10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FORM 10‑K

☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018

or 

☐ Transition Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Transition Period from _____ to _____

Commission File No. 0‑09115

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIA	25‑0644320
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER, PITTSBURGH, PA	15212‑5851
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
(412) 442-8200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value	Nasdaq Global Select Market
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 ☐                No ☒

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

Yes ☒                No ☐

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

Yes ☒                No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐
Smaller reporting company	☐	Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

 Yes ☐                No ☒

The aggregate market value of the Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Class A Common Stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on March 31, 2018, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $1.6 billion.

As of October 31, 2018, shares of common stock outstanding were: Class A Common Stock 32,073,394 shares.

Documents incorporated by reference: Specified portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

PART I

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

Any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (including, but not limited to, those contained in Item 1, "Business," Item 1A, "Risk Factors" and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations") are included in this report pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of Matthews International Corporation ("Matthews" or the "Company") in future periods to be materially different from management's expectations.  Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct.  In addition to the risk factors previously disclosed and those discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, factors that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements principally include changes in domestic or international economic conditions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the cost of materials used in the manufacture of the Company's products, changes in mortality and cremation rates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of consolidation in the industries in which the Company operates, changes in product demand or pricing as a result of domestic or international competitive pressures, unknown risks in connection with the Company's acquisitions, cybersecurity concerns, effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, compliance with domestic and foreign laws and regulations, technological factors beyond the Company's control, and other factors described in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K.  In addition, although the Company does not have any customers that would be considered individually significant to consolidated sales, changes in the distribution of the Company's products or the potential loss of one or more of the Company's larger customers are also considered risk factors.

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

Matthews, founded in 1850 and incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1902, is a provider principally of brand solutions, memorialization products and industrial technologies.  Brand solutions include brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, pre-media services, printing plates and cylinders, and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries.  Industrial technologies include marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation solutions and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.

At October 31, 2018, the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries had approximately 11,000 employees. The Company's principal executive offices are located at Two NorthShore Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212, its telephone number is (412) 442-8200 and its website is www.matw.com.  The Company files or furnishes all required reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in accordance with the Exchange Act.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on the Company's website as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed or furnished to the SEC. The Company's reports filed or furnished with the SEC, including exhibits attached to such reports, are also available to read and copy at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or by contacting the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.  All Company reports filed with or furnished to the SEC can be found on its website at www.sec.gov.

The Company has three reporting segments, SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization, and Industrial Technologies. The following table sets forth reported sales and operating profit for the Company's business segments for the past three fiscal years.  Detailed financial information relating to business segments and to domestic and international operations is presented in Note 18, "Segment Information" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplemental Data."

2

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

	Years Ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2016
	(Amounts in thousands)
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
SGK Brand Solutions	$	805,274	$	770,181	$	755,975
Memorialization	631,392		615,882		610,142
Industrial Technologies	165,914		129,545		114,347
Consolidated	$	1,602,580	$	1,515,608	$	1,480,464
Operating profit:
SGK Brand Solutions	$	35,443	$	24,919	$	42,909
Memorialization	86,370		80,652		68,252
Industrial Technologies	11,021		7,032		7,654
Consolidated	$	132,834	$	112,603	$	118,815

In fiscal 2018, approximately 67% of the Company's sales were made from North America, 28% were made from Europe, 3% were made from Asia, and 2% were made from other regions. For further information on segments, see Note 18, "Segment Information" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" on page 69 of this Report. Products and services of the SGK Brand Solutions segment are sold throughout the world, with principal locations in North America, Europe and Asia.  Memorialization segment products are sold throughout the world, with the segment's principal operations located in North America, Europe, and Australia.  The Industrial Technologies segment sells equipment and consumables directly to industrial consumers and distributors in North America and internationally through the Company's subsidiaries in Sweden, Germany and China, and other foreign distributors.  Matthews owns a minority interest in Industrial Technologies product distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.

SGK Brand Solutions:

The SGK Brand Solutions segment provides both integrated and stand-alone products, services and solutions designed to help companies market their brands more efficiently. The value in these products and services ranges from helping companies deliver new product innovations to market in order to address consumer demand; to connecting product packaging to digital brand experiences off-shelf to provide the consumer with a more engaging and connected brand experience - all of which helps marketers grow their businesses.

The segment’s principal products, services and solutions include: 1) brand development and graphic design, 2) brand deployment and activation, 3) brand delivery, 4) consulting and 5) digital tools.

Brand development and graphic design: This business creates visual intellectual properties, packaging and content that helps clients differentiate their brands in the marketplace and appeal to consumer targets.

Brand deployment and activation: This business supports in-store promotion of its client’s brands through the design and production of merchandising exhibits and shopper experiences and across digital and printed media channels to drive consumer interest, engagement and sales.

Brand delivery: This business produces digital packaging artwork files, pre-media graphics services for print and digital channels, and image carriers such as printing plates and gravure cylinders.

Consulting: This business advises brand owners on workflow best practices, management and technologies, and printing quality, measurement and consistency.

Digital tools: This business develops digital tools that deliver connectivity, efficiency and insights about its packaging and marketing operations to clients.

3

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

The SGK Brand Solutions segment’s principal clients are global, multinational and regional companies in highly-regulated industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare, beauty and cosmetics, and alcohol and tobacco. The segment also serves clients in a diverse range of sectors which includes leaders in home improvement, personal care, technology and electronics, snack food and confections, telecommunications, and apparel, as well as a diverse range of shopping formats which include: big-box stores, department stores, specialty stores, grocery stores, pharmacy chains, and online retailers. These large, well-known companies represent numerous brands with numerous packaging and marketing requirements. The segment also includes global packaging industry converters as clients to which it supplies printing tools and files.

The segment’s products, services and solutions are purchased in part or whole by companies with operations in and/or across the North America, Europe and Asia regions. A large portion of these purchases result in annual or multi-year contracts; others are initiative-based. The segment generates new business opportunities through referrals and relationships, marketing and lead generation and select industry partnerships. The Company has many long-standing relationships among its client base that span decades and has new relationships with well-known global technology companies that are driving change in how consumers engage with brands and use devices like smartphones to shop and buy online and in-store.

Major raw materials for this segment’s products include photopolymers, steel, copper, film, wood, particleboard, corrugated materials, structural steel, plastic, laminates, inks and graphic art supplies. All such materials are presently available in adequate supply from various industry sources.

The combination of the segment’s businesses in North America, Europe and Asia is an important part of Matthews’ strategy to be a world leader in the packaging and marketing content industry by providing graphics-related products, services and solutions that help companies scale the creation and production of their brand content globally as efficiently as possible. Competition is on the basis of product quality, timeliness of delivery and price, and increasingly, the ability to provide a holistic solution for brand content beyond its use for packaging, while at the same time elevating the role of packaging in the marketing mix.

The segment competes in an industry that is constantly challenged by emerging technologies that impact packaging and marketing. These challenges can create new opportunities for the segment to create, produce and manage large volumes of brand content. They also provide the segment with opportunities to advise its clients on how to plan for, manage and execute the digital transformation of their packaging and marketing operations. The SGK Brand Solutions segment’s more than 100 years in the packaging business is comprised of a broad technical expertise relating to the creation and production of graphics, their workflows and best practices for the packaging marketing channel. This combination of knowledge, experience and skill helps the SGK Brand Solutions segment differentiate itself from competitors by enabling it to provide a better overall experience to its clients with the ability to quickly scale its packaging and content requirements globally.

Memorialization:

The Memorialization segment manufactures and markets a full line of memorialization products used primarily in cemeteries, funeral homes and crematories. The segment's products, which are sold principally in North America, Europe and Australia, include cast bronze memorials, granite memorials, caskets, cremation equipment and other memorialization products.  The segment also manufactures and markets architectural products that are used to identify or commemorate people, places, events and accomplishments.

4

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

Memorial products include flush bronze and granite memorials, upright granite memorials and monuments, cremation memorialization products, granite benches, flower vases, crypt plates and letters, cremation urns, niche units, cemetery features and statues, along with other related products and services. Flush memorials are bronze plaques or granite memorials which contain personal information about a deceased individual (such as name, birth date, and death date), photos and emblems.  Flush bronze and granite memorials are even or "flush" with the ground and therefore are preferred by many cemeteries for easier lawn mowing and general maintenance.  The segment's memorial products also include community and family mausoleums within North America.  In addition, the segment's other memorial products include bronze plaques, letters, emblems, vases, lights and photo ceramics that can be affixed to granite monuments, mausoleums, crypts and flush memorials.  Principal customers for memorial products are cemeteries and memorial parks, which in turn sell the Company's products to the consumer.

Customers of the Memorialization segment can also purchase memorials and vases on a "pre-need" basis.  The "pre-need" concept permits families to arrange for these purchases in advance of their actual need.  Upon request, the Company will manufacture the memorial to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date) and place it in storage for future delivery.  Memorials in storage have been paid in full with title conveyed to each pre-need purchaser.

The segment is also a leading manufacturer and distributor of caskets and other funeral home products in North America.  The segment produces and markets metal, wood and cremation caskets. Caskets are offered in a variety of colors, interior designs, handles and trim in order to accommodate specific religious, ethnic or other personal preferences. The segment also markets other funeral home products such as urns, jewelry and stationery. The segment offers individually personalized caskets through its distribution network.

Metal caskets are made from various gauges of cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze.  Metal caskets are generally categorized by whether the casket is non-gasketed or gasketed, and by material (i.e., bronze, copper, or steel) and in the case of steel, by the gauge (thickness) of the metal.  Wood caskets are primarily manufactured from nine different species of wood.  The species of wood used are poplar, pine, ash, oak, pecan, maple, cherry, walnut and mahogany.  The Memorialization segment is a leading manufacturer of all-wood constructed caskets, which are manufactured using pegged and dowelled construction, and include no metal parts.  Cremation caskets are made primarily from wood or cardboard covered with cloth or veneer.  These caskets appeal primarily to cremation consumers, environmentally concerned consumers, and value buyers.

The Memorialization segment also produces casket components.  Casket components include stamped metal parts, metal locking mechanisms for gasketed metal caskets, adjustable beds and interior panels.  Metal casket parts are produced by stamping cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, copper and bronze sheets into casket component parts.  Locking mechanisms and adjustable beds are produced by stamping and assembling a variety of steel parts.  The segment purchases from sawmills and lumber distributors various species of uncured wood, which it dries and cures.  The cured wood is processed into casket components.

In addition, the segment provides product and service assortment planning, as well as merchandising and display products to funeral service businesses. These products assist funeral service professionals in providing information, value and satisfaction to their client families.

The segment also provides cremation systems, crematory management, cremation service and supplies, waste management and incineration systems, and environmental and energy solutions to the human, pet and specialized incineration markets.  The primary market areas for these products and services are North America and Europe, although the segment also sells into Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

5

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

Cremation systems include flame-based systems for cremation of humans and pets, as well as equipment for processing the cremated remains and other related equipment (ventilated work stations, tables, cooler racks, vacuums).  The principal markets for these products are funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, pet crematories, animal disposers and veterinarians. These products primarily are marketed directly by segment personnel.  Human crematory management/operations represent the actual operation and management of client-owned crematories.  Currently the segment provides these services primarily to municipalities in Europe and private operators in the United States.  Cremation service and supplies consist of operator training, preventative maintenance and "at need" service work performed on various makes and models of equipment. This work can be as simple as replacing defective bulbs or as complex as complete reconstruction and upgrading or retro-fitting on site. Supplies are consumable items associated with normal operations.

Waste management/incineration systems encompass both batch load and continuous feed, static and rotary systems for incineration of all waste types, as well as equipment for in-loading waste, out-loading ash and energy recovery. The principal markets for these products are medical waste disposal, oil and gas "work camp" wastes, industrial wastes and bio-mass generators.  Environmental and energy systems include emissions filtration units, waste heat recovery equipment, waste gas treatment products, as well as energy recovery.  The principal markets are municipalities or public/state agencies, the cremation industry and other industries which utilize incinerators for waste reduction and energy production.

The Memorialization segment also manufactures a full line of other products, including urns in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes as well as standard and custom designed granite cremation pedestals and benches.  The segment manufactures bronze and granite niche units, which are comprised of numerous compartments used to display cremation urns in mausoleums and churches.  The Company also markets turnkey cremation gardens, which include the design and all related products for a cremation memorial garden.

Architectural products include cast bronze and aluminum plaques, etchings and letters that are used to recognize, commemorate and identify people, places, events and accomplishments.  The Company's plaques are frequently used to identify the name of a building or the names of companies or individuals located within a building.  Such products are also used to commemorate events or accomplishments, such as military service or financial donations.  The principal markets for the segment's architectural products are corporations, fraternal organizations, contractors, churches, hospitals, schools and government agencies.  These products are sold to and distributed through a network of independent dealers including sign suppliers, awards and recognition companies, and trophy dealers.

Raw materials used by the Memorialization segment to manufacture memorials consist principally of bronze and aluminum ingot, granite, sheet metal, coating materials, photopolymers and construction materials and are generally available in adequate supply.  Ingot is obtained from various North American, European and Australian smelters. The primary materials required for casket manufacturing are cold-rolled steel and lumber. The segment also purchases copper, bronze, stainless steel, particleboard, corrugated materials, paper veneer, cloth, ornamental hardware and coating materials. Purchase orders or supply agreements are typically negotiated with large, integrated steel producers that have demonstrated timely delivery, high quality material and competitive prices.  Lumber is purchased from a number of sawmills and lumber distributors.  Raw materials used to manufacture cremation and incineration products consist principally of structural steel, sheet metal, electrical components, combustion devices and refractory materials. These are generally available in adequate supply from numerous suppliers.

Competition from other manufacturers of memorial products is on the basis of reputation, product quality, delivery, price, and design availability. The Company believes that its superior quality, broad product lines, innovative designs, delivery capability, customer responsiveness, experienced personnel and consumer-oriented merchandising systems are competitive advantages in its markets.  Competition in the mausoleum construction industry includes various construction companies throughout North America and is on the basis of design, quality and price.  Competitors in the architectural market are numerous and include companies that manufacture cast and painted signs, plastic materials, sand-blasted wood and other fabricated products.

6

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

The Memorialization segment markets its casket products in the United States through a combination of Company-owned and independent casket distribution facilities.  The Company operates approximately 100 distribution centers in the United States.  Approximately 85% of the segment's casket products are currently sold through Company-owned distribution centers.  The casket business is highly competitive and the Company competes with other manufacturers on the basis of product quality, price, service, design availability and breadth of product line.  The Memorialization segment provides a line of casket products that it believes is as comprehensive as any of its major competitors.  There are a large number of casket industry participants operating in North America and also a few foreign casket manufacturers, primarily from China, participating in the North American market. 

The Company competes with several manufacturers in the cremation and accessory equipment market principally on the basis of product design, quality and price.  The Memorialization segment and its three largest global competitors account for a substantial portion of the United States and European cremation equipment market.

The Memorialization segment works to provide a total solution to customers that own and operate businesses in both the cemetery and funeral home markets. The Company's memorial and casket products serve the relatively stable casketed and in-ground burial death market, while its memorial products and cremation equipment also serve the growing cremation market.

Industrial Technologies:

The Industrial Technologies segment designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation solutions, and order fulfillment systems.  Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors worldwide rely on Matthews' integrated systems to identify, track, convey and pick their products.

Marking systems range from mechanical marking solutions to microprocessor-based ink-jet printing systems that integrate into a customer's manufacturing, inventory tracking and material handling control systems.  The Company manufactures and markets products and systems that employ different marking technologies, including contact printing, indenting, etching, laser and ink-jet printing.  Customers frequently use a combination of these methods to achieve an appropriate mark.  These technologies apply product information required for identification and traceability, as well as to facilitate inventory and quality control, regulatory compliance and brand name communication.

Fulfillment systems complement the tracking and distribution of a customer's products with automated order fulfillment technologies, motor-driven rollers for product conveyance, and controls for material handling systems.  Material handling customers include some of the largest automated assembly and distribution companies in the United States.  The Company also

engineers innovative, custom solutions to address specific customer requirements in a variety of industries, including oil exploration and security scanning.

A significant portion of the revenue of the Industrial Technologies segment is attributable to the sale of consumables and replacement parts required by the marking, coding and tracking products sold by Matthews.  The Company develops inks, rubber and steel consumables in conjunction with the marking equipment in which they are used, which is critical to ensure ongoing equipment reliability and mark quality.

The principal customers for the Company's marking and fulfillment systems products are manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of durable goods, building products, consumer goods manufacturers (including food and beverage processors) and producers of pharmaceuticals.  The Company also serves a wide variety of industrial markets, including metal fabricators, manufacturers of woven and non-woven fabrics, plastic, rubber and automotive products.

A portion of this segment's sales are outside the United States, with distribution sourced through the Company's subsidiaries in Canada, Sweden, Germany and China in addition to other international distributors.  The Company owns a minority interest in distributors in Asia, Australia and Europe.

7

ITEM 1.BUSINESS, (continued)

Major raw materials for this segment's products include precision components, electronics, printing components, tool steels, rubber and chemicals, all of which are presently available in adequate supply from various sources.

Competitors in the marking and fulfillment systems industries are diverse, with some companies offering limited product lines for well-defined specialty markets, while others operate similarly to the Company, offering a broad product line and competing in multiple product markets and countries.  Competition for marking and fulfillment systems products is based on product performance, ease of integration into the manufacturing and/or distribution process, service and price.  The Company typically competes with specialty companies in specific brand marking solutions and traceability applications.  The Company believes that, in general, its Industrial Technologies segment offers one of the broadest lines of products to address a wide variety of marking, coding and industrial automation applications.

PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND LICENSES:

The Company holds a number of trademarks and in excess of 100 domestic and foreign patents for its products and related technologies.  However, the Company believes the loss of any individual or a significant number of patents or trademarks would not have a material impact on consolidated operations or revenues.

BACKLOG:

Because the nature of the Company's SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses are primarily custom products made to order and services with short lead times, backlogs are not generally material except for rotogravure engineering projects in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, mausoleums and cremation equipment in the Memorialization segment and industrial automation and order fulfillment systems in the Industrial Technologies segment.  Backlogs vary in a range of approximately six to twelve months of sales for rotogravure engineering projects and mausoleums. Cremation equipment sales backlogs vary in a range of eight to ten months of sales.  Backlogs for Industrial Technologies segment sales generally vary in a range of up to four weeks for standard products and eighteen weeks for custom systems.  The Company's current backlog is expected to be substantially filled in fiscal 2019.

REGULATORY MATTERS:

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company is party to various environmental matters which include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate. Refer to Note 16, "Environmental Matters" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details.

8

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS.

There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's businesses that could adversely affect its operating performance and financial condition.  Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that the Company currently believes to be material.  Additional risks not currently known or deemed immaterial may also result in adverse effects on the Company.

Changes in Economic Conditions.  Generally, changes in domestic and international economic conditions affect the industries in which the Company and its customers and suppliers operate.  These changes include changes in the rate of consumption or use of the Company's products due to economic downturns, volatility in currency exchange rates, and changes in raw material prices resulting from supply and/or demand conditions.

Uncertainty about current global economic conditions poses a risk, as consumers and businesses may continue to postpone or cancel spending.  Other factors that could influence customer spending include energy costs, conditions in the credit markets, consumer confidence and other factors affecting consumer spending behavior.  These and other economic factors could have an effect on demand for the Company's products and services and negatively impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Foreign Operations.  The Company conducts business in more than 25 countries around the world, and in fiscal 2018 approximately 36% of the Company's sales to external customers were to customers outside the United States. In addition, the Company's manufacturing operations, suppliers and employees are located in many places around the world.  As such, the Company's future success depends in part on its ability to grow sales in non-U.S. markets. Sales and operations outside of the United States are subject to certain inherent risks, including fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies, global economic uncertainties, tariffs, quotas, taxes and other market barriers, political and economic instability, restrictions on the export or import of technology, potentially limited intellectual property protection, difficulties in staffing and managing international operations, potentially adverse tax consequences, and required compliance with non-U.S. laws and regulations.

Changes in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. Manufacturing and sales of a significant portion of the Company's products are outside the United States, and accordingly, the Company holds assets, incurs liabilities, earns revenue and pays expenses in a variety of currencies.  The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, and therefore, the Company must translate the reported values of its foreign assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses into U.S. dollars.  Increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of these items in the Company's consolidated financial statements, even though their value has not changed in local currency.

Increased Prices for Raw Materials.  The Company's profitability is affected by the prices of the raw materials used in the manufacture of its products.  These prices may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including changes in supply and demand, domestic and global economic conditions, volatility in commodity markets, currency exchange rates, labor costs, tariffs and fuel-related costs.  If suppliers increase the price of critical raw materials, alternative sources of supply, or alternative materials, may not exist or be readily available.

The Company has standard selling price structures (i.e., list prices) in certain of its segments, which are reviewed for adjustment generally on an annual basis.  In addition, the Company has established pricing terms with several of its customers through contracts or similar arrangements.  Based on competitive market conditions and to the extent that the Company has established pricing terms with customers, the Company's ability to immediately increase the price of its products to offset the increased costs may be limited.  Significant raw material price increases that cannot be mitigated by selling price increases or productivity improvements will negatively affect the Company's results of operations.

9

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

Changes in Mortality and Cremation Rates.  Generally, life expectancy in the United States and other countries in which the Company's Memorialization segment operates has increased steadily for several decades and is expected to continue to do so in the future.  The increase in life expectancy is also expected to impact the number of deaths in the future.  Additionally, cremations have steadily grown as a percentage of total deaths in the United States since the 1960's, and are expected to continue to increase in the future.  The Company expects that these trends will continue in the future and sales of the Company's Memorialization segment may benefit from the continued growth in the number of cremations; however, such trends may adversely affect the volume of bronze and granite memorialization products and burial caskets sold in the United States.

Changes in Product Demand or Pricing. The Company's businesses have and will continue to operate in competitive markets. Changes in product demand or pricing are affected by domestic and foreign competition and an increase in consolidated purchasing by large customers operating in both domestic and global markets. The Memorialization businesses generally operate in markets with ample supply capacity and demand which is correlated to death rates.  The Brand Solutions businesses serve global customers

that are requiring their suppliers to be global in scope and price-competitive.  Additionally, in recent years the Company has witnessed an increase in products manufactured offshore, primarily in China, and imported into the Company's U.S. markets.  It is expected that these trends will continue and may affect the Company's future results of operations.

Changes in the Distribution of the Company's Products or the Loss of a Large Customer.  Although the Company does not have any customer that is individually significant to consolidated sales, it does have contracts with several large customers in both the Memorialization and SGK Brand Solutions segments.  While these contracts provide important access to large purchasers of the Company's products, they can obligate the Company to sell products at contracted prices for extended periods of time.  Additionally, any significant divestiture of business properties or operations by current customers could result in a loss of business if the Company is not able to maintain the business with the subsequent owners of the businesses.

Risks in Connection with Acquisitions.  The Company has grown in part through acquisitions, and continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities that have the potential to support and strengthen its businesses.  There is no assurance however that future acquisition opportunities will arise, or that if they do, that they will be consummated.  In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, or that synergies expected from the integration of the acquisitions will not be achieved as rapidly as expected, if at all. Failure to effectively integrate acquired businesses could prevent the realization of expected rates of return on the acquisition investment and could have a negative effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.

Protection of Intellectual Property.  Certain of the Company's businesses rely on various intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements, to establish proprietary rights.  If the Company does not enforce its intellectual property rights successfully, its competitive position may suffer which could harm the Company's operating results. In addition, the Company's patents, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights may not provide a significant competitive advantage. The Company may need to spend significant resources monitoring its intellectual property rights and may or may not be able to detect infringement by third parties. The Company's competitive position may be harmed if it cannot detect infringement and enforce its intellectual property rights quickly or at all. In some circumstances, the Company may choose to not pursue enforcement because an infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons. In addition, competitors might avoid infringement by designing around the Company's intellectual property rights or by developing non-infringing competing technologies. Intellectual property rights and the Company's ability to enforce them may be unavailable or limited in some countries which could make it easier for competitors to capture market share and could result in lost revenues.

10

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

Environmental Remediation and Compliance.  The Company is subject to the risk of environmental liability and limitations on its operations due to environmental laws and regulations. The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign environmental, health and safety laws and regulations concerning matters such as air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste handling and disposal and the investigation and remediation of contamination. The risks of potentially substantial costs and liabilities related to compliance with these laws and regulations are an inherent part of the Company's business, and future conditions may develop, arise or be discovered that create substantial environmental compliance or remediation liabilities and costs. Compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements may prove to be more limiting and costly than the Company anticipates, and there is no assurance that significant expenditures related to such compliance may not be required in the future.

From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal proceedings brought by private parties or governmental authorities with respect to environmental matters, including matters involving alleged noncompliance with or liability under environmental, health and safety laws, property damage or personal injury. New laws and regulations, including those which may relate to emissions of greenhouse gases, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require the Company to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

Technological Factors Beyond the Company's Control.  The Company operates in certain markets in which technological product development contributes to its ability to compete effectively.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop new products, that new products can be manufactured and marketed profitably, or that new products will successfully meet the expectations of customers.

Cybersecurity and Data Breaches.  In the course of business, the Company collects and stores sensitive data and proprietary business information. The Company could be subject to service outages or breaches of security systems which may result in disruption, unauthorized access, misappropriation, or corruption of this information. Security breaches of the Company's network or data including physical or electronic break-ins, vendor service outages, computer viruses, attacks by hackers or similar breaches can create system disruptions, shutdowns, or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Although the Company is not aware of any significant incidents to date, if it is unable to prevent such security or privacy breaches, its operations could be disrupted or the Company may suffer legal claims, loss of reputation, financial loss, property damage, or regulatory penalties because of lost or misappropriated information.

Changes in Laws and Regulations Governing Data Privacy and Data Protection.  The Company is subject to many data privacy, data protection, and data breach notification laws, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), which became effective in May of 2018.  The GDPR contains numerous requirements, including more robust obligations and increased documentation requirements for data protection compliance programs by companies. Complying with the GDPR may cause the Company to incur substantial operational costs or require the Company to change its business practices.   The Company’s measures to assess the requirements of, and to comply with, the GDPR, as well as new and existing data-related laws and regulations of other jurisdictions, could be challenged, including by authorities that regulate data-related compliance.  The Company’s ongoing compliance measures could result in the incurrence of significant expense in facilitating and responding to regulatory investigations, and if the measures initiated by the Company are deemed to be inadequate, the Company could be subject to enforcement actions that may require operational changes, fines, penalties or damages, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business or results of operations.

Changes in Tax Rules. The enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) in December 2017 significantly affected U.S. tax law by changing how the U.S. imposes tax on multinational corporations. The U.S. Department of Treasury has broad authority under the Act to issue regulations and interpretive guidance. The Company has applied available guidance to estimate its tax obligations, but new guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department may cause the Company to make adjustments to its tax estimates in future periods.

11

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS, (continued)

Compliance with Foreign Laws and Regulations.  Due to the international scope of the Company's operations, Matthews is subject to a complex system of commercial and trade regulations around the world, and the Company's foreign operations are governed by laws, rules and business practices that often differ from those of the United States. The Company cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which the Company's operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted, which could have a material and negative impact on the Company's business and results of operation.  For example, recent years have seen an increase in the development and enforcement of laws regarding trade compliance and anti-corruption, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws in other countries. While Matthews maintains a variety of internal policies and controls and takes steps, including periodic training and internal audits, that the Company believes are reasonably calculated to discourage, prevent and detect violations of such laws, the Company cannot guarantee that such actions will be effective or that individual employees will not engage in inappropriate behavior in contravention of the Company's policies and instructions. Such conduct, or even the allegation thereof, could result in costly investigations and the imposition of severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt the Company's business, and could materially and adversely affect the Company's reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.

Further, the Company is subject to laws and regulations worldwide affecting its operations outside the United States in areas including, but not limited to, intellectual property ownership and infringement, tax, customs, import and export requirements, anti-corruption and anti-bribery, foreign exchange controls and cash repatriation restrictions, foreign investment, data privacy requirements, anti-competition, pensions and social insurance, employment, and environment, health, and safety. Compliance with these laws and regulations may be onerous and expensive and requirements may differ among jurisdictions.  Further, the promulgation of new laws, changes in existing laws and abrogation of local regulations by national laws may have a negative impact on the Company's business and prospects.  In addition, certain laws and regulations are relatively new and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. There can be no assurance that any of these factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition.

Effectiveness of Internal Controls.  Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires a comprehensive evaluation of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, the Company is required to document and test its internal control over financial reporting, management is required to assess and issue a report concerning internal control over financial reporting, and the Company's independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to and report on the Company's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls could cause the Company to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in the consolidated financial statements, and substantial costs and resources may be required to rectify these or other internal control deficiencies. If the Company cannot produce reliable financial reports, investors could lose confidence in the Company's reported financial information, the market price of the Company's common stock could decline significantly, and its business, financial condition, and reputation could be harmed.

Compliance with Securities Laws and Regulations; Conflict Minerals Reporting.  The Company is required to comply with various securities laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"). Dodd-Frank contains provisions, among others, designed to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply chains of certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries that are believed to be benefiting armed groups ("Conflict Minerals"). While Dodd-Frank does not prohibit companies from using Conflict Minerals, the SEC mandates due diligence, disclosure and reporting requirements for companies for which Conflict Minerals are necessary to the functionality or production of a product. The Company's efforts to comply with Dodd-Frank and other evolving laws, regulations and standards could result in increased costs and expenses related to compliance and potential violations.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not Applicable.

12

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

Principal properties of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries as of October 31, 2018 were as follows (properties are owned by the Company except as noted):

Location	Description of Property
SGK Brand Solutions:
Antwerp, Belgium	Manufacturing
Battle Creek, MI	Operating facility	(1)
Chennai, India	Operating facility	(1)
Chicago, IL	Operating facilities	(1)
Cincinnati, OH	Operating facility	(1)
Cleckheaton, England	Operating facility	(1)
Des Plaines, IL	Operating facility	(1)
Dachnow, Poland	Manufacturing
Gateshead, England	Operating facility	(1)
East Butler, PA	Manufacturing
Goslar, Germany	Manufacturing	(1)
Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany	Manufacturing
Istanbul, Turkey	Manufacturing	(1)
Izmir, Turkey	Manufacturing
Jülich, Germany	Manufacturing
Kempen, Germany	Manufacturing	(1)
Manchester, England	Manufacturing	(1)
Marietta, GA	Manufacturing
Minneapolis, MN	Operating facility
Mississauga, Canada	Operating facility	(1)
Mönchengladbach, Germany	Manufacturing
Mönchengladbach, Germany	Manufacturing	(1)
Munich, Germany	Manufacturing	(1)
New Berlin, WI	Manufacturing	(1)
Novgorod, Russia	Manufacturing
Nuremberg, Germany	Manufacturing	(1)
Penang, Malaysia	Operating facility
Portland, OR	Operating facility	(1)
Queretaro, Mexico	Operating facility
Redmond, WA	Operating facility	(1)
St. Louis, MO	Manufacturing
San Francisco, CA	Operating facility	(1)
Shanghai, China	Operating facilities	(1)
Shenzhen, China	Operating facility	(1)

13

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

Location	Description of Property
SGK Brand Solutions, (continued):
Tarnowo Podgorne, Poland	Manufacturing	(1)
Tualatin, OR	Manufacturing	(1)
Vreden, Germany	Manufacturing
Vreden, Germany	Manufacturing
Vreden, Germany	Operating facility
Wilsonville, OR	Operating facility	(1)
Memorialization (2):
Pittsburgh, PA	Manufacturing / Division Offices
Pittsburgh, PA	Division Offices	(1)
Apopka, FL	Manufacturing / Division Offices
Apopka, FL	Operating facility
Aurora, IN	Manufacturing
Bristol, TN	Distribution
Colorno, Italy	Manufacturing	(1)
Dallas, TX	Distribution Hub	(1)
Dandenong, Australia	Manufacturing	(1)
Dewy Rose, GA	Manufacturing
Edmunston, Canada	Manufacturing
Elberton, GA	Manufacturing	(1)
Elberton, GA	Manufacturing
Fontana, CA	Distribution Hub	(1)
Harrisburg, PA	Distribution Hub	(1)
Hyde, England	Manufacturing	(1)
Indianapolis, IN	Distribution Hub	(1)
Kingwood, WV	Manufacturing
Monterrey, Mexico	Manufacturing	(1)
Richmond, IN	Manufacturing	(1)
Richmond, IN	Manufacturing
Searcy, AR	Manufacturing
Stone Mountain, GA	Distribution Hub	(1)
Udine, Italy	Manufacturing	(1)
Vestone, Italy	Manufacturing	(1)
West Point, MS	Distribution
Whittier, CA	Manufacturing	(1)
York, PA	Manufacturing

14

ITEM 2.PROPERTIES, (continued)

Location	Description of Property
Industrial Technologies:
Pittsburgh, PA	Manufacturing / Division Offices
Cincinnati, OH	Manufacturing	(1)
Cincinnati, OH	Manufacturing
Gothenburg, Sweden	Manufacturing / Distribution	(1)
Lima, Costa Rica	Manufacturing	(1)
Pewaukee, WI	Manufacturing	(1)
Tianjin City, China	Manufacturing	(1)
Wilsonville, OR	Manufacturing
Corporate and Administrative Offices:
Pittsburgh, PA	General Offices
Pittsburgh, PA	General Offices
Des Plaines, IL	General Offices

(1) These properties are leased by the Company under operating lease arrangements.

(2) In addition to the properties listed, the Memorialization segment leases warehouse facilities totaling approximately 1.0 million square feet in 37 states under operating leases.

All of the owned properties are unencumbered.  The Company believes its facilities are generally well suited for their respective uses and are of adequate size and design to provide the operating efficiencies necessary for the Company to be competitive.  The Company's facilities provide adequate space for meeting its near-term production requirements and have availability for additional capacity.  The Company intends to continue to expand and modernize its facilities as necessary to meet the demand for its products.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Matthews is subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Matthews' financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

15

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT

The following information is furnished with respect to officers and executive management as of October 31, 2018:

Name	Age	Positions with Registrant
Joseph C. Bartolacci	58	President and Chief Executive Officer
Gregory S. Babe	61	Chief Technology Officer
Edward M. Brady	60	Chief Information Officer
Marcy L. Campbell	55	Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Brian J. Dunn	61	Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development
Steven D. Gackenbach	55	Group President, Memorialization
Paul C. Jensen	60	Division President, Industrial Technologies
Gary R. Kohl	55	President, SGK Brand Solutions
Robert M. Marsh	50	Vice President and Treasurer
Steven F. Nicola	58	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Paul F. Rahill	61	President, Environmental Solutions Division
David A. Schawk	62	Group President, SGK Brand Solutions
Brian D. Walters	49	Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Joseph C. Bartolacci was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective October 2006.

Gregory S. Babe was appointed Chief Technology Officer effective November 2015. Prior thereto, he had been interim Executive Vice President, Global Information Technology and Integration since November 2014 when he joined the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Babe was President and Chief Executive Officer of Liquid X Printed Metals, Inc. from June 2013 to November 2014.

Edward M. Brady was appointed Chief Information Officer effective January 2016, when he joined the Company. Prior thereto, he was a leader in the Information Technology consulting practice of IBM since June 2006.

Marcy L. Campbell was appointed Senior Vice President, Human Resources effective February 2018.  Prior thereto, Ms. Campbell served as Vice President, Human Resources since November 2014. Prior thereto, she served as Director, Regional Human Resources since January 2013.

Brian J. Dunn was appointed Executive Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development effective July 2014.  Prior thereto, he served as Group President, Brand Solutions since February 2010.

Steven D. Gackenbach was appointed Group President, Memorialization effective October 31, 2011. 

Paul C. Jensen was appointed Division President, Industrial Technologies effective October 1, 2008.

Gary R. Kohl was appointed President, SGK Brand Solutions effective May 2017. Prior thereto, he served as Executive Vice President, SGK Global Business Development since December 2015 when he joined the Company. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kohl was the Group Senior Vice President of R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company.

16

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE REGISTRANT, (continued)

Robert M. Marsh was appointed Vice President and Treasurer in February 2016. He served as Treasurer since December 2014 when he joined the Company.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Marsh was a partner of PNC Mezzanine Capital, the principal mezzanine investment business of The PNC Financial Services Group, LLC ("PNC").  Mr. Marsh joined PNC in 1997.

Steven F. Nicola was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary effective December 2003.

Paul F. Rahill was appointed President, Environmental Solutions Division in October 2002.

David A. Schawk joined the Company in July 2014 as President, SGK Brand Solutions upon Matthews' acquisition of Schawk.  Mr. Schawk served as Schawk's Chief Executive Officer from July 2012 and was a member of the Schawk Board of Directors since 1992.

Brian D. Walters was appointed Senior Vice President and General Counsel effective February 2018. Prior thereto, Mr. Walters served as Vice President and General Counsel since February 2009.

17

PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Market Information:

The authorized common stock of the Company consists of 70,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $1.00 par value.  At September 30, 2018, 32,074,786 shares were outstanding.  The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MATW".  The following table sets forth the high, low and closing prices as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated:

	High		Low		Close
Fiscal 2018:
Quarter ended:   September 30, 2018	$	61.25	$	48.76	$	50.15
June 30, 2018	60.75		47.70		58.80
March 31, 2018	59.85		49.60		50.60
December 31, 2017	65.10		52.60		52.80
Fiscal 2017:
Quarter ended:   September 30, 2017	$	66.65	$	57.40	$	62.25
June 30, 2017	72.60		60.40		61.25
March 31, 2017	77.85		64.45		67.65
December 31, 2016	77.10		57.65		76.85

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation. Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,422,282 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2018. All purchases of the Company's common stock during fiscal 2018 were part of this repurchase program.

18

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

The following table shows the monthly fiscal 2018 stock repurchase activity:

Period	Total number of shares purchased	Weighted-average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan	Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan
October 2017	—	$	—	—	1,816,146
November 2017	75,078	58.27		75,078	1,741,068
December 2017	687	58.64		687	1,740,381
January 2018	61,406	56.29		61,406	1,678,975
February 2018	130,000	52.97		130,000	1,548,975
March 2018	69,215	51.25		69,215	1,479,760
April 2018	25,000	48.61		25,000	1,454,760
May 2018	10,452	53.30		10,452	1,444,308
June 2018	282	48.78		282	1,444,026
July 2018	—	—		—	1,444,026
August 2018	—	—		—	1,444,026
September 2018	21,744	50.11		21,744	1,422,282
Total	393,864	$	53.78	393,864

Holders:

Based on records available to the Company, the number of record holders of the Company's common stock was 589 at October 31, 2018.

Dividends:

A quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share was declared to shareholders of record on November 26, 2018. The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.19, $0.17, and $0.15 per share for each of the quarters during fiscal 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. 

Cash dividends have been paid on common shares in every year for at least the past forty-nine years.  It is the present intention of the Company to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock.  However, there is no assurance that dividends will be declared and paid as the declaration and payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company and is dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans:

See Equity Compensation Plans in Item 12 "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" on page 77of this report.

19

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

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN *

AMONG MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,

S&P 500 INDEX, S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX AND S&P SMALLCAP 600 INDEX

*  Total return assumes dividend reinvestment

Note: Performance graph assumes $100 invested on October 1, 2013 in Matthews International Corporation Common Stock, Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P MidCap 400 Index and S&P SmallCap 600 Index.  The results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

20

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

	Years Ended September 30,
	2018(1)		2017(2)		2016(3)		2015(4)		2014(5)
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Net sales	$	1,602,580	$	1,515,608	$	1,480,464	$	1,426,068	$	1,106,597
Operating profit	132,834		112,603		118,815		105,023		81,522
Interest expense	37,427		26,371		24,344		20,610		12,628
Net income attributable to   Matthews shareholders	$	107,371	$	74,368	$	66,749	$	63,449	$	42,625
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	3.39	$	2.31	$	2.04	$	1.93	$	1.51
Diluted	3.37		2.28		2.03		1.91		1.49
Weighted-average common
shares outstanding:
Basic	31,674		32,240		32,642		32,939		28,209
Diluted	31,861		32,570		32,904		33,196		28,483
Cash dividends per share	$	0.76	$	0.68	$	0.60	$	0.54	$	0.46
Total assets	$	2,375,485	$	2,244,649	$	2,091,041	$	2,143,611	$	2,008,026
Long-term debt, non-current	929,342		881,602		844,807		891,217		714,027

(1) Fiscal 2018 included net pre-tax charges of $27,115 and income of $3,771, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. These pre-tax charges primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, and strategic cost-reduction initiatives. The pre-tax income primarily consisted of gains recognized on the disposition of certain cost-method investments.

(2) Fiscal 2017 included net pre-tax charges of $38,458 and income of $10,483, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. These pre-tax charges primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, and strategic cost-reduction initiatives. The pre-tax income primarily consisted of loss recoveries, net of related costs, related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee.

(3) Fiscal 2016 included net pre-tax charges of $36,057 and income of $78, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. These amounts primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs and strategic cost-reduction initiatives.

(4) Fiscal 2015 included pre-tax charges of $36,883 and income of $8,726, which impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively, and also included the unfavorable effect of related adjustments of $1,334 to income tax expense.  These amounts primarily consisted of acquisition-related costs, trade name write-offs, strategic cost-reduction initiatives, and losses related to a theft of funds, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of a multi-employer pension plan obligation, and the impact of the favorable settlement of litigation, net of related expenses.

(5) Fiscal 2014 included net pre-tax charges of approximately $41,289, primarily related to acquisition-related costs, strategic cost-reduction initiatives, and litigation expenses related to a legal dispute in the Memorialization segment.  Charges of $38,598 and $2,691 impacted operating profit and other deductions, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2014 included the unfavorable effect of adjustments of $1,347 to income tax expense related to non-deductible expenses related to acquisition activities.

21

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

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

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The following table sets forth sales and operating profit for the Company's SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies segments for each of the last three fiscal years.

	Years Ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
SGK Brand Solutions	$	805,274	$	770,181	$	755,975
Memorialization	631,392		615,882		610,142
Industrial Technologies	165,914		129,545		114,347
Consolidated	$	1,602,580	$	1,515,608	$	1,480,464
Operating Profit:
SGK Brand Solutions	$	35,443	$	24,919	$	42,909
Memorialization	86,370		80,652		68,252
Industrial Technologies	11,021		7,032		7,654
Consolidated	$	132,834	$	112,603	$	118,815

Comparison of Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2018 were $1.60 billion, compared to $1.52 billion for the year ended September 30, 2017.  The increase in fiscal 2018 sales of $87.0 million principally reflected higher sales of marking products and fulfillment systems (Industrial Technologies), increased sales in the U.K., Europe, and Asia Pacific brand markets, benefits from recently completed acquisitions (see "Acquisitions" below for annual revenue information for significant acquisitions) and the favorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency rates were estimated to have a favorable impact of $26.9 million on fiscal 2018 consolidated sales compared to a year ago. These increases were partially offset by slower brand market conditions in North America for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, and lower unit sales of memorials and caskets. Comparability was also impacted by a significant merchandising display project in fiscal 2017 in the SGK Brand Solutions segment.

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for fiscal 2018 were $805.3 million, compared to $770.2 million in fiscal 2017.  The increase in sales reflected sales growth in the U.K., Europe, and Asia Pacific markets, and benefits from recently completed acquisitions. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also had a favorable impact of $22.8 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by slower brand market conditions in North America, lower sales of merchandising displays, and the divestiture of a small business in the U.K. Lower merchandising display sales reflected a large project (approximately $18.0 million) in fiscal 2017 that did not repeat in fiscal 2018. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2018 were $631.4 million compared to $615.9 million for fiscal 2017.  The sales increase reflected the benefits of recently completed acquisitions, partially offset by lower unit sales of memorials and caskets, consistent with an estimated decline in U.S. casketed deaths. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also had a favorable impact of $2.8 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year. Industrial Technologies segment sales for fiscal 2018 were $165.9 million, compared to $129.5 million for fiscal 2017.  The increase reflected higher sales of marking products and fulfillment systems, and benefits from recently completed acquisitions. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also had a favorable impact of $1.2 million on the segment's sales compared to the prior year.

22

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

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $581.4 million, compared to $563.4 million for fiscal 2017.  Consolidated gross profit as a percent of sales was 36.3% and 37.2% in fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. The increase in gross profit primarily reflected the impact of higher sales, including recent acquisitions, the benefits of productivity initiatives, and realization of acquisition synergies. These increases were partially offset by higher material costs, particularly bronze and steel, and lower U.S. sales (excluding acquisitions) in the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments. Fiscal 2018 gross profit also included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $3.0 million. Fiscal 2017 gross profit included an expense of $2.0 million for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to fiscal 2017 acquisitions.

Selling and administrative expenses (excluding intangible amortization) for the year ended September 30, 2018 were $417.0 million, compared to $427.5 million for fiscal 2017.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 26.0% for fiscal 2018, compared to 28.2% in fiscal 2017.  Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2018 included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges primarily in connection with cost reduction initiatives totaling $24.1 million, compared to $35.2 million in fiscal 2017. Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2018 also included benefits from cost reduction initiatives, including acquisition-integration synergies and a reduction in performance-based compensation compared to fiscal 2017. These benefits were partially offset by additional expenses in fiscal 2018 from recently completed acquisitions. Intangible amortization for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $31.6 million, compared to $23.3 million for fiscal 2017. The increase in intangible amortization primarily reflected $6.7 million of incremental amortization related to recently completed acquisitions.

Operating profit for fiscal 2018 was $132.8 million, compared to $112.6 million for fiscal 2017.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit for fiscal 2018 was $35.4 million, compared to $24.9 million for fiscal 2017.  Fiscal 2018 operating profit for the SGK Brand Solutions segment included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $20.9 million, compared to $29.7 million in fiscal 2017. Segment operating profit in fiscal 2018 also reflected benefits from recently completed acquisitions, reductions in performance-based compensation, and the favorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $1.6 million. These improvements were partially offset by the impact of lower sales (excluding acquisitions) in North America, and an increase of $2.9 million in intangible asset amortization related to recently completed acquisitions. Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2018 was $86.4 million, compared to $80.7 million for fiscal 2017.  The increase in segment operating profit reflected the benefits from recently completed acquisitions, and the favorable impact of acquisition synergies and other productivity initiatives. These increases were partially offset by higher material costs, $1.4 million of incremental intangible asset amortization from recent acquisitions, and the impact of lower memorial and casket sales volume. Fiscal 2018 operating profit for the Memorialization segment also included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $5.2 million, compared to $7.8 million in fiscal 2017. Operating profit for the Industrial Technologies segment for fiscal 2018 was $11.0 million, compared to $7.0 million in fiscal 2017. The increase in segment operating profit reflected higher sales of marking products, fulfillment systems, and OEM solutions, and the benefits from recently completed acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by higher investments in the segment's product development, and $2.4 million of incremental intangible asset amortization related to recently completed acquisitions.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $1.6 million, compared to $2.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017.  The decrease reflected lower rates of return on investments held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for fiscal 2018 was $37.4 million, compared to $26.4 million in fiscal 2017.  The increase in interest expense reflected an increase in average borrowing levels, primarily related to acquisitions, higher average interest rates in the current fiscal year, and incremental financing costs associated with the 5.25% Senior Notes (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below). Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2018 represented an increase in pre-tax income of $1.0 million, compared to an increase in pre-tax income of $7.6 million in fiscal 2017. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances.  Fiscal 2018 other income and deductions also included $3.8 million of gains recognized in connection with the sale of certain cost-method investments. Fiscal 2017 other income and deductions included loss recoveries of $11.3 million related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

23

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

The Company's consolidated income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2018 were a benefit of $9.1 million, compared to income tax expense of $22.4 million for fiscal 2017. The difference between the Company's fiscal 2018 effective tax rate and the fiscal 2017 effective tax rate primarily resulted from the impacts of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) which was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, which results in a blended U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5% for the Company in fiscal 2018. The Act also requires a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. At September 30, 2018, the Company has not finalized its accounting for the tax effects of the Act; however, management has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and has recorded an estimated amount for its one-time transition tax. For the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional net tax benefit of $29.2 million was recognized, which is included entirely as a component of income tax benefit (provision) for the year ended September 30, 2018. The Company continues to await additional guidance on certain aspects of the Act which could have a significant effect upon its income tax expense. The difference between the Company's fiscal 2018 effective tax rate and the blended U.S. federal statutory rate of 24.5% primarily reflected the re-measurement of U.S. deferred taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, partially offset by the one-time transition tax and the impact of state taxes. Refer to Note 14, “Income Taxes” in Item 8 - “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details regarding income taxes.

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests were $260,000 in fiscal 2018, compared to $435,000 in fiscal 2017.  The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses.

Comparison of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016:

Sales for the year ended September 30, 2017 were $1.52 billion, compared to $1.48 billion for the year ended September 30, 2016.  The increase in fiscal 2017 sales of $35.1 million principally reflected higher sales of cemetery memorial products and cremation equipment, increased sales in the U.K. and Asia Pacific brand markets, higher sales of marking products, and the benefits from acquisitions (see "Acquisitions" below). These increases were partially offset by slower market conditions in North America and Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment, lower unit sales of caskets, and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of $12.8 million compared to fiscal 2016.

In the SGK Brand Solutions segment, sales for fiscal 2017 were $770.2 million, compared to $756.0 million in fiscal 2016.  The increase in sales reflected sales growth in the U.K. and Asia Pacific markets, and the completion of three acquisitions during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. These sales increases were partially offset by slower brand market conditions in the U.S. and Europe, and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $12.1 million. Memorialization segment sales for fiscal 2017 were $615.9 million compared to $610.1 million for fiscal 2016.  The sales increase reflected higher sales of cemetery memorial products and cremation equipment, partially offset by lower unit sales of caskets (reflecting an estimated decline in U.S. casketed deaths). Industrial Technologies segment sales for fiscal 2017 were $129.5 million, compared to $114.3 million for fiscal 2016.  The increase reflected higher sales of marking products and OEM solutions, and the favorable impact of acquisitions, partially offset by lower sales of fulfillment systems and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar of approximately $690,000.

Gross profit for the year ended September 30, 2017 was $563.4 million, compared to $556.5 million for fiscal 2016.  The increase in gross profit primarily reflected the impact of higher sales from acquisitions, the benefits of productivity initiatives, and realization of acquisition synergies, partially offset by unfavorable changes in foreign currency values against the U.S. dollar, and slower market conditions in North America and Europe for the SGK Brand Solutions segment. Fiscal 2017 gross profit also included an expense of $2.0 million for the write-off of inventory step-up value related to fiscal 2017 acquisitions. Fiscal 2016 gross profit included an expense of approximately $4.0 million for the partial write-off of inventory step-up value related to the acquisition of Aurora Products Group, LLC ("Aurora") in August 2015.

24

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

Selling and administrative expenses (excluding intangible amortization) for the year ended September 30, 2017 were $427.5 million, compared to $416.8 million for fiscal 2016.  Consolidated selling and administrative expenses as a percent of sales were 28.2% for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016.  The increase in selling and administrative expenses reflected the impact of acquisitions, partially offset by the benefits from cost-reduction initiatives, including acquisition integration synergies. Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2017 also included $3.3 million of incremental stock-based compensation expense that was recognized in the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2017 as a result of required accounting treatment for retirement-eligible employees. Selling and administrative expenses also included acquisition integration and related systems-integration costs, and other charges in connection with cost structure initiatives totaling $35.2 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $32.1 million in fiscal 2016. Intangible amortization for the year ended September 30, 2017 was $23.3 million, compared to $20.8 million for fiscal 2016. The increase in intangible amortization primarily reflected $3.7 million of incremental amortization related to recently completed acquisitions.

Operating profit for fiscal 2017 was $112.6 million, compared to $118.8 million for fiscal 2016.  The SGK Brand Solutions segment operating profit for fiscal 2017 was $24.9 million, compared to $42.9 million for fiscal 2016.  Fiscal 2017 operating profit for the SGK Brand Solutions segment included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $29.7 million, compared to $25.0 million in fiscal 2016. Segment operating profit in fiscal 2017 also included an increase of $3.1 million in intangible asset amortization related to acquisitions. Additionally, fiscal 2017 operating profit for SGK Brand Solutions reflected slower market conditions in North America and Europe, and the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar of approximately $1.3 million, partially offset by the favorable impact of acquisitions. Memorialization segment operating profit for fiscal 2017 was $80.7 million, compared to $68.3 million for fiscal 2016.  The increase in segment operating profit reflected higher cemetery memorial and cremation equipment sales, and the benefits of acquisition synergies and other productivity initiatives, partially offset by the impact of lower casket sales. Fiscal 2017 operating profit for the Memorialization segment also included acquisition integration costs and other charges totaling $7.8 million, compared to $10.4 million in fiscal 2016. Operating profit for the Industrial Technologies segment for fiscal 2017 was $7.0 million, compared to $7.7 million in fiscal 2016. The benefits of higher sales were offset by higher investments in the segment's product development, and an increase in acquisition related charge.

Investment income for the year ended September 30, 2017 was $2.5 million, compared to $2.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2016.  The increase reflected higher rates of return on investments held in trust for certain of the Company's benefit plans.  Interest expense for fiscal 2017 was $26.4 million, compared to $24.3 million in fiscal 2016.  The increase in interest expense reflected higher average interest rates in fiscal 2017 and an increase in average borrowing levels, primarily related to acquisitions. Other income (deductions), net, for the year ended September 30, 2017 represented an increase in pre-tax income of $7.6 million, compared to a decrease in pre-tax income of $1.3 million in fiscal 2016. Other income and deductions generally include banking-related fees and the impact of currency gains and losses on certain intercompany debt and foreign denominated cash balances.  Fiscal 2017 other income and deductions also included loss recoveries of $11.3 million related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 was 23.2%, compared to 30.5% for fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2017 reflects the benefits from lower foreign taxes, organizational structure changes, primarily initiated in connection with acquisition integration, increased benefits from credits and incentives, and the impact of other tax benefits specific to fiscal 2017. The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the Federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily reflected lower foreign income taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, offset by the impact of state taxes.

Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests was $435,000 in fiscal 2017, compared to $588,000 in fiscal 2016.  The net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests primarily reflected losses in less than wholly-owned Memorialization and Industrial Technologies businesses.

25

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

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES:

Net cash provided by operating activities was $147.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared to $149.3 million and $140.3 million for fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Operating cash flow for fiscal 2018 principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and non-cash pension expense, and an increase in working capital items, primarily reflecting a decrease in accrued compensation amounts. Fiscal 2018 operating cash flow also included cash contributions of $12.7 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans. Operating cash flow for fiscal 2017 principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and non-cash pension expense, and a decrease in working capital items, partially offset by cash contributions of $8.7 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans.  Fiscal 2017 operating cash flow also included cash proceeds from loss recoveries of $10.0 million as discussed above. Excluding loss recoveries, fiscal 2018 operating cash flow would have increased $8.3 million, or 6.0% over fiscal 2017 operating cash flow. Operating cash flow for fiscal 2016 principally included net income adjusted for deferred taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and non-cash pension expense, and a decrease in working capital items, partially offset by cash contributions of $18.9 million to the Company's pension and other postretirement plans.

Cash used in investing activities was $162.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared to $141.6 million and $47.1 million for fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Investing activities for fiscal 2018 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $43.2 million, acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $121.1 million (see "Acquisitions" below), proceeds of $9.2 million from the sale of certain cost-method investments, and cash payments of $11.9 million for purchases of investments.  Investing activities for fiscal 2017 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $44.9 million and acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $98.2 million (see "Acquisitions" below).  Investing activities for fiscal 2016 primarily reflected capital expenditures of $41.7 million and acquisition payments (net of cash acquired or received from sellers) of $6.9 million.

Capital expenditures were $43.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, compared to $44.9 million and $41.7 million for fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Capital expenditures in each of the last three fiscal years reflected reinvestments in the Company's business segments and were made primarily for the purchase of new production machinery, equipment, software and systems, and facilities designed to improve product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, lower production costs and meet regulatory requirements.  Capital spending for property, plant and equipment has averaged $43.3 million for the last three fiscal years. Capital expenditures for the last three fiscal years were primarily financed through operating cash. Capital spending for fiscal 2019 is currently expected to be in the range of $45 million.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.

Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2018 was $0.9 million, and principally reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $53.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $21.2 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $24.6 million ($0.76 per share), and payment of deferred financing fees of $4.1 million.  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2017 was $7.2 million, and reflected proceeds, net of repayments, on long-term debt of $28.6 million, purchases of treasury stock of $14.0 million, and payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $21.8 million ($0.68 per share).  Cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2016 was $108.8 million, and reflected repayments, net of proceeds, on long-term debt of $30.0 million, purchases of treasury stock of $58.0 million, proceeds from stock option exercises of $6.4 million, payment of dividends to the Company's shareholders of $19.4 million ($0.60 per share), acquisition of noncontrolling interest of $5.6 million, and payment of deferred financing fees of $2.3 million.

26

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

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million senior secured amortizing term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.50% at September 30, 2018) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35.0 million) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $319.5 million and $525.0 million, respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $212.1 million and $232.5 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.12% and 3.01%, respectively.

In December 2017, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on June 1, 2018. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were used primarily to reduce indebtedness under the Company's domestic credit facility. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes of $4.1 million, which are being deferred and amortized over the term of the 2025 Senior Notes.

The Company has a $115.0 million accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. The Securitization Facility was amended in April 2018 to extend the maturity date until April 11, 2020. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $102.3 million and $95.8 million, respectively. The interest rate on borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.01% and 1.98%, respectively.

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

	September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$	343,750		$	414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	11,309		$	3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2.7			3.3
Weighted-average received rate	2.26		%	1.23		%
Weighted-average pay rate	1.37		%	1.34		%

27

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

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $11.3 million ($8.5 million after tax) and an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $4.0 million ($2.4 million after tax) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2018, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $2.9 million included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is €35.0 million ($40.6 million).  The credit facility matures in December 2018 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under this facility totaled €2.8 million ($3.2 million) and €22.1 million ($26.1 million) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 1.75%.

The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, has €15.0 million ($17.4 million) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews and mature in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 1.40%.

Other debt totaled $5.4 million and $8.8 million at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 2.21% and 2.49% at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2018.

In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8.6 million ($11.2 million at September 30, 2018) with respect to a performance guarantee on an environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances further evolve.

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,422,282 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2018.

Consolidated working capital was $312.3 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $309.9 million at September 30, 2017.  Cash and cash equivalents were $41.6 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $57.5 million at September 30, 2017.  The Company's current ratio was 2.0 and 2.1 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

28

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

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. The Company is party to various environmental matters which include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate. Refer to Note 16, "Environmental Matters" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details.

ACQUISITIONS:

Refer to Note 19, "Acquisitions" in Item 8 - "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," for further details on the Company's acquisitions.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

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

The significant factors (excluding acquisitions) influencing sales growth in the SGK Brand Solutions segment are global economic conditions, brand innovation, the level of marketing spending by the Company's clients, and government regulation. Due to the global footprint of this segment, currency fluctuations can also be a significant factor. For the Memorialization segment, North America death rates, the cremation trend, and price realization impact sales growth for the Company's memorials, caskets and cremation-related products. For the Industrial Technologies segment, sales growth drivers include economic/industrial market conditions, new product development, and the e-commerce trend. In consideration of the above, the Company expects that its long-term annual consolidated sales (excluding acquisitions and foreign currency effects) to generally be in the range of level to low single-digit percentage growth.

With respect to fiscal 2019, the Company expects to continue to devote a significant level of effort to the integrations of recent acquisitions, including systems integration.  The costs associated with these integrations will impact the Company's operating results for fiscal 2019.  Consistent with its practice, the Company plans to identify these costs on a quarterly basis as incurred.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

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

The Company's significant accounting policies are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Management believes that the application of these policies on a consistent basis enables the Company to provide useful and reliable financial information about the Company's operating results and financial condition.  The following accounting policies involve significant estimates, which were considered critical to the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018.

29

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

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

Long-lived assets are recorded at their respective cost basis on the date of acquisition.  Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The Company reviews long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and intangibles with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles:

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

The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company determined that the estimated fair value for all goodwill reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary at March 31, 2018.  There were no impairments identified during the Company's annual assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits:

Pension assets and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets and the discount rate used to determine the present value of benefit obligations.  Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets and differences between the actual return on plan assets, the expected return on plan assets and changes in the selected discount rate will affect the amount of pension cost.

The Company's principal pension plan maintains a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities in accordance with the investment policy established by the Company's pension board.  Based on an analysis of the historical performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for these assets at 6.75% at September 30, 2017 for purposes of determining fiscal 2018 pension cost.   The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices as of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 for the fiscal year end valuation. The discount rate was 4.21%, 3.76% and 3.51% in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Refer to Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for disclosure about the hypothetical impact of changes in actuarial assumptions.

30

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

Income Taxes:

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

LONG-TERM CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS:

The following table summarizes the Company's contractual obligations at September 30, 2018, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

			Payments due in fiscal year:
	Total		2019		2020 to 2021		2022 to 2023		After 2023
Contractual Cash Obligations:	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Revolving credit facilities	$	322,711	$	3,211	$	319,500	$	—	$	—
Securitization facility	102,250		—		102,250		—		—
Senior secured term loan	212,086		25,000		187,086		—		—
2025 Senior Notes	414,301		15,750		31,500		31,500		335,551
Notes payable to banks	17,895		484		17,411		—		—
Short-term borrowings	4,915		4,915		—		—		—
Capital lease obligations	6,140		1,225		1,608		863		2,444
Non-cancelable operating leases	79,441		23,183		32,631		14,280		9,347
Other	16,476		3,355		6,709		3,714		2,698
Total contractual cash obligations	$	1,176,215	$	77,123	$	698,695	$	50,357	$	350,040

A significant portion of the loans included in the table above bear interest at variable rates.  At September 30, 2018, the weighted-average interest rate was 3.12% on the Company's domestic credit facility, 3.01% on the Company's Securitization Facility, 1.75% on the credit facility through the Company's European subsidiaries, 1.40% on notes issued by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, and 2.21% on other outstanding debt.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are funded from the Company's operating cash. Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2018, however, in fiscal 2018 the Company made a contribution of $10.0 million to its principal retirement plan.

The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2019.  The Company estimates that benefit payments to participants under its retirement plans (including its supplemental retirement plan) and postretirement benefit payments will be approximately $10.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in fiscal 2019.  The amounts are expected to increase incrementally each year thereafter, to $12.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in 2023.  The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

31

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

Unrecognized tax benefits are positions taken, or expected to be taken, on an income tax return that may result in additional payments to tax authorities.  If a tax authority agrees with the tax position taken, or expected to be taken, or the applicable statute of limitations expires, then additional payments will not be necessary.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits, excluding penalties and interest, of approximately $14.8 million.  The timing of potential future payments related to the unrecognized tax benefits is not presently determinable. The Company believes that its current liquidity sources, combined with its operating cash flow and borrowing capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the foreseeable future.

INFLATION:

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

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

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

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

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

Interest Rates - The Company's most significant long-term instrument is the domestic credit facility, which bears interest at variable rates based on LIBOR.

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

	September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
	(Dollars in thousands)
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$	343,750		$	414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	11,309		$	3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2.7			3.3
Weighted-average received rate	2.26		%	1.23		%
Weighted-average pay rate	1.37		%	1.34		%

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $11.3 million ($8.5 million after-tax) at September 30, 2018 that is included in equity as part of AOCI.  A decrease of 10% in market interest rates (e.g., a decrease from 5.0% to 4.5%) would result in a decrease of approximately $2.6 million in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.

32

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

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates - The Company is subject to changes in various foreign currency exchange rates, primarily including the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar in the conversion from local currencies to the U.S. dollar of the reported financial position and operating results of its non-U.S. based subsidiaries.  An adverse change (strengthening U.S. dollar) of 10% in exchange rates would have resulted in a decrease in reported sales of $57.1 million and a decrease in reported operating income of $5.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

Actuarial Assumptions - The most significant actuarial assumptions affecting pension expense and pension obligations include the valuation of retirement plan assets, the discount rates and the estimated return on plan assets.  The estimated return on plan assets is currently based upon projections provided by the Company's independent investment advisor, considering the investment policy of the plan and the plan's asset allocation.  The fair value of plan assets and discount rates are "point-in-time" measures, and volatility of the debt and equity markets makes estimating future changes in fair value of plan assets and discount rates challenging.  The Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using a modified assumption of future mortality that reflects a significant improvement in life expectancy over the previous mortality assumptions.  Refer to Note 12, "Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" in Item 8 – "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information.

The following table summarizes the impact on the September 30, 2018 actuarial valuations of changes in the primary assumptions affecting the Company's retirement plans and supplemental retirement plan.

	Impact of Changes in Actuarial Assumptions
	Change in Discount Rates						Change in Expected Return					Change in Market Value of Assets
	+1%			-1%			+1%			-1%		+5%			-5%
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Decrease) increase in net benefit cost	$	(3,682	)	$	4,494		$	(1,527	)	$	1,527	$	(1,546	)	$	1,546
(Decrease) increase in projected benefit obligation	(28,936		)	35,945			—			—		—			—
Increase (decrease) in funded status	28,936			(35,945		)	—			—		7,933			(7,933		)

33

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Description	Pages
Management's Report to Shareholders	35
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	36
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	37
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017	38
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	40
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	41
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	42
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	44
Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited)	74
Financial Statement Schedule – Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	75

34

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries:

Management's Report on Financial Statements

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

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO, and has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018.  The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 has been audited by Ernst & Young, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Management's Certifications

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

35

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries:

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated November 20, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

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

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

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

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

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

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 20, 2018

36

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of

Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated November 20, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

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

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

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

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

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 20, 2018

37

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

September 30, 2018 and 2017

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

ASSETS	2018		2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,572	$	57,515
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful    accounts of $11,158 and $11,622, respectively	331,463		319,566
Inventories	180,451		171,445
Other current assets	62,937		46,533
Total current assets	616,423		595,059
Investments	45,430		37,667
Property, plant and equipment, net	252,775		235,533
Deferred income taxes	1,837		2,456
Other assets	66,216		51,758
Goodwill	948,894		897,794
Other intangible assets, net	443,910		424,382
Total assets	$	2,375,485	$	2,244,649

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

38

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, continued

September 30, 2018 and 2017

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	2018			2017
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities	$	31,260		$	29,528
Trade accounts payable	70,044			66,607
Accrued compensation	51,490			62,210
Accrued income taxes	11,413			21,386
Other current liabilities	139,936			105,401
Total current liabilities	304,143			285,132
Long-term debt	929,342			881,602
Accrued pension	82,035			103,273
Postretirement benefits	17,753			19,273
Deferred income taxes	121,519			139,430
Other liabilities	51,979			25,680
Total liabilities	1,506,771			1,454,390
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized 70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued	36,334			36,334
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	129,252			123,432
Retained earnings	1,040,378			948,830
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(164,298		)	(154,115		)
Treasury stock, 4,259,206 and 4,185,413 shares, respectively, at cost	(173,315		)	(164,774		)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	868,351			789,707
Noncontrolling interests	363			552
Total shareholders' equity	868,714			790,259
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,375,485		$	2,244,649

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

39

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	2018			2017			2016
Sales	$	1,602,580		$	1,515,608		$	1,480,464
Cost of sales	(1,021,230		)	(952,221		)	(924,010		)
Gross profit	581,350			563,387			556,454
Selling expense	(142,477		)	(144,174		)	(140,924		)
Administrative expense	(274,477		)	(283,297		)	(275,894		)
Intangible amortization	(31,562		)	(23,313		)	(20,821		)
Operating profit	132,834			112,603			118,815
Investment income	1,570			2,468			2,061
Interest expense	(37,427		)	(26,371		)	(24,344		)
Other income (deductions), net	1,016			7,587			(1,298		)
Income before income taxes	97,993			96,287			95,234
Income tax benefit (provision)	9,118			(22,354		)	(29,073		)
Net income	107,111			73,933			66,161
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	260			435			588
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$	107,371		$	74,368		$	66,749
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic	$	3.39		$	2.31		$	2.04
Diluted	$	3.37		$	2.28		$	2.03

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

40

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

	Year Ended September 30, 2018
	Matthews			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
Net income (loss)	$	107,371		$	(260	)	$	107,111
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(22,053		)	71			(21,982		)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	15,631			—			15,631
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	6,095			—			6,095
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(1,042		)	—			(1,042		)
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on         derivatives	5,053			—			5,053
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,369		)	71			(1,298		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	106,002		$	(189	)	$	105,813
	Year Ended September 30, 2017
	Matthews			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
Net income (loss)	$	74,368		$	(435	)	$	73,933
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,352			119			9,471
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	12,427			—			12,427
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	7,043			—			7,043
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(1,069		)	—			(1,069		)
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on         derivatives	5,974			—			5,974
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	27,753			119			27,872
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	102,121		$	(316	)	$	101,805
	Year Ended September 30, 2016
	Matthews			Noncontrolling Interest			Total
Net income (loss)	$	66,749		$	(588	)	$	66,161
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17,655		)	(89		)	(17,744		)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	(12,576		)	—			(12,576		)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	(3,230		)	—			(3,230		)
Net amount reclassified to earnings	1,919			—			1,919
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on         derivatives	(1,311		)	—			(1,311		)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(31,542		)	(89		)	(31,631		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	35,207		$	(677	)	$	34,530

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

41

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)			Treasury Stock			Non- controlling Interests			Total
Balance, September 30, 2015	$	36,334	$	115,890		$	843,955		$	(150,326	)	$	(115,033	)	$	3,226		$	734,046
Net income	—		—			66,749			—			—			(588		)	66,161
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	—		—			—			(12,576		)	—			—			(12,576		)
Translation adjustment	—		—			—			(17,655		)	—			(89		)	(17,744		)
Fair value of derivatives	—		—			—			(1,311		)	—			—			(1,311		)
Total comprehensive income																		34,530
Stock-based compensation	—		10,612			—			—			—			—			10,612
Purchase of 1,132,452 shares  of treasury stock	—		—			—			—			(57,998		)	—			(57,998		)
Issuance of 404,307 shares  of treasury stock	—		(5,972		)	—			—			14,162			—			8,190
Cancellation of 5,237 shares of treasury stock	—		244			—			—			(244		)	—			—
Dividends	—		—			(14,480		)	—			—			—			(14,480		)
Transactions with   noncontrolling interests	—		(3,686		)	—			—			—			(1,880		)	(5,566		)
Balance, September 30, 2016	$	36,334	$	117,088		$	896,224		$	(181,868	)	$	(159,113	)	$	669		$	709,334
Net income	—		—			74,368			—			—			(435		)	73,933
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	—		—			—			12,427			—			—			12,427
Translation adjustment	—		—			—			9,352			—			119			9,471
Fair value of derivatives	—		—			—			5,974			—			—			5,974
Total comprehensive income																		101,805
Stock-based compensation	—		14,562			—			—			—			—			14,562
Purchase of 212,424 shares  of treasury stock	—		—			—			—			(14,025		)	—			(14,025		)
Issuance of 221,958 shares  of treasury stock	—		(8,397		)	—			—			8,543			—			146
Cancellation of 2,640 shares of treasury stock	—		179			—			—			(179		)	—			—
Dividends	—		—			(21,762		)	—			—			—			(21,762		)
Transactions with   noncontrolling interests	—		—			—			—			—			199			199
Balance, September 30, 2017	$	36,334	$	123,432		$	948,830		$	(154,115	)	$	(164,774	)	$	552		$	790,259
Net income	—		—			107,371			—			—			(260		)	107,111
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	—		—			—			15,631			—			—			15,631
Translation adjustment	—		—			—			(22,053		)	—			71			(21,982		)
Fair value of derivatives	—		—			—			5,053			—			—			5,053
Total comprehensive income																		105,813
Stock-based compensation	—		13,460			—			—			—			—			13,460
Purchase of 393,864 shares  of treasury stock	—		—			—			—			(21,181		)	—			(21,181		)
Issuance of 326,827 shares  of treasury stock	—		(8,040		)	—			—			13,040			—			5,000
Cancellation of 6,756 shares of treasury stock	—		400			—			—			(400		)	—			—
Dividends	—		—			(24,637		)	—			—			—			(24,637		)
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI") tax effects	—		—			8,814			(8,814		)	—			—			—
Balance, September 30, 2018	$	36,334	$	129,252		$	1,040,378		$	(164,298	)	$	(173,315	)	$	363		$	868,714

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

42

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

	2018			2017			2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	107,111		$	73,933		$	66,161
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	76,974			67,981			65,480
Stock-based compensation expense	13,460			14,562			10,612
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	(23,125		)	9,725			(3,971		)
Gain on sale of assets	(2,190		)	(776		)	(73		)
Gain on sale of investments	(3,771		)	—			—
Unrealized gain on investments	(1,304		)	(2,660		)	(1,426		)
Changes in working capital items	(9,934		)	5,784			13,715
Increase in other assets	(9,872		)	(17,256		)	(5,591		)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	6,510			(7,150		)	5,397
(Decrease) increase in pension and postretirement benefit obligations	(1,104		)	9,689			(2,465		)
Other operating activities, net	(5,181		)	(4,533		)	(7,565		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	147,574			149,299			140,274
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(43,200		)	(44,935		)	(41,682		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(121,065		)	(98,235		)	(6,937		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	4,705			3,764			1,478
Proceeds from sale of investments	9,158			—			—
Purchases of investments	(11,934		)	(2,211		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities	(162,336		)	(141,617		)	(47,141		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	704,188			417,043			90,421
Payments on long-term debt	(651,166		)	(388,447		)	(120,380		)
Purchases of treasury stock	(21,181		)	(14,025		)	(57,998		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	—			14			6,406
Dividends	(24,637		)	(21,762		)	(19,413		)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	—			—			(5,566		)
Other financing activities	(6,303		)	—			(2,318		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	901			(7,177		)	(108,848		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(2,082		)	1,299			(770		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(15,943		)	1,804			(16,485		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	57,515			55,711			72,196
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	41,572		$	57,515		$	55,711
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$	37,232		$	26,271		$	24,133
Income taxes	11,014			8,472			11,855
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of long-term asset under financing arrangement	$	14,544		$	—		$	—

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

43

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

1.     NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

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

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

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation:

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

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

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

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

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

Inventories:

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

44

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment:

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

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

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:

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

Environmental:

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

Derivatives and Hedging:

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

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

45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Foreign Currency:

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

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

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

Treasury Stock:

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

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2018, the Company held 329,341 memorials and 220,901 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain roto-gravure projects, cremation units and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs:

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

46

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, (continued)

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $24,984, $20,722 and $16,362 for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.

Income Taxes:

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

Earnings Per Share:

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

3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Issued

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

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, (continued)

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements but believes there will not be a material change once adopted.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During 2017 and 2018, the FASB issued four ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASU No. 2016-02 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020, and allow for early adoption. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements.

48

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

3.     ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS, (continued)

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements

to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2018. The Company has completed its assessment of all global revenue arrangements and related impact of the new standard compared to historical accounting policies and has concluded the adoption of these ASUs will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application. There was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018. The Company is continuing to assess the ultimate impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which provides new guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amount of reclassification is the difference between the Company's historical U.S. income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The Company early adopted this ASU in the third quarter ended June 30, 2018. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a decrease to AOCI and corresponding increase to retained earnings of $8,814.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill and removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment process.  The Company early adopted this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but modifies the methodology to assess and measure goodwill impairment prospectively.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which provides new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

4.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

Level 1:Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2:Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:

	September 30, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	11,309	$	—	$	11,309
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		22,758		—		22,758
Life insurance policies	—		5,894		—		5,894
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	39,961	$	—	$	39,961
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	3,990	$	—	$	3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		21,649		—		21,649
Life insurance policies	—		5,810		—		5,810
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	31,449	$	—	$	31,449
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

50

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

5.    INVENTORIES:

Inventories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018		2017
Raw materials	$	34,880	$	29,396
Work in process	67,827		61,917
Finished goods	77,744		80,132
	$	180,451	$	171,445

6.    INVESTMENTS:

Equity and fixed income mutual funds are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair value.  The market value of these investments exceeded cost by $838 and $785 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were not material.  Other investments include ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost-method of accounting.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, non-current investments were as follows:

	2018		2017
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	$	22,758	$	21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894		5,810
Other investments	16,778		10,208
	$	45,430	$	37,667

During fiscal 2018, the Company purchased an $11,747 ownership interest in a company in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, which was recorded as a cost-method investment. In fiscal 2018, the Company also sold certain of its cost-method investments for net proceeds totaling $9,159. In connection with these dispositions, the Company recognized $3,771 of pre-tax gains within other income (deductions), net.

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	2018			2017
Buildings	$	113,027		$	104,604
Machinery, equipment and other	452,846			412,980
	565,873			517,584
Less accumulated depreciation	(357,827		)	(335,346		)
	208,046			182,238
Land	18,017			16,845
Construction in progress	26,712			36,450
	$	252,775		$	235,533

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under capital lease, was $45,412, $44,668 and $44,659 for each of the three years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

51

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

8.    LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Revolving credit facilities	$	322,711		$	551,126
Securitization facility	102,250			95,825
Senior secured term loan	212,086			232,479
2025 Senior Notes	296,176			—
Notes payable to banks	17,895			21,831
Short-term borrowings	4,915			4,735
Capital lease obligations	4,569			5,134
	960,602			911,130
Less current maturities	(31,260		)	(29,528		)
	$	929,342		$	881,602

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured amortizing term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.50% at September 30, 2018) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $319,500 and $525,000, respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $212,086 and $232,479, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.12% and 3.01%, respectively.

In December 2017, the Company issued $300,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on June 1, 2018. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were used primarily to reduce indebtedness under the Company's domestic credit facility. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes of $4,127, which are being deferred and amortized over the term of the 2025 Senior Notes.

52

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

The Company has a $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. The Securitization Facility was amended in April 2018 to extend the maturity date until April 11, 2020. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $102,250 and $95,825, respectively. The interest rate on borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.01% and 1.98%, respectively.

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

	September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$	343,750		$	414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	11,309		$	3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2.7			3.3
Weighted-average received rate	2.26		%	1.23		%
Weighted-average pay rate	1.37		%	1.34		%

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $11,309 ($8,538 after tax) and an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $3,959 ($2,415 after tax) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2018, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $2,920 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected on a gross-basis in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives:	2018		2017
Current assets:
Other current assets	$	3,867	$	1,098
Long-term assets:
Other assets	7,442		2,892
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities	—		(7		)
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	—		(24		)
Total derivatives	$	11,309	$	3,959

53

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$1,380	$1,752	$(3,146)

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives			Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income(Effective Portion*)
	2018	2017	2016	(Effective Portion*)	2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	$6,095	$7,043	$(3,230)	Interest expense	$1,042	$1,069	$(1,919)
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is €35.0 million ($40,626).  The credit facility matures in December 2018 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under this facility were €2.8 million ($3,211) and €22.1 million ($26,126) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility was 1.75% and 1.75% at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, has €15.0 million ($17,411) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews and mature in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 1.40%.

Other debt totaled $5,399 and $8,846 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 2.21% and 2.49% at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ($11,170 at September 30, 2018) with respect to a performance guarantee on an environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances further evolve.

54

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

8.     LONG-TERM DEBT, (continued)

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2018.

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, is as follows:

2019	$	34,471
2020	145,176
2021	482,102
2022	325
2023	247
Thereafter	298,281
	$	960,602

9.     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

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

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,422,282 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2018.

10.     SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. The Company also maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 1,700,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. At September 30, 2018, there were 1,700,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. All Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

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

55

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

10.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, (continued)

For the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, stock-based compensation cost totaled $13,460, $14,562 and $10,612, respectively. The years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 included $2,850 and $3,337, respectively, of stock-based compensation cost that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $2,826, $5,534 and $4,139 for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

There were no stock options exercised during fiscal 2018. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $14 and $6,406, for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $3 and $932 for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:

	Shares		Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2017	501,184		$	53.65
Granted	234,100		57.05
Vested	(174,295	)	51.41
Expired or forfeited	(6,756	)	59.72
Non-vested at September 30, 2018	554,233		$	55.71

As of September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $6,190 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

	2018		2017		2016
Expected volatility	20.5	%	20.2	%	20.7	%
Dividend yield	1.0	%	1.1	%	1.0	%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.0	%	1.7	%	1.7	%
Average expected term (years)	2.1		2.1		2.1

The risk-free interest rate is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock price over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  The expected term for grants in the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 represents an estimate of the average period of time for restricted shares to vest.  The option characteristics for each grant are considered separately for valuation purposes.

56

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

10.SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS, (continued)

The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan and the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 22,745 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2018.  Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $125 for fiscal year 2018.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2018, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 173,229 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 70,079 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan. 20,940 shares of restricted stock are unvested at September 30, 2018.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.

11.     EARNINGS PER SHARE:

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

	2018		2017		2016
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	107,371	$	74,368	$	66,749
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic shares	31,674		32,240		32,642
Effect of dilutive securities	187		330		262
Diluted shares	31,861		32,570		32,904

Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilutive calculation were insignificant for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

57

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.    PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2018 and 2017:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	259,672		$	263,566		$	20,316		$	23,290
Service cost	8,159			8,553			335			392
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			631			626
Actuarial gain	(15,229		)	(4,264		)	(907		)	(2,600		)
Exchange (gain) loss	(180		)	589			—			—
Benefit payments	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Benefit obligation, end of year	241,553			259,672			18,826			20,316
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	155,634			151,864			—			—
Actual return	10,914			12,586			—			—
Benefit payments (1)	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Employer contributions	11,193			7,318			1,549			1,392
Fair value, end of year	158,662			155,634			—			—
Funded status	(82,892		)	(104,039		)	(18,828		)	(20,317		)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	53,405			73,616			(2,376		)	(1,469		)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liability	$	(857	)	$	(766	)	$	(1,075	)	$	(1,044	)
Noncurrent benefit liability	(82,035		)	(103,273		)	(17,753		)	(19,273		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	52,853			72,926			(2,901		)	(2,189		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive loss (income):
Net actuarial loss (income)	$	53,405		$	73,616		$	(2,376	)	$	(1,469	)
Prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	52,853		$	72,926		$	(2,901	)	$	(2,189	)

(1) Pension benefit payments in fiscal 2018 and 2017 includes $6,800 and $5,655 of lump sum distributions, respectively, that were made to certain terminated vested employees as settlements of the employees' pension obligations. These distributions did not meet the threshold to qualify as settlements under U.S. GAAP and therefore, no unamortized actuarial losses were recognized in the Statements of Income upon completion of the lump sum distributions.

58

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Based upon actuarial valuations performed as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $224,265 and $238,307 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $241,553 and $259,672 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

	Pension									Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2016			2018			2017			2016
Service cost	$	8,159		$	8,553		$	7,446		$	335		$	392		$	402
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			9,725			631			626			845
Expected return on plan assets	(10,136		)	(9,249		)	(9,625		)	—			—			—
Amortization:
Prior service cost	(138		)	(181		)	(183		)	(195		)	(195		)	(195		)
Net actuarial loss	7,018			10,034			7,468			—			—			—
Net benefit cost	$	13,113		$	16,519		$	14,831		$	771		$	823		$	1,052

Effective September 30, 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for its pensions. This change, compared to the previous method, resulted in a decrease in the service and interest components for pension cost beginning in fiscal 2017. Historically, the Company estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Matthews has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This change was made to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations. The Company has accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly, has accounted for it prospectively. This change resulted in a reduction of service and interest costs of approximately $1,960 in fiscal 2017.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating cash.  Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2018. The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2019.

Contributions made in fiscal 2018 are as follows:

Contributions	Pension		Other Postretirement
Principal retirement plan	$	10,000	$	—
Supplemental retirement plan	749		—
Other retirement plans	444		—
Other postretirement plan	—		1,549

59

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2019 include:

	Pension Benefits			Other Postretirement Benefits
Net actuarial loss	$	4,246		$	(59	)
Prior service cost	(186		)	(195		)

The weighted-average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30, for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018		2017		2016		2018		2017		2016
Discount rate	4.21	%	3.76	%	3.51	%	4.19	%	3.72	%	3.42	%
Return on plan assets	6.75	%	6.75	%	7.25	%	—		—		—
Compensation increase	3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%	—		—		—

In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries' Retirement Plans Experience Committee ("RPEC") released new mortality tables known as RP 2014. Each year, RPEC releases an update to the mortality improvement assumption that was released with the RP 2014 tables. The Company considered the RPEC mortality and mortality improvement tables and performed a review of its own mortality history to assess the appropriateness of the RPEC tables for use in generating financial results.  In fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using the base RP 2014 mortality table and a slightly modified fully generational mortality improvement assumption. The revised assumption uses the most recent RPEC mortality improvement table for all years where the RPEC tables are based on finalized data, and the most recently published Social Security Administration Intermediate  mortality improvement for subsequent years.

The underlying basis of the investment strategy of the Company's defined benefit plans is to ensure the assets are invested to achieve a positive rate of return over the long term sufficient to meet the plans' actuarial interest rate and provide for the payment of benefit obligations and expenses in perpetuity in a secure and prudent fashion, maintain a prudent risk level that balances growth with the need to preserve capital, diversify plan assets so as to minimize the risk of large losses or excessive fluctuations in market value from year to year, achieve investment results over the long term that compare favorably with other pension plans and appropriate indices.  The Company's investment policy, as established by the Company's pension board, specifies the types of investments appropriate for the plans, asset allocation guidelines, criteria for the selection of investment managers, procedures to monitor overall investment performance as well as investment manager performance.  It also provides guidelines enabling plan fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:

	Plan Assets at				Target
Asset Category	2018		2017		Allocation*
Equity securities	$	92,745	$	77,245	50	%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents	44,250		49,008		30	%
Other investments	21,667		29,381		20	%
	$	158,662	$	155,634	100	%
* Target allocation relates to the Company's primary defined benefit pension plan

60

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Based on an analysis of the historical and expected future performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for its primary defined benefit pension plans' assets at 6.75% in 2018 for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under current guidance.  The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices.

The Company categorizes plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy (see Note 4 for a further discussion of the fair value hierarchy). The valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of pension assets, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each type of pension plan asset is classified as follows.

Equity securities consist of direct investments in the stocks of publicly traded companies.  Such investments are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded.  As such, the direct investments are classified as Level 1.

Mutual funds are valued at the closing price of shares held by the Plan at year end.  As such, these mutual fund investments are classified as Level 1.

Fixed income securities consist of publicly traded fixed interest obligations (primarily U.S. government notes and corporate and agency bonds).  Such investments are valued through consultation and evaluation with brokers in the institutional market using quoted prices and other observable market data.  As such, U.S. government notes are included in Level 1, and the remainder of the fixed income securities are included in Level 2.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of direct cash holdings and short-term money market mutual funds.  These values are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value, and as such, are classified as Level 1.

Other investments consist primarily of real estate, commodities, private equity holdings and hedge fund investments.  These holdings are valued by investment managers based on the most recent information available.  The valuation information used by investment managers may not be readily observable.  As such, these investments are classified as Level 3.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	September 30, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	46,628	$	—	$	—	$	46,628
Equity securities - mutual funds	46,117		—		—		46,117
Fixed income securities	26,789		14,785		—		41,574
Cash and cash equivalents	2,676		—		—		2,676
Other investments	11,552		—		10,115		21,667
Total	$	133,762	$	14,785	$	10,115	$	158,662

	September 30, 2017
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	42,731	$	—	$	—	$	42,731
Equity securities - mutual funds	34,514		—		—		34,514
Fixed income securities	30,032		14,870		—		44,902
Cash and cash equivalents	4,106		—		—		4,106
Other investments	19,901		—		9,480		29,381
Total	$	131,284	$	14,870	$	9,480	$	155,634

61

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

12.     PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS, (continued)

Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

Asset Category	Fair Value, Beginning of Period		Acquisitions		Dispositions			Realized Gains		Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Fair Value, End of Period
Other investments:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	9,480	$	—	$	(149	)	$	261	$	523		$	10,115
September 30, 2017	12,816		—		(3,286		)	418		(468		)	9,480

Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:

Years ending September 30:	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
2019	$	10,348	$	1,075
2020	10,602		1,036
2021	11,141		1,062
2022	12,408		1,098
2023	12,772		1,117
2024-2028	72,916		6,062
	$	130,187	$	11,450

For measurement purposes, a rate of increase of 7.8% in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 2019; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.0% for 2058 and remain at that level thereafter.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2018 by $705 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $46.  A decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2018 by $622 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $40.

The Company sponsors defined contribution plans for hourly and salary employees. The expense associated with the contributions made to these plans was $8,685, $8,620, and $8,117 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

62

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

13.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

		Postretirement Benefit Plans			Currency Translation Adjustment				Derivatives			Total
Attributable to Matthews:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	(43,474	)	$	(104,604	)		$	(2,248	)	$	(150,326	)
OCI before reclassification		(16,901		)	(17,655		)		(3,230		)	(37,786		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	4,325			—			(b)	1,919			6,244
Net current-period OCI		(12,576		)	(17,655		)		(1,311		)	(31,542		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	(56,050	)	$	(122,259	)		$	(3,559	)	$	(181,868	)
OCI before reclassification		6,536			9,352				7,043			22,931
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,891			—			(b)	(1,069		)	4,822
Net current-period OCI		12,427			9,352				5,974			27,753
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	(43,623	)	$	(112,907	)		$	2,415		$	(154,115	)
OCI before reclassification		10,584			(22,053		)		6,095			(5,374		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,047			—			(b)	(1,042		)	4,005
Net current-period OCI		15,631			(22,053		)		5,053			(1,369		)
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	(c)	(9,884		)	—			(c)	1,070			(8,814		)
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	(37,876	)	$	(134,960	)		$	8,538		$	(164,298	)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	—		$	366			$	—		$	366
OCI before reclassification		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Net current-period OCI		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	—		$	277			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			119				—			119
Net current-period OCI		—			119				—			119
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	—		$	396			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			71				—			71
Net current-period OCI		—			71				—			71
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	—		$	467			$	—		$	348

(a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 12).

(b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 8).

(c) Amounts were reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings through adoption of ASU 2018-02 (see Note 3).

63

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

13.     ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, (continued)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Cumulative foreign currency translation	$	(134,960	)	$	(112,907	)
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $2,771 and $1,544, respectively	8,538			2,415
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $12,076 and $27,114, respectively	(37,876		)	(43,623		)
	$	(164,298	)	$	(154,115	)

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Details about AOCI Components		September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the Statement of Income
Postretirement benefit plans
Prior service (cost) credit	(a)	$	333		$	376		$	378
Actuarial losses	(a)	(7,018		)	(10,034		)	(7,468		)
	(b)	(6,685		)	(9,658		)	(7,090		)	Income before income tax
		(1,638		)	(3,767		)	(2,765		)	Income taxes
		$	(5,047	)	$	(5,891	)	$	(4,325	)	Net income
Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts		$	1,380		$	1,752		$	(3,146	)	Interest expense
	(b)	1,380			1,752			(3,146		)	Income before income tax
		338			683			(1,227		)	Income taxes
		$	1,042		$	1,069		$	(1,919	)	Net income

(a) Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 12.

(b)For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

14.     INCOME TAXES:

The income tax (benefit) provision consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current:
Federal	$	(2,577	)	$	1,542		$	18,733
State	1,051			628			1,829
Foreign	15,533			10,459			12,482
	14,007			12,629			33,044
Deferred:
Federal	(24,094		)	11,887			(3,066		)
State	1,315			905			(2,412		)
Foreign	(346		)	(3,067		)	1,507
	(23,125		)	9,725			(3,971		)
Total	$	(9,118	)	$	22,354		$	29,073

64

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14.     INCOME TAXES, (continued)

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, which results in a blended U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5% for the Company in fiscal 2018. The Act also requires a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. At September 30, 2018, the Company has not finalized its accounting for the tax effects of the Act; however, as described below, management has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and has recorded an estimated amount for its one-time transition tax. For the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional net tax benefit of $29,150 was recognized, which is included entirely as a component of income tax benefit (provision) for the year ended September 30, 2018. The two main components of this provisional amount are discussed below. The Company continues to await additional guidance on certain aspects of the Act which could have a significant effect upon its income tax expense.

Provisional amounts

Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company re-measured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which these deferred tax amounts are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21.0% or 24.5%. This re-measurement resulted in a tax benefit of $38,010 being recognized during the year ended September 30, 2018. The Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act, estimating the timing of reversals, and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances, or potentially generate new deferred tax amounts.

Foreign tax effects: The Company recorded a provisional amount for its one-time transition tax for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $8,860 for the year ended September 30, 2018. The one-time transition tax was calculated using an estimate of the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company has not yet finalized its determination of the total post-1986 E&P and tax pools for its foreign subsidiaries and has not fully analyzed the state income tax effects. The calculation of the one-time transition tax is also impacted by the amount of foreign E&P held in cash and other specified assets. The tax amount may change when the Company finalizes its calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and upon finalization of the calculation of cash and other specified assets.

The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:

	2018		2017		2016
Federal statutory tax rate	24.5	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction	2.2	%	1.4	%	(0.6	)%
Foreign taxes greater (less) than federal statutory rate	1.4	%	(7.2	)%	(3.5	)%
Share-based compensation	(0.6	)%	(1.2	)%	—	%
U.S. manufacturing incentive	(1.3	)%	(1.8	)%	(0.9	)%
Tax credits	(2.7	)%	(2.6	)%	0.9	%
Tax deductible basis difference	(1.5	)%	—	%	—	%
Transition tax	9.0	%	—	%	—	%
U.S. statutory tax rate change on temporary differences	(38.7	)%	—	%	—	%
Other	(1.6	)%	(0.4	)%	(0.4	)%
Effective tax rate	(9.3	)%	23.2	%	30.5	%

65

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14.     INCOME TAXES, (continued)

The Company's consolidated income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2018 were a benefit of $9,118, compared to income tax expense of $22,354 for fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 primarily reflects the benefits from the U.S. tax reform enactment discussed above. The difference between the Company's fiscal 2018 effective tax rate and the blended U.S. federal statutory rate of 24.5% primarily reflected the re-measurement of U.S. deferred taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, partially offset by the one-time transition tax and the impact of state taxes.

The Company's foreign subsidiaries had income before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 of approximately $56,424, $24,118 and $48,864, respectively.  Deferred income taxes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries since they have been included as a component of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax, and such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely. At September 30, 2018, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred income taxes have not been provided approximated $289,702. 

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and postretirement benefits	$	24,597		$	45,654
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible	9,596			20,579
Income tax credit carryforward	3,216			3,313
Operating and capital loss carryforwards	20,807			23,610
Stock options	5,157			8,614
Other	3,963			2,782
Total deferred tax assets	67,336			104,552
Valuation allowances	(14,137		)	(20,866		)
Net deferred tax assets	53,199			83,686
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(16,156		)	(4,763		)
Unrealized gains and losses	(8,637		)	(10,446		)
Goodwill and intangible assets	(147,571		)	(203,957		)
Other	(517		)	(1,494		)
	(172,881		)	(220,660		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(119,682	)	$	(136,974	)

66

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

14.     INCOME TAXES, (continued)

At September 30, 2018, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $60,705 and foreign capital loss carryforwards of $20,370. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $4,684 for state net operating loss carryforwards, and various non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards of $2,934 which will be available to offset future income tax liabilities. If not used, state net operating losses will begin to expire in 2019.  Certain of the foreign net operating losses begin to expire in 2019 while the majority of the Company's foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. Certain of these carryforwards are subject to limitations on use due to tax rules affecting acquired tax attributes, loss sharing between group members, and business continuation.  Therefore, the Company has established tax-effected valuation allowances against these tax benefits in the amount of $14,137 at September 30, 2018. 

Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
Balance, beginning of year	$	7,968		$	13,820		$	4,086
Increases for tax positions of prior years	7,886			839			5,762
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	—			(5,890		)	(166		)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	882			378			5,456
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation	(1,909		)	(1,179		)	(1,318		)
Balance, end of year	$	14,827		$	7,968		$	13,820

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $10,718 at September 30, 2018, which would impact the annual effective tax rate.  It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $2,786 in the next 12 months primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation related to specific tax positions.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,229 and $1,779 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions.

The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitation expires for those tax jurisdictions. 

As of September 30, 2018, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:

United States - Federal	2015 and forward
United States - State	2014 and forward
Canada	2014 and forward
Germany	2015 and forward
United Kingdom	2017 and forward
Australia	2014 and forward
Singapore	2013 and forward

67

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:

The Company operates various production, warehouse and office facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Annual rentals under these and other operating leases were $38,934, $36,400 and $32,716 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements for fiscal years 2019 through 2023 are $23,183, $18,576, $14,055, $8,947 and $5,333, respectively.

The Company is party to various legal proceedings, the eventual outcome of which are not predictable.  Although the ultimate disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management is of the opinion that they should not result in liabilities in an amount which would materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees, the terms of which expire at various dates between fiscal 2017 and 2019.  The agreements generally provide for base salary and bonus levels and include non-compete provisions.  The aggregate commitment for salaries under these agreements at September 30, 2018 was $6,811.

The Company is involved in a dispute with a customer related to a project in Saudi Arabia. It is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. See further discussion in Note 8.

16.    ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  These laws and regulations impose limitations on the discharge of materials into the environment and require the Company to obtain and operate in compliance with conditions of permits and other government authorizations.  As such, the Company has developed environmental, health and safety policies and procedures that include the proper handling of hazardous materials.

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.

At September 30, 2018, an accrual of $2,000 had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $585 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of known remediation obligations for one of the Company's subsidiaries.  The accrual does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

68

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

17. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$	(790	)	$	(7,045	)	$	(10,632	)
Inventories	(2,869		)	(2,289		)	10,453
Other current assets	(16,293		)	4,447			12,434
	(19,952		)	(4,887		)	12,255
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	2,516			5,672			(11,083		)
Accrued compensation	(10,940		)	(2,469		)	147
Accrued income taxes	(9,973		)	5,054			4,079
Other current liabilities	28,415			2,414			8,317
	10,018			10,671			1,460
Net change	$	(9,934	)	$	5,784		$	13,715

18. SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company manages its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment includes brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.  Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest amongst the segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 2).  Intersegment sales are accounted for at negotiated prices.  Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses.  Segment assets include those assets that are used in the Company's operations within each segment.  Assets classified under "Other" principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred income taxes and corporate headquarters' assets.  Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation), goodwill, and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization).

69

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

18. SEGMENT INFORMATION, (continued)

Information about the Company's segments follows:

	SGK Brand Solutions		Memorialization		Industrial Technologies		Other		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	805,274	$	631,392	$	165,914	$	—	$	1,602,580
2017	770,181		615,882		129,545		—		1,515,608
2016	755,975		610,142		114,347		—		1,480,464
Intersegment sales:
2018	310		2		9		—		321
2017	356		—		2		—		358
2016	346		43		99		—		488
Depreciation and amortization:
2018	47,055		20,005		5,796		4,118		76,974
2017	41,941		19,808		2,863		3,369		67,981
2016	41,238		19,223		2,503		2,516		65,480
Operating profit:
2018	35,443		86,370		11,021		—		132,834
2017	24,919		80,652		7,032		—		112,603
2016	42,909		68,252		7,654		—		118,815
Total assets:
2018	1,300,785		814,800		198,864		61,036		2,375,485
2017	1,276,295		741,148		161,472		65,734		2,244,649
2016	1,177,816		735,985		122,179		55,061		2,091,041
Capital expenditures:
2018	22,133		15,513		2,577		2,977		43,200
2017	22,941		8,078		4,622		9,294		44,935
2016	22,043		11,870		3,461		4,308		41,682

Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:

	North America		Central and South America		Europe		Australia		Asia		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	1,066,367	$	6,171	$	456,078	$	23,276	$	50,688	$	1,602,580
2017	1,043,924		6,518		396,242		21,507		47,417		1,515,608
2016	1,045,718		10,160		360,678		20,043		43,865		1,480,464
Long-lived assets:
2018	1,182,250		16,535		365,455		23,037		58,302		1,645,579
2017	1,069,862		13,882		382,940		24,887		66,138		1,557,709
2016	1,042,263		13,267		334,847		23,768		50,677		1,464,822

70

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

19.    ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2018:

On February 1, 2018, the Company acquired certain net assets of Star Granite and Bronze International, Inc. ("Star Granite") for a total purchase price of $34,713, consisting of cash of $29,713 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to a working capital adjustment) and shares of Matthews common stock valued at $5,000. Star Granite manufactures and distributes granite and other memorialization products to cemetery and other customers across the United States and is included in the Company's Memorialization segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $31,000 prior to the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Star Granite acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2018, and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

On November 28, 2017, the Company acquired Compass Engineering Group, Inc. ("Compass") for $51,887 (net of cash acquired, subject to a working capital adjustment). Compass provides high-quality material handling control solutions and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $24,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Compass acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company completed several additional smaller acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $39,465 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). These additional acquisitions strengthen the Company's operations across the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to certain of these acquisitions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital amounts. The preliminary purchase price allocations for the remaining acquisitions are not finalized as of September 30, 2018 and are subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

Fiscal 2017:

On March 1, 2017, the Company acquired GJ Creative Limited ("Equator") for £30.5 million ($37,596) (net of cash acquired). Equator provides design expertise capable of taking brands from creation to shelf under one roof, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $30,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Equator acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

On February 28, 2017, the Company acquired certain net assets of RAF Technology, Inc. ("RAF") for $8,717 (net of cash acquired). RAF is a global leader in pattern and optical character recognition software, and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the RAF acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

On January 13, 2017, the Company acquired VCG (Holdings) Limited ("VCG") for £8.8 million ($10,695) (net of cash acquired). VCG is a leading graphics, plate-making, and creative design company and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the VCG acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

On January 3, 2017, the Company acquired A. + E. Ungricht GmbH + Co KG ("Ungricht") for €24.0 million ($25,185) (net of cash acquired). Ungricht is a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, located in Germany, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $35,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Ungricht acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

71

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

19. ACQUISITIONS (continued)

On November 30, 2016, the Company acquired Guidance Automation Limited ("Guidance") for £8.0 million ($9,974) (net of cash acquired). Guidance provides technological solutions for autonomous warehouse vehicles and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Guidance acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset accounts.

Fiscal 2016:

On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired certain net assets of Digital Design, Inc. ("DDI") for $8,773 (net of cash acquired). DDI is a manufacturer and seller of ink jet printing systems and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the DDI acquisition during fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

20.     GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, follow.

	SGK Brand Solutions			Memorialization			Industrial Technologies		Consolidated
Goodwill	$	458,510		$	347,116		$	56,615	$	862,241
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	452,758			342,116			56,615		851,489
Additions during period	21,361			158			11,694		33,213
Translation and other adjustments	12,024			233			835		13,092
Goodwill	491,895			347,507			69,144		908,546
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	486,143			342,507			69,144		897,794
Additions during period	8,743			29,059			22,877		60,679
Translation and other adjustments	(9,568		)	(16		)	5		(9,579		)
Goodwill	491,070			376,550			92,026		959,646
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	485,318		$	371,550		$	92,026	$	948,894

The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary.

In fiscal 2018, the additions to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill reflects several smaller acquisitions. The additions to Memorialization goodwill reflects the acquisitions of Star Granite and several additional smaller acquisitions. The addition to Industrial Technologies goodwill reflects the acquisition of Compass.

In fiscal 2017, the additions to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of Equator, VCG and Ungricht. The additions to Industrial Technologies goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of RAF and Guidance.

72

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

20. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, (continued)

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization				Net
September 30, 2018
Trade names	$	126,047	$	—		*	$	126,047
Trade names	53,523		(5,444		)		48,079
Customer relationships	372,382		(110,760		)		261,622
Copyrights/patents/other	20,848		(12,686		)		8,162
	$	572,800	$	(128,890	)		$	443,910
September 30, 2017
Trade names	$	168,467	$	—		*	$	168,467
Trade names	5,522		(2,030		)		3,492
Customer relationships	333,632		(84,560		)		249,072
Copyrights/patents/other	14,787		(11,436		)		3,351
	$	522,408	$	(98,026	)		$	424,382
*Not subject to amortization

The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 2018 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, and additions related to acquisitions, primarily Star Granite and Compass. During fiscal 2018, the Company also converted certain of its trade names from indefinite-lived to definite-lived, and accordingly, these intangible assets are now subject to amortization.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $31,562, $23,313, and $20,821 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Fiscal year amortization expense is estimated to be $32,128 in 2019, $30,388 in 2020, $28,976 in 2021, $27,387 in 2022 and $25,815 in 2023.

21.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION:

In May 2016, the Company purchased 970,000 common shares from members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's Group President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The purchase price for the shares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of the average of the high and low trading prices for the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 12, 2016.

22.     LEGAL MATTER:

During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized loss recoveries of $11,325 related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

73

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017. 

	Quarter Ended
	December 31		March 31		June 30		September 30		Year Ended September 30
	(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
FISCAL YEAR 2018:
Sales	$	369,454	$	414,061	$	411,621	$	407,444	$	1,602,580
Gross profit	130,699		149,966		151,901		148,784		581,350
Operating profit	17,924		29,791		37,895		47,224		132,834
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	35,180		18,182		24,414		29,595		107,371
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.11	$	0.57	$	0.77	$	0.94	$	3.39
Diluted	1.10		0.57		0.77		0.93		3.37
FISCAL YEAR 2017:
Sales	$	348,998	$	380,916	$	389,630	$	396,064	$	1,515,608
Gross profit	127,267		138,422		144,094		153,604		563,387
Operating profit	19,063		26,828		36,786		29,926		112,603
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	10,322		14,920		29,485		19,641		74,368
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.46	$	0.91	$	0.61	$	2.31
Diluted	0.32		0.46		0.91		0.60		2.28

74

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

			Additions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Expense		Charged to other Accounts(1)		Deductions(2)			Balance at End of Period
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	11,622	$	855	$	762	$	(2,081	)	$	11,158
September 30, 2017	11,516		1,733		642		(2,269		)	11,622
September 30, 2016	10,015		3,055		435		(1,989		)	11,516

(1) Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions, and amounts reclassified to other accounts.

(2) Amounts determined not to be collectible (including direct write-offs), net of recoveries.

Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Provision Charged (Credited) To Expense(1)			Allowance Changes(2)			Other Deductions(3)			Balance at End of Period
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	20,866	$	2,482		$	(8,510	)	$	(701	)	$	14,137
September 30, 2017	22,412		(1,279		)	—			(267		)	20,866
September 30, 2016	20,977		2,438			—			(1,003		)	22,412

(1) Amounts relate primarily to adjustments in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use.

(2) Fiscal 2018 amounts primarily reflect the release of valuation allowances due to the termination of net operating loss carryforwards upon the liquidation of non-U.S. holding companies as part of an entity reduction plan.

(3) Consists principally of adjustments related to foreign exchange.

75

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These disclosure controls and procedures also are designed to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures in effect as of September 30, 2018. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and properly reported within the appropriate time period, relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, required to be included in the Exchange Act reports, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(b) Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Management's Report to Shareholders in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There have been no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

76

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

In addition to the information reported in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the caption "Officers and Executive Management of the Registrant," the information required by this item as to the directors of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "General Information Regarding Corporate Governance – Audit Committee," "Proposal No. 1 – Elections of Directors" and "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of the directors and is to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

The Company's Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management is set forth in Exhibit 14.1 hereto.  Any amendment to the Company's Code of Ethics or waiver of the Company's Code of Ethics for senior financial officers, executive officers or directors will be posted on the Company's website within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver, and such information will remain available on the website for at least a twelve-month period.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item as to the compensation of directors and executive management of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "Compensation of Directors" and "Executive Compensation and Retirement Benefits" in the Company's definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.  The information contained in the "Compensation Committee Report" is specifically not incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

The information required by this item as to the ownership by management and others of securities of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption "Stock Ownership" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

Equity Compensation Plans:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. The Company also maintains equity incentive plans (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan" and "2007 Equity Incentive Plan") and a stock incentive plan (the "1992 Incentive Stock Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten years term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 1,700,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan. At September 30, 2018, there were 1,700,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. All Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

77

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued

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

The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan and the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 22,745 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2018.  Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $125 for fiscal year 2018.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2018, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 173,229 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 70,079 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan. 20,940 shares of restricted stock are unvested at September 30, 2018.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.

78

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT, continued

The following table provides information about grants under the Company's equity compensation plans as of September 30, 2018:

	Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category	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))
	(a)	(b)		(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
1992 Stock Incentive Plan	—	$	—	—	(1)
2007 Equity Incentive Plan	—	—		—	(2)
2012 Equity Incentive Plan	—	—		—	(3)
2017 Equity Incentive Plan	—	—		1,700,000	(4)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	—	—		1,508,610	(5)
1994 Director Fee Plan	10,105	—		—	(6)
Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan	12,640	—		67,281	(7)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	None	None		None
Total	22,745	$	—	3,275,891

(1) As a result of the approval of the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 1992 Incentive Stock Plan.

(2) As a result of the approval of the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan.

(3) As a result of the approval of the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 2012 Incentive Stock Plan.

(4) The 2017 Equity Incentive Plan was approved in February 2018.  The Plan provides for the grant or award of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock based awards, with a maximum of 1,700,000 shares available for grants or awards.

(5) Shares under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") are purchased in the open market by employees at the fair market value of the Company's stock.  The Company provides a matching contribution of 10% of such purchases subject to certain limitations under the Plan.  As the Plan is an open market purchase plan, it does not have a dilutive effect.

(6) As a result of the approval of the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, no further grants or awards will be made under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.

(7) Shares of restricted stock may be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.  The maximum number of shares authorized to be issued under this plan is 150,000 shares.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item as to certain relationships and transactions with management and other related parties of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the captions "Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors" and "Certain Transactions" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item as to the fees billed and the services provided by the principal accounting firm of the Company is hereby incorporated by reference from the information appearing under the caption "Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Company's definitive proxy statement, which involves the election of directors and is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act within 120 days of the end of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

79

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a) 1.  Financial Statements:

The following items are included in Part II, Item 8:

	Pages
Management's Report to Shareholders	35
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	36
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	37
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017	38
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	40
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017       and 2016	41
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	42
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016	43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	44
Supplementary Financial Information (unaudited)	74

2. Financial Statement Schedules:

The following item is included in Part II, Item 8:

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 75

3. Exhibits Filed:

Exhibits Index 81

80

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBITS INDEX

The following Exhibits to this report are filed herewith or, if marked with an asterisk (*), are incorporated by reference.  Exhibits marked with an "a" represent a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement required to be filed by Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

Exhibit No.	Description	Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
2.1	Purchase Agreement, dated June 8, 2015, by and among Matthews International Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, The York Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Aurora Products Group, LLC, each of the persons listed on Annex A thereto, and Kohlberg management VII, L.P., in its capacity as the seller's representative*	Exhibit Number 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2015
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation*	Exhibit Number 3.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1994
3.2	Restated By-laws, Amended July 20, 2017*	Exhibit Number 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2017
4.1 a	Form of Revised Option Agreement of Repurchase (effective October 1, 1993)*	Exhibit Number 4.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1993
4.2	Form of Share Certificate for Class A Common Stock*	Exhibit Number 4.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1994
4.3	Indenture, dated as of December 6, 2017, by and among Matthews, the Guarantors, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as trustee*	Exhibit Number 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017
4.4	5.25% Senior Notes due December 1, 2025*	Exhibit Number 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017
10.1	Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2016
10.2	First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement*	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2017
10.3	Purchase Agreement dated December 1, 2017 by and among Matthews International Corporation Guarantors and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC*	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2017

81

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBITS INDEX, Continued

Exhibit No.	Description	Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
10.4	Shareholder's Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2014, by and among Matthews International Corporation, the Shareholders named therein and David A. Schawk, in his capacity as the Family Representative*	Exhibit Number 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2014
10.5 a	Employment Agreement as of the 29th day of July 2014, by and between Matthews International Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, and David Schawk	Exhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 20, 2015
10.6 a	Form of Schawk Family Share Purchase Agreement	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 16, 2016
10.7 a	Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended through April 23, 2009)*	Exhibit Number 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010
10.8 a	Officers Retirement Restoration Plan (effective April 23, 2009)*	Exhibit Number 10.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009
10.9 a	1992 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended through April 25, 2006)*	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006
10.10 a	Form of Stock Option Agreement*	Exhibit Number 10.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.11 a	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement*	Exhibit Number 10.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.12 a	1994 Director Fee Plan (as amended through April 22, 2010)*	Exhibit Number 10.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2013
10.13 a	Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan*	Exhibit Number 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017
10.14 a	1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan*	Exhibit Number 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995
10.15 a	2007 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended through September 26, 2008)*	Exhibit Number 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008
10.16 a	2012 Equity Incentive Plan*	Exhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 22, 2013

82

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

EXHIBITS INDEX, Continued

Exhibit No.	Description	Prior Filing or Sequential Page Numbers Herein
10.17 a	2015 Incentive Compensation Plan*	Exhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 19, 2016
10.18 a	2017 Equity Incentive Plan*	Exhibit A to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on January 16, 2018
14.1	Form of Code of Ethics Applicable to Executive Management*	Exhibit Number 14.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant	Filed Herewith
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	Filed Herewith
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer for Joseph C. Bartolacci	Filed Herewith
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer for Steven F. Nicola	Filed Herewith
32.1	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Joseph C. Bartolacci	Furnished Herewith
32.2	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, of Steven F. Nicola	Furnished Herewith
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document	Filed Herewith
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema	Filed Herewith
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase	Filed Herewith
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase	Filed Herewith
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase	Filed Herewith
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase	Filed Herewith

Copies of any Exhibits will be furnished to shareholders upon written request.  Requests should be directed to Mr. Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Registrant.

83

SIGNATURES

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, on November 20, 2018.

	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
By	/s/ Joseph C. Bartolacci
	Joseph C. Bartolacci
	President and Chief Executive 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 indicated on November 20, 2018:

/s/ Joseph C. Bartolacci	/s/ Steven F. Nicola
Joseph C. Bartolacci	Steven F. Nicola
President and Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Executive Officer)	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ John D. Turner	/s/ Morgan K. O'Brien
John D. Turner, Chairman of the Board	Morgan K. O'Brien, Director
/s/ Gregory S. Babe	/s/ Don W. Quigley, Jr.
Gregory S. Babe, Director	Don W. Quigley, Jr., Director
/s/ Katherine E. Dietze	/s/ David A. Schawk
Katherine E. Dietze, Director	David A. Schawk, Director
/s/ Terry L. Dunlap	/s/ Jerry R. Whitaker
Terry L. Dunlap, Director	Jerry R. Whitaker, Director
/s/ Alvaro Garcia-Tunon
Alvaro Garcia-Tunon, Director

84

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

(as of October 31, 2018)

Name					Percentage Ownership
IDL Worldwide, Inc.					100
Matthews Development, LLC					100
Matthews International Latam Holding Company, LLC					100
The SLN Group, Inc.					100
Equator Design, Inc.					100
Faithful Forever Pet Loss Services LLC					100
Pet Loss Services North America, LLC					100
	Greenbrier Pet Loss Services, LLC				100
Kenuohua Matthews Electronic (Beijing) Company, Ltd.					60
	Kenuohua Matthews Marking Products (Tianjin) Co., Ltd.				100
Matthews Canada Ltd.					100
Matthews Industries, Inc.					100
	Matthews Bronze Pty. Ltd.				100
	C. Morello (Australia) Pty Ltd.				100
Matthews International S.p.A.					100
	Caggiati Espana S.A.				100
	Caggiati France SARL				100
	Gem Matthews International s.r.l.				95
	Rottenecker-Caggiati GmbH				82
Matthews Resources, Inc.					100
Compass Engineering, Inc.					100
Matthews Swedot AB					100
	Matthews Kodiersysteme GmbH				100
Innovative Branding Technology Solutions, LLC					100
The York Group, Inc.					100
	York Agency, Inc.				100
	Melton Company, Inc.				100
	Milso Industries Corporation				100
	New Liberty Casket Company LLC				50
	York Casket Development Company, Inc.				100
	Matthews Granite Company				100
	Matthews Aurora, LLC				100
		Aurora Products Group LLC			100
			Aurora Casket Company, LLC		100
				Aurora Logistics, Inc.	100
				Aurora Southern,  LLC	100
				Aurora E-Business Services, LLC	100
				Remembrance Products Group, LLC	100
				Aurora Essentials, LLC	100
				Aurora Cremation Solutions, LLC	100

Name							Percentage Ownership
				Aurora Casket de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V.			100
				Aurora St. Laurent, Inc.			100
					Alliance St.-Laurent Corporation		100
Venetian Investment Corporation							100
SGK LLC							100
	Schawk Japan Ltd.						100
	Schawk Thailand Ltd.						100
	Schawk Worldwide Holdings, Inc.						100
		Schawk Holdings Inc.					100
			Miramar Equipment, Inc.				100
			Schawk USA Inc.				100
				Kedzie Aircraft, LLC			100
				Schawk LLC			100
					Schawk de Mexico SRL de CV		100
						Schawk Servicios Administrativos, S. de R.L. de CV	100
				Schawk Latin America Holdings, LLC			100
					Schawk do Brasil Gestao de Marcas Ltda.		100
					Schawk Panama Services, S de RL		100
			Schawk Digital Solutions, Inc.				100
			Seven Worldwide (UK) Limited				100
			Seven Seattle, Inc.				100
			MATW North America Holding LLC				100
			MATW UK Holding LLP				100
				MATW U.S. Holding LLC			100
				Schawk Wace Group			100
					The InTouch Group Limited		100
					Guidance Automation Limited		100
					GJ Creative Limited		100
						Absolute 2 Design Limited	100
						Equator (GJ) Limited	100
						Equator (SA) Limited	100
						Equator SA Limited	100
						Equator Design Agency Australia PTY LIMITED	100
					MATW Holding LLC		100
						Matthews Corporation Holding Company (UK) Limited	100
						Furnace Construction Cremators Limited	100
						Matthews Environmental Solutions Limited	100
					Schawk Canada Inc.		100
						Protopak Innovations, Inc.	100
					Schawk Germany GmbH		100
					Desgrippes Gobe Group (Yuan Hosea)		100
					Schawk UK Ltd.		100
						M3dia Limited	100
						Matthews Brands Solutions (UK) Limited	100
						PM Colour Limited	100

Name						Percentage Ownership
		InTouch Reprographic Limited				100
		M3dia Projects Limited				51
		VCG (Holdings) Limited				100
			VCG Colourlink Limited			100
			VCG Connect Limited			100
			VCG Catapult Ltd.			100
			VCG Kestrel Limited			100
			VCG Oasis Ltd.			100
	Schawk UK Corporate Packaging					100
	Schawk UK Holdings Ltd.					100
	Schawk Luxembourg SARL					100
	Brandimage Degrippes and LAGA SAS					100
		Brandimage Belgique Holding SA				100
			Brandimage Desgrippes and LAGA SA			100
	Brandmark International Holding B.V.					100
		Anthem NL BV				100
	Schawk Imaging Sdn. Bhd.					100
	Schawk Spain S.L.					100
	Schawk Poland Sp z.o.o.					100
	Schawk Belgium BVBA					100
	Schawk Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.					100
		Schawk India Pvt Ltd.				100
		Schawk Holdings Australia Pty Ltd.				100
			Anthem! Design Pty. Limited			100
			Marque Brand Consultants Pty Ltd.			100
			Schawk Australia Pty. Limited			100
	Schawk Hong Kong Ltd.					100
		Desgripes Gobe Group (HK) Ltd.				100
		Desgrippes (Shanghai) Brand Consulting Co Ltd.				100
		Schawk Anthem Shenzhen Co Ltd.				100
		Schawk Imaging (Shanghai) Co.				100
	Matthews International Corporation Costa Rica S.R.L.					100
	MATW Netherlands Holding B.V.					100
		Matthews International Holding (Europe) B.V.				100
		Matthews International Netherlands B.V.				100
			Matthews Brand Solutions, S. de R.L. de CV			100
			Saueressig Baski Oncesi Hazirlik Sistemier Sanaji ve Tricarct Amonin Sirketi			100
			Matthews International Brasil Servicos de Marketing e Branding Ltda.			100
			Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG			100
				5flow GmbH		100
				Matthews Europe Verwaltungs GmbH		100
				S+T Reprotechnick GmbH		100
					Reproservice Eurodigital GmbH	100
					Repro Busek Druckvorstufentechnick GmbH	100
					Repro Busek Druckvorstufentechnick GmbH & Co. KG	100

Name						Percentage Ownership
			Rudolf Reproflex GmbH			100
				Reproflex GmbH Leipzig		100
				IDL Crack Europe GmbH		100
			Klischeewerkstatt Scholler GmbH			100
			Tact Group Ltd.			100
				Shenzen Jun Ye Design & Production Ltd.		100
			Reproflex Vietnam Limited Company			60
			TWL Nyomdaipari es Kereskedeimi Koriatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag			100
		Matthews International Holding GmbH				100
			Matthews Verwaltungs GmbH			100
			A. + E. Ungricht GmbH + Co KG			100
			Dornbusch Engraving GmbH			100
			Saueressig Polska Sp. z.o.o.			67
			Saueressig Geschaftsfuhrungs mbH			100
				Saueressig GmbH & Co. KG		100
					Saueressig 000	100
					Saueressig Design Studio GmbH	70
					Saueressig Flexo GmbH & Co KG	100
					Saueressig Flexo Geschaftsfuhrungs GmbH	100
	Wetzel Holding AG					100
		Wetzel Service AG				100
			Wetzel GmbH			100
				Saueressig Polska Sp. z.o.o.		33

EX-23.1

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-194456, 333-190366, 333-157132, 333-131496, 333-83731, 033-57793, 033-57795, and 033-57797) of our reports dated November 20, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Matthews International Corporation and Subsidiaries for the year ended September 30, 2018.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

November 20, 2018

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Joseph C. Bartolacci, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Matthews International Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

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

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 20, 2018

/s/Joseph C. Bartolacci

-------------------------

Joseph C. Bartolacci

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Steven F. Nicola, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Matthews International Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

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

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 20, 2018

/s/Steven F. Nicola

-------------------------

Steven F. Nicola

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Matthews International Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Joseph C. Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/Joseph C. Bartolacci

-------------------------------------

Joseph C. Bartolacci,

President and Chief Executive Officer

November 20, 2018

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Matthews International Corporation and will be retained by Matthews International Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Matthews International Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended September 30, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Steven F. Nicola, Chief Financial Officer, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/Steven F. Nicola

-------------------------------------

Steven F. Nicola,

Chief Financial Officer

November 20, 2018

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Matthews International Corporation and will be retained by Matthews International Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000063296
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1.6
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Description	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,073,394

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 41,572	$ 57,515
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,158 and $11,622, respectively	331,463	319,566
Inventories	180,451	171,445
Other current assets	62,937	46,533
Total current assets	616,423	595,059
Investments	45,430	37,667
Property, plant and equipment, net	252,775	235,533
Deferred income taxes	1,837	2,456
Other assets	66,216	51,758
Goodwill	948,894	897,794
Other intangible assets, net	443,910	424,382
Total assets	2,375,485	2,244,649
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities	31,260	29,528
Trade accounts payable	70,044	66,607
Accrued compensation	51,490	62,210
Accrued income taxes	11,413	21,386
Other current liabilities	139,936	105,401
Total current liabilities	304,143	285,132
Long-term debt	929,342	881,602
Accrued pension	82,035	103,273
Postretirement benefits	17,753	19,273
Deferred income taxes	121,519	139,430
Other liabilities	51,979	25,680
Total liabilities	1,506,771	1,454,390
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value; authorized 70,000,000 shares; 36,333,992 shares issued	36,334	36,334
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 10,000 shares, none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	129,252	123,432
Retained earnings	1,040,378	948,830
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(164,298)	(154,115)
Treasury stock, 4,259,206 and 4,185,413 shares, respectively, at cost	(173,315)	(164,774)
Total shareholders' equity-Matthews	868,351	789,707
Noncontrolling interests	363	552
Total shareholders' equity	868,714	790,259
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,375,485	$ 2,244,649

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 11,158	$ 11,622
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	4,259,206	4,185,413
Class A common stock
Shareholders' equity-Matthews:
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	36,333,992	36,333,992

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 1,602,580	$ 1,515,608	$ 1,480,464
Cost of sales	(1,021,230)	(952,221)	(924,010)
Gross profit	581,350	563,387	556,454
Selling expense	(142,477)	(144,174)	(140,924)
Administrative expense	(274,477)	(283,297)	(275,894)
Intangible amortization	(31,562)	(23,313)	(20,821)
Operating profit	132,834	112,603	118,815
Investment income	1,570	2,468	2,061
Interest expense	(37,427)	(26,371)	(24,344)
Other income (deductions), net	1,016	7,587	(1,298)
Income before income taxes	97,993	96,287	95,234
Income tax benefit (provision)	9,118	(22,354)	(29,073)
Net income	107,111	73,933	66,161
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	260	435	588
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 107,371	$ 74,368	$ 66,749
Earnings per share attributable to Matthews shareholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 3.39	$ 2.31	$ 2.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.37	$ 2.28	$ 2.03

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 107,111	$ 73,933	$ 66,161
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21,982)	9,471	(17,744)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	15,631	12,427	(12,576)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	6,095	7,043	(3,230)
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(1,042)	(1,069)	1,919
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	5,053	5,974	(1,311)
Net current-period OCI	(1,298)	27,872	(31,631)
Comprehensive income (loss)	105,813	101,805	34,530
Noncontrolling Interest
Net income (loss)	(260)	(435)	(588)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	71	119	(89)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	0	0	0
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	0	0	0
Net amount reclassified to earnings	0	0	0
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	0	0	0
Net current-period OCI	71	119	(89)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(189)	(316)	(677)
Matthews
Net income (loss)	107,371	74,368	66,749
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(22,053)	9,352	(17,655)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	15,631	12,427	(12,576)
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Net change from periodic revaluation	6,095	7,043	(3,230)
Net amount reclassified to earnings	(1,042)	(1,069)	1,919
Net change in unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives	5,053	5,974	(1,311)
Net current-period OCI	(1,369)	27,753	(31,542)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 106,002	$ 102,121	$ 35,207

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 734,046	$ 36,334	$ 115,890	$ 843,955	$ (150,326)	$ (115,033)	$ 3,226
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	66,161			66,749			(588)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	(12,576)				(12,576)
Translation adjustment	(17,744)				(17,655)		(89)
Fair value of derivatives	(1,311)				(1,311)		0
Comprehensive income (loss)	34,530						(677)
Stock-based compensation	10,612		10,612
Purchase of treasury stock	(57,998)					(57,998)
Issuance of treasury stock	8,190		(5,972)			14,162
Cancellations of treasury stock			244			(244)
Dividends	(14,480)			(14,480)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	(5,566)		(3,686)				(1,880)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	709,334	36,334	117,088	896,224	(181,868)	(159,113)	669
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	73,933			74,368			(435)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	12,427				12,427
Translation adjustment	9,471				9,352		119
Fair value of derivatives	5,974				5,974		0
Comprehensive income (loss)	101,805						(316)
Stock-based compensation	14,562		14,562
Purchase of treasury stock	(14,025)					(14,025)
Issuance of treasury stock	146		(8,397)			8,543
Cancellations of treasury stock			179			(179)
Dividends	(21,762)			(21,762)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	199		0				199
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	790,259	36,334	123,432	948,830	(154,115)	(164,774)	552
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	107,111			107,371			(260)
Pension plans and other postretirement benefits	15,631				15,631
Translation adjustment	(21,982)				(22,053)		71
Fair value of derivatives	5,053				5,053		0
Comprehensive income (loss)	105,813						(189)
Stock-based compensation	13,460		13,460
Purchase of treasury stock	(21,181)					(21,181)
Issuance of treasury stock	5,000		(8,040)			13,040
Cancellations of treasury stock			400			(400)
Dividends	(24,637)			(24,637)
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (AOCI) tax effects				(8,814)	(8,814)
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 868,714	$ 36,334	$ 129,252	$ 1,040,378	$ (164,298)	$ (173,315)	$ 363

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	393,864	212,424	1,132,452
Issuance of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	326,827	221,958	404,307
Cancellation of treasury stock, shares (in shares)	6,756	2,640	5,237

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 107,111	$ 73,933	$ 66,161
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	76,974	67,981	65,480
Stock-based compensation expense	13,460	14,562	10,612
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	(23,125)	9,725	(3,971)
Gain on sale of assets	(2,190)	(776)	(73)
Gain on sale of investments	(3,771)	0	0
Unrealized gain on investments	(1,304)	(2,660)	(1,426)
Changes in working capital items	(9,934)	5,784	13,715
Increase in other assets	(9,872)	(17,256)	(5,591)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	6,510	(7,150)	5,397
(Decrease) increase in pension and postretirement benefit obligations	(1,104)	9,689	(2,465)
Other operating activities, net	(5,181)	(4,533)	(7,565)
Net cash provided by operating activities	147,574	149,299	140,274
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(43,200)	(44,935)	(41,682)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(121,065)	(98,235)	(6,937)
Proceeds from sale of assets	4,705	3,764	1,478
Proceeds from sale of investments	9,158	0	0
Purchases of investments	(11,934)	(2,211)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(162,336)	(141,617)	(47,141)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	704,188	417,043	90,421
Payments on long-term debt	(651,166)	(388,447)	(120,380)
Purchases of treasury stock	(21,181)	(14,025)	(57,998)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	14	6,406
Dividends	(24,637)	(21,762)	(19,413)
Transactions with noncontrolling interests	0	0	(5,566)
Other financing activities	(6,303)	0	(2,318)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	901	(7,177)	(108,848)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(2,082)	1,299	(770)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(15,943)	1,804	(16,485)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	57,515	55,711	72,196
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	41,572	57,515	55,711
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	37,232	26,271	24,133
Income taxes	11,014	8,472	11,855
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of long-term asset under financing arrangement	$ 14,544	$ 0	$ 0

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NATURE OF OPERATIONS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

NATURE OF OPERATIONS:

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

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

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Principles of Consolidation:

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

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

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

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

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

Inventories:

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

Property, Plant and Equipment:

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

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

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:

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

Environmental:

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

Derivatives and Hedging:

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

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

Foreign Currency:

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

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

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

Treasury Stock:

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

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2018, the Company held 329,341 memorials and 220,901 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain roto-gravure projects, cremation units and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs:

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

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $24,984, $20,722 and $16,362 for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.

Income Taxes:

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

Earnings Per Share:

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

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ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

Issued

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

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements but believes there will not be a material change once adopted.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During 2017 and 2018, the FASB issued four ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASU No. 2016-02 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020, and allow for early adoption. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements

to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2018. The Company has completed its assessment of all global revenue arrangements and related impact of the new standard compared to historical accounting policies and has concluded the adoption of these ASUs will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application. There was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018. The Company is continuing to assess the ultimate impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which provides new guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amount of reclassification is the difference between the Company's historical U.S. income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The Company early adopted this ASU in the third quarter ended June 30, 2018. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a decrease to AOCI and corresponding increase to retained earnings of $8,814.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill and removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment process.  The Company early adopted this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but modifies the methodology to assess and measure goodwill impairment prospectively.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which provides new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

Level 1:Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2:Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:

	September 30, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	11,309	$	—	$	11,309
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		22,758		—		22,758
Life insurance policies	—		5,894		—		5,894
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	39,961	$	—	$	39,961
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	3,990	$	—	$	3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		21,649		—		21,649
Life insurance policies	—		5,810		—		5,810
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	31,449	$	—	$	31,449
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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INVENTORIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES:

Inventories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018		2017
Raw materials	$	34,880	$	29,396
Work in process	67,827		61,917
Finished goods	77,744		80,132
	$	180,451	$	171,445

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INVESTMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS:

Equity and fixed income mutual funds are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair value.  The market value of these investments exceeded cost by $838 and $785 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in investment income.  Realized gains (losses) for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were not material.  Other investments include ownership interests in various entities of less than 20%, which are recorded under the cost-method of accounting.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, non-current investments were as follows:

	2018		2017
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	$	22,758	$	21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894		5,810
Other investments	16,778		10,208
	$	45,430	$	37,667

During fiscal 2018, the Company purchased an $11,747 ownership interest in a company in the SGK Brand Solutions segment, which was recorded as a cost-method investment. In fiscal 2018, the Company also sold certain of its cost-method investments for net proceeds totaling $9,159. In connection with these dispositions, the Company recognized $3,771 of pre-tax gains within other income (deductions), net.

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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	2018			2017
Buildings	$	113,027		$	104,604
Machinery, equipment and other	452,846			412,980
	565,873			517,584
Less accumulated depreciation	(357,827		)	(335,346		)
	208,046			182,238
Land	18,017			16,845
Construction in progress	26,712			36,450
	$	252,775		$	235,533

Depreciation expense, including amortization of assets under capital lease, was $45,412, $44,668 and $44,659 for each of the three years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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LONG-TERM DEBT

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT:

Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Revolving credit facilities	$	322,711		$	551,126
Securitization facility	102,250			95,825
Senior secured term loan	212,086			232,479
2025 Senior Notes	296,176			—
Notes payable to banks	17,895			21,831
Short-term borrowings	4,915			4,735
Capital lease obligations	4,569			5,134
	960,602			911,130
Less current maturities	(31,260		)	(29,528		)
	$	929,342		$	881,602

The Company has a domestic credit facility with a syndicate of financial institutions that includes a $900,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and a $250,000 senior secured amortizing term loan. The term loan requires scheduled principal payments of 5.0% of the outstanding principal in year one, 7.5% in year two, and 10.0% in years three through five, payable in quarterly installments.  The balance of the revolving credit facility and the term loan are due on the maturity date of April 26, 2021. Borrowings under both the revolving credit facility and the term loan bear interest at LIBOR plus a factor ranging from 0.75% to 2.00% (1.50% at September 30, 2018) based on the Company's leverage ratio.  The secured leverage ratio is defined as net secured indebtedness divided by adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization).  The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% (based on the Company's leverage ratio) of the unused portion of the revolving credit facility.

The domestic credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and interest coverage ratios. A portion of the facility (not to exceed $35,000) is available for the issuance of trade and standby letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $319,500 and $525,000, respectively. Outstanding borrowings on the term loan at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $212,086 and $232,479, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings for the domestic credit facility (including the effects of interest rate swaps) at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.12% and 3.01%, respectively.

In December 2017, the Company issued $300,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior unsecured notes due December 1, 2025 (the "2025 Senior Notes"). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year beginning on June 1, 2018. The Company's obligations under the 2025 Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company's direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company is subject to certain covenants and other restrictions in connection with the 2025 Senior Notes. The proceeds from the 2025 Senior Notes were used primarily to reduce indebtedness under the Company's domestic credit facility. The Company incurred direct financing fees and costs in connection with 2025 Senior Notes of $4,127, which are being deferred and amortized over the term of the 2025 Senior Notes.

The Company has a $115,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility") with certain financial institutions. The Securitization Facility was amended in April 2018 to extend the maturity date until April 11, 2020. Under the Securitization Facility, the Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries sell, on a continuous basis without recourse, their trade receivables to Matthews Receivables Funding Corporation, LLC (“Matthews RFC”), a wholly-owned bankruptcy-remote subsidiary of the Company. Matthews RFC in turn assigns a collateral interest in these receivables to certain financial institutions, and then may borrow funds under the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility does not qualify for sale treatment. Accordingly, the trade receivables and related debt obligations remain on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Borrowings under the Securitization Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.75%. The Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.35% of the unused portion of the Securitization Facility. Outstanding borrowings under the Securitization Facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $102,250 and $95,825, respectively. The interest rate on borrowings under this facility at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 3.01% and 1.98%, respectively.

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

	September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$	343,750		$	414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	11,309		$	3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2.7			3.3
Weighted-average received rate	2.26		%	1.23		%
Weighted-average pay rate	1.37		%	1.34		%

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

The fair value of the interest rate swaps reflected an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $11,309 ($8,538 after tax) and an unrealized gain, net of unrealized losses, of $3,959 ($2,415 after tax) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, that is included in shareholders' equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  Assuming market rates remain constant with the rates at September 30, 2018, a gain (net of tax) of approximately $2,920 included in AOCI is expected to be recognized in earnings over the next twelve months.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected on a gross-basis in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives:	2018		2017
Current assets:
Other current assets	$	3,867	$	1,098
Long-term assets:
Other assets	7,442		2,892
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities	—		(7		)
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	—		(24		)
Total derivatives	$	11,309	$	3,959

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$1,380	$1,752	$(3,146)

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives			Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income(Effective Portion*)
	2018	2017	2016	(Effective Portion*)	2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	$6,095	$7,043	$(3,230)	Interest expense	$1,042	$1,069	$(1,919)
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

The Company, through certain of its European subsidiaries, has a credit facility with a European bank, which is guaranteed by Matthews.  The maximum amount of borrowings available under this facility is €35.0 million ($40,626).  The credit facility matures in December 2018 and the Company intends to extend this facility. Outstanding borrowings under this facility were €2.8 million ($3,211) and €22.1 million ($26,126) at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under this facility was 1.75% and 1.75% at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company’s German subsidiary, Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG, has €15.0 million ($17,411) of senior unsecured notes with European banks.  The notes are guaranteed by Matthews and mature in November 2019.  A portion of the notes (€5.0 million) have a fixed interest rate of 1.40%, and the remainder bear interest at Euro LIBOR plus 1.40%.  The weighted-average interest rate on the notes at September 30, 2018 and 2017 was 1.40%.

Other debt totaled $5,399 and $8,846 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these outstanding borrowings was 2.21% and 2.49% at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In September 2014, a claim was filed seeking to draw upon a letter of credit issued by the Company of £8,570,000 ($11,170 at September 30, 2018) with respect to a performance guarantee on an environmental solutions project in Saudi Arabia. Management assessed the customer's demand to be without merit and initiated an action with the court in the United Kingdom (the "Court"). Pursuant to this action, an order was issued by the Court in January 2015 requiring that, upon receipt by the customer, the funds were to be remitted by the customer to the Court pending resolution of the dispute between the parties. As a result, the Company made payment on the draw to the financial institution for the letter of credit and the funds were ultimately received by the customer. The customer did not remit the funds to the Court as ordered. On June 14, 2016, the Court ruled completely in favor of Matthews following a trial on the merits. However, as the customer has neither yet remitted the funds nor complied with the final, un-appealed orders of the Court, it is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. The Company has determined that resolution of this matter may take an extended period of time and therefore has classified the funded letter of credit within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company will continue to assess collectability related to this matter as facts and circumstances further evolve.

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, approximated the carrying value included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2018.

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, is as follows:

2019	$	34,471
2020	145,176
2021	482,102
2022	325
2023	247
Thereafter	298,281
	$	960,602

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:

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

The Company has a stock repurchase program.  The buy-back program is designed to increase shareholder value, enlarge the Company's holdings of its common stock, and add to earnings per share.  Repurchased shares may be retained in treasury, utilized for acquisitions, or reissued to employees or other purchasers, subject to the restrictions set forth in the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation.  Under the current authorization, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of a total of 5,000,000 shares of Matthews' common stock under the program, of which 1,422,282 shares remain available for repurchase as of September 30, 2018.

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SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS:

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2017 Equity Incentive Plan") that provides for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards. The Company also maintains an equity incentive plan (the "2012 Equity Incentive Plan") that previously provided for grants of stock options, restricted shares, stock-based performance units and certain other types of stock-based awards.  Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, which has a ten-year term, the maximum number of shares available for grants or awards is an aggregate of 1,700,000.  There will be no further grants under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. At September 30, 2018, there were 1,700,000 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. All Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

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

For the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, stock-based compensation cost totaled $13,460, $14,562 and $10,612, respectively. The years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 included $2,850 and $3,337, respectively, of stock-based compensation cost that was recognized at the time of grant for retirement-eligible employees. The associated future income tax benefit recognized was $2,826, $5,534 and $4,139 for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

There were no stock options exercised during fiscal 2018. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $14 and $6,406, for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits realized by the Company were $3 and $932 for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:

	Shares		Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2017	501,184		$	53.65
Granted	234,100		57.05
Vested	(174,295	)	51.41
Expired or forfeited	(6,756	)	59.72
Non-vested at September 30, 2018	554,233		$	55.71

As of September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $6,190 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

	2018		2017		2016
Expected volatility	20.5	%	20.2	%	20.7	%
Dividend yield	1.0	%	1.1	%	1.0	%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.0	%	1.7	%	1.7	%
Average expected term (years)	2.1		2.1		2.1

The risk-free interest rate is based on United States Treasury yields at the date of grant. The dividend yield is based on the most recent dividend payment and average stock price over the 12 months prior to the grant date.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock price.  The expected term for grants in the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 represents an estimate of the average period of time for restricted shares to vest.  The option characteristics for each grant are considered separately for valuation purposes.

The Company maintains the 1994 Director Fee Plan and the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan (collectively, the "Director Fee Plans").  There will be no further fees or share-based awards granted under the 1994 Director Fee Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan, non-employee directors (except for the Chairman of the Board) each receive, as an annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018, either cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock with a value equal to $85.  The annual retainer fee for fiscal 2018 paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board is $185.  Where the annual retainer fee is provided in shares, each director may elect to be paid these shares on a current basis or have such shares credited to a deferred stock account as phantom stock, with such shares to be paid to the director subsequent to leaving the Board.  The value of deferred shares is recorded in other liabilities.  A total of 22,745 shares had been deferred under the Director Fee Plans at September 30, 2018.  Additionally, non-employee directors each receive an annual stock-based grant (non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights and/or restricted shares) with a value of $125 for fiscal year 2018.  A total of 22,300 stock options have been granted under the Director Fee Plans.  At September 30, 2018, there were no options outstanding. Additionally, 173,229 shares of restricted stock have been granted under the Director Fee Plans, 70,079 of which were issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan. 20,940 shares of restricted stock are unvested at September 30, 2018.  A total of 150,000 shares have been authorized to be issued under the Amended and Restated 2014 Director Fee Plan.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE:

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

	2018		2017		2016
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	107,371	$	74,368	$	66,749
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic shares	31,674		32,240		32,642
Effect of dilutive securities	187		330		262
Diluted shares	31,861		32,570		32,904

Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the dilutive calculation were insignificant for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:

The Company provides defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans to certain employees. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company's principal retirement plan was closed to new participants.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2018 and 2017:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	259,672		$	263,566		$	20,316		$	23,290
Service cost	8,159			8,553			335			392
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			631			626
Actuarial gain	(15,229		)	(4,264		)	(907		)	(2,600		)
Exchange (gain) loss	(180		)	589			—			—
Benefit payments	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Benefit obligation, end of year	241,553			259,672			18,826			20,316
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	155,634			151,864			—			—
Actual return	10,914			12,586			—			—
Benefit payments (1)	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Employer contributions	11,193			7,318			1,549			1,392
Fair value, end of year	158,662			155,634			—			—
Funded status	(82,892		)	(104,039		)	(18,828		)	(20,317		)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	53,405			73,616			(2,376		)	(1,469		)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liability	$	(857	)	$	(766	)	$	(1,075	)	$	(1,044	)
Noncurrent benefit liability	(82,035		)	(103,273		)	(17,753		)	(19,273		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	52,853			72,926			(2,901		)	(2,189		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive loss (income):
Net actuarial loss (income)	$	53,405		$	73,616		$	(2,376	)	$	(1,469	)
Prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	52,853		$	72,926		$	(2,901	)	$	(2,189	)

(1) Pension benefit payments in fiscal 2018 and 2017 includes $6,800 and $5,655 of lump sum distributions, respectively, that were made to certain terminated vested employees as settlements of the employees' pension obligations. These distributions did not meet the threshold to qualify as settlements under U.S. GAAP and therefore, no unamortized actuarial losses were recognized in the Statements of Income upon completion of the lump sum distributions.

Based upon actuarial valuations performed as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $224,265 and $238,307 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the projected benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $241,553 and $259,672 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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

	Pension									Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2016			2018			2017			2016
Service cost	$	8,159		$	8,553		$	7,446		$	335		$	392		$	402
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			9,725			631			626			845
Expected return on plan assets	(10,136		)	(9,249		)	(9,625		)	—			—			—
Amortization:
Prior service cost	(138		)	(181		)	(183		)	(195		)	(195		)	(195		)
Net actuarial loss	7,018			10,034			7,468			—			—			—
Net benefit cost	$	13,113		$	16,519		$	14,831		$	771		$	823		$	1,052

Effective September 30, 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for its pensions. This change, compared to the previous method, resulted in a decrease in the service and interest components for pension cost beginning in fiscal 2017. Historically, the Company estimated these service and interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at the beginning of the period. Matthews has elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This change was made to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This change does not affect the measurement of the total benefit obligations. The Company has accounted for this change as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle and accordingly, has accounted for it prospectively. This change resulted in a reduction of service and interest costs of approximately $1,960 in fiscal 2017.

Benefit payments under the Company's principal retirement plan are made from plan assets, while benefit payments under the supplemental retirement plan and postretirement benefit plan are made from the Company's operating cash.  Under I.R.S. regulations, the Company was not required to make any significant contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2018. The Company is not required to make any significant cash contributions to its principal retirement plan in fiscal 2019.

Contributions made in fiscal 2018 are as follows:

Contributions	Pension		Other Postretirement
Principal retirement plan	$	10,000	$	—
Supplemental retirement plan	749		—
Other retirement plans	444		—
Other postretirement plan	—		1,549

Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2019 include:

	Pension Benefits			Other Postretirement Benefits
Net actuarial loss	$	4,246		$	(59	)
Prior service cost	(186		)	(195		)

The weighted-average assumptions in the following table represent the rates used to develop the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the year listed and also the net periodic benefit cost for the following year. The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30, for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018		2017		2016		2018		2017		2016
Discount rate	4.21	%	3.76	%	3.51	%	4.19	%	3.72	%	3.42	%
Return on plan assets	6.75	%	6.75	%	7.25	%	—		—		—
Compensation increase	3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%	—		—		—

In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries' Retirement Plans Experience Committee ("RPEC") released new mortality tables known as RP 2014. Each year, RPEC releases an update to the mortality improvement assumption that was released with the RP 2014 tables. The Company considered the RPEC mortality and mortality improvement tables and performed a review of its own mortality history to assess the appropriateness of the RPEC tables for use in generating financial results.  In fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company elected to value its principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities using the base RP 2014 mortality table and a slightly modified fully generational mortality improvement assumption. The revised assumption uses the most recent RPEC mortality improvement table for all years where the RPEC tables are based on finalized data, and the most recently published Social Security Administration Intermediate  mortality improvement for subsequent years.

The underlying basis of the investment strategy of the Company's defined benefit plans is to ensure the assets are invested to achieve a positive rate of return over the long term sufficient to meet the plans' actuarial interest rate and provide for the payment of benefit obligations and expenses in perpetuity in a secure and prudent fashion, maintain a prudent risk level that balances growth with the need to preserve capital, diversify plan assets so as to minimize the risk of large losses or excessive fluctuations in market value from year to year, achieve investment results over the long term that compare favorably with other pension plans and appropriate indices.  The Company's investment policy, as established by the Company's pension board, specifies the types of investments appropriate for the plans, asset allocation guidelines, criteria for the selection of investment managers, procedures to monitor overall investment performance as well as investment manager performance.  It also provides guidelines enabling plan fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:

	Plan Assets at				Target
Asset Category	2018		2017		Allocation*
Equity securities	$	92,745	$	77,245	50	%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents	44,250		49,008		30	%
Other investments	21,667		29,381		20	%
	$	158,662	$	155,634	100	%
* Target allocation relates to the Company's primary defined benefit pension plan

Based on an analysis of the historical and expected future performance of the plan's assets and information provided by its independent investment advisor, the Company set the long-term rate of return assumption for its primary defined benefit pension plans' assets at 6.75% in 2018 for purposes of determining pension cost and funded status under current guidance.  The Company's discount rate assumption used in determining the present value of the projected benefit obligation is based upon published indices.

The Company categorizes plan assets within a three level fair value hierarchy (see Note 4 for a further discussion of the fair value hierarchy). The valuation methodologies used to measure the fair value of pension assets, including the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each type of pension plan asset is classified as follows.

Equity securities consist of direct investments in the stocks of publicly traded companies.  Such investments are valued based on the closing price reported in an active market on which the individual securities are traded.  As such, the direct investments are classified as Level 1.

Mutual funds are valued at the closing price of shares held by the Plan at year end.  As such, these mutual fund investments are classified as Level 1.

Fixed income securities consist of publicly traded fixed interest obligations (primarily U.S. government notes and corporate and agency bonds).  Such investments are valued through consultation and evaluation with brokers in the institutional market using quoted prices and other observable market data.  As such, U.S. government notes are included in Level 1, and the remainder of the fixed income securities are included in Level 2.

Cash and cash equivalents consist of direct cash holdings and short-term money market mutual funds.  These values are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value, and as such, are classified as Level 1.

Other investments consist primarily of real estate, commodities, private equity holdings and hedge fund investments.  These holdings are valued by investment managers based on the most recent information available.  The valuation information used by investment managers may not be readily observable.  As such, these investments are classified as Level 3.

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	September 30, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	46,628	$	—	$	—	$	46,628
Equity securities - mutual funds	46,117		—		—		46,117
Fixed income securities	26,789		14,785		—		41,574
Cash and cash equivalents	2,676		—		—		2,676
Other investments	11,552		—		10,115		21,667
Total	$	133,762	$	14,785	$	10,115	$	158,662

	September 30, 2017
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	42,731	$	—	$	—	$	42,731
Equity securities - mutual funds	34,514		—		—		34,514
Fixed income securities	30,032		14,870		—		44,902
Cash and cash equivalents	4,106		—		—		4,106
Other investments	19,901		—		9,480		29,381
Total	$	131,284	$	14,870	$	9,480	$	155,634

Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

Asset Category	Fair Value, Beginning of Period		Acquisitions		Dispositions			Realized Gains		Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Fair Value, End of Period
Other investments:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	9,480	$	—	$	(149	)	$	261	$	523		$	10,115
September 30, 2017	12,816		—		(3,286		)	418		(468		)	9,480

Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:

Years ending September 30:	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
2019	$	10,348	$	1,075
2020	10,602		1,036
2021	11,141		1,062
2022	12,408		1,098
2023	12,772		1,117
2024-2028	72,916		6,062
	$	130,187	$	11,450

For measurement purposes, a rate of increase of 7.8% in the per capita cost of health care benefits was assumed for 2019; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 4.0% for 2058 and remain at that level thereafter.  Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported.  An increase in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2018 by $705 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $46.  A decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2018 by $622 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by $40.

The Company sponsors defined contribution plans for hourly and salary employees. The expense associated with the contributions made to these plans was $8,685, $8,620, and $8,117 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

		Postretirement Benefit Plans			Currency Translation Adjustment				Derivatives			Total
Attributable to Matthews:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	(43,474	)	$	(104,604	)		$	(2,248	)	$	(150,326	)
OCI before reclassification		(16,901		)	(17,655		)		(3,230		)	(37,786		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	4,325			—			(b)	1,919			6,244
Net current-period OCI		(12,576		)	(17,655		)		(1,311		)	(31,542		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	(56,050	)	$	(122,259	)		$	(3,559	)	$	(181,868	)
OCI before reclassification		6,536			9,352				7,043			22,931
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,891			—			(b)	(1,069		)	4,822
Net current-period OCI		12,427			9,352				5,974			27,753
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	(43,623	)	$	(112,907	)		$	2,415		$	(154,115	)
OCI before reclassification		10,584			(22,053		)		6,095			(5,374		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,047			—			(b)	(1,042		)	4,005
Net current-period OCI		15,631			(22,053		)		5,053			(1,369		)
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	(c)	(9,884		)	—			(c)	1,070			(8,814		)
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	(37,876	)	$	(134,960	)		$	8,538		$	(164,298	)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	—		$	366			$	—		$	366
OCI before reclassification		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Net current-period OCI		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	—		$	277			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			119				—			119
Net current-period OCI		—			119				—			119
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	—		$	396			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			71				—			71
Net current-period OCI		—			71				—			71
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	—		$	467			$	—		$	348

(a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 12).

(b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 8).

(c) Amounts were reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings through adoption of ASU 2018-02 (see Note 3).

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Cumulative foreign currency translation	$	(134,960	)	$	(112,907	)
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $2,771 and $1,544, respectively	8,538			2,415
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $12,076 and $27,114, respectively	(37,876		)	(43,623		)
	$	(164,298	)	$	(154,115	)

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Details about AOCI Components		September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the Statement of Income
Postretirement benefit plans
Prior service (cost) credit	(a)	$	333		$	376		$	378
Actuarial losses	(a)	(7,018		)	(10,034		)	(7,468		)
	(b)	(6,685		)	(9,658		)	(7,090		)	Income before income tax
		(1,638		)	(3,767		)	(2,765		)	Income taxes
		$	(5,047	)	$	(5,891	)	$	(4,325	)	Net income
Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts		$	1,380		$	1,752		$	(3,146	)	Interest expense
	(b)	1,380			1,752			(3,146		)	Income before income tax
		338			683			(1,227		)	Income taxes
		$	1,042		$	1,069		$	(1,919	)	Net income

(a) Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 12.

(b)For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

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INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES:

The income tax (benefit) provision consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current:
Federal	$	(2,577	)	$	1,542		$	18,733
State	1,051			628			1,829
Foreign	15,533			10,459			12,482
	14,007			12,629			33,044
Deferred:
Federal	(24,094		)	11,887			(3,066		)
State	1,315			905			(2,412		)
Foreign	(346		)	(3,067		)	1,507
	(23,125		)	9,725			(3,971		)
Total	$	(9,118	)	$	22,354		$	29,073

The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, which results in a blended U.S. statutory tax rate of 24.5% for the Company in fiscal 2018. The Act also requires a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. At September 30, 2018, the Company has not finalized its accounting for the tax effects of the Act; however, as described below, management has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and has recorded an estimated amount for its one-time transition tax. For the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional net tax benefit of $29,150 was recognized, which is included entirely as a component of income tax benefit (provision) for the year ended September 30, 2018. The two main components of this provisional amount are discussed below. The Company continues to await additional guidance on certain aspects of the Act which could have a significant effect upon its income tax expense.

Provisional amounts

Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company re-measured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which these deferred tax amounts are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21.0% or 24.5%. This re-measurement resulted in a tax benefit of $38,010 being recognized during the year ended September 30, 2018. The Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act, estimating the timing of reversals, and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances, or potentially generate new deferred tax amounts.

Foreign tax effects: The Company recorded a provisional amount for its one-time transition tax for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $8,860 for the year ended September 30, 2018. The one-time transition tax was calculated using an estimate of the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (“E&P”) that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company has not yet finalized its determination of the total post-1986 E&P and tax pools for its foreign subsidiaries and has not fully analyzed the state income tax effects. The calculation of the one-time transition tax is also impacted by the amount of foreign E&P held in cash and other specified assets. The tax amount may change when the Company finalizes its calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and upon finalization of the calculation of cash and other specified assets.

The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:

	2018		2017		2016
Federal statutory tax rate	24.5	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction	2.2	%	1.4	%	(0.6	)%
Foreign taxes greater (less) than federal statutory rate	1.4	%	(7.2	)%	(3.5	)%
Share-based compensation	(0.6	)%	(1.2	)%	—	%
U.S. manufacturing incentive	(1.3	)%	(1.8	)%	(0.9	)%
Tax credits	(2.7	)%	(2.6	)%	0.9	%
Tax deductible basis difference	(1.5	)%	—	%	—	%
Transition tax	9.0	%	—	%	—	%
U.S. statutory tax rate change on temporary differences	(38.7	)%	—	%	—	%
Other	(1.6	)%	(0.4	)%	(0.4	)%
Effective tax rate	(9.3	)%	23.2	%	30.5	%

The Company's consolidated income taxes for the year ended September 30, 2018 were a benefit of $9,118, compared to income tax expense of $22,354 for fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 primarily reflects the benefits from the U.S. tax reform enactment discussed above. The difference between the Company's fiscal 2018 effective tax rate and the blended U.S. federal statutory rate of 24.5% primarily reflected the re-measurement of U.S. deferred taxes and the benefit of credits and incentives, partially offset by the one-time transition tax and the impact of state taxes.

The Company's foreign subsidiaries had income before income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 of approximately $56,424, $24,118 and $48,864, respectively.  Deferred income taxes have not been provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries since they have been included as a component of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax, and such earnings are considered to be reinvested indefinitely. At September 30, 2018, undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for which deferred income taxes have not been provided approximated $289,702. 

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and postretirement benefits	$	24,597		$	45,654
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible	9,596			20,579
Income tax credit carryforward	3,216			3,313
Operating and capital loss carryforwards	20,807			23,610
Stock options	5,157			8,614
Other	3,963			2,782
Total deferred tax assets	67,336			104,552
Valuation allowances	(14,137		)	(20,866		)
Net deferred tax assets	53,199			83,686
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(16,156		)	(4,763		)
Unrealized gains and losses	(8,637		)	(10,446		)
Goodwill and intangible assets	(147,571		)	(203,957		)
Other	(517		)	(1,494		)
	(172,881		)	(220,660		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(119,682	)	$	(136,974	)

At September 30, 2018, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $60,705 and foreign capital loss carryforwards of $20,370. The Company has recorded deferred tax assets of $4,684 for state net operating loss carryforwards, and various non-U.S. income tax credit carryforwards of $2,934 which will be available to offset future income tax liabilities. If not used, state net operating losses will begin to expire in 2019.  Certain of the foreign net operating losses begin to expire in 2019 while the majority of the Company's foreign net operating losses have no expiration period. Certain of these carryforwards are subject to limitations on use due to tax rules affecting acquired tax attributes, loss sharing between group members, and business continuation.  Therefore, the Company has established tax-effected valuation allowances against these tax benefits in the amount of $14,137 at September 30, 2018. 

Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
Balance, beginning of year	$	7,968		$	13,820		$	4,086
Increases for tax positions of prior years	7,886			839			5,762
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	—			(5,890		)	(166		)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	882			378			5,456
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation	(1,909		)	(1,179		)	(1,318		)
Balance, end of year	$	14,827		$	7,968		$	13,820

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $10,718 at September 30, 2018, which would impact the annual effective tax rate.  It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $2,786 in the next 12 months primarily due to the expiration of statutes of limitation related to specific tax positions.

The Company classifies interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a component of the provision for income taxes.  Total penalties and interest accrued were $2,229 and $1,779 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  These accruals may potentially be applicable in the event of an unfavorable outcome of uncertain tax positions.

The Company is currently under examination in several tax jurisdictions and remains subject to examination until the statute of limitation expires for those tax jurisdictions. 

As of September 30, 2018, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:

United States - Federal	2015 and forward
United States - State	2014 and forward
Canada	2014 and forward
Germany	2015 and forward
United Kingdom	2017 and forward
Australia	2014 and forward
Singapore	2013 and forward

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:

The Company operates various production, warehouse and office facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements.  Annual rentals under these and other operating leases were $38,934, $36,400 and $32,716 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements for fiscal years 2019 through 2023 are $23,183, $18,576, $14,055, $8,947 and $5,333, respectively.

The Company is party to various legal proceedings, the eventual outcome of which are not predictable.  Although the ultimate disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management is of the opinion that they should not result in liabilities in an amount which would materially affect the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company has employment agreements with certain employees, the terms of which expire at various dates between fiscal 2017 and 2019.  The agreements generally provide for base salary and bonus levels and include non-compete provisions.  The aggregate commitment for salaries under these agreements at September 30, 2018 was $6,811.

The Company is involved in a dispute with a customer related to a project in Saudi Arabia. It is possible the resolution of this matter could have an unfavorable financial impact on Matthews’ results of operations. See further discussion in Note 8.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  These laws and regulations impose limitations on the discharge of materials into the environment and require the Company to obtain and operate in compliance with conditions of permits and other government authorizations.  As such, the Company has developed environmental, health and safety policies and procedures that include the proper handling of hazardous materials.

The Company is party to various environmental matters.  These include obligations to investigate and mitigate the effects on the environment of certain materials at various operating and non-operating sites.  The Company is currently performing environmental assessments and remediation at these sites, as appropriate.

At September 30, 2018, an accrual of $2,000 had been recorded for environmental remediation (of which $585 was classified in other current liabilities), representing management's best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable costs of known remediation obligations for one of the Company's subsidiaries.  The accrual does not consider the effects of inflation and anticipated expenditures are not discounted to their present value.  While final resolution of these contingencies could result in costs different than current accruals, management believes the ultimate outcome will not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

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SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$	(790	)	$	(7,045	)	$	(10,632	)
Inventories	(2,869		)	(2,289		)	10,453
Other current assets	(16,293		)	4,447			12,434
	(19,952		)	(4,887		)	12,255
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	2,516			5,672			(11,083		)
Accrued compensation	(10,940		)	(2,469		)	147
Accrued income taxes	(9,973		)	5,054			4,079
Other current liabilities	28,415			2,414			8,317
	10,018			10,671			1,460
Net change	$	(9,934	)	$	5,784		$	13,715

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SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company manages its businesses under three segments: SGK Brand Solutions, Memorialization and Industrial Technologies. The SGK Brand Solutions segment includes brand development, deployment and delivery (consisting of brand management, printing plates and cylinders, pre-media services and imaging services for consumer packaged goods and retail customers, merchandising display systems, and marketing and design services).  The Memorialization segment consists primarily of bronze and granite memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment primarily for the cemetery and funeral home industries. The Industrial Technologies segment includes marking and coding equipment and consumables, industrial automation products and order fulfillment systems for identifying, tracking, picking and conveying consumer and industrial products.  Management evaluates segment performance based on operating profit (before income taxes) and does not allocate non-operating items such as investment income, interest expense, other income (deductions), net and noncontrolling interest amongst the segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Note 2).  Intersegment sales are accounted for at negotiated prices.  Operating profit is total revenue less operating expenses.  Segment assets include those assets that are used in the Company's operations within each segment.  Assets classified under "Other" principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments, deferred income taxes and corporate headquarters' assets.  Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation), goodwill, and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization).

Information about the Company's segments follows:

	SGK Brand Solutions		Memorialization		Industrial Technologies		Other		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	805,274	$	631,392	$	165,914	$	—	$	1,602,580
2017	770,181		615,882		129,545		—		1,515,608
2016	755,975		610,142		114,347		—		1,480,464
Intersegment sales:
2018	310		2		9		—		321
2017	356		—		2		—		358
2016	346		43		99		—		488
Depreciation and amortization:
2018	47,055		20,005		5,796		4,118		76,974
2017	41,941		19,808		2,863		3,369		67,981
2016	41,238		19,223		2,503		2,516		65,480
Operating profit:
2018	35,443		86,370		11,021		—		132,834
2017	24,919		80,652		7,032		—		112,603
2016	42,909		68,252		7,654		—		118,815
Total assets:
2018	1,300,785		814,800		198,864		61,036		2,375,485
2017	1,276,295		741,148		161,472		65,734		2,244,649
2016	1,177,816		735,985		122,179		55,061		2,091,041
Capital expenditures:
2018	22,133		15,513		2,577		2,977		43,200
2017	22,941		8,078		4,622		9,294		44,935
2016	22,043		11,870		3,461		4,308		41,682

Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:

	North America		Central and South America		Europe		Australia		Asia		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	1,066,367	$	6,171	$	456,078	$	23,276	$	50,688	$	1,602,580
2017	1,043,924		6,518		396,242		21,507		47,417		1,515,608
2016	1,045,718		10,160		360,678		20,043		43,865		1,480,464
Long-lived assets:
2018	1,182,250		16,535		365,455		23,037		58,302		1,645,579
2017	1,069,862		13,882		382,940		24,887		66,138		1,557,709
2016	1,042,263		13,267		334,847		23,768		50,677		1,464,822

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ACQUISITIONS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS:

Fiscal 2018:

On February 1, 2018, the Company acquired certain net assets of Star Granite and Bronze International, Inc. ("Star Granite") for a total purchase price of $34,713, consisting of cash of $29,713 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to a working capital adjustment) and shares of Matthews common stock valued at $5,000. Star Granite manufactures and distributes granite and other memorialization products to cemetery and other customers across the United States and is included in the Company's Memorialization segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $31,000 prior to the acquisition. The preliminary purchase price allocation related to the Star Granite acquisition is not finalized as of September 30, 2018, and is subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

On November 28, 2017, the Company acquired Compass Engineering Group, Inc. ("Compass") for $51,887 (net of cash acquired, subject to a working capital adjustment). Compass provides high-quality material handling control solutions and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $24,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Compass acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Company completed several additional smaller acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $39,465 (net of cash acquired and holdback amounts, subject to working capital adjustments). These additional acquisitions strengthen the Company's operations across the SGK Brand Solutions and Memorialization segments. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to certain of these acquisitions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital amounts. The preliminary purchase price allocations for the remaining acquisitions are not finalized as of September 30, 2018 and are subject to changes as the Company obtains additional information related to fixed assets, intangible assets, and other assets and liabilities.

Fiscal 2017:

On March 1, 2017, the Company acquired GJ Creative Limited ("Equator") for £30.5 million ($37,596) (net of cash acquired). Equator provides design expertise capable of taking brands from creation to shelf under one roof, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $30,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Equator acquisition in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

On February 28, 2017, the Company acquired certain net assets of RAF Technology, Inc. ("RAF") for $8,717 (net of cash acquired). RAF is a global leader in pattern and optical character recognition software, and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the RAF acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

On January 13, 2017, the Company acquired VCG (Holdings) Limited ("VCG") for £8.8 million ($10,695) (net of cash acquired). VCG is a leading graphics, plate-making, and creative design company and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the VCG acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

On January 3, 2017, the Company acquired A. + E. Ungricht GmbH + Co KG ("Ungricht") for €24.0 million ($25,185) (net of cash acquired). Ungricht is a leading European provider of pre-press services and gravure printing forms, located in Germany, and is included in the Company's SGK Brand Solutions segment. Annual sales for this business were approximately $35,000 prior to the acquisition. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Ungricht acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset amounts.

On November 30, 2016, the Company acquired Guidance Automation Limited ("Guidance") for £8.0 million ($9,974) (net of cash acquired). Guidance provides technological solutions for autonomous warehouse vehicles and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the Guidance acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital and intangible asset accounts.

Fiscal 2016:

On February 1, 2016, the Company acquired certain net assets of Digital Design, Inc. ("DDI") for $8,773 (net of cash acquired). DDI is a manufacturer and seller of ink jet printing systems and is included in the Company's Industrial Technologies segment. The Company finalized the allocation of purchase price related to the DDI acquisition during fiscal 2017, resulting in an immaterial adjustment to certain working capital accounts.

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, follow.

	SGK Brand Solutions			Memorialization			Industrial Technologies		Consolidated
Goodwill	$	458,510		$	347,116		$	56,615	$	862,241
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	452,758			342,116			56,615		851,489
Additions during period	21,361			158			11,694		33,213
Translation and other adjustments	12,024			233			835		13,092
Goodwill	491,895			347,507			69,144		908,546
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	486,143			342,507			69,144		897,794
Additions during period	8,743			29,059			22,877		60,679
Translation and other adjustments	(9,568		)	(16		)	5		(9,579		)
Goodwill	491,070			376,550			92,026		959,646
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	485,318		$	371,550		$	92,026	$	948,894

The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and determined that estimated fair value for all reporting units exceeded carrying value, therefore no adjustments to the carrying value of goodwill were necessary.

In fiscal 2018, the additions to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill reflects several smaller acquisitions. The additions to Memorialization goodwill reflects the acquisitions of Star Granite and several additional smaller acquisitions. The addition to Industrial Technologies goodwill reflects the acquisition of Compass.

In fiscal 2017, the additions to SGK Brand Solutions goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of Equator, VCG and Ungricht. The additions to Industrial Technologies goodwill primarily reflects the acquisitions of RAF and Guidance.

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization				Net
September 30, 2018
Trade names	$	126,047	$	—		*	$	126,047
Trade names	53,523		(5,444		)		48,079
Customer relationships	372,382		(110,760		)		261,622
Copyrights/patents/other	20,848		(12,686		)		8,162
	$	572,800	$	(128,890	)		$	443,910
September 30, 2017
Trade names	$	168,467	$	—		*	$	168,467
Trade names	5,522		(2,030		)		3,492
Customer relationships	333,632		(84,560		)		249,072
Copyrights/patents/other	14,787		(11,436		)		3,351
	$	522,408	$	(98,026	)		$	424,382
*Not subject to amortization

The net change in intangible assets during fiscal 2018 included the impact of foreign currency fluctuations during the period, additional amortization, and additions related to acquisitions, primarily Star Granite and Compass. During fiscal 2018, the Company also converted certain of its trade names from indefinite-lived to definite-lived, and accordingly, these intangible assets are now subject to amortization.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $31,562, $23,313, and $20,821 in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Fiscal year amortization expense is estimated to be $32,128 in 2019, $30,388 in 2020, $28,976 in 2021, $27,387 in 2022 and $25,815 in 2023.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION:

In May 2016, the Company purchased 970,000 common shares from members of the Schawk family, including David A. Schawk (who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Company's Group President, SGK Brand Solutions) and certain family members of Mr. Schawk and/or trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Schawk or his family members. The purchase price for the shares purchase was $50.6921625 per share, which was equal to 96.76% of the average of the high and low trading prices for the common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 12, 2016.

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LEGAL MATTER

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

LEGAL MATTER

LEGAL MATTER:

During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized loss recoveries of $11,325 related to the previously disclosed theft of funds by a former employee initially identified in fiscal 2015.

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SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017. 

	Quarter Ended
	December 31		March 31		June 30		September 30		Year Ended September 30
	(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
FISCAL YEAR 2018:
Sales	$	369,454	$	414,061	$	411,621	$	407,444	$	1,602,580
Gross profit	130,699		149,966		151,901		148,784		581,350
Operating profit	17,924		29,791		37,895		47,224		132,834
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	35,180		18,182		24,414		29,595		107,371
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.11	$	0.57	$	0.77	$	0.94	$	3.39
Diluted	1.10		0.57		0.77		0.93		3.37
FISCAL YEAR 2017:
Sales	$	348,998	$	380,916	$	389,630	$	396,064	$	1,515,608
Gross profit	127,267		138,422		144,094		153,604		563,387
Operating profit	19,063		26,828		36,786		29,926		112,603
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	10,322		14,920		29,485		19,641		74,368
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.46	$	0.91	$	0.61	$	2.31
Diluted	0.32		0.46		0.91		0.60		2.28

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SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

			Additions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Expense		Charged to other Accounts(1)		Deductions(2)			Balance at End of Period
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	11,622	$	855	$	762	$	(2,081	)	$	11,158
September 30, 2017	11,516		1,733		642		(2,269		)	11,622
September 30, 2016	10,015		3,055		435		(1,989		)	11,516

(1) Amount comprised principally of acquisitions and purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions, and amounts reclassified to other accounts.

(2) Amounts determined not to be collectible (including direct write-offs), net of recoveries.

Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Provision Charged (Credited) To Expense(1)			Allowance Changes(2)			Other Deductions(3)			Balance at End of Period
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	20,866	$	2,482		$	(8,510	)	$	(701	)	$	14,137
September 30, 2017	22,412		(1,279		)	—			(267		)	20,866
September 30, 2016	20,977		2,438			—			(1,003		)	22,412

(1) Amounts relate primarily to adjustments in net operating loss carryforwards which are precluded from use.

(2) Fiscal 2018 amounts primarily reflect the release of valuation allowances due to the termination of net operating loss carryforwards upon the liquidation of non-U.S. holding companies as part of an entity reduction plan.

(3) Consists principally of adjustments related to foreign exchange.

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation:

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

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

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

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

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

Inventories

Inventories:

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

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Depreciation is computed primarily on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 10 to 45 years for buildings and 3 to 12 years for machinery and equipment.  Gains or losses from the disposition of assets are reflected in operating profit.  The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.  Renewals and betterments of a nature considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is determined by evaluating the estimated undiscounted net cash flows of the operations to which the assets relate.  An impairment loss would be recognized when the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

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

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:

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

Environmental

Environmental:

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

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging:

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

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

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency:

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

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

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

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock:

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

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition:

Revenues are generally recognized when title, ownership, and risk of loss pass to the customer, which is typically at the time of product shipment and is based on the applicable shipping terms.  The shipping terms vary across all businesses and depend on the product and customer.

Revenues from brand development and deployment services are recognized using the completed performance method, which is typically when the customer receives the final deliverable.  For arrangements with customer acceptance provisions, revenue is recognized when the customer approves the final deliverable.

For pre-need sales of memorials and vases, revenue is recognized when the memorial has been manufactured to the customer's specifications (e.g., name and birth date), title has been transferred to the customer and the memorial and vase are placed in storage for future delivery.  A liability has been recorded for the estimated costs of finishing pre-need bronze memorials and vases that have been manufactured and placed in storage prior to July 1, 2003 for future delivery.  Beginning July 1, 2003, revenue is deferred by the Company on the portion of pre-need sales attributable to the final finishing and storage of the pre-need merchandise.  Deferred revenue for final finishing is recognized at the time the pre-need merchandise is finished and shipped to the customer.  Deferred revenue related to storage is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated average time that pre-need merchandise is held in storage.  At September 30, 2018, the Company held 329,341 memorials and 220,901 vases in its storage facilities under the pre-need sales program.

Revenues from mausoleum construction and significant engineering projects, including certain roto-gravure projects, cremation units and marking and industrial automation projects, are recognized under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting using the cost-to-cost basis for measuring progress toward completion.  As work is performed under contracts, estimates of the costs to complete are regularly reviewed and updated.  As changes in estimates of total costs at completion on projects are identified, appropriate earnings adjustments are recorded using the cumulative catch-up method.  Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded during the period in which such losses become evident.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs:

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

Research and Development Expenses

Research and Development Expenses:

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were approximately $24,984, $20,722 and $16,362 for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employee requisite service period.  A binomial lattice model is utilized to determine the fair value of awards that have vesting conditions based on market targets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes:

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

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share:

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

Accounting Pronouncements

Issued

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

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements including the consideration of costs and benefits.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which provides new guidance intended to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which provides new guidance intended to clarify and reduce complexities in applying stock compensation guidance to a change to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which provides new guidance intended to improve the disclosure requirements related to the service cost component of net benefit cost.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which provides new guidance intended to make the definition of a business more operable and allow for more consistency in application.  This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory (Topic 740), which will require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this standard will have on the Company’s financial statements but believes there will not be a material change once adopted.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force), which provides new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of certain cash flow items including debt prepayments, debt extinguishment costs, contingent considerations payments, and insurance proceeds, among other things. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides new guidance on how an entity should account for leases and recognize associated lease assets and liabilities. This ASU requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities that arise from financing and operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During 2017 and 2018, the FASB issued four ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new lease guidance, including ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842), ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842) Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842, ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. These ASUs do not change the core principles in the lease guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2018-11 provides an additional transition method to adopt ASU No. 2016-02. Under the new transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date versus at the beginning of the earliest period presented and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. ASU No. 2016-02 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2020, and allow for early adoption. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact these ASUs will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance intended to improve the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This ASU is effective for the Company beginning in interim periods starting in fiscal year 2019. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements

to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), that provides guidance related to implementation issues and corrects or improves certain aspects of the financial instruments guidance. The adoption of these ASUs are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606. This ASU replaces nearly all existing U.S. GAAP guidance on revenue recognition. The standard prescribes a five-step model for recognizing revenue, the application of which will require significant judgment. The FASB issued ASU 2015-14 in August 2015 which resulted in a deferral of the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued six ASUs that address implementation issues and correct or improve certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance, including ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ASU 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) and ASU 2017-14, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). These ASUs do not change the core principles in the revenue recognition guidance outlined above. ASU No. 2014-09 and the related ASUs referenced above are effective for Matthews beginning October 1, 2018. The Company has completed its assessment of all global revenue arrangements and related impact of the new standard compared to historical accounting policies and has concluded the adoption of these ASUs will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of these ASUs using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of initially applying it recognized at the date of initial application. There was no cumulative effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings on October 1, 2018. The Company is continuing to assess the ultimate impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

Adopted

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), which provides new guidance to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The amount of reclassification is the difference between the Company's historical U.S. income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The Company early adopted this ASU in the third quarter ended June 30, 2018. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a decrease to AOCI and corresponding increase to retained earnings of $8,814.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which provides new guidance intended to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill and removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment process.  The Company early adopted this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, but modifies the methodology to assess and measure goodwill impairment prospectively.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which provides new guidance to simplify the measurement of inventory valuation at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter ended December 31, 2017 had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the fair values of the Company's assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis were categorized as follows:

	September 30, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	11,309	$	—	$	11,309
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		22,758		—		22,758
Life insurance policies	—		5,894		—		5,894
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	39,961	$	—	$	39,961
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	3,990	$	—	$	3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	—		21,649		—		21,649
Life insurance policies	—		5,810		—		5,810
Total assets at fair value	$	—	$	31,449	$	—	$	31,449
Liabilities:
Derivatives (1)	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
Total liabilities at fair value	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
(1) Interest rate swaps are valued based on observable market swap rates and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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INVENTORIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018		2017
Raw materials	$	34,880	$	29,396
Work in process	67,827		61,917
Finished goods	77,744		80,132
	$	180,451	$	171,445

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INVESTMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Non-Current Investments

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, non-current investments were as follows:

	2018		2017
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	$	22,758	$	21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894		5,810
Other investments	16,778		10,208
	$	45,430	$	37,667

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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment and Related Accumulated Depreciation

Property, plant and equipment and the related accumulated depreciation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	2018			2017
Buildings	$	113,027		$	104,604
Machinery, equipment and other	452,846			412,980
	565,873			517,584
Less accumulated depreciation	(357,827		)	(335,346		)
	208,046			182,238
Land	18,017			16,845
Construction in progress	26,712			36,450
	$	252,775		$	235,533

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Revolving credit facilities	$	322,711		$	551,126
Securitization facility	102,250			95,825
Senior secured term loan	212,086			232,479
2025 Senior Notes	296,176			—
Notes payable to banks	17,895			21,831
Short-term borrowings	4,915			4,735
Capital lease obligations	4,569			5,134
	960,602			911,130
Less current maturities	(31,260		)	(29,528		)
	$	929,342		$	881,602

Interest Rate Contracts

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

	September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$	343,750		$	414,063
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$	11,309		$	3,959
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2.7			3.3
Weighted-average received rate	2.26		%	1.23		%
Weighted-average pay rate	1.37		%	1.34		%

Interest Rate Swap Contracts Reflected in Consolidated Balance Sheets

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the interest rate swap contracts were reflected on a gross-basis in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Derivatives:	2018		2017
Current assets:
Other current assets	$	3,867	$	1,098
Long-term assets:
Other assets	7,442		2,892
Current liabilities:
Other current liabilities	—		(7		)
Long-term liabilities:
Other liabilities	—		(24		)
Total derivatives	$	11,309	$	3,959

Gains (Losses) Recognized on Derivatives

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
		2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense	$1,380	$1,752	$(3,146)

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

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives			Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income(Effective Portion*)
	2018	2017	2016	(Effective Portion*)	2018	2017	2016
Interest rate swaps	$6,095	$7,043	$(3,230)	Interest expense	$1,042	$1,069	$(1,919)
*There is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.

Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including short-term borrowings and capital leases, is as follows:

2019	$	34,471
2020	145,176
2021	482,102
2022	325
2023	247
Thereafter	298,281
	$	960,602

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SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Restricted Stock Activity

The transactions for restricted stock for the year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:

	Shares		Weighted- average Grant-date Fair Value
Non-vested at September 30, 2017	501,184		$	53.65
Granted	234,100		57.05
Vested	(174,295	)	51.41
Expired or forfeited	(6,756	)	59.72
Non-vested at September 30, 2018	554,233		$	55.71

Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value

The fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial lattice valuation model.  The following table indicates the assumptions used in estimating fair value of restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

	2018		2017		2016
Expected volatility	20.5	%	20.2	%	20.7	%
Dividend yield	1.0	%	1.1	%	1.0	%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.0	%	1.7	%	1.7	%
Average expected term (years)	2.1		2.1		2.1

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Information Used to Compute Earnings Per Share Attributable to Matthews' Common Shareholders

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

	2018		2017		2016
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$	107,371	$	74,368	$	66,749
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic shares	31,674		32,240		32,642
Effect of dilutive securities	187		330		262
Diluted shares	31,861		32,570		32,904

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Plans

The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans as of the Company's actuarial valuation as of September 30, 2018 and 2017:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	259,672		$	263,566		$	20,316		$	23,290
Service cost	8,159			8,553			335			392
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			631			626
Actuarial gain	(15,229		)	(4,264		)	(907		)	(2,600		)
Exchange (gain) loss	(180		)	589			—			—
Benefit payments	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Benefit obligation, end of year	241,553			259,672			18,826			20,316
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	155,634			151,864			—			—
Actual return	10,914			12,586			—			—
Benefit payments (1)	(19,079		)	(16,134		)	(1,549		)	(1,392		)
Employer contributions	11,193			7,318			1,549			1,392
Fair value, end of year	158,662			155,634			—			—
Funded status	(82,892		)	(104,039		)	(18,828		)	(20,317		)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)	53,405			73,616			(2,376		)	(1,469		)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liability	$	(857	)	$	(766	)	$	(1,075	)	$	(1,044	)
Noncurrent benefit liability	(82,035		)	(103,273		)	(17,753		)	(19,273		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	52,853			72,926			(2,901		)	(2,189		)
Net amount recognized	$	(30,039	)	$	(31,113	)	$	(21,729	)	$	(22,506	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated
other comprehensive loss (income):
Net actuarial loss (income)	$	53,405		$	73,616		$	(2,376	)	$	(1,469	)
Prior service cost	(552		)	(690		)	(525		)	(720		)
Net amount recognized	$	52,853		$	72,926		$	(2,901	)	$	(2,189	)

(1) Pension benefit payments in fiscal 2018 and 2017 includes $6,800 and $5,655 of lump sum distributions, respectively, that were made to certain terminated vested employees as settlements of the employees' pension obligations. These distributions did not meet the threshold to qualify as settlements under U.S. GAAP and therefore, no unamortized actuarial losses were recognized in the Statements of Income upon completion of the lump sum distributions.

Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost

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

	Pension									Other Postretirement
	2018			2017			2016			2018			2017			2016
Service cost	$	8,159		$	8,553		$	7,446		$	335		$	392		$	402
Interest cost	8,210			7,362			9,725			631			626			845
Expected return on plan assets	(10,136		)	(9,249		)	(9,625		)	—			—			—
Amortization:
Prior service cost	(138		)	(181		)	(183		)	(195		)	(195		)	(195		)
Net actuarial loss	7,018			10,034			7,468			—			—			—
Net benefit cost	$	13,113		$	16,519		$	14,831		$	771		$	823		$	1,052

Contributions During Fiscal Year

Contributions made in fiscal 2018 are as follows:

Contributions	Pension		Other Postretirement
Principal retirement plan	$	10,000	$	—
Supplemental retirement plan	749		—
Other retirement plans	444		—
Other postretirement plan	—		1,549

Amounts of AOCI Expected to be Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Costs

Amounts of AOCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2019 include:

	Pension Benefits			Other Postretirement Benefits
Net actuarial loss	$	4,246		$	(59	)
Prior service cost	(186		)	(195		)

Weighted-Average Assumptions for Principal Retirement and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The measurement date of annual actuarial valuations for the Company's principal retirement and other postretirement benefit plans was September 30, for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.  The weighted-average assumptions for those plans were:

	Pension						Other Postretirement
	2018		2017		2016		2018		2017		2016
Discount rate	4.21	%	3.76	%	3.51	%	4.19	%	3.72	%	3.42	%
Return on plan assets	6.75	%	6.75	%	7.25	%	—		—		—
Compensation increase	3.50	%	3.50	%	3.50	%	—		—		—

Weighted Average Asset Allocation and Target Allocation

The Company's defined benefit pension plans' weighted-average asset allocation at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and weighted-average target allocation were as follows:

	Plan Assets at				Target
Asset Category	2018		2017		Allocation*
Equity securities	$	92,745	$	77,245	50	%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents	44,250		49,008		30	%
Other investments	21,667		29,381		20	%
	$	158,662	$	155,634	100	%
* Target allocation relates to the Company's primary defined benefit pension plan

Fair Value Allocation of Plan Assets

he Company's defined benefit pension plans' asset categories at September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

	September 30, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	46,628	$	—	$	—	$	46,628
Equity securities - mutual funds	46,117		—		—		46,117
Fixed income securities	26,789		14,785		—		41,574
Cash and cash equivalents	2,676		—		—		2,676
Other investments	11,552		—		10,115		21,667
Total	$	133,762	$	14,785	$	10,115	$	158,662

	September 30, 2017
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Equity securities - stocks	$	42,731	$	—	$	—	$	42,731
Equity securities - mutual funds	34,514		—		—		34,514
Fixed income securities	30,032		14,870		—		44,902
Cash and cash equivalents	4,106		—		—		4,106
Other investments	19,901		—		9,480		29,381
Total	$	131,284	$	14,870	$	9,480	$	155,634

Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Plan Assets

Changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are summarized as follows:

Asset Category	Fair Value, Beginning of Period		Acquisitions		Dispositions			Realized Gains		Unrealized Gains (Losses)			Fair Value, End of Period
Other investments:
Fiscal Year Ended:
September 30, 2018	$	9,480	$	—	$	(149	)	$	261	$	523		$	10,115
September 30, 2017	12,816		—		(3,286		)	418		(468		)	9,480

Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid

Benefit payments expected to be paid are as follows:

Years ending September 30:	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
2019	$	10,348	$	1,075
2020	10,602		1,036
2021	11,141		1,062
2022	12,408		1,098
2023	12,772		1,117
2024-2028	72,916		6,062
	$	130,187	$	11,450

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Equity [Abstract]

Change in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax

The changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

		Postretirement Benefit Plans			Currency Translation Adjustment				Derivatives			Total
Attributable to Matthews:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	(43,474	)	$	(104,604	)		$	(2,248	)	$	(150,326	)
OCI before reclassification		(16,901		)	(17,655		)		(3,230		)	(37,786		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	4,325			—			(b)	1,919			6,244
Net current-period OCI		(12,576		)	(17,655		)		(1,311		)	(31,542		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	(56,050	)	$	(122,259	)		$	(3,559	)	$	(181,868	)
OCI before reclassification		6,536			9,352				7,043			22,931
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,891			—			(b)	(1,069		)	4,822
Net current-period OCI		12,427			9,352				5,974			27,753
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	(43,623	)	$	(112,907	)		$	2,415		$	(154,115	)
OCI before reclassification		10,584			(22,053		)		6,095			(5,374		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(a)	5,047			—			(b)	(1,042		)	4,005
Net current-period OCI		15,631			(22,053		)		5,053			(1,369		)
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	(c)	(9,884		)	—			(c)	1,070			(8,814		)
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	(37,876	)	$	(134,960	)		$	8,538		$	(164,298	)
Attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Balance, September 30, 2015		$	—		$	366			$	—		$	366
OCI before reclassification		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Net current-period OCI		—			(89		)		—			(89		)
Balance, September 30, 2016		$	—		$	277			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			119				—			119
Net current-period OCI		—			119				—			119
Balance, September 30, 2017		$	—		$	396			$	—		$	277
OCI before reclassification		—			71				—			71
Net current-period OCI		—			71				—			71
Balance, September 30, 2018		$	—		$	467			$	—		$	348

(a) Amounts were included in net periodic benefit cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 12).

(b) Amounts were included in interest expense in the periods the hedged item affected earnings (see Note 8).

(c) Amounts were reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings through adoption of ASU 2018-02 (see Note 3).

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following:

	2018			2017
Cumulative foreign currency translation	$	(134,960	)	$	(112,907	)
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $2,771 and $1,544, respectively	8,538			2,415
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $12,076 and $27,114, respectively	(37,876		)	(43,623		)
	$	(164,298	)	$	(154,115	)

Reclassifications out of AOCI

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

Details about AOCI Components		September 30, 2018			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the Statement of Income
Postretirement benefit plans
Prior service (cost) credit	(a)	$	333		$	376		$	378
Actuarial losses	(a)	(7,018		)	(10,034		)	(7,468		)
	(b)	(6,685		)	(9,658		)	(7,090		)	Income before income tax
		(1,638		)	(3,767		)	(2,765		)	Income taxes
		$	(5,047	)	$	(5,891	)	$	(4,325	)	Net income
Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts		$	1,380		$	1,752		$	(3,146	)	Interest expense
	(b)	1,380			1,752			(3,146		)	Income before income tax
		338			683			(1,227		)	Income taxes
		$	1,042		$	1,069		$	(1,919	)	Net income

(a) Amounts are included in the computation of pension and other postretirement benefit expense, which is reported in both cost of goods sold and selling and administrative expenses.  For additional information, see Note 12.

(b)For pre-tax items, positive amounts represent income and negative amounts represent expense.

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for Income Taxes

The income tax (benefit) provision consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current:
Federal	$	(2,577	)	$	1,542		$	18,733
State	1,051			628			1,829
Foreign	15,533			10,459			12,482
	14,007			12,629			33,044
Deferred:
Federal	(24,094		)	11,887			(3,066		)
State	1,315			905			(2,412		)
Foreign	(346		)	(3,067		)	1,507
	(23,125		)	9,725			(3,971		)
Total	$	(9,118	)	$	22,354		$	29,073

Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Consolidated Effective Tax Rate

The reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the consolidated effective tax rate was as follows:

	2018		2017		2016
Federal statutory tax rate	24.5	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction	2.2	%	1.4	%	(0.6	)%
Foreign taxes greater (less) than federal statutory rate	1.4	%	(7.2	)%	(3.5	)%
Share-based compensation	(0.6	)%	(1.2	)%	—	%
U.S. manufacturing incentive	(1.3	)%	(1.8	)%	(0.9	)%
Tax credits	(2.7	)%	(2.6	)%	0.9	%
Tax deductible basis difference	(1.5	)%	—	%	—	%
Transition tax	9.0	%	—	%	—	%
U.S. statutory tax rate change on temporary differences	(38.7	)%	—	%	—	%
Other	(1.6	)%	(0.4	)%	(0.4	)%
Effective tax rate	(9.3	)%	23.2	%	30.5	%

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

	2018			2017
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and postretirement benefits	$	24,597		$	45,654
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible	9,596			20,579
Income tax credit carryforward	3,216			3,313
Operating and capital loss carryforwards	20,807			23,610
Stock options	5,157			8,614
Other	3,963			2,782
Total deferred tax assets	67,336			104,552
Valuation allowances	(14,137		)	(20,866		)
Net deferred tax assets	53,199			83,686
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(16,156		)	(4,763		)
Unrealized gains and losses	(8,637		)	(10,446		)
Goodwill and intangible assets	(147,571		)	(203,957		)
Other	(517		)	(1,494		)
	(172,881		)	(220,660		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(119,682	)	$	(136,974	)

Changes in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits

Changes in the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding penalties and interest) are as follows:

	2018			2017			2016
Balance, beginning of year	$	7,968		$	13,820		$	4,086
Increases for tax positions of prior years	7,886			839			5,762
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	—			(5,890		)	(166		)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	882			378			5,456
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation	(1,909		)	(1,179		)	(1,318		)
Balance, end of year	$	14,827		$	7,968		$	13,820

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies

As of September 30, 2018, the tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction generally are:

United States - Federal	2015 and forward
United States - State	2014 and forward
Canada	2014 and forward
Germany	2015 and forward
United Kingdom	2017 and forward
Australia	2014 and forward
Singapore	2013 and forward

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SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Changes in Working Capital Items as Presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Changes in working capital items as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consisted of the following:

	2018			2017			2016
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$	(790	)	$	(7,045	)	$	(10,632	)
Inventories	(2,869		)	(2,289		)	10,453
Other current assets	(16,293		)	4,447			12,434
	(19,952		)	(4,887		)	12,255
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	2,516			5,672			(11,083		)
Accrued compensation	(10,940		)	(2,469		)	147
Accrued income taxes	(9,973		)	5,054			4,079
Other current liabilities	28,415			2,414			8,317
	10,018			10,671			1,460
Net change	$	(9,934	)	$	5,784		$	13,715

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Information about the Company's segments follows:

	SGK Brand Solutions		Memorialization		Industrial Technologies		Other		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	805,274	$	631,392	$	165,914	$	—	$	1,602,580
2017	770,181		615,882		129,545		—		1,515,608
2016	755,975		610,142		114,347		—		1,480,464
Intersegment sales:
2018	310		2		9		—		321
2017	356		—		2		—		358
2016	346		43		99		—		488
Depreciation and amortization:
2018	47,055		20,005		5,796		4,118		76,974
2017	41,941		19,808		2,863		3,369		67,981
2016	41,238		19,223		2,503		2,516		65,480
Operating profit:
2018	35,443		86,370		11,021		—		132,834
2017	24,919		80,652		7,032		—		112,603
2016	42,909		68,252		7,654		—		118,815
Total assets:
2018	1,300,785		814,800		198,864		61,036		2,375,485
2017	1,276,295		741,148		161,472		65,734		2,244,649
2016	1,177,816		735,985		122,179		55,061		2,091,041
Capital expenditures:
2018	22,133		15,513		2,577		2,977		43,200
2017	22,941		8,078		4,622		9,294		44,935
2016	22,043		11,870		3,461		4,308		41,682

Information about the Company's operations by geographic area follows:

	North America		Central and South America		Europe		Australia		Asia		Consolidated
Sales to external customers:
2018	$	1,066,367	$	6,171	$	456,078	$	23,276	$	50,688	$	1,602,580
2017	1,043,924		6,518		396,242		21,507		47,417		1,515,608
2016	1,045,718		10,160		360,678		20,043		43,865		1,480,464
Long-lived assets:
2018	1,182,250		16,535		365,455		23,037		58,302		1,645,579
2017	1,069,862		13,882		382,940		24,887		66,138		1,557,709
2016	1,042,263		13,267		334,847		23,768		50,677		1,464,822

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill Attributable to Each Segment

Changes to goodwill during the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, follow.

	SGK Brand Solutions			Memorialization			Industrial Technologies		Consolidated
Goodwill	$	458,510		$	347,116		$	56,615	$	862,241
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	452,758			342,116			56,615		851,489
Additions during period	21,361			158			11,694		33,213
Translation and other adjustments	12,024			233			835		13,092
Goodwill	491,895			347,507			69,144		908,546
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	486,143			342,507			69,144		897,794
Additions during period	8,743			29,059			22,877		60,679
Translation and other adjustments	(9,568		)	(16		)	5		(9,579		)
Goodwill	491,070			376,550			92,026		959,646
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752		)	(5,000		)	—		(10,752		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	485,318		$	371,550		$	92,026	$	948,894

Other Intangible Assets

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts and related accumulated amortization for intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization				Net
September 30, 2018
Trade names	$	126,047	$	—		*	$	126,047
Trade names	53,523		(5,444		)		48,079
Customer relationships	372,382		(110,760		)		261,622
Copyrights/patents/other	20,848		(12,686		)		8,162
	$	572,800	$	(128,890	)		$	443,910
September 30, 2017
Trade names	$	168,467	$	—		*	$	168,467
Trade names	5,522		(2,030		)		3,492
Customer relationships	333,632		(84,560		)		249,072
Copyrights/patents/other	14,787		(11,436		)		3,351
	$	522,408	$	(98,026	)		$	424,382
*Not subject to amortization

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SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Selected Quarterly Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain items included in the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements for each quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017. 

	Quarter Ended
	December 31		March 31		June 30		September 30		Year Ended September 30
	(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
FISCAL YEAR 2018:
Sales	$	369,454	$	414,061	$	411,621	$	407,444	$	1,602,580
Gross profit	130,699		149,966		151,901		148,784		581,350
Operating profit	17,924		29,791		37,895		47,224		132,834
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	35,180		18,182		24,414		29,595		107,371
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	1.11	$	0.57	$	0.77	$	0.94	$	3.39
Diluted	1.10		0.57		0.77		0.93		3.37
FISCAL YEAR 2017:
Sales	$	348,998	$	380,916	$	389,630	$	396,064	$	1,515,608
Gross profit	127,267		138,422		144,094		153,604		563,387
Operating profit	19,063		26,828		36,786		29,926		112,603
Net income attributable to  Matthews shareholders	10,322		14,920		29,485		19,641		74,368
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.46	$	0.91	$	0.61	$	2.31
Diluted	0.32		0.46		0.91		0.60		2.28

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) memorial vase	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Period past due for which a finance charge may be applied	30 days
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Number of memorials | memorial	329,341
Number of vases | vase	220,901
Research and Development Expenses [Abstract]
Research and development costs | $	$ 24,984	$ 20,722	$ 16,362
Minimum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Useful lives of intangibles	2 years
Maximum
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Useful lives of intangibles	15 years
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Useful lives of PPE	10 years	10 years	10 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Useful lives of PPE	45 years	45 years	45 years
Machinery, equipment and other | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Useful lives of PPE	3 years	3 years	3 years
Machinery, equipment and other | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Useful lives of PPE	12 years	12 years	12 years

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ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - Narrative (Details) - Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	$ 8,814
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	$ (8,814)

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Assets:
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	$ 22,758	$ 21,649
Life insurance policies	16,778	10,208
Recurring
Assets:
Derivatives	11,309	3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	22,758	21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894	5,810
Total assets at fair value	39,961	31,449
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	31
Total liabilities at fair value	0	31
Recurring | Level 1
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Life insurance policies	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Assets:
Derivatives	11,309	3,990
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	22,758	21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894	5,810
Total assets at fair value	39,961	31,449
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	31
Total liabilities at fair value	0	31
Recurring | Level 3
Assets:
Derivatives	0	0
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	0	0
Life insurance policies	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Liabilities:
Derivatives	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value	$ 0	$ 0

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INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventories, net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 34,880	$ 29,396
Work in process	67,827	61,917
Finished goods	77,744	80,132
Inventories	$ 180,451	$ 171,445

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INVESTMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Trading securities cost (in excess of) or below market value	$ 838	$ 785
Maximum ownership interests in various entities recorded under the cost method	20.00%
Ownership interest recorded as cost method investment	$ 11,747
Proceeds from the sale of cost method investments	9,159
Realized gain on disposition of cost method investment	$ 3,771

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INVESTMENTS - Non-Current Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Non-current investments [Abstract]
Equity and fixed income mutual funds	$ 22,758	$ 21,649
Life insurance policies	5,894	5,810
Other investments	16,778	10,208
Total non-current investments	$ 45,430	$ 37,667

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PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 252,775	$ 235,533
Depreciation expense	45,412	44,668	$ 44,659
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	113,027	104,604
Machinery, equipment and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	452,846	412,980
Buildings, Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	565,873	517,584
Less accumulated depreciation	(357,827)	(335,346)
Total property, plant and equipment, net	208,046	182,238
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	18,017	16,845
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 26,712	$ 36,450

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 960,602	$ 911,130
Less current maturities	(31,260)	(29,528)
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding current maturities	929,342	881,602
Senior secured term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	212,086	232,479
2025 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	296,176	0
Notes payable to banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	17,895	21,831
Short-term borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	4,915	4,735
Capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	4,569	5,134
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	322,711	551,126
Securitization facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 102,250	$ 95,825

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Narrative (Details) £ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, before tax	$ 11,309,000		$ 3,959,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps, after tax	8,538,000		2,415,000
Unrealized gain (loss) expected to be recognized over the next 12 months	2,920,000
Other debt	5,399,000		8,846,000
Contested letter of credit			11,325,000
Other current assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contested letter of credit	11,170,000	£ 8,570
Securitization facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	115,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	$ 102,250,000		$ 95,825,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.01%		1.98%	3.01%		1.98%
Securitization facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate (as a percent)	0.75%	0.75%
Securitization facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%	0.25%
Securitization facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.35%	0.35%
Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	2.21%		2.49%	2.21%		2.49%
2025 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financing fees and costs					$ 4,127,000
Debt issued					$ 300,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)					5.25%
2025 Senior Notes | Matthews Europe GmbH & Co. KG
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	1.40%			1.40%
Debt issued	$ 17,411,000			€ 15,000,000
Portion of debt bearing fixed interest | €				€ 5,000,000
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	1.40%			1.40%
Revolving credit facilities | Domestic Credit Facility Amendment Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	3.12%		3.01%	3.12%		3.01%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings (as a percent)	1.50%			1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion	0.15%	0.15%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | Minimum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio	0.75%	0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual commitment fee range on unused portion	0.25%	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | Maximum | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on borrowings, based on leverage ratio	2.00%	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit facilities | Domestic Credit Facility Amendment Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available							$ 900,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	$ 319,500,000		$ 525,000,000
Senior secured term loan | Revolving credit facilities | Domestic Credit Facility Amendment Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available							$ 250,000,000
Principal payment due in one year (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Principal payment in year two (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%
Principal payment years three through five (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%
Outstanding borrowings	$ 212,086,000		232,479,000
Standby Letters of Credit | Revolving credit facilities | Domestic Credit Facility Amendment Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	35,000,000
Foreign Line of Credit | Credit Facility With European Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum amount of borrowings available	40,626,000			€ 35,000,000.0
Outstanding borrowings	$ 3,211,000		$ 26,126,000	€ 2,800,000		€ 22,100,000
Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	1.75%		1.75%	1.75%		1.75%

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Cash Flow Hedging - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pay fixed swaps - notional amount	$ 343,750,000	$ 414,063,000
Net unrealized gain (loss)	$ 11,309,000	$ 3,959,000
Weighted-average maturity period (years)	2 years 8 months 24 days	3 years 3 months 24 days
Weighted-average received rate (as a percent)	2.26%	1.23%
Weighted-average pay rate (as a percent)	1.37%	1.34%

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps - Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total derivatives	$ 11,309	$ 3,959
Other current assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	3,867	1,098
Other assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Assets derivatives	7,442	2,892
Other current liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	0	(7)
Other liabilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liability derivatives	$ 0	$ (24)

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Loss Recognized on Derivatives (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Interest Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	$ 1,380	$ 1,752	$ (3,146)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income(Effective Portion)	1,042	1,069	(1,919)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives	$ 6,095	$ 7,043	$ (3,230)

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 34,471
2020	145,176
2021	482,102
2022	325
2023	247
Thereafter	298,281
Aggregate maturities long-term debt	$ 960,602

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SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) - Class A common stock - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Matthews Stock Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized for repurchase (in shares)	5,000,000
Shares remaining for repurchase (in shares)	1,422,282

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SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	$ 0	$ 14	$ 6,406
All Plans
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation cost	13,460	14,562	10,612
Future income tax benefit from compensation expense recognized	2,826	5,534	4,139
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options		14	6,406
Tax benefit realized from options exercised		$ 3	$ 932
Options vested (in shares)		0
All Plans | Restricted Stock
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation cost on unvested awards	$ 6,190
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost on non-vested awards	1 year 6 months
All Plans | Restricted Stock | Minimum
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Expiration period (in years)	3 years
All Plans | Restricted Stock | Maximum
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Expiration period (in years)	5 years
2012 Equity Incentive Plan
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Term of plan (in years)	10 years
Maximum number of shares available for grants or awards (in shares)	1,700,000
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	1,700,000
Retirement Eligible Employees
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Total stock-based compensation cost	$ 2,850	$ 3,337
Director Fee Plans
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Shares deferred under the director fee plan (in shares)	22,745
Value of annual stock-based grant	$ 125
Option awards outstanding and vested (in shares)	0
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	173,229
Restricted stock awards unvested (in shares)	20,940
Director Fee Plans | Stock Options
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Total stock options granted to date (in shares)	22,300
2014 Director Fee Plan
Share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Shares reserved for future issuance under award plan (in shares)	150,000
Director Fee Plan, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee directors	$ 85
Annual retainer fee paid to non-employee chairman of the board	$ 185
Total restricted stock awards granted to date (in shares)	70,079

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SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 $ / shares shares
All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	501,184
Granted (in shares) | shares	234,100
Vested (in shares) | shares	(174,295)
Expired or forfeited (in shares) | shares	(6,756)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) | shares	554,233
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 53.65
Granted, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	57.05
Vested, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	51.41
Expired or forfeited, weighted-average grant-date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	59.72
Non-vested weighted-average grant-date fair value, end of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 55.71
After 3 Years | Prior to Fiscal Year 2013 | All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
After 3 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
After 4 Years | Prior to Fiscal Year 2013 | All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	16.67%
After 4 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 5 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%
After 4 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 6 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%
After 5 Years | Prior to Fiscal Year 2013 | All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	16.67%
After 5 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 5 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%
After 5 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 6 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%
After 6 Years | Prior to Fiscal Year 2013 | All Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	16.66%
After 6 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 5 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%
After 6 Years | Fiscal 2013 and Thereafter | After 6 Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	8.33%

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SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS - Assumptions Used in Estimating Fair Value (Details) - All Plans - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	20.50%	20.20%	20.70%
Dividend yield	1.00%	1.10%	1.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.70%	1.70%
Average expected term (years)	2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 1 month 6 days	2 years 1 month 6 days

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income available to Matthews shareholders	$ 107,371	$ 74,368	$ 66,749
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic shares (in shares)	31,674	32,240	32,642
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	187	330	262
Diluted shares (in shares)	31,861	32,570	32,904

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	$ 155,634
Fair value, end of year	158,662	$ 155,634
Pension
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	259,672	263,566
Service cost	8,159	8,553	$ 7,446
Interest cost	8,210	7,362	9,725
Actuarial gain	(15,229)	(4,264)
Exchange (gain) loss	(180)	589
Benefit payments	(19,079)	(16,134)
Benefit obligation, end of year	241,553	259,672	263,566
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	155,634	151,864
Actual return	10,914	12,586
Benefit payments	(19,079)	(16,134)
Employer contributions	11,193	7,318
Fair value, end of year	158,662	155,634	151,864
Funded status	(82,892)	(104,039)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liability	(857)	(766)
Noncurrent benefit liability	(82,035)	(103,273)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	52,853	72,926
Net amount recognized	(30,039)	(31,113)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income):
Net actuarial loss (income)	53,405	73,616
Prior service cost	(552)	(690)
Distributions to terminated employees	6,800	5,655
Other Postretirement
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	20,316	23,290
Service cost	335	392	402
Interest cost	631	626	845
Actuarial gain	(907)	(2,600)
Exchange (gain) loss	0	0
Benefit payments	(1,549)	(1,392)
Benefit obligation, end of year	18,826	20,316	23,290
Change in plan assets:
Fair value, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return	0	0
Benefit payments	(1,549)	(1,392)
Employer contributions	1,549	1,392
Fair value, end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	(18,828)	(20,317)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liability	(1,075)	(1,044)
Noncurrent benefit liability	(17,753)	(19,273)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)	(2,901)	(2,189)
Net amount recognized	(21,729)	(22,506)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (income):
Net actuarial loss (income)	(2,376)	(1,469)
Prior service cost	$ (525)	$ (720)

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution plan expense	$ 8,685,000	$ 8,620,000	$ 8,117,000
Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reduction in service and interest cost	1,960,000
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	224,265,000	238,307,000
Projected benefit obligation	241,553,000	$ 259,672,000
Required plan contribution	$ 0
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	100.00%
Return on plan assets	6.75%	6.75%	7.25%
Pension | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	50.00%
Pension | Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	30.00%
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Per capita cost of health care benefits assumed for next fiscal year (as a percent)	7.80%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ 705,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost components	46,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	622,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost components	$ 40,000

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Net Periodic Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 8,159	$ 8,553	$ 7,446
Interest cost	8,210	7,362	9,725
Expected return on plan assets	(10,136)	(9,249)	(9,625)
Prior service cost	(138)	(181)	(183)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	7,018	10,034	7,468
Net benefit cost	13,113	16,519	14,831
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	335	392	402
Interest cost	631	626	845
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Prior service cost	(195)	(195)	(195)
Net actuarial loss (gain)	0	0	0
Net benefit cost	$ 771	$ 823	$ 1,052

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Contributions During Fiscal Year (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Principal retirement plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension	$ 10,000
Other Postretirement	0
Supplemental retirement plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension	749
Other Postretirement	0
Other retirement plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension	444
Other Postretirement	0
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension	0
Other Postretirement	$ 1,549

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Amounts of AOCI Expected to be Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 4,246
Prior service cost	(186)
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(59)
Prior service cost	$ (195)

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Weighted-Average Assumptions for Principal Retirement and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.21%	3.76%	3.51%
Return on plan assets	6.75%	6.75%	7.25%
Compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.19%	3.72%	3.42%
Return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Weighted Average Asset Allocation and Target Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 158,662	$ 155,634
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 158,662	155,634	$ 151,864
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	100.00%
Equity securities | Pension
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 92,745	77,245
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	50.00%
Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents | Pension
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 44,250	49,008
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	30.00%
Other investments | Pension
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 21,667	$ 29,381
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plan assets (as a percent)	20.00%

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Fair Value Allocation of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 158,662	$ 155,634
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	133,762	131,284
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,785	14,870
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	10,115	9,480
Equity securities - stocks
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,628	42,731
Equity securities - stocks | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,628	42,731
Equity securities - stocks | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities - stocks | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities - mutual funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,117	34,514
Equity securities - mutual funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,117	34,514
Equity securities - mutual funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities - mutual funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	41,574	44,902
Fixed income securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,789	30,032
Fixed income securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	14,785	14,870
Fixed income securities | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,676	4,106
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,676	4,106
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	21,667	29,381
Other investments | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	11,552	19,901
Other investments | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other investments | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,115	$ 9,480

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	$ 155,634
Fair value, end of year	158,662	$ 155,634
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	9,480
Fair value, end of year	10,115	9,480
Other investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	29,381
Fair value, end of year	21,667	29,381
Other investments | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	9,480
Fair value, end of year	10,115	9,480
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	155,634	151,864
Fair value, end of year	158,662	155,634
Pension | Other investments | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value, beginning of year	9,480	12,816
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	(149)	(3,286)
Realized Gains	261	418
Unrealized Gains (Losses)	523	(468)
Fair value, end of year	$ 10,115	$ 9,480

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PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS - Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	$ 10,348
2019	10,602
2020	11,141
2021	12,408
2022	12,772
2023-2027	72,916
Total	130,187
Other Postretirement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2018	1,075
2019	1,036
2020	1,062
2021	1,098
2022	1,117
2023-2027	6,062
Total	$ 11,450

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Change in AOCI by Component, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 790,259	$ 709,334	$ 734,046
Net current-period OCI	(1,298)	27,872	(31,631)
Ending Balance	868,714	790,259	709,334
Postretirement Benefit Plans
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(43,623)	(56,050)	(43,474)
OCI before reclassification	10,584	6,536	(16,901)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	5,047	5,891	4,325
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	(9,884)
Net current-period OCI	15,631	12,427	(12,576)
Ending Balance	(37,876)	(43,623)	(56,050)
Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(112,907)	(122,259)	(104,604)
OCI before reclassification	(22,053)	9,352	(17,655)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	0
Net current-period OCI	(22,053)	9,352	(17,655)
Ending Balance	(134,960)	(112,907)	(122,259)
Derivatives
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,415	(3,559)	(2,248)
OCI before reclassification	6,095	7,043	(3,230)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1,042)	(1,069)	1,919
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	1,070
Net current-period OCI	5,053	5,974	(1,311)
Ending Balance	8,538	2,415	(3,559)
Total
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(154,115)	(181,868)	(150,326)
OCI before reclassification	(5,374)	22,931	(37,786)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	4,005	4,822	6,244
Reclassification of AOCI tax effects	(8,814)
Net current-period OCI	(1,369)	27,753	(31,542)
Ending Balance	(164,298)	(154,115)	(181,868)
Postretirement Benefit Plans attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0
Net current-period OCI	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	0
Currency Translation Adjustment attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	396	277	366
OCI before reclassification	71	119	(89)
Net current-period OCI	71	119	(89)
Ending Balance	467	396	277
Derivatives attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0
OCI before reclassification	0	0	0
Net current-period OCI	0	0	0
Ending Balance	0	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	277	277	366
OCI before reclassification	71	119	(89)
Net current-period OCI	71	119	(89)
Ending Balance	$ 348	$ 277	$ 277

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 868,351	$ 789,707
Fair value of derivatives, tax	2,771	1,544
Pension liability, tax	12,076	27,114
Cumulative foreign currency translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(134,960)	(112,907)
Fair value of derivatives, net of tax of $2,771 and $1,544, respectively
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,538	2,415
Minimum pension liabilities, net of tax of $12,076 and $27,114, respectively
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(37,876)	(43,623)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (net of tax)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (164,298)	$ (154,115)

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivatives
Interest expense	$ (37,427)	$ (26,371)	$ (24,344)
Income before income tax	97,993	96,287	95,234
Income tax benefit (provision)	9,118	(22,354)	(29,073)
Net income	107,111	73,933	66,161
Prior service (cost) credit
Postretirement benefit plans
Income before income tax	333	376	378
Actuarial losses
Postretirement benefit plans
Income before income tax	(7,018)	(10,034)	(7,468)
Postretirement Benefit Plans
Postretirement benefit plans
Income before income tax	(6,685)	(9,658)	(7,090)
Income taxes	(1,638)	(3,767)	(2,765)
Net income	(5,047)	(5,891)	(4,325)
Derivatives
Postretirement benefit plans
Net income	1,042	1,069	(1,919)
Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivatives
Interest expense	1,380	1,752	(3,146)
Income before income tax	1,380	1,752	(3,146)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(338)	(683)	1,227
Net income	$ 1,042	$ 1,069	$ (1,919)

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INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Federal statutory tax rate	24.50%	35.00%	35.00%
Provisional net tax benefit	$ 29,150
Tax benefit recognized during the year	38,010
One-time transition tax expense	8,860
Income tax expense (benefit)	(9,118)	$ 22,354	$ 29,073
Foreign subsidiaries income before income taxes	56,424	24,118	$ 48,864
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	289,702
Valuation allowances	(14,137)	(20,866)
Unrecognized tax benefits	10,718
Change in unrecognized tax benefits	2,786
Total penalties and interest accrued	2,229	$ 1,779
Capital Loss Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Amount of tax credit carryforward	20,370
Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Amount of operating loss carryforwards	60,705
Amount of tax credit carryforward	2,934
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Amount of operating loss carryforwards	$ 4,684

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INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ (2,577)	$ 1,542	$ 18,733
State	1,051	628	1,829
Foreign	15,533	10,459	12,482
Total provision for income taxes, current	14,007	12,629	33,044
Deferred:
Federal	(24,094)	11,887	(3,066)
State	1,315	905	(2,412)
Foreign	(346)	(3,067)	1,507
Deferred	(23,125)	9,725	(3,971)
Total	$ (9,118)	$ 22,354	$ 29,073

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INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Tax Rate to Consolidated Effective Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	24.50%	35.00%	35.00%
Effect of state income taxes, net of federal deduction	2.20%	1.40%	(0.60%)
Foreign taxes less than federal statutory rate	1.40%	(7.20%)	(3.50%)
Share-based compensation	(0.60%)	(1.20%)	0.00%
U.S. manufacturing incentive	(1.30%)	(1.80%)	(0.90%)
Tax credits	(2.70%)	(2.60%)	0.90%
Tax deductible basis difference	(1.50%)	0.00%	0.00%
Transition tax	9.00%	0.00%	0.00%
U.S. statutory tax rate change on temporary differences	(38.70%)	0.00%	0.00%
Other	(1.60%)	(0.40%)	(0.40%)
Effective tax rate	(9.30%)	23.20%	30.50%

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INCOME TAXES - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Pension and postretirement benefits	$ 24,597	$ 45,654
Accruals and reserves not currently deductible	9,596	20,579
Income tax credit carryforward	3,216	3,313
Operating and capital loss carryforwards	20,807	23,610
Stock options	5,157	8,614
Other	3,963	2,782
Total deferred tax assets	67,336	104,552
Valuation allowances	(14,137)	(20,866)
Net deferred tax assets	53,199	83,686
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(16,156)	(4,763)
Unrealized gains and losses	(8,637)	(10,446)
Goodwill and intangible assets	(147,571)	(203,957)
Other	(517)	(1,494)
Deferred tax liabilities	(172,881)	(220,660)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (119,682)	$ (136,974)

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INCOME TAXES - Changes in Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 7,968	$ 13,820	$ 4,086
Increases for tax positions of prior years	7,886	839	5,762
Decreases for tax positions of prior years	0	(5,890)	(166)
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	882	378	5,456
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitation	(1,909)	(1,179)	(1,318)
Balance, end of year	$ 14,827	$ 7,968	$ 13,820

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Annual rental expense under operating leases	$ 38,934	$ 36,400	$ 32,716
Future minimum rental commitments under operating leases [Abstract]
Fiscal year 2019	23,183
Fiscal year 2020	18,576
Fiscal year 2021	14,055
Fiscal year 2022	8,947
Fiscal year 2023	5,333
Employment Agreements
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Aggregate commitment amount for salaries	$ 6,811

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Environmental remediation accrual	$ 2,000
Environmental remediation accrual classified in other current liabilities	$ 585

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SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Accounts receivable	$ (790)	$ (7,045)	$ (10,632)
Inventories	(2,869)	(2,289)	10,453
Other current assets	(16,293)	4,447	12,434
Total change in current assets	(19,952)	(4,887)	12,255
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	2,516	5,672	(11,083)
Accrued compensation	(10,940)	(2,469)	147
Accrued income taxes	(9,973)	5,054	4,079
Other current liabilities	28,415	2,414	8,317
Total change in current liabilities	10,018	10,671	1,460
Net change	$ (9,934)	$ 5,784	$ 13,715

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Information about the Company's Segments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments | segment									3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 407,444	$ 411,621	$ 414,061	$ 369,454	$ 396,064	$ 389,630	$ 380,916	$ 348,998	$ 1,602,580	$ 1,515,608	$ 1,480,464
Depreciation and amortization									76,974	67,981	65,480
Operating profit	47,224	$ 37,895	$ 29,791	$ 17,924	29,926	$ 36,786	$ 26,828	$ 19,063	132,834	112,603	118,815
Total assets	2,375,485				2,244,649				2,375,485	2,244,649	2,091,041
Capital expenditures									43,200	44,935	41,682
SGK Brand Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									805,274	770,181	755,975
Memorialization
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									631,392	615,882	610,142
Industrial Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									165,914	129,545	114,347
Operating Segments | SGK Brand Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									47,055	41,941	41,238
Operating profit									35,443	24,919	42,909
Total assets	1,300,785				1,276,295				1,300,785	1,276,295	1,177,816
Capital expenditures									22,133	22,941	22,043
Operating Segments | Memorialization
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									20,005	19,808	19,223
Operating profit									86,370	80,652	68,252
Total assets	814,800				741,148				814,800	741,148	735,985
Capital expenditures									15,513	8,078	11,870
Operating Segments | Industrial Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									5,796	2,863	2,503
Operating profit									11,021	7,032	7,654
Total assets	198,864				161,472				198,864	161,472	122,179
Capital expenditures									2,577	4,622	3,461
Intersegment Sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									321	358	488
Intersegment Sales | SGK Brand Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									310	356	346
Intersegment Sales | Memorialization
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									2	0	43
Intersegment Sales | Industrial Technologies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									9	2	99
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									4,118	3,369	2,516
Total assets	$ 61,036				$ 65,734				61,036	65,734	55,061
Capital expenditures									$ 2,977	$ 9,294	$ 4,308

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Information about the Company's Operations by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales	$ 407,444	$ 411,621	$ 414,061	$ 369,454	$ 396,064	$ 389,630	$ 380,916	$ 348,998	$ 1,602,580	$ 1,515,608	$ 1,480,464
Long-lived assets	1,645,579				1,557,709				1,645,579	1,557,709	1,464,822
North America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales									1,066,367	1,043,924	1,045,718
Long-lived assets	1,182,250				1,069,862				1,182,250	1,069,862	1,042,263
Central and South America
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales									6,171	6,518	10,160
Long-lived assets	16,535				13,882				16,535	13,882	13,267
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales									456,078	396,242	360,678
Long-lived assets	365,455				382,940				365,455	382,940	334,847
Australia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales									23,276	21,507	20,043
Long-lived assets	23,037				24,887				23,037	24,887	23,768
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Sales									50,688	47,417	43,865
Long-lived assets	$ 58,302				$ 66,138				$ 58,302	$ 66,138	$ 50,677

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ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions													9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2017 EUR (€)	Feb. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2017 EUR (€)	Jan. 03, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 03, 2017 EUR (€)	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2016 EUR (€)	Feb. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payment to acquire business														$ 121,065	$ 98,235	$ 6,937
Goodwill														$ 948,894	$ 897,794	$ 851,489
Star Granite Bronze International, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price of Star Granite and Bronze International, Inc.	$ 34,713
Cash payment to acquire business	29,713
Shares issued in business acquisition	5,000
Annual sales of business before acquisition	$ 31,000
Compass Engineering Group, Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payment to acquire business		$ 51,887
Annual sales of business before acquisition		$ 24,000
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash payment to acquire business													$ 39,465
GJ Creative Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition			$ 37,596	€ 30.5
Annual sales of business before acquisition			$ 30,000
RAF Technology, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition					$ 8,717
VCG (Holdings) Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition						$ 10,695	€ 8.8
Ungricht
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition								$ 25,185	€ 24.0
Annual sales of business before acquisition								$ 35
Guidance Automation Limited
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition										$ 9,974	€ 8.0
Digital Design, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of acquisition												$ 8,773

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Attributable to Each Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 908,546	$ 862,241
Accumulated impairment losses	(10,752)	(10,752)	$ (10,752)
Goodwill	897,794	851,489
Additions during period	60,679	33,213
Translation and other adjustments	(9,579)	13,092
Goodwill	959,646	908,546
Goodwill	948,894	897,794
SGK Brand Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	491,895	458,510
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,752)	(5,752)	(5,752)
Goodwill	486,143	452,758
Additions during period	8,743	21,361
Translation and other adjustments	(9,568)	12,024
Goodwill	491,070	491,895
Goodwill	485,318	486,143
Memorialization
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	347,507	347,116
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,000)	(5,000)	(5,000)
Goodwill	342,507	342,116
Additions during period	29,059	158
Translation and other adjustments	(16)	233
Goodwill	376,550	347,507
Goodwill	371,550	342,507
Industrial Technologies
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	69,144	56,615
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0	$ 0
Goodwill	69,144	56,615
Additions during period	22,877	11,694
Translation and other adjustments	5	835
Goodwill	92,026	69,144
Goodwill	$ 92,026	$ 69,144

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	$ 572,800	$ 522,408
Accumulated Amortization	(128,890)	(98,026)
Net	443,910	424,382
Trade names
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	126,047	168,467
Net	126,047	168,467
Trade names
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	53,523	5,522
Accumulated Amortization	(5,444)	(2,030)
Net	48,079	3,492
Customer relationships
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	372,382	333,632
Accumulated Amortization	(110,760)	(84,560)
Net	261,622	249,072
Copyrights/patents/other
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Carrying Amount	20,848	14,787
Accumulated Amortization	(12,686)	(11,436)
Net	$ 8,162	$ 3,351

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GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense on intangible assets	$ 31,562	$ 23,313	$ 20,821
Future amortization expense [Abstract]
Future amortization expense 2019	32,128
Future amortization expense 2020	30,388
Future amortization expense 2021	28,976
Future amortization expense 2022	27,387
Future amortization expense 2023	$ 25,815

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 12, 2016	May 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares (in shares)			393,864	212,424	1,132,452
Schawk Inc | Director and President
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of common shares (in shares)		970,000
Purchase price (in dollars per share)		$ 50.6921625
Average of high/low trading prices (as a percent)	96.76%

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LEGAL MATTER (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Recognized loss recovery	$ 11,325

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SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Sales	$ 407,444	$ 411,621	$ 414,061	$ 369,454	$ 396,064	$ 389,630	$ 380,916	$ 348,998	$ 1,602,580	$ 1,515,608	$ 1,480,464
Gross profit	148,784	151,901	149,966	130,699	153,604	144,094	138,422	127,267	581,350	563,387	556,454
Operating profit	47,224	37,895	29,791	17,924	29,926	36,786	26,828	19,063	132,834	112,603	118,815
Net income attributable to Matthews shareholders	$ 29,595	$ 24,414	$ 18,182	$ 35,180	$ 19,641	$ 29,485	$ 14,920	$ 10,322	$ 107,371	$ 74,368	$ 66,749
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.94	$ 0.77	$ 0.57	$ 1.11	$ 0.61	$ 0.91	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 3.39	$ 2.31	$ 2.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.93	$ 0.77	$ 0.57	$ 1.10	$ 0.60	$ 0.91	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 3.37	$ 2.28	$ 2.03

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SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 11,622	$ 11,516	$ 10,015
Additions charged to expense	855	1,733	3,055
Additions charged to other Accounts	762	642	435
Deductions	(2,081)	(2,269)	(1,989)
Balance at End of Period	11,158	11,622	11,516
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	20,866	22,412	20,977
Additions charged to expense	2,482	(1,279)	2,438
Additions charged to other Accounts	(8,510)	0	0
Deductions	(701)	(267)	(1,003)
Balance at End of Period	$ 14,137	$ 20,866	$ 22,412