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Quanex Building Products Corporation
Annual Report 2013

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FY2013 Annual Report · Quanex Building Products Corporation
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________ 
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2013 
or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-33913
 _______________________________

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1800 West Loop South, Suite 1500, Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)

26-1561397
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
77027
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 961-4600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Common Stock, $0.01 par value

Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

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

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

    No  

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  
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  

    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 
    No  
the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  

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 registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-
K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 
company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 
Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer

Accelerated filer
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 voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of April 30, 2013, computed by reference 
to the closing price for the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. on that date, was $596,540,852. Such calculation assumes 
only the registrant’s officers and directors at such date were affiliates of the registrant.

At December 13, 2013, there were outstanding 37,238,090 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value.

 _______________________________
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission within 
120 days of October 31, 2013 are incorporated herein by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Business

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Item 5.

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

PART II

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.

Change 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

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Page

4

11

18

19

19

20

21

23

25

43

45

87

87

87

88

88

88

88

88

88

 
 
 
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to "Quanex", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our" refer to the consolidated 
business operations of Quanex Building Products Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained in this document and in documents incorporated by reference herein, including those 
made under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” are “forward-
looking” statements as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, the words “expect,” “believe,” 
“intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally 
are not historical in nature.  Forward looking statements are (1) all statements which address future operating performance,  (2)
events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to volume, sales, operating 
income and earnings per share, and (3) statements expressing general outlook about future operating results.  Forward-looking 
statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical 
experience and our current projections or expectations. As and when made, we believe that these forward-looking statements are 
reasonable. However, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements since such 
statements speak only as of the date when made and there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will occur. 
We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future 
events or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking 

statements include, but are not limited to the following:

•  changes in market conditions, particularly in the new home construction, and residential remodeling and replacement 

(R&R) activity markets;

•  fluctuations  in  aluminum  prices  on  the  London  Metals  Exchange,  which  impacts  our  cost  of  raw  materials  such  as 
aluminum scrap and prime aluminum ingot, as well as the price we can demand for our coated aluminum sheet products;

•  changes in prevailing prices of resin and other raw material costs;

•  changes in domestic and international economic conditions;

•  changes in purchases by our principal customers;

•  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

•  changes in estimates of costs for known environmental remediation projects and situations;

•  our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls;

•  our ability to successfully implement our internal operating plans and acquisition strategies;

•  our ability to successfully implement our plans with respect to information technology (IT) systems and processes;

•  our ability to control costs and increase profitability;

•  changes in environmental laws and regulations;

•  changes in warranty obligations;

•  changes in energy costs;

•  changes in tax laws, and interpretations thereof;

•  changes in interest rates;

•  our ability to maintain a good relationship with our suppliers, subcontractors, and key customers; and

•  the resolution of litigation and other legal proceedings.

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included 

elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

About Third-Party Information

In this report, we rely on and refer to information regarding industry data obtained from market research, publicly available 
information,  industry  publications,  U.S.  government  sources  and  other  third  parties. Although  we  believe  this  information  is 
reliable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and have not independently verified it.

Item 1.  Business.

Our Company

PART I

Quanex  was  incorporated  in  Delaware  on  December  12,  2007  as  Quanex  Building  Products  Corporation.  We  are  a 
technological leader in the home building products markets and operate two business segments:  Engineered Products and Aluminum 
Sheet Products.  The Engineered Products segment manufactures systems, finished products, and components serving the original 
equipment manufacturer (OEM) residential window and door industry, while the Aluminum Sheet Products segment produces 
mill finished and coated aluminum sheet serving the broader residential building products markets and transportation sector.  We 
use low-cost production processes and engineering and metallurgical expertise to provide our customers with specialized products 
for their specific window and door applications.  We believe these capabilities provide us with unique competitive advantages.  
We serve a primary customer base in North America, and also serve customers in international markets through our operating 
plants in the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as through sales and marketing efforts in other countries.  

Our History

Our predecessor company, Quanex Corporation, was organized in Michigan in 1927 as  Michigan Seamless Tube Company, 
and was later reincorporated in Delaware in 1968.  In 1977, Michigan Seamless Tube Company changed its name to Quanex 
Corporation. On December 12, 2007, Quanex Building Products Corporation was incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 
the  state  of  Delaware,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  separation  of  Quanex  Corporation's  vehicular  products  and  building  products 
businesses. This separation became effective on April 23, 2008, through a spin-off of the building products business to Quanex 
Corporation's then-existing shareholders.  Immediately following the spin-off, our former parent company, consisting principally 
of the vehicular products business and all non-building products related corporate accounts, merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary 
of Gerdau S.A. 

Since the spin-off in 2008, we have expanded our business by making investments in organic growth initiatives and taking 
a disciplined approach to new business and strategic acquisition opportunities, while seeking to provide superior value to our 
customers.  

Notable developments and transactions which occurred since the spin-off include the following:

•  in 2010, we evaluated our market and decided to close our start-up facility in China, as we determined that we could 
serve the international thin-film solar panel markets through our operations in the United States.  Therefore, the assets 
and  liabilities,  results  of  operations  and  cash  flows  associated  with  this  start-up  facility  in  China  were  reported  as 
discontinued operations in 2010, and for all applicable periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K; 

•  in February 2010, we bought the production assets of a  engineered-wood flooring business located in Shawano, Wisconsin;

•  in January 2011, we closed a finished window screen facility in The Dalles, Oregon;

•  in March 2011, we acquired Jeld-Wen's vinyl extrusion assets in Yakima, Washington;

•  in March 2011, we acquired Edgetech, I.G. Inc. and its German subsidiary, which provided us with three manufacturing 
facilities, one each in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, that produce and market a full line of flexible 
insulating  glass  spacer  systems  for  window  and  door  customers  in  North  America  and  abroad.  This  acquisition 
complemented our insulating glass business in the United States and, as a result, we committed to a plan to consolidate 
these facilities in November 2011.  This consolidation plan, in part, resulted in the closure of a plant in Barbourville, 
Kentucky, and the relocation of equipment that was used to manufacture the single seal, warm-edge spacer system to our 
facility in Cambridge, Ohio.  We intend to sell the facility in Barbourville.  This consolidation was substantially completed 
by August 2012, with minor residual cash payments and program costs incurred during fiscal 2013; and

•  in December 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Alumco Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alumco), an aluminum 
screen manufacturer, which we believe allows us to expand the scope of our fenestration business to include screens for 
vinyl window and door manufacturers and to expand our geographic reach throughout the United States.  

Currently, we operate 25 manufacturing facilities located in 13 states in the United States, one facility in the United Kingdom, 
and another in Germany.  These facilities feature efficient plant design and flexible manufacturing processes, enabling us to produce 
a wide variety of custom engineered products and components primarily focused on the residential building products markets. We 
are able to maintain minimal levels of finished goods inventories at most locations because we typically manufacture products 
upon order to customer specifications. We believe the primary drivers of our operating results are residential remodeling and 
replacement activity and new home construction.  

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Industry

Our business is largely dependent upon the spending and growth activity levels of our customers which include national and 
regional residential window and door manufacturers. We use data related to housing starts and window shipments, as published 
by or derived from third-party sources, to evaluate the market, as we believe these are indicators of activity levels in the home 
building industry. 

The following table presents calendar-year annual and quarterly housing starts information, as published by the United States 

Census Bureau based on data collected from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), (units in thousands):

Period

Units

% Change

Units

% Change

Units

% Change

Total Units

Single-family Units

Multi-family Units

Manufactured Units

Annual Data

Annual Data - Forecast

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

2013
2014
2015

Quarterly Data - Forecast

2013:  1st quarter
2nd quarter

3rd quarter(1)

615
444
471
432
535

687
857
985

136
174

306

N/A
(28)%
6%
(8)%
24%

28%
25%
15%

N/A
28%

76%

284
111
116
177
246

314
342
393

72
71

135

N/A
(61)%
5%
53%
39%

28%
9%
15%

N/A
(1)%

90%

82
49
50
51
55

63
67
77

N/A
(40)%
2%
2%
8%

15%
6%
15%

No Data Available
No Data Available

No Data Available

981
604
637
660
836

1,064
1,266
1,455

208
245

441

(1) Derived from IHS Global Insight's forecast report based on United States Census Data.

The  following  table  presents  calendar-year  annual  and  quarterly  window  shipments  information,  derived  from  reports 

published by Ducker Worldwide LLC, a consulting and research firm, (units in thousands):

Period

Annual Data

New Construction

Remodeling & Replacement

Wood

Aluminum

Vinyl

Fiberglass

Other

Total

Wood

Aluminum

Vinyl

Fiberglass

Other

Total

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

4,256

2,480

2,778

2,601

2,736

Quarterly Data

2013:  1st quarter

2nd quarter

Quarterly Data - Forecast

3rd quarter

4th quarter

702

792

869

801

3,317

1,940

1,746

1,820

2,516

663

748

821

757

9,687

6,343

6,729

6,623

8,625

2,305

2,600

2,854

2,630

649

458

526

514

592

164

185

203

187

209

140

167

182

237

66

75

82

76

18,118

11,361

11,946

11,740

14,706

3,900

4,400

4,829

4,451

7,669

6,139

6,139

5,071

4,566

1,071

1,210

1,295

1,139

1,236

963

1,012

717

696

151

171

183

161

20,077

19,146

21,079

19,086

18,902

4,513

5,099

5,456

4,802

713

738

840

730

657

163

185

197

174

550

523

573

516

594

151

171

183

161

30,245

27,509

29,643

26,120

25,415

6,049

6,836

7,314

6,437

We have noted the following trends which we believe affect our industry:

•  the number of housing starts and window shipments in the United States has increased in recent years following a dramatic 
decline from 2007 through 2011.  The NAHB expects this trend to continue for the next several years, which should 
result in growth in higher demand for our fenestration products;

•  the recent growth in the housing market has been predominately in new construction which has outpaced the growth in 
the residential remodeling and replacement sector; the recent recovery in new home construction in the United States has 
been led by multi-family homes for which window to floor ratios are lower compared to mid- and higher priced homes; 
the current growth in single-family homes has seen the share of the large track builders increase and the smaller custom 
builders decrease; and multi-family and track homes typically employ lower cost, less energy efficient windows;

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
•  programs in the United States such as Energy Star have improved customer awareness of the technological advances in 

window and door energy-efficiency, but the government has been reluctant to enforce stricter energy standards;

•  higher energy efficiency standards in Europe should favorably impact our insulating glass spacer business in the short- 

to mid-term; and

•  commodity prices, including aluminum, have been volatile since the financial crisis began and will likely continue, as 

macro-economic factors as well as financial trading influence the market.  

Strategy

Our vision is to be the preferred supplier to our customers in each market we serve. Our strategy to achieve this vision 

includes the following:

•  focus on organic growth with our current customer base and expand our market share with national and regional customers 
by providing: (1) a quality product; (2) a high level of customer service; (3) product choices at different price points; and 
(4)  new  products  or  enhancements  to  existing  product  offerings.  These  enhancements  may  include  higher  thermal 
efficiency,  enhanced  functionality,  improved  weatherability,  better  appearance  and  best-in-class  quality  for  our 
fenestration products;

•  realize favorable profitability in our aluminum sheet business through: (1) ongoing preventive maintenance programs; 
(2) strategic investments which further our best-in-class processes, such as our process to delacquer and convert low 
grades of scrap aluminum into quality product with minimal byproduct waste; (3) better utilization of our capacity by 
focusing on operational efficiencies; and (4) marketing our value added products;

•  offer logistic solutions that provide our customers with just-in-time service which can reduce their processing costs; and

•  pursue  targeted  business  acquisitions  which  may  include  vertically  integrated  vinyl  extrusion  businesses  or  screen 
manufacturers, that allow us to expand our existing fenestration footprint, enhance our existing product offerings, acquire 
complementary technology, enhance our leadership position within the markets we serve, and expand into new markets 
or service lines.

Business Segments

We  have  four  operating  divisions  which  comprise  the  Engineered  Products  business  segment,  and  one  division  which 
comprises  the Aluminum  Sheet  Products  business  segment.  Other  costs,  including  corporate  office  expense,  certain  shared 
administrative functions, last-in first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation adjustments and inter-segment eliminations are categorized 
as  Corporate  &  Other  costs.  The  accounting  policies  of  our  business  segments  are  the  same  as  those  used  to  prepare  our 
accompanying consolidated financial statements. 

Engineered Products (58% of net sales for the year ended October 31, 2013)

Our Engineered Products business segment produces window and door components for original equipment manufacturers 
that primarily serve the residential new construction, and residential remodeling and replacement markets.  We manufacture vinyl 
window and door profiles,  insulating glass (IG) spacer systems, window and patio door screens, aluminum cladding and other 
roll formed metal window components, door components such as thresholds and astragals, patio screen doors and custom window 
grilles, trim and architectural moldings in a variety of woods, thin film solar panel sealants, and engineered wood flooring.  Within 
the Engineered Products segment we operate four polyvinyl chloride (PVC) extrusion facilities, four fabricated metal components 
operations, two facilities producing wood fenestration (door and window) components, one facility producing engineered wood 
flooring, three flexible IG spacer facilities and nine facilities producing window and door screens. Our extrusion facilities use 
automated production processes to manufacture vinyl and composite profiles which constitute the framing material used in the 
assembly of vinyl windows and patio doors.  The IG systems business uses compound-extrusion and laminating technology to 
produce  highly  engineered  window  spacer  products  that  are  produced  from  butyl,  EPDM,  composite  and  silicone-based  raw 
materials. These window spacer products separate two or three panes of glass in an IG unit to improve its thermal performance.  

We believe the strengths of our Engineered Products business segment include design expertise, new technology development 
capability, customer service, just-in-time delivery systems, high quality manufacturing ability to generate unique patented products 
and industry and governmental advocacy.

Aluminum Sheet Products (42% of net sales for the year ended October 31, 2013)

Our Aluminum Sheet Products business  segment is comprised of an aluminum mini-mill operation and three stand-alone 
aluminum sheet finishing operations. Aluminum sheet finishing capabilities include reducing reroll coil (hot-rolled aluminum 
sheet)  to  specific  gauge,  annealing,  slitting  and  custom  coating.  Customer  end-use  applications  of  the  finished  sheet  include 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
residential  window  screens,  patio  doors,  exterior  home  trim,  siding,  fascias,  roof  edgings,  soffits,  downspouts  and  gutters. A 
secondary market includes transportation (truck trailer, RV and mobile home).

Our aluminum mini-mill can produce approximately 360 million annualized finished pounds using an in-line casting process. 
The mini-mill converts aluminum scrap to reroll through melting, continuous casting, and in-line hot rolling processes.  It also 
has scrap shredding and blending capabilities, as well as specialized equipment such as two rotary barrel melting furnaces, a 
delacquering furnace and a dross recovery system that allows the mini-mill to utilize a broader range of scrap while improving 
raw material yields.  Scrap is blended using computerized processes to most economically achieve the desired aluminum alloy 
composition.  We believe our  production processes result in cost advantages and savings from reduced raw material costs, optimized 
scrap utilization, reduced unit energy cost and lower labor costs.  We also believe that our ability to produce wider aluminum sheet 
offers a competitive advantage, and we offer our customers both mill-finish and painted aluminum sheet.    

Raw Materials and Supplies

Our engineered products manufacturing divisions purchase a diverse range of raw materials, which include polyvinyl chloride 
(PVC), epoxy resin, butyl, titanium dioxide (TiO2) desiccant powder, silicone and EPDM rubber compounds, coated and uncoated 
aluminum sheet and wood (both hardwood and softwood).  These raw materials are generally available from several suppliers at 
market prices. Aluminum sheet is generally purchased from our Aluminum Sheet Products business segment at prices consistent 
with an arms-length transaction. We may enter into sole sourcing arrangements with our suppliers from time to time if we believe 
we  can  realize  beneficial  savings,  but  only  after  we  have  determined  that  the  vendor  can  reliably  supply  our  raw  material 
requirements.

The primary raw material used for our Aluminum Sheet Products business is aluminum scrap that is purchased on the open 
market, where availability and delivery can be adversely affected by, among other things, extreme weather conditions. We use 
firm fixed price forward purchase arrangements on a limited basis to hedge our position on firm fixed price forward sales to 
mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in the price of aluminum scrap required to manufacture our products.  To a lesser extent, 
aluminum ingot futures contracts are bought and sold on the London Metal Exchange to hedge aluminum scrap requirements.

Although we utilize certain material sole sourcing arrangements, these agreements have termination clauses, and we believe 

there are other qualified suppliers from which we could purchase raw materials and supplies.

Competition

Our products are sold under highly competitive conditions.  We compete with a number of companies, some of which have 
greater financial resources than us. We believe the primary competitive factors in the markets we serve include price, product 
quality, delivery and the ability to manufacture to customer specifications. The volume of aluminum sheet products and engineered 
building products that we manufacture represents a small percentage of annual domestic consumption.

Our Engineered Products business competes against a range of small and midsize metal, vinyl and wood products suppliers, 
wood molding companies, and the in-house operations of customers who have vertically integrated fenestration operations. We 
also compete against IG spacer manufacturing firms. IG systems are used in numerous end markets including residential housing, 
commercial  construction,  appliances  and  transportation  vehicles,  but  we  primarily  serve  the  residential  housing  market. 
Competition is largely based on regional presence, custom engineering, product development, quality, service and price.  Primary 
competitors of our Engineered Products business include Royal Group, Veka, Deceuninck, Vision Extrusions, GED Integrated 
Solutions, Technoform, Swiss Spacer, Thermix, Rite Screen, Allmetal and Endura.

Our Aluminum Sheet Products business competes with small to large aluminum sheet manufacturers such as Alcoa, Aleris, 
Jupiter, JW Aluminum and foreign imports, some of which have substantially greater resources than us. We compete in common 
alloy coil-coated and mill finished products, primarily on the basis of the breadth of product lines, the quality, and responsiveness 
of service and price.

Sales, Marketing, and Distribution

We sell our products to customers in various countries.  Therefore, we have sales representatives whose territories essentially 
cover the United States, Canada, Europe, and to a lesser extent, the Middle East, Latin and South America, Australia and Asia. 
Our sales force is tasked with selling and marketing our Engineered Products segment's complete range of components, products 
and systems to national and regional OEMs through a direct sales force, supplemented with the limited use of distributors and 
independent  sales  agents. Sales  and  marketing  efforts  for  our Aluminum  Sheet  Products  segment  are  focused  on  OEM  and 
distribution customers through both direct and indirect sales representatives.

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Seasonal Nature of Business

Our business is impacted by seasonality.  We have historically experienced lower sales for our Engineered Products and 
Aluminum Sheet Products businesses during the first half of our fiscal year as winter weather reduces homebuilding and home 
improvement activity.  Our operating income tends to decline during this period of lower sales because a high percentage of our 
operating expenses are fixed overhead. We typically experience more favorable results in the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal 
year.  Expenses for labor and other costs are generally semi-variable throughout the year.

Working Capital

We fund operations through a combination of available cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and cash flow 
generated from our operations. In addition, our revolving credit facility is available for working capital needs. We extend credit 
to  our  domestic  customers  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  generally  for  a  term  of  30  to  60  days,  while  the  terms  for  our 
international customers vary from cash advances to 90 days. Inventory of raw materials are carried in quantities deemed necessary 
to ensure a smooth production process, some of which are governed by consignment agreements with suppliers. We strive to 
maintain minimal finished goods inventories, while ensuring an adequate supply on hand to service customer needs.

Service Marks, Trademarks, Trade Names, and Patents

Our federally registered trademarks or service marks include QUANEX, QUANEX and design, "Q" design, TRUSEAL 
TECHNOLOGIES, DURASEAL, DURALITE, SOLARGAIN EDGE TAPE, ENVIROSEALED WINDOWS, EDGETHERM, 
COLONIAL CRAFT, EDGETECH, ECOBLEND, SUPER SPACER, TSS, TRUE WARM, E & Design, QUIET EDGE, HEALTH 
SMART WINDOWS, ENERGY WISE WINDOWS, DESI-ROPE, 360 and design, INTELLICLIP, SUSTAINAVIEW, MIKRON, 
MIKRONWOOD,  MIKRONBLEND,  MIKRON  BLEND  and  design,  ENERGYCORE,  FUSION  INSULATED  SYSTEM, 
AIRCELL, SUPERCOAT, SUPERCAP, STYLELOCK, STYLELOCK and design, K2 MIKRON and design, HOMESHIELD, 
HOMESHIELD and design, and STORM SEAL. The trade name Nichols Aluminum is used in connection with the sale of our 
aluminum mill sheet products. We consider the following marks, design marks and associated trade names to be valuable in the 
conduct of our business:  HOMESHIELD, COLONIAL CRAFT, TRUSEAL TECHNOLOGIES, EDGETECH, MIKRON and 
QUANEX. Generally, our business does not depend on patent protection, but patents obtained with regard to our vinyl extrusion 
products  and  processes,  fabricated  metal  component  operations  and  window  sealant  business  remain  a  valuable  competitive 
advantage over other building products manufacturers. Our vinyl extrusion business unit obtains patent protection for various dies 
and other tooling created in connection with the production of customer-specific designs and extrusions. Our fabricated metal 
components business obtains patent protection for its thresholds. Our window sealant business unit relies on patents to protect the 
design of several of its window spacer products. Although we hold numerous patents, the proprietary process technology that has 
been developed is also considered a source of competitive advantage.

Research and Development

 In general, we expense research and development costs as incurred. We devote time, effort and expense to: (1) custom- 
engineer products for specific customer applications; (2) develop superior, proprietary process technology; and (3) partner with 
customers to develop new products. In addition, we may acquire businesses with patented technology in order to expand our 
product offerings.  

Environmental and Employee Safety Matters

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations concerning worker safety, the discharge of materials into the environment 
and the remediation of chemical contamination. To satisfy such requirements, we must make capital and other expenditures on an 
on-going basis. We accrue for remediation obligations and adjust our accruals as information becomes available and circumstances 
develop.  Those estimates may change substantially depending on various factors, including the nature and extent of contamination, 
appropriate remediation technologies and regulatory approvals.  When we accrue for environmental remediation liabilities, costs 
of future expenditures are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or 
reliably determinable.  When environmental laws might be deemed to impose joint and several liability for the costs of responding 
to contamination, information indicates that it is probable we have incurred a loss, and such amount is estimable, we accrue our 
allocable share of liability taking into account the number of parties participating, the ability of such counter-parties to pay their 
share of the costs, the volume and nature of the wastes involved, the nature of anticipated response actions, and the nature of our 
alleged connection to the contamination. The cost of worker safety and environmental matters has not had a material adverse effect 
on our operations or financial condition in the past, and we are not currently aware of any existing conditions that we believe are 
likely to have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Safety and Environmental Policies

For many years, we have maintained compliance policies that are designed to help protect our workforce, to identify and 
reduce the potential for job-related accidents, and to minimize liabilities and other financial impacts related to worker safety and 
environmental issues. These policies include extensive employee training and education, as well as internal policies embodied in 
our Code of Conduct. We have a Director of Environmental, Health and Safety and maintain a company-wide Safety Council, 
comprised of leaders from across the organization, which meets regularly to discuss safety issues and drive safety improvements. 
We plan to continue to focus on safety in particular as a core strategy to improve our operational efficiency and financial performance. 

Remediation

Under applicable state and federal laws, we may be responsible for, among other things, all or part of the costs required to 
remove or remediate wastes or hazardous substances at locations we, or our predecessors, have owned or operated. We are currently 
engaged in material environmental remediation activities at only one of our plant sites.

From time to time, we also have been alleged to be liable for all or part of the costs incurred to clean up third-party sites 
where there might have been an alleged improper disposal of hazardous substances.  At present, we are not involved in any such 
matters.

The following table summarizes our environmental reserves, as well as the corresponding expected recovery from a third-

party, as of October 31, 2013 and 2012: 

Accrued liabilities
Non-current environmental reserves
Total environmental reserves

Accounts receivable
Other current assets
Other assets (non-current)

Total receivable for recovery of remediation costs

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

(In thousands)

$

$

$

$

1,550
9,255
10,805

903
1,395
8,330
10,628

$

$

$

$

1,700
9,827
11,527

821
—
10,374
11,195

Currently, our on-going remediation activities are associated with one of our subsidiaries, Nichols Aluminum-Alabama, 
LLC  (NAA).  NAA  operates  a  plant  in  Decatur, Alabama  that  is  subject  to  an Alabama  Hazardous Wastes  Management  and 
Minimization Act  Post-Closure  Permit. Among  other  things,  the  permit  requires  NAA  to  remediate,  as  directed  by  the  state, 
historical environmental releases of wastes and waste constituents. Consistent with the permit, NAA has undertaken various studies 
of site conditions and, during the first quarter of 2006, started a phased program to treat in-place free product petroleum that had 
been released underneath the plant. During the second quarter 2010, NAA submitted to the state the first component of its proposed 
workplan for implementing a site-wide remedy. The full workplan was submitted to the state during the third quarter 2010, revised 
during the second quarter 2011 to reflect both additional sampling data and responses to state comments, and revised again in the 
fourth quarter 2011 in response to another round of state comments.  In September 2013, the state approved NAA’s cleanup plan 
and incorporated it into a revised Post-Closure Permit. Based on the cleanup activities set forth in that Permit, and current information 
about site conditions, our remediation reserve at NAA’s Decatur plant is $10.8 million as of October 31, 2013. Approximately 
$0.7  million  of  the  reserve,  at  October 31,  2013,  represents  administrative  costs  and  the  balance  of  $10.1  million  represents 
estimated costs for investigation, studies, cleanup, and treatment. The reserve has not been discounted. NAA was acquired through 
a stock purchase in which the sellers agreed to indemnify us and NAA for identified environmental matters related to the business 
and based on conditions initially created or events initially occurring prior to the acquisition. Environmental conditions are presumed 
to relate to the period prior to the acquisition unless proved to relate to releases occurring entirely after closing. The limit on 
indemnification is $21.5 million excluding legal fees. While our current estimates indicate we will not reach this limit, changing 
circumstances could result in additional costs or expenses that are not foreseen at this time. In accordance with the indemnification, 
the indemnitors paid the first $1.5 million of response costs and have been paying 90% of on-going costs. Based on our experience 
to date, the estimated cleanup costs going forward, and costs incurred to date as of October 31, 2013, we expect to recover from 
the sellers’ shareholders an additional $10.6 million which has not been discounted. 

Our final remediation costs and the timing of those expenditures will depend upon such factors as the nature and extent of 
contamination, the cleanup technologies employed, and the effectiveness of the cleanup measures that are employed. While actual 
remediation costs, therefore, may be more or less than amounts accrued, we believe that we have established adequate reserves 
for all probable and reasonably estimable remediation liabilities. It is not possible at this point to reasonably estimate the amount 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of any obligation for remediation in excess of current accruals because of uncertainties as to the extent of environmental impact 
and cleanup technologies. Currently, we expect to pay the accrued remediation reserve through fiscal year 2035, although some 
of the same factors discussed earlier could accelerate or extend the timing.

Environmental Compliance Costs

We have incurred expenses to comply with existing environmental regulations which total approximately $1.8 million, $1.8 
million  and  $1.5  million  for  the  years  ended  October 31,  2013,  2012  and  2011,  respectively.  We  have  not  incurred  capital 
expenditures related to environmental matters during these years and we do not expect to incur such costs for fiscal 2014.  However, 
future expenditures relating to environmental matters may result from the identification of new environmental issues, changes in 
regulations or environmental laws, or governmental actions with regards to existing sites.  We will continue to have expenditures 
beyond fiscal 2013 in connection with environmental matters, including control of air emissions, control of water discharges and 
plant decommissioning costs. It is not possible at this time to reasonably estimate the amount of those expenditures, except as 
discussed above, due to uncertainties about emission levels, control technologies, the positions of governmental authorities and 
the application of requirements to us. Based upon our experience to date, we do not believe that our compliance with environmental 
requirements will have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Employees

As of October 31, 2013, we had 2,565 employees.  Of these employees, 2,442 were domiciled in the United States, 56 in 
the United Kingdom, and 67 in Germany.  We are party to certain collective bargaining agreements, under which approximately 
16% of our employees are covered.  In addition, we employ workers through temporary staffing companies on an hourly basis.  
We consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.  

The following table summarizes the collective bargaining agreements that were in place at October 31, 2013:

Facility
Nichols Aluminum–Decatur, AL

Expires
Nov. 2014

United Steelworkers of America

Union

Nichols Aluminum–Lincolnshire, IL

Jan. 2017

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Nichols Aluminum–Davenport, IA

Nov. 2017

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Covered
Employees
at 10/31/13

88
81

247

For Investors

We periodically file or furnish documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Reports 
on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports as required. These reports are 
also available free of charge from our website at http://www.quanex.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such 
material, or furnish it to the SEC.  As permitted by the SEC rules, we post relevant information on our website. However, the 
information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be 
considered part of this report. 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

The following risk factors, along with other information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 
other public filings with the SEC, should be carefully considered before deciding to invest in our securities.   Additional risks and 
uncertainties that are not currently known to us or that we may view as immaterial could impair our business if such risks were 
to develop into actual events.  Therefore, any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flows.   This listing of risk factors is not all-inclusive and is not necessarily presented in order of importance.

We are subject to business risks and general economic factors that are largely out of our control, any of which could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The primary drivers of our business are residential remodeling and replacement activities and housing starts. The home 
building and residential construction industry is cyclical and seasonal, and product demand is based on numerous factors such as 
interest rates, general economic conditions, consumer confidence and other factors beyond our control. Declines in the number 
of housing starts and remodeling activities resulting from such factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results 
of operations and financial condition. The downturn in the housing market which occurred in recent years  had an adverse effect 
on our operating results. Further deterioration or a prolonged decline in activity levels in the homebuilding industry or in the 
broader economic conditions of the markets where we operate could further decrease demand and pricing for our products and 
have additional adverse effects on our operations and financial results.

Our business is subject to a number of general economic factors that may adversely affect our business, financial condition 
and results of operations, many of which are largely out of our control. These factors include domestic and international recessionary 
economic  cycles,  changes  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates,  fluctuations  in  commodity  prices,  and  overall  volatility  in  our 
customers' business cycles which may result in changes to their business practices, particularly in market segments and industries 
where we have a significant concentration of customers. These conditions could affect our business through the insolvency of key 
suppliers resulting in product delays, the inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products, an inability 
of customers to pay accounts receivable owed to us, or delays in the payment of such receivables. Additionally, in a period of 
generally poor economic conditions, our assets may become impaired.

The price of our common stock has historically been volatile and could continue to fluctuate in the future.

The  market  price  of  our  common  stock  has  fluctuated  significantly  and  is  likely  to  continue  to  fluctuate  in  the  future. 
Announcements by us or others regarding the receipt of customer orders, quarterly variations in operating results, acquisitions or 
divestitures,  additional  equity  or  debt  financings,  litigation,  product  developments,  patent  or  proprietary  rights,  government 
regulation and general market conditions may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock.

If the availability of raw materials critical to our manufacturing processes or sources of energy were to become scarce or 
if the price of these items were to increase significantly, we might not be able to timely produce products for our customers 
or maintain our profit levels.

We require and use significant amounts of raw materials, such as butyl, titanium dioxide, resin and scrap aluminum in our 
manufacturing facilities.  Substantially all of these materials are purchased from outside sources.  We do not have long-term 
contracts for the supply of most of our raw materials. The availability and prices of raw materials may be subject to curtailment 
or change due to new laws or regulations, suppliers' allocations to other purchasers, or interruptions in production by suppliers. 
In addition, the operation of our facilities requires substantial amounts of electric power and natural gas. Any change in the supply 
of, or price for, these raw materials could affect our ability to timely and cost-effectively produce products for our customers.

Our  business  depends  on  supplier  relationships,  insurance  providers,  and  other  vendors,  and  any  disruption  in  these 
relationships may cause damage to our customer relationships or delays to our business.

There can be no assurance that our suppliers will be able to meet our future requirements for products and components in a 
timely fashion. In addition, our suppliers require an accurate forecast of our supply needs in order to ensure the availability of 
many of the components used in our business.  If there are delays in deliveries by vendors, we could lose sales and damage our 
customer relationships.   If we select alternate suppliers for any of our required components, the qualification and pre-production 
period required to accept product from the new suppliers could be lengthy resulting in delays in our ability to provide products to 
our customers, or may cause an increase in component costs.  Any extended interruption in the supply of the key components that 
we  currently  obtain  from  limited  sources  could  disrupt  our  operations  and  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  customer 
relationships and our profitability.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
We are subject to various environmental requirements and are currently engaged in remediation activities at one of our 
locations. Compliance with, or liabilities under, existing or future environmental laws and regulations could significantly 
increase our costs of doing business. 

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the 
environment  and  the  remediation  of  chemical  contamination. To  satisfy  such  requirements,  we  must  make  capital  and  other 
expenditures on an on-going basis. For example, environmental agencies continue to develop regulations implementing the Federal 
Clean Air Act. Depending on the nature of the regulations adopted, we may be required to incur additional capital and other 
expenditures in the next several years for air pollution control equipment, to maintain or obtain operating permits and approvals, 
and to address other air emission-related issues. Future expenditures relating to environmental matters will necessarily depend 
upon whether such regulations and future government decisions or interpretations of these regulations apply to us and our facilities. 
It is likely that we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental standards, and we will incur additional expenditures to 
comply with such standards. Furthermore, if we fail to comply with applicable environmental regulations, we could be subject to 
substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability. In addition, we continue to engage in remediation efforts at our 
facility in Decatur, Alabama, for which a third party is indemnifying us for 90% of the costs. The limit on indemnification is $21.5 
million excluding legal fees. If these remediation efforts are not successful or prove more expensive than our current estimates, 
or if the party which is currently indemnifying us fails to continue doing so, then our remediation costs could significantly increase. 
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we spent approximately $2.1 million, $3.1 million and $1.5 
million, respectively, on environmental compliance, including mandatory remediation activities.

We may not be able to successfully identify, manage or integrate future acquisitions, and if we are unable to do so, then 
our rate of growth and profitability could be adversely affected.

We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to identify appropriate targets for acquisition, successfully negotiate the 
terms of an acquisition, finance an acquisition, or integrate an acquired business effectively into our existing operations. Integration 
of future acquired businesses could disrupt our business by diverting management's attention away from our day-to-day operations. 
Further, failure to successfully integrate any acquisition may cause significant operating inefficiencies and could adversely affect 
our overall profitability. Completing an acquisition could require us to raise additional funds through future equity or debt financing, 
which might result in an unfavorable capitalization that could negatively impact the market price of our common stock.  

If  our  information  technology  systems  fail,  or  if  we  experience  an  interruption  in  our  operations,  then  our  results  of 
operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The efficient operation of our business is dependent on our information technology systems. We use these systems to manage 
our day-to-day operations including maintaining our customer and vendor records, pricing, inventory, bills of material and other 
operational,  statistical,  financial  and  accounting  records. The  failure  of  our  information  technology  systems,  our  inability  to 
successfully maintain, enhance and/or replace our information technology systems, or a significant compromise of the integrity 
or security of the data that is generated from information technology systems, could adversely affect our results of operations, 
disrupt business and make us unable, or severely limit our ability, to respond to customer demands. In addition, our information 
technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from:

•  earthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters;

•  employee or other theft;
•  attacks by computer viruses or hackers;

•  power outages; and

•  computer systems, Internet, telecommunications or data network failure.

A significant interruption of our information technology systems could result in decreased revenue, increased expenses, 
increased capital expenditures, customer dissatisfaction and potential lawsuits, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations or financial condition.

We operate in competitive markets, and our business will suffer if we are unable to adequately address potential downward 
pricing pressures and other factors that may reduce operating margins.

The principal markets that we serve are highly competitive. Competition is based primarily on the precision and range of 
achievable tolerances, quality, price and the ability to meet delivery schedules dictated by customers. Some of our competitors  
may have greater financial and other resources than we have, and some may have more established brand names in the markets 
that we serve.  Moreover, our  competitors may more accurately foresee market development, may develop products that are 
superior to our products, may produce similar products at a lower cost than we can, or may adapt more quickly than we can to 

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
new technologies or evolving customer requirements. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional 
services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our operating margins and net income.

Original  equipment  manufacturers  have  significant  pricing  leverage  over  suppliers  and  may  be  able  to  achieve  price 
reductions over time, which could reduce our profits.

Our products are sold primarily to OEMs. There is substantial and continuing pressure from OEMs to reduce their costs by 
applying pricing pressure  on suppliers. We attempt to manage such downward  pricing pressure  and to preserve our  business 
relationships with our OEM customers.  In addition to negotiating reasonable price concessions with our customers, when needed, 
we seek to reduce our production costs through various measures, including managing our purchase process to reduce our costs 
of raw materials and components, and implementing cost-effective process improvements. However, our suppliers may resist 
pressure to lower prices and may, instead, seek price increases. If we are ultimately unable to offset the effects of OEM price 
concessions through such measures, our gross margins and profitability could be adversely affected. In addition, OEMs have 
substantial leverage in setting purchasing and payment terms, including the terms of accelerated payment programs under which 
early payment discounts can be taken.

Loss of any of our largest customers, or a prolonged decline in the business of these customers, could adversely affect our 
financial results.

Certain of our businesses or product lines are largely dependent on a relatively few large customers.  Although we believe 
we have an extensive customer base, if we were to lose one of these large customers or if such customer were to incur a prolonged 
period of decline in business, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.   In this circumstance, 
we cannot be certain that we could regain that lost business or replace the lost customer.  

Our revenues could decline or we may lose business if our customers:  (1) vertically integrate their operations;   (2) transfer 
their manufacturing capacity out of the United States to lower-cost regions of the world; or (3) diversify their supplier 
base.  In addition, new competitors could enter the market and diminish our market share.

If our customers decide to vertically integrate their businesses or to bring production in-house which had previously been 

serviced by us, then we could experience a decline in revenues.   

In addition, certain manufacturers in the United States have migrated their production to other regions of the world in order 
to seek lower labor costs. In many instances, these manufacturers may reduce the cost of their products and increase profit margins 
by manufacturing and assembling their products in other regions of the world and then importing those products into the United 
States. Historically, some of our customers have shifted production to other regions of the world and there can be no assurance 
that this trend will not continue. We may lose customers and revenues if our customers locate in areas that we choose not to serve 
or cannot economically serve.

If our competitors introduce new products to the market or if new competitors enter the market we serve, then we may 

experience a loss of customers and revenues.

If our relationship with our employees were to deteriorate, we could be faced with labor shortages, disruptions or stoppages, 
which could shut down certain of our operations or delay deliveries to our customers, and thereby impact our financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our operations rely heavily on our employees, and any labor shortage, disruption or stoppage caused by poor relations with 
our employees and/or renegotiation of labor contracts could shut down certain of our operations. Approximately 16% of our 
employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements which expire between 2014 and 2017. We could become subject to 
additional work rules as negotiated through collective bargaining agreements, or to work stoppages or other labor disturbances 
that could occur in the future.  Any failure to negotiate a new labor agreement or to maintain favorable relations with our non-
union employees might result in a work stoppage that could reduce our operating margins and income.

Changes in regulatory requirements or advancements in technology may render our products obsolete or less competitive.

Changes in legislative, regulatory or industry requirements or advancements in our competitors' technology may render 
certain of our products obsolete or less competitive, preventing us from selling them at profitable prices, or at all. Our ability to 
anticipate changes in technology and regulatory standards and to successfully develop and introduce new and enhanced products 
on a timely and cost-efficient basis will be a significant factor in our ability to remain competitive. Our business may, therefore, 
require significant on-going and recurring additional capital expenditures and investments in research and development. We may 
not be able to achieve the technological advances necessary for us to remain competitive or some of our products may become 
obsolete.  We are also subject to the risks generally associated with new product introductions and applications, including the lack 
of market acceptance, certification issues, delays in product development and failure of products to operate properly. Any such 
13

 
 
 
 
 
 
delays or cost overruns or the inability to obtain such certifications could negatively affect the returns from any proposed or new 
products.

Equipment failures, delays in deliveries or catastrophic loss at any of our manufacturing facilities could lead to production 
curtailments or shutdowns that prevent us from manufacturing our products.

An interruption in production capabilities at any of our facilities due to equipment failure or other reasons could result in 
our inability to produce products, which could result in lower sales and earnings. In addition, we generally manufacture our products 
on a build to order basis, and seek to keep our inventory levels low.   If there is a stoppage in production at any of our manufacturing 
facilities, even if only temporarily, or if we experience delays as a result of events that are beyond our control, delivery times could 
be severely affected, or we may be required to purchase product from competitors to fulfill our customers' orders. Any significant 
delay in deliveries to our customers could lead to increased returns or cancellations of orders, which may cause us to lose future 
sales. We could incur losses as a result of unanticipated catastrophic events such as fires, explosions or violent weather conditions. 
In the past we have, and in the future we may, experience plant shutdowns or periods of reduced production as a result of equipment 
failure, delays in deliveries or catastrophic loss, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial 
condition. In addition, our insurance coverage may not be adequate to compensate us for all losses that result from any of these 
events.

Product liability claims and product replacements could harm our reputation, sales and financial condition.

We design and manufacture most of our products, and we expect to continue to do so. We have, on occasion, found flaws 
and deficiencies in the manufacturing, design, testing and installation of our products. Some deficiencies may not become apparent 
until after the products are installed by customers.

We may need to replace products, and we may be liable for any costs necessary to retrofit the affected structures. Any such 
replacement or retrofit could entail substantial costs and adversely affect our reputation, future sales potential and our financial 
condition. We do not carry insurance coverage to protect against product replacement costs or the adverse business effects of a 
product replacement, and our product liability insurance may not cover retrofit costs.

Our business involves complex manufacturing processes that may result in costly accidents or other disruptions to our 
operations.

Our business involves complex manufacturing processes. Some of these processes involve high pressures, temperatures, hot 
metal and other hazards that present certain safety risks to workers employed at our manufacturing facilities. The potential exists 
for accidents involving death or serious injury. The potential liability resulting from any such accident, to the extent not covered 
by insurance, could cause us to incur unexpected cash expenditures, thereby reducing the cash available to operate our business. 
Such an accident could disrupt operations at any of our facilities, which could adversely affect our ability to deliver product to 
our customers on a timely basis and to retain our current business.

Flaws in the design or manufacture of our products could cause future product liability or warranty claims for which we 
do not have adequate insurance or may negatively affect our reputation among customers.

Our products are essential components used in the homebuilding, commercial construction, solar and aluminum industries.  
Problems in the design or manufacture of our products could result in property damage, personal injury or death. While we believe 
that our liability insurance is adequate to protect us from future product liability and warranty liabilities, our insurance may not 
cover all liabilities or be available in the future at a cost acceptable to us. In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, 
we may be required to participate in a recall involving such products. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available 
insurance coverage, if any, or a requirement to participate in any product recall, could significantly reduce our profits or negatively 
affect our reputation with customers. In addition, flaws in our products could lead to customer dissatisfaction and complaints, 
weaken our customer relationships, damage our reputation in the industry and result in a loss of revenue or customers.

Our credit facility contains restrictions on our ability to acquire complementary businesses.

Our credit facility contains certain restrictions on our ability to enter into transactions to acquire businesses, including:

•  financial covenants as defined in the agreement, including the minimum interest coverage ratio and maximum consolidated 
leverage ratio, must be met just prior to the anticipated transaction and just after the transaction on a pro forma basis 
based on the combined operating results of the acquisition target and our results of operations;

•  no event of default, as defined in the agreement, can have occurred and be continuing;

•  if the leverage ratio, as defined, is greater than 2.50 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the transaction, the 

amount paid for the acquisition is limited to 15% of our net worth per transaction; and

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
•  various other restrictions apply, including limitations on other indebtedness, liens, certain asset sales, certain investments 
and swap agreements, restricted payments, certain transactions with affiliates, entering into restrictive agreements or 
factoring arrangements and certain sale and leaseback agreements.

These restrictions may impede our ability to carry out an active acquisition program, which is an important component of 
our future growth strategy. Our failure to comply with the terms and covenants in our credit facility could lead to an event of 
default, as defined in the agreement, which may entitle the lenders to accelerate the maturity of our indebtedness and permit the 
lenders to declare all amounts owed to be currently due and payable.

Our credit facility contains certain financial covenants that limit the aggregate availability of funds.

The availability of funds under the credit facility is a function of: (1) amounts borrowed and outstanding under the facility; 
(2) letters of credit issued; and (3) the minimum interest coverage ratio and maximum consolidated leverage ratio, as defined and 
permitted under the agreement, which includes a calculation of our trailing twelve month EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. 
We must not permit, on a quarterly basis, our ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as defined (Minimum  
Interest  Coverage  Ratio),  to  fall  below  3.00:1  or  our  ratio  of  consolidated  funded  debt  to  consolidated  EBITDA,  as  defined 
(Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio), to exceed 3.25:1. These restrictions on funds availability could:

•  limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs;

•  restrict activities or business plans; and

•  adversely affect our ability to fund operations, or engage in other business activities that may be in our best interest.

An  inability  to  access  capital  could  adversely  affect  our  business,  operating  results  and  financial  condition  and  could 
ultimately adversely affect liquidity.

Our access to external sources of financing, as well as the cost of such financing, is dependent on various factors, including 
perceptions of our financial strength.  Perceptions of financial strength are often tied to factors such as financial leverage, relative 
balance sheet positions including cash and working capital metrics, capital structure and earnings trends, and each of these factors 
can be evaluated either in absolute terms or relative to our peer group.  If we are not able to continue to have access to the capital 
markets on favorable terms or at all, our business and future growth prospects could be adversely affected.

Failure to obtain alternative financing created by a breach of our lenders' funding commitment could negatively impact 
our growth strategy.

The turmoil affecting the banking system and financial markets during the prior years has resulted in a tightening of the 
credit markets, a reduction in liquidity in many financial markets and volatility in the fixed income, credit, currency and equity 
markets. We cannot ensure that our lenders will provide future funding under our credit facility during a time of credit market 
turmoil. If our lenders were unable or unwilling to fulfill their lending commitments, we may be required to seek alternative 
funding sources in order to conduct our operations. Such alternative funding might require higher interest and fees. There can be 
no assurance that alternative financing will be available promptly, on favorable terms or at all. Failure to obtain necessary funding 
could adversely affect our short-term liquidity, our ability to make investment in research and development to fund new product 
initiatives, our ability to invest in process technology which would improve manufacturing capabilities, and limit our ability to 
seek  out  potential  acquisition  candidates.    Each  of  these  limitations  could  adversely  affect  our  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations and cash flows.

Our corporate governance documents or the provisions of Delaware law may delay or preclude a business acquisition that 
stockholders may consider to be favorable, which might result in a decrease in the value of our common shares.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third 
party to acquire us without the consent of our Board of Directors. These provisions include restrictions on the ability of our 
stockholders to remove directors and supermajority voting requirements for stockholders to amend our organizational documents, 
a classified Board of Directors and limitations on action by our stockholders by written consent. In addition, our Board of Directors 
has the right to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of a potential 
hostile acquirer. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between any holder of 
15% or more of our outstanding common stock. Although we believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or 
otherwise unfair takeover tactics, and thereby provide for an opportunity for us to receive a higher bid by requiring potential 
acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some 
stockholders.

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our operations outside the United States require us to comply with a number of United States and international regulations, 
violations of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial 
condition.

Our operations outside the United States require us to comply with a number of United States and international regulations. 
For example, our operations in countries outside the United States are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which 
prohibits United States companies or their agents and employees from providing anything of value to a foreign official for the 
purposes of influencing any act or decision of these individuals in their official capacity to help obtain or retain business, direct 
business to any person or corporate entity, or obtain any unfair advantage. Because we operate and sell product to customers in 
various countries, the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of our employees or agents that could be in 
violation of the FCPA exists, even though certain foreign parties may not be subject to the provisions of FCPA. We have internal 
control policies and procedures and compliance programs which we have implemented to train our employees and agents with 
respect to the FCPA. However, we cannot ensure that our policies, procedures and programs will always protect us from reckless 
or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. Allegations of violations of applicable anti-corruption laws, including the 
FCPA, may result in internal, independent, or government investigations. Violations of the FCPA may result in severe criminal or 
civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated 
results of operations and consolidated financial condition. In addition, investigations by governmental authorities as well as legal, 
social, economic, and political issues in these countries could have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated 
results of operations. We are also subject to the risk that our employees and agents outside of the United States may fail to comply 
with other applicable laws.

Our plans to expand our business outside the United States may not succeed.

Any expansion to markets outside the United States will present different and successive risks, expenses and difficulties 
with regard to applying or modifying our business model to different countries and regions of the world. There can be no assurance 
that any of our efforts to expand outside the United States will prove successful or that we will not incur operating losses in the 
future as a result of these efforts, or that such efforts will not have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial 
condition.

We may not have the right infrastructure (people, systems, and processes) in place to achieve our growth initiatives.

If we do not effectively develop and implement our organic growth strategies, or if there are delays or difficulties in enhancing 
business processes, we may not realize anticipated productivity improvements or cost efficiencies, and may experience operational 
difficulties,  increased  costs,  manufacturing  interruptions  or  delays,  quality  issues,  increased  product  time  to  market,  and/or 
inefficient allocation of human resources, any or all of which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flows.

Our success depends upon our ability to develop new products and services, integrate acquired products and services and 
enhance our existing products and services through product development initiatives and technological advances.

We maintain programs designed to develop new products and to enhance and improve our products. We are expending 
resources for the development of new products in all aspects of our business, including products that can reach a broader customer 
base. Some of these new products must be developed due to changes in legislative, regulatory or industry requirements or in 
competitive technologies that render certain of our products obsolete or less competitive. The successful development of our 
products and product enhancements is subject to numerous risks, both known and unknown, including unanticipated delays, access 
to significant capital, budget overruns, technical problems and other difficulties that could result in the abandonment or substantial 
change in the design, development and commercialization of these new products.

Given the uncertainties inherent with product development and introduction, including lack of market acceptance, we cannot 
provide assurance that any of our product development efforts will be successful on a timely basis or within budget, if at all. Failure 
to develop new products and product enhancements on a timely basis or within budget could harm our business and prospects. In 
addition, we may not be able to achieve the technological advances necessary for us to remain competitive.

Our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets may become impaired and result in a charge to income.

We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually to determine whether we must test for 
impairment.  In making this assessment, we must use judgment to make estimates of future operating results and appropriate 
residual values.  Actual future operating results and residual values associated with our operations could differ significantly from 
these estimates, which may result in an impairment charge in a future period, resulting in a decrease in net income from operations 
in the year of the impairment, as well as a decline in our recorded net worth.

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
We may record a valuation allowance if our deferred tax assets are deemed to be unrealizable or if we incur losses. 

We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the 
amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards.  We evaluate 
the carrying value of the net deferred tax assets and determine whether we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income 
to realize our deferred tax assets.  If our estimates and assumptions about future results indicate we will not generate sufficient 
taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, we would record a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax 
assets.  As of October 31, 2013, we have deferred tax assets of $48.8 million, and we have recorded a valuation allowance of $2.5 
million associated with certain net operating loss carry forwards which we believe may not be realizable for state income tax 
purposes.  Our estimates of future taxable income must be evaluated, to some extent, based on historical experience.  We have 
recorded losses for each of the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.  If we incur further losses, after adjusting for certain non-
recurring events and transactions, we may be required to increase our valuation reserve on our deferred tax assets.  This change 
would result in an increase in income tax expense and would likely have a material impact on our financial position, results of 
operations and cash flows.  

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property.

A significant amount of time, effort and expense is devoted to custom engineering, which qualifies our products for specific 
customer applications, as well as developing superior, proprietary process technology. We rely on a combination of copyright, 
patent, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual commitments to protect our proprietary information. Despite our 
efforts, these measures can only provide limited protection. Unauthorized third parties may try to copy or reverse engineer portions 
of our products or may otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property. Any patents we own may be invalidated, circumvented 
or challenged. Any of our pending or future patent applications, whether or not being currently challenged, may not be issued with 
the scope sought, if at all. If we cannot protect our proprietary information against unauthorized use, we may not be able to retain 
a perceived competitive advantage, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows.

We have the ability to issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and outstanding common 
stock.

We are authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, no par value, in one or more 
series, which may give other stockholders dividend, conversion, voting, and liquidation rights, among other rights, which may be 
superior to the rights of holders of our common stock. The issuance of additional equity securities or securities convertible into 
equity securities would result in dilution of existing stockholders' equity interests.  Our Board of Directors has no present intention 
to issue any such preferred shares, but has the right to do so in the future. In addition, we were authorized, by prior stockholder 
approval, to issue up to 125,000,000 shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. These authorized shares can be issued, 
without stockholder approval, as securities convertible into either common stock or preferred stock.

Our insurance providers may be unable to perform under their obligations.

We purchase insurance as part of our risk management strategy.  An insurer's insolvency or refusal to make payments under 
the terms of agreements with us could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or liquidity.  One of our insurance carriers 
recently entered into liquidation proceedings, which could affect our ability to recover amounts due for outstanding claims or to 
pursue recoveries for future claims. However, our exposure to the carrier is not significant at this time, and we do not currently 
expect it to have a material effect on our future operating results.

We are subject to various existing and contemplated laws, regulations and government initiatives that may materially 
impact the demand for our products, our profitability or our costs of doing business. 

Our business may be materially impacted by various governmental laws, regulations and initiatives that may artificially 
create, deflate, accelerate, or decelerate consumer demand for our products. For example, when the government issues tax credits 
designed to encourage increased homebuilding or energy-efficient window purchases, the credits may create a spike in demand 
that would not otherwise have occurred and our production capabilities may not be able to keep pace, which could materially 
impact our profitability. Likewise, when such laws, regulations or initiatives expire, our business may experience a material loss 
in sales volume or an increase in production costs as a result of the decline in consumer demand that follows such expiration. 

If aluminum prices on the London Metals Exchange (LME) were to decline quickly and significantly, our profitability 
could be adversely affected. 

For our Aluminum Sheet Products segment, profitability in part depends on the market price of aluminum ingot as compared 
to the market price of aluminum scrap. If aluminum ingot prices are volatile, experience a rapid and significant decline or remain 

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
relatively low for an extended period, then our aluminum business could experience fluctuations in sales and raw material costs, 
which could adversely affect our profitability. 

Change in our executive officers may disrupt or delay our operations and negatively impact the market price of our common 
stock.

We  depend  on  our  senior  management  team  and  other  key  employees  to  run  our  operations  effectively  and  efficiently.  
Significant attrition within our management team could adversely affect our business. Our success depends in part on our ability 
to attract, retain and motivate senior management and other key employees. Achieving this objective may be difficult due to many 
factors, including fluctuations in global economic and industry conditions, competitors' hiring practices, cost reduction activities, 
and the effectiveness of our compensation programs. Competition for qualified personnel can be very intense. We must continue 
to recruit, retain and motivate senior management and other key employees sufficient to maintain our current business and support 
our future projects. A loss of any such personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have 
an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business and on 
our stock price.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. If we cannot provide reliable financial 
reports, our brand and operating results could be harmed. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent 
limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial 
statement preparation and presentation. While we continue to evaluate and improve our internal controls, we cannot be certain 
that these measures will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in 
the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could 
harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal 
controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can 
conclude on an on-going basis that we have effective internal control over our financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could cause investors to lose 
confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  Properties.

The following table lists our principal properties by location, general character and use. These properties are owned by us, 

unless indicated otherwise.  

Location

Character & Use of Property

Executive Offices

Houston, Texas (Lease expires 2023)

Corporate Office

Engineered Products Segment

Rice Lake, Wisconsin

Chatsworth, Illinois

Richmond, Indiana

Fenestration products (plant & office)

Fenestration products

Fenestration products

Solon, Ohio (Lease expires 2017)

Flexible spacer, and adhesive research and sales (plant & office)

Luck, Wisconsin

Richmond, Kentucky

Winnebago, Illinois

Fenestration products

Vinyl and composite extrusions

Vinyl extrusions

Mounds View, Minnesota (Lease expires 2016)
Kent, Washington (Lease expires 2020)

Fenestration products (two plants & office)
Vinyl and composite extrusions (plant & office)

Yakima, Washington (Lease expires 2016)

Vinyl extrusions

Dubuque, Iowa (Leased month to month)

Fenestration products

Shawano, Wisconsin (Lease expires 2015)

Wood flooring

Cambridge, Ohio, (Lease expires 2021)

Flexible spacer and solar adhesives (plant & office)

Coventry, United Kingdom

Flexible spacer (plant & office)

Heinsberg, Germany (Lease expires 2025)

Flexible spacer (plant & office)

Sacramento, California (Lease expires 2016)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Des Moines, Iowa (Lease expires 2014)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Phoenix, Arizona (Lease expires 2015)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Denver, Colorado (Lease expires 2015)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Paris, Illinois (Lease expires 2014)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Parkersburg, West Virginia (Lease expires 2017)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Fontana, California (Lease expires 2019)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Perrysburg, Ohio (Lease expires 2019)

Screens for vinyl windows and doors

Chehalis, Washington (Leases expire 2015 & 2019) Screens for vinyl windows and doors (plant & office)

Aluminum Sheet Products Segment

Lincolnshire, Illinois

Davenport, Iowa

Finishing

Mini-mill and finishing/painting (two plants & office)

Decatur, Alabama (Owned & Lease expires 2018)

Finishing/painting

We believe our operating properties are in good condition and well maintained, and are generally suitable and adequate to 

carry on our business. In fiscal 2013, our facilities operated at approximately 58% of capacity.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of 
business. We reserve for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. We do not expect that losses 
resulting from any current legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements if or when 
such losses are incurred.

For discussion of environmental issues, see  Item 1, "Business - Environmental and Employee Safety Matters” discussed 

elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II

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

Our common stock, $0.01 par value, has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NX since 
April 24, 2008. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales price per share of our common 
stock as reported, and the quarterly cash dividend declared per share on our common stock.

Period

Quarter ended October 31, 2013

Quarter ended July 31, 2013

Quarter ended April 30, 2013

Quarter ended January 31, 2013

Quarter ended October 31, 2012

Quarter ended July 31, 2012

Quarter ended April 30, 2012

Quarter ended January 31, 2012

NX Stock Price

High

Low

Cash Dividends

 Declared

$

$

21.84

18.95

21.22

22.27

20.36

19.10

18.78

17.58

$

$

15.66

15.87

15.37

18.03

16.48

14.98

14.89

12.71

$

$

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

0.04

The terms of our revolving credit agreement do not specifically limit the total amount of dividends or other distributions to 
our shareholders. Dividends and other distributions are permitted so long as after giving effect to such dividend or stock repurchase, 
there is no event of default.

There were approximately 3,973 holders of our common stock (excluding individual participants in securities positions 

listings) on record as of December 13, 2013.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes certain information regarding equity compensation to our employees, officers and directors 

under equity compensation plans as of October 31, 2013:

(a)

(b)

(c)

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

2,875,276

$

15.64

1,366,430

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On May 27, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 
shares of our common stock. On August 25, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized an additional 1,000,000 shares under this 
repurchase program. The program does not have a dollar limit or an expiration date. There were no repurchases of shares during 
the year ended October 31, 2013.  During the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011, we purchased 94,337 shares at a cost of 
$1.3 million and 750,000 shares at a cost of $10.1 million, respectively.  As of October 31, 2013 there were 905,663 authorized 
shares remaining available for purchase pursuant to the program.

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph

The following chart represents a comparison of the five year total return of our common stock to the Standard & Poor’s 500 
Index (S&P 500), the Russell 2000 Index, and a peer group index selected by us, which includes companies offering similar 
products and services as ours.  The companies included in the peer group are American Woodmark Corp, Apogee Enterprises Inc, 
Builders FirstSource Inc, Drew Industries Inc, Eagle Materials Inc, Gibraltar Industries Inc, Griffon Corp, Louisiana-Pacific Corp, 
Simpson Manufacturing Company Inc, Trex Company Inc, and Universal Forest Products Inc.

INDEXED RETURNS

Company Name/Index
Quanex Building Products Corporation

S&P 500 Index

Russell 2000 Index

Peer Group

 For the Years Ended

10/31/2008

10/31/2009

10/31/2010

10/31/2011

10/31/2012

10/31/2013

$

$

100

100

100

100

$ 164.28

$ 200.72

$ 165.98

$ 224.55

$ 203.76

109.80

106.46

127.94

134.75

138.29

143.79

159.32

160.06

202.61

218.13

$ 118.43

$ 126.40

$ 125.30

$ 208.32

$ 282.63

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The following table presents selected historical consolidated financial and operating data for the periods shown. The selected 
consolidated financial data as of October 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and for each of the fiscal years then ended was 
derived from our audited consolidated financial statements for those dates and periods, adjusted for discontinued operations, as 
indicated. The following information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report 
Form 10-K.

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

(18,201)

(25,185)

Consolidated Statements of Income

Net sales

Cost and expenses:

Cost of sales

Selling, general and administrative

Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charges(4)
Operating income (loss)(4)(5)(6)(7)

Non-operating income (expense):

Interest expense

Other, net

Income tax benefit (expense)

Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(2)
Net income (loss) (4)(5)(6)(7)

Basic earnings per common share:

Basic earnings (loss) from continuing operations

Basic earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings per common share:

Diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operations

Diluted earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Cash dividends declared per share
Other Financial  & Operating Data

2013(1)

Fiscal Years Ended October 31,
2010(2)
2011(2)(3)
(In thousands, except per share data)

2012

2009(2)

$

952,642

$

828,976

$

848,294

$

798,314

$

585,010

799,077

109,325

60,504

1,465

703,844

111,577

37,596

912

(17,729)

(24,953)

(640)

168

(454)

222

6,498

8,651

(11,703)

(16,534)

712,091

660,849

489,328

83,994

33,932

1,799

16,478

(449)

(514)

15,515

(6,437)

9,078

71,954

28,214

59,765

32,453

—

182,562

37,297

(179,098)

(440)

2,645

39,502

(452)

405

(179,145)

(15,301)

43,066

24,201

(136,079)

—

—

(12)

(1,103)

(1,012)

(11,703) $

(16,534) $

9,066

$

23,098

$ (137,091)

(0.32) $

(0.45) $

0.24

$

0.65

$

—

—

—

(0.03)

(0.32) $

(0.45) $

0.24

$

0.62

$

(0.32) $

(0.45) $

0.24

$

0.64

$

—

—

(0.32) $

(0.45) $

0.16

$

0.16

$

—

0.24

0.16

$

$

(0.03)

0.61

0.14

$

$

(3.64)

(0.03)

(3.67)

(3.64)

(0.03)

(3.67)

0.12

$

$

$

$

$

$

Income (loss) from continuing operations, percent of net sales

(1.2)%

(2.0)%

1.1%

3.0%

(23.3)%

Cash provided by operating activities

$

43,521

$

26,478

$

52,944

$

89,132

$

60,491

Cash used for investing activities

Cash used for (provided by) financing activities

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Capital expenditures

Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data at Year End

Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets(8)

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

Total liabilities

59,687

4,869

22,096

37,931

49,736

571,815

752

$

$

41,704

3,928

—

42,871

71,255

589,538

1,033

$

$

135,367

14,914

110,845

25,312

89,619

584,929

1,314

$

$

15,785

9,370

1,590

14,720

187,178

591,250

1,616

$

$

14,810

(10,508)

—

15,696

123,499

543,600

1,943

$

$

$

155,621

$

167,711

$

147,703

$

149,818

$

121,074

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) In December 2012, we acquired substantially all the assets of Alumco, Inc. and its subsidiaries, a manufacturer of window 

screens, with multiple facilities within the United States.

(2)In 2010, we closed a start-up facility in China due to contraction of demand and a decision to serve the international thin film 
solar panel markets from our North American operations.  Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of this start-up facility in 
China were reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets for the applicable periods presented, and 
the related operating results are reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income presented, as 
applicable.

(3)On March 31, 2011, we acquired Edgetech, I.G. Inc. and its German subsidiary. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ohio, Edgetech 
has three manufacturing facilities, one each in United States, United Kingdom and Germany, that produced and marketed a 
full line of warm edge insulating glass spacer systems for window and door customers in North America and abroad. In March 
2011, we also acquired a small vinyl extrusion business in Yakima, Washington. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of assets 
acquired in the acquisition and the results of operations were included in our consolidated financial statements as of the 
effective date of the acquisition.

(4)In fiscal 2009, we recorded an asset impairment charge totaling of $182.6 million ($141.4 million net of tax) related to goodwill 

and intangible assets.

(5)In November 2011, we announced a consolidation program for two of our insulating glass manufacturing facilities, whereby 
we closed a facility in Barbourville, Kentucky.  This facility consolidation was completed ahead of schedule in August 2012.  
In fiscal 2012, we recorded expenses totaling of $9.0 million ($5.9 million net of tax) related to this consolidation.

(6)During  fiscal  2011,  we  recognized  an  expense  of  $1.9  million  ($1.1  million  net  of  tax)  to  increase  our  warranty  reserve 

associated with a discontinued legacy product and claims.

(7)In fiscal 2012, we experienced a strike at two of our facilities in Davenport, Iowa, which had a negative impact on operating 
income of approximately $11.1 million ($7.3 million net of tax), including a reduction in sales volume and incremental direct 
costs.

(8)Total  assets  include  assets  of  discontinued  operations  of  $0.5  million  and  $1.8  million  at  October  31,  2010  and  2009, 

respectively.

24

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

The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on our current assumptions, expectations, 
estimates and projections about our business and the homebuilding industry, and therefore, it should be read in conjunction with 
our  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes  thereto,  as  well  as  "Cautionary  Note  Regarding  Forward-Looking 
Statements" discussed elsewhere within this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  For a listing of potential risks and uncertainties which 
impact our business and industry, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Actual results could differ from our expectations due to several 
factors which include, but are not limited to:  market price and demand for our products, economic and competitive conditions, 
capital expenditures, new technology, regulatory changes and other uncertainties.  Unless otherwise required by law, we undertake 
no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available or other events occur 
in the future.      

Our Business

We are a technological leader in the home building products market, and we operate in two segments: Engineered Products 
and Aluminum  Sheet  Products. The  Engineered  Products  segment  manufactures  systems,  finished  products,  and  components 
serving the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) residential window and door industry, while the Aluminum Sheet Products 
segment produces mill finished and coated aluminum sheet serving the broader residential building products and transportation 
markets.  We serve a primary customer base in North America, and also serve customers in international markets through our 
operating plants in the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as through sales and marketing efforts in other countries.  

We have four operating divisions which comprise the Engineered Products business segment, and one operating division 
which comprises the Aluminum Sheet Products business segment.  Other costs, including corporate office expense, certain shared 
administrative functions, last-in first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation adjustments and inter-segment eliminations are categorized 
as  Corporate  &  Other  costs.  The  accounting  policies  of  our  business  segments  are  the  same  as  those  used  to  prepare  our 
accompanying consolidated financial statements.  

For each of our two business segments, we believe the primary drivers of our operating results are residential remodeling 
and replacement (R&R) activity and new home construction.  We believe that housing starts and window shipments are indicators 
of activity levels in the home building industry, and we use this data, as published by or derived from third-party sources, to 
evaluate the market. In general, the rate of housing starts has increased over the past two years after a dramatic decline from 2007 
through 2011 resulting from a general recession and a mortgage crisis in the United States.  The recovery in the housing market 
has been relatively slow and growth in new home construction in the United States has been led by multi-family homes for which 
window to floor ratios are lower compared to mid- and higher priced homes. The current growth in single-family homes has seen 
the share of the large track builders increase and the smaller custom builders decrease.  Multi-family and track homes typically 
employ lower cost, less energy efficient building materials than the vinyl window profiles and insulating glass spacers that we 
manufacture. Due to these circumstances, a greater portion of our business has shifted to the R&R market, which has experienced 
slower growth than the new construction market.  The trailing 12-month window shipment results for the year ended October 31, 
2013 derived from published reports by Ducker Worldwide, a consulting and research firm, indicates that volume has increased 
by only 3.6% for R&R window shipments on a year-over-year basis, compared to 24.2% for new construction, resulting in a 
combined window shipment growth rate of 10.8%.  

Our Aluminum Sheet Products business segment is a commodity driven business that depends to a large extent on fluctuations 
in aluminum prices on the London Metals Exchange (LME), as well as fluctuations in the premium paid to ship product to and 
from our casting plant in Davenport, Iowa. The price of aluminum impacts our cost of raw material as well as the price we can 
demand for our products.  Historically, aluminum prices have fluctuated due to various macro-economic factors which impact 
global supply and demand.  LME prices have experienced a general decline in recent years.  

Our business is impacted by seasonality.  We historically experience lower sales during the first half of our fiscal year as 

winter weather reduces homebuilding and home improvement activity.

Market Overview and Outlook

Despite record highs in the United States stock market in 2013, the general United States economy has experienced slower 
than expected growth, although the housing industry has begun to rebound more quickly.  New home construction and the level 
of R&R activities grew throughout 2013 and are expected to continue to grow into 2014.  Although this growth is encouraging, 
the number of housing starts fluctuates between months, and R&R growth continues to lag the rate of recovery in new home 
construction.  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) currently predicts that annual housing starts in the United 
States will rise to 1.2 million over the next two years.  According to the United States Census Bureau and NAHB data, the number 
of actual housing starts has increased approximately 26% based on published data available when comparing our fiscal 2013 to 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
the same period in 2012.  We believe that the housing recovery is well underway in the United States but that there are challenges 
to near-term growth prospects of the fenestration and aluminum markets that we serve. 

 According to a recent study published by Ducker Worldwide, multi-family homes have steadily increased as a percentage 
of total new housing starts and are expected to reach a peak level of 30% this year. Market data such as the Leading Indicator of 
Remodeling Activity (LIRA) and the NAHB's Remodeling Market Index (RMI) suggest that remodeling activity will see healthy 
increases in the subsequent year.  In their November 2013 forecast, Ducker Worldwide indicated that window shipments for the 
R&R markets are expected to increase from 26.6 million in 2013 to 28.1 million in 2014.  We continue to believe the pace of 
remodeling activity will lag new construction by 12 to 18 months, and that  remodeling activity will initially be concentrated on 
spending for lower cost items than window and doors. Therefore, we believe that a sustained increase in the demand for our 
products will occur later in the recovery, unless there is an unexpected increase in the energy efficient tax credits currently available 
to homeowners or if there are stricter regulations imposed which require more energy-efficient windows.  

We could experience pricing pressure due to the entry of new competitors into the market. As conditions in the housing 
market improve, new window manufacturers may replace those that were forced out of business in the aftermath of the financial 
crisis, or one or more of our large customers may decide to vertically integrate and replace our products by developing similar 
products internally.  Increased competition may influence the market and the price we can charge for our products.  Due to pockets 
of excess capacity in the markets we serve, specifically the vinyl window profile market, we have observed evidence of price 
cutting  by  our  competitors  and  we  expect  there  will  continue  to  be  pricing  pressure  in  the  near  term. We  believe  the  key  to 
maintaining our status as a market leader will be to take a disciplined approach to the way we seek new business opportunities 
and focus on providing superior value to our customers.

Outside of the United States, we continue to be optimistic about our growth prospects in Europe, particularly in the United 
Kingdom, Germany and Scandinavian countries, where the push for higher energy efficiency standards has been the greatest. 
Based on our internal analysis, we estimate the size of the insulating glass spacer markets in continental Europe and the United 
Kingdom to be approximately 1.4 billion feet, nearly double the size of the North American market. Moreover, older technology 
cold-edge spacers are still a dominant force in these regions and garner almost 60% of the total market share, compared to a 
significantly lower percentage in the United States. We currently operate plants in the United Kingdom and in Germany, where 
we recently added a third production line.  We believe the investments we are currently making will enable us to become the 
provider of choice as demand for more energy efficient warm edge spacers grows and eventually displaces cold edge spacers. 

 Recovery in the United States housing market should promote demand for aluminum and support favorable LME prices, 
but other factors, such as growth rates and supply overhang in China, the stabilization of the European economies and fiscal 
challenges in the United States could continue to depress commodity prices.  The volatility that has characterized commodity 
markets during the five years following the onset of the financial crisis may continue, and the profitability of our Aluminum 
Products business will fluctuate accordingly. Although the price of the scrap material we purchase is dependent to a certain extent 
on LME prices, the sales price of our finished goods is generally more impacted by short-term changes in LME pricing. Therefore, 
in periods of declining LME prices, we tend to suffer from both lower revenues and proportionately higher raw material costs.  
Despite initial forecasts of rising aluminum prices during 2013, the average price for the full year was fairly stagnant relative to 
2012.  Recent changes in rules regarding LME warehousing may cause a short-term change in overall aluminum supply in the 
United States, which could impact pricing.  However, we do not expect the average price of aluminum to vary significantly from 
fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014.   

Recent Transactions and Events

In August 2013, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease all activities associated with our enterprise resource planning 
(ERP) implementation based on several elements, but the primary element was the opportunity to spend the resources on a number 
of organic growth opportunities that are available to us today which were not available when the implementation effort began in 
2010.  These opportunities will require capital but offer significantly higher returns on invested capital than a continued investment 
in the ERP system.  In conjunction with our efforts to cease the ERP implementation, we have migrated several operating units 
which were utilizing the ERP prior to August 2013 back to legacy systems as of October 31, 2013, although we will continue to 
use certain elements of the ERP at the corporate office.   We expensed $1.2 million of amounts which were recorded in construction 
in progress. In addition, we recorded a change in accounting estimate during the fourth quarter of 2013 and have accelerated 
depreciation associated with certain ERP assets resulting in additional depreciation expense of $15.3 million through October 31, 
2013.  We expect to recognize an additional $0.5 million of depreciation expense associated with this change in estimate in fiscal 
2014.  Certain ERP functions associated with the corporate office are expected to continue to be used beyond the short-term and 
will continue to depreciate over the original useful lives of the assets.  We incurred certain charges related to one-time termination 
benefits and contract termination costs which were not deemed significant and were expensed as incurred.     

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Petratis, retired from his position effective July 8, 
2013.  Mr. Petratis participated in a number of our stock-based and deferred compensation plans.  As a result of the forfeiture of 
certain awards in conjunction with the retirement, we recorded a benefit of approximately $1.2 million during 2013. In addition, 
we expect to pay approximately $4.7 million to Mr. Petratis within one year, which represents his vested balances under certain 
deferred compensation plans.  

In December 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Alumco Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alumco) for $22.1 million, 
which included a working capital adjustment received of $0.4 million, and subject to an earn-out provision for which we accrued 
a liability of $0.3 million as part of the purchase price allocation.  As of October 31, 2013, we determined that the earn-out provision 
criteria would not be met and decreased expense by $0.3 million.  The purchase of Alumco allowed us to expand the scope of our 
fenestration business to include screens for vinyl window and door manufacturers, and to expand our geographic reach throughout 
the United States.  We believe this acquisition will allow us to build upon our national and regional OEM customer base and 
enhance our distribution capabilities. We recorded goodwill of $2.8 million in conjunction with this transaction which was included 
entirely within the Engineered Products business segment.  We are currently managing this business as a separate division within 
the Engineered Products segment. 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, the union employees at our casting and finishing plants associated with the Aluminum 
Products business went on strike. While this matter was being negotiated, our ability to provide product to our customers was 
impacted  and  our  shipments  declined  by  approximately  12  million  pounds.  In  addition,  we  incurred  higher  material  costs  to 
purchase goods from third-party sources in order to meet our customers' supply needs.  The strike ended in early 2012 and our 
relationship with the union has remained satisfactory since.  Our results for fiscal 2012 were negatively impacted as a result of 
the strike.  We did not incur similar costs in 2013.

In November 2011, we committed to a plan to consolidate two insulating glass facilities to obtain efficiencies following an 
acquisition in March 2011. The consolidation plan, in part, resulted in the closure of a plant in Barbourville, Kentucky, and the 
relocation of equipment that was used to manufacture the single seal, warm-edge spacer system to our facility in Cambridge, Ohio.  
The facility in Barbourville is currently being held for sale.  The consolidation was substantially completed by August 2012, with 
minor residual cash payments and program costs incurred during fiscal 2013.  We have realized consolidation savings in 2013 
compared to 2012, primarily related to labor costs.  In addition, costs incurred in conjunction with the consolidation in fiscal 2012 
did not recur in 2013.  

Comparison of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 

Consolidated Results of Operations

This table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the twelve-month periods ended October 31, 2013 and 
2012.  A general explanation of changes in net sales and operating income follow, with a more detailed explanation included in 
the analysis of the business segments.  

2013

For the Years Ended October 31,
2012

2013 vs. 2012

Amounts

% of Sales

Amounts

% of Sales

$ Change

% Change

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charges
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Other, net
Income tax benefit (expense)
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

$

952.6
799.1
109.3
60.5
1.5
(17.8)
(0.6)
0.2
6.5
(11.7)

100%
84%
11%
6%
—%
(2)%
—%
—%
1%
(1)%

(Dollars in millions)
829.0
703.8
111.6
37.7
0.9
(25.0)
(0.4)
0.2
8.7
(16.5)

100%
85%
13%
5%
—%
(3)%
—%
—
1%
(2)%

$

$

$

$

123.6
95.3
(2.3)
22.8
0.6
7.2
(0.2)
—
(2.2)
4.8

15%
14%
(2)%
60%
67%
(29)%
50%
—
(25)%
(29)%

The improvement in our consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2013 compared to the year ended October 
31,  2012  was  driven  primarily  by  an  increase  in  shipments  of  17%  for  our Aluminum  Sheet  Products  segment.  Within  our 
Engineered Products segment, net sales were higher due to the contribution from the Alumco business acquired in December 2012, 
which provided net sales of $49.1 million for the period from the acquisition date through October 31, 2013.  The Engineered 
Products  segment  has  also  experienced  organic  growth  related  to  our  vinyl  window  profile  business,  increased  sales  for  our 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
insulating glass business driven by growth in Europe and an increase in demand for our engineered component business in fiscal 
2013. 

Our operating results improved by $7.2 million in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  We experienced growth in sales for 
each business segment, coupled with cost efficiencies realized in the current year, partially offset by higher material and labor 
costs and higher corporate expenses.  Within the Aluminum Sheet Products business segment, our operating losses decreased by 
$16.1 million, as production returned to more normalized levels in 2013 following the labor strike in 2012.  The strike was resolved 
in mid-2012, but the impact was an increase in material, labor, conversion and administrative costs which adversely affected our 
results for fiscal 2012. However, our aluminum business continues to be challenged by volatile LME prices and higher raw material 
(scrap) prices.  Operating income within the Engineered Products business segment increased by $16.8 million during fiscal 2013 
compared to fiscal 2012.  Operating income for 2012 was negatively affected by facility consolidation expenses that did not recur 
in the current year. In addition, the consolidation produced labor savings in 2013.  Corporate expenses increased during fiscal 
2013 primarily due to our ERP system implementation efforts and other corporate initiatives, such as information technology. 

Interest expense increased slightly in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012  due to borrowings under our Senior Unsecured 

Credit Facility.  No borrowings were outstanding at October 31, 2013.   

Other, net typically includes interest income earned on our cash and cash equivalents and net foreign currency transaction 

gains and losses. Other, net was $0.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.   

Our  annual effective tax rates for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were 35.7% and 34.3%, respectively.  The 
effective tax rates were relatively consistent between years, with the variance associated with, permanent differences, foreign tax 
rate differential and state tax rate differentials. In addition, the 2012 results were impacted by certain nondeductible employee 
related items.

Engineered Products

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charges
Operating income
Operating income margin

For the Years Ended October 31,

2013

2012

$ Change

% Change

$

$

555.0
419.7
57.1
31.4
1.5
45.3

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
478.6
355.5
65.6
28.1
0.9
28.5

$

76.4
64.2
(8.5)
3.3
0.6
16.8

16%
18%
(13)%
12%
67%
59%

8%

6%

The increase in net sales for fiscal 2013  compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily attributable to the following:  (1) the acquisition 
of Alumco on December 31, 2012, which contributed net sales of $49.1 million during the period in 2013; (2) an increase in 
demand for our insulating glass warm-edge spacers in Europe, particularly in Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, 
and to a lesser extent, in the United States; (3) higher sales of vinyl window and door profiles, as favorable increases in demand 
resulted in a higher volume of units shipped, partially offset by the effect of pricing pressure and a decrease in pass-through 
surcharges for resin; and (4) higher sales for our engineered components products, due largely to higher demand from a national 
customer.  In connection with our European operations, we expanded our plant in Germany to a third production line which became 
operational in 2013.  We expect demand for our warm-edge spacers to remain high in Europe, but to be more challenged in North 
America, as sales of our higher-end spacer products continue to be negatively affected by the housing downturn in Canada and 
the recent shift in new construction to multi-family dwellings in the United States.    

Our cost of sales increased by $64.2 million, or 18%, when comparing fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2012.  This increase was slightly 
higher than the 16% increase in net sales for the respective period.  Of this increase in cost of sales, $43.0 million was related to 
the Alumco  acquisition.    In  addition,  we  have  experienced  pricing  pressure,  as  well  as  higher  material  and  labor  costs. The 
profitability of our vinyl products continues to be challenged as we have provided volume discounts for our fastest growing 
customers and experienced an increase in the cost of resin, which is the primary raw material used to manufacture our vinyl profiles. 
As sales to certain customers increase, we are obligated to provide greater price concessions in the form of volume discounts, 
which ultimately reduce our profit margins. We were able to pass some of the higher resin costs on to our customers through price 
adjustments, but we did absorb a greater proportion of this expense during recent months, as reflected in the decline in overall 
profit margin year-over-year.  As our business grows and throughput increases, we must retain quality workers by providing higher 
wages, more overtime pay and supplemental indirect labor.  To offset these cost increases, we are focused on improving our 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
operational and production efficiencies to lower overall manufacturing overhead costs, although we remain challenged in certain 
areas, including managing our scrap costs. An increase in material costs has adversely affected our current year gross margins. 
We completed a plan to consolidate our insulating glass spacer facilities in North America in August 2012. Partially offsetting our 
increase in cost of sales was consolidation savings in fiscal 2013 totaling $4.7 million.   

Our selling, general and administrative costs decreased by $8.5 million, or 13%, when comparing fiscal 2013 and fiscal 
2012.  During fiscal 2012, we incurred $8.0 million of insulating glass consolidation related expenses that did not recur during 
the current period.  In addition, we estimate annual pre-tax savings as a result of this consolidation of $4.0 million. These decreases 
in selling, general and administration expense were partially offset by the expense associated with Alumco, which contributed 
$3.4 million during fiscal 2013.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $3.3 million, or 12%, when comparing fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2012.  Of 
this amount, $2.8 million was related to certain intangible assets and fixed assets we acquired with the Alumco purchase transaction. 
In addition, we have invested approximately $17.7 million for capital improvements during the twelve months ended October 31, 
2013, which has resulted in additional depreciation expense compared to fiscal 2012. 

We recorded an impairment loss of $1.5 million during fiscal 2013.  Of this amount, $0.7 million was related to a write-
down of certain land held for sale in Arizona, and $0.8 million was related to a write-down of the facility held for sale in Barbourville, 
Kentucky, as well as certain other fixed assets of our insulating glass business.  For fiscal 2012, we recorded an impairment loss 
of $0.9 million associated with our facility in Barbourville, Kentucky. 

Aluminum Sheet Products

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Operating (loss) income
Operating (loss) income margin
Shipped pounds (in millions)

For the Years Ended October 31,

2013

2012

$ Change

% Change

$

$

410.4
394.5
9.9
7.0
(1.0)

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
362.3
361.6
10.2
7.6
(17.1)

$

—%
296

(5)%
253

48.1
32.9
(0.3)
(0.6)
16.1

13%
9%
(3)%
(8)%
(94)%

43

17%

Net sales for our Aluminum Sheet Products business segment increased by $48.1 million, or 13% in fiscal 2013 compared 
to fiscal 2012. The primary driver of this increase in sales was an increase in the volume of pounds shipped of 17% during this 
period.  The benefit received from the volume increase was partially offset by lower aluminum prices, evidenced by lower-than-
expected LME pricing.  Based on published reports, LME aluminum pricing per pound decreased 7% during fiscal 2013 compared 
to fiscal 2012. Furthermore, we have experienced a continued shift in our business from value-added painted sheet to mill finished 
products, which command a lower sales price and less favorable profit margins. We resolved a labor strike during the second 
quarter of 2012 which we estimate reduced our shipments by approximately 12 million pounds in fiscal 2012.  

Cost of sales increased by 9% in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  The changes in cost of sales were consistent with the 
percent changes in net sales for these periods, except margins were more favorable in 2013.  As a result of the strike that occurred 
during 2012, we incurred higher third-party processing (labor) and material costs as we purchased semi-finished coil from outside 
parties to fulfill customer orders, as we did not have the labor necessary to run our casting facility at full capacity. In 2013, we 
did not incur these outside service costs.  However, our operations were unfavorably impacted by the volatility of aluminum 
commodity prices.  We continue to focus on operating efficiencies to improve our margins. We emphasize quality service to our 
customers and preventive maintenance to yield positive results for our Aluminum Sheet Products business segment. We invested 
heavily in repair and maintenance costs in fiscal 2012, which contributed to a decline in repair in maintenance costs in fiscal 2013 
of $1.7 million.  In addition, our energy costs declined in fiscal 2013 by $0.8 million, partially due to intermittent power outages 
at our casting and finishing plants, which resulted in slowed production and some rework of our aluminum sheet products.    

The installation of the new paint oven at our finishing facility in Alabama was completed in 2013 at a total cost of $10.3 
million and has been returned to operation. We believe this capital expenditure will be essential to improving the quality of our 
painted sheet product and better position us to compete in the market. As long as LME prices continue to hover at historical lows, 
improvement in the profitability of our Aluminum Sheet Products segment will depend in part on painted sheet becoming a greater 
share of our total shipments. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expense decreased by $0.3 million, or 3%, during fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.   

This decrease was attributable to a decline in outside service costs, some of which was labor strike related in 2012, and lower 
other professional service costs, partially offset by higher health insurance costs and other employee related expenses.        

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.6 million, or 8%, during fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  This 
decrease was associated with the acceleration of the remaining useful lives of several assets that were taken out of service during 
2012. For the twelve months ended October 31, 2013, we have invested $12.7 million in equipment for the Aluminum Sheet 
Products business segment.  The increase in depreciation expense associated with these new assets was partially offset by assets 
that became fully depreciated during the year and were retired.  

Corporate & Other

For the Years Ended October 31,

2013

2012

$ Change

% Change

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income

$

$

(12.7)
(15.1)
42.3
22.2
(62.1)

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
(11.9)
(13.3)
35.8
1.9
(36.3)

$

(0.8)
(1.8)
6.5
20.3
(25.8)

7%
14%
18%
1068%
71%

Net sales for Corporate & Other consist of the elimination of inter-segment sales from the Aluminum Sheet Products business 
segment to the Engineered Products business segment, and cost of sales includes an offsetting elimination, as well as any other 
eliminations. In addition, for the year ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a benefit of $2.6 million and $1.7 million, 
respectively, for our LIFO accrual adjustments.  The change in the LIFO reserve during fiscal year 2013 was due primarily to a 
decrease in inventory levels for our Aluminum Sheet Product business segment. In fiscal year 2012, the change related primarily 
to a decrease in aluminum pricing levels.

In 2010, we adopted an implementation plan with regards to a new enterprise resource planning software.  We began the 
implementation pursuant to this plan, and we incurred costs, of which a portion was expensed and a portion was capitalized as a 
fixed asset.  In connection with this implementation, the amounts expensed as selling, general and administrative expense during 
the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 was $ 10.0 million and $5.5 million, respectively.  The initial phase of the ERP 
implementation was effective March 2013, and we capitalized an asset totaling approximately $20.3 million.  We continued to 
incur costs associated with this initial phase during the succeeding months after the asset was capitalized, all of which was expensed 
as  incurred  in  accordance  with  U.S.  GAAP.    In  addition,  we  began  incurring  costs  pursuant  to  the  next  phase  of  the  ERP 
implementation, a portion of which was expensed and a portion capitalized.  Concurrently, we incurred incremental costs related 
to additional personnel and consultants to support the implementation effort.  These costs were the primary contributors to the 
increase in selling, general and administrative expense at Corporate for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  We also recorded 
$0.7 million of incremental costs related to our self-insured worker's compensation program; higher costs associated with stock-
based compensation expense on a year-over-year basis, partially offset by the benefit associated with other forfeited awards under 
our compensation plans for which the value is based on our common stock price; higher employee training costs; and transaction 
costs of $1.0 million incurred in early 2013 associated with the Alumco acquisition.  These increases were partially offset by lower 
incentive accruals based on earnings.

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $20.3 million for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, was primarily 
related to accelerated depreciation associated with our ERP system.  In August 2013, our Board of Directors approved a plan to 
cease  all  activities  associated  with  our  ERP  implementation.  Effective  October  31,  2013,  we  transitioned  our  manufacturing 
operations that were using the ERP system to legacy systems.  We expensed $1.2 million of construction in progress in August 
2013.  In addition, we incurred one-time termination benefits and minimal contract termination costs during the fourth quarter of 
2013.  We accelerated depreciation for the first phase of this ERP implementation which resulted in incremental depreciation 
expense of $15.3 million.  In addition, in April 2013, we capitalized an office build-out associated with the new corporate offices 
in Houston, Texas.   

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparison of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 

Consolidated Results of Operations

This table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the twelve-month periods ended October 31, 2012 and 2011.  
A general explanation of changes in net sales and operating income follow, with a more detailed explanation included in the 
analysis of the business segments. 

2012

For the Years Ended October 31,
2011

2012 vs. 2011

Amounts

% of Sales

Amounts

% of Sales

$ Change

% Change

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charges
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Other, net
Income tax benefit (expense)
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

$

829.0
703.8
111.6
37.7
0.9
(25.0)
(0.4)
0.2
8.7
(16.5)

100%
85%
13%
5%
—%
(3)%
—%
—%
1%
(2)%

(Dollars in millions)
848.3
712.1
84.0
33.9
1.8
16.5
(0.4)
(0.5)
(6.5)
9.1

100%
84%
10%
4%
—%
2%
—%
—
(1)%
1%

$

$

$

$

(19.3)
(8.3)
27.6
3.8
(0.9)
(41.5)
—
0.7
15.2
(25.6)

(2)%
(1)%
33%
11%
(50)%
(252)%
—
(140)%
(234)%
(281)%

The decline in net sales for fiscal 2012 compared to the fiscal 2011 was driven by reduced aluminum shipments and lower 
aluminum prices within the Aluminum Sheet Products segment as net sales declined by $78.2 million during fiscal 2012 compared 
to fiscal 2011.  The segment experienced a strike at two of its facilities in Davenport, Iowa, during fiscal 2012 which had a 
significant negative impact on shipments. 

Operating income declined for fiscal 2012 by $41.5 million, compared to fiscal 2011, with the majority of the decrease at 
the Aluminum Sheet Products segment.  Fiscal 2012 was negatively impacted by the strike which resulted in direct strike related 
losses coupled with additional strike related inefficiencies, lower aluminum shipments and lower aluminum prices.  Additionally, 
we incurred costs associated with the consolidation of two insulating glass plants totaling $9.0 million, and an incremental increase 
of $5.4 million in costs associated with our ERP implementation effort at Corporate. 

Interest expense for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 was consistent at $0.4 million. No amounts were borrowed 

under our revolving credit facility during fiscal years 2012 and 2011.

Other, net typically includes interest income earned on excess cash and cash equivalents, as well as foreign currency transaction 
gains and losses related to our foreign insulating glass businesses.    For the year ended October 31, 2012, other, net represented 
a gain of $0.2 million compared to a loss of $0.5 million in fiscal 2011.  The change was primarily due to a decline in net foreign 
currency transaction losses of $0.9 million associated with foreign currency denominated receivables in fiscal 2011.  

Our effective tax rate for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 was 34.3% and 41.5%, respectively.  We recorded a 
pre-tax loss for 2012 and the overall decrease in the effective tax rate between periods reduced our tax benefit and was largely  
attributable to a state valuation allowance and nondeductible employee related items in fiscal 2012.

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Engineered Products

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Asset impairment charges
Operating income
Operating income margin

For the Years Ended October 31,

2012

2011

$ Change

% Change

$

$

478.6
355.5
65.6
28.1
0.9
28.5

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
420.3
314.9
48.0
25.3
1.8
30.3

$

58.3
40.6
17.6
2.8
(0.9)
(1.8)

14%
13%
37%
11%
(50)%
(6)%

6%

7%

Net sales increased by $58.3 million, or 14%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year ended October 31, 
2011.  This increase in sales was largely attributable to: (1) the acquisition of Edgetech on March 31, 2011, which contributed a 
full twelve months of operating results in 2012 compared to only seven months of operating results in 2011, resulting in a year-
over-year increase in net sales of $32.0 million; (2) an increase in vinyl fenestration extrusion sales, partially attributable to an 
increase in market share at “big box” stores by a  large customer that uses our products and manufactures mid- to high-end wood 
and vinyl windows; and (3) increased demand for our warm-edge spacer products in Europe due to changing codes and standards.    
Partially offsetting these improvements was the effect of tax credits in the United States in early fiscal 2011 which expired on 
December 31, 2010, thereby benefiting fiscal 2011 but not fiscal 2012.  The overall increase in organic net sales was approximately 
a 6% improvement year-over-year, which exceeded the market performance, if measured based on the published information by 
Ducker Worldwide, which indicated that in the United States, the window shipments for R&R market were down by 6.6% and 
the overall window shipments were up only by 1.4% for the twelve-month period ended in September 30, 2012.  While we believe 
we are competitively strong in our energy efficient product offerings, the higher price points often associated with these higher-
end products may limit sales volumes in times of tight credit conditions and low consumer confidence.  

Cost of sales increased by $40.6 million, or 13%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year ended October 
31, 2011.  The increase in cost of sales was consistent with the increase in net sales during the period, with a slight increase in net 
sales less cost of sales (contribution margin) for fiscal 2012.  The favorable increase in contribution margin was partially associated 
with the Edgetech acquisition, which contributed twelve months of operating results in 2012 compared to seven months of operating 
results in 2011, and resulted in a non-cash charge of $1.9 million in 2011 associated with higher inventory values, and thus higher 
material costs, resulting from purchase accounting.  The increase in contribution margin was also attributable to pricing initiatives, 
cost controls, productivity improvements and favorable warranty experience.  One pricing initiative was the oil-based raw material 
surcharge which was initiated on May 1, 2011 related to certain insulating glass spacer operations.  This surcharge enabled us to 
offset the higher cost of butyl, a key raw material that is highly correlated to the price of oil.  In addition, we recorded a benefit 
of $0.8 million associated with a reduction of our warranty reserve requirements based on favorable experience, compared to a 
charge to the reserve in 2011 of $1.9 million associated with a discontinued product.  Partially offsetting these favorable results 
was the negative impact of customer mix and an increase in freight costs incurred to ship spacer product overseas to support the 
increase in international demand.  

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $17.6 million, or 37% for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared 
to the year ended October 31, 2011. Of this amount, $6.3 million was incremental costs associated with the Edgetech acquisition, 
which provided a full twelve months of operating results in 2012 compared to seven months of operating activity in 2011.  In 
addition, we initiated a consolidation program to close our insulating glass spacer manufacturing facility in Barbourville, Kentucky 
and move the operation to our insulating glass spacer manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ohio.  The facility consolidation was 
completed in August 2012.  We recorded $9.0 million of consolidation costs in 2012 consisting of $3.4 million for employee-
related costs and $5.6 million for plant closure, equipment moving and set up costs.  During fiscal 2011, we incurred $1.1 million 
of consolidation costs related to another facility, which was accrued as a lease termination cost after taking into account potential 
sublease rentals. In addition, we incurred higher compensation costs associated with annual incentives.  These benefits were 
partially offset by a net gain of $1.0 million associated with insurance proceeds received from a property claim.

 Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $2.8 million, or 11%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared 
to the year ended October 31, 2011.  This increase was largely due to the Edgetech acquisition, which provided incremental 
depreciation and amortization expense of $3.4 million in 2012.  Partially offsetting this increase in depreciation and amortization 
expense was $0.3 million of accelerated depreciation related to the plant consolidation recognized in the first quarter of 2011.

We recorded a $0.9 million impairment charge for the year ended October 31, 2012, of which $0.6 million is related to the  
roof collapse of our facility in Barbourville, Kentucky.  For the year ended October 31, 2011, we  recorded a $1.6 million non-

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
cash asset impairment charge related to the real property in Barbourville, Kentucky; we recorded this charge when we made the 
decision to sell this facility and to consolidate this facility's assets into our operating plant in Cambridge, Ohio.

Our operating income declined in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 as the contributions from the Edgetech acquisition, 
higher vinyl fenestration sales and improved sales of warm-edge spacer were offset by the consolidation costs associated with the 
insulating glass business and start-up costs associated with the warm-edge spacer business.

Aluminum Sheet Products

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Operating (loss) income
Operating (loss) income margin
Shipped pounds (in millions)

For the Years Ended October 31,

2012

2011

$ Change

% Change

$

$

362.3
361.6
10.2
7.6
(17.1)

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
440.5
406.8
8.1
8.5
17.1

$

(5)%

253

4%

277

(78.2)
(45.2)
2.1
(0.9)
(34.2)

(18)%
(11)%
26%
(11)%
(200)%

(24)

(9)%

Net sales decreased by $78.2 million, or 18%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year ended October 31, 
2011 due to a 9% decline in volume shipped and 10% decrease in the average selling price of our products in fiscal 2012.  Shipments 
decreased by 24 million pounds in 2012, which was largely attributable to: (1) the strike which occurred during the second quarter 
of 2012 and was directly related to a decline in volume of approximately 12 million pounds; (2) reliability and quality issues, 
some of which were indirectly related to the strike and the use of outside processors; and (3) the demand for our products was low 
during the early months of our fiscal year 2012 due to the expiration of the government-supported window tax credit program 
during the fiscal year 2011.  The underperformance of our Aluminum Products business was also attributable to a relatively weaker 
demand in the residential sector, where we have a large presence, compared to stronger demand for the distribution and transportation 
sectors, where we have a smaller presence.  The decrease in the selling price of our products was primarily related to lower LME 
aluminum prices in the comparative periods.  LME aluminum prices are the most commonly used index for correlating aluminum 
sheet prices and have averaged around $0.95 per pound in fiscal 2012 compared to about $1.10 per pound in the fiscal year 2011.  

Cost of sales decreased by $45.2 million, or 11%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year ended October 
31, 2011.  As a percentage, cost of sales declined 11% year-over-year while net sales declined 18% for the same period. This 
decrease in cost of sales was largely attributable to lower shipments, a result of the strike that occurred in the second quarter of 
2012.  In addition, we incurred higher employee related costs following the strike.  The decline in activity levels impacted our 
variable costs, but our fixed costs remained relatively constant.  As a result, our fixed costs represented a greater portion of total 
costs, so our overall cost of sales did not decline at the same rate as net sales.  Further, our material costs were impacted by the 
volatility of LME aluminum commodity prices, although not to the extent of impact to the selling price of our products.  We also 
incurred higher repair and maintenance costs for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  

Selling, general and administrative costs increased by $2.1 million, or 26%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared 
to the year ended October 31, 2011.  Of this increase, $1.0 million was directly related to the strike, including costs for negotiating 
activities, legal fees and security.  The strike began on January 20, 2012, and included approximately 240 employees at two of 
our facilities located in Davenport, Iowa.  During the strike, we offered permanent positions to temporary workers, the majority 
of which were accepted.    Shortly after,  the union ended the strike.  A new five-year agreement was eventually ratified in September 
2012.  In addition to the direct expenses associated with the strike, we incurred additional expense during the period between when 
the strike ended and when the new agreement was ratified due to inefficiencies and employee related costs. 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $0.9 million, or 11%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared 
to the year ended October 31, 2011. This decrease in 2012 is due to the run-off of depreciation related to certain assets which had 
reached the end of their depreciable lives by the end of 2011.  In addition, during fiscal 2011, we changed our estimate of the 
remaining useful lives of certain operating assets which resulted in an acceleration of depreciation which did not recur in fiscal 
2012.  

Our operating income decreased by $34.2 million to an operating loss of $17.1 million in 2012 from an operating income 
of $17.1 million in 2011.  This decrease is due to reduced volume, higher costs associated with purchasing semi-finished aluminum 
coils from third parties, higher conversion costs associated with the processing of semi-finished coils into finished sheet, and the 
impact of lower throughput which was exacerbated by a general decline in LME aluminum prices.  Our operating income and 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
margins are impacted by changes in LME aluminum prices; LME aluminum prices averaged around $0.95 per pound in fiscal 
year 2012, a 14% drop compared to fiscal year 2011, with a corresponding decline in aluminum scrap costs.  Our Aluminum 
Products business is a high fixed cost business, so as volume of shipments drops, our ability to substantially reduce operating costs 
is limited, which thus results in a decline in our operating income.  

Corporate & Other

For the Years Ended October 31,

2012

2011

$ Change

% Change

Net sales
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income (loss)

$

$

(11.9)
(13.3)
35.8
1.9
(36.3)

$

$

$

(Dollars in millions)
(12.5)
(9.6)
27.9
0.1
(30.9)

$

0.6
(3.7)
7.9
1.8
(5.4)

(5)%
39%
28%
1,800%
17%

The  net  sales  amounts  represent  inter-segment  revenue  eliminations  between  the  Engineered  Products  business  and  the 

Aluminum Sheet Products business segments.  

The cost of sales amounts represent LIFO accrual adjustments, and inter-segment eliminations between the Engineered 
Products business and the Aluminum Sheet Products business segments.  For the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011, we 
recorded a benefit of $1.7 million and an expense of $2.3 million, respectively, for LIFO accrual adjustments.  The changes in the 
LIFO reserve are largely due to changes in aluminum pricing for ending inventories.  

Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $7.9 million or 28%, for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared 
to the year ended October 31, 2011.  The increase was largely attributable to higher costs associated with our company-wide ERP 
project initiative, which began in 2011 whereby we sought to implement a computer system to support the drive for long-term 
organic growth and reduce the number of disparate systems in favor of a single standard system supported by a common set of 
processes.  Expenses related to the ERP implementation totaled $5.5 million for fiscal 2012 compared to $1.5 million for fiscal 
2011.  In addition, in the fiscal year 2012, we incurred higher incentive and stock based compensation costs, higher mark-to-
market expense associated with our deferred compensation plan, and higher costs related to higher headcount and employee costs, 
in support of the our strategic and operational initiatives.  Partially offsetting these year-over-year expense increases were transaction 
related costs of approximately $4.1 million incurred in fiscal 2011 associated with business acquisitions.  

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.8 million for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year 
ended October 31, 2011, due primarily to the 2012 implementation of the human capital management module of the ERP system, 
which provided $1.5 million of incremental depreciation expense during fiscal 2012.  The remainder of the increase was primarily 
related to the depreciation of other equipment, hardware and software acquired in 2012. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of funds are cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under our $150 million Senior 
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the Credit Facility).  As of October 31, 2013 we had $49.7 million of cash and equivalents, 
$139.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility and outstanding debt of $0.9 million, of which no amounts were outstanding 
under our Credit Facility. 

 Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $21.5 million during fiscal 2013 due primarily to the Alumco asset acquisition, 
capital investments in our manufacturing facilities, the ERP implementation project, dividends paid and on-going operational 
activities, partially offset by cash generated from operations.

Our strategy for deploying cash is to invest in organic growth opportunities, develop our infrastructure and make strategic 
acquisitions. Other uses of cash include paying cash dividends to our shareholders and opportunistically repurchasing our common 
stock. Any excess cash and cash equivalents are invested in overnight money market funds. The funds are diversified by security 
type across Treasuries, Government Agencies and Prime Corporate. These funds are all AAA-rated, approved by the National 
Association of Insurance Commissioners and compliant with Rule 2A-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Our investments 
are diversified across multiple institutions that we believe are financially sound. We intend to remain in highly rated money market 
funds, financial institutions and treasuries following a prudent investment philosophy. From time to time, to prepare for potential 
disruption in the money markets, we may temporarily move funds into operating bank accounts of highly-rated financial institutions 
to meet on-going operational liquidity requirements. We did not experience any material losses on our cash and marketable securities 
investments during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior to January 28, 2013, we maintained a $270.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) 
which had been executed on April 23, 2008 and was scheduled to mature on April 23, 2013.  The Retired Facility provided for up 
to $50.0 million of standby letters of credit, limited based on availability, as defined.  Amounts borrowed under the facility were 
to bear interest at a spread above the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) based on a combined leverage and ratings grid.  
In addition, the Retired Facility contained restrictive debt covenants, as defined in the indenture, and contained certain limits on 
additional indebtedness, asset or equity sales and acquisitions.  During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 and for 
the period from November 1, 2012 through January 28, 2013, we were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not borrow 
funds pursuant to the Retired Facility.

On January 28, 2013, we replaced the Retired Facility by entering into a new $150 million senior unsecured revolving credit 
facility  that has a five-year term, maturing on January 28, 2018, and which permits aggregate borrowings at any time of up to 
$150 million, with a letter of credit sub-facility, a swing line sub-facility and a multi-currency sub-facility. Borrowings denominated 
in U.S dollars bear interest at a spread above LIBOR or a base rate derived from the prime rate. Foreign denominated borrowings 
bear interest at a spread above the LIBOR applicable to such currencies.   Subject to customary conditions, we may request that 
the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility be increased by up to $100 million, with total commitments not to exceed 
$250 million. 

The Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, the terms of which are defined therein. Specifically, 
we must not permit, on a quarterly basis, our ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as defined (Minimum  
Interest  Coverage  Ratio),  to  fall  below  3.00:1  or  our  ratio  of  consolidated  funded  debt  to  consolidated  EBITDA,  as  defined 
(Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio), to exceed 3.25:1. The Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio is the ratio of consolidated 
EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, in each case for the previous four consecutive fiscal quarters. EBITDA is defined by 
the indenture to include proforma EBITDA of acquisitions and to exclude certain items such as goodwill and intangible asset 
impairments and certain other non-cash charges and non-recurring items.  Subject to our compliance with the covenant requirements, 
the amount available under the Credit Facility is a function of: (1) our trailing twelve month EBITDA; (2) the Minimum Interest 
Coverage Ratio and Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio allowed under the Credit Facility; and (3) the aggregate amount of 
our outstanding debt and letters of credit.   As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the financial covenants set forth 
in the Credit Facility, as indicated in the table below:

Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio

Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio

Required

No less than

No greater than

3.00:1

3.25:1

Actual

70.29:1

0.16:1

The Credit Facility also contains certain limitations on additional indebtedness, asset or equity sales and acquisitions. The 
payment of dividends and other distributions is permitted, provided there is no event of default after giving effect to such transactions. 
If the counterparties to the Credit Facility were unable to fulfill their commitments, the funds available to us could be reduced. 
However, we have no reason to believe that such liquidity will be unavailable or reduced.  

We believe that we have sufficient funds and adequate financial resources available to meet our anticipated liquidity needs. We 
also believe our cash balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient in the next twelve months and foreseeable future 
to  finance  our  anticipated  working  capital  requirements,  capital  expenditures,  debt  service  requirements,  environmental 
expenditures, and dividends.

For the period from January 28, 2013 through October 31, 2013, we borrowed and repaid $23.5 million under the Credit 
Facility, and thus had no outstanding borrowings at October 31, 2013. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings 
during the period from January 28, 2013 through October 31, 2013 was 1.33%.  Our borrowing rate under the Credit Facility was 
3.25% and 1.20% for the swing line sub facility and the revolver, respectively, at October 31, 2013.  The amount available to us 
for use under the Credit Facility as of October 31, 2013 was limited to $139.0 million and we had outstanding letters of credit of 
$6.2 million.  

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes our cash flow results for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

(In millions)

2011

$

$

43.5
(59.7)
(4.9)

$

$

26.5
(41.7)
(3.9)

$

$

52.9
(135.4)
(14.9)

Highlights from our cash flow results for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $17.0 million for the year ended October 31, 2013 compared to the year 
ended October 31, 2012. An increase in sales revenue and the timing of receivable collections contributed to higher gross cash 
inflows  in  2013,  which  was  partially  offset  by  the  timing  of  the  payments  made  to  fund  raw  material  purchases  and  other 
commitments,  higher bonus payments, customer rebates, non-capitalized ERP expenditures, and transaction costs of approximately 
$1.0 million related to the Alumco acquisition which occurred in December 2012. 

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $26.4 million for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year 
ended October 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to lower earnings, build-up of inventory balances, the timing of payments 
associated with trade payables, a non-recurring expense of $8.7 million associated with the insulating glass plant consolidation, 
and an increase of $2.3 million in our pension contributions.

Working capital was $114.4 million, $123.1 million and $140.3 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 

2011, respectively.

Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities increased by $18.0 million for the year ended October 31, 2013 compared to the year ended 
October 31, 2012.  These funds were used to purchase Alumco for $22.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in net capital 
expenditures of $4.9 million.  Excluding the ERP implementation project, our primary capital project undertaken during 2013 was 
the installation of a new paint oven at one of our aluminum finishing facilities.  Capital spending for the ERP project for the year 
ended October 31, 2013 was $5.9 million compared to $15.1 million for fiscal 2012.

 Cash used for investing activities decreased by $93.7 million for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to the year 
ended October 31, 2011.  Of this amount, $110.8 million was used in 2011 for business acquisitions, with no such transactions in 
2012, partially offset by an increase in cash used for capital expenditures in 2012 of $17.6 million.  

At October 31, 2013, we had firm purchase commitments of approximately $2.4 million for the purchase or construction of 

capital assets. We plan to fund these capital expenditures through cash from our operations.

Financing Activities

For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, cash used for financing operations included payment of dividends of 
$5.9 million, $5.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively; and net repayments of long-term debt of $0.6 million, $0.3 million and 
$0.3 million, respectively.  Cash used for financing activities for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 included amounts 
used to purchase treasury stock of $1.3 million and $10.1 million, respectively.  There were no purchases of treasury stock for the 
year ended October 31, 2013.  Partially offsetting these uses of cash were cash receipts associated with the issuance of common 
stock pursuant to stock option exercises which provided $2.6 million, $3.0 million and $0.9 million for the year ended October 
31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The following table summarizes our known contractual obligations and commitments as of October 31, 2013:

Contractual Obligations:
Long-term debt, including interest(1)
Operating leases(2)
Unconditional purchase obligation(3)
Total contractual cash obligations(4)

Total

2014

2015-2016

2017-2018

Thereafter

Payments Due by Period

(In thousands)

$

$

956

$

191

$

329

$

227

$

32,053

500

7,021

500

10,471

—

6,454

—

33,509

$

7,712

$

10,800

$

6,681

$

209

8,107

—

8,316

(1) Interest on our long-term debt was computed using rates in effect at October 31, 2013.
(2) Operating leases include facilities, light vehicles, forklifts, office equipment and other operating equipment.
(3) The unconditional purchase obligation consists of scrap aluminum purchases.
(4) This table excludes tax reserves recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” as we are unable to reasonably 

estimate the timing of future cash flows related to these reserves. 

During fiscal 2014, we expect to contribute approximately $1.1 million to our pension plan to meet our 100% funding 
threshold and maintain minimum contribution requirements. Pension contributions beyond 2014 cannot be determined since the 
amount of any contribution is heavily dependent on the future economic environment and investment returns on pension plan 
assets. Obligations are based on current and projected obligations of the plans, performance of the plan assets, if applicable, and 
any participant contributions. At October 31, 2013, we have recorded a long-term liability for deferred pension and postretirement 
benefits totaling $3.7 million. We believe the effect of the plans on liquidity is not significant to our overall financial condition.

Our supplemental benefit plan and deferred compensation plan liabilities fluctuate based on changes in the market value of 
certain equity securities, including our common stock.  As of October 31, 2013, our liability under the supplemental benefit plan 
and the deferred compensation plan was approximately $3.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively.  Of this amount, we expect to 
settle approximately $1.8 million and  $3.4 million respectively, within one year as a result of the recent separation of three of our 
executive officers in 2013.

The following table reflects other commercial commitments or potential cash outflows that may result from a contingent 

event, such as a need to borrow short-term funds for liquidity purposes.

Other Commercial Commitments:
Standby letters of credit

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period

Total

2014

2015-2016

2017-2018

Thereafter

(In thousands)

$

6,200

$

5,490

$

— $

— $

710

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as such term is defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC, that we 
believe would be material to investors and for which it is reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial 
condition,  results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Effects of Inflation

Although inflation does impact the cost of raw materials, labor and overhead, we are generally able to recover this cost 
through pricing.  The effect of price inflation in the United States in 2013 as compared to prior years has remained relatively low.  
Therefore, we believe inflation has not had a significant effect on our earnings or financial position.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 
of America (U.S. GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Estimates and assumptions about future events 
and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty. Estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, 
as  additional  information  becomes  available  and  as  our  operating  environment  changes. We  base  our  estimates  on  historical 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and that we believe provide 
a basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily available through open market 
quotes.  We must use our judgment with regards to uncertainties in order to make these estimates.  Actual results could differ from 
these estimates.

We believe the following are the most critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial 
statements as well as the significant judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of these policies.  We consider an estimate 
to be critical if it is subjective and if changes in the estimate using different assumptions would result in a material impact to our 
financial position or results of operations.  

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when products are shipped and the title has passed to the customer. Revenue is deemed to be realized 
or earned when the following criteria is met: (a) pervasive evidence that a contractual sales arrangement exists; (b) delivery has 
occurred; (c) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Sales allowances and customer 
incentives are treated as reductions to revenue and are provided for based on historical experience and current estimates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We record trade accounts receivable at billed amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts.  This allowance is established 
to estimate the risk of loss associated with our trade receivables which may arise due to the inability of our customers to pay or 
due to changes in circumstances.  The allowance is maintained at a level that we consider appropriate based on factors that affect 
collectability, including: (a) historical trends of write-offs, recoveries and credit losses; (b) the credit quality of our customers; 
and (c) projected economic and market conditions. Different assumptions or changes in economic circumstances could result in 
changes to the allowance.  Our historical bad debt expense for the fiscal period has approximated 0.07% of net sales.  If bad debt 
expense increased by 1% of net sales, the impact would have been an increase in net loss of $6.1 million and $5.4 million for the 
years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and a decrease in net income of $5.0 million for the year ended October 31, 
2011.

Environmental Contingencies

We  are  subject  to  extensive  laws  and  regulations  concerning  the  discharge  of  materials  into  the  environment  and  the 
remediation of chemical contamination. To satisfy such requirements, we invest in capital and record expense associated with 
remediation efforts on an on-going basis. We accrue for remediation obligations using our best estimates and we adjust these 
accruals as further information becomes available and circumstances further develop. Our estimates may change substantially 
depending on information about the nature and extent of contamination, appropriate remediation technologies, and regulatory 
approvals. In accruing for environmental remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures are not discounted to their present 
value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or reliably determinable. Legal costs are expensed as incurred 
except incremental direct costs of the remediation effort which are accrued as part of the measurement of the environmental 
remediation liability. When environmental laws might be deemed to impose joint and several liability for the costs of responding 
to contamination, we accrue our allocable share of the liability taking into account the number of parties participating, their ability 
to pay or access to resources, the volumes and nature of the wastes involved, the nature of anticipated response actions and the 
nature of our alleged connections. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when 
the receipt of funds is deemed probable. Unanticipated changes in circumstances and/or legal requirements could extend the length 
of time over which we pay our remediation costs or could increase actual cash expenditures for remediation in any period.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets with Defined Lives

We make judgments and estimates in conjunction with the carrying value of our long-term assets, including property, plant 
and equipment, and identifiable intangibles. These judgments may include the basis for capitalization, depreciation and amortization 
methods and the useful lives of the underlying assets. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we review the carrying values of these 
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. We 
determine that the carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from 
the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows and after 
considering alternate uses for the asset, an impairment charge would be recorded in the period in which such review is performed. 
We measure the impairment loss as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.  Fair 
value is determined by reference to quoted market prices in active markets, if available, or by calculating the discounted cash 
flows associated with the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Therefore, if there are indicators of impairment, we are required 
to make long-term forecasts of our future revenues and costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions 

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
about demand for our products and future market conditions. Although there may be no indicators of impairment in the current 
period, unanticipated changes to assumptions or circumstances in future periods could result in an impairment charge in the period 
of the change.  For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded asset impairment charges of $1.5 million, $0.9 
million and $1.8 million, respectively.

We monitor relevant circumstances, including industry trends, general economic conditions, and the potential impact that 
such circumstances might have on the valuation of our identifiable intangibles. Events and changes in circumstances that may 
cause a triggering event and necessitate such a review include, but are not limited to: a decrease in sales for certain customers, 
improvements or changes in technology, and/or a decision to phase-out a trademark or trade name. Such events could negatively 
impact the carrying value of our identifiable intangibles. It is possible that changes in such circumstances or in the numerous 
variables associated with the judgments, assumptions, and estimates made by us in assessing the appropriate valuation of our 
identifiable intangibles could require us to further write down a portion of our identifiable intangibles and record related non-cash 
impairment charges in the future.  We apply a variety of techniques to establish the carrying value of our intangible assets, including 
the relief from royalty and excess current year earnings methods.

Goodwill

The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires us to make use of estimates and judgments to 
allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets.  In accordance 
with  U.S.  GAAP,  we  review  various  qualitative  factors  to  determine  whether  we  believe  there  are  indicators  of  impairment 
associated with goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets.  If no impairment is indicated, no additional testing is required.  
Otherwise, we perform a goodwill impairment test annually as of August 31, or more often if there are indicators of impairment 
due to changes in circumstances or the occurrence of certain events. The test for impairment of goodwill requires a two-step 
approach as prescribed in ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350). The first step of the impairment test is 
to compare the carrying value of each reportable unit, including goodwill, to the fair value as determined using various valuation 
methods or a weighting of several such methods.   If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further testing is required and 
there is no impairment charge.  If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, a second step of the goodwill impairment test is 
required, whereby we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is 
determined by allocating the fair value of a reporting unit to the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been 
acquired in a business combination under which the consideration paid equals the calculated fair value of the reporting unit. The 
excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. 
An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill 
for the particular reporting unit. We use the present value of future cash flows, discounted at our weighted average cost of capital, 
to determine fair value in combination with the market approach. Future cash flows are projected based upon our long-term 
forecasts by reportable unit and an estimated residual value.  Our judgment is required in the estimation of future operating results 
and in determining the appropriate residual values of our reportable units. The residual values are determined by reference to an 
exchange transaction in an existing market for similar assets. Future operating results and residual values could reasonably differ 
from our estimates and a provision for impairment may be required in a future period depending upon such a change in circumstances 
or the occurrence of future events. Of the three reportable units tested as of August 2013, the fair value of the net assets for two 
units well exceeded the carrying value, and the third exceeded the carrying value to a lesser extent. This third unit was recently 
acquired and represented $2.8 million of goodwill. Thus, there were no goodwill impairment charges recorded for the years ended 
October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Income Taxes

We operate in various jurisdictions and therefore our income tax expense relates to income taxes in the United States, United 
Kingdom and Germany, as well as local and state income taxes.  We recognize the effect of a change in tax rates in the period of 
the change.  We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and 
the amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. We evaluate 
the carrying value of our net deferred tax assets and determine if our business will generate sufficient future taxable income to 
realize the net deferred tax assets. We perform this review for recoverability on a jurisdictional basis, whereby we consider both 
positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.  The weight given to the positive 
and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence can be objectively verified.  Cumulative losses in 
recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is 
not needed against deferred tax assets.  Thus, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable 
income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting 
losses.  We evaluate recoverability based on an estimate of future taxable income using the long-term forecasts we use to evaluate 
long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets for impairment, taking into consideration the future reversal of existing taxable 
temporary differences and reviewing our current financial operations. In the event that our estimates and assumptions indicate we 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
will not generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, we will record a valuation allowance, to the 
extent indicated, to reduce our net deferred tax assets to their realizable value.

Annually, we evaluate our tax positions to determine if there have been any changes in uncertain tax positions or if there has 
been a lapse in the statute of limitations with regards to such positions.  As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded a liability 
for uncertain tax positions of $5.4 million and $6.7 million, respectively.  This liability stems from an unrecognized tax benefit 
from our 2008 spin-off from our predecessor parent company as well as certain state tax items regarding the interpretation of tax 
laws and regulations.  The change in the liability between years is primarily due to the lapse of the statute of limitations.

We have reported losses for the past two years, which may indicate that our deferred tax assets are not fully realizable.  
However, we believe we will have taxable income in 2014 and significant taxable income in the future to utilize our deferred tax 
assets as of October 31, 2013.  There is a risk that our estimates related to the future use of loss carry forwards and our ability to 
realize our net deferred tax assets may not come to fruition, and that the results could materially impact our financial position and 
results of operations.  Future changes in tax laws or regulations could also impact our valuation allowances or the recognition of 
additional tax liabilities.  If we incur additional losses, we may be required to increase our valuation reserve against a portion of 
our deferred tax assets. Our deferred tax assets at October 31, 2013 totaled $48.8 million against which we have recorded a valuation 
allowance of $2.5 million.

Insurance

We manage our costs of workers’ compensation, group medical, property, casualty and other liability exposures through a 
combination of self-insurance retentions and insurance coverage with third-party carriers. Liabilities associated with our portion 
of this exposure are not discounted.  We estimate our exposure by considering various factors which may include: (1) historical 
claims experience, (2) severity factors, (3) estimated claims incurred but not reported and (4) loss development factors, which are 
used to estimate as to how claims will develop over time until settled or closed. While we consider a number of factors in preparing 
our estimate of risk exposure, we must use our judgment to determine the amounts to accrue in our financial statements.  Actual 
claims can differ significantly from estimated liabilities if future claims experience differs from historical experience, and if we 
determine that our assumptions used for analysis or our development factors are flawed.  We do not recognize insurance recoveries  
until any contingencies relating to the claim have been resolved.

Inventory

We record inventory at the lower of cost or market value.  Inventories are valued using the first-in first-out (FIFO) and last-
in first-out (LIFO) methods. We use the dollar-value link chain LIFO method, and the LIFO reserve is calculated on a consolidated 
basis in a single consolidated pool. We recorded a benefit of $1.7 million associated with change in the LIFO reserve for the year 
ended October 31, 2012 and a charge of $2.3 million for the year ended October 31, 2011.  We recorded a $2.6 million benefit 
associated with the change in our LIFO reserve for the year ended October 31, 2013. Acquisitions are integrated into our operations 
with some valuing inventories on a LIFO basis and others on a FIFO basis. Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity 
have been expensed in the period, and therefore, are not capitalized into inventory. Inventory quantities are regularly reviewed 
and provisions for excess or obsolete inventory are recorded primarily based on our forecast of future demand and market conditions. 
Significant unanticipated changes to our forecasts could require a change in the provision for excess or obsolete inventory. For 
the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our inventory reserve excluding LIFO reserve approximated 5% of gross 
inventory.  Assuming an increase in obsolescence equal to 1% of inventory, the net loss would have increased by $0.5 million for 
the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 and net income would have decreased by $0.4 million for the year ended October 31, 
2011.

Retirement Plans

We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan and an unfunded postretirement plan that provides health care and life insurance 
benefits for eligible retirees and dependents. The measurement of liabilities related to these plans is based on our assumptions 
related to future events, including expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and heath care cost trend rates. 
The discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. We determine our discount 
rate based on a pension discount curve, and the rate represents the single rate that, if applied to every year of projected benefits 
payments, would result in the same discounted value as the array of rates that comprise the pension discount curve. Actual pension 
plan asset investment performance, as well as other economic experience such as discount rate and demographic experience, will 
either reduce or increase unamortized pension losses at the end of any fiscal year, which ultimately affects future pension costs. 

40

 
 
 
 
The effects of the decrease in selected assumptions, assuming no changes in benefit levels and no amortization of gains or 

losses for the pension plans in fiscal 2013, is shown below:

Increase in Projected
Benefit Obligation

Increase in Net Periodic
Benefit Cost

Changes in Assumptions:
1% decrease in discount rate
1% decrease in expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

$

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

2,557
N/A

$
$

267
234  

As of October 31, 2013, our projected benefit obligation (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) exceeded the 
fair value of the plan assets by $2.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. As a comparison, our PBO and ABO exceeded the fair 
value of plan assets by $5.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, as of October 31, 2012.  In 2012, the discount rate decreased 
but our contributions, totaling $4.2 million, more closely matched the increase in obligation. During fiscal 2013, we contributed 
approximately $3.7 million to the pension plan to continue to target a 100% funding threshold and to meet minimum contribution 
requirements. We expect to continue to fund at this level for fiscal 2014.  Expected contributions are dependent on many variables, 
including the variability of the market value of the assets as compared to the obligation and other market or regulatory conditions. 
In  addition,  we  take  into  consideration  our  business  investment opportunities  and  the  cash  requirements. Accordingly,  actual 
funding may differ greatly from current estimates.

Under U.S. GAAP, we are not required to immediately recognize the effects of a deviation between actual and assumed 
experience under our pension plan, or to revise our estimate as a result. This approach allows the favorable and unfavorable effects 
that fall within an acceptable range to be netted and disclosed as an unrecognized gain or loss. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, 
a net actuarial loss of $1.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively, was included in our accumulated comprehensive income (loss). 
There were no net prior service costs or transition obligations for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.  The effect on fiscal 
years after 2013 will depend on the actual experience of the plans.

Mortality assumptions used to determine the obligations for our pension plans are related to the experience of the plans and 

to our third-party actuary’s best estimate of expected plan mortality.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have issued stock-based compensation in the form of stock options to directors, employees and officers, and non-vested 
restricted stock awards to certain key employees and officers.  We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock 
Compensation” (ASC 718), to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation 
model. We recognize the fair value as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award 
based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Stock options granted to directors vest immediately while the stock options granted 
to our employees and officers typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting 
conditions.  For new option grants to retirement-eligible employees, we recognize expense and vest immediately upon grant, 
consistent with the retirement vesting acceleration provisions of these grants. For employees near retirement age, we amortize 
such grants over the period from the grant date to the retirement date if such period is shorter than the standard vesting schedule. 
For grants of non-vested restricted stock, we calculate the compensation expense at the grant date as the number of shares granted 
multiplied by the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of grant.  This expense is recognized ratably over the vesting 
period.  Our non-vested restricted stock grants to officers and employees cliff vest over a three-year period with service and 
continued employment as the only vesting criteria.  Our fair value determination of stock-based payment awards on the date of 
grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex 
and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the 
awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior over the expected term, our dividend rate, risk-free rate and 
expectation with regards to forfeitures. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options 
that  have  no  vesting  or  hedging  restrictions  and  are  fully  transferable.  Because  our  employee  stock  options  have  certain 
characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially 
affect the estimated value, the valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of our employee stock 
options. Accordingly, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

We have granted other awards which are linked to the performance of our common stock, but will settle in cash rather than 
the issuance of shares of our common stock.  The value of these awards fluctuates with changes in our stock price, with the resulting 
gains or losses reflected in the period of the change. We have recorded current and non-current liabilities related to these awards 
reflected in our consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2013 and 2012, included elsewhere within this Annual Report on Form 
10-K. 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
Warranty Obligations

Our estimated obligations for product warranties are accrued concurrently when revenue is recognized. We record a provision 
for warranty obligations based on our historical experience and costs incurred for such obligations.  We adjust our warranty reserve 
for current conditions and other factors that we deem appropriate. Our ability to estimate our warranty obligations is subject to 
uncertainties and limited, to some extent, by our operating history, which may not be sufficient for new products or changes to 
existing products.  Our warranty reserves at October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $3.7 million and $4.8 million.  Assuming a 10% 
increase in our warranty reserves, our net loss would have increased by $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the years ended October 
31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and our net income would have been reduced by $0.3 million for the year ended October 31, 
2011. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In  February  2013,  the  Financial Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued Accounting  Standards  Update  (ASU)  No. 
2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to provide 
information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity 
is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts 
reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount 
reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other 
amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-
reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts.  The provisions of 
ASU 2013-2 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we do not expect its provisions to have a material impact on 
our consolidated financial statements. 

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires 
entities to disclose both gross information and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement 
of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope 
of this standard, which was subsequently clarified by ASU 2013-1, includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse 
sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. These disclosures assist users of 
financial  statements  in  evaluating  the  effect  or  potential  effect  of  netting  arrangements  on  an  entity's  financial  position. The 
provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we do not expect its provisions to have a material 
impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment which amends the guidance in 
ASC 350-20. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 provide entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before 
performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is not more 
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment 
test would be unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step 
impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the 
reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second 
step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. ASU 2011-08 also provides entities 
with the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the first step of 
the two-step impairment test.  ASU 2011-08 applied to our annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed after November 
1, 2012. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (ASU 2011-05), Presentation of Comprehensive 
Income. This guidance required companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as 
one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements, and eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive 
income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards 
Update No. 2011-12 (ASU 2011-12) “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of 
Items  out  of  Other  Comprehensive  Income  in Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2011-05.”    Otherwise,  the  guidance  in ASU 
2011-05 became effective retroactively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 13, 2011.  
We adopted ASU 2011-05 as of November 1, 2012 and have elected to present separate consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards No. 2011-04 (ASU 2011-04), Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 
820) Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.  This 
guidance changed the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing 
information about fair value measurements.  Additionally, this guidance clarified the FASB’s intent about the application of existing 
fair value measurement requirements.  This guidance became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 
15, 2011 and was to be applied prospectively.  We adopted ASU 2011-04 with no material impact on our consolidated financial 
42

 
 
 
 
 
 
statements.  

 From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt 
as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that 
are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements upon adoption.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The following discussion of our exposure to various market risks contains “forward looking statements” regarding our 
estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning our exposure.  Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable 
in light of information currently available to us, we cannot provide assurance that these estimates will not materially differ from 
actual results due to the inherent unpredictability of interest rates, foreign currency rates and metal commodity prices as well as 
other factors. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our outstanding debt bears interest at variable rates and accordingly is sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rate 
changes would result in gains or losses in the market value of our debt portfolio due to differences in market interest rates and the 
rates at the inception of the debt agreements.  Based upon the balances of  the variable rate debt at October 31, 2013, a hypothetical 
1.0% increase or decrease in interest rates would have the effect of causing a $0.01 million additional pre-tax charge or credit to 
our statement of income.

Commodity Price Risk

We  use  various  grades  of  aluminum  scrap  and  minimal  amounts  of  prime  aluminum  ingot  as  raw  materials  for  our 
manufacturing processes. The price of this raw material is subject to fluctuations due to many factors in the aluminum market. In 
the normal course of business, in an effort to reduce the risk of fluctuating raw material prices, we enter into firm price raw material 
purchase commitments (which are designated as “normal purchases” under ASC 815) as well as option contracts on the LME. Our 
risk management policy, as it relates to these LME forward purchase contracts and LME forward sales contracts, is to enter into 
contracts as needed, so that the raw material inventory levels are sufficient to meet committed sales orders.  We maintain a balanced 
metals book position which excludes a normal operational inventory level. This operating inventory level as a matter of practice 
is not hedged against material price (LME) movements. We believe this practice minimizes the likelihood of net transaction gains 
or losses on this inventory over the commodity price cycle.  

We also enter into LME swap contracts to exchange variable pricing for fixed pricing for anticipated sales to our customers.  

The notional volume and contract period coincide with the anticipated sales.  

Through the use of firm price raw material purchase commitments and LME contracts, we attempt to protect ourselves from 
the effects of changing prices of aluminum on our cost of sales. To the extent that the raw material costs factored into the firm 
price sales commitments are matched with firm price raw material purchase commitments, changes in aluminum prices should 
have no effect. While we consider the LME derivative contracts to provide an economic hedge against changes in aluminum prices, 
the derivatives have not been designated as hedges in accordance with ASC 815 for accounting purposes. As such, any mark-to-
market net gain or loss was recorded in cost of sales, with the offsetting asset or liability reflected on the balance sheet.  We 
primarily rely upon firm price raw material purchase commitments to protect cost of sales tied to firm price sales commitments. 

The following table indicates the notional volume as well as the fair value of the open LME forward and swap contracts as 
October 31, 2013 and 2012.   (See "Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities", Note 13 to the 
consolidated financial statements for additional information.) 

Aluminum derivatives:
Aluminum forward purchase contracts
Aluminum swap contracts

LBS
LBS

3,142
187

(In thousands)
$
$

2,370
—

60
(64)

$
$

(164)
—

Notional in LBS

Fair Value in $

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

We purchase polyvinyl resin (PVC) as the significant raw material consumed in the manufacture of vinyl extrusions. We 
have a monthly resin adjuster in place with the majority of our customers and resin supplier that is adjusted based upon published 
industry resin prices for the prior month. This adjuster effectively shares the base pass-through price changes of PVC with our 
customers commensurate with the market at large. Our long-term exposure to changes in PVC prices is thus reduced due to the 

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
contractual component of the resin adjuster program; however, there is a level of exposure to short-term volatility due to a one 
month lag.

We initiated an oil-based materials surcharge on one of our major product lines, effective May 1, 2011. The surcharge is 
intended to offset the rising cost of products which are highly correlated to the price of oil, including butyl and other oil-based 
raw materials. The surcharge is in place with the majority of our customers who purchase these products and is adjusted monthly 
based upon the 90 day average published price for Brent crude. The oil-based raw materials purchased by us are subject to similar 
pricing schemes. Therefore, our long-term exposure to changes in oil-based raw material prices is significantly reduced under this 
surcharge program.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

Our international operations have exposure to foreign currency rate risks, primarily due to fluctuations in the Euro, the British 
Pound and the Canadian dollar.  From time to time, we enter into foreign exchange contracts associated with our operations to 
manage a portion of the foreign currency rate risk.

The notional and fair market values of these positions at October 31, 2013 and 2012, were as follows: 

Foreign currency exchange derivatives:
Sell EUR, buy USD
Buy GBP, sell USD
Buy EUR, sell GBP
Sell EUR buy GBP
Sell CAD, buy USD

Notional as indicated

Fair Value in $

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

EUR
GBP
EUR
EUR
CAD

7,258
2,435
967
880
615

(In thousands)
$
$
$
$
$

7,663
1,934
—
545
608

150
(25)
(12)
14
(2)

$
$
$
$
$

(23)
5
—
—
1

At  October 31,  2013  and  2012,  we  held  foreign  currency  derivative  contracts  hedging  cross-border  intercompany  and 
commercial activity for our insulating glass business. Although these derivatives hedge our exposure to fluctuations in foreign 
currency rates, we do not apply hedge accounting and therefore, the change in the fair value of these foreign currency derivatives 
is recorded directly to other income and expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. To the extent the gain 
or loss on the derivative instrument offsets the gain or loss from the remeasurement of the underlying foreign currency balance, 
changes  in  exchange  rates  should  have  no  effect.  (See  "Derivative  Instruments  and  Fair  Value  Measurement  of Assets  and 
Liabilities", Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for further information).

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Quanex Building Products Corporation

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

46

48

49

50

51

53

52

54

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Quanex Building Products Corporation
Houston, Texas

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Quanex Building Products Corporation and subsidiaries (the 
“Company”)  as  of  October 31,  2013  and  2012,  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  comprehensive  income, 
stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2013. These consolidated financial 
statements are the responsibility of  the Company’s management. Our  responsibility is to  express an  opinion on the  financial 
statements 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 the Company 
and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three 
years in the period ended October 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. 

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 October 31, 2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control
—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our 
report dated December 18, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 18, 2013

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Quanex Building Products Corporation
Houston, Texas

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Quanex Building Products Corporation and subsidiaries (the 
“Company”) as of October 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Management’s Annual Report on 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting 
at Alumco, Inc. which was acquired on December 31, 2012 and whose financial statements constitute 5.0% and 4.5% of net and 
total assets, respectively, 5.2% of revenues, and 0.2% of net loss of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the 
year ended October 31, 2013.  Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at Alumco, Inc. 
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 Annual 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 October 31, 
2013, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) 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 as of and for the year ended October 31, 2013 of the Company and our report dated December 18, 
2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 18, 2013

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for 
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to 
management and the Company’s Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. A system of internal control may 
become inadequate over time because of changes in conditions, or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to 
financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2013 
using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — 
Integrated Framework. Management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Alumco, Inc. 
which was acquired on December 31, 2012 and whose financial statements constitute 5.0% and 4.5% of net and total assets, 
respectively, 5.2% of revenues, and 0.2% of net loss of the consolidated financial statements amounts as of and for the year 
ended October 31, 2013. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of October 31, 2013, the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting was effective 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 based on such criteria.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the 

effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 47.

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of October 31, 2013 and 2012 

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

ASSETS

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $561 and $1,026 (Note 3)

Inventories, net (Note 4)

Deferred income taxes

Prepaid and other current assets

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $348,927 and $333,898 (Note 5)

Deferred income taxes

Goodwill (Note 6)

Intangible assets, net (Note 6)

Other assets

Total assets

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Accrued liabilities (Note 7)

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 8)

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt (Note 8)

Deferred pension and postretirement benefits (Note 9)

Liability for uncertain tax positions (Note 11)

Non-current environmental reserves (Note 12)

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, no par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; issued and outstanding - none

Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares authorized 125,000,000; issued 37,653,639 and 37,788,804,
respectively

Additional paid-in-capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Less: Treasury stock at cost, 488,385 and 816,302 shares, respectively

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

49

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands, except share 
amounts)

$

49,736

$

98,833

58,316

22,786

6,612

236,283

157,219

13,444

71,866

78,962

14,041

71,255

85,644

65,904

20,439

7,628

250,870

168,877

8,911

68,331

78,380

14,169

571,815

$

589,538

$

$

76,900

$

44,785

183

121,868

752

3,712

5,396

9,255

14,638

155,621

—

377

247,642

177,456

(2,400)

(6,881)

416,194

80,985

46,459

368

127,812

1,033

6,873

6,736

9,827

15,430

167,711

—

378

245,144

193,105

(5,299)

(11,501)

421,827

589,538

$

571,815

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Years Ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 

Net sales

Cost and expenses:

Cost of sales

Selling, general and administrative

Depreciation and amortization

Asset impairment charges

Operating income (loss)

Non-operating income (expense):

Interest expense

Other, net

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

Income tax benefit (expense)

Income (loss) from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

952,642

$

828,976

$

848,294

799,077

109,325

60,504

1,465

703,844

111,577

37,596

912

(17,729)

(24,953)

(640)

168

(18,201)

6,498

(11,703)

—

(11,703)

(0.32)

—

(0.32)

(0.32)

—

(0.32)

$

$

$

$

$

$

(454)

222

(25,185)

8,651

(16,534)

—

(16,534)

(0.45)

—

(0.45)

(0.45)

—

(0.45)

$

$

$

$

$

$

712,091

83,994

33,932

1,799

16,478

(449)

(514)

15,515

(6,437)

9,078

(12)

9,066

0.24

—

0.24

0.24

—

0.24

36,864

36,864

36,622

36,622

37,007

37,537

$

$

$

$

$

Cash dividends per share

$

0.16

$

0.16

$

0.16

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Years Ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

(11,703)

$

(16,534)

$

9,066

1,068

27

2,997

(1,193)

2,899

(1,832)

26

220

(70)

(1,656)

(551)

15

(2,168)

818

(1,886)

7,180

Net (loss) income

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustments gain (loss) (pretax)

Foreign currency translation adjustments tax benefit (expense)
Change in pension from net unamortized gain (loss) (pretax)

Change in pension from net unamortized (loss) gain tax benefit (expense)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive (loss) income

$

(8,804)

$

(18,190)

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 

Common Stock

Accumulated

Treasury Stock

Total

Shares

Amount

Additional 
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Shares

Amount

Stockholders’
Equity

Balance at October 31, 2010
Net income

Foreign currency translation adjustment (net
of taxes of $15)

Change in pension from net unamortized gain
(loss) (net of taxes of $818)

Common dividends ($0.16 per share)

Expense related to stock-based compensation

Stock options exercised

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

Restricted stock awards granted

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost

Other

37,862,441 $

379

$ 238,079

 (In thousands, except share amounts)
$

$ 210,366

(1,757)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

64,200

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

—

—

—

—

—

4,703

(20)

194

(82)

—

9,066

—

—

(5,979)

—

(111)

—

—

—

(83,507)

(2)

(891)

(199)

—

(536)

(1,350)

—

—

—

—

—

—

1

(351,626) $ (5,635) $ 441,432

—

—

—

—

—

998

—

81

9,066

(536)

(1,350)

(5,979)

4,703

867

194

—

—

—

—

—

61,338

—

5,000

(750,000)

(10,080)

(10,080)

—

—

(1,091)

Balance at October 31, 2011

37,843,134 $

378

$ 241,983

$ 213,143

$

(3,642)

(1,035,288) $ (14,636) $ 437,226

Net loss

Foreign currency translation adjustment (net
of taxes of $26)

Change in pension from net unamortized gain
(loss) (net of taxes of $70)

Common dividends ($0.16 per share)

Expense related to stock-based compensation

Stock options exercised

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

Restricted stock awards granted

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost

Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Other

(54,330)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

4,403

(66)

341

(1,186)

—

—

(331)

(16,534)

—

—

—

(5,891)

—

(151)

—

—

—

2,851

(313)

(1,806)

150

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

229,423

3,233

—

—

83,900

1,186

(94,337)

(1,284)

—

—

—

—

(16,534)

(1,806)

150

(5,891)

4,403

3,016

341

—

(1,284)

2,851

(645)

Balance at October 31, 2012

37,788,804 $

378

$ 245,144

$ 193,105

$

(5,299)

(816,302) $ (11,501) $ 421,827

Net loss

Foreign currency translation adjustment (net
of taxes of $27)

Change in pension from net unamortized gain
(loss) (net of taxes of $1,193)

Common dividends ($0.16 per share)

Expense related to stock-based compensation

Stock options exercised

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

Restricted stock awards granted

Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Other

(135,165)

(1)

—

—

—

—

4,910

54

25

(2,091)

—

(400)

(11,703)

—

—

(5,931)

—

—

—

—

2,102

(117)

—

1,095

1,804

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

179,517

2,529

—

—

148,400

2,091

—

—

—

—

(11,703)

1,095

1,804

(5,931)

4,910

2,583

25

—

2,102

(518)

Balance at October 31, 2013

37,653,639 $

377

$ 247,642

$ 177,456

$

(2,400)

(488,385) $ (6,881) $ 416,194

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

For the Years Ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 

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

Depreciation and amortization
Loss (gain) on disposition of capital assets
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
Asset impairment charges
Restructuring charges
Other, net

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
Decrease (increase) in inventory
Decrease (increase) in other current assets
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities
Increase (decrease) in income taxes
Increase (decrease) in deferred pension and postretirement benefits
Increase in other long-term liabilities
Other, net

Cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities:

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from disposition of capital assets
Proceeds from property insurance claim
Proceeds from executive life insurance

Cash used for investing activities
Financing activities:

Borrowings under credit facility
Repayments of credit facility borrowings
Repayments of other long-term debt
Common stock dividends paid
Issuance of common stock
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
Debt issuance costs
Purchase of treasury stock
Other, net

Cash used for financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

53

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

(11,703)

$

(16,534)

$

9,066

60,504
449
4,910
(8,288)
(236)
1,465
—
781

(9,204)
12,791
1,622
(5,903)
(7,473)
1,708
(164)
1,574
688
43,521

(22,096)
(37,931)
340
—
—
(59,687)

23,500
(23,500)
(557)
(5,931)
2,583
236
(1,200)
—
—
(4,869)
(484)
(21,519)
71,255
49,736

$

37,596
(989)
4,403
(9,843)
(496)
912
(122)
2,638

(4,250)
(10,288)
(50)
14,920
8,539
(547)
(693)
678
604
26,478

—
(42,871)
44
1,123
—
(41,704)

—
—
(264)
(5,891)
3,015
496
—
(1,284)
—
(3,928)
790
(18,364)
89,619
71,255

$

33,932
374
4,703
3,361
(226)
1,799
721
949

13,761
(530)
741
(13,349)
(7,125)
(493)
2,768
778
1,714
52,944

(110,845)
(25,312)
107
—
683
(135,367)

—
—
(340)
(5,979)
867
226
—
(10,080)
392
(14,914)
(222)
(97,559)
187,178
89,619

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Quanex Building Products Corporation is a technological leader in the production of engineered materials and aluminum 
sheet products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through two business segments: (1) Engineered Products and (2) 
Aluminum Sheet Products.  Quanex Building Products Corporation produces energy efficient window components that include 
flexible insulating glass spacers, extruded vinyl profiles, and thin film solar panel sealants, as well as window and door screens 
and precision-formed metal and wood products.  Aluminum sheet products include high quality mill finished and coated aluminum 
sheet that is tailored to customers' specifications.  Quanex Building Products Corporation serves a primary customer base in North 
America and also serves customers in international markets through operating plants in the United Kingdom and Germany, as well 
as through sales and marketing efforts in other countries.

 Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to "Quanex", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our" refer to the consolidated 

business operations of Quanex Building Products Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared 
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed 
or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In our opinion, these audited financial statements contain all adjustments (which 
consist of normal recurring adjustments, except as disclosed herein) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of 
operations and cash flows for the periods presented. 

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements, we make informed judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and 
liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period.  We review our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to impairment of long lived assets and goodwill, 
contingencies and income taxes.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ 
from these estimates.

A summary of our significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated 

financial statements follows:

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when products are shipped and the title has passed to the customer.  We consider the following factors 
when determining if title has passed and revenue should be recognized: (a) pervasive evidence that a contractual sales arrangement 
exists; (b) delivery has occurred; (c) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Sales 
allowances and customer incentives are treated as reductions to revenue and are provided for based on historical experience and 
current estimates. 

 Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Such securities with 
an original maturity which exceeds three months are deemed to be short-term investments.  We maintain cash and cash equivalents 
at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not 
experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Certain of our businesses or product lines are largely dependent on a relatively few large customers.  Although we believe 
we have an extensive customer base, the loss of one of these large customers or if such customers were to incur a prolonged period 
of decline in business, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.  For the year ended October 
31, 2013, one customer provided 10% of our consolidated net sales.  No customer provided more than 10% of our consolidated 
net sales for the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011.

 We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts to estimate the risk of loss associated with our accounts receivable 
balances.  Our policy for determining the allowance is based on factors that affect collectability, including: (a) historical trends of 
54

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

write-offs, recoveries and credit losses; (b) the credit quality of our customers; and (c) projected economic and market conditions.  
We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses as of October 31, 2013.  

Inventory

We record inventory valued at the lower of cost or market value. Inventories are valued using the first-in first-out (FIFO) 
and last-in first-out (LIFO) methods. We use the dollar-value link chain LIFO method, and the LIFO reserve is calculated on a 
consolidated basis in a single consolidated pool.  The businesses that we acquire and integrate into our operations may value 
inventories using either the LIFO or FIFO method. Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity have been expensed in 
the period, and therefore, are not capitalized into inventory. Inventory quantities are regularly reviewed and provisions for excess 
or obsolete inventory are recorded primarily based on our forecast of future demand and our estimates regarding current and future 
market conditions. Significant unanticipated variances to our forecasts could require a change in the provision for excess or obsolete 
inventory, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of the change.

Long-Lived Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets with Defined Lives

We make judgments and estimates related to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, intangibles assets with 
defined lives, and long-lived assets, which include determining when to capitalize costs, the depreciation and amortization methods 
to use and the useful lives of these assets.  We evaluate these assets for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying 
values of these assets might not be recoverable. Such indicators of impairment may include changes in technology, significant 
market fluctuations, historical losses or loss of a significant customer, or other changes in circumstances that could affect the assets’ 
ability to generate future cash flows.   When we evaluate these assets for impairment, we compare the sum of the undiscounted 
cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds 
the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, and there is no alternative use for the asset, we determine that the asset is impaired.  To 
measure the impairment charge, we compare the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to its fair value, as determined by quoted 
market prices in active markets, if available, or by discounting the projected future cash flows using our incremental borrowing 
rate.This calculation of fair value requires us to make long-term forecasts of future operating results related to these assets. These 
forecasts are based on assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Future events and unanticipated 
changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of 
the change.

We monitor relevant circumstances, including industry trends, general economic conditions, and the potential impact that 
such circumstances might have on the valuation of our identifiable intangible assets. Events and changes in circumstances that 
may cause a triggering event and necessitate such a review include, but are not limited to: a decrease in sales for certain customers, 
improvements or changes in technology, and/or a decision to discontinue  the use of a trademark or trade name, or allow a patent 
to lapse. Such events could negatively impact the fair value of our identifiable intangible assets.  In such circumstances, we may 
evaluate the underlying assumptions and estimates made by us in order to assess the appropriate valuation of these identifiable 
intangible assets and compare to the carrying value of the assets.  We may be required to write down these identifiable intangible 
assets and record a non-cash impairment charge. When we originally value our intangible assets, we use a variety of techniques 
to establish the carrying value of our intangible assets, including the relief from royalty method, excess current year earnings 
method and income method.

Software  development  costs,  including  costs  incurred  to  purchase  third-party  software,  are  capitalized  when  we  have 
determined that the technology is capable of meeting our performance requirements, and we have authorized funding for the 
project.  We cease capitalization of software costs when the software is substantially complete and is ready for its intended use.  
The software is then amortized over its estimated useful life.  When events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of internal 
use software might not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying value of the asset 
to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset’s use, consistent with the methodology to test other 
property, plant and equipment for impairment.     

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful 
lives of the assets.   We capitalize betterments which extend the useful lives of assets.  We expense repair and maintenance costs 
as incurred.  

55

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The estimated useful lives of our primary asset categories at October 31, 2013 were as follows:

Land improvements

Buildings

Building improvements

Machinery and equipment

Useful Life (in Years)

7 to 25

25 to 40

5 to 20

2 to 15

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Goodwill

We use the acquisition method to account for business combinations, whereby we allocate the purchase price paid for the 
business to the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets at fair value. To the extent that the purchase price exceeds the 
fair value of the net assets acquired, we record goodwill.  In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we are required to evaluate our goodwill 
on a qualitative basis to determine if there are indicators of impairment.  If there are no indicators, no further analysis is deemed 
necessary.  However, if there are indicators of impairment or if events or circumstances indicate there may be a potential impairment, 
we  perform an annual goodwill impairment test as of August 31, or more frequently if  indicators of impairment exist. This 
impairment test requires a two-step approach as prescribed in ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350). The 
first step of the impairment test requires us to compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. 
To determine fair value of our reporting units, we use multiple valuation techniques including a discounted cash flow analysis, 
using the applicable weighted average cost of capital, in combination with a market approach.  This test requires us to make 
assumptions about the future growth of our business and the market in general, as well as other variables such as the level of 
investment in capital expenditure, growth in working capital requirements and the terminal or residual value of our reporting units 
beyond the periods of estimated annual cash flows.   We use a third-party valuation firm to assist us with this analysis.  If the fair 
value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further testing is required.  Otherwise, we perform the second step of 
the  impairment test whereby we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill 
is determined by applying the acquisition method of accounting for a business combination to the reporting unit as if it were 
acquired.  Under this method, the fair value of the reporting unit is deemed to be the purchase price.  The assets and liabilities are 
recorded at their fair value and the remaining excess of fair value is the implied value of goodwill.  An impairment loss is recorded 
to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill.   Our estimates 
of future cash flows and the residual values could differ from actual cash flows which may require a provision for impairment in 
a future period.

Insurance

We manage our exposure to losses for workers’ compensation, group medical, property, casualty and other insurance claims 
through  a  combination  of  self-insurance  retentions  and  insurance  coverage  with  third-party  carriers. We  record  undiscounted 
liabilities associated with our portion of these exposures, which we estimate by considering various factors such as our historical 
claims experience, severity factors  and estimated claims incurred but not reported, for which we have developed  loss development 
factors, which are estimates as to how claims will develop over time until closed. While we consider a number of factors in preparing 
the  estimates,  sensitive  assumptions  using  significant  judgment  are  made  in  determining  the  amounts  that  are  accrued  in  the 
financial statements. Actual claims could differ significantly from these estimated liabilities, depending on  future claims experience.  
We do not record insurance recoveries until any contingencies relating to the claim have been resolved.

Retirement Plans

We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan and an unfunded postretirement plan that provides health care and life insurance 
benefits for eligible retirees and dependents. To measure our liabilities associated with these plans, we make assumptions related 
to future events, including expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and heath care cost trend rates. The 
discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. We determine our discount 
rate based on a pension discount curve, and the rate represents the single rate that, if applied to every year of projected benefits 
payments, would result in the same discounted value as the array of rates that comprise the pension discount curve. Actual pension 
plan asset investment performance, as well as other economic experience such as discount rate and demographic experience, will 
either reduce or increase unamortized pension losses at the end of any fiscal year, which ultimately affects future pension costs.

Warranty Obligations

We accrue our warranty obligations when we recognize revenue for certain products. Our provision for warranty obligations 

56

 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

is based on historical costs incurred for such obligations and is adjusted, where appropriate, based on current conditions and factors. 
Our ability to estimate our warranty obligations is subject to significant uncertainties, including changes in product design and 
our overall product sales mix.

Income Taxes

We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the 
amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. We evaluate the 
carrying value of the net deferred tax assets and determines whether we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income 
to realize our deferred tax assets. We perform this review for recoverability on a jurisdictional basis, whereby we consider both 
positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.  The weight given to the positive 
and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence can be objectively verified.  Cumulative losses in 
recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is 
not needed against deferred tax assets.  Thus, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income 
exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. 
In  connection  with  this  review,  we  project  future  taxable  income  using  the  same  forecasts  used  to  test  long-lived  assets  and 
intangibles for impairment, scheduling out the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and reviewing our most 
recent financial operations. In the event the estimates and assumptions indicate we will not generate sufficient future taxable income 
to realize our deferred tax assets, we record a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. 

We evaluate our on-going tax positions to determine if it is more-likely-than-not we will be successful in defending such 
positions if challenged by taxing authorities.  To the extent that our tax positions do not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria, we 
record a liability for uncertain tax positions.  Historically, we have recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions which stem from 
an unrecognized tax benefit from our 2008 spin-off from our predecessor parent company, as well as certain state tax items regarding 
the interpretation of tax laws and regulations.  We continue to evaluate these positions at each reporting date, while the applicable 
statute of limitations continue to lapse.

Environmental Contingencies

We  are  subject  to  extensive  laws  and  regulations  concerning  the  discharge  of  materials  into  the  environment  and  the 
remediation of chemical contamination. To satisfy such requirements, we incur expenditures and make capital investments on an 
ongoing basis. We accrue our best estimates of our remediation obligations and adjust these accruals when further information 
becomes available or circumstances change. Those estimates may change substantially depending on information about the nature 
and  extent  of  contamination,  appropriate  remediation  technologies,  and  regulatory  approvals. In  accruing  for  environmental 
remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the 
expenditures  are  fixed  or  reliably  determinable. Legal  costs  are  expensed  as  incurred  except  incremental  direct  costs  of  the 
remediation effort which are accrued as part of the measurement of the environmental remediation liability. When environmental 
laws are deemed to impose joint and several liability for the costs of responding to contamination, we accrue our allocable share 
of the liability taking into account the number of parties participating, their ability to pay their shares, the volumes and nature of 
the  wastes  involved,  the  nature  of  anticipated  response  actions,  and  the  nature  of  our  alleged  connections.  Recoveries  of 
environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets, current and non-current portions, when receipt is deemed 
probable. Unanticipated changes in circumstances and/or legal requirements could extend the length of time over which we pay 
our remediation costs or could increase actual cash expenditures for remediation in any period.

Derivative Instruments

We utilize financial and commodity-based derivative contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency 
exchange rates and aluminum prices.  All derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the methodology and 
classifications are discussed further in Note 13.  We have not designated the derivative instruments we use as cash flow hedges 
under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815).  Therefore, all gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are 
recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the period of the change as the underlying assets and liabilities are marked-
to-market.  We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  As such, these instruments are considered 
economic hedges, and are reflected in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flow. 

Foreign Currency Translation

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar.  Certain of our foreign operations 
are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations which are 
denominated in other currencies are translated to U.S dollars using the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date.  Revenues and 
expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the applicable period.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded 

57

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

as a component of  accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets.

Occasionally, we enter into transactions that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency.  At each 
balance sheet date, we translate these asset or liability accounts to our functional currency and record unrealized transaction gains 
or losses.  When these assets or liabilities settle, we record realized transaction gains or losses.  These realized and unrealized gains 
or losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption, “Other, net.” 

Stock–Based Compensation

We have issued stock-based compensation in the form of stock options to directors, employees and officers, and non-vested 
restricted stock awards to certain key employees and officers.  We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock 
Compensation” (ASC 718), to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation 
model. We recognize the fair value as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award 
based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Stock options granted to directors vest immediately while the stock options granted 
to our employees and officers typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting 
conditions.  For new option grants to retirement-eligible employees, we recognize expense and vest immediately upon grant, 
consistent with the retirement vesting acceleration provisions of these grants. For employees near retirement age, we amortize 
such grants over the period from the grant date to the retirement date if such period is shorter than the standard vesting schedule. 
For grants of non-vested restricted stock, we calculate the compensation expense at the grant date as the number of shares granted 
multiplied by the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of grant.  This expense is recognized ratably over the vesting 
period.  Our non-vested restricted stock grants to officers and employees cliff vest over a three-year period with service and 
continued employment as the only vesting criteria.  Our fair value determination of stock-based payment awards on the date of 
grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex 
and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the 
awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior over the expected term, our dividend rate, risk-free rate and 
expectation with regards to forfeitures. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options 
that  have  no  vesting  or  hedging  restrictions  and  are  fully  transferable.  Because  our  employee  stock  options  have  certain 
characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially 
affect the estimated value, the valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of our employee stock 
options. Accordingly, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

We have granted other awards which are linked to the performance of our common stock, but will settle in cash rather than 
the issuance of shares of our common stock.  The value of these awards fluctuates with changes in our stock price, with the resulting 
gains or losses reflected in the period of the change. We have recorded current and non-current liabilities related to these awards 
reflected  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  at  October 31,  2013  and  2012.  See  Note 14,  “Stock-based 
Compensation.”

Treasury Stock

We use the cost method to record treasury stock purchases whereby the entire cost of the shares of our common stock which 
we acquire is recorded as treasury stock. When we subsequently reissue these shares, proceeds in excess of cost upon the issuance 
of treasury shares are credited to additional paid in capital, while any deficiency is charged to retained earnings.

Earnings per Share Data

We calculate basic earnings per share based on the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding for the 
applicable period.  We calculate diluted earnings per share based on the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding 
for the period plus all potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method, whereby we assume that all such shares are 
converted into common shares at the beginning of the period. If we incur a loss from continuing operations, the effect of potentially 
dilutive common stock equivalents (stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) are excluded from the calculation of diluted 
earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

58

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our supplemental cash flow information for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 

2011:

Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes
Cash received for income tax refunds
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Share value cancelled to satisfy tax withholdings
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit
Asset retirement obligation
Debt assumed in acquisition
Change in capitalized expenditures in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

$

431
1,273
1,465

518
3,032
1,267
91
1,249

$

$

381
1,265
19

645
3,571
—
—
395

$

$

425
3,260
132

1,066
—
—
64
2,459

We have made certain reclassifications to our consolidated statements of cash flow as previously presented in order to conform 
to  the  2013  presentation.   The  reclassifications  include  separate  presentation  of  the  excess  tax  benefit  from  share-based 
compensation, a change in presentation of the expense associated with our restricted stock units, and the gain or loss on derivative 
instruments.  We believe this revised presentation provides the reader with more detailed information which may be useful when 
evaluating our cash flow results.  These reclassifications had no impact on our earnings and did not change total cash flows provided 
by or used in operating, investing and financing activities for the respective years. 

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with ASC Topic 205-20 “Presentation of Financial Statements-Discontinued Operations” (ASC 205), we 
present the results of operations of businesses which have been sold or meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale on a 
consolidated basis as a separate caption below net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax.  We also aggregate the 
assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations and present separately as a component of current assets, long-term 
assets, current liabilities and long-term liabilities, as applicable, in the accompanying balance sheets.  If an impairment loss is 
indicated and the fair value of the net assets exceeds the carrying value at the balance sheet date, we record an impairment loss in 
the period the net assets are classified as held for sale.  We cease depreciation of assets which are classified as held for sale.  We 
use our judgment to ascertain when a business meets the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale.  Changes in circumstances 
or our level of future involvement with a business that has been sold may impact how we account for discontinued operations.  

2. Acquisitions 

Alumco

On December 31, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Alumco, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alumco), including 
its aluminum screen business, for $22.4 million in cash. The purchase agreement contains (1)  a working capital clause that provides 
for an adjustment to the purchase price based on the working capital balance as of the acquisition date and (2) an earn-out clause 
that provides for the payment of an additional $0.5 million to Alumco contingent upon the achievement of certain financial targets. 
We  received  $0.4  million  from  the  prior  owner  of Alumco  pursuant  to  the  working  capital  clause.  We  recorded  contingent 
consideration of $0.3 million as the fair value of the earn-out included in the purchase price.  As of October 31, 2013, we determined 
that the earn-out provision criteria would not be met and decreased expense by $0.3 million. 

The purchase price has been allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as indicated in the table 
below. This allocation is based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period 
(generally one year from the acquisition date).  During the period from the acquisition date to October 31, 2013, we recorded an 
adjustment to goodwill of $0.1 million to recognize a derivative liability and $0.2 million for obsolete inventory reserve write-off, 
related to conditions that existed as of the opening balance sheet date.

59

 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Alumco:

Net assets acquired:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Goodwill

Net assets acquired

Consideration:

Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

As of Date of
Opening Balance
Sheet

(In thousands)

$

$

$

3,638
5,062
140
4,682
8,939
(2,066)
(993)
(14)
(77)
2,785
22,096

22,096

We used recognized valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities, including the income approach 
for customer relationships, with a discount rate that reflects the risk of the expected future cash flows. The goodwill balance, which 
is deductible for tax purposes, was allocated entirely to the Engineered Products business segment.  We expect that this acquisition 
will expand our product portfolio and geographic distribution capabilities particularly in the vinyl window segment in the screen 
market. 

The Alumco acquisition was not deemed material to our results of operations for the year ended October 31, 2013.  Therefore, 

we have not presented pro forma results of operations.

Edgetech

On March 31, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Edgetech I.G., Inc., an Ohio corporation (Edgetech I.G.), the United 
Kingdom division of Edgetech (Edgetech UK), and Edgetech Europe GmbH, a German company (Edgetech Germany). These 
entities are hereafter referred to collectively  as “Edgetech.” Headquartered in Cambridge, Ohio, Edgetech had three manufacturing 
facilities, one each in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany which produced a full line of warm-edge, dual seal 
insulating glass spacer systems for window and door customers in North America and abroad. Edgetech’s products separate and 
seal double and triple paned glass within a window and act as a thermal barrier that enhances the window’s energy efficiency.

We acquired Edgetech by merging its wholly-owned subsidiary, QSB Inc., a Delaware corporation (QSB), with and into 
Lauren International, Inc. formerly known as Lauren Holdco Inc., an Ohio corporation and parent of the Edgetech Entities (Holdco), 
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the previously filed Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement), dated as of 
January 31, 2011.  As consideration for the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Holdco, we paid $104.4 
million in cash, net of $0.8 million of cash acquired. Of the cash paid, $7.0 million was placed into an escrow fund to satisfy certain 
indemnity obligations under the Merger Agreement. Of the $7.0 million escrow, $3.5 million has been released in accordance with 
the terms of the Merger Agreement and $3.5 million remains as of October 31, 2013.  We recorded $2.5 million of transaction-
related costs in connection with the Edgetech acquisition within selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated 
statement of income during the year ended October 31, 2011.  Additionally, we paid $3.5 million of tax liabilities which resulted 
from the pre-closing reorganization of Lauren and its subsidiaries.

The  acquisition  of  Edgetech  complemented  our  warm-edge  spacer  business  and  expanded  our  product  offerings  to  our 
fenestration customers.  In addition, the acquisition of Edgetech allowed us to better serve our base of national and regional 
customers, and accelerated our growth in international markets.

We accounted for the Edgetech acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting under which the total purchase price 
consideration is allocated to assets and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values. Fair value measurements have been applied 
based on assumptions that market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability. The excess of the purchase price 
over the amounts assigned to tangible or intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill.  Goodwill, 
the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned to tangible or intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, totaled 
$44.6 million; was not deductible for tax purposes; and was allocated entirely to the Engineered Products business segment. 

60

 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired:

Edgetech:

Net assets acquired:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Deferred income taxes, current
Current maturities of long-term debt
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Goodwill

Net assets acquired

Consideration:

Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

As of Date of
Opening Balance
Sheet

(In thousands)

$

$

$

9,181
10,123
2,023
21,086
48,750
1,377
(6,905)
(1,315)
(3,780)
(322)
(24)
(40)
(20,374)
44,623
104,403

104,403

We did not record any material adjustments to the original purchase price allocation during the years ended October 31, 2013 

or 2012.

The following table presents our pro forma results of operations for the year ended October 31, 2011, assuming Edgetech 

had been acquired as of the first day of fiscal 2011.

Net sales

Operating income

Income from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations

Year Ended October 31, 2011

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

$

$

$

878,291

20,530

11,496

0.31

These pro forma results of operations do not purport to reflect the results we might achieve in the future or the results that 
would have been obtained had we acquired Edgetech on the first day of fiscal 2011. In preparing these pro forma results, we 
included adjustments for the following;  (1) amortization expense related to the intangible assets acquired; (2) depreciation expense 
associated with the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment acquired; (3) facility rent expense; (4) higher cost of 
sales related to the increase in value of inventory resulting from the purchase accounting treatment; and the (5) tax effect of the 
changes noted.  In addition, the pro forma results exclude transaction expenses incurred related to the acquisition and does not 
include any operating efficiencies or cost savings that might have been achieved due to synergies or costs related to integration. 
Additionally, the historical Edgetech financial information was not adjusted to remove prior parent company allocation, or to 
incorporate incremental expenses going forward. 

In March 2011, we acquired JELD-WEN’s vinyl extrusion assets in Yakima, Washington (Yakima) for $6.4 million in cash 
consideration. This acquisition was effected through an asset purchase of vinyl extrusion related equipment and certain other assets. 
Yakima was integrated into one of our existing Engineered Products businesses, and the net assets acquired included $5.0 million 
of property, plant and equipment and $1.4 million of intangible assets. There was no goodwill recognized in connection with the 
Yakima acquisition.

61

 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

3. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Trade receivables

Environmental remediation receivable, current portion

Receivables from employees

Other

Total

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable, net

The changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively $

Bad debt (benefit) expense

Amounts written off

Recoveries

Balance as of October 31,

4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Raw materials

Finished goods and work in process

Supplies and other

Total
Less: Inventory reserves

Inventories, net

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

97,354

$

85,375

903

12

1,125

99,394

561

98,833

$

$

821

28

446

86,670

1,026

85,644

$

$

$

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

1,026
(38)
(534)
107

(In thousands)

$

1,062

$

1,037

593
(688)
59

635
(627)
17

$

561

$

1,026

$

1,062

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

32,215

35,657

2,269

70,141

11,825

58,316

$

$

$

34,392

43,915

2,559

80,866

14,962

65,904

$

$

$

The changes in our inventory reserve accounts were are follows for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively

$

Charged (credited) to costs & expenses
Write-offs

Other

Balance as of October 31,

$

14,962
(3,135)
(2)
—

$

11,825

$

15,660
(163)
(400)
(135)
14,962

$

$

12,768

3,432
(491)
(49)
15,660

Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity, if any, have been expensed in the period they were incurred and, 

62

 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

therefore, are not capitalized into inventory. Our inventories at October 31, 2013 and 2012 were valued using the following costing 
methods: 

LIFO

FIFO

Total

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

$

17,211

41,105

58,316

$

$

28,224

37,680

65,904

 For inventories valued using the LIFO method, replacement cost exceeded the LIFO value by approximately $8.1 million  
and $10.7 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We liquidated LIFO layers during the years ended October 31, 
2013 and 2011, which resulted in a reduction of the LIFO reserve and a corresponding increase/(decrease) to cost of sales of 
approximately $0.6 million and $(0.9) million, respectively. There was no liquidation of LIFO costing layers during the fiscal year 
ended October 31, 2012.

We  record  LIFO  reserve  adjustments  as  corporate  expenses  so  that  our  chief  operating  decision  maker  can  review  the 
operations of our business segments on a consistent FIFO or weighted-average basis.  We calculate our LIFO reserve adjustments 
on a consolidated basis in a single pool using the dollar-value link chain method. 

For our business acquisitions which have inventory balances, we integrate these operations and allow the use of either the 
LIFO or FIFO costing method.  The inventory costing methods selected by these acquired businesses depends upon the facts and 
circumstances that exist at the time, and may include expected inventory quantities and expected future pricing levels.  We perform 
this evaluation for  each business acquired individually. 

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Land and land improvements

Buildings and building improvements

Machinery and equipment

Construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment, gross

Less: Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

9,433

$

77,978

412,483

6,252

506,146

348,927

157,219

$

$

9,553

76,810

391,897

24,515

502,775

333,898

168,877

As of October 31, 2012, construction in progress included capitalized software costs of approximately $15.8 million related 
to our implementation of an enterprise resource planning system that had not yet been placed in service.  This ERP project was 
placed into service in March 2013, with an initial useful life of 36 months assigned.  In August 2013, our Board of Directors 
decided to cease the implementation of this ERP system for several reasons, but primarily in order to spend the resources on a 
number of organic growth opportunities that are available to us today which were not available when the implementation effort 
began in 2010.  These opportunities will require capital but offer significantly higher returns on invested capital than a continued 
investment in the ERP system.  We transitioned our operating facilities that were on the ERP system to legacy systems.  We expensed 
costs associated with the most recent phase of the implementation which was in progress in August 2013 and totaled approximately 
$1.2 million. In addition, we incurred costs associated with one-time termination benefits, contract termination costs and other 
costs which were expensed as incurred prior to October 31, 2013.  We used the ERP at these operating locations through October 
31, 2013.  As such, we recorded a change in accounting estimate related to the ERP assets capitalized and reduced the useful lives 
of the underlying assets, resulting in an accelerated depreciation charge of $15.3 million during the period from August 2013 to 
October 2013. The change in estimate resulted in an increase in net loss of $9.8 million, or $0.27 per share, for the year ended 
October 31, 2013. We expect to recognize approximately $0.5 million in depreciation expense associated with this asset during 
the first six months of fiscal 2014.  We will continue to use this ERP for certain corporate functions and the underlying assets 
associated with these functions will continue to depreciate over the remainder of their original 36 month term.  

63

 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Depreciation expense for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $51.6 million, $29.4 million and $27.6 
million,  respectively.    If  there  were  indicators  of  potential  impairment,  we  evaluated  our  property,  plant  and  equipment  for 
recoverability over the remaining useful lives of the assets.  For the year ended October 31, 2013, we recognized impairment 
charges totaling $1.5 million related to the write down of land in Arizona and the facility in Barbourville, Kentucky, currently held 
for sale.  For the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011, we recognized impairment charges totaling $0.7 million and $1.6 million, 
respectively,  primarily  related  to  the  consolidation  of  a  manufacturing  facility  which  is  being  held  for  sale.    See  Note  19 
"Restructuring Activities".  

6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Our goodwill was included entirely in the Engineered Products business segment. The change in the carrying amount of 

goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012  and 2011 was as follows:

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively

Acquisitions
Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as of October 31,

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

$

68,331

$

69,432

$

2,785
750

71,866

$

—
(1,101)
68,331

$

25,189

44,623
(380)
69,432

We evaluated our goodwill balances for indicators of impairment and performed an annual goodwill impairment test to 
determine the recoverability of these assets.  We determined that our goodwill was not impaired.  We did not incur an impairment 
charge for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

Amortizable intangible assets consisted of the following as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Customer relationships

Trademarks and trade names

Patents and other technology

Other

Total

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2012

Remaining Weighted
Average Useful Life

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

10 years

13 years

8 years

2 years

$

52,793

$

15,630

$

43,737

$

(In thousands)

44,576

25,390

1,392

17,498

11,319

742

44,519

24,773

1,392

11,675

14,520

9,382

464

$

124,151

$

45,189

$

114,421

$

36,041

We do not estimate a residual value associated with these intangible assets. Included in intangible assets as of October 31, 
2013 were customer relationships and technology of $8.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the Alumco acquisition 
with estimated useful lives of 10 and 3 years, respectively. (See Note 2 "Acquisitions"). The aggregate amortization expense 
associated with identifiable intangible assets for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $8.9 million, $8.2 million 
and $6.3 million, respectively.  

64

 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Estimated remaining amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the 

fiscal years ending October 31, was as follows (in thousands):

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

Total

Estimated
Amortization Expense

9,064

8,930

8,659

8,553

8,306

35,450

78,962

$

We did not incur impairment losses related to our identifiable intangible assets during the years ended October 31, 2013, 

2012 and 2011.

7.  Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Payroll, payroll taxes and employee benefits

Accrued insurance and workers compensation

Sales allowances

Deferred compensation

Deferred revenue

Environmental reserve

Warranties

Audit, legal, and other professional fees

Accrued taxes

Accrued rent

Accrued capital expenditures

Other

Accrued liabilities

8. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Revolving Credit Facility

City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds

Scott County, Iowa Industrial Waste Recycling Revenue Bonds

Capital lease obligations and other

Total debt

Less: Current maturities

Long-term debt

65

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

20,095

$

21,458

4,003

5,882

3,597

1,121

1,550

1,700

1,472

953

353

—

4,059

44,785

$

4,212

5,509

440

2,353

1,700

2,045

2,847

738

1,076

1,242

2,839

$

46,459

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

— $

700

—

235

935

183

752

$

$

—

800

400

201

1,401

368

1,033

$

$

$

 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Revolving Credit Facility

Prior to January 28, 2013, we maintained a $270.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) 
which had been executed on April 23, 2008 and was scheduled to mature on April 23, 2013.  The Retired Facility provided for up 
to $50.0 million of standby letters of credit, limited based on availability, as defined.  Amounts borrowed under the facility were 
to bear interest at a spread above the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) based on a combined leverage and ratings grid.  
In addition, the Retired Facility contained restrictive debt covenants, as defined in the indenture, and contained certain limits on 
additional indebtedness, asset or equity sales and acquisitions.  During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 and for 
the period from November 1, 2012 through January 28, 2013, we were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not borrow 
funds pursuant to the Retired Facility.

On January 28, 2013, we entered into a Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the Credit Facility) that has a five-year 
term and permits aggregate borrowings at any time of up to $150 million, with a letter of credit sub-facility, a swing line sub-
facility and a multi-currency sub-facility. Borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest at a spread above the London 
Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) or a base rate derived from the prime rate. Foreign denominated borrowings bear interest at 
a spread above the LIBOR applicable to such currencies.  Subject to customary conditions, we may request that the aggregate 
commitments under the Credit Facility be increased by up to $100 million, with total commitments not to exceed $250 million. 
The Credit Facility replaces our previous senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) that was scheduled to 
expire on April 23, 2013.  

The Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, the terms of which are defined therein. Specifically, 
we must not permit, on a quarterly basis, our ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as defined (Minimum  
Interest  Coverage  Ratio),  to  fall  below  3.00:1  or  our  ratio  of  consolidated  funded  debt  to  consolidated  EBITDA,  as  defined 
(Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio), to exceed 3.25:1. The Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio is the ratio of consolidated 
EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, in each case for the previous four consecutive fiscal quarters. EBITDA is defined by 
the indenture to include proforma EBITDA of acquisitions and to exclude certain items such as goodwill and intangible asset 
impairments and certain other non-cash charges and non-recurring items.  Subject to our compliance with the covenant requirements, 
the amount available under the Credit Facility is a function of: (1) our trailing twelve month EBITDA; (2) the Minimum Interest 
Coverage Ratio and Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio allowed under the Credit Facility; and (3) the aggregate amount of 
our outstanding debt and letters of credit. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the financial covenants set forth 
in the Credit Facility.

 As of October 31, 2013, the amount available to us for use under the Credit Facility was limited to $139.0 million and we 
had outstanding letters of credit of $6.2 million.  For the period from January 28, 2013 through October 31, 2013, we borrowed 
and repaid $23.5 million under the Credit Facility, and thus had no outstanding borrowings at October 31, 2013.  The weighted 
average interest rate for the period from January 28, 2013 through October 31, 2013 was 1.33%.  Our borrowing rate under the 
Credit Facility was 3.25% and 1.20% for the swing line sub facility and the revolver, respectively, at October 31, 2013. 

Other Debt Instruments

The City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds are due in annual installments through October 2020. 
Interest is payable monthly at a variable rate. Interest rates on these bonds have ranged from 0.2% to 0.4% during the fiscal year 
ended October 31, 2013. The average interest rate during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, was 0.3% and 0.6%, 
respectively. We have pledged the land, building and certain equipment used at facility located in Richmond, Kentucky.  In addition, 
we have issued a $0.7 million letter of credit under the Credit Facility which serves as a conduit for making the scheduled payments.

In June 1999, we borrowed $3.0 million of Variable Rate Demand Industrial Waste Recycling Revenue Bonds Series 1999, 
through Scott County, Iowa. The bonds require 15 annual principal payments of $0.2 million beginning on July 1, 2000 through 
June 2014. The variable interest rate is established by the remarketing agent based on the lowest weekly rate of interest that would 
permit the sale of the bonds at par, on the basis of prevailing financial market conditions. Interest is payable on the first business 
day of each calendar month. Interest rates on these bonds have ranged from 0.7% to 1.3% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 
2013. The average interest rate during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, was 0.9% and 1.4%, respectively. In 
September 2013, we paid off the remaining principal balance of $0.2 million and thus, we had no outstanding balance as of October 
31, 2013. 

We have capital lease obligations related to equipment purchases with annual interest rates that range between 1.5% and 

7.0%.  These capital lease obligations extend through 2019.

66

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The table below presents the scheduled maturity dates of our long-term debt outstanding at October 31, 2013 (in thousands):

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

Total

9. Retirement Plans

Aggregate Maturities

183

188

131

117

107

209

935

$

We have a number of retirement plans covering substantially all employees.  We provide both defined benefit and defined 

contribution plans.  In general, an employee’s coverage for retirement benefits depends on the plant or location of employment.

Defined Benefit Plan

We have a non-contributory, single employer defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all non-union employees. 
Effective January 1, 2007, we amended this defined benefit pension plan to include a cash balance formula for all new salaried 
employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 and for any non-union employees who were not participating in a defined benefit plan 
prior to January 1, 2007. All salaried employees hired after January 1, 2007, are eligible to receive credits equivalent to 4% of 
their annual eligible wages. Some of the employees at the time of the amendment were “grandfathered” and are eligible to receive 
credits ranging up to 6.5% based upon a percentage of benefits received under our defined benefit plan prior to this amendment 
of the pension plan. Additionally, every year the participants will receive an interest related credit on their respective balance 
equivalent to the prevailing 30-year Treasury rate. For employees who were participating in this plan prior to January 1, 2007, the 
benefit formula is a more traditional formula for retirement benefits, whereby the plan pays benefits to employees upon retirement, 
using a formula which considers years of service and pensionable compensation prior to retirement. Of our pension plan participants, 
99% have their benefit determined pursuant to the cash balance formula.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act") was signed into law on December 8, 
2003. This Act introduces a Medicare prescription-drug benefit beginning in 2006 as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree 
health care plans that provide a benefit at least “actuarially equivalent” to the Medicare benefit. We concluded that our plans are 
at least “actuarially equivalent” to the Medicare benefit. For those who are otherwise eligible for the subsidy, we have not included 
this subsidy per the Act in our benefit calculations. The impact to net periodic benefit cost and to benefits paid did not have a 
material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

67

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Funded Status and Net periodic Benefit Cost

The changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, and our funded status (reported in deferred pension and postretirement 

benefits on the consolidated balance sheets) were as follows (in thousands):

Change in Benefit Obligation:

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively

$

24,407

$

20,662

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

Service cost

Interest cost

Actuarial (gain) loss

Benefits paid

Administrative expenses

Projected benefit obligation at October 31,

Change in Plan Assets:

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Administrative expenses

Fair value of plan assets at October 31,

Non current liability - Funded Status

3,820

786
(893)
(1,540)
(341)
26,239

18,562

3,256

3,670
(1,540)
(341)
23,607

(2,632)

$

$

$

$

3,652

815

731
(1,183)
(270)
24,407

14,004

1,811

4,200
(1,183)
(270)
18,562

(5,845)

$

$

$

$

As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, included in our accumulated comprehensive loss was a net actuarial loss of $1.7 million 
and $4.8 million, respectively.  There were no net prior service costs or transition obligations for the years ended October 31, 2013 
and 2012.

As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the accumulated benefit obligation was $25.2 million and $23.7 million, respectively.  The 
accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of pension benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed to employee service 
rendered before the measurement date, and based on employee service and compensation prior to that date. The accumulated 
benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels. 

The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was as follows:

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of net loss

Net periodic benefit cost

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

3,820

$

3,652

$

3,794

786
(1,400)
370

815
(1,161)
147

795
(986)
134

$

3,576

$

3,453

$

3,737

68

 
 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations which were recognized in our other comprehensive loss for the 

years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

Net (gain) loss arising during the period

Less: Amortization of loss

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss

Measurement Date and Assumptions

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

(In thousands)

$

$

$

(2,749) $
369
$
(3,118) $

81

$

147
$
(66) $

2,271

134

2,137

We generally determine our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis, with a measurement date of October 31. 

The following table presents our assumptions for pension benefit calculations for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 

and 2011:

2013

2012

2011

2013

2012

2011

For the Year Ended October 31,

Weighted Average Assumptions:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Expected return on plan assets

Benefit Obligation
3.29%
2.50%
n/a

4.40%
4.00%
n/a

4.18%
2.50%
n/a

Net Periodic Benefit Cost
4.40%
4.00%
7.25%

3.29%
2.50%
7.25%

5.15%
4.00%
7.25%

The discount rate was used to calculate the present value of the projected benefit obligation for pension benefits. The rate 
reflects the amount at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. For the years ended October 31, 2013, 
2012 and 2011, we determined our discount rate based on a pension discount curve.  The rate represents the single rate that, if 
applied to every year of projected benefits payments, would result in the same discounted value as the array of rates that comprise 
the pension discount curve.

The expected return on plan assets was used to determine net periodic pension expense. The rate of return assumptions were 
based on projected long-term market returns for the various asset classes in which the plans were invested, weighted by the target 
asset allocations. We review the return assumption at least annually. The rate of compensation increase represents the long-term 
assumption for expected increases in salaries.

Plan Assets

The following tables provide our target allocation for the year ended October 31, 2013, as well as the actual asset allocation 

by asset category and fair value measurements as of October 31, 2013 and 2012:

Equity securities
Fixed income

Target Allocation

Actual Allocation

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2012

60.0%
40.0%

60.0%
40.0%

60.0%
40.0%

69

 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Money market fund

Large capitalization
Small capitalization
International equity
Other

Equity securities

High-quality core bond
High-quality government bond
High-yield bond

Fixed income

Total securities(1)

Fair Value Measurements at

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2012

(In thousands)
$

445

7,439
2,745
2,536
1,139
13,859

4,653
2,322
2,328
9,303

23,607

$

$

$

$

$

167

5,918
2,218
1,993
929
11,058

3,645
1,831
1,861
7,337

18,562

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1).

Inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets vary according to the type of security being 
valued. All of the equity and debt securities held directly by the plans were actively traded and fair values were determined based 
on quoted market prices.

Our investment objective for defined benefit plan assets is to meet the plans’ benefit obligations, while minimizing the 
potential for future required plan contributions. The investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet 
benefit  payments  and  an  appropriate  balance  of  long-term  investment  return  and  risk. Target  ranges  for  asset  allocations  are 
determined by matching the actuarial projections of the plans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with expected long-term rates 
of return on the assets, taking into account investment return volatility and correlations across asset classes. Plan assets are diversified 
across several investment managers and are generally invested in liquid funds that are selected to track broad market equity and 
bond indices. Investment risk is  carefully controlled with plan assets rebalanced to target allocations on a periodic basis and 
monitoring of performance of investment managers relative to the investment guidelines established with each investment manager.

Expected Benefit Payments and Funding

Our pension funding policy is to make the minimum annual contributions required pursuant to the plan.  We accelerated 
contributions to target a 100% funding threshold. Additionally, we consider funding annual requirements early in the fiscal year 
to potentially maximize the return on assets. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made total pension 
contributions of $3.7 million, $4.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2014, we expect to contribute approximately $1.1 million to the pension plan to reach targeted funding levels 
and meet minimum contribution requirements. This expected contribution level will be dependent on many variables, including 
the  market value of the assets compared to the obligation, as well as other market or regulatory conditions. In addition, we consider 
the cash requirements of our business investment opportunities. Accordingly, actual funding amounts and the timing of such funding 
may differ from current estimates.

70

 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table presents the total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants by year, which includes payments 

funded from our assets, as well as payments paid from the plan for the year ended October 31, (in thousands):

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019 - 2023

Total

Defined Contribution Plan

Pension Benefits

2,155

2,072

2,379

2,523

2,633

15,473

27,235

$

$

We also sponsor defined contribution plans into which we and our employees make contributions. We match 5% up to the 
first 50% of employee deferrals.  We do not offer our common stock as a direct investment option under these plans.  For the years 
ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we contributed approximately $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $3.1 million for these plans, 
respectively.   

Other Plans

Under our postretirement benefit plan, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for a small number of eligible 
retired employees who were employed prior to January 1, 1993. Certain employees may become eligible for those benefits if they 
reach normal retirement age while working for us. We continue to fund benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis.  The table below 
indicates the amount of these liabilities included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2012

Accrued liabilities
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits

Total

$

$

$

(In thousands)
74
1,080
1,154

$

74
1,035
1,109

We also have supplemental benefit plans covering certain executive officers and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan 
covering members of the Board of Directors and certain key employees.  As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, our liability under the 
supplemental benefit plan was approximately $3.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and under the deferred compensation 
plan was approximately $6.7 million and $5.9 million, respectively.  Of this amount, we expect to settle approximately $1.8 million 
and  $3.4 million respectively, related to the supplemental benefit plan the deferred compensation plan, within one year as a result 
of the recent separation of three of our executive officers in 2013.

10. Warranty Obligations

We accrue warranty obligations as we recognize revenue associated with certain products.  We make provisions for our 
warranty obligations based upon historical experience of costs incurred for such obligations adjusted, as necessary, for current 
conditions and factors.  There are significant uncertainties and judgments involved in estimating our warranty obligations, including 
changing  product  designs,  differences  in  customer  installation  processes  and  future  claims  experience  which  may  vary  from 
historical claims experience.  Therefore, the ultimate amount we incur as warranty costs in the near and long-term may not be 
consistent with our current estimate.

71

 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

A reconciliation of the activity related to our accrued warranty, including both the current and long-term portions (reported 

in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets) follows:

Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012, and 2011, respectively
Provision for warranty expense

Change in accrual for preexisting warranties

Warranty costs paid

Total accrued warranty

Less: Current  portion of accrued warranty

Long-term portion at October 31,

11. Income Taxes

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

4,781

$

768
(1,279)
(586)
3,684

1,700

1,984

$

$

5,262

652
(838)
(295)
4,781

2,045

2,736

$

$

$

We  provide  for  income  taxes  on  taxable  income  at  the  statutory  rates  applicable.   The  following  table  summarizes  the 

components of income tax expense excluding discontinued operations for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

Current

Federal

State and local

Non-U.S.

Total current

Deferred

Federal

State and local

Non-U.S.

Total deferred

Total (benefit) provision

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

2011

$

$

522

422

846

1,790

(7,779)
(571)
62
(8,288)
(6,498)

$

$

257

320

615

1,192

(9,060)
(213)
(570)
(9,843)
(8,651)

$

$

1,949

390

737

3,076

3,964

596
(1,199)
3,361

6,437

The following table reconciles our effective income tax rate to the federal statutory rate of 35% for the years ended October 31, 

2013, 2012 and 2011:

U.S. tax at statutory rate

State and local income tax

Non-U.S. income tax

Employee related items

Transaction costs

General business credits

Valuation allowance

Other

Effective tax rate

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

35.0%

35.0%

35.0%

3.1

0.1

—

—

0.9
(2.9)
(0.5)
35.7%

3.9
(0.5)
(2.1)
—

1.1
(4.4)
1.3

34.3%

4.4

1.1

—

4.7
(2.6)
—
(1.1)
41.5%

72

 
 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Significant components of our net deferred tax assets were as follows:

Deferred tax assets:

Employee benefit obligations

Goodwill and intangibles

Accrued liabilities and reserves

Pension and other benefit obligations

Inventory

Loss and tax credit carry forwards

Other

Total gross deferred tax assets

Less: Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Net deferred tax assets

Deferred income tax assets, non-current

Deferred income tax assets, current

Net deferred tax assets

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

14,025

$

14,948

771

4,255

2,134

3,435

23,874

261

48,755

2,478

46,277

2,205

44,072

21,286

22,786

44,072

$

$

$

3,055

4,349

3,720

3,858

13,168

291

43,389

1,694

41,695

3,322

38,373

17,934

20,439

38,373

$

$

$

At October 31, 2013, operating loss carry forwards for tax purposes, mostly comprised of federal and state, were $111.0 
million. The majority of such losses begin to expire in 2025. Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities totaled $1.3 million 
and are not expected to be utilized within the next twelve months. We evaluate tax benefits of operating losses and tax credit carry 
forwards on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry forward 
period and other circumstances.  We have recorded a valuation allowance for certain state net operating losses as of October 31, 
2013  and  2012,  totaling  $2.5  million  ($1.6  million  net  of  federal  taxes)  and  $1.7  million  ($1.1  million  net  of  federal  taxes), 
respectively.  There was no valuation allowance recorded for the year ended October 31, 2011.  In assessing the need for a valuation 
allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets.     

The following table reconciles the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 

and 2011 (in thousands): 

Balance at November 1, 2010

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions related to the prior year

Balance at October 31, 2011

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions related to the prior year

Lapse in statute of limitations

Balance at October 31, 2012

Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year

Lapse in statute of limitations

Balance at October 31, 2013

73

Unrecognized
Income Tax Benefits

$

$

$

$

18,615

13

414

19,042

12

276
(3,571)
15,759

14

497
(3,032)
13,238

 
 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Included in prepaid and other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were income tax receivables 

of $0.2 million and $1.3 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

No deferred income taxes were provided on $4.2 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries as of October 31, 
2013, as we intend to indefinitely reinvest these funds in these foreign jurisdictions.  Upon distribution of these earnings in the 
form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to United States taxation and foreign withholding taxes.  We cannot estimate 
the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual distribution of these earnings after consideration of available foreign tax 
credits.  

Our unrecognized tax benefit (UTB) is related to the 2008 spin-off of Quanex from its parent and certain state tax items 
regarding the interpretation of tax laws and regulations.  The total UTB at October 31, 2012 was $15.8 million.  Of this amount, 
$6.7 million was recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and $9.1 million was recorded as deferred income taxes (non-
current assets) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  During the year ended October 31, 2013, we reduced the liability 
for uncertain tax positions related to the spin-off by $2.7 million due to the lapse in the statute of limitations, which resulted in a 
non-cash increase in retained earnings of $2.1 million and a decrease in income tax expense of $0.6 million.  At October 31, 2013, 
$5.4 million is recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and $7.8 million is recorded in deferred income taxes (non current 
assets).  The total UTB of $13.2 million at October 31, 2013, includes $12.4 million for which the recognition of such items would 
not affect the annual effective tax rate.  For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized a benefit of $0.1 
million and $0.2 million and expense of $0.3 million, respectively, in interest and penalties which were reported as income tax 
(benefit) expense in the consolidated statements of income consistent with past practice.

We, along with our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the United States and various state jurisdictions as well as in the 
United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. We are not currently under a tax examination, but in certain jurisdictions the statute of 
limitations has not yet expired. We generally remain subject to examination of our United States income tax returns for 2010 and 
subsequent years. We generally remain subject to examination of our various state income tax returns for a period of four to five 
years from the date the return was filed. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states 
for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the state of the federal change.

On  September  13,  2013,  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  issued  final Tangible  Property  Regulations  (TPR)  under  Internal 
Revenue Code (IRC) Section 162 and IRC Section 263(a), which prescribe the capitalization treatment of certain repair costs, 
asset betterments and other costs which could affect temporary deferred taxes.  Although the regulations are not effective until tax 
years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, certain portions may require an accounting method change on a retroactive basis, thus 
requiring an IRC Section 481(a) adjustment related to fixed and real asset deferred taxes.  Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, as of the date 
of the issuance, the release of the regulations is treated as a change in tax law.  Therefore, we are required to determine whether 
there will be an impact on our financial statements as of October 31, 2013.  We are currently analyzing the expected impact of the 
new regulations and we do not believe the impact will be material to our financial position or results of operations. We will continue 
to monitor any future changes in the TPR prospectively.  

Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements 
or income tax returns.  The final outcome of the future tax consequences of legal proceedings, if any, as well as the outcome of 
competent authority proceedings, changes in regulatory tax laws, or interpretation of those tax laws could impact our financial 
statements. We are subject to the effect of these matters occurring in various jurisdictions.  We believe it is reasonably possible 
that a decrease of approximately $2.0 million in the UTB may be recognized within the next twelve months as a result of a lapse 
in the statute of limitations.

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases and Purchase Obligations

We have operating leases for certain real estate and equipment used in our business.  Rental expense for the years ended 
October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7.1 million, $6.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively.  We sublease certain of our facilities 
as of October 31, 2013, pursuant to which we expect to receive future minimum non-cancelable rentals of $1.4 million. 

We are a party to non-cancelable purchase obligations primarily for natural gas and aluminum scrap used in our manufacturing 
processes. We paid $4.1 million, $4.0 million and $2.8 million pursuant to these arrangements for the years ended October 31, 
2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  These obligations extend through 2014 with $0.5 million due in fiscal year 2014.  Future 
amounts paid pursuant to these arrangements will depend, to some extent, on our usage.   

74

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table presents future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one 

year at October 31, 2013 (in thousands):

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thereafter

Total

Asset Retirement Obligation

$

Operating
Leases

7,021

5,979

4,492

3,603

2,851

8,107

$

32,053

We maintain an asset retirement obligation associated with a leased facility in Kent, Washington.  During July 2013, we 
revised our estimate of future cash flows associated with this asset retirement obligation and recorded an incremental asset and 
corresponding liability at fair value totaling $1.2 million.  We expect to depreciate the asset and accrete the liability over a seven 
year term, resulting in a cumulative asset retirement obligation of $2.2 million at such time.  

Environmental

We  are  subject  to  extensive  laws  and  regulations  concerning  the  discharge  of  materials  into  the  environment  and  the 
remediation of chemical contamination. To satisfy such requirements, we must make capital and other expenditures on an on-
going basis.  We accrue for remediation obligations and adjust our accruals as information becomes available and circumstances 
develop. Those estimates may change substantially depending on various factors, including the nature and extent of contamination, 
appropriate remediation technologies, and regulatory approvals. When we accrue for environmental remediation liabilities, costs 
of future expenditures are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or 
reliably determinable. When environmental laws are deemed to impose joint and several liability for the costs of responding to 
contamination, information indicates that it is probable we have incurred a loss, and such amount is estimable, we accrue our 
allocable share of liability taking into account the number of parties participating, the ability of such counter-parties to pay their 
shares of the costs, the volume and nature of the wastes involved, the nature of anticipated response actions, and the nature of our 
alleged connection to the contamination. The cost of environmental matters has not had a material adverse effect on our operations 
or financial condition in the past, and we are not currently aware of any conditions that, we believe, are likely to have a material 
adverse effect on our operations, financial condition or cash flows.

The table below indicates the total environmental reserve and corresponding recovery balance as of October 31, 2013 and 

2012:

Accrued liabilities
Non-current environmental reserves

Total environmental reserves

Accounts receivable

Other current assets

Other assets (non-current)

Total receivable for recovery of remediation costs

October 31,

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

$

$

1,550

9,255

10,805

903

1,395

8,330

10,628

$

1,700

9,827

11,527

821

—

10,374

11,195

$

$

$

$

Currently, our on-going remediation activities are associated with one of our subsidiaries, Nichols Aluminum-Alabama, LLC 
(NAA). NAA operates a plant in Decatur, Alabama that is subject to an Alabama Hazardous Wastes Management and Minimization 
Act  Post-Closure  Permit.  Among  other  things,  the  permit  requires  NAA  to  remediate,  as  directed  by  the  state,  historical 
environmental releases of wastes and waste constituents. Consistent with the permit, NAA has undertaken various studies of site 
conditions and, during the first quarter of 2006, started a phased program to treat in-place free product petroleum that had been 

75

 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

released underneath the plant. During the second quarter 2010, NAA submitted to the state the first component of its proposed 
workplan for implementing a site-wide remedy. The full workplan was submitted to the state during the third quarter 2010, revised 
during the second quarter 2011 to reflect both additional sampling data and responses to state comments, and revised again in the 
fourth quarter 2011 in response to another round of state comments.  In September 2013, the state approved NAA’s cleanup plan 
and incorporated it into a revised Post-Closure Permit. Based on the cleanup activities set forth in that Permit, and current information 
about site conditions, our remediation reserve at NAA’s Decatur plant is $10.8 million as of October 31, 2013. Approximately $0.7 
million of the October 31, 2013 reserve represents administrative costs; the balance of $10.1 million represents estimated costs 
for investigation, studies, cleanup, and treatment. The reserve has not been discounted. NAA was acquired through a stock purchase 
in which the sellers agreed to indemnify us and NAA for identified environmental matters related to the business and based on 
conditions initially created or events initially occurring prior to the acquisition. Environmental conditions are presumed to relate 
to the period prior to the acquisition unless proved to relate to releases occurring entirely after closing. The limit on indemnification 
is $21.5 million excluding legal fees. While our current estimates indicate we will not reach this limit, changing circumstances 
could result in additional costs or expenses that are not foreseen at this time. In accordance with the indemnification, the indemnitors 
paid the first $1.5 million of response costs and have been paying 90% of on-going costs. Based on our experience to date, the 
estimated cleanup costs going forward, and costs incurred to date as of October 31, 2013, we expect to recover from the sellers’ 
shareholders an additional $10.6 million which has not been discounted. 

Our final remediation costs and the timing of those expenditures will depend upon such factors as the nature and extent of 
contamination, the cleanup technologies employed, the effectiveness of the cleanup measures that are employed, and regulatory 
concurrences. While actual remediation costs, therefore, may be more or less than amounts accrued, we believe that we have  
established adequate reserves for all probable and reasonably estimable remediation liabilities. It is not possible at this point to 
reasonably estimate the amount of any obligation for remediation in excess of current accruals because of uncertainties as to the 
extent of environmental impact, cleanup technologies, and concurrence of governmental authorities. Currently, we expect to pay 
the accrued remediation reserve through fiscal year 2035, although some of the same factors discussed earlier could accelerate or 
extend the timing. 

Other

From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course 
of our business. Although the ultimate resolution and impact of such litigation is not presently determinable, we believe that the 
eventual outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition, results of operations 
or cash flows.

13. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

Derivative Instruments

Our derivative activities are subject to the management, direction, and control of the Chief Financial Officer and Chief 

Executive Officer. Certain transactions in excess of specified levels require further approval from the Board of Directors.

The nature of our business activities requires the management of various financial and market risks, including those related 
to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and aluminum scrap prices. We use foreign currency forwards and options and 
aluminum forward and swap contracts to mitigate or eliminate certain of those risks.  Specifically, the foreign currency contracts 
are used to offset fluctuations in the value of accounts receivable and payable balances that are denominated in currencies other 
than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar.  We use aluminum contracts to minimize the price 
risk related to customer sales contracts.  Historically, we have entered into firm price raw material purchase commitments (which 
are designated as "normal purchases" under ASC topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" (ASC 815)) as well as certain forward 
purchase and sale contracts and a swap contract with the commodity price based on published amounts from the London Metal 
Exchange (LME).  Our risk management policy, as it relates to these LME contracts, is to enter into contracts as needed so that  
raw material purchase levels, including both fixed price purchase commitments as well as LME contracts, match our needs to meet 
the committed sales orders.  Currently, we do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our derivative transactions.  We attempt 
to mitigate this risk by monitoring the creditworthiness of our counterparties and limiting our exposure to individual counterparties.  
In addition, we have established master netting agreements in certain cases to facilitate the settlement of gains and losses on specific 
derivative contracts.

76

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

We have not designated any of our derivative contracts as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, changes in the fair 
value of these contracts and the realized gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as follows (in 
thousands):

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Location of Gain or (Loss):

2013

2012

2011

Aluminum derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Cost of sales

Other, net

$

$

(122)
(570)

$

$

(476)
895

$

$

(307)
(175)

Year Ended October 31,

The fair values of outstanding derivative contracts were recorded as assets and liabilities on the accompanying consolidated 

balance sheets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 as indicated in the table below (in thousands):

Prepaid and other current assets:

Aluminum derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Other assets:

Aluminum derivatives

Accrued liabilities:

Aluminum derivatives

Foreign currency derivatives

Other liabilities (non-current):
Aluminum derivatives

October 31,

2013

2012

$

$

50

163

8

77

38

$

— $

10

6

—

170

23

4

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and fair value of outstanding derivative contracts at October 31, 2013 

and 2012 (in thousands):

Aluminum derivatives:

Aluminum forward purchase contracts

Aluminum swap contracts

Foreign currency exchange derivatives:

Sell EUR, buy USD

Buy GBP, sell USD

Buy EUR, sell GBP

Sell EUR buy GBP

Sell CAD, buy USD

Fair Value Measurement 

Notional as indicated

Fair Value in $

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

October 31,
2013

October 31,
2012

LBS

LBS

EUR

GBP

EUR

EUR

CAD

3,142

187

7,258

2,435

967

880

615

2,370

$

—

7,663

1,934

—

545

608

$

$

60
(64)

(164)
—

150
(25)
(12)
14
(2)

$

(23)
5

—

—

1

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
between  market  participants  at  the  measurement  date.   The  fair  value  hierarchy  distinguishes  between  (1)  market  participant 
assumptions  developed  based  on  market  data  obtained  from  independent  sources  (observable  inputs)  and  (2)  an  entity's  own 
assumptions  about  market  participant  assumptions  developed  based  on  the  best  information  available  in  the  circumstances 
(unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted 
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The 
three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

•  Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted 

assets or liabilities.

77

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

•  Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly 
or indirectly including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar 
assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability 
(e.g., interest rates) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation 
or other means.

•  Level 3 - Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

We hold investments in money market funds, pension plan assets and derivative contracts that are measured at fair value on 
a recurring basis.  The  investments in money market funds and the pension plan assets are measured at fair value based on active 
market quotations and are therefore classified as Level 1.  All of our derivative contracts are valued using quoted market prices 
from brokers or exchanges and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

We classified the investments in money market funds as cash and equivalents, and the pension plan assets were classified 

as deferred pension and postretirement benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis based on the fair value hierarchy (in 

thousands):

October 31, 2013

October 31, 2012

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets
Investments in money market fund

Aluminum derivatives

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

$ 42,639 $ — $ — $ 42,639

$ 67,819 $ — $ — $ 67,819

—

—

58

163

—

—

58

163

—

—

10

6

—

—

10

6

Total assets

$ 42,639 $

221 $ — $ 42,860

$ 67,819 $

16 $ — $ 67,835

Liabilities
Aluminum derivatives

Foreign currency exchange derivatives

Total liabilities

$

$

— $

(77) $ — $

—

(38)

—

— $ (115) $ — $

(77)
(38)
(115)

$

$

— $ (174) $ — $
—
— $ (197) $ — $

(23)

—

(174)
(23)
(197)

Net assets (liabilities)

$ 42,639 $

106 $ — $ 42,745

$ 67,819 $ (181) $ — $ 67,638

We record certain property, plant and equipment at fair value on a non-recurring basis and classify as Level 3.  These assets 
totaled $4.2 million at October 31, 2012, were increased by approximately $1.0 million associated with roof repairs to the facility 
in Barbourville as well as other additions, but subsequently these assets were impaired by $1.5 million (see Note 5, "Property, 
Plant and Equipment"), resulting in a fair value of $3.7 million at October 31, 2013.  The fair value was based on broker opinions.

Carrying  amounts  reported  on  the  balance  sheet  for  cash,  cash  equivalents,  accounts  receivable  and  accounts  payable 
approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.  Our outstanding debt at October 31, 2013 was variable 
rate debt that re-prices frequently, thereby limiting our exposure to significant change in interest rate risk.  As a result, the fair 
value of our debt instruments approximates carrying value at October 31, 2013 and 2012.

14. Stock-Based Compensation

We have established and maintain an Omnibus Incentive Plan (2008 Plan) that provides for the granting of restricted stock 
awards, stock options, restricted stock units and other stock-based and cash-based awards.  The 2008 Plan is administered by the 
Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors.

The aggregate number of shares of common stock originally authorized for grant under the 2008 Plan was 2,900,000. At our 
annual shareholder meeting held in February 2011, the shareholders approved an amendment which increased the aggregate number 
of shares available for grant under the 2008 Plan by an additional 2,400,000 shares. Any officer, key employee and/or non-employee 
director or any of our affiliates is eligible for awards under the 2008 Plan. Our initial grant of awards under the 2008 Plan was on 
April 23, 2008. Our practice is to grant stock options and restricted stock units to non-employee directors on the last business day 
of each fiscal year, with an additional grant of options to each director on the date of his or her first anniversary of service. Once 
we receive approval from the Board of Directors in December, we grant stock options, restricted stock awards and/or restricted 
stock units to employees.  Occasionally, we may make additional grants to key employees at other times during the year. 

78

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards are granted to key employees and officers annually, and typically cliff vest over a three-year period 
with service and continued employment as the only vesting criteria.  The recipient of the restricted stock awards is entitled to all 
of the rights of a shareholder, except that the awards are nontransferable during the vesting period. The fair value of the restricted 
stock award is established on the grant date and then expensed over the vesting period resulting in an increase in additional paid-
in-capital.  Shares are generally issued from treasury stock at the time of grant.  A summary of non-vested restricted stock awards 
activity during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, follows:

Restricted Stock
Awards

Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value 
per Share

Non-vested at October 31, 2010

378,616

$

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at October 31, 2011

Granted

Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at October 31, 2012

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at October 31, 2013

69,200
(166,219)
(25,207)
256,390

83,900
(115,790)
(11,800)
212,700

148,400
(67,300)
(110,400)
183,400

$

13.07

17.14

15.29

13.62

12.67

15.08

7.82
16.07

16.08

18.83

16.21

17.40

17.46

The total weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended October 31, 
2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $2.5 million, respectively.  As of October 31, 2013, total unrecognized 
compensation cost related to unamortized restricted stock awards totaled $1.9 million.  We expect to recognize this expense over 
the remaining weighted average period of 2.3 years.

Stock Options

Stock options are awarded to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. Director stock options vest immediately 
while employee and officer stock options typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment  
as the vesting conditions. Our stock options may be exercised up to a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. The fair value 
of the stock options is determined on the grant date and expensed over the vesting period resulting in an increase in additional 
paid-in-capital.  

We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of our stock options. A description of the methodology 

for the valuation assumption follows:

•  Expected Volatility – For stock options granted prior to July 1, 2013, we used an estimate of the historical volatility of a selected 
peer group.  Effective July 1, 2013, we determined that we had sufficient historical data to calculate the volatility of our 
common stock since our spin-off in April 2008. We believe there has been uncertainty in the United States equities market 
over the past several years and that uncertainty has contributed to volatility in equities in general.  We expect this volatility 
to continue over the foreseeable future.  Therefore, we believe that our historical volatility is a proxy for expected volatility.  
We have not excluded any of our historical data from the volatility calculation (over this 5 year term), and we are not aware 
of any specific significant factors which might impact our future volatility.  

•  Expected Term – For stock options granted prior to July 1, 2013, we determined the expected term using historical information 
of our former parent company prior to the spin-off in 2008, with regards to option vesting, exercise behavior and contractual 
expiration, as we believed that this employee group was the most similar to our employee group. Separate groups of employees 
that have similar historical exercise behavior were considered separately.  Effective July 1, 2013, we determined that we had 
sufficient historical data to estimate our expected term using our own data for the past 5 years with regards to  the exercise 
behavior, cancellations, retention patterns and remaining contractual terms.  When analyzing these patterns and variables, we 
considered the stratification of the awards (large grants to relatively few employees versus smaller grants to many others), 

79

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

the age of certain employees with larger grants, the historical exercise behavior of the employee group, and fluctuations/
volatility of our underlying common stock, as to whether the stock options are expected to be out-of-the-money.   For our 
directors, stock options vest immediately, and, as such,  the expected term approximates the contractual term, after adjusting 
for historical forfeitures. We believe our estimates are reasonable given these factors.

•  Risk-Free Rate – We base the risk-free rate on the yield at the date of grant of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond whose 

maturity period equals the option’s expected term.

•  Expected Dividend Yield – We base the expected dividend yield on our historical dividend payment of approximately $0.16 

per share. 

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock options granted during the years 

ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Weighted-average expected volatility

Weighted-average expected term (in years)

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield over expected term

Weighted average grant date fair value

2013

54.9%

5.3

1.0%

1.0%

$8.75

Year Ended October 31,

2012

54.0%

5.0

0.9%

1.0%

$6.80

2011

53.0%

5.0

1.7%

1.0%

$7.42

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Stock Options

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Weighted Average
Remaining 
Contractual
Term (in years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (000s)

Outstanding at October 31, 2010

1,724,301

$

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at October 31, 2011

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at October 31, 2012

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited/Expired

Outstanding at October 31, 2013

Vested or expected to vest at October 31, 2013

480,392
(61,338)
(5,919)
2,137,436

607,972
(229,423)
(42,735)
2,473,250

636,645
(179,517)
(55,102)
2,875,276

2,793,938

Exercisable at October 31, 2013

1,819,190

$

13.24

17.13

14.13

14.87

14.08

15.82

13.14

15.71

14.57

19.67

14.39

18.01

15.64

15.55

14.22

$

3,520

$

12,908

7.0

6.9

5.9

$

$

$

7,748

7,688

6,697

Intrinsic value is the amount by which the market price of the common stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise 
price of the stock option.  For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the total intrinsic value of our stock options that 
were exercised totaled $0.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  The total fair value of stock options vested during 
the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $3.2 million, $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively.  As of October 31, 
2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $3.5 million.   We expect to recognize this expense over 
the remaining weighted average period of 2.1 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units may be awarded to key employees and officers from time to time, and annually to non-employee 
directors. The director restricted stock units vest immediately, whereas restricted stock units awarded to employees and officers 

80

  
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

typically cliff vest after a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting conditions. Restricted stock 
units are not considered outstanding shares and do not have voting rights, although the holder does receive a cash payment equivalent 
to the dividend paid, on a one-for-one basis, on our outstanding common shares. Once the vesting criteria is met, each restricted 
stock unit is payable to the holder in cash based on the market value of one share of our common stock. Accordingly, we record 
a liability for the restricted stock units on our balance sheet and recognize any changes in the market value during each reporting 
period as compensation expense.

The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock unit activity during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 

2011:

Non-vested at October 31, 2010

Granted

Vested

Non-vested at October 31, 2011

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at October 31, 2012

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested at October 31, 2013

Restricted Stock
Units

Weighted Average

Grant Date            
 Fair Value

21,000

$

10,278
(10,278)
21,000

162,632
(7,632)
(15,000)
161,000

6,875
(12,875)
(54,000)
101,000

$

18.35

14.75

14.75

18.35

15.60

19.77

18.35

15.47

17.78

18.05

15.08

15.62

We paid $0.1 million and $0.2 million to settle restricted stock units during the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012,  

respectively.  There were no such payments related to settling restricted stock units during the year ended October 31, 2011.

The following table summarizes amounts expensed as selling, general and administrative expense related to restricted stock 

awards, stock options and restricted stock units for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011(in thousands):

Restricted stock awards

Stock options

Restricted stock units

Compensation expense

Income tax effect

Net compensation expense

15. Stockholders' Equity

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

165

$

4,745

313

5,223
1,864

3,359

$

1,117

3,286

1,201

5,604
1,922

3,682

$

$

1,537

3,166

149

4,852
2,003

2,849

As of October 31, 2013, our authorized capital stock consists of 125,000,000 shares of common stock, at par value of $0.01 per 
share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with no par value.  As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had 37,653,639 and 
37,788,804 shares of common stock issued, respectively, and 37,165,254 and 38,605,106 shares of common stock outstanding,  
respectively. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012.

Stock Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock

On May 27, 2010, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 
shares of our common stock. On August 25, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 1,000,000 shares under the 
repurchase program. This program does not have a dollar limit or an expiration date. There were no repurchases of shares during 
the year ended October 31, 2013. During the years ended October 31, 2012 and 2011, we purchased 94,337 shares at a cost of $1.3 
million and 750,000 shares at a cost of $10.1 million, respectively.  As of October 31, 2013, there were 905,663 authorized shares 
remaining available for purchase pursuant to the program.

81

 
 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The objectives of this repurchase program are to manage the dilution created by shares issued under stock-based compensation 
plans and to repurchase shares opportunistically. We record treasury stock purchases under the cost method whereby the entire 
cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. On the subsequent re-issuance of shares, we record any resulting proceeds 
in excess of cost as an increase in additional paid in capital while any deficiency is charged to retained earnings.

16. Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) included under the caption "Other, net" on the accompanying consolidated statements of income, 

consisted of the following (in thousands):

Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)

Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)

Interest income

Other

Other income (expense)

17. Segment Information

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

$

474
(570)
63

201

168

$

$

(857)
895

206
(22)
222

$

$

(729)
(175)
311

79
(514)

We have two reportable segments: (1) Engineered Products and (2) Aluminum Sheet Products. The Engineered Products 
segment produces systems, finished products and components serving the OEM residential window and door industry, while the 
Aluminum Sheet Products segment produces mill finished and coated aluminum sheet serving the broader building and construction 
markets. The primary market drivers of our segments are residential remodeling and replacement activity (R&R) and new home 
construction.

We measure our inventory at the segment level on a FIFO or weighted-average basis; however, at the consolidated level, a 
portion of the inventory is measured on a LIFO basis. The LIFO reserve is computed on a consolidated basis as a single pool. (See 
Note  4,  "Inventories.").  We  record  LIFO  inventory  adjustments,  corporate  office  charges  and  inter-segment  eliminations  as 
Corporate & Other.  We account for inter-segment sales and transfers as though the sales or transfers were to third parties, at current 
market  prices.  Inter-segment  sales,  related  cost  of  sales,  and  intercompany  profit  are  eliminated  in  consolidation.  The  most 
significant components of corporate assets include cash and equivalents, property, plant and equipment, and deferred tax assets, 
among others.  We measure segment profit and our chief operating decision makers evaluate segment results based on the U.S. 
GAAP measure of operating income (loss).  We do not allocate interest expense, interest income or income taxes to our operating 
segments.

Segment information as of and for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended October 31, 2013

Net sales

Inter-segment sales

Depreciation and amortization

Operating income (loss)

Capital expenditures

Goodwill

Total assets

Engineered Products

Aluminum Sheet Products

Corporate & Other

Total

$

554,867

$

397,775

$

— $

952,642

113

31,368

45,324

17,674

71,866

12,605

6,983
(996)

12,723

—

(12,718)
22,153
(62,057)

7,534

—

—

60,504
(17,729)

37,931

71,866

$

392,243

$

132,506

$

47,066

$

571,815

 
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

Year Ended October 31, 2012

Net sales

Inter-segment sales

Depreciation and amortization

Operating income (loss)

Capital expenditures

Goodwill

Total assets

Year Ended October 31, 2011

Net sales

Inter-segment sales

Depreciation and amortization

Operating income (loss)

Capital expenditures

Goodwill

Total assets

$

478,578

$

350,398

$

— $

828,976

$

$

—

28,115

28,490

17,540

68,331

11,917

7,621

(17,098)

10,381

—

(11,917)

1,860

(36,345)

14,950

—

—

37,596

(24,953)

42,871

68,331

380,551

$

139,733

$

69,254

$

589,538

420,258

$

428,036

$

— $

848,294

—

25,232

30,293

11,248

69,432

12,459

8,542

17,115

8,749

—

(12,459)

158

(30,930)

5,315

—

—

33,932

16,478

25,312

69,432

$

389,889

$

132,161

$

62,879

$

584,929

For the change in the carrying amount of goodwill, see Note 6 "Goodwill & Intangible Assets".

Geographic Information

Our manufacturing facilities and all long-lived assets are located in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. We 
attribute our net sales to a geographic region based on the location of the customer.  The following tables provide information 
concerning our net sales for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and our long-lived assets as of October 31, 2013 
and 2012 (in thousands):

Net Sales:

United States

Mexico

Canada

Asian countries

European countries
Other foreign countries

Total net sales

Long-lived assets, net

United States

Germany
United Kingdom

Total long-lived assets, net

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

2011

$

791,200

$

657,235

$

696,335

8,958

79,363

17,390

52,051

3,680

11,138

89,381

18,504

49,687

3,031

12,105

83,570

19,181

35,003

2,100

$

952,642

$

828,976

$

848,294

Year Ended October 31,

2013

2012

259,462

$

267,110

35,779

12,806

34,544

13,934

308,047

$

315,588

$

$

83

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

18. Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding 
during the period.  Diluted earnings per common and potential common share includes the weighted average of additional shares 
associated with the incremental effect of dilutive employee stock options and non-vested restricted stock as determined using the 
treasury stock method prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance on earnings per share.  

The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options and other common stock equivalents when 
their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. This is always the case when an entity incurs a net loss, as we did for the years ended October 
31, 2013 and 2012. During these twelve-month periods, 492,288 and 391,813 of common stock equivalents, respectively, and 
84,222 and 109,389 shares of restricted stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. 

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year ended October 31, 2011 

was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

Basic earnings per common share
Effect of dilutive securities:

Stock options

Restricted stock

Diluted earnings per common share

Year Ended October 31, 2011

Income

Weighted
Average Shares

Per Share

$

$

9,078

—

—

9,078

37,007

$

0.24

328

202

37,537

$

0.24

For the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we had 816,617, 928,997 and 747,807 securities, respectively, that 
were potentially dilutive in future earnings per share calculations.  Such dilution will be dependent on the excess of the market 
price of our stock over the exercise price and other components of the treasury stock method.

19. Restructuring Activities

In  November  2011,  we  committed  to  a  plan  to  close  our  facility  in  Barbourville,  Kentucky  which  was  included  in  the 
Engineered Products segment. The consolidation plan, in part, called for the permanent closing of this facility, with the equipment 
used  to  manufacture  the  single  seal,  warm  edge  spacer  system  relocated  to  our  facility  in  Cambridge,  Ohio. We  believe  this 
consolidation allowed us to better serve our customers through streamlined operations. The consolidation of operations and the 
subsequent closure of this facility were completed in August 2012, with residual cash payments and minor program costs incurred 
in fiscal 2013.  This facility remained held for sale as of October 31, 2013.    

Under ASC Topic 712, “Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits”, we are required to record charges for 
contractual termination benefits and other ongoing benefit arrangements when it is probable that employees will be entitled to 
benefits under the contract’s terms and the amount can be reasonably estimated. We determined that certain severance pay qualifies 
as either a contractual termination benefit or an ongoing benefit arrangement, and accordingly recognized $3.4 million in severance 
during the year ended October 31, 2012.  Severance was paid out during 2012 as employees exited.  Under ASC Topic 420, “Exit 
or Disposal Cost Obligations,” we are required to record charges for one-time employee termination benefits, contract termination 
costs, and other associated costs as incurred. No exit costs or termination benefits were incurred as of October 31, 2011 and no 
liability was accrued for the closing of our facility in Barbourville as of October 31, 2011.  In February 2012, we and the union 
reached an agreement to pay a one-time incentive bonus to employees upon their planned exit date termination, provided certain 
performance criteria were met.  The salaried employees were offered the same one-time incentive bonus under the same terms as 
the union employees.  There were no restructuring charges recognized for the year ended October 31, 2013.  For the year ended 
October 31, 2012, we expensed $9.0 million for restructuring charges, of which $3.4 million was for employee-related termination 
costs and $5.6 million was for facility consolidation related costs.    

84

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending liability balances pursuant to this restructuring plan for the years 

ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands): 

Balance at October 31, 2011

Charges to expense

Cash payments

Other adjustments

Balance at October 31, 2012

Charges (credits) to expense

Cash payments

Balance at October 31, 2013

20. Unaudited Quarterly Data

Employee
Termination Costs

Facility
Consolidation Costs

Total

—

$

—

$

3,372
(3,199)
—

173
(15)
(158)
—

$

$

5,621
(5,530)
(26)
65

—
(65)
—

$

$

$

$

$

—

8,993
(8,729)
(26)
238
(15)
(223)
—

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:

For the Quarter Ended

Net sales

Cost of sales
Depreciation and amortization(1)
Operating income (loss)

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Cash dividends paid per common share

For the Quarter Ended

Net sales

Cost of sales
Depreciation and amortization(1)
Operating income (loss)

Net income (loss)

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Cash dividends paid per common share

January 31, 2013

April 30, 2013

July 31, 2013

October 31, 2013

$

185,713

$

232,458

$

259,174

$

162,690

6,058
(13,685)
(8,118)
(0.22)
(0.22)
0.04

$

$

$

$

$

$

198,963

215,182

6,657
(9,373)
(7,348)
(0.20)
(0.20)
0.04

$

$

$

6,600

7,116

4,969

0.13

0.13

0.04

$

$

$

275,297

222,242

6,464
(1,787)
(1,206)
(0.03)
(0.03)
0.04

January 31, 2012

April 30, 2012

July 31, 2012

October 31, 2012

$

161,579

$

194,444

$

237,905

$

138,042

6,625
(11,304)
(6,748)
(0.18)
(0.18)
0.04

$

$

$

171,837

6,168
(16,079)
(12,285)
(0.34)
(0.34)
0.04

$

$

$

200,663

5,801

1,452

1,531

0.04

0.04

0.04

$

$

$

$

$

$

235,048

193,302

5,707

978

968

0.03

0.03

0.04

(1) Represents only the depreciation and amortization directly associated with or allocated to products sold and services rendered  

and excludes depreciation and amortization associated with Corporate.

21. New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified 
Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified 
out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of 
the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive 
income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified 
to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified 
in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide 
additional detail about those amounts.  The provisions of ASU 2013-2 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we 
do not expect its provisions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

85

QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires 
entities to disclose both gross information and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement 
of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope 
of this standard, which was subsequently clarified by ASU 2013-1, includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse 
sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. These disclosures assist users of 
financial  statements  in  evaluating  the  effect  or  potential  effect  of  netting  arrangements  on  an  entity's  financial  position. The 
provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we do not expect its provisions to have a material 
impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment which amends the guidance in 
ASC 350-20. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 provide entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before 
performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is not more 
likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment 
test would be unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step 
impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the 
reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second 
step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. ASU 2011-08 also provides entities 
with the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the first step of 
the two-step impairment test.  ASU 2011-08 applied to our annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed after November 
1, 2012. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (ASU 2011-05), Presentation of Comprehensive 
Income. This guidance required companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as 
one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements, and eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive 
income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards 
Update No. 2011-12 (ASU 2011-12) “Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of 
Items out of Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.”  Otherwise, the guidance in ASU 2011-05 
became effective retroactively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 13, 2011.  We 
adopted ASU 2011-05 as of November 1, 2012 and have elected to present separate consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards No. 2011-04 (ASU 2011-04), Fair Value Measurement (ASC Topic 
820) Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.  This 
guidance changed the wording used to describe many requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing 
information about fair value measurements.  Additionally, this guidance clarified the FASB’s intent about the application of existing 
fair value measurement requirements.  This guidance became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 
15, 2011 and was to be applied prospectively.  We adopted ASU 2011-04 with no material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements.  

22. Subsequent Events

In early November 2013, the cold mill at our Nichols Aluminum-Alabama LLC facility in Decatur, Alabama, was damaged 
due to fire.  There were no employee injuries.  However, we sustained losses to the building, the cold mill and other equipment 
from the fire, smoke and water damage.  Our preliminary estimate of losses incurred and business interruption was $4.0 million.  
We have filed a claim with our insurance provider to recover these losses. The facility is currently operating while repairs are 
underway. 

86

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

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  our  management,  including  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief 
Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) under 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act) as of October 31, 2013. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 31, 2013, the disclosure controls and procedures are effective. 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Refer to Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting on page 48 of this Annual Report on 

Form 10-K.

Auditor's Report Relating to Effectiveness of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Refer to the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on page 47 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under 
the 1934 Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our 
internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

PART III

  Pursuant  to  General  Instruction  G(3)  to  Form  10-K,  the  information  on  "Directors,  Executive  Officers  and  Corporate 
Governance" is incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual 
Meeting of Stockholders of Quanex Building Products Corporation or an amendment to this Form 10-K, which is to be filed with 
the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days after the close of 
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information on "Executive Compensation" is incorporated herein 
by reference from the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quanex 
Building Products Corporation or an amendment to this Form 10-K, which is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A 
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information on "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" is incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Definitive Proxy 
Statement relating to the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quanex Building Products Corporation or an amendment to 
this Form 10-K, which is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the information on "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, 
and Director Independence" is incorporated herein by reference from the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the 
2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Quanex Building Products Corporation or an amendment to this Form 10-K, which is 
to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days 
after the close of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

  Pursuant  to  General  Instruction  G(3)  to  Form  10-K,  the  information  on  "Principal  Accountant  Fees  and  Services"  is 
incorporated  herein  by  reference  from  the  Registrant's  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  relating  to  the  2014 Annual  Meeting  of 
Stockholders of Quanex Building Products Corporation or an amendment to this Form 10-K, which is to be filed with the SEC 
pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days after the close of the fiscal 
year ended October 31, 2013.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

1. Financial Statements

PART IV

The financial statements included in this report are listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page 45 of this Annual 

Report on Form 10-K.

2. Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are either not required under the 

related instructions or inapplicable.

3. Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index filed herewith, which 
Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference. Exhibits 10.1 through 10.8, and 10.15 through 10.23, listed in the Exhibit Index 
filed herewith, are management or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on 
Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) thereof.

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

SIGNATURES

Date: December 18, 2013

/s/ Brent L. Korb

  Brent L. Korb

  QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION

Senior Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial 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 capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name

Title

Date

/s/ William C. Griffiths
William C. Griffiths

Chairman of the Board,
 President and Chief Executive Officer

  December 18, 2013

/s/ Susan F. Davis
Susan F. Davis

/s/ LeRoy D. Nosbaum
LeRoy D. Nosbaum

/s/ Joseph D. Rupp
Joseph D. Rupp

/s/ Curtis M. Stevens
Curtis M. Stevens

/s/ Robert R. Buck
Robert R. Buck

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

  December 18, 2013

  December 18, 2013

  December 18, 2013

  December 18, 2013

  December 18, 2013

/s/ Brent L. Korb
Brent L. Korb

Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

  December 18, 2013

/s/ Dewayne Williams
Dewayne Williams

Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 18, 2013

89

 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Exhibit Number 

Description of Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

2.1

2.2

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

†10.1

†10.2

†10.3

†10.4

†10.5

†10.6

†10.7

†10.8

10.9

Distribution Agreement among Quanex Corporation, Quanex Building Products LLC and Quanex Building 
Products Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Quanex Corporation’s Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 24, 2007).

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 31, 2011, by and among Quanex Building Products 
Corporation, QSB Inc., Lauren Holdco Inc., Lauren International, Inc. and Kevin E. Gray, as agent for the 
shareholders of Lauren Holdco Inc., filed as Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
(Reg. No. 001-33913) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2011, and 
incorporated herein by reference.

Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant dated as of December 12, 2007, filed as Exhibit 3.1 of the 
Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form 10  (Reg.  No. 001-33913)  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission on January 11, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated as of August 25, 2011, filed as Exhibit 3.1 of the 
Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913) filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission on August 29, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Registrant’s common stock certificate, filed as Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s 
Registration  Statement  on  Form  10  (Reg.  No.  001-33913),  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission on February 14, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Credit Agreement dated as of January 28, 2013, among the Company; certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors; 
Wells Fargo  Bank,  National Association, as  administrative  agent; Wells Fargo  Securities,  LLC,  as  lead 
arranger and syndication agent; and the lenders parties thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913)as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
on January 30, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

Quanex Building Products Corporation 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended effective February 24, 
2011, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Reg. No. 001-33913), as 
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended January 31, 2011, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Quanex Building Products Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.7 of Amendment 
No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Quanex Building Products Corporation Restoration Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.8 of Amendment No. 4 to the 
Registrant’s Registration  Statement  on  Form  10  (Reg.  No.  001-33913),  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and 
Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Quanex Building Products Corporation Supplemental Employees Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.9 of 
Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Severance Agreement between the Registrant and certain of its executive officers, filed as Exhibit 
10.5 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (Reg. No. 001-33913), as 
filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  February  14,  2008,  and  incorporated  herein  by 
reference.

Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Registrant and certain of its executive officers, filed as 
Exhibit  10.6  of  Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Registrant’s  Registration  Statement  on  Form  10  (Reg.  No. 
001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2008, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Form  of  Indemnity Agreement  between  the  Registrant  and  each  of  its  independent  directors,  effective 
September  2,  2008,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  of  the  Registrant’s  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  (Reg.  No. 
001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and each of its officers, effective September 2, 2008, 
filed as Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Lease Agreement between Cabot Industrial Properties, L.P. and Quanex Corporation dated August 30, 2002 
(and assumed by Quanex Homeshield, LLC on November 1, 2007), filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Annual 
Report on Form 10-K of Quanex Corporation (Reg. No. 001-05725) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 
2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Exhibit Number 

Description of Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

†10.15

†10.16

†10.17

†10.18

†10.19

†10.20

†10.21

†10.22

†10.23

*10.24

First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Cabot Industrial Properties, L.P. and Quanex Corporation 
dated May 22, 2007 (and assumed by Quanex Homeshield, LLC on November 1, 2007), filed as Exhibit 
10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Reg. No. 001-33913) for the fiscal year ended October 
31, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

Second Amendment to Lease Agreement between Dexus Industrial SPE Financed Portfolio LLC, successor 
in interest to Cabot Industrial Properties, L.P. and Quanex Building Products Corporation dated April 28, 
2010, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Reg. No. 001-33913) for the 
fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

Lease dated May 3, 1989, and Lease Extension dated June 9, 2004, between Mikron Industries, Inc. and the 
W.R. Sandwith and Michael G. Ritter Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K (Reg. No. 001-33913) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008, and incorporated herein 
by reference.

Amendment  to  Lease  by  and  between  W.R.  Sandwith  and  Michael  G.  Ritter  Partnership  and  Mikron 
Washington  LLC,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  (Reg.  No. 
001-33913) for the quarter ended April 30, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

Lease Agreement dated March 31, 2011 between Lauren Real Estate Holding LLC and Edgetech I.G. Inc., 
filed as Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Reg. No. 001-33913) for the fiscal 
year ended October 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.

Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Dewayne Williams, effective July 1, 2013, 
filed as Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 20, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

Change in Control Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Dewayne Williams, 
effective July  1,  2013,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrant's  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  (Reg.  No. 
001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 20, 2013, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Indemnity Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Dewayne Williams, effective 
July 1, 2013, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. 
No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Martin Ketelaar, effective June 14, 2013, 
filed as Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 20, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

Change in Control Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Martin Ketelaar, effective 
June 14, 2013, filed as Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), 
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 20, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

Indemnity Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and Martin Ketelaar, effective June 
14, 2013, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. 
No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and William C. Griffiths, effective July 9, 2013, 
filed as Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.

Change in Control Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and William C. Griffiths, 
effective July  9,  2013,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.2  of  the  Registrant's  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  (Reg.  No. 
001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9, 2013, and incorporated herein 
by reference.

Indemnity Agreement between Quanex Building Products Corporation and William C. Griffiths, effective 
July 9, 2013, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. 
No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated 
herein by reference.

Second Amendment to Lease Agreement between HP Properties/Mikron LLC, successor in interest to the
W.R. Sandwith and Michael G. Ritter Partnership, and Mikron Washington LLC, dated November 20,
2013.

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Exhibit Number 

Description of Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX

*21.1

*23.1

*31.1

*31.2

*32

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

Consent of Deloitte and Touche LLP.

Certification by chief executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

Certification by chief financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

*101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

*101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

*101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

*101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

*101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*  Filed herewith
†     Management Compensation or Incentive Plan

As permitted by Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, the Registrant has not filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Registrant and its subsidiaries because the total amount 
of securities authorized under any of such instruments does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries 
on a consolidated basis. The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of any such agreements to the Securities and Exchange Commission 
upon request.

92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We  consent  to  the  incorporation  by  reference  in  Registration  Statement  No. 333-150392  on  Form  S-8  of  our  reports  dated 
December 18, 2013, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Quanex Building Products Corporation (the “Company”), 
and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2013.

Exhibit 23.1

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Houston, Texas
December 18, 2013 

I, William C. Griffiths, certify that:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.1

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Quanex Building Products Corporation (the Registrant);

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;

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;

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. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

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;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

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

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 Registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. 

b. 

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

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.

December 18, 2013 

/s/ WILLIAM C. GRIFFITHS

WILLIAM C. GRIFFITHS
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
I, Brent L. Korb, certify that:

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.2

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Quanex Building Products Corporation (the Registrant);

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;

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;

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. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

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;

Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

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

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 Registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. 

b. 

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

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.

December 18, 2013 

/s/ BRENT L. KORB

BRENT L. KORB
Senior Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 
Certification Pursuant To Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)

Exhibit 32

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 
18, United States Code) (the Act), William C. Griffiths, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quanex Building Products 
Corporation (the Company) and Brent L. Korb, Senior Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each 
hereby certify that, to the best of their knowledge:

(a)  the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), 
as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(b)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

December 18, 2013 

/S/ WILLIAM C. GRIFFITHS
WILLIAM C. GRIFFITHS
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer

/S/ BRENT L. KORB
BRENT L. KORB
Senior Vice President—Finance and
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Quanex Building Products 
Corporation and will be retained by Quanex Building Products Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission or its staff upon request.