership Structure - The Board does not have a formal policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive 
Officer and Chair of the Board, as the Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company to make that determination based 
on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board. In September 2015, upon the recommendation 
of the Corporate Governance Committee, the Board appointed a non-executive Chair in order to harmonize the Board’s leadership 
structure to prevailing governance practices.  Prior to the appointment of the non-executive Chair, in the period beginning in fiscal 
2010, the Board had formalized the position of Lead Independent Director.  The duties of the non-executive Chair include, among 
others: chairing meetings of the Board and executive sessions of the non-management Directors; meeting periodically with the 
Chief Executive Officer and consulting as necessary with management on current significant issues facing the Company; facilitating 
effective communication among the Chief Executive Officer and all members of the Board; and overseeing the Board's shareholder 
communication policies and procedures. Mr. Goodkind previously served as the Lead Independent Director  until August  2015 
and began serving as Chair of the Board in September 2015.

The Board believes that its current leadership structure has enhanced the Board's oversight of, and independence from, 
Company management; the ability of the Board to carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of the Company’s shareholders; 
and the Company’s overall corporate governance.

Risk Oversight - The Board oversees the Company's risk management processes directly and through its committees. In 
general, the Board oversees the management of risks inherent in the operation of the Company's businesses, the implementation 
of its strategic plan, its acquisition and capital allocation program and its organizational structure. Each of the Board's committees 
also oversees the management of Company risks that fall within the committee's areas of responsibility. The Company's management 
is responsible for reporting significant risks to executives at the quarterly disclosure committee meeting. The significance of the 
risk is assessed by executive management and escalation to the respective board committee and Board of Directors is determined. 
The Company reviews its risk assessment with the Audit Committee annually.

Audit Committee Financial Expert - The Company's Board of Directors has determined that at least one Audit Committee 
financial expert is serving on its Audit Committee. Messrs. Richardson, Chair of the Audit Committee, and Allender and Balkema, 
members of the Audit Committee, are financial experts and are independent under the rules of the SEC and the New York Stock 
Exchange (“NYSE”).

Director Independence - A majority of the Directors must meet the criteria for independence established by the Board in 
accordance with the rules of the NYSE. In determining the independence of a Director, the Board must find that a Director has 
no relationship that may interfere with the exercise of his or her independence from management and the Company. In undertaking 
this  determination  with  respect  to  the  Company’s  Directors  other  than  Mr.  Nauman,  the  Board  considered  the  commercial 
relationships of the Company, if any, with those entities that have employed the Company’s Directors. The commercial relationships, 
which involved the purchase and sale of products on customary terms, did not exceed the maximum amounts proscribed by the 
director independence rules of the NYSE. Furthermore, the compensation paid to the Company’s Directors by their employers 
was not linked in any way to the commercial relationships their employers had with the Company in fiscal 2016. After consideration 
of these factors, the Board concluded that the commercial relationships were not material and did not prevent the Company’s 
Directors from being considered independent. Based on application of the NYSE independence criteria, all Directors, with the 
exception of Mr. Nauman, President and CEO, are deemed independent. All members of the Audit, Management Development 
and Compensation, and Corporate Governance Committees are deemed independent.

Meetings of Non-management Directors - The non-management Directors of the Board regularly meet alone without any 
members of management present. The Chair of the Board, currently Mr. Goodkind, is the presiding Director at these sessions. In 
fiscal 2016, there were five executive sessions. Interested parties can raise concerns to be addressed at these meetings by calling 
the confidential Brady hotline at 1-800-368-3613.

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Audit Committee Members - The Audit Committee, which is a separately-designated standing committee of the Board of 
Directors, is composed of Messrs. Richardson (Chair), Allender, Balkema, and Goodkind. Each member of the Audit Committee 
has been determined by the Board to be independent under the rules of the SEC and NYSE.

Code of Ethics - For a number of years, the Company has had a code of ethics for its employees. This code of ethics applies 
to all of the Company's employees, officers and Directors. The code of ethics can be viewed at the Company's corporate website, 
www.bradycorp.com,  or  may  be  obtained  in  print  by  any  person,  without  charge,  by  contacting  Brady  Corporation,  Investor 
Relations, P.O. Box 571, Milwaukee, WI 53201. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of 
Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of its code of ethics by placing such information on its Internet 
website.

Corporate Governance Guidelines - Brady's Corporate Governance Principles, as well as the charters of the Audit, Corporate 
Governance and Management Development and Compensation Committees, are available on the Company's Corporate website, 
www.bradycorp.com. Shareholders may request printed copies of these documents from Brady Corporation, Investor Relations, 
P.O. Box 571, Milwaukee, WI 53201.

Director Qualifications - Brady's Corporate Governance Committee reviews the individual skills and characteristics of the 
Directors, as well as the composition of the Board as a whole. This assessment includes a consideration of independence, diversity, 
age, skills, expertise, and industry backgrounds in the context of the needs of the Board and the Company. Although the Company 
has no policy regarding diversity, the Corporate Governance Committee seeks a broad range of perspectives and considers both 
the personal characteristics and experience of Directors and prospective nominees to the Board so that, as a group, the Board will 
possess the appropriate talent, skills and expertise to oversee the Company's businesses.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s Directors and executive officers, and persons who own more 
than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and 
reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Executive officers, directors and 
greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms 
they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and 
written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, all Section 16(a) filing 
requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than 10 percent beneficial owners were complied with.  

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Item 11. Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

Our  Compensation  Discussion  and Analysis  focuses  upon  the  Company's  total  compensation  philosophy,  the  role  of  the 
Management Development & Compensation Committee (for purposes of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the 
“Committee”),  total  compensation  components  inclusive  of  base  salary,  short-term  incentives,  long-term  incentives,  benefits, 
perquisites, severance amounts and change-in-control agreements for our executive officers, market and peer group data and the 
approach used by the Committee when determining each element of the total compensation package.

For fiscal 2016, the following executive officers' compensation is disclosed and discussed in this section (the “named executive 

officers” or “NEOs”):

J. Michael Nauman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director;

• 
•  Aaron J. Pearce, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer;
•  Louis T. Bolognini, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary;
•  Thomas J. Felmer, Senior Vice President and President - Workplace Safety; and
•  Russell R. Shaller, Senior Vice President and President - Identification Solutions. 

Executive Summary

Fiscal 2016 Business Highlights

The  ability  to  provide  customers  with  a  broad  range  of  proprietary,  customized  and  diverse  products  for  use  in  various 
applications across multiple customers and geographies, along with a commitment to quality and service, have made Brady a leader 
in many of its markets. The long-term sales growth and profitability of our segments will depend not only on improved demand in 
end markets and the overall economic environment, but also on our ability to continuously improve operational excellence, focus 
on the customer, develop and market innovative new products, and to advance our digital capabilities. In our IDS business, our 
strategy  for  growth  includes  an  increased  focus  on  key  customers,  industries  and  products  and  improving  the  efficiency  and 
effectiveness of the research and development ("R&D") function. In our WPS business, our strategy for growth includes a focus 
on workplace safety critical industries, innovative new product offerings, and increased investment in digital capabilities.

•  On a GAAP basis, our fiscal 2016 net earnings were $80.1 million;
•  Brady continues to demonstrate adequate cash generation to meet ongoing business needs as we generated $139.0 million 

of cash flow from operating activities during the year ended July 31, 2016; and

•  Our sales for the full year were $1.12 billion, down 4.4% from fiscal 2015. Organic sales were down 0.7% and foreign 

currency translation decreased sales by 3.7%.

Fiscal 2016 Compensation Matters

For fiscal 2016, the Board of Directors approved a 3.7% increase in base salary for Mr. Nauman. In addition, Mr. Nauman 
recommended and the Committee approved increases in base salary for Messrs. Pearce and Bolognini. All increases were made to 
recognize the performance and current scope of responsibilities of each executive, and with regard to Messrs. Nauman and Pearce, 
to better align their base salary compensation with those holding comparable positions at peer companies. Messrs. Felmer and 
Shaller did not receive a base salary increase as Mr. Felmer's base salary is positioned above the median of the peer group and Mr. 
Shaller had recently joined the Company. 

We had significant improvements in the profitability of the Company, exceeding our fiscal 2016 pre-established goals overall. 
In addition, we exceeded expectations related to the completion of the fiscal year objectives deemed critical to the execution of the 
Company's strategy. Therefore, our NEOs earned cash incentive awards for fiscal 2016. The cash incentive awards to NEOs were 
below target largely because our organic revenue growth results for fiscal 2016 fell short of our pre-established targets. The NEOs 
also received annual equity incentive awards consistent with award sizes of those individuals holding comparable positions at our 
peer companies.

As a group, 71% of the compensation that we paid to our NEOs was in the form of incentive awards, and 79% of the total 
incentive awards were paid in the form of equity. Fiscal 2016 grants were made in the form of time-based stock options and time-
based restricted stock units. Two-thirds of the award granted to Mr. Nauman and one-half of the award granted to all other NEOs 
was in the form of stock options, which are inherently performance-based and have value only to the extent that the price of our 

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stock increases. The remaining one-third of the award granted to Mr. Nauman and remaining one-half of the award granted to all 
other NEOs was in the form of restricted stock units that vest with the passage of time and are intended to facilitate retention. 

Overall, the grant date fair value of equity awards granted to our NEOs was lower than in fiscal 2015. The decrease in 
aggregate award value was the result of sign-on and retention awards of time-based restricted stock units awarded to Messrs. Nauman 
and Pearce respectively, during fiscal 2015, which were not similarly awarded in fiscal 2016. Overall, target total compensation for 
our named executive officers was at the median of our peer group companies for fiscal 2016.

Recent Compensation Decisions

Effective August 28, 2015, the Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement with Mr. Shaller (the "Change of 
Control Agreement"). Under the terms of the Change of Control Agreement, in the event of a qualifying termination within 24 
months following a change of control (as such events are defined in the Change of Control Agreement), Mr. Shaller will receive 
two times his base salary and two times the average bonus payment received in the three years immediately prior to the date of the 
change of control.

Effective September 11, 2015, the Company entered into a Change of Control Agreement with Mr. Pearce (the "Change of 
Control Agreement"). Under the terms of the Change of Control Agreement, in the event of a qualifying termination within 24 
months following a change of control (as such events are defined in the Change of Control Agreement), Mr. Pearce will receive 
two times his base salary and two times the average bonus payment received in the three years immediately prior to the date of the 
change of control.

On May 23, 2016, the Brady Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) was approved. The 2017 Plan 
became effective August 1, 2016. The 2017 Plan is intended (i) to provide incentives for directors and employees of the Company 
and its affiliates to improve corporate performance on a long-term basis, (ii) to attract and retain directors and employees and (iii) 
to align the long-term interests of participants with those of the Company and its shareholders. The 2017 Plan is an equity and cash-
based incentive plan and includes provisions by which the Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted 
stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock and cash incentive awards. A total of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class 
A Non-Voting Common Stock have been authorized for issuance pursuant to the 2017 Plan, subject to adjustment as provided in 
the 2017 Plan.

Effective with the start of fiscal 2017, the Committee began granting performance-based restricted stock units. For certain 
executive officers, the awards represent additional compensation; for other officers, the award simply changed the overall mix of 
equity incentive awards granted. The performance-based restricted stock units granted have a three-year performance period with 
the number of shares issued at vesting determined by the Company’s achievement of organic revenue and operating income growth 
goals over the three-year performance period. Payout opportunities will range from 0% to 200% of the target award. 

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Executive Compensation Practices

As part of the Company's pay for performance philosophy, the Company's compensation program includes several features 

that maintain alignment with shareholders: 

Emphasis on Variable
Compensation

   Nearly 50% of the named executive officers' possible compensation is tied to Company

performance, which is intended to drive shareholder value.

Ownership Requirements

   Mr. Nauman is required to own shares in the Company at a value equal to five times his

Clawback Provisions

Performance Thresholds and
Caps

Securities Trading Policy

base salary. Messrs. Pearce, Felmer and Shaller are required to own shares in the Company
at a value equal to three times their base salaries. Mr. Bolognini is required to own shares in
the Company at a value equal to two times his base salary. Our NEOs are expected to
obtain the required ownership levels within five years and may not sell shares, other than to
cover tax withholding requirements associated with the vesting or exercise of the equity
award, until such time as they meet the requirements.

Following a review and analysis of relevant governance and incentive compensation 
practices and policies across our compensation peer group and other public companies, the 
Committee instituted a recoupment policy, effective August 2013, under which incentive 
compensation payments and/or awards may be recouped by the Company if such payments 
and/or awards were based on erroneous results. If the Committee determines that an 
executive officer or other key executive of the Company who participates in any of the 
Company's incentive plans has engaged in intentional misconduct that results in a material 
inaccuracy in the Company's financial statements or fraudulent or other willful and 
deliberate conduct that is detrimental to the Company or there is a material, negative 
revision of a performance measure for which incentive compensation was paid or awarded, 
the Committee may take a variety of actions including, among others, seeking repayment of 
incentive compensation (cash and/or equity) that is greater than what would have been 
awarded if the payments/awards had been based on accurate results and the forfeiture of 
incentive compensation. As this policy suggests, the Committee believes that any incentive 
compensation should be based only on accurate and reliable financial and operational 
information, and, thus, any inappropriately paid incentive compensation should be returned 
to the Company for the benefit of shareholders. The Committee expects that the 
implementation of this policy will serve to enhance the Company's compensation risk 
mitigation efforts. While the implemented policy affords the Committee discretion 
regarding the application and enforcement of the policy, the Company and the Committee 
will conform the policy to any requirements that may be promulgated by the national stock 
exchanges in the future, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act.

We provide cash incentive awards based on achievement of annual performance goals with 
payouts that range from 0% to 200% of target opportunities. We grant equity compensation 
that promotes long-term financial and operating performance by delivering incremental 
value to executive officers to the extent our stock price increases over time. In fiscal 2017, 
we began granting performance-based restricted stock units to executive officers with the 
number of shares issued at vesting determined by the achievement of certain performance 
goals over a three-year period.

Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits executive officers from trading during certain periods
at the end of each quarter until after we disclose our financial and operating results. We
may impose additional restricted trading periods at any time if we believe trading by
executives would not be appropriate because of developments that are, or could be, material
and which have not been publicly disclosed.  The Insider Trading Policy also prohibits the
pledging of Company stock as collateral for loans, holding Company securities in a margin
account by officers, directors or employees, and the hedging of Company securities.

Annual Risk Reviews

The Company conducts an annual compensation-related risk review and presents findings
and suggested risk mitigation actions to both the Audit and Management Development and
Compensation Committees.

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The Company’s compensation programs also maintain alignment with shareholders by not including certain features:

No Excessive Change of Control 
Payments

Mr. Nauman's maximum cash benefit is equal to two times salary and two times target 
bonus plus a prorated target bonus in the year in which the termination occurs. For all other 
NEOs, the maximum cash benefit is equal to two times salary and two times the average 
bonus payment received in the three years immediately prior to the date the change of 
control occurs.  In the event of a change of control, unexercised stock options become fully 
exercisable or, if canceled, each named executive officer shall be given cash or stock equal 
to the in-the-money value of the canceled stock options. In the event of a change of 
control, restricted stock units become unrestricted and fully vested. 

No Employment Agreements

The Company does not maintain any employment agreements with its executives. Both Mr. 
Nauman's Offer Letter and Mr. Shaller's Offer Letter provide that each is deemed an at-will 
employee, but will receive a severance benefit in the event his employment is terminated by 
the Company without cause or for good reason as described in the respective Offer Letter.

No Reloads, Repricing, or
Options Issued at a Discount

Stock options issued are not repriced, replaced, or regranted through cancellation or by
lowering the option price of a previously granted option.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

We seek to align the interests of our executives with those of our investors by evaluating performance on the basis of key 
financial  measurements  that  we  believe  closely  correlate  to  long-term  shareholder  value. To  this  end,  we  have  structured  our 
compensation program to accomplish the following:

•  Allow the Company to compete for, retain and motivate talented executives; 
•  Deliver compensation plans that are both internally equitable when comparing similar roles and levels within the 

Company and externally competitive when comparing to the external marketplace and the Company’s designated peer 
group; 

•  Maintain an appropriate balance between base salary and short- and long-term incentive opportunities; 
• 

Provide integrated compensation programs aligned to the Company’s annual and long-term financial goals and realized 
performance; 

•  Recognize and reward individual initiative and achievement with the amount of compensation each executive receives 

reflective of the executive’s level of proficiency within his or her role/job family and their level of sustained 
performance; and
Institute a “pay for performance” philosophy where level of rewards are aligned to Company performance.

• 

Determining Compensation

Management Development and Compensation Committee’s Role

The Committee is responsible for monitoring and approving the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. 
The Committee approves compensation and benefit policies and strategies, approves corporate goals and objectives relative to the 
chief executive officer and other executive officer compensation, oversees the development process and reviews development plans 
of key executives, reviews compensation-related risk, administers our equity incentive plans including compliance with executive 
share ownership requirements, approves all severance policies or pay-outs, and consults with management regarding employee 
compensation generally. With respect to executive officers, at the beginning of each year, the Committee sets base salaries, approves 
the cash bonuses paid for the prior fiscal year, approves equity incentive awards for the new fiscal year and establishes the objective 
performance targets to be achieved for the new year. When a new executive officer is hired, the Committee is involved in reviewing 
and approving base salary, annual incentive opportunity, sign-on incentives, annual equity awards, and other aspects of the executive's 
compensation.

Consultants’ Role

The Committee has historically utilized the services of an executive compensation consulting firm and legal counsel to assist 
with the review and evaluation of compensation levels and policies on a periodic basis, as well as to provide advice with respect 
to new or modified compensation arrangements. In fiscal 2016, the Committee utilized the services of Meridian Compensation 
Partners as compensation consultants and Quarles & Brady LLP, as legal counsel, both of which were determined to be independent 
by the Corporate Governance Committee. 

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Management’s Role

To  aid  in  determining  compensation  for  fiscal  2016,  management  obtained  data  regarding  comparable  executive  officer 
compensation  through  a  standard  data  subscription  with  Equliar,  Inc.  For  fiscal  2016,  Mr.  Nauman  used  this  data  to  make 
recommendations  to  the  Committee  concerning  compensation  for  each  named  executive  officer  other  than  himself.  In  setting 
compensation for our named executive officers, the Committee takes into consideration these recommendations, along with the 
results  of  the  Company  during  the  previous  fiscal  year,  the  level  of  responsibility,  demonstrated  leadership  capability,  the 
compensation levels of executives in comparable roles from within our peer group and the results of annual performance reviews 
which, for our chief executive officer, included a self-assessment and feedback from his direct reports and each member of the 
Board of Directors. In addition, during fiscal 2016, the Committee took into consideration the recommendations of its independent 
compensation consultant, particularly with respect to compensation elements for the chief executive officer. Mr. Nauman did not 
attend the portion of any committee meeting during which the Committee discussed matters related specifically to his compensation.

Tally Sheets

The Committee reviews executive officer compensation tally sheets each year. These summaries set forth the dollar amount 
of all components of each named executive officer's compensation, including base salary, annual target and actual cash incentive 
compensation, annual equity incentive compensation, the value of outstanding equity, stock option exercises during the year, stock 
option gains during the year, the value of Brady's contribution to retirement plans, the value of Company-provided health and 
welfare benefits and social security taxes paid on the executive's behalf. Reviewing this information allows the Committee to 
determine what an executive officer's total compensation is and how a potential change to an element of our compensation program 
would affect the officer's overall compensation.

Components of Compensation

Our total compensation program includes five components: base salary, annual cash incentives, long-term equity incentives, 
employee benefits and perquisites. Each component serves a particular purpose and, therefore, each is considered independent of 
the other components, although all five components combine to provide a holistic total compensation approach. We use these 
components of compensation to attract, retain, motivate, develop and reward our executives.

The  base  salary,  annual  cash  and  long-term  equity  incentive  components  are  determined  through  a  pay-for-performance 
approach, targeted at market median for the achievement of performance goals with an opportunity for upper quartile pay when 
upper  quartile  performance  is  achieved.  Our  compensation  structure  is  balanced  by  the  payment  of  below  market  median 
compensation to our NEOs when actual fiscal results do not meet or exceed expected financial results. The following table describes 
the purpose of each performance-based component and how that component is related to our pay-for-performance approach:

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Compensation Component

Base salary

  Purpose of Compensation Component
  A fixed level of income security
used to attract and retain
employees by compensating them
for the primary functions and
responsibilities of the position.

Compensation Component in Relation to Performance
The base salary increase an employee receives depends upon
the employee's individual performance, the employee's
displayed skills and competencies and market
competitiveness.

Annual cash incentive
award

  To attract, retain, motivate and
reward employees for achieving or
exceeding annual performance
goals at Company and platform
levels.

Financial performance determines the actual amount of the
executive's annual cash incentive award. Award amounts are
“self-funded” because they are included in the financial
performance results when determining actual financial
performance.

Annual equity incentive
award: Time-based stock
options, time-based
RSUs and performance-
based RSUs

  To attract, retain, motivate and
reward top talent for the successful
creation of long-term stockholder
value.

An assessment of executive leadership, experience and 
expected future contribution, combined with market 
competitive grant information, are used to determine the 
amount of equity granted to each executive.

Stock options are inherently performance-based in that the 
stock price must increase over time to provide compensation 
value to the executive. 

Time-based RSUs serve as a strong reward and retention 
device, while promoting the alignment of executive 
decisions with Company goals and shareholder interests. 

Performance-based RSUs serve to align executives with 
shareholders and reward executives only for results achieved 
over a 3-year performance period.

Establishing Our Total Compensation Component Levels

The Committee uses peer group data to test the reasonableness and competitiveness of several components of compensation, 
including base salaries, annual cash incentives, and long-term equity incentives of positions similar to those of our NEOs. The 
following 25 companies were included in the fiscal 2016 total compensation analysis conducted using publicly available data sourced 
through Equilar, Inc: 

Actuant Corporation

Acuity Brands, Inc.

A.O. Smith Corporation

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

Barnes Group Inc.

Clarcor Inc.

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

EnPro Industries, Inc.

Entegris, Inc.

ESCO Technologies Inc.

Federal Signal Corp.

Graco Inc.

HB Fuller Company

Hexcel Corporation

IDEX Corporation

II-VI Incorporated

Modine Manufacturing Company

Mine Safety Appliances Company

Myers Industries Inc.

Nordson Corporation

Plexus Corp.

Polypore International Inc.

Powell Industries, Inc.

Watts Water Technologies, Inc.

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Based on our analysis of the fiscal 2016 peer group used for determining fiscal 2016 compensation, performed in May 2015, 
the base salaries of our named executive officers were generally at the median of our peers, with the exception of Mr. Felmer whose 
base salary was above the median. Fiscal 2016 target total compensation of our NEOs, inclusive of base salary, cash incentives and 
equity awards, was below the median of our peer companies, with the exception of Mr. Felmer whose target total compensation 
was above the median. Mr. Felmer previously served as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, which typically has a higher market 
value than Mr. Felmer's current role. Mr. Felmer's base salary has not increased since he accepted the role as President - Workplace 
Safety. 

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Fiscal 2016 Named Executive Officer Compensation

Base Salaries

 For fiscal 2016,  the Board of Directors approved a 3.7% increase in base salary for Mr. Nauman. In addition, Mr. Nauman 
recommended and the Committee approved increases in base salary for Messrs. Pearce and Bolognini. All increases were made to 
recognize the performance and current scope of responsibilities of each executive, and with regard to Messrs. Nauman and Pearce, 
to better align their base salary with those holding comparable positions at peer companies. Messrs. Felmer and Shaller did not 
receive a base salary increase as Mr. Felmer's base salary was positioned above the median of the peer group and Mr. Shaller had 
recently joined the Company. 

Named Executive Officer
J. Michael Nauman
Aaron J. Pearce
Louis T. Bolognini
Thomas J. Felmer
Russell R. Shaller

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Percentage Increase

$

$

675,000
288,429
329,902
386,937
340,000

693,750
315,000
333,725
386,937
340,000

3.7%
6.7%
1.5%
—%
—%

The  salary  detail  in  the  table  above  reflects  the  annualized  12-month  salary  for  each  executive. The  salaries  in  the  Summary 
Compensation Table reflect fiscal year compensation earned including three (3) months at fiscal 2015 rates and nine (9) months at 
fiscal 2016 rates.

Annual Cash Incentive Awards

The  Company  is  managed  on  a  global  basis  with  three  business  platforms,  ID  Solutions, Workplace  Safety  and  People 
Identification, which aggregate into two reportable segments: ID Solutions and Workplace Safety.  All named executive officers 
participate in an annual cash incentive plan, which is based on fiscal year financial results of the Company or a segment. Set forth 
below is a description of the fiscal 2016 financial measures for the annual cash incentive plan: 

Performance Metric
Total Company 
organic revenue

Pre-tax income

Definition
Total Company organic revenue is measured as total company sales 
from continuing operations, at actual exchange rates, excluding all 
acquired and divested sales. Total company organic revenue is also 
known as  “core sales” and “base sales." Total Company organic 
revenue is reported quarterly and annually in the Company's 10-Q 
and 10-K SEC filings.

Weighting
30%

NEO
Messrs.
Nauman,
Pearce and
Bolognini

Pre-tax income is defined as total Company revenues from 
continuing operations at actual exchange rates minus total Company 
expenses for the cost of doing business before deducting income tax 
expense. Pre-tax income excludes certain non-routine expenses such 
as restructuring charges and income or loss from acquisitions or 
divestitures completed in fiscal 2016. 

Segment organic
revenue

Segment organic revenue is measured as segment customer sales 
from continuing operations, at budgeted exchange rates, excluding all 
acquired and divested sales.

Segment income
from operations

Segment income from operations is measured as segment sales less 
the segment's cost of goods sold, selling expenses and expenses of 
continuing operations, at budgeted exchange rates, for the current 
year. 

Fiscal year objectives

In fiscal 2016, the Company had seven fiscal year objectives that 
were established at the beginning of the fiscal year and viewed as 
critical to the execution of the Company's strategy. The amount 
funded depends on the number of fiscal year objectives achieved in 
fiscal 2016 at the total Company level.

50%

30%

50%

Messrs. 
Nauman, 
Pearce and 
Bolognini

Messrs.
Felmer and
Shaller

Messrs.
Felmer and
Shaller

20%

All NEOs

The  achievement  of  the  total  Company  organic  revenue  and  profit  thresholds  for  those  named  executive  officers  whose 
incentive is determined by those goals, and of the segment organic revenue and profit thresholds for those named executive officers 
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whose incentive is determined by those goals, in combination with the fiscal year objectives as defined above, determines how 
much the annual bonus pool is funded. However, if the threshold fiscal year profit related growth goal is missed within an annual 
cash incentive plan, no annual bonus pool is funded for that plan, regardless of the final revenue and fiscal year objective goals 
achieved. 

The NEOs individual contribution, in line with their annual performance rating, is used as a multiplier to determine what 

percentage of available bonus is earned and payable to him and can range from 0% to 150%.

Messrs. Nauman, Pearce and Bolognini

The cash incentive payable to Messrs. Nauman, Pearce and Bolognini for fiscal 2016 was based on total Company organic 
revenue, pre-tax income and achievement of the fiscal year objectives. We use organic revenue because we believe that the long-
term value of our enterprise depends on our ability to grow revenue without regard for acquisitions.  We use pre-tax income to focus 
on effectively managing our costs while growing our revenue and we use fiscal year objectives as these are critical to the execution 
of the Company's strategy.

For fiscal 2016, the total Company organic revenue threshold was not achieved. However, a bonus was funded for these 
named executive officers for the achievement of our pre-tax income and fiscal year objective goals. The multiplier for individual 
performance also applies. The threshold, target, maximum and actual payout amounts for Messrs. Nauman, Pearce and Bolognini 
were as follows: 

Performance Measure (weighting)
Organic Revenue (30%)(millions)
Pre-Tax Income (50%)(millions)

Threshold
$1,130.7
$88.3

Target
$1,182.0
$111.0

Maximum
$1,221.7 or more
$145.0 or more

Fiscal Year Objectives (20%)

Individual Performance Multiplier

Fiscal 2016 Bonus Award

J.M. Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini

0%

0%

0%
0%
0%

100%

100%

100%
60%
60%

125%

150%

200%
120%
120%

Fiscal 2016 Actual Results

$1,120.6
$109.3

118%

Varies (1)

Actual 
Payout
(% of Target)
76.3%
76.3%
61.0%

Actual 
Payout
(% of Salary)
76.3%
45.8%
36.6%

Actual Payout
($)

$528,984
$144,113
$122,143

(1)  The named executive officer's individual contribution is used as a multiplier to determine what percentage of available 
bonus is earned and payable to him or her and can range from 0% to 150%. The individual performance multiplier used 
in the calculation of the final bonus payable to Messrs. Nauman, Pearce and Bolognini was 125%, 125% and 100%, 
respectively.

Messrs. Felmer and Shaller

The cash incentive payable to Mr. Felmer for fiscal 2016 was based on achievement of WPS segment organic revenue, WPS 
segment income from operations, and achievement of fiscal year objectives. The cash incentive payable to Mr. Shaller for fiscal 
2016 was based on achievement of IDS segment organic revenue, IDS segment income from operations, and achievement of fiscal 
year objectives. We use segment organic revenue and segment income from operations goals because we believe they align Messrs. 
Felmer and Shaller to the management of sales and expenses directly within their control as the President-Workplace Safety, and 
President-Identification Solutions, respectively. 

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For fiscal 2016, the segment organic revenue thresholds for WPS and IDS were not achieved. However, a bonus was funded 
for Messrs. Felmer and Shaller for the achievement of segment income from operations and fiscal year objectives. The multiplier 
for individual performance also applies.

For 2016, the threshold, target, maximum and actual payout amounts for Mr. Felmer were as follows:

Performance Measure (weighting)
WPS Segment Organic Revenue (30%)
(millions)
WPS Segment IFO (50%)(millions)
Fiscal Year Objectives (20%)
Individual Performance Multiplier

Fiscal 2016 Bonus Award

T.J. Felmer

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Fiscal 2016 Actual Results

$345.8
$53.2
0%
0%

$363.0
$65.0
100%
100%

$367.6 or more
$70.0 or more
125%
150%

$342.8
$59.6
118%
100%

0%

80%

160%

Actual 
Payout
(% of Target)
36.0%

Actual 
Payout
(% of Salary)

Actual 
Payout
($)

28.8% $111,438

For 2016, the threshold, target, maximum and actual payout amounts for Mr. Shaller were as follows:

Performance Measure (weighting)

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Fiscal 2016 Actual Results

IDS Segment Organic Revenue (30%)
(millions)
IDS Segment IFO (50%)(millions)
Fiscal Year Objectives (20%)
Individual Performance Multiplier

Fiscal 2016 Bonus Award

R.R. Shaller

$554.7
$108.5
0%
0%

$580.0
$126.0
100%
100%

$597.0 or more
$140.0 or more
125%
150%

$548.7
$126.8
118%
125%

0%

55%

110%

Actual 
Payout
(% of Target)
91.9%

Actual 
Payout
(% of Salary)

Actual 
Payout
($)

50.5% $171,806

The target annual cash incentive award that would be payable to each executive officer is calculated as a percentage of the 
officer's eligible compensation defined as base salary in effect during the fiscal year, pro-rated to reflect base salary adjustments 
throughout the fiscal year.

For fiscal 2016, the Committee reviewed the impact of unusual and unforeseen events on the payout of bonuses and determined 
that none would be considered in the calculation of bonus payouts. In general, the Committee regularly reviews and makes decisions 
on the impact of unusual events on a case-by-case basis and continually evaluates compensation policies and practices in light of 
ongoing developments and best practices in the area of incentive compensation.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Awards

The Company utilizes a variety of incentive vehicles including time-based stock options, performance-based RSUs (beginning 
in 2017) and time-based RSUs to attract, retain and motivate key employees who directly impact the long-term performance of the 
Company.  The size and type of equity awards for executives other than the chief executive officer are determined annually by the 
Committee  with  input  from  the  chief  executive officer. With  regard  to  the  award  size  given  to  the  chief executive  officer,  the 
Committee uses its discretion in combination with market competitive information obtained from Equilar, Inc. and advice from its 
independent compensation consultant. 

For fiscal 2016, the Committee reviewed historical award sizes, median levels of equity awarded to similar positions at our 
peer companies and the estimated value of all proposed grants. The Committee then authorized fiscal 2016 awards consisting of a 
combination of time-based stock options and time-based RSUs 

Time-based  Stock  Options: The  annual  grant  of  time-based  stock  options  in  fiscal  2016  was  reviewed  and  approved  by  the 
Committee on September 9, 2015, with an effective grant date of September 25, 2015. The exercise price is the fair market value 
of the stock on the grant date, which was calculated as the average of the high and low stock price on that date. The time-based 
stock options generally vest one-third each year for the first three years and have a ten-year life. 

Time-based  RSUs:  The  annual  grant  of  time-based  RSUs  for  fiscal  2016  was  reviewed  and  approved  by  the  Committee  on 
September 9, 2015, with an effective grant date of September 25, 2015. The grant date fair value was the fair market value of the 

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stock on the date of grant, which was calculated as the average of the high and low stock price on that date.  These time-based RSUs 
vest one-third each year for the first three years. 

The following is a summary of the annual grant of time-based stock options and time-based RSUs made to our named executive 

officers on September 25, 2015: 

Named Officers
J.M. Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

Fiscal 2016 Annual Equity Grants

Number of           
Time-Based
Stock Options

Grant Date
Fair Value

Number of 
Time-Based 
RSUs

Grant Date
Fair Value

$

301,399
51,375
33,394
56,513
46,238

1,466,668
250,001
162,502
275,004
225,003

$

36,741
12,526
8,142
13,778
11,273

733,350
250,019
162,514
275,009
225,009

Other Elements of Compensation

Health and Welfare Benefits: We provide subsidized health and welfare benefits which include medical, dental, life and accidental 
death or dismemberment insurance, disability insurance and paid time off. Executive officers are entitled to participate in our health 
and welfare plans on generally the same terms and conditions as other employees, subject to limitations under applicable law. In 
addition, the Company maintains a supplemental executive disability policy for executives. The supplemental disability policy 
provides for an additional 15% of compensation, up to a maximum additional benefit of $5,000 per month. Brady Corporation pays 
the premiums for these benefits; therefore, these benefits are taxable to the executive.

Retirement Benefits: Brady employees (including named executive officers) in the United States and certain expatriate employees 
working for its international subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Brady Corporation Matched 401(k) Plan (the “Matched 
401(k) Plan”). In addition, named executive officers in the United States and employees at many of our United States locations are 
also eligible to participate in the Brady Corporation Funded Retirement Plan (“Funded Retirement Plan”).

Under the Funded Retirement Plan, the Company contributes 4% of the eligible earnings of each employee covered by the 
Funded Retirement Plan. In addition, participants may elect to have their annual pay reduced by up to 5% and have the amount of 
this reduction contributed to their Matched 401(k) Plan and matched with an additional 4% contribution by the Company. Participants 
may also elect to have up to another 45% of their eligible earnings contributed to the Matched 401(k) Plan (without an additional 
matching contribution by the Company and up to the maximum allowed by the IRS). The assets of the Matched 401(k) Plan and 
Funded Retirement Plan credited to each participant are invested by the trustee of the Plans as directed by each plan participant in 
a variety of investment funds as permitted by the Matched 401(k) Plan and the Funded Retirement Plan.

Due to the IRS income limitations for participating in the Matched 401(k) Plan and the Funded Retirement Plan, the named 
executive officers are eligible to participate in the Brady Restoration Plan. The Brady Restoration Plan is a non-qualified deferred 
compensation plan that allows an equivalent benefit to the Matched 401(k) Plan and the Funded Retirement Plan for named executive 
officer income above the IRS compensation limits.

Benefits are generally payable upon the death, disability, or retirement of the participant, or upon termination of employment 
before retirement, although benefits may be withdrawn from the Matched 401(k) Plan and paid to the participant if required for 
certain emergencies. Under certain specified circumstances, the Matched 401(k) Plan allows loans to be drawn on a participant's 
account. The participant is immediately fully vested with respect to employee contributions; all other contributions become fully 
vested over a two-year period of continuous service for the Matched 401(k) Plan and after six years of continuous service for the 
Funded Retirement Plan.

Deferred Compensation Arrangements: During fiscal 2002, the Company adopted the Brady Corporation Executive Deferred 
Compensation Plan (“Executive Deferred Compensation Plan”), under which executive officers, corporate staff officers and certain 
key management employees of the Company are permitted to defer portions of their salary and bonus into a plan account, the value 
of which is measured by the fair value of the underlying investments. The assets of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are 
held in a Rabbi Trust and are invested by the trustee as directed by the participant in several investment funds as permitted by the 
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. The investment funds available in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan include 
Brady Corporation Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and various mutual funds that are provided in the Matched 401(k) Plan. On 

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May 1, 2006, the plan was amended to require that deferrals into the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock must remain 
in the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and be distributed in shares of the Company's Class A Nonvoting Common 
Stock.

At least one year prior to termination of employment, the executive must elect whether to receive their account balance 
following termination of employment in a single lump sum payment or by means of distribution under an Annual Installment 
Method. If the executive does not submit an election form or has not submitted one timely, then payment shall be made each year 
for a period of five years. The first payment must be one-fifth of the balance held; the second one-fourth; and so on, with the balance 
held in the Rabbi Trust reduced by each payment. Distributions of the Company Class A Nonvoting Common Stock are made in-
kind; distributions of other assets are in cash.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan was amended and restated to comply with the provisions 
of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. On February 17, 2011, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan was amended 
and restated to revise and clarify certain Plan terms regarding the investment of amounts in the Brady Stock Fund. Amounts deferred 
prior to January 1, 2005 (which were fully vested under the terms of the plan), including past and future earnings credited thereon, 
will remain subject to the terms in place prior to January 1, 2005.

Perquisites: Brady provides the named executive officers with the following perquisites:

Financial planning and tax preparation;

• 
•  Car allowance;
•  Long-term care insurance; and
Personal Liability Insurance
• 

Stock Ownership Requirements

We  believe  that  the  interests  of  shareholders  and  executives  become  aligned  when  executives  become  shareholders  in 
possession of a meaningful amount of Company stock. Furthermore, this stock ownership encourages positive performance behaviors 
and discourages executive officers from taking undue risk. In order to encourage our executive officers and directors to acquire and 
retain ownership of a significant number of shares of the Company's stock, stock ownership requirements have been established.

The Board of Directors has established the following stock ownership requirements for our named executive officers: 

J.M. Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

5 times base salary
3 times base salary
2 times base salary
3 times base salary
3 times base salary

The stock ownership requirement for each director is five times the annual retainer. 

Our NEOs are expected to obtain the required ownership levels within five years and may not sell shares, other than to cover 
tax  withholding  requirements  associated  with  the  vesting  or  exercise  of  the  equity  award,  until  such  time  as  they  meet  the 
requirements. All NEOs other than Mr. Bolognini, who is still within his five-year acquisition period, have achieved their respective 
ownership levels as of the end of fiscal 2016. If an executive does not meet the above ownership level within five years of becoming 
subject to the requirements, the Committee may direct that the executive's after-tax payout on any incentive plans will be in Class A 
Nonvoting Common Stock to bring the executive up to the required level, and the executive may not sell any shares, other than to 
cover tax withholding requirements associated with the exercise or vesting of the equity award, until such time as they meet the 
requirements. 

The Committee reviews the actual stock ownership levels of each of the named executive officers on an annual basis to ensure 
the guidelines are met. For purposes of determining whether an executive meets the required ownership level, the values of Company 
stock owned outright, Company stock held in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Company stock owned in the Employee 
401(k) Plan or pension plan and time-based restricted stock or restricted stock units are included. In addition, the spread value of 
vested stock options that are “in the money” is also included. The value of performance-based restricted stock units are excluded 
from determining whether an executive meets the required ownership level.

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Insider Trading Policy

The  Company's  Insider Trading  Policy  prohibits  hedging  and  other  monetization  transactions  in  Company  securities  by 
officers, directors and employees.  The prohibition on hedging transactions includes financial instruments such as prepaid variable 
forwards, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds. The Insider Trading Policy also prohibits the pledging of Company stock as 
collateral for loans or holding Company securities in a margin account by officers, directors or employees.

Employment and Change of Control Agreements

In fiscal 2016, the Company did not have employment agreements with our executives. The Offer Letter entered into with 
Mr. Nauman on August 1, 2014, provides that he is deemed an at at-will employee, but will receive a severance benefit equal to 
two times the sum of his base salary and target bonus in the event his employment is terminated without cause or for good reason 
as described therein. The Offer Letter entered into with Mr. Shaller on June 22, 2015, provides that he is deemed an at at-will 
employee, but will receive a severance benefit equal to his base salary plus target bonus in the event his employment is terminated 
without cause or for good reason as described therein. 

The Board of Directors of Brady Corporation approved change of control agreements for all of the NEOs of the Company. 
The agreements applicable to the covered named executive officers, other than Mr. Nauman, provide a payment of an amount equal 
to two times their annual base salary and two times the average bonus payment received in the three years immediately prior to the 
date the change of control occurs in the event of termination or resignation upon a change of control.  Under the terms of the Change 
of Control Agreement with Mr. Nauman, in the event of a qualifying termination within 24 months following a change of control 
(as such events are defined in the Change of Control Agreement), Mr. Nauman will receive two times his annual base salary, two 
times his target bonus, and the amount of his target bonus prorated based on when the termination occurs. The agreement for Mr. 
Felmer also provides for reimbursement of any excise taxes imposed and all of the agreements provide for up to $25,000 of attorney 
fees to enforce the executive's rights under the agreement. Payments under the agreement will be spread over two years. 

Under the terms of the 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, in the event of (a) the merger or consolidation of the Corporation 
with or into another corporation or corporations in which the Corporation is not the surviving corporation, (b) the adoption of any 
plan for the dissolution of the Corporation, or (c) the sale or exchange of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation for 
cash or for shares of stock or other securities of another corporation, all then-unexercised stock options become fully exercisable 
and all restrictions placed on restricted stock and restricted stock units will lapse. If any stock option is canceled subsequent to the 
events described above, the Corporation or the corporation assuming the obligations of the Corporation, shall pay an amount of 
cash or stock equal to the in-the-money value of the canceled stock options. 

Non-Compete/Non-Solicitation/Confidentiality

Since fiscal 2013, agreements memorializing equity awards under the Company's 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan have 
contained  non-competition,  non-solicitation  and  confidential  information  covenants  applicable  to  the  award  recipients.    The 
confidential information covenant prohibits the use, disclosure, copying or duplication of the Company's confidential information 
other than in the course of authorized activities conducted in the course of the recipient's employment with the Company.  The other 
covenants prohibit the NEOs, except Mr. Nauman, for 12 months after termination of employment with the Company, from (i) 
performing duties for or as a competitor of the Company which are the same or similar to those performed by the recipient in the 
24 months prior to termination of employment with the Company or (ii) inducing or encouraging employees, vendors or clients of 
the Company to breach, modify or terminate relationships or agreements they had with the Company during the 24 month period 
prior  to  the  recipient's  termination  of  employment.  Mr.  Nauman's  covenants  provide  for  the  same  non-competition  and  non-
solicitation terms generally, but extend the life of such covenants to 24 months after termination of employment with the Company.

Compliance with Tax Regulations Regarding Executive Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation over 
$1 million paid to the Company's chief executive officer or the other named executive officers. Qualifying performance-based 
compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. The Company's executive compensation 
program, as currently constructed, is not likely to generate significant nondeductible compensation in excess of these limits. The 
Committee will continue to review these tax regulations as they apply to the Company's executive compensation program. It is the 
Committee's intent to preserve the deductibility of executive compensation to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent 
consistent with its other compensation objectives. However, because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and 
interpretation of Section 162(m) and related regulations, and the fact that such regulations and interpretations may change from 
time to time (with potentially retroactive effect), there is no certainty that compensation intended by the Committee to satisfy the 
requirements for deductibility under Section 162(m) will be deductible.

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The Committee also considers it important to retain flexibility to design compensation programs, even where compensation 
payable under such programs may not be fully deductible, if such programs effectively recognize a full range of criteria important 
to the Company's success and result in a gain to the Company that would outweigh the limited negative tax effect.

Management Development and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During  fiscal  2016,  the  Board's  Management  Development  and  Compensation  Committee  was  composed  of  Messrs. 
Balkema, Harris, Ms. Bruno and Ms. Gioia, and Mr. Sirkin from November 18, 2015 to July 31, 2016. None of these persons has 
at any time been an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. There are no relationships among the Company's executive 
officers, members of the Committee or entities whose executives serve on the Board that require disclosure under applicable SEC 
regulations.

Management Development and Compensation Committee Report

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management; and based on 
the review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis 
be included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K.

Gary Balkema, Chairman
Elizabeth Bruno
Nancy Gioia
Frank Harris
Harold Sirkin

Compensation Policies and Practices

The Company's compensation policies for executive officers and all other employees are designed to avoid incentives to 
create undue risks to the Company. The Company's compensation programs are weighted towards offering long-term incentives 
that reward sustainable performance; do not offer significant short-term incentives that might drive high-risk investments at the 
expense of the long-term Company value; and are set at reasonable and sustainable levels, as determined by a review of the 
Company's economic position, as well as the compensation offered by comparable companies. Under the oversight of its Audit 
and Management Development and Compensation Committees, the Company reviewed its compensation policies, practices and 
procedures for all employees to evaluate and ensure that they do not foster risk taking beyond that deemed acceptable within the 
Company's business model. The Company believes that its compensation policies, practices and procedures do not encourage 
employees to take unnecessary or excessive risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to the named executive officers, who served as 
executive officers during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, for services rendered to the Company and its subsidiaries during the 
fiscal years ended July 31, 2016, July 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014.

Name and Principal Position

Fiscal
Year

Salary
($)

Bonus
($)

Restricted 
Stock  
Awards 
and RSUs
($)(1)

Option
Awards
($)(2)

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)

All Other
Compensation
($)(4)

Total
($)

J.M. Nauman, President,
CEO, & Director (5)

A.J. Pearce, Senior VP &
CFO (5)

L.T. Bolognini, Senior VP,
General Counsel and
Secretary

T.J. Felmer, Senior VP,
President-Workplace
Safety

R.R. Shaller, Senior VP &
President - Identification
Solutions (5)(6)

2016

$ 693,750

— $ 733,350

$1,466,668

$

528,984

$

89,017

$3,511,769

2015

649,039

— 2,287,151

893,282

—

86,716

3,916,188

2016

$ 315,000

$

— $ 250,019

$ 250,001

$

144,113

$

49,920

$1,009,053

2015

290,121

—

540,982

238,212

—

43,418

1,112,733

2016

$ 333,725

$

— $ 162,514

$ 162,502

$

122,143

$

52,220

$ 833,104

2015

329,902

2014

327,500

—

—

143,075

141,443

144,134

142,508

—

—

74,950

689,370

51,649

665,791

2016

$ 386,937

— $ 275,009

$ 275,004

$

111,438

$

62,934

$1,111,322

2015

386,937

2014

384,397

—

—

820,304

322,580

477,221

325,001

—

—

57,364

1,587,185

59,842

1,246,461

2016

$ 340,000

$

— $ 225,009

$ 225,003

$

171,806

$

188,467

$1,150,285

2015

26,154

115,000

524,590

—

—

1,749

667,493

(1)  Represents the grant date fair value computed in accordance with accounting guidance for equity grants made or modified 
in the applicable year for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The grant date fair value is calculated 
based on the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the restricted stock awards and RSUs, times the 
average of the high and low trade prices of Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The actual value of a restricted 
stock award or RSU will depend on the market value of the Class A Common Stock on the date the stock is sold. 

(2)  Represents the grant date fair value computed in accordance with accounting guidance for equity grants made or modified 
in the applicable year for time-based stock options. The assumptions used to determine the value of the awards, including 
the use of the Black-Scholes method of valuation by the Company, are discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements of the Company contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016. The 
actual value, if any, which an option holder will realize upon the exercise of an option will depend on the excess of the 
market value of the Class A Common Stock over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised, which cannot be 
forecasted with any accuracy.

(3)  Reflects incentive plan compensation earned during the listed fiscal years, which was paid during the next fiscal year. 

(4)  The amounts in this column include: matching contributions to the Company’s Matched 401(k) Plan, Funded Retirement 
Plan and Restoration Plan, the costs of group term life insurance for each named executive officer, use of a Company car 
or car allowance, and associated expenses, the cost of long-term care insurance, the cost of personal liability insurance, 
the  cost  of  disability  insurance  and  other  perquisites.  The  perquisites  may  include  relocation  assistance  and  annual 
allowances for financial and tax planning. Refer to the table below.

(5)  Fiscal 2015 was the first year during the terms of Messrs. Nauman, Pearce, and Shaller in which the criteria as a Named 

Executive Officer were met.

(6)  Mr. Shaller received a sign-on bonus of $115,000 in fiscal 2015 in conjunction with his appointment as Senior Vice President 

and President - Identification Solutions, effective June 22, 2015.

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Name

J.M. Nauman

A.J. Pearce

L.T. Bolognini

T.J. Felmer

R.R. Shaller

Retirement
Plan
Contributions
($)

Company
Car
($)

Fiscal
Year

Group
Term
Life
Insurance
($)

Long-
term
Care
Insurance
($)

Long-
Term 
Disability 
Insurance
($)

Relocation
($)

Other
($)

Total
($)

$

$

$

$

$

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

54,808

$ 18,000

$

1,087

$

4,860

$

4,311

$

— $ 5,951

$ 89,017

23,885

17,308

24,606

$ 13,468

$

24,854

15,313

26,557

$ 11,799

$

25,428

24,462

14,997

16,201

30,955

$ 18,000

$

30,955

30,505

18,000

20,159

975

505

424

528

520

763

610

747

1,102

$

$

4,860

4,282

27,676

7,730

86,716

2,893

$

2,800

$

— $ 5,648

$ 49,920

—

2,727

—

100

43,418

3,946

$

4,097

$

— $ 5,293

$ 52,220

3,946

4,274

4,116

—

25,443

500

— 5,949

74,950

51,649

$

3,737

$

3,221

$

— $ 6,411

$ 62,934

3,737

4,048

3,225

4,028

—

—

700

—

57,364

59,842

29,600

$ 18,000

$

537

$

3,427

$

4,103

$ 127,244

$ 5,556

$ 188,467

—

1,383

—

—

91

275

—

1,749

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for 2016

The following table summarizes grants of plan-based awards made during fiscal 2016 to the named executive officers.

Name
J.M. Nauman

A.J. Pearce

Compensation
Committee
Approval
Date

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)

Threshold
 ($)

Target ($)

Maximum
 ($)

Grant
Date

$

— $ 700,000

$1,400,000

9/25/2015

9/25/2015

9/9/2015

9/9/2015

9/25/2015

9/25/2015

9/9/2015

9/9/2015

— 192,000

384,000

L.T. Bolognini

— 201,000

402,000

T.J. Felmer

R.R. Shaller

9/25/2015

9/25/2015

9/9/2015

9/9/2015

9/25/2015

9/25/2015

9/9/2015

9/9/2015

9/25/2015

9/25/2015

9/9/2015

9/9/2015

— 309,550

619,100

— 187,000

374,000

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

All Other
Stock 
Awards:
Number of
Shares of 
Stock or 
Units 

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Stock
or
Option
Awards

Grant
Date Fair
Value
of
Stock and
Option
Awards

(#)

(#)

(2)

($)

301,399

$ 19.96

$1,466,668

36,741

19.96

733,350

51,375

33,394

56,513

46,238

12,526

8,142

13,778

11,273

19.96

19.96

19.96

19.96

19.96

19.96

19.96

19.96

250,001

250,019

162,502

162,514

275,004

275,009

225,003

225,009

(1)  At its September 2015 meeting, the Management Development and Compensation Compensation Committee approved 
the values of the annual cash incentive award under the Company's annual cash incentive plan. The structure of the plan 
is described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above and was set prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.  
Payout levels can range from 0 to 200 percent of base salary. 

(2)  The exercise price and base price is the average of the high and low sale prices of the Company’s Class A Common Stock 

as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on the date of the grant. 

84

 
 
Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year End 

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Name
J.M. Nauman

A.J. Pearce

L.T. Bolognini

T.J. Felmer

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)

Option
Exercise
Price
($)

43,531

—

87,061 (1) $

301,399 (2)

22.66

19.96

Option
Expiration  
Date

9/25/2024

9/25/2025

Number of
 Units of Stock 
That Have Not 
Vested
(#)

Market
Value of Units 
of Stock That
Have Not 
Vested
($)

53,668 (7)

$

1,724,890

26,584 (5)

36,741 (6)

854,410

1,180,856

5,000

5,000

20,000

5,000

7,000

10,000

9,000

9,000

3,016

11,609

—

25,000

9,899

6,893

—

25,000

25,000

25,000

23,334

35,000

11,667

40,000

35,000

45,500

22,575

15,720

38.19

38.31

36.07

20.95

28.73

29.10

27.00

30.21

31.07

22.66

19.96

34.64

31.07

22.66

19.96

38.19

38.31

20.95

29.78

28.73

28.35

29.10

27.00

30.21

31.07

22.66

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,507 (3)

23,216 (1)

51,375 (2)

4,949 (3)

13,785 (1)

33,394 (2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

11,287 (3)

31,439 (1)

85

11/30/2016

12/4/2017

7/22/2018

12/4/2018

9/25/2019

9/24/2020

9/30/2021

9/21/2022

9/20/2023

9/25/2024

9/25/2025

1/7/2023

9/20/2023

9/25/2024

9/25/2025

11/30/2016

12/4/2017

12/4/2018

8/3/2019

9/25/2019

8/2/2020

9/24/2020

9/30/2021

9/21/2022

9/20/2023

9/25/2024

434 (4)

$

7,089 (5)

10,953 (11)

12,526 (6)

13,949

227,840

352,029

402,586

1,546 (4)

$

4,209 (5)

8,142 (6)

49,688

135,277

261,684

 
 
Table of Contents

—

56,513 (2)

19.96

9/25/2025

R.R. Shaller

—

46,238 (2) $

19.96

9/25/2025

3,526 (4)

$

9,600 (5)

3,333 (8)

10,000 (9)

13,778 (6)

113,326

308,544

107,123

321,400

442,825

16,793 (10) $

11,273 (6)

539,727

362,314

(1)  One-half of the options vest on September 25, 2016, and the remaining options vest on September 25, 2017.
(2)  One-third of the options vest on September 25, 2016, one-third of the options vest on September 25, 2017, and one-third 

of the options vest on September 25, 2018. 

(3)  The remaining options will vest on September 20, 2016.
(4)  This award represents time-based restricted stock units awarded on September 20, 2013, as part of the annual fiscal 2014 

equity grant. The remaining units vest on September 20, 2016.

(5)  This award represents time-based restricted stock units awarded on September 25, 2014, as part of the annual fiscal 2015 
equity grant. One-half of the units vest on September 25, 2016 and the remaining units vest on September 25, 2017.
(6)  This award represents time-based restricted stock units awarded on September 25, 2015, as part of the annual fiscal 2016 
equity grant. One-third of the units vest on September 25, 2016, one-third of the units vest on September 25, 2017, and 
one-third of the units vest on September 25, 2018.

(7)  Mr. Nauman was awarded 53,668 shares of time-based restricted stock units on August 4, 2014, the effective date of his 
appointment as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of the Company. One-third of the units vest on August 4, 
2017, one-third of the units vest on August 4, 2018, and one-third of the units vest on August 4, 2019.

(8)  Effective October 1, 2014, Mr. Felmer was awarded 5,000 shares of time-based restricted stock for retention purposes. 

One-half of the units vest on October 1, 2016, and the remaining units vest on October 1, 2017.

(9)  Effective November 28, 2014, Mr. Felmer was awarded 10,000 shares of time-based restricted stock for retention purposes. 
One-third of the units vest on November 28, 2017, one-third of the units vest on November 28, 2018, and one-third of the 
units vest on November 28, 2019.

(10)  Mr. Shaller was awarded 20,992 shares of time-based restricted stock units on June 22, 2015, the effective date of his 
appointment as Senior Vice President and President - Identification Solutions. One-fourth of the units vest on the second, 
third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, respectively.

(11)  Mr. Pearce was awarded 12,171 shares of time-based restricted stock units on July 15, 2015, for retention purposes. Twenty 
percent of the units vest on July 15, 2017, thirty percent of the units vest on July 15, 2018, and fourty percent of the units 
vest on July 15, 2019.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal 2016

The following table summarizes option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock during fiscal 2016 to the named executive 

officers.

Name
J.M. Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

Option Awards

Stock Awards

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
—
—
—
—
—

— $
—
—
—
—

Number of Shares
Acquired on   
Vesting (#)

Value Realized
on Vesting ($)

$

13,292
5,197
3,651
14,994
4,199

265,441
118,863
73,714
315,047
130,305

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Table of Contents

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2016

The following table summarizes the activity within the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the Brady Restoration 

Plan during fiscal 2016 for the named executive officers.

Name
J.M. Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

Executive
Contributions  in
Last Fiscal Year
($)

Registrant
Contributions  in
Last Fiscal Year
($)

Aggregate
Earnings  in
Last Fiscal Year
($)

Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($)

Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal Year
End ($)

$

$

17,131
32,985
2,627
4,878
1,846

$

33,608
3,046
5,255
9,755
1,600

$

118
46,577
1,591
208,611
5

— $
—

—
—

58,733
530,421
22,933
3,049,448
3,452

See discussion of the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. 
The executive contribution amounts reported here are derived from the salary and non-equity incentive plan compensation columns 
of the Summary Compensation Table. The registrant contribution amounts reported here are reported in the all other compensation 
columns of the Summary Compensation Table.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

As described in the Employment and Change of Control Agreements section of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis 
above, the Company has entered into separate severance agreements and change of control agreements with certain named executive 
officers. 

The terms of severance arrangements are triggered if (i) the executive’s employment with the Company is involuntarily 
terminated by the Company without cause or (ii) the executive’s employment with the Company is voluntarily terminated by the 
executive subsequent to (a) any reduction in the total of the executive’s annual base salary and target bonus without the prior 
written agreement of the executive, (b) a significant diminution in the authority, duties or responsibilities of the executive without 
the executive’s prior written agreement, or (c) the relocation of the executive’s position to a principal work location more than 50 
miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and that is also further from the executive’s principal place of residence, without the executive’s 
prior written agreement. Should Messrs. Nauman’s or Shaller’s employment be terminated under the circumstances described 
above, the Company would pay Mr. Nauman a severance benefit equal to two times the sum of his base salary and target bonus 
and would pay Mr. Shaller a severance benefit equal to his base salary plus target bonus.  The other named executive officers are 
not covered by severance arrangements.

The terms of the change of control agreement are triggered if, within a 24 month period beginning with the date a change 
of control occurs, (i) the executive’s employment with the Company is involuntarily terminated other than by reason of death, 
disability or cause or (ii) the executive’s employment with the Company is voluntarily terminated by the executive subsequent to 
(a) any reduction in the total of the executive’s annual base salary, exclusive of fringe benefits, and the executive’s target bonus 
in comparison with the executive’s annual base salary and target bonus immediately prior to the date the change of control occurs, 
(b) a significant diminution in the responsibilities or authority of the executive in comparison with the executive’s responsibility 
and authority immediately prior to the date the change of control occurs, or (c) the imposition of a requirement by the Company 
that the executive relocate to a principal work location more than 50 miles from the executive’s principal work location immediately 
prior to the date the change of control occurs.

Following termination due to a change in control, executives shall be paid a multiplier of their annual base salary in effect 
immediately prior to the date the change of control occurs, plus a multiplier of their average bonus payment received over a three-
year period prior to the date the change of control occurs. For Mr. Nauman, a multiplier of the target bonus amount in effect 
immediately prior to the date change of control applies instead of the average bonus payment received over the prior three-year 
period. For Mr. Felmer, the Company will also reimburse the executive for any excise tax incurred by the executive as a result of 
Section 280(g) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the payments upon termination due to change of control result in any excise tax 
incurred by Messrs. Nauman, Pearce, Bolognini and Shaller as a result of Section 280(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, the officer 
will be solely responsible for such excise tax. The Company will also reimburse a maximum of $25,000 of legal fees incurred by 
the executive in order to enforce the change of control agreement, in which the executive prevails. 

The following information and tables set forth the amount of payments to each named executive officer in the event of 
termination of employment as a result of a change of control. No other employment agreements have been entered into between 
the Company and any of the named executive officers in fiscal year 2016.

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Table of Contents

Assumptions and General Principles

The following assumptions and general principles apply with respect to the tables that follow in this section.

•  The amounts shown in the tables assume that each named executive officer terminated employment on July 31, 2016. 
Accordingly, the tables reflect amounts earned as of July 31, 2016, and include estimates of amounts that would be paid 
to the named executive officer upon the termination or occurrence of a change in control. The actual amounts that would 
be paid to a named executive officer can only be determined at the time of termination.

•  The tables below include amounts the Company is obligated to pay the named executive officer as a result of the severance 
agreement and executed change in control agreement. The tables do not include benefits that are paid generally to all 
salaried employees or a broad group of salaried employees. Therefore, the named executive officers would receive benefits 
in addition to those set forth in the tables. 

•  A named executive officer is entitled to receive base salary earned during his term of employment regardless of the manner 
in which the named executive officer’s employment is terminated. As such, this amount is not shown in the tables.

J. Michael Nauman

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the terms of the change of control agreement were triggered 

on July 31, 2016, and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $(3)

Stock  Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (4)

Legal Fee
Reimbursement
($) (5)

Total ($)

$

1,400,000

$

1,400,000

$

3,760,155

$

4,496,378

$

25,000

$

11,081,533

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the target bonus amount in effect at July 31, 2016.
(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 116,993 unvested RSUs that would vest due to the change in control.
(4)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on 388,460 unvested, in-the-

money stock options hat would vest due to change in control. 
(5)  Represents the maximum reimbursement of legal fees allowed.

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the severance terms of Mr. Nauman's Offer Letter were triggered 

on July 31, 2016 and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the severance terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $(3)

Total ($)

$

1,400,000

$

1,400,000

$

1,724,890

$

4,524,890

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the target bonus amount in effect at July 31, 2016.
(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 53,668 unvested RSUs that would vest due to termination without cause.

Aaron J. Pearce

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the terms of the change of control agreement were triggered 

on July 31, 2016, and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $(3)

Stock  Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (4)

Legal Fee
Reimbursement
($) (5)

Total ($)

$

640,000

$

— $

996,404

$

847,448

$

25,000

$

2,508,852

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the average bonus payment received in the last three fiscal year's ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014.

(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 31,002 unvested RSUs that would vest due to the change in control.
(4)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on 76,098 unvested, in-the-

money stock options that would vest due to change in control. 
(5)  Represents the maximum reimbursement of legal fees allowed.

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Table of Contents

Louis T. Bolognini

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the terms of the change of control agreement were triggered 

on July 31, 2016 and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $(3)

Stock  Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (4)

Legal Fee
Reimbursement
($) (5)

Total ($)

$

670,000

$

— $

446,650

$

542,716

$

25,000

$

1,684,366

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the average bonus payment received in the last three fiscal year's ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014.

(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 13,897 unvested RSUs that would vest due to the change in control.
(4)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on 52,128 unvested, in-the-

money stock options that would vest due to change in control. 
(5)  Represents the maximum reimbursement of legal fees allowed.

Thomas J. Felmer

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the terms of the change of control agreement were triggered 

on July 31, 2016 and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the terms of the agreement. 

Base Salary ($)(1)

$

773,874

Bonus ($) (2)
$

— $

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $ (3)

Stock  Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (4)

Excise Tax
Reimbursement
($)

Legal Fee
Reimbursement
($) (5)

1,293,217

$

998,447

$

— $

25,000

Total ($)
$ 3,090,538

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the average bonus payment received in the last three fiscal year's ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014.

(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 40,237 unvested RSUs that would vest due to the change in control.
(4)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on 99,239 unvested, in-the-

money stock options that would vest due to change in control. 
(5)  Represents the maximum reimbursement of legal fees allowed.

Russell R. Shaller

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the terms of the change of control agreement were triggered 

on July 31, 2016 and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Restricted Stock
Unit Acceleration
Gain $(3)

Stock  Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (4)

Legal Fee
Reimbursement
($) (5)

Total ($)

$

680,000

$

— $

902,041

$

438,336

$

25,000

$

2,045,377

(1)  Represents two times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents two times the average bonus payment received in the last three fiscal year's ended July 31, 2016, 2015 and 

2014.

(3)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on 28,066 unvested RSUs that would vest due to the change in control.
(4)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on 46,238 unvested, in-the-

money stock options that would vest due to change in control. 
(5)  Represents the maximum reimbursement of legal fees allowed.

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Table of Contents

The following table shows the amount payable assuming that the severance terms of Mr. Shaller's Offer Letter were triggered 

on July 31, 2016 and the named executive officer had to legally enforce the severance terms of the agreement.

Base Salary ($)(1)

Bonus ($) (2)

Total ($)

$

340,000

$

187,000

$

527,000

(1)  Represents one times the base salary in effect at July 31, 2016.
(2)  Represents one times the target bonus amount in effect at July 31, 2016.

Potential Payments Upon Termination Due to Death or Disability

In the event of termination due to death or disability, all unexercised, unexpired stock options would immediately vest and 
all restricted stock awards would immediately become unrestricted and fully vested. The following table shows the amount payable 
to the named executive officers should this event occur on July 31, 2016.

Name
J. Michael Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

Unvested Restricted
Stock Units as of
July 31, 2016

Restricted Stock 
Unit Acceleration
Gain $ (1)

Unvested, In-the-
Money Stock 
Options
as of
July 31, 2016

Stock Option
Acceleration
Gain $ (2)

$

116,993
31,002
13,897
40,237
28,066

3,760,155
996,404
446,650
1,293,217
902,041

$

388,460
76,098
52,128
99,239
46,238

4,496,378
847,448
542,716
998,447
438,336

(1)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on unvested awards that would vest due to death or disability.
(2)  Represents the difference between the closing market price of $32.14 and the exercise price on unvested, in-the-money 

stock options that would vest due to death or disability.

Potential Payments Upon Termination Without Cause

In the event of termination without cause, as defined in the officer's Offer Letter or in the officer's equity agreements, as 
applicable, certain restricted stock awards would immediately become unrestricted and fully vested. The following table shows 
the amount payable to the named executive officers should this event occur on July 31, 2016.

Name
J. Michael Nauman
A.J. Pearce
L.T. Bolognini
T.J. Felmer
R.R. Shaller

Unvested Restricted
Stock Units as of
July 31, 2016

Restricted Stock Unit 
Acceleration
Gain $ (1)

$

53,668
—
—
3,333
—

1,724,890
—
—
107,123
—

(1)  Represents the closing market price of $32.14 on unvested awards that would vest due to termination without cause.

Compensation of Directors

To  ensure  competitive  compensation  for  the  Directors,  surveys  prepared  by  various  consulting  firms  and  the  National 
Association of Corporate Directors are reviewed by the Corporate Governance Committee and the Management Development 
and Compensation Committee, and they confer with the Board’s independent compensation consultant, Meridian Compensation 
Partners, in making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding Director compensation. Directors who are employees 
of the Company receive no additional compensation for service on the Board or on any committee of the Board. 

On September 10, 2015, based on the recommendation of Meridian Compensation Partners, the Board approved revisions 
in the compensation structure of Directors, which became effective following the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In fiscal 

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2016, the annual cash retainer paid to non-management Directors was $60,000. Each member of the Audit Committee received 
an annual retainer of $15,000, and an additional annual retainer of $15,000 was paid to the Chair; each member of the Management 
Development and Compensation Committee received an annual retainer of $12,000, and an additional annual retainer of $12,000 
was paid to the Chair; and each member of the Corporate Governance, Finance and Technology Committees received an annual 
retainer of $10,000, and an additional annual retainer of $10,000 was paid to each committee Chair. These changes in compensation 
structure resulted in the discontinuance of meeting fees. In addition, non-management Directors are eligible to receive compensation 
of up to $1,000 per day for special assignments required by management or the Board of Directors, so long as the compensation 
does not impair independence and is approved as required by the Board. No such fees were paid in fiscal year 2016.  

In fiscal 2016, the Chair of the Board was paid an annual fee of $50,000, consistent with the evolving role of independent 
board leadership and the enhanced responsibilities of the position. Mr. Goodkind served as Lead Independent Director until August 
2015, and beginning in September 2015, commenced service as Chair of the Board. 

Under the terms of the Brady Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, 5,500,000 shares of the Company's Class A 
Common Stock have been authorized for issuance, and the Board has full and final authority to designate the non-management 
Directors to whom awards will be granted, the date on which awards will be granted and the number of shares of stock covered 
by each grant.  Commencing in fiscal 2017, equity awards will be granted under the Brady Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive 
Plan.

On September 9, 2015, the Board approved an annual stock-based compensation award of $83,000 in unrestricted shares 
of Class A Common Stock (having a grant date fair value of $19.96 per share), for each non-management Director, effective 
September 25, 2015, with the exception of Mr. Sirkin who received restricted stock units.

Directors are also eligible to defer portions of their fees into the Brady Corporation Director Deferred Compensation Plan 
(“Director Deferred Compensation Plan”), the value of which is measured by the fair value of the underlying investments. The 
assets of the Director Deferred Compensation Plan are held in a Rabbi Trust and are invested by the trustee as directed by the 
participant in several investment funds as permitted by the Director Deferred Compensation Plan. The investment funds available 
in the Director Deferred Compensation Plan include Brady Corporation Class A Nonvoting Common Stock and various mutual 
funds that are provided in the Employee 401(k) Plan.

At least one year prior to termination from the Board, the Director must elect whether to receive his/her account balance 
following termination in a single lump sum payment or by means of distribution under an Annual Installment Method. If the 
Director does not submit an election form or has not submitted one timely, then payment shall be made each year for a period of 
ten years. The first payment must be one-tenth of the balance held; the second one-ninth; and so on, with the balance held in the 
Trust reduced by each payment. Distributions of the Company Class A Nonvoting Common Stock are made in-kind; distributions 
of other assets are in cash.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Director Deferred Compensation Plan was amended and restated to comply with the provisions 
of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. On May 21, 2014, the Director Deferred Compensation Plan was amended to allow 
participants to transfer funds from other investment funds into the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock. Funds are not 
permitted to be transferred from the Company’s Class A Nonvoting Common Stock into other investment funds until six months 
after the Director resigns from the Board.

Director Compensation Table — Fiscal 2016 

Name
Patrick W. Allender
Gary S. Balkema
Elizabeth P. Bruno
Nancy L. Gioia 
Conrad G. Goodkind
Frank W. Harris
Bradley C. Richardson
Harold L. Sirkin

Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)

Option Awards
($) (1)

$

$

108,500
112,000
95,125
95,625
153,250
92,125
111,875
85,875

91

Stock
Awards ($)  (2)
83,014
83,014
83,014
83,014
83,014
83,014
83,014
83,014

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$

Total ($)

191,514
195,014
178,139
178,639
236,264
175,139
194,889
168,889

 
Table of Contents

(1)  No stock options were awarded to non-management Directors in fiscal 2016. Outstanding option awards at July 31, 2016, 
for each individual who served as Director in fiscal 2016 include the following: Mr. Allender, 55,800; Mr. Balkema, 35,400; 
Ms. Bruno, 51,800; Ms. Gioia, 8,500; Mr. Goodkind, 55,800; Mr. Harris, 51,800; Mr. Richardson, 49,800; and Mr. Sirkin, 
4,250 shares. The actual value, if any, which an option holder will realize upon the exercise of an option will depend on 
the excess of the market value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price on the date the option is exercised, 
which cannot be forecasted with any accuracy.

(2)  With the exception of Mr. Sirkin, represents the fair value of shares of Brady Corporation Class A Non-Voting Common 
Stock granted in fiscal 2016 as compensation for their services. For Mr. Sirkin, represents the fair value of shares of time-
based restricted stock units of Class A Common Stock granted in fiscal 2016 as compensation for his services. The shares 
of unrestricted stock and restricted stock units granted to the non-management directors were valued at the average of the 
high and low market price of $19.96 on September 25, 2015. Outstanding unvested restricted stock units at July 31, 2016, 
totaled 5,609 units, all of which were held by Mr. Sirkin.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth the current beneficial ownership of shareholders who are known by the Company to own more 
than five percent (5%) of any class of the Company’s voting shares on August 2, 2016. As of that date, nearly all of the voting 
stock of the Company was held by two trusts controlled by direct descendants of the Company’s founder, William H. Brady, as 
follows:

Title of Class
Class B Common Stock

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
EBL GST Non-Exempt Stock B Trust(1)
c/o Elizabeth Pungello Bruno 2002 S. Hawick
Ct. Chapel Hill, NC 27516
William H. Brady III Living Trust dated
November 1, 2013  (3)
c/o William H. Brady III 
249 Rosemont Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103

Amount of Beneficial
Ownership

Percent of
Ownership(2)

1,769,304

1,769,304

50%

50%

(1)  The trustee is Elizabeth Pungello Bruno, who has sole voting and dispositive power and who is the remainder beneficiary. 
Elizabeth Bruno is the great-granddaughter of William H. Brady and currently serves on the Company’s Board of Directors.

(2)  An additional 20 shares are owned by a third trust with different trustees.
(3)  William H. Brady III is grantor of this revocable trust and shares voting and dispositive powers with respect to these shares 

with his co-trustee. William H. Brady III is the grandson of William H. Brady.

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(b) Security Ownership of Management

The following table sets forth the current beneficial ownership of each class of equity securities of the Company by each 
Director and Named Executive Officer individually and by all Directors and Officers of the Company as a group as of August 2, 
2016. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each of the listed persons is c/o Brady Corporation, 6555 West Good Hope Road, 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223. Except as otherwise indicated, all shares are owned directly.

Title of Class

Name of Beneficial Owner & Nature of Beneficial Ownership

Class A Common Stock

Elizabeth Pungello Bruno (1)

Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership(3)(4)(5)

1,295,922

Percent of
Ownership

Thomas J. Felmer

J. Michael Nauman

Conrad G. Goodkind

Aaron J. Pearce

Patrick W. Allender (2)

Bradley C. Richardson

Frank W. Harris

Louis T. Bolognini

Gary S. Balkema

Russell R. Shaller

Nancy L. Gioia

Harold L. Sirkin

412,980

220,085

162,390

134,033

118,867

85,705

80,688

75,231

45,038

24,214

12,978

4,417

All Officers and Directors as a Group (16 persons)

2,883,586

2.8%

0.9%

0.5%

0.3%

0.3%

0.3%

0.2%

0.2%

0.2%

0.1%

0.1%

*

*

6.1%

Class B Common Stock

Elizabeth Pungello Bruno (1)

1,769,304

50.0%

*

Indicates less than one-tenth of one percent.

(1)  Ms. Bruno’s holdings of Class A Common Stock include 806,296 shares owned by a trust for which she is a trustee and 
has sole dispositive and voting authority and 70,530 shares owned by trusts in which she is a co-trustee. Ms. Bruno’s 
holdings of Class B Common Stock include 1,769,304 shares owned by a trust over which she has sole dispositive and 
voting authority.

(2)  Mr. Allender's holdings of Class A Common Stock include 20,000 shares owned by the Patrick and Deborah Allender 

Irrevocable Trust.

(3)  The amount shown for all officers and directors individually and as a group (16 persons) includes options to acquire a total 
of 1,216,505 shares of Class A Common Stock, which are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of 
July 31, 2016, including the following: Ms. Bruno, 50,384 shares; Mr. Felmer, 349,641; Mr. Nauman, 187,529 shares; Mr. 
Goodkind, 54,384 shares; Mr. Pearce, 114,865 shares; Mr. Allender, 54,384 shares; Mr. Richardson, 48,384 shares; Mr. 
Harris, 50,384 shares; Mr. Bolognini, 64,766 shares; Mr. Balkema, 33,984 shares; Mr. Shaller, 15,413 shares; Ms. Gioia, 
5,668 shares; Mr. Sirkin, 1,417 shares; Mr. Curran, 146,799 shares; Mr. Meyer, 2,581 shares; and Ms. Nelligan, 35,922 
shares. It does not include other options for Class A Common Stock which have been granted at later dates and are not 
exercisable within 60 days of July 31, 2016. 

(4)  The amount shown for all officers and directors individually and as a group (16 persons) includes unvested restricted stock 
units to acquire 68,065 shares of Class A Common Stock, which will vest within 60 days of July 31, 2016, including the 
following: Mr. Felmer, 12,919 units; Mr. Nauman, 25,539 units; Mr. Pearce, 8,155 units; Mr. Bolognini, 6,365 units; Mr. 
Shaller, 3,758 units; Mr. Curran, 3,702 units; Mr. Meyer, 689 units; and Ms. Nelligan, 6,937 units. No unvested restricted 
stock units were held by directors which will vest within 60 days of  July 31, 2016. It does not include other unvested 
restricted stock awards or restricted stock units to acquire Class A Common Stock which have been granted at later dates 
and will not vest within 60 days of July 31, 2016. 

(5)  The amount shown for all officers and directors individually and as a group (16 persons) includes Class A Common Stock 
owned in deferred compensation plans totaling 160,858 shares of Class A Common Stock, including the following: Ms. 

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Table of Contents

Bruno, 2,486 shares; Mr. Felmer, 12,205 shares; Mr. Goodkind, 51,703 shares; Mr. Pearce, 3,486 shares; Mr. Allender, 
44,483 shares; Mr. Richardson, 37,321 shares; Mr. Balkema, 9,054 shares; Mr. Nauman, 0 shares; Mr. Harris, 0 shares; 
Mr. Bolognini, 0 shares; Mr. Shaller, 0 shares; Ms. Gioia, 0 shares; and Mr. Sirkin, 0 shares.

(c) Changes in Control

No arrangements are known to the Company, which may, at a subsequent date, result in a change in control of the Company.

(d) Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

As of July 31, 2016

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

Number of  securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)

4,387,087

$

None

4,387,087

$

27.33

None

27.33

2,391,385

None

2,391,385

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders

Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders
Total

The Company’s equity compensation plan allows the granting of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and 
unrestricted stock to various officers, directors and other employees of the Company at prices equal to fair market value at the 
date of grant. The Company has reserved 5,500,000 shares of Class A Nonvoting Common Stock for issuance under the Brady 
Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan. Generally, options will not be exercisable until one year after the date of grant, 
and will be exercisable thereafter, to the extent of one-third per year and have a maximum term of ten years. Generally, restricted 
stock units vest one-third per year for the first three years.

The Company granted 103,055 time-based RSUs in fiscal 2014, with a weighted average grant price and fair value of $30.99. 
Of the time-based RSUs granted in fiscal 2014, 8,198 units were forfeited in fiscal 2014, 26,147 units were forfeited in fiscal 
2015, and 29,595 units forfeited in fiscal 2016. The Company granted 661,412 time-based RSUs in fiscal 2015, with a weighted 
average grant price and fair value of $24.28. Of the time-based RSUs granted in fiscal 2015, 23,241 units were forfeited in fiscal 
2015 44,477 were forfeited in fiscal 2016. The Company granted 173,394 time-based RSUs in fiscal 2016, with a weighted average 
grant price and fair value of $20.07, of which 10,092 units have forfeited.   As a result, as of July 31, 2015, 678.381 time-based 
RSUs were outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $23.57.

Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The Company annually solicits information from its Directors in order to ensure there are no conflicts of interest. The 
information gathered annually is reviewed by the Company and if any transactions are not in accordance with the rules of the 
New York Stock Exchange or are potentially in violation of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, the transactions 
are referred to the Corporate Governance Committee for approval, ratification, or other action. Further, potential affiliated party 
transactions are discussed at the Company’s quarterly disclosure committee meetings. In addition, pursuant to its charter, the 
Company’s Audit Committee periodically reviews reports and disclosures of insider and affiliated party transaction with the 
Company, if any. Furthermore, the Company’s Directors are expected to be mindful of their fiduciary obligations to the Company 
and to report any potential conflicts to the Corporate Governance Committee for review. Based on the Company’s consideration 
of  all  relevant  facts  and  circumstances,  the  Corporate  Governance  Committee  will  decide  whether  or  not  to  approve  such 
transactions and will approve only those transactions that are in the best interest of the Company. Additionally, the Company 
has processes in place to educate executives and employees about affiliated transactions. The Company maintains an anonymous 
hotline by which employees may report potential conflicts of interest such as affiliated party transactions.

In undertaking its review of potential related party transactions, the Board considered the commercial relationships of the 
Company, if any, with those entities that have employed the Company’s Directors. The commercial relationships, which involved 
the  purchase  and  sale  of  products  on  customary  terms,  did  not  exceed  the  maximum  amounts  proscribed  by  the  director 

94

 
 
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independence rules of the NYSE. Furthermore, the compensation paid to the Company’s Directors by their employers, was not 
linked in any way to the commercial relationships their employers had with the Company in fiscal 2016. After consideration of 
these factors, the Board concluded that none of the Directors whose employers had a commercial relationship with the Company 
had a material interest in the transactions and the commercial relationships were not material to the Company. Based on these 
factors, the Company has determined that it does not have material related party transactions that affect the results of operations, 
cash flow or financial condition. The Company has also determined that no transactions occurred in fiscal 2016, or are currently 
proposed, that would require disclosure under Item 404 (a) of Regulation S-K.

See Item 10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant for a discussion of Director independence.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table presents the aggregate fees incurred for professional services by Deloitte & Touche LLP and Deloitte 
Tax LLP during the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015. Other than as set forth below, no professional services were rendered or 
fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP or Deloitte Tax LLP during the years ended July 31, 2016 and 2015.

Audit, audit-related and tax compliance

Audit fees (1)
Tax fees — compliance

Subtotal audit, audit-related and tax compliance fees

Non-audit related

Tax fees — planning and advice

Subtotal non-audit related fees

Total fees

2016

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

$

$

1,966
507
2,473

254
254
2,727

$

$

2,426
—
2,426

359
359
2,785

(1)  Audit fees consist of professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, attestation 
of  management’s  assessment  of  internal  control,  reviews  of  the  quarterly  financial  statements  and  statutory  reporting 
compliance.

Ratio of Tax Planning and Advice Fees to Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees and Tax 
Compliance Fees

2016

2015

0.1 to 1

0.1 to 1

Pre-Approval  Policy  — The  services  performed  by  the  Independent  Registered  Public Accounting  Firm  (“Independent 
Auditors”) in fiscal 2016 were pre-approved in accordance with the pre-approval policy and procedures adopted by the Audit 
Committee. The policy requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the Independent 
Auditors in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence. All services performed 
for  the  Company  by  the  Independent Auditor  must  be  approved  in  advance  by  the Audit  Committee. Any  proposed  services 
exceeding pre-approved cost levels will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15 (a) — The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1) & 2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule -

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   All other schedules are omitted as they are not required, or the required information is shown in the consolidated 
financial statements or notes thereto.

3) Exhibits — See Exhibit Index at page 110 of this Form 10-K.

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

EXHIBIT INDEX

Description

2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 28, 2012, by and among Brady Corporation, BC I 

Merger Sub Corporation, Precision Dynamics Corporation, and Precision Dynamics Holding LLC (29)
2.2 Share and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2014, by and among Brady Corporation

and LTI Flexible Products, Inc. (d/b/a Boyd Corporation) (6)

3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Brady Corporation (1)

3.2 By-laws of Brady Corporation, as amended (23)

*10.1 Form of Change of Control Agreement, amended as of December 23, 2008, entered into with Thomas J. 

Felmer (12)

*10.2 Brady Corporation BradyGold Plan, as amended (2)

*10.3 Executive Additional Compensation Plan, as amended (2)

*10.4 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (16)

*10.5 Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (25)

*10.6 Forms  of  Non-Qualified  Employee  Stock  Option Agreement,  Director  Stock  Option Agreement,  and 
Employee Performance Stock Option Agreement under 2006 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (10)

*10.7 Brady Corporation 2004 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (10)

*10.8 Form of Brady Corporation 2004 Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2004 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan, as amended (13)

10.9 Brady Corporation Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (4)

*10.10 Brady Corporation 2005 Nonqualified Plan for Non-employee Directors, as amended (3)

*10.11 Forms  of  Nonqualified  Stock  Option  Agreements  under  2005  Non-qualified  Plan  for  Non-employee 

Directors, as amended (8)

*10.12 Brady Corporation 1997 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (10)

*10.13 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2014, with Thomas J. Felmer (11)

*10.14 Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2016, with Harold L. 

Sirkin (14)

*10.15 Brady Corporation 2006 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (10)

*10.16 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2014, with Thomas J. Felmer (20)

*10.17 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2015, with Russell R. Shaller (21)

*10.18 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2015, with Aaron J. Pearce (21)

*10.19 Form of Performance-based Restricted Stock Agreement under Brady Corporation 2006 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (7)

*10.20 Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2016, with Harold L. 

Sirkin (14)

*10.21 Restated Brady Corporation Restoration Plan (5)

*10.22 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013, entered into with Louis T. Bolognini (30)

*10.23 Brady Corporation 2003 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (10)

*10.24 Employment Offer Letter, dated as of June 2, 2015, with Russell Shaller (38)

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Table of Contents

*10.25 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2015, with Aaron J. Pearce (39)

10.26 Brady Note Purchase Agreement dated May 13, 2010 (19)

*10.27 Form of Amendment, dated February 17, 2010, to granting agreement for performance-based stock options 

issued on August 1, 2005 to Thomas J. Felmer (18)

*10.28 Brady Corporation 2010 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (22)

*10.29 Brady Corporation 2010 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Non-employee Directors (17)

*10.30 Form of Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement and Employee Performance Stock Option 

Agreement under 2010 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (17)

*10.31 Form of Director Stock Option Agreement under 2010 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Non-employee 

Directors (17)

*10.32 Brady Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan for Senior Executives (15)

*10.33 Restricted Stock Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2013, with Thomas J. Felmer (36)

*10.34 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2014, with Bentley N. Curran (37)

*10.35 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2014, with Thomas J. Felmer (9)

*10.36 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2014, with Helena R. Nelligan (37)

*10.37 Form of Fiscal 2012 Performance Stock Option under the 2010 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (26)

*10.38 Brady Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (26)

*10.39 Form of Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan 

(26)

*10.40 Form of Non-Qualified Employee Performance Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (26)

*10.41 Form of Director Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (26)

*10.42 Form of Fiscal 2013 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (31)

*10.43 Form of Fiscal 2013 Director Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (31)

10.44 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2015, by and among Brady Corporation and certain of its 
subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and Bank of America, N.A., as L/C issuer and administrative agent 
(24)

*10.45 Employment Offer Letter, dated as of August 1, 2014, with J. Michael Nauman (35)

*10.46 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2014, with J. Michael Nauman (35)

*10.47 Change of Control Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2014, with J. Michael Nauman (35)

*10.48 Form of Fiscal 2014 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (32)

*10.49 Form of Fiscal 2014 Director Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (32)

*10.50 Form of Fiscal 2014 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (32)

*10.51 Form of Fiscal 2016 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (21)

*10.52 Form of Fiscal 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (21)

*10.53 Form of Fiscal 2015 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (9)

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*10.54 Form of Fiscal 2015 Director Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (9)

*10.55 Form of Fiscal 2015 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive Stock Plan (9)

*10.56 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2015, with Russell R. Shaller

*10.57 Form of Fiscal 2015 Employee Retention Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Plan 

*10.58 Brady Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (27)

*10.59 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the Brady Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive 

Plan (33)

*10.60 Form of Fiscal 2016 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Agreement under 2012 Omnibus Incentive 

Stock Plan (33)

*10.61 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Brady Corporation 2017 Omnibus 

Incentive Plan (33)

21 Subsidiaries of Brady Corporation

23 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of J. Michael Nauman

31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Aaron J. Pearce

32.1 Section 1350 Certification of J. Michael Nauman

32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Aaron J. Pearce

101 Interactive Data File

*
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(4) 
(5) 
(6) 
(7) 
(8) 
(9) 
(10) 
(11) 
(12) 
(13) 
(14) 
(15) 
(16) 
(17) 
(18) 
(19) 
(20) 
(21) 
(22) 
(23) 
(24) 
(25) 
(26) 
(27) 
(28) 

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement No. 333-04155 on Form S-3
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1989
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 25, 2008
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1992
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2008
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 25, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 9, 2008
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 4, 2006
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 2, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2009
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2011
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2011
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 23, 2010
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 14, 2010
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 27, 2010
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 18, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 25, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 15, 2011
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2011
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 27, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 7, 2012

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Table of Contents

(29) 
(30) 
(31) 
(32) 
(33) 
(34) 
(35) 
(36) 
(37) 
(38) 

Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 2012
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2013
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012
Incorporated by reference to Registrants Annual Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current  Report on Form 8-K filed July 12, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 16, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 4, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2013
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2015

BRADY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Description

Valuation accounts deducted in balance sheet from assets to which they
apply — Accounts receivable — allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balances at beginning of period

Additions — Charged to expense

Reclassified to continuing operations

Deductions — Bad debts written off, net of recoveries

Balances at end of period

Inventory — Reserve for slow-moving inventory: 

Balances at beginning of period

Additions — Charged to expense

Reclassified to continuing operations

Deductions — Inventory write-offs

Balances at end of period

Valuation allowances against deferred tax assets: 

Balances at beginning of period

Additions during year

Deductions — Valuation allowances reversed/utilized

Balances at end of period

Year ended July 31,

2016

2015

2014

(Dollars in thousands)

3,585

$

3,069

$

1,904

—

(345)

5,144

13,269

4,950

—

(3,136)

15,083

39,922

2,614

(4,544)

$

$

$

$

1,954

—

(1,438)

3,585

12,259

3,017

—

(2,007)

13,269

37,409

8,111

(5,598)

$

$

$

$

37,992

$

39,922

$

5,093

779

31

(2,834)

3,069

11,317

3,100

461

(2,619)

12,259

37,142

10,182

(9,915)

37,409

$

$

$

$

$

$

100

 
 
 
Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused 

this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized this 15th day of September 2016.

SIGNATURES

BRADY CORPORATION
By:

/s/ AARON J. PEARCE
Aaron J. Pearce
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the Registrant and in the capabilities and on the dates indicated.*

Signature
/s/ J. MICHAEL NAUMAN

J. Michael Nauman

/s/ PATRICK W. ALLENDER

Patrick W. Allender

/s/ GARY S. BALKEMA

Gary S. Balkema

/s/ NANCY L. GIOIA

Nancy L. Gioia

/s/ CONRAD G. GOODKIND

Conrad G. Goodkind

/s/ FRANK W. HARRIS

Frank W. Harris

/s/ ELIZABETH PUNGELLO BRUNO

Elizabeth Pungello Bruno

/s/ BRADLEY C. RICHARDSON

Bradley C. Richardson

/s/ HAROLD L. SIRKIN

Harold L. Sirkin

Title

President and Chief Executive Officer; Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

   Director

   Director

Director

   Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

*

Each of the above signatures is affixed as of September 15, 2016.

101

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
SCHEDULE OF SUBSIDIARIES OF BRADY CORPORATION
July 31, 2016 

EXHIBIT 21

Name of Company
Brady Corporation
Tricor Direct, Inc.
           Doing Business As:
                      Seton
                      Seton Name Plate Company
                      D&G Sign and Label
                      Seton Identification Products
                      Emedco
                      Champion America
                      DAWG, Inc.
Worldmark of Wisconsin Inc.
AIO Acquisition Inc.
           Doing Business As:
                      All-In-One Products
                      Personnel Concepts
                      Personnel Concepts Limited
                      Personnel Concepts Ltd.
                      PC Limited
                      USA Printing & Mailing
Dual Core LLC
           Doing Business As:
                      Identicard Systems Worldwide
                      Brady People ID
                      JAM Plastics
                      PromoVision Palomino
                      Temtec
                      BIG Badges
Brady Holdings Mexico LLC
Clement Communications, Inc.
Brady International Co.
Brady Worldwide, Inc.
          Doing Business As:
                     Brandon International
                     Sorbent Products Company
                     TISCOR
                     Electromark
Precision Dynamics Corporation

       Doing Business As:

                     Pharmex
                     TimeMed Labeling Systems
PDMX LLC
Idem Indemnity, Inc.
Brady Australia Holdings Pty. Ltd.
Brady Australia Pty. Ltd.

       Doing Business As:

                     Scafftag Australia
                     Seton Australia
                     Trafalgar First Aid
                     Visisign
Accidental Health & Safety Pty. Ltd.

State (Country)
   Of Incorporation

   Percentage of Voting
   Securities Owned

Wisconsin
Delaware

Parent
100%

Delaware
Delaware

100%
100%

Wisconsin

100%

Delaware
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Wisconsin

100%
100%
100%
100%

California

100%

California
Vermont
Australia
Australia

100%
100%
100%
100%

Australia

100%

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Carroll Australasia Pty. Ltd.
ID Warehouse Pty. Ltd.
Mix Group Australasia Pty. Ltd.
Transposafe Systems Belgium NV/SA
W.H. Brady, N.V.
PDC Belgium Holdings Sprl
PDC Europe Sprl
W.H.B. do Brasil Ltda.
BRC Financial
W.H.B. Identification Solutions Inc.
          Doing Business As:
                    Brady
                    IDenticard
                    IDenticard Systems
                    Seton
Brady Investment Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Brady Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd.
Brady (Beijing) Co. Ltd.
Brady (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Brady Technology (Dongguan) Co., Ltd.
Brady (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
Brady A/S
Braton Europe S.A.R.L
Brady Groupe S.A.S
          Doing Business As:
                    Seton
                    Signals
                    BIG
Securimed S.A.S.
Brady GmbH
          Doing Business As:
                    Seton
Transposafe Systems Deutschland GmbH
Bakee Metal Manufactory Company Limited
Brady Corporation Hong Kong Limited
Brady Company India Private Limited
Brady Italia, S.r.l.
Nippon Brady K.K.
Brady S.à r.l.
Brady Luxembourg S.à r.l.
Brady Finance Luxembourg S.à r.l.
Brady Technology SDN. BHD.
W. H. Brady S. de R.L. de C.V.
Brady Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V.
PDC Brazeletes y Productos S.de R.L. de C.V.
Brady B.V.
Brady Finance B.V.
Holland Mounting Systems B.V.
Transposafe Systems Holland B.V.
Brady AS
Pervaco AS
Brady Philippines Direct Marketing Inc.
Transposafe Systems Polska Sp. Z.o.o.
Brady ID Solutions S.R.L.
Brady LLC
Brady Corporation Asia Pte. Ltd.
Brady Asia Holding Pte. Ltd.
Brady Corporation Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Australia
Australia
Australia
Belgium
Belgium
Belgium
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Canada

China
China
China
China
China
China
Denmark
France
France

France
Germany

Germany
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Japan
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Norway
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Romania
Russia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brady Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Brady s.r.o.
Wiremarkers Africa Pty. Ltd.
Grafo Wiremarkers Pty. Ltd.
Brady IDS Korea LLP
Brady Identificación S.L.U.
Brady AB
Brady Sweden Holding AB
Runelandhs Fastighter AB
Runelandhs Försäljnings AB
Brady (Thailand) Co. Ltd.
Brady Etiket ve Isaretleme Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi
Brady Middle East FZE
B.I. (UK) Limited
Brady Corporation Limited
Brady European Finance Limited
Brady European Holdings Limited

Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-38857, 333-38859, 333-44505, 333-92417, 
333-99615; 333-110949, 333-122867, 333-134503, 333-137686, 333-141402, 333-162538, 333-177039 and 333-212625 on Form 
S-8 and 333-200653 on Form S-3 of our reports dated September 15, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements and 
financial statement schedule of Brady Corporation, and the effectiveness of Brady Corporation’s internal control over financial 
reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brady Corporation for the year ended July 31, 2016.

EXHIBIT 23

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 15, 2016

EXHIBIT 31.1

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, J. Michael Nauman, certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Brady Corporation;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented in this report;

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known 
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision to provided reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report 
based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing 
the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; 
and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 15, 2016

/s/ J. MICHAEL NAUMAN
J. Michael Nauman
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
EXHIBIT 31.2

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Aaron J. Pearce, certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Brady Corporation;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
act necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented in this report;

(4) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known 
to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision to provided reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation 
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report 
based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

(5) The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing 
the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; 
and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 15, 2016

/s/ AARON J. PEARCE
Aaron J. Pearce
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Chief Accounting Officer

 
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

EXHIBIT 32.1

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned 

officer of Brady Corporation (the “Company”) certifies to his knowledge that:

(1) The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended July 31, 2016 fully complies with the requirements 

of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in that Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial conditions and results 

of operations of the Company.

Date: September 15, 2016

/s/ J. MICHAEL NAUMAN
J. Michael Nauman
President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by 
Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission or its staff upon request. This certification accompanies this report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended.

 
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

EXHIBIT 32.2

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned 

officer of Brady Corporation (the “Company”) certifies to his knowledge that:

(1) The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended July 31, 2016 fully complies with the requirements 

of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in that Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial conditions and results 

of operations of the Company.

Date: September 15, 2016

/s/ AARON J. PEARCE
Aaron J. Pearce
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Accounting Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by 
Section 906, has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission or its staff upon request. This certification accompanies this report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended.