-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, MRDpNTz4K9UtNSeTkd2f/Y+GSHXubGOUeZwScAF3UVqi4FN+eUesdjurMmI+XMHu 4NUEaR0DYECmVA/gIsqjcg== 0001104659-09-016220.txt : 20090311 0001104659-09-016220.hdr.sgml : 20090311 20090311060053 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-09-016220 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090311 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090311 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001001606 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ORDNANCE & ACCESSORIES, (NO VEHICLES/GUIDED MISSILES) [3480] IRS NUMBER: 630780521 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11549 FILM NUMBER: 09671132 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4909 S E INTERNATIONAL WAY CITY: PORT LAND STATE: OR ZIP: 97222-4679 BUSINESS PHONE: 503 653 8881 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: P.O. BOX 22127 CITY: PORTLAND STATE: OR ZIP: 97269-2127 10-K 1 a09-1227_110k.htm 10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

or

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the transition period from_______________________ to ______________________________________

Commission file number 001-11549

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  Delaware
(State of
Incorporation)
  63 0780521
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
  4909 SE International Way,
Portland, Oregon
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
97222-4679
(Zip Code)
 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (503) 653-8881

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

 
Title of each class
Common Stock, $.01 par value
  Name of each exchange
on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
 

 

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. [ ] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. [ ] Yes [X] 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.  [X] Yes  [ ] No

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Large accelerated filer [ ]   Accelerated filer [X]   Non-accelerated filer [ ]   Smaller reporting company [ ]  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  [ ] Yes  [X] No

At June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the last sales price ($11.61) as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $228,705,854 (affiliates being, for these purposes only, directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of the registrant's Common Stock).

The number of shares outstanding of $0.01 par value common stock as of February 27, 2009 was 47,637,436 shares.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held on May 28, 2009, are incorporated by reference in Part III.



BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents       Page  
PART I  
Item 1.   Business     3    
Item 1A.   Risk Factors     6    
Item 2.   Properties     10    
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings     10    
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     10    
PART II  
Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     11    
Item 6.   Selected Consolidated Financial Data     12    
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     13    
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk     30    
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     31    
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     61    
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures     61    
Item 9B.   Other Information     62    
PART III  
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     63    
Item 11.   Executive Compensation     63    
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     63    
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     63    
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services     63    
PART IV  
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     64    
Signatures         67    

 

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Blount International, Inc. ("Blount" or the "Company") is an international industrial company with one business segment: Outdoor Products. We also wholly-own and operate a manufacturer of gear-related products. Our products are sold in over 100 countries and approximately 66% of our 2008 sales were outside of the United States of America ("U.S."). Our Company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. We have manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil and the People's Republic of China ("China"). Additionally, we operate marketing, sales and distribution centers in other parts of the world.

Oregon®, Carlton®, Windsor®, Tiger®, Power-Match®, INTENZ®, Jet-Fit®, Fusion®, Gator Mulcher®, Magnum Edger (TM), ICS®, FORCE4(TM), SealPro® and SpeedHook® are registered or pending trademarks of Blount and its subsidiaries. Some forms of Windsor® are used under license from affiliates of Snap-On, Inc.

During 2006, we sold our lawnmower segment. During 2007, we sold our Forestry Division, which constituted the majority of our other remaining business segment at that time. During 2008, we purchased Carlton Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Carlton"), a manufacturer of cutting chain for chainsaws located near Portland, Oregon.

Outdoor Products Segment

Overview. Our Outdoor Products segment accounted for 95% of our sales from continuing operations in 2008. This segment manufactures and markets cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets and accessories for chainsaw use, concrete-cutting equipment and accessories and lawnmower blades. This segment also markets branded parts and accessories for the lawn and garden equipment market. The segment's products are sold to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") for use on new chainsaws and yard care equipment, and to the retail replacement market through distributors, dealers and mass merchants. Chainsaw cutting chain, guide bars and other items are currently sold to most of the chainsaw OEMs in the world, and many of these products are also privately branded for our OEM customers. During 2008, approximately 24% of the segment's sales were to OEMs, with the rema inder sold into the replacement market. Approximately 69% of the segment's sales were outside of the U.S. in 2008.

The segment is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Marketing personnel are located throughout the U.S. and in a number of foreign countries. Segment products are manufactured in Portland, Oregon; Milwaukie, Oregon; Milan, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Curitiba, Parana, Brazil; and in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. A portion of our accessories and spare parts, as well as our concrete-cutting saws, are sourced from vendors in various locations around the world. In January 2009, we announced our intent to close our manufacturing facility in Milan, Tennessee during the second quarter of 2009.

Chainsaw Cutting Chain, Bars, Sprockets and Accessories. These products are sold under the Oregon, Carlton, Windsor, and Tiger brands, as well as private labels for OEM customers. Product lines include a broad range of cutting chain, chainsaw guide bars, cutting chain drive sprockets and maintenance tools used primarily on portable gasoline and electric chainsaws and mechanical timber harvesting equipment.

Outdoor Care Products. These products are sold under the Oregon brand name, as well as private labels for OEM customers. The product line includes various cutting attachments, spare parts and accessories to service the lawn and garden industry. These lawn and garden equipment parts include lawnmower blades to fit a variety of machines and cutting conditions, as well as replacement parts that meet product specifications of OEMs.

ICS Products. The ICS product line includes specialized concrete-cutting equipment for construction markets. The principal product is a proprietary diamond-segmented chain, which is used on gasoline and hydraulic powered saws and equipment. ICS also markets and distributes branded gasoline and hydraulic powered concrete-cutting chainsaws and circular saws to its customers. The power heads for these saws are manufactured by a third party.

Industry Overview. We believe we are the world leader in the production of cutting chain. Oregon, Carlton, Windsor and Tiger branded cutting chain and related products are used by professional loggers, farmers, arborists and homeowners. Additionally, the Oregon line of lawnmower-related parts and accessories are used by commercial landscape companies and homeowners. Our ICS products are used by contractors, concrete-cutting specialists and tool rental companies. Due to the high level of technical expertise and capital investment required to manufacture cutting chain and guide bars, we believe that we are able to produce durable, high quality cutting chain and guide bars more efficiently than most of our competitors. We also work with our OEM customers to improve the design and specifications of cutting chain and guide bars used as original equipment o n their chainsaws.

Weather and natural disasters can influence our sales cycle. For example, severe weather patterns and events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and storms, generally result in greater chainsaw use and, therefore, stronger sales of cutting chain and guide bars. Seasonal rainfall plays a role in demand for our lawnmower blades and yard care-related products. Above-average rainfall drives greater demand for products in this category, while drought conditions tend to reduce demand for these products.

The Outdoor Products segment's principal raw material, cold-rolled strip steel, is purchased from multiple

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
3



intermediate steel processors and can be obtained from other sources. Changes in the price of steel can have a significant effect on the manufactured cost of our products and on the gross margin we earn from the sale of these products.

The segment's profitability is also affected by changes in currency exchange rates, changes in economic and political conditions in the various markets in which we operate and changes in the regulatory environment in various jurisdictions.

The segment's competitors include Stihl, Tri-Link, Rotary, Stens and most major outdoor power equipment manufacturers, such as Briggs & Stratton, MTD and John Deere. In addition, new and existing competitors are expanding capacity or contracting with suppliers in China and other low cost manufacturing locations. We also supply products or components to some of our competitors.

Gear Components

Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Gear Products, Inc. ("Gear Products"), manufactures rotation bearings, worm gear reducers, hydraulic pump drives, swing drives and winches. These products represented 5% of our consolidated sales in 2008, and are used by heavy equipment OEMs for the construction, utility, environmental and forestry industries. We also sell these products in the replacement parts market in addition to our sales to OEMs. For 2008, approximately 90% of Gear Products' sales were to OEMs and approximately 96% of sales were made to customers within the U.S.

Discontinued Forestry Equipment Division

On November 5, 2007, we sold our Forestry Division, which constituted the majority of our Industrial and Power Equipment segment, to Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. ("Caterpillar"), for gross proceeds of $79.1 million. We recognized a pretax gain of $26.0 million net of related transaction expenses on the sale in 2007. This division accounted for 26% of our sales in 2006 and 21% of our sales in the first nine months of 2007. The Forestry Division is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. This division was headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina and manufactured and marketed timber harvesting and handling equipment and industrial tractors and loaders. The division had manufacturing facilities in Owatonna, Minnesota; Prentice, Wisconsin; and Söderhamn, Sweden. We retained certain liabilities related to the business, as well as a dormant manufacturing facility located in Menominee, Michigan. In December 2007, we sold the land and building in Menominee, Michigan for net cash proceeds of $0.5 million.

Discontinued Lawnmower Segment

On July 27, 2006, we sold the business of our wholly-owned subsidiary Dixon Industries, Inc. ("Dixon"), which constituted our entire Lawnmower segment, to Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products Inc. ("Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products") for gross proceeds of $33.1 million. We recognized a pretax gain of $17.4 million net of related transaction expenses on the sale in 2006. This segment accounted for 7% of our sales in the first six months of 2006. The Lawnmower segment is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dixon was located in Coffeyville, Kansas, and manufactured zero-turn radius riding lawnmowers and related attachments. We retained certain liabilities related to the business, as well as the land and buildings in Coffeyville, Kansas, following the sale. In September 2007, we sold the land and buildings in Coffeyville, Kansas for net cash proceeds of $1.5 million.

Capacity Utilization

Based on a five-day, three-shift work week, capacity utilization for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

    % of Capacity  
Outdoor Products segment     98 %  
Gear components     83 %  

 

Capacity for the Outdoor Products segment has been expanded in recent years with the purchase of Carlton in 2008 and the establishment of our manufacturing plant in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China in 2005. In addition, investments in new machinery and equipment for the manufacturing plants in Portland, Oregon; Kansas City, Missouri; Guelph, Ontario Canada; and Curitiba, Parana, Brazil have increased manufacturing capacity. In January 2009, we announced our intention to close our manufacturing plant in Milan, Tennessee during the second quarter of 2009. Products currently manufactured in that facility will be produced in our other manufacturing facilities after the closure. For 2008, approximately 5% of the production output of our Outdoor Products segment was manufactured in the Milan, Tennessee plant. To meet the fluctuation in demand for its products, this segment operates on an expanded work week basis from time to time at cer tain locations.

Backlog

The backlog for our continuing operations was as follows:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Outdoor Products segment   $ 98,882     $ 63,289     $ 54,785    
Gear components     4,647       6,029       6,524    
Total backlog   $ 103,529     $ 69,318     $ 61,309    

 

The backlog as of December 31, 2008 includes $31.2 million attributable to Carlton. The total backlog as of December 31, 2008 is expected to be completed and shipped within twelve months.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
4



Employees

At December 31, 2008, we employed approximately 3,600 individuals. None of our domestic employees belong to a union. The number of foreign employees who belong to unions is not significant. We believe our relations with our employees are satisfactory, and we have not experienced any significant labor-related work stoppages in the last three years with the exception of a one week period in June, 2007 at our Curitiba, Parana, Brazil location.

Environmental Matters

The Company's operations are subject to comprehensive U.S. and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air, ground and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Permits and environmental controls are required for certain of those operations, including those required to prevent or reduce air and water pollution, and our permits are subject to modification, renewal and revocation by issuing authorities.

On an ongoing basis, we incur capital and operating costs to comply with environmental laws and regulations. In 2008, we spent approximately $2.6 million for environmental compliance, including approximately $1.1 million in capital expenditures. We expect to spend approximately $1.4 million to $1.6 million per year in capital and operating costs in the next three years for environmental compliance and anticipate continued spending at a similar level in subsequent years. The actual cost to comply with environmental laws and regulations may be greater than these estimated amounts.

Some of our current and former manufacturing facilities are located on properties with a long history of industrial use, including the use of hazardous substances. For certain of our former facilities, we retained responsibility for past environmental matters under the terms of the agreements by which we sold the properties to third party purchasers. We have identified soil and groundwater contamination from these historical activities at certain of our current and former facilities, which we are currently investigating, monitoring or remediating. Management believes that costs incurred to investigate, monitor and remediate known contamination at these sites will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. We cannot be sure, however, that we have identified all existing contamination on our current and former properties or that our operations will not cause contami nation in the future. As a result, we could incur material future costs to clean up contamination.

From time to time we may be identified as a potentially responsible party under the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (commonly known as the Superfund law) or similar state statutes with respect to sites at which we may have disposed of wastes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (or an equivalent state agency) can either (a) allow such parties to conduct and pay for a remedial investigation and feasibility study and remedial action or (b) conduct the remedial investigation and action on its own and then seek reimbursement from the parties. Each party can be held liable for all of the costs, but the parties can then bring contribution actions against each other or potentially responsible third parties. As a result, we may be required to expend amounts on such remedial investigations and actions, which amounts cannot be determined at the present time, but which may ultimately prove to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

For additional information regarding certain environmental matters, see Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Information about Industry Segments and Foreign and Domestic Operations

For financial information about industry segments and foreign and domestic operations, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7 and Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The Company's operations are somewhat seasonal in nature. Year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter operating results are impacted by economic and business trends within the respective industries in which we compete, as well as seasonal weather patterns. See further discussion within the business descriptions above.

Available Information

Our website address is www.blount.com. You may obtain free electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports and other SEC filings by accessing the Investor Relations section of the Company's website under the heading "SEC Filings". These reports are available on our Investor Relations website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Once filed with the SEC, such documents may be read and/or copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Blount, who file electronically with the SEC.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
5



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Substantial Leverage—Due to our substantial leverage, we may have difficulty operating our business and satisfying our debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2008, we have $543.2 million of total liabilities, $325.5 million of total debt and a stockholders' deficit of $43.5 million. While we have reduced our total debt from $407.7 million at the beginning of 2006, our debt remains significant. This substantial leverage may have important consequences for us, including the following:

<  Our ability to obtain additional or replacement financing for working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes may be impaired, or such financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, particularly in light of the current global market conditions for credit. Our revolving credit facility matures on August 9, 2009, our term loan matures on August 9, 2010 and our 87/8% senior subordinated notes are due on August 1, 2012.

<  A significant portion of our cash flow from operations is dedicated to the payment of interest expense, which reduces the funds that would otherwise be available to fund operations and future business opportunities.

<  A substantial decrease in net operating income and cash flows or an increase in expenses may make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements or force us to modify our operations.

<  Our substantial leverage may make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and competitive pressures.

The agreements governing our senior credit facilities and the indenture for our 87/8% senior subordinated notes contain restrictions that affect our operations, including our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness or make acquisitions or capital expenditures. However, these restrictions do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness or making certain types of acquisitions. In addition, we have available borrowing capacity under the revolving portion of our existing senior credit facilities of $115.2 million as of December 31, 2008, although the revolving credit fac ility matures on August 9, 2009. If we or any of our subsidiaries incur additional indebtedness, the risks outlined above could worsen.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and research and product development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. Our ability to generate cash, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

Our historical financial results have been, and we anticipate that our future financial results will be, subject to fluctuations. Our business may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations or future borrowings may not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. An inability to pay our debts would require us to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets, refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness or selling equity capital. However, alternative strategies may not be feasible at the time or may not prove adequate, which could cause us to default on our obligations and would impair our liquidity. Also, some alternative strategies would require the prior consent of our secured lenders, which we may not be able to obtain. See also "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Oper ations."

Restrictive Covenants—The terms of our indebtedness contain a number of restrictive covenants, the breach of which could result in acceleration of payment of our senior credit facilities and our 87/8% senior subordinated notes.

The terms of our indebtedness contain a number of restrictive covenants, the breach of which could result in acceleration of our obligations to repay amounts owed under our senior credit facilities and our 87/8% senior subordinated notes. An acceleration of our repayment obligations under our senior credit facilities could result in a payment or distribution of substantially all of our assets to our secured lenders, which would materially impair our ability to operate our business as a going concern. The indenture and our senior credit facilities, among other things, restrict and/or limit our and certain of our subsidiaries' ability to:

<  borrow money and issue preferred stock;

<  guarantee indebtedness of others;

<  pay dividends on our stock;

<  purchase our stock or the stock of our "restricted subsidiaries", a defined term;

<  make certain types of investments;

<  use assets as security in other transactions;

<  sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies;

<  enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

<  enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;

<  enter into new businesses; and

<  make certain payments in respect of subordinated indebtedness.

The senior credit facilities also restrict our ability to prepay principal in respect of the 87/8% senior subordinated notes and restrict our ability to engage in any business or operations other than those that are incidental to our ownership of the capital stock of Blount, Inc., our wholly-owned operating subsidiary. In addition, the senior credit facilities require us to maintain certain financial ratios and satisfy certain financial condition tests, which may require that we take actions to reduce debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives. Our ability to meet

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
6



those financial ratios and tests could be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will meet those ratios and tests. A breach of any of these covenants could, if uncured, constitute an event of default or a default under the indenture for the notes or the senior credit facilities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the senior credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the senior credit facilities, together with any accrued interest and commitment fees, to be immediately due and payable. If we and certain of our subsidiaries were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the senior credit facilities could enforce the guarantees from Blount, Inc. and the guarantors and proceed against the collateral securing the senior credit facilities. The assets of Blount, Inc. and the applicable guarantors could be insufficient to repay in full th at indebtedness and our other indebtedness.

Assets Pledged as Security on Credit Facilities—The majority of our assets and the capital stock of Blount, Inc. are pledged to secure obligations under our senior credit facilities.

The Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries other than Blount, Inc. guarantee Blount, Inc.'s obligations under the senior credit facilities. The obligations under the senior credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Blount, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of all of Blount, Inc.'s capital stock held by Blount International, Inc. and all of the stock of domestic subsidiaries held by Blount, Inc. Blount, Inc. has also pledged 65% of the stock of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

Further, our senior credit facilities provide that payments on the 87/8% notes and the guarantees thereof will be blocked in the event of a default under the senior credit facilities. In addition, upon any distribution to Blount, Inc.'s creditors or the creditors of the guarantors in a bankruptcy, liquidation, receivership, administration for the benefit of creditors or reorganization or similar proceeding relating to the property that constitutes security for the senior credit facilities, the lenders under the senior credit facilities will be entitled to be paid in full in cash before any payment may be made with respect to such notes or the guarantees.

While Blount International, Inc. and all of Blount, Inc.'s existing domestic subsidiaries guarantee the 87/8% senior subordinated notes, none of Blount, Inc.'s existing foreign subsidiaries guarantee these notes. We will not permit any of our non-guarantor restricted subsidiaries to guarantee or pledge any assets to secure the payment of our senior credit facilities, unless that subsidiary is a guarantor of those notes or that subsidiary becomes a guarantor. Any existing or future non-guarantor subsidiary of Blount International, Inc. that we properly designate as an unrestricted subsidiary or a receivables subsidiary will n ot guarantee those notes.

Competition—Competition may result in decreased sales, operating income and cash flow.

The markets in which we operate are competitive. We believe that design features, product quality, customer service and price are the principal factors considered by our customers. Some of our competitors may have greater financial resources, lower costs, superior technology or more favorable operating conditions than we do. For example, our competitors are expanding capacity or contracting with suppliers located in China and other low cost manufacturing locations as a means to lower costs. Although we have also established a manufacturing facility in China, international competition from emerging economies may nevertheless be formidable and negatively affect our business. We may not be able to compete successfully with our existing or any new competitors, and the competitive pressures we face may result in decreased sales, operating income and cash flows. Competitors could also obtain knowledge of our proprietary manufacturing techniques and processes and reduce our competitive advantage by copying such techniques and processes.

Key Customers—Loss of one or more key customers would substantially decrease our sales.

In 2008, $84.4 million (14.1%) of our sales were to one customer (Husqvarna AB) and our top five customers accounted for $138.2 million (23.2%) of our sales. Aside from our top customer, no other customer individually accounted for more than 3.2% of our sales. While we expect these business relationships to continue, the loss of any of these customers, or a substantial portion of their business, would most likely significantly decrease our sales, operating income and cash flows.

Key Suppliers and Raw Materials Costs—The loss of a few key suppliers or increases in raw materials costs could substantially decrease our sales or increase our costs.

We purchase important materials and parts from a limited number of suppliers that meet our quality criteria. We generally do not operate under long-term written supply contracts with our suppliers. Although alternative sources of supply are available, the sudden elimination of certain suppliers could result in manufacturing delays, an increase in costs, a reduction in product quality and a possible loss of sales in the near term. In 2008, we purchased approximately $14.3 million of raw materials from our largest supplier.

Some of these raw materials, in particular cold-rolled strip steel, are subject to price volatility over periods of time. We have not hedged against the price volatility of any raw materials. It has been our experience that raw material price increases are sometimes difficult to recover from our customers in the short term through increased pricing. For example, we estimate that a 10% change in the price of steel would have affected 2008 income from continuing operations before taxes by $8.2 million.

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Key Employees—The loss of key employees could adversely affect our manufacturing efficiency.

Many of our manufacturing processes require a high level of expertise. For example, we build our own complex dies for use in cutting and shaping steel into components for our products. The design and manufacture of such dies are highly dependent on the expertise of key employees. We have also developed numerous proprietary manufacturing techniques that rely on the expertise of key employees. Our manufacturing efficiency and cost could be adversely affected if we are unable to retain these key employees or continue to train them or their replacements.

Foreign Sales and Operations—We have substantial foreign sales and operations, which could be adversely affected as a result of changes in local economic or political conditions, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, unexpected changes in regulatory environments or potentially adverse tax consequences.

In 2008, approximately 66% of our sales by country of destination occurred outside of the U.S. International sales are subject to inherent risks, including changes in local economic or political conditions, the imposition of currency exchange restrictions, unexpected changes in regulatory environments and potentially adverse tax consequences. Under some circumstances, these factors could result in significant declines in international sales. Some of our sales and expenses are denominated in local currencies that can be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. Dollar. Historically, our principal exposures have been related to local currency manufacturing costs and expenses in Canada and Brazil, and local currency sales and expenses in Europe. From time to time, we manage some of our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations through derivative products. However, such derivative products mer ely reduce the short-term volatility of currency fluctuations, and do not eliminate their effects over the long-term. Any change in the exchange rates of currencies in jurisdictions into which we sell products or incur expenses could result in a significant decrease in reported sales and operating income. For example, we estimate that a 10% stronger Canadian Dollar in relation to the U.S. Dollar would have reduced our operating income by $5.8 million and a 10% stronger Brazilian Real in relation to the U.S. Dollar would have reduced our operating income by $2.6 million in 2008. We estimate that a 10% weaker Euro in relation to the U.S. Dollar would have reduced our sales by $6.1 million and operating income by $2.2 million in 2008. We estimate that the year-over-year movement of foreign exchange rates reduced our operating income by $5.2 million in 2008.

Also, approximately 61% of our foreign sales are denominated in U.S. Dollars. We may see a decline in revenues during periods of a strengthening U.S. Dollar, which can make our prices less competitive in international markets. Furthermore, if the U.S. Dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, as it did during the latter half of 2008, it becomes more costly for foreign customers to pay their U.S. Dollar balances owed. They may have difficulty in repaying these amounts, and in turn, our bad debts expense may increase.

In addition, we own substantial manufacturing facilities outside the U.S. As of December 31, 2008, 639,730 square feet, or 44% of the total square feet of our owned facilities, were located outside of the U.S. and 32% of our leased square footage is located outside the U.S. This foreign-based property, plant and equipment is subject to inherent risks for the reasons cited above. Loss of these facilities or restrictions on our ability to use them would have an adverse effect on our manufacturing capabilities, and would result in reduced sales, operating income and cash flows.

Weather—Sales of many of our products are affected by weather patterns and the occurrence of natural disasters.

Sales of many of our products, such as yard care parts and accessories, including lawnmower blades, are influenced by weather patterns that are clearly outside our control. For example, drought conditions tend to reduce the demand for yard care products. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons, and ice and wind storms that knock down trees can stimulate demand for our chainsaw-related products. Conversely, a relative lack of severe weather and natural disasters can result in reduced demand for these same products.

General Economic Factors—We are subject to general economic factors that are largely out of our control, any of which could, among other things, result in a decrease in sales and net income and an increase in our interest or other expenses.

Our business is subject to a number of general economic factors, many of which are largely out of our control, that may, among other effects, result in a decrease in sales and net income and an increase in our interest or other expenses. These include recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles, as well as downturns in the principal regional economies where our operations are located. Economic conditions may adversely affect our customers' business levels and the amount of products that they need. Furthermore, customers encountering adverse economic conditions may have difficulty in paying for our products and actual bad debts may exceed our allowances. Current world-wide economic conditions have contributed to a slowdown in orders for our products and may adversely affect our business results. Current world-wide economic conditions may also adversely affect our suppliers and they may not be able to provide us with the goods and services we need on a timely basis, which could adversely affect our ability to manufacture our products. Our senior credit facility borrowings are at variable interest rates. Increases in interest rates could increase our

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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interest expense payable under the senior credit facilities to levels in excess of what we currently expect. We estimate a one hundred basis point higher average level of interest rates on our variable rate debt would have increased our interest expense in 2008 by $1.5 million. In addition, the global reduction in market values of equity and debt securities has adversely affected the funding status of our defined benefit post-retirement plans. The expense and future funding requirements for these plans may increase in the near term as a result of the reduced values of the plan assets. Finally, terrorist activities, anti-terrorist efforts, war or other armed conflicts involving the U.S. or its interests abroad may result in a downturn in the U.S. and global economies and exacerbate the risks to our business described in this paragraph.

Litigation—We may have litigation liabilities that could result in significant costs to us.

Our historical and current business operations, including discontinued operations, have resulted in a number of litigation matters, including litigation involving personal injury or death, as a result of alleged design or manufacturing defects of our products. Certain of these liabilities relating to certain of our discontinued operations were retained by us under terms of the relevant divestiture agreements. Some of these product liability suits seek significant or unspecified damages for serious personal injuries for which there are retentions or deductible amounts under our insurance policies. In the future, we may face additional lawsuits, and it is difficult to predict the amount and type of litigation that we may face. Litigation, insurance and other related costs could result in future liabilities that are significant and that could significantly reduce our cash flows and cash balances. See "Business—Legal Proceeding s."

Environmental Matters—We face potential exposure to environmental liabilities and costs.

We are subject to various U.S. and foreign environmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Violations of, or liabilities incurred under, these laws and regulations could result in an assessment of significant costs to us, including civil or criminal penalties, claims by third parties for personal injury or property damage, requirements to investigate and remediate contamination and the imposition of natural resource damages. Furthermore, under certain environmental laws, current and former owners and operators of contaminated property or parties who sent waste to the contaminated site can be held liable for cleanup, regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the disposal activity at the time it was performed. This potential exposure t o environmental liabilities and costs can apply to both our current and former operating facilities, including those related to our discontinued operations.

Future events, such as the discovery of additional contamination or other information concerning past releases of hazardous substances at ours or others' sites, changes in existing environmental laws or their interpretation and more rigorous enforcement by regulatory authorities may require additional expenditures by us to modify operations, install pollution control equipment, clean contaminated sites or curtail our operations. These expenditures could significantly reduce our net income and cash flows. See "Business—Environmental Matters" and "Business—Legal Proceedings."

Dividends—We may not pay dividends on our common stock in the future.

We have not paid dividends on our common stock since 1999. We intend to retain future earnings for debt service and for funding growth; therefore, we do not expect to pay any dividends in the near term. In addition, our senior credit facilities and the terms of our 87/8% senior subordinated notes restrict our ability to pay dividends. See "Item 5, Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities."

Common Stock Sales—Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower our stock price.

Ownership and control of our common stock is concentrated in a relatively small number of institutional investors. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 65% of our outstanding common stock was owned or controlled by our five largest stockholders. Furthermore, our former majority owner, Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P. and its affiliates ("Lehman Brothers"), which controls or manages equity investment funds that currently own 8.9 million shares of our common stock, is currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Lehman Brothers may sell or lose control of the funds that hold these shares, which may result in the sale of a substantial number of the shares those funds own or control in a secondary stock offering or distribution of some or all of the shares to investors in one or more of the investment funds they manage. We may sell additional shares of common stock in subsequent public offerings, o r other stockholders with significant holdings of our common stock may also sell large amounts of shares they own in a secondary or open market stock offering. We may also issue additional shares of common stock to finance future transactions. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition or shares sold by existing stockholders), or the perception that such sales

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could occur, may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.

Common Stock Price —The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and stockholders could lose all or part of their investment.

Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent stockholders from being able to sell their shares at or above the price paid for the shares. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons that include:

<  our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industries;

<  the public's reaction to events and results contained in our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;

<  changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track our common stock or the stock of other comparable companies;

<  changes in general conditions in the U.S. and global economies, financial markets or forestry industry, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism or responses to such events;

<  sales of common stock by our largest stockholders, directors and executive officers; and

<  the other factors described in these "Risk Factors."

In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including companies in our industries. The changes in prices frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of these companies. For example, over the two preceding calendar years, our highest closing stock price has exceeded our lowest closing stock price by 104% in 2008 and by 33% in 2007. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company, and these fluctuations could materially reduce our stock price.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our corporate headquarters occupy executive offices at 4909 SE International Way, Portland, Oregon 97222-4679. The other principal properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are as follows:

Cutting chain, guidebar and accessories manufacturing plants are located in Portland, Oregon; Milwaukie, Oregon; Milan, Tennessee; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Curitiba, Parana, Brazil; and Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. Lawnmower blade manufacturing facilities are located in Kansas City, Missouri. Sales offices and distribution centers are located in Kansas City, Missouri; Milwaukie, Oregon; Europe, Japan, Australia and Russia. Rotation bearings, worm gear reducers, hydraulic pump drives, swing drives and winches are manufactured in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

All of these facilities are in relatively good condition, are currently in normal operation and are generally suitable and adequate for the business activity conducted therein. The approximate square footage of facilities located at our principal properties as of December 31, 2008 is as follows:

    Area in Square Feet  
    Owned   Leased  
Outdoor Products segment     1,358,211       244,994    
Corporate and other     103,500          
Total     1,461,711       244,994    

 

We have entered into new agreements to lease office and warehouse space in Belgium for our European headquarters and distribution center. We intend to move into these new leased facilities and to sell our existing facilities in Belgium during 2009. This change in location will have the effect of reducing the square feet of owned facilities in the Outdoor Products segment shown in the preceding table by about 82,000 square feet, with an increase in the corresponding leased facilities of about 134,500 square feet. In January 2009, we announced our intent to close our manufacturing facility in Milan, Tennessee and move production of the products manufactured there to our other facilities. The facility in Milan, Tennessee accounts for 68,000 of the square feet of owned space above in the Outdoor Products segment.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information regarding legal proceedings see Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

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PART II

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

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker "BLT"). The following table presents the quarterly high and low closing prices for the Company's common stock for the last two years. Cash dividends have not been declared for the Company's common stock since 1999. The Company's senior credit facility and 87/8% senior subordinated note agreements limit our ability to pay dividends. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," for further discussion. The Company had approximately 9,200 stockholders of record as of December 31, 2008.

    Common Stock  
    High   Low  
Year Ended December 31, 2008:  
First quarter   $ 13.04     $ 10.83    
Second quarter     14.13       11.61    
Third quarter     13.05       10.18    
Fourth quarter     10.65       6.93    
Year Ended December 31, 2007:  
First quarter   $ 13.50     $ 11.36    
Second quarter     14.30       12.58    
Third quarter     14.00       11.36    
Fourth quarter     13.19       10.76    

 

Our outstanding shares of common stock do not include 382,380 shares held as treasury stock, which we have accounted for as constructively retired in the consolidated financial statements.

Period   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
  Average
Price Paid
per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Maximum
Number of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Existing Plans or
Programs
 
June 28, 2005     382,380     $ 16.05       382,380       0    

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

    Year Ended December 31,  
(In thousands except per share data)   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Statement of Income Data:   (1)                   (2)   (3)  
Sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 487,494     $ 478,829     $ 445,340    
Operating income     87,480       80,700       80,460       91,628       89,265    
Interest expense, net of interest income     25,705       31,706       35,404       36,707       59,019    
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes     63,588       48,173       46,391       53,958       (13,399 )  
Income (loss) from continuing operations     38,843       32,143       32,645       88,214       (11,533 )  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (244 )     10,714       9,901       18,401       17,802    
Net income     38,599       42,857       42,546       106,615       6,269    
Earnings per share:  
Basic income (loss) per share:  
Continuing operations     0.82       0.68       0.69       1.91       (0.32 )  
Discontinued operations     (0.01 )     0.23       0.21       0.40       0.49    
Net income     0.81       0.91       0.90       2.31       0.17    
Diluted income (loss) per share:  
Continuing operations     0.81       0.67       0.68       1.86       (0.30 )  
Discontinued operations     (0.01 )     0.22       0.21       0.38       0.46    
Net income     0.80       0.89       0.89       2.24       0.16    
Shares used in earnings per share computations:  
Basic     47,510       47,280       47,145       46,094       36,413    
Diluted     48,130       48,078       47,868       47,535       38,474    

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
(In thousands)   2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  
Balance Sheet Data:  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 58,275     $ 57,589     $ 27,636     $ 12,937     $ 48,570    
Working capital     127,986       128,588       117,862       112,214       97,986    
Property, plant and equipment, net     119,749       89,729       99,665       101,538       97,929    
Total assets     499,684       411,949       430,466       455,192       424,742    
Long-term debt     293,539       295,758       349,375       405,363       491,012    
Total debt     325,520       297,000       350,875       407,723       494,211    
Stockholders' deficit     (43,520 )     (54,146 )     (105,291 )     (145,187 )     (256,154 )  

 

The table above gives effect to the sale of the Company's Forestry Division on November 5, 2007 and the sale of the Company's Lawnmower segment on July 27, 2006 and their treatment as discontinued operations for all periods presented, as well as the acquisition of Carlton on May 2, 2008 and inclusion of its operations for the period from May 2 through December 31, 2008.

(1)  Income from continuing operations in 2008 includes non-recurring charges of $2.9 million related to purchase accounting from the acquisition of Carlton.

(2)  Income from continuing operations in 2005 includes a $55.5 million tax benefit from the reversal of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets related to U.S. federal NOL carryforwards.

(3)  Loss from continuing operations before taxes in 2004 includes charges totaling $47.0 million related to refinancing transactions.

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report, as well as the information in Item 6, "Selected Consolidated Financial Data".

Overview

We are an international industrial company that manufactures and markets branded products to OEMs and consumers. Our products are sold in over 100 countries. We believe we are a global leader in the sale of cutting chain, guide bars and accessories for chainsaws.

We have one operating and reporting segment, Outdoor Products, which accounted for 95% of our revenue in 2008. This segment manufactures and markets forestry-related cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets and accessories for chainsaw use, concrete-cutting equipment and accessories, and outdoor equipment parts that include lawnmower blades and other replacement parts and accessories. The segment's products are sold to OEMs for use on new chainsaws and landscaping equipment and to the retail replacement market through distributors, dealers and mass merchants. During 2008, approximately 24% of the segment's sales were to OEMs, with the remainder sold into the replacement market. Approximately 69% of the segment's sales were outside of the U.S. in 2008, up from 68% in 2007 and 65% in 2006.

The Outdoor Products segment's performance can be impacted by trends in the forestry industry, weather patterns and natural disasters, including wind and ice storms, foreign currency fluctuations and general economic conditions. The segment faces price pressure from competitors on a worldwide basis. The maintenance of competitive selling prices is dependent on the segment's ability to manufacture its products efficiently and to market newly developed products successfully, such as our replacement chain and bars and concrete-cutting saws. This segment operates four manufacturing plants in the U.S., one in Canada, one in Brazil and one in China, all of which pursue continuous cost improvement. The Chinese facility was constructed in 2004, and manufacturing at this facility commenced in 2005. Production capacity in the Chinese facility was increased during 2006, 2007 and 2008, with further expansion expected in 2009. Timely capital investment into this segment's manufacturing plants for added capacity and cost reductions, as well as effectively sourcing critical raw materials at favorable prices, is required for us to remain competitive.

We also own and operate a gear components business specializing in the manufacture of mobile equipment rotation bearings, worm gear reducers, hydraulic pump drives, swing drives and winches. Sales in this business accounted for about 5% of our total sales in 2008. In 2008, 90% of these sales were made to OEMs, and 96% were to customers in the U.S. Customers of this business supply equipment primarily to the utility, construction, environmental and forestry equipment markets. The performance of this unit is closely aligned with general economic trends and more specifically with business conditions for these industries in North America.

We maintain a centralized administrative staff at our headquarters in Portland, Oregon. This centralized administrative staff provides the accounting, finance and information technology functions, administers various health and welfare plans, supervises the Company's capital structure, and overseas the regulatory, compliance and legal functions.

In January 2009 we announced our intent to close our manufacturing facility in Milan, Tennessee during the second quarter of 2009. Products currently manufactured in that facility will be produced in our other manufacturing facilities after the closure. We also took actions in early 2009 to reduce the number of employees we have in certain of our other locations. We expect to record charges of between $6.0 million and $7.0 million during the first quarter of 2009 for the costs of the Milan closure and move, including asset disposal and impairment charges, as well as employee severance benefits related to Milan and other locations.

In November 2007, we sold our Forestry Division to Caterpillar. The Forestry Division constituted the majority of the operations comprising our former Industrial and Power Equipment segment. The Forestry Division manufactured timber harvesting equipment and industrial tractors and loaders and is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In July 2006, we sold our Lawnmower segment business, consisting of our Dixon subsidiary, to Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products. The Lawnmower segment manufactured zero-turning radius riding lawnmowers and is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Our capital structure has experienced significant changes over the past three years. We began 2006 with $407.7 million in total debt. In 2006 and 2007, we made significant reductions in outstanding debt by utilizing cash generated from operations and the proceeds from the sale of our discontinued businesses. We borrowed an additional $58.5 million under our revolving credit facility in May 2008 to fund the acquisition of Carlton. Debt outstanding at the end of 2008 was $325.5 million, representing a net reduction of $82.2 million over the preceding three-year period.

Acquisition of Carlton

On May 2, 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Carlton, a manufacturer of cutting chain for chainsaws located near Portland, Oregon. We paid a total of

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$66.2 million in cash for Carlton, including related acquisition costs of $1.5 million, and we also assumed liabilities totaling $21.3 million. Carlton had $1.8 million in cash on the date of acquisition, resulting in a net cash outflow of $64.4 million for the acquisition. The acquisition was financed with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. The operating results of Carlton are included in our consolidated financial statements from May 2, 2008 forward. Included in these Carlton operating results for 2008 are non-cash charges totaling $3.5 million for amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of the step-up to fair value for property, plant and equipment and expensing of the step-up to fair value related to inventories.

Carlton's sales, operating income and depreciation and amortization for the twelve months ended April 30, 2008 were approximately $58.1 million, $4.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The acquisition of Carlton is consistent with our intention to invest in and grow our core business, the Outdoor Products segment. We expect to benefit from the added capacity and potential operating synergies as a result of the acquisition of Carlton. Carlton's sales have historically been more than 80% to international markets.

We accounted for the acquisition in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("FAS No. 141"). Accordingly, Carlton's assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. We estimated the fair value of assets using various methods and considering, among other factors, projected discounted cash flows, replacement cost less an allowance for depreciation, recent comparable transactions and historical book values. We estimated the fair value of inventory by considering the stage of completion of the inventory, estimated costs to complete the manufacturing process and the normal gross profit margin typically associated with its sale. We estimated the fair value of liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash flows. A summary of the purchase price allocation for the fair value of the assets acquired and the obligations assumed at the date of acquisition is presented below.

(Amounts in thousands)   May 2, 2008  
Cash   $ 1,801    
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,590
    14,808    
Inventories     9,958    
Current intangible asset subject to amortization     1,240    
Other current assets     348    
Property, plant and equipment, net     26,703    
Noncurrent intangible assets subject to amortization     8,790    
Goodwill and other intangible assets
not subject to amortization
    22,587    
Non-current deferred tax asset     1,267    
Total assets     87,502    
Current liabilities     7,645    
Non-current liabilities     3,430    
Deferred income tax liability     10,227    
Total liabilities assumed     21,302    
Cash paid for acquisition, before consideration of
cash acquired
  $ 66,200    

 

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Operating Results

Year ended December 31, 2008 compared to year ended December 31, 2007

The table below provides a summary of results and the primary contributing factors to the year-over-year change.

(Amounts in millions)   2008   2007   Change   Contributing Factor  
(Amounts may not foot due to rounding)  
Sales   $ 597.0     $ 515.5     $ 81.5        
                            $18.9   Sales volume  
                            15.0   Selling price and mix  
                            6.7   Foreign currency translation  
                            40.9   Carlton operations  
Gross profit     192.8       175.0       17.8        
Gross margin     32.3 %     33.9 %         7.6   Sales volume  
                            15.0   Selling price and mix  
                            (7.8)   Product cost and mix  
                            (2.7)   Foreign currency translation  
                            5.7   Carlton operations  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ("SG&A")
    105.3       94.3       11.0        
As a percent of sales     17.6 %     18.3 %         3.1   Compensation and other benefits  
                            1.5   Severance  
                            (1.3)   Professional services  
                            2.4   Foreign currency translation  
                            4.4   Carlton operations  
                            0.9   Other, net  
Operating income     87.5       80.7       6.8        
Operating margin     14.7 %     15.7 %         17.8   Increase in gross profit  
                            (11.0)   Increase in SG&A  
Income from continuing operations     38.8       32.1       6.7        
                            6.8   Increase in operating income  
                            6.0   Decrease in net interest expense  
                            2.6   Change in other income (expense)  
                            (8.7)   Increase in income tax provision  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (0.2 )     10.7       (11.0 )      
                            (26.0)   2007 gain on sale of net assets  
                            (0.4)   Decrease in operating results  
                            15.4   Decrease in income tax provision  
Net income   $ 38.6     $ 42.9     $ (4.3 )      

 

Sales in 2008 increased $81.5 million (15.8%) from 2007, due to higher sales volume, price and mix improvements, favorable effects of translation of foreign currency denominated sales transactions into U.S. Dollars and the acquisition of Carlton in May of 2008. The Outdoor Products segment experienced a $78.8 million (16.2%) increase in sales during 2008 compared to 2007, and sales of our gear-related products increased by $2.7 million (9.3%) from 2007 to 2008. International sales increased $63.6 million (19.3%), while domestic sales increased $17.9 million (9.6%). Included in the international increase is the $6.7 million favorable impact from movement in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2007. The growth in both international and domestic sales includes sales of Carlton products for the last eight months of 2008. By product line, sales of cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets and accessories increased 19.5%, driven by increased demand for our products and selling price increases, as well as the addition of the Carlton business during 2008. Excluding Carlton, year-over-year growth in revenues from these products was 8.8%. Sales of outdoor equipment parts were up 10.8%. Sales of concrete-cutting products decreased 9.1% from 2007 to 2008, due to weakness in the construction equipment markets in both Europe and North America.

Consolidated order backlog at December 31, 2008 was $103.5 million compared to $69.3 million at December 31, 2007. The year-over-year increase primarily occurred in the Outdoor Products segment, including the addition of $31.2 million in backlog related to Carlton.

Gross profit increased $17.8 million (10.2%) from 2007 to 2008. Gross margin in 2008 was 32.3% of sales compared to 33.9% in 2007. Higher sales volume, improved

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price and product mix and the addition of Carlton's operations added to our gross profit in 2008. Increases in product costs, as well as the net unfavorable effect of movement in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset these increases. Purchase accounting charges of $3.5 million related to the Carlton acquisition reduced the gross margin by 0.6 percentage points. These first year purchase accounting charges include non-recurring expenses of $1.7 million for the adjustment of inventory to fair value at the acquisition date. We anticipate purchase accounting charges related to Carlton to approximate $1.7 million in each of the next two years before beginning to gradually decline in 2011 and subsequent years. The higher product cost and mix, excluding the foreign currency exchange effect from translating foreign operating costs into weaker U.S. Dollars, is primarily driven by higher year-over-year steel costs of $7.9 mill ion, as well as inflationary pressures from higher wages and other conversion costs, partially offset by improved efficiencies and cost absorption resulting from higher production volumes compared to the prior year. Our steel costs rose sharply during the first nine months of 2008, before stabilizing in the fourth quarter. The impact of these steel price increases affected our results primarily in the second half of 2008, because we had purchased additional steel ahead of the price increases and because of the inherent delay for raw material to be manufactured into products and then sold and recognized as cost of sales.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates decreased our gross profit in 2008 compared to 2007 by $2.7 million on a consolidated basis. The translation of stronger foreign currencies into a weaker U.S. Dollar resulted in higher reported manufacturing costs in Brazil and Canada, where local currencies strengthened compared to the U.S. Dollar. These cost increases were only partially offset by the positive effect of translating sales in Europe to U.S. Dollars with a stronger Euro.

SG&A was $105.3 million in 2008 compared to $94.3 million in 2007, representing a year-over-year increase of $11.0 million (11.7%). As a percent of sales, SG&A declined to 17.6% in 2008, compared to 18.3% in 2007, reflecting the benefit of leveraging higher sales revenue on the semi-fixed nature of certain SG&A expenses. Carlton operations added $4.4 million to SG&A expenses in 2008. Compensation and other benefits expense increased by $3.1 million, year-over-year, reflecting annual merit increases for our employees, higher variable compensation expenses based on improved operating performance and increased post-employment benefit expenses. Stock-based compensation expense was flat and we expect it to remain relatively flat as we are past the phase-in effect from implementing the new expensing requirements of FAS 123(R). Future levels of stock-based compensation expense will depend on many factors, including the quantity, type, vesting schedule and timing of future grants, the price of our stock, the volatility of our stock and risk-free interest rates. Severance costs and benefits related to a reorganization at our Portland headquarters, as well as similar actions taken in Europe, accounted for $1.5 million of the increase. Professional services decreased $1.3 million, primarily due to lower fees for legal and audit services. International SG&A increased $2.4 million from the prior year due to the translation effect of converting foreign expenses into weaker U.S. Dollars.

We maintain defined benefit pension plans for substantially all employees and retirees in the U.S., Canada and Belgium. In addition, we maintain post-retirement medical and other defined benefit plans covering the majority of our employees and retirees in the U.S. The costs of these benefit plans are included in cost of goods sold and SG&A. The accounting effects and funding requirements for these plans are subject to actuarial estimates, actual plan experience and the assumptions we make regarding future trends and expectations. See further discussion below of these key assumptions and estimates under "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates". Total expense recognized for these pension plans and other defined benefit post-retirement plans was $5.4 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These amounts, which include amounts charged to both continuing and discontinued operatio ns, also include pension curtailment charges of $0.2 million in 2007 related to our discontinued Forestry Division. At December 31, 2008, we have $52.9 million of accumulated other comprehensive losses, related to our pension and other post-employment benefit plans, that will be amortized to expense over future years, including $4.9 million to be expensed in 2009. We expect a $6.5 million to $7.5 million increase in expense for these plans in 2009 compared to 2008, as the sharp decline in value of the defined benefit pension assets during the latter part of 2008 will result in a reduced return on assets and increased amortization of actuarial losses recognized in 2009.

Operating income increased by $6.8 million (8.4%) from 2007 to 2008, resulting in an operating margin for 2008 of 14.7% of sales compared to 15.7% for 2007. The increase in operating income was due to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses in 2008.

Interest expense was $27.1 million in 2008 compared to $33.1 million in 2007. The decrease was due to lower variable interest rates and lower average debt balances, despite an increase in borrowing following the acquisition of Carlton in May 2008. Interest income was $1.4 million in both 2008 and 2007. Interest income in 2008 reflects higher average balances of cash and cash equivalents but lower average interest rates, compared to 2007.

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Other income was $1.8 million in 2008 compared to other expense of $0.8 million in 2007. The income in 2008 is largely attributable to gains on the sale of marketable securities, while the net expense in 2007 reflects losses on the sale of idle real estate, as well as the write-off of deferred financing costs from the prepayment of principal on our term loans.

The following table summarizes our income tax provision for continuing operations in 2008 and 2007:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Income from continuing
operations before income taxes
  $ 63,588     $ 48,173    
Provision for income taxes     24,745       16,030    
Income from continuing operations   $ 38,843     $ 32,143    
Effective tax rate     38.9 %     33.3 %  

 

The effective income tax rate increased from 33.3% in 2007 to 38.9% in 2008 primarily due to taxable foreign currency gains at foreign subsidiaries driven by the stronger U.S. Dollar. We also experienced a significant shift in the relative proportion of pre-tax income earned in foreign locations compared to domestic locations. The tax rates that apply to our foreign locations can differ significantly from our domestic income tax rate. These increases were partially offset by tax benefits received by our subsidiary in China, which is currently operating under a tax holiday.

Our U.S. federal Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforward was fully utilized during 2007. We estimate our state NOL carryforwards are $23.6 million as of December 31, 2008. These carryforwards expire at various dates from 2011 through 2024. Additionally, we have a foreign tax credit carryforward of approximately $1.7 million that expires in 2010. We also have state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.2 million that expire at various dates from 2009 through 2021. The state NOL and other carryforwards are available to reduce cash taxes on future domestic taxable income, although a portion of these carryforwards are reduced by a valuation allowance reflecting the expectation that the carryforward period will expire before they can all be fully utilized.

Income from continuing operations in 2008 was $38.8 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $32.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in 2007.

Loss from discontinued operations in 2008 was $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to income of $10.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share in 2007. The 2008 results consist of wind down and wrap up activities related primarily to our discontinued Forestry Division. The 2007 results consisted of our discontinued Forestry Division operations through the disposition date of November 5, 2007, and the related gain on disposition net of taxes.

Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in millions)   2008   2007  
Sales         $ 111,934    
Operating loss   $ (589 )     (195 )  
Gain on disposition of net assets           25,989    
Income (loss) before taxes from
discontinued operations
    (589 )     25,794    
Income tax provision (benefit)     (345 )     15,080    
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations
  $ (244 )   $ 10,714    

 

Sales by the Forestry Division were $111.9 million in 2007 and the net operating loss was $0.2 million. The poor operating results were primarily due to a deepening of the cyclical downturn in the North American forest products equipment market in 2007, as well as charges of $4.5 million incurred in 2007 for employee severance, employee benefits, transition and closure costs related to the disposition of this business. The 2007 results reflect the $26.0 million pretax gain on the disposal of the Forestry Division's net assets. The net cash proceeds received in 2007 from the sale of the Forestry Division were approximately $68.3 million and were used to reduce outstanding debt.

Segment Results. The following table reflects segment sales and operating income for 2008 and 2007:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   Increase  
Sales:  
Outdoor Products   $ 565,557     $ 486,739     $ 78,818    
Corporate and other     31,478       28,796       2,682    
Total sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 81,500    
Operating income (loss)  
Outdoor Products   $ 102,601     $ 95,932     $ 6,669    
Corporate and other     (15,121 )     (15,232 )     111    
Operating income   $ 87,480     $ 80,700     $ 6,780    

 

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Outdoor Products Segment. Sales for the Outdoor Products segment increased $78.8 million (16.2%) in 2008 compared to 2007. Of this increase, $40.9 million was attributable to the operations of Carlton, acquired in May 2008, and $19.6 million was due to additional sales volume, primarily from an increase in sales of wood-cutting saw chain and outdoor equipment parts, driven by strong global demand for these products. Domestic sales were stimulated, in part, by hurricane activity along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Improved selling price and product mix also contributed $11.5 million to the year-over-year sales increase. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates added another $6.7 million to segment sales in 2008 compared to 2007. International sales grew 19.2% year-over-year, including the favorable effects of movements in foreign currency exchange rates, while domestic sales increased 9.9%. Excluding the effects of Carlton, replacement market sales increased by 10.6% while sales to OEMs were flat. Sales of concrete-cutting products decreased by $2.8 million (9.1%), primarily driven by lower volume due to weakness in the domestic and European construction equipment markets. Segment order backlog increased by $35.6 million to $98.9 million at December 31, 2008, of which $31.2 million was attributable to Carlton-related backlog.

Segment contribution to operating income increased $6.7 million (7.0%) in 2008 compared to 2007. The favorable effects of increased sales volume ($7.6 million), improved selling price and mix ($11.5 million) and the addition of Carlton's operating results were partially offset by higher product cost and mix ($5.5 million), higher SG&A expenses ($3.1 million) and the net unfavorable effect of fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates ($5.2 million). In addition, we recognized purchase accounting charges totaling $3.5 million in 2008 related to the acquisition of Carlton. The higher product cost and mix, excluding the foreign currency exchange effect from translating foreign operating costs into weaker U.S. Dollars, is primarily driven by higher year-over-year steel costs of $6.4 million, as well as inflationary pressures from higher wages and other conversion costs. These higher costs were partially offset by improve d efficiencies and cost absorption resulting from higher production volumes compared to the prior year. The increase in SG&A expenses includes higher compensation and benefit expenses partially offset by reduced legal fees. The operating margin of 18.1% in 2008 compares to 19.7% in 2007.

Corporate and Other. The corporate and other category includes the activity of our gear components business, as well as the costs of certain centralized management and administrative functions. Sales of gear-related products increased 9.3% from 2007 to 2008, with improved selling price and mix of $3.4 million partially offset by lower volume of $0.7 million. Weak market conditions in the construction and forestry equipment markets in the U.S. were partially offset by increased business in the utility and environmental equipment markets. The contribution to operating income from our gear components business increased $1.2 million (60%) year-over-year to $3.2 million due to higher sales revenue driven by increased pricing. Central administrative expenses were up $1.1 million year-over-year, with an increase in variable compensation costs of $0.5 million and severance costs of $0.8 million partially offset by reduced professional fees.

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Year ended December 31, 2007 compared to year ended December 31, 2006

The table below provides a summary of results and the primary contributing factors to the year-over-year change.

( Amounts in millions)   2007   2006   Change   Contributing Factor  
(Amounts may not foot due to rounding)  
Sales   $ 515.5     $ 487.5     $ 28.0        
                            $10.0   Sales volume  
                            10.0   Selling price and mix  
                            8.0   Foreign currency translation  
Gross profit     175.0       173.7       1.3        
Gross margin     33.9 %     35.6 %         6.3   Sales volume  
                            10.0   Selling price and mix  
                            (13.2)   Product cost and mix  
                            (1.1)   Warehouse consolidation expenses  
                            (0.7)   Foreign currency translation  
Selling, general and administrative
expenses ("SG&A")
    94.3       89.5       4.8        
As a percent of sales     18.3 %     18.3 %         2.0   Cash compensation expense  
                            0.7   Stock compensation expense  
                            0.8   Professional services  
                            (1.2)   Retirement benefits expense  
                            2.6   Foreign currency translation  
                            (0.1)   Other, net  
Operating income     80.7       80.5       0.2        
Operating margin     15.7 %     16.5 %         1.3   Increase in gross profit  
                            (4.8)   Increase in SG&A  
                            3.7   2006 retirement plan redesign  
Income from continuing operations     32.1       32.6       (0.5 )      
                            0.2   Increase in operating income  
                            3.7   Decrease in net interest expense  
                            (2.1)   Change in other income (expense)  
                            (2.3)   Increase in income tax provision  
Income from discontinued operations     10.7       9.9       0.8        
                            8.6   Increase in gain on sale of net assets  
                            (2.9)   Decrease in operating results  
                            (4.9)   Increase in income tax provision  
Net income   $ 42.9     $ 42.5     $ 0.4        

 

Sales in 2007 increased $28.0 million (5.8%) from 2006, due to higher sales volume, price and mix improvements and the favorable effect of translation of foreign currency denominated sales transactions, given the weaker U.S. Dollar in comparison to 2006, particularly in relation to the Euro. The Outdoor Products segment experienced a $31.7 million (7.0%) increase in sales during 2007 compared to 2006, while sales of our gear-related products decreased $3.7 million (11.4%) from 2006 to 2007. International sales increased $34.6 million (11.7%), but domestic sales declined $6.5 million (3.4%). Included in the international increase is the $8.0 million favorable impact from movement in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2006. The decline in U.S. sales is attributed to weaker market conditions in the lawn care, forestry and construction industries. By product line, sales of cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets and accessorie s increased 6.0% and sales of outdoor equipment parts were up 14.5%. Sales of concrete-cutting products increased 2.7% from 2006 to 2007, lead by strength in Europe.

Consolidated order backlog for continuing operations at December 31, 2007 was $69.3 million compared to $61.3 million at December 31, 2006. The year-over-year increase primarily occurred in the Outdoor Products segment.

Gross profit increased $1.3 million (0.7%) from 2006 to 2007. Gross margin in 2007 was 33.9% of sales compared to 35.6% in 2006. Higher sales volume and improved price and product mix were largely offset by increases in product costs, including higher freight and distribution costs, and $1.1 million incurred to consolidate our North American distribution centers. The increases in product costs include the effects of higher energy costs for utilities, annual wage increases to our manufacturing employees, $1.0 million in higher steel costs and the effects of inflation on other cost elements.

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Fluctuations in currency exchange rates decreased our gross profit in 2007 compared to 2006 by $0.7 million on a consolidated basis. The translation of stronger foreign currencies into a weaker U.S. Dollar resulted in higher manufacturing costs in Brazil and Canada, where local currencies strengthened compared to the U.S. Dollar, which were only partially offset by higher foreign exchange rates for sales in Europe.

SG&A was $94.3 million in 2007 compared to $89.5 million in 2006, representing a year-over-year increase of $4.8 million (5.3%). As a percent of sales, SG&A remained at 18.3% in both 2007 and 2006. Cash-based compensation increased by $2.0 million year-over-year, reflecting annual merit increases for our employees and higher variable compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expense increased $0.7 million in 2007 as we continued to expense stock compensation granted in 2006 over the three year vesting periods, as well as recognizing expense on 2007 grants. Professional services expense increased $0.8 million, primarily due to higher legal costs. Employee benefit expenses decreased $1.2 million primarily due to the redesign of the Company's U.S. retirement plans effective January 1, 2007. International operating expenses increased $2.6 million from the prior year due to the weaker U.S. Dollar and its effect on the t ranslation of foreign expenses.

Total expense recognized for pension and other post-retirement defined benefit plans was $14.3 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively. These amounts, which include amounts charged to both continuing and discontinued operations, also include pension curtailment charges of $0.2 million in 2007 related to our discontinued Forestry Division, and $3.6 million in 2006 to reflect the freezing of our U.S. defined benefit pension plan effective December 31, 2006.

Operating income increased slightly by $0.2 million from 2006 to 2007, resulting in an operating margin for 2007 of 15.7% of sales compared to 16.5% for 2006. The increase was due to higher gross profit and the non-recurrence of a $3.7 million charge to continuing operations in 2006 for the redesign of our U.S. retirement plans, partially offset by higher SG&A expenses in 2007.

Interest expense was $33.1 million in 2007 compared to $35.8 million in 2006. The decrease was largely due to lower average outstanding debt balances. Interest income increased by $1.0 million from 2006 to 2007, reflecting higher average balances of cash and cash equivalents.

Other expense was $0.8 million in 2007 compared to other income of $1.3 million in 2006. The net expense in 2007 reflects losses on the sale of idle real estate, as well as the write-off of deferred financing costs from the prepayment of principal on our term loans. The income in 2006 is largely due to proceeds from insurance settlements.

The following table summarizes our income tax provision for continuing operations in 2007 and 2006:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2007   2006  
Income from continuing
operations before income taxes
  $ 48,173     $ 46,391    
Provision for income taxes     16,030       13,746    
Income from continuing operations   $ 32,143     $ 32,645    
Effective tax rate     33.3 %     29.6 %  

 

The increase in the effective tax rate from 2006 to 2007 is largely due to the discontinuation of a special deduction for U.S. export sales, partially offset by the phase-in of a new deduction for domestic production activities.

Our U.S. federal Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforward was fully utilized during 2007. Our federal research credits and alternative minimum tax credits were fully utilized as of December 31, 2007.

Income from continuing operations in 2007 was $32.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to $32.6 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, in 2006.

Income from discontinued operations in 2007 was $10.7 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $9.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted share in 2006. The 2007 results consisted solely of our discontinued Forestry Division through the disposition date of November 5, 2007. Results for 2006 include both the full year of activity of our Forestry Division and activity of our discontinued Lawnmower segment through July 26, 2006. The Lawnmower segment, consisting of our former wholly-owned subsidiary, Dixon, was sold on July 27, 2006.

Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in millions)   2007   2006  
Sales   $ 111,934     $ 196,826    
Operating income (loss)     (195 )     2,689    
Gain on disposition of net assets     25,989       17,366    
Income before taxes from
discontinued operations
    25,794       20,055    
Income tax provision     15,080       10,154    
Income from discontinued operations   $ 10,714     $ 9,901    

 

Sales by the Forestry Division were $111.9 million in 2007 and $167.3 million in 2006. The Forestry Division incurred a net loss of $0.2 million in 2007 and contributed $8.5 million to operating income in 2006. The decline in year-over-year sales and earnings was primarily due to a deepening of the cyclical downturn in the North American forest products equipment market in 2007, as well as charges of $4.5 million incurred in 2007 for employee severance, employee benefits, transition and closure costs related to the sale of the division. Included in operating income from the Forestry Division in 2006 is a charge of

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$1.2 million for costs to shut down one of the Forestry Division's three manufacturing plants. The 2007 results reflect the $26.0 million pretax gain on the disposal of the Forestry Division's net assets. The net cash proceeds received in 2007 from the sale of the Forestry Division were approximately $68.3 million and were used to reduce outstanding debt. We expect to incur cash expenditures of approximately $15.0 million in 2008 for the payment of income taxes on the gain, as well as other liabilities associated with the discontinued business.

Sales by the Lawnmower segment for the partial 2006 year were $29.5 million. The Lawnmower segment recognized a loss from operations in 2006 of $5.3 million. The 2006 loss from operations was primarily due to expenses necessary to finalize the closure of the facility, including the termination of the majority of the Lawnmower segment employees, and to facilitate the transfer of assets sold to the buyer. These results included compensation, severance and benefit costs, a charge to write down assets we retained (primarily the land and building) and other expenses. The 2006 results reflect the $17.4 million pretax gain on the disposal of the segment's net assets. The net cash proceeds from the sale of the Lawnmower segment were approximately $32.4 million and were used to reduce outstanding debt.

Segment Results. The following table reflects segment sales and operating income for 2007 and 2006:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2007   2006   Increase
(Decrease)
 
Sales:  
Outdoor Products   $ 486,739     $ 455,009     $ 31,730    
Corporate and other     28,796       32,485       (3,689 )  
Total sales   $ 515,535     $ 487,494     $ 28,041    
Operating income  
Outdoor Products   $ 95,932     $ 97,805     $ (1,873 )  
Corporate and other     (15,232 )     (13,598 )     (1,634 )  
Retirement plan redesign           (3,747 )     3,747    
Operating income   $ 80,700     $ 80,460     $ 240    

 

Outdoor Products Segment. Sales for the Outdoor Products segment increased $31.7 million (7.0%) in 2007 compared to 2006. Of this increase, $15.7 million was due to additional sales volume, primarily from an increase in sales of wood-cutting saw chain and outdoor equipment parts and, to a lesser extent, concrete-cutting saw chain. Improved price and product mix also contributed $7.9 million to the year-over-year sales increase. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates added another $8.0 million to segment sales in 2007 compared to 2006. International sales grew 11.8% year-over-year, while domestic sales decreased by 1.8%. Sales to OEMs increased by 3.7%, while replacement sales increased 4.7%. Sales of concrete-cutting products increased $0.8 million (2.7%). Order backlog increased by $8.5 million to $63.3 million at December 31, 2007.

Segment contribution to operating income decreased $1.9 million (1.9%) in 2007 compared to 2006. The favorable effects of increased sales volume ($7.9 million) and improved price and mix ($7.9 million) were offset by higher product cost and mix ($12.4 million), higher SG&A expenses ($2.0 million) and the net unfavorable effect of fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates ($3.3 million). The higher product cost and mix, excluding the foreign currency exchange effect, includes inflationary pressures of higher wages and other conversion costs, higher freight and shipping costs, $1.1 million incurred to consolidate the North American distribution center and $0.5 million in higher steel costs. The operating margin of 19.7% in 2007 compares to 21.5% in 2006.

Corporate and Other. The corporate and other category includes the activity of our gear components business, as well as the costs of certain centralized management and administrative functions. Sales of gear-related products decreased 11.4% from 2006 to 2007, with lower volume of $5.7 million partially offset by improved price and mix of $2.0 million. Weak market conditions in the construction and forestry equipment markets in the U.S. were partially offset by increased business in the utility equipment market. The contribution to operating income from our gear components business decreased $1.7 million (45.1%) year-over-year due to lower sales revenue. Corporate expense was flat year-over-year, with higher stock compensation costs ($0.7 million) and merit wage increases offset by reduced legal and compliance costs.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

During 2006 and 2007, we significantly reduced our debt, using cash flow from operations and the net proceeds from the sale of our Lawnmower segment in 2006 and the sale of our Forestry Division in 2007. In 2008, debt increased primarily from additional borrowing of $58.5 million to fund the acquisition of Carlton in May of 2008, partially

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offset by debt repayments from operating cash flows. Total debt was $325.5 million at December 31, 2008 and $297.0 million at December 31, 2007, representing a net increase of $28.5 million during 2008. Outstanding debt as of December 31, 2008 consisted of a term loan balance of $119.8 million, a revolving credit facility balance of $30.7 million and 87/8% senior subordinated notes of $175.0 million.

87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes. We have one registered debt security, the 87/8% senior subordinated notes. The interest rate on these notes is fixed until their maturity on August 1, 2012. These notes are subject t o redemption at any time at our option, in whole or in part, at redemption prices of 104.438% through July 31, 2009; 102.219% from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010; and at 100% on August 1, 2010 and thereafter. These notes are issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc., and are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries ("guarantor subsidiaries") other than Blount, Inc. All guarantor subsidiaries of these 87/8% senior subordinated notes are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company. While the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries guarantee these 87/8% senior subordinated notes, none of our existing foreign subsidiaries ("non-guarantor subsidiaries") guarantee these notes.

Senior Credit Facilities. We first entered into a credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent on May 15, 2003. The agreement was amended and restated on August 9, 2004, and has had several subsequent amendments. The senior credit facilities consist of a term loan facility and a revolving credit facility.

2006 Amendment to Credit Facilities. On March 23, 2006, we amended certain terms of the senior credit facilities. This amendment included the following changes:

<  Maximum availability under the revolving credit facility was increased from $100.0 million to $150.0 million.

<  Interest rates were reduced by 0.75% for the term loans and by 1.00% for the revolving credit facility.

<  Certain financial covenants were modified, including increases to the amounts that may be paid for acquisitions, dividends and repurchase of Company stock, as well as modifications to certain financial ratio requirements.

<  The Company incurred fees and third party costs of $0.7 million related to the amendment.

Immediately following the amendment, we completed the following transactions:

<  $82.1 million was borrowed under the revolving credit facility.

<  The total principal balance of $4.6 million was paid off on a Canadian term loan, and that loan was cancelled.

<  $77.5 million in principal was paid against the term loans, leaving a balance of $150.0 million outstanding.

2007 Amendment to Credit Facilities. On November 5, 2007, we amended certain terms of the senior credit facilities. No changes were made to the interest rates, principal amounts, maturity dates or payment schedules of the debt or to the availability of credit under the agreement. This amendment included the following changes:

<  The agreement was modified to allow the Company to sell the Forestry Division on the same day as the effective date of the amendment.

<  Certain covenants, terms and conditions were modified in the credit agreement, including an increased allowance for acquisitions, reduced reporting requirements and a reduction in the required senior leverage ratio.

<  The Company incurred fees and third party costs of $0.7 million related to the amendment.

The revolving credit facility provides for total available borrowings up to $150.0 million, reduced by outstanding letters of credit and further restricted by a specific leverage ratio and first lien credit facilities leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $115.2 million under the terms of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit facility matures on August 9, 2009 and bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%, or at the prime rate, at our option. Interest is payable monthly in arrears on any prime rate borrowing and at individual maturity dates for any LIBOR-based borrowing. Any outstanding principal is due in its entirety on the maturity date. The entire balance is classified as a current liability on the December 31, 2008 balance sheet because the maturity date is less than 12 months from the balance sheet date.

The term loan facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%, or at the prime rate, at our option, and matures on August 9, 2010. The term loan facility requires quarterly payments of $0.3 million, with a final payment of $117.6 million due on the maturity date. Once repaid, principal under the term loan facility may not be re-borrowed by the Company.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities contain financial covenants relating to maximum capital expenditures, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio and maximum first lien credit facilities leverage ratio. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company's fixed charge coverage ratio, as calculated under terms of the credit facilities, was 1.85 compared to the required minimum of 1.15. In addition, there are covenants or restrictions relating to, among other categories, investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, dividends on our stock and the sale of stock or assets. We were in compliance

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with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2008. Non-compliance with these covenants, if it were to become an event of default under the terms of the credit agreement, could result in severe limitations to our overall liquidity, and the term loan lenders could require actions for immediate repayment of outstanding amounts, potentially requiring sale of our assets. Such non-compliance, if any, could also result in an event of default under the indenture agreement related to the 87/8% senior subordinated notes. Our debt is not subject to any triggers that would require early payment of debt due to any adverse change in our cre dit rating.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities may be prepaid at any time. There can also be additional mandatory repayment requirements related to the sale of Company assets, the issuance of stock under certain circumstances or upon the Company's annual generation of excess cash flow, as determined under the credit agreement.

Blount International, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries other than Blount, Inc. guarantee Blount, Inc.'s obligations under the senior credit facilities. The obligations under the senior credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Blount, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of all of Blount, Inc.'s capital stock held by Blount International, Inc. and all of the stock of domestic subsidiaries held by Blount, Inc. Blount, Inc. has also pledged 65% of the stock of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

Interest expense was $27.1 million in 2008, $33.1 million in 2007 and $35.8 million in 2006. The reduction in interest expense from 2006 to 2007 is primarily a result of the reduction in the principal amount of long-term debt. Interest expense has been further affected by changes in interest rates on our variable rate debt. The reduction in interest expense from 2007 to 2008 is due to lower variable interest rates and a $32.3 million lower average principal balance outstanding. The weighted average of our variable interest rates decreased by 343 basis points during 2008, and decreased by 11 basis points during 2007 and 42 basis points during 2006. Our annual interest expense may continue to vary in the future because the senior credit facility interest rates are not fixed. The weighted average interest rate on all our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2008 was 6.42%, compared with 8.11% as of December 31, 2007.

Our debt continues to be significant, and future debt service payments continue to represent substantial obligations. This degree of leverage may adversely affect our operations and could have important consequences. See Item 1A, Risk Factors, "Substantial Leverage" for further discussion. Over the longer term, we expect to meet our financial and capital needs, including payment of debt obligations, through a combination of cash flow from operations and amounts available under existing credit facilities, as well as the potential issuance of new debt, sale of additional shares of stock or establishment of new credit facilities. While there can be no assurance, management believes we will comply with all financial performance covenants during the next twelve months. Should we not comply with the covenants, additional significant actions may be required. These actions may include, among others, an attempt to renegotiate our debt fa cilities, sales of assets, restructuring and reductions in capital expenditures.

Our revolving credit facility matures on August 9, 2009, and our term debt facility matures on August 9, 2010. Before these facilities mature, we will need to obtain replacement financing. In the current global financial markets, credit facilities are generally more difficult to obtain and terms are less favorable to borrowers, than comparable market conditions existing at the time these facilities were established and amended. In addition, our liquidity, capital structure and credit profile has improved significantly during the terms of these agreements. We have begun preliminary discussions with financial institutions and advisors concerning potential replacement financing options that may be available to us. However, given the conditions of the global credit markets, any replacement financing will likely be more expensive and may contain more restrictive terms than our existing facilities.

We intend to fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and obligations under our post-retirement benefit plans for the next twelve months through expected cash flows generated from operations and the amounts available under our revolving credit agreement through its maturity date and any a replacement facility or extended facility thereafter. Interest on our debt is payable in arrears according to varying interest rates and periods. We expect our financial resources will be sufficient to cover any additional increases in working capital and capital expenditures. There can be no assurance, however, that these resources will be sufficient to meet our needs. We may also consider other options available to us in connection with future liquidity needs, including, but not limited to, the postponement of discretionary contributions to post-retirement benefit plans, the postponement of capital expenditures, r estructuring of our credit facilities and issuance of new debt or equity securities.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 were $58.3 million compared to $57.6 million at December 31, 2007.

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Cash provided by operating activities is summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Income from
continuing operations
  $ 38,843     $ 32,143     $ 32,645    
Non-cash items included
in net income
    33,880       35,082       35,432    
Subtotal     72,723       67,225       68,077    
Changes in assets and
liabilities, net
    (7,201 )     (32,838 )     (13,807 )  
Discontinued operations     (4,318 )     (5,209 )     4,345    
Cash provided by
operating activities
  $ 61,204     $ 29,178     $ 58,615    

 

Non-cash items consist of expense from the early extinguishment of debt, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, amortization, stock compensation, deferred income taxes, (gain) loss on disposal of assets, the effect of exchange rate changes on beginning cash balances and other non-cash charges. Changes in assets and liabilities, net, consists of those changes in assets and liabilities included in the cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

2008 cash provided by operating activities of $61.2 million reflected the following significant items:

<  Income from continuing operations of $38.8 million, an increase of $6.7 million over 2007.

<  Non-cash items of $33.9 million, which included the following:

0  Depreciation expense of $21.2 million, increased over the prior year due to capital expenditure levels in excess of depreciation over the last several years, as well as the addition of assets acquired with the acquisition of Carlton;

0  Amortization of $7.4 million, increased over the prior year due to the amortization of purchase accounting intangibles from the acquisition of Carlton;

0  Stock compensation costs of $3.3 million, comparable to 2007 levels;

0  A deferred income tax provision of $3.2 million; and

0  Gain on disposal of assets of $1.5 million from the sale of marketable securities.

<  Changes in assets and liabilities reduced cash flow from operations by $7.2 million, including the following items:

0  A decrease in accounts receivable of $5.9 million, reflecting a lower level of sales in the last two months of 2008 compared to the last two months of 2007;

0  An increase in inventory of $11.0 million, as production volumes exceeded shipments during the last few months of 2008, and higher steel costs increased year end inventory values by approximately $4.1 million;

0  A decrease in other assets of $4.5 million, primarily due to the collection of a portion of the sales price for our 2007 sale of the Forestry Division, which was held in escrow;

0  A decrease in accounts payable of $7.3 million, resulting from the timing of payments to vendors;

0  An increase in accrued expenses of $2.0 million, primarily resulting from an increase in the accruals for various customer rebate and coop advertising programs, which were higher due to the higher level of sales in 2008 compared to 2007.

<  Discontinued operations used $4.3 million in 2008 as we paid accrued liabilities for employee severance, advisor fees and other liabilities in connection with our sale of the Forestry Division in November 2007.

2007 cash provided by operating activities of $29.2 million reflected the following significant items:

<  Income from continuing operations of $32.1 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from 2006.

<  Non-cash items of $35.1 million, which included the following:

0  Depreciation expense of $17.6 million, up from the prior year due to capital expenditure levels in excess of deprecation over the last several years;

0  Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs of $4.6 million;

0  Stock compensation costs of $3.2 million, an increase of $0.7 million from 2006;

0  A deferred income tax provision of $11.1 million; and

0  A net loss of $0.7 million related to the disposal of assets.

<  Changes in assets and liabilities reduced cash flow from operations by $32.8 million, including the following items:

0  A decrease in accounts receivable of $3.6 million;

0  An increase in inventories of $13.4 million as we ramped up production and inventory on hand in response to increasing orders;

0  An increase in other assets of $3.6 million, primarily related to income tax refunds receivable;

0  An increase in accounts payable of $4.7 million;

0  A reduction in accrued expenses of $7.5 million primarily related to payment of accrued income taxes; and

0  A reduction in other liabilities of $16.6 million, primarily related to pension funding in excess of the amount charged to expense.

<  Discontinued operations used $5.2 million, primarily for transition costs incurred in selling the Forestry Division.

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2006 cash provided by operating activities of $58.6 million reflected the following significant items:

<  Income from continuing operations of $32.6 million;

<  Non-cash items of $35.4 million, which included the following:

0  Depreciation expense of $15.1 million;

0  Amortization of deferred financing costs of $3.7 million;

0  A pension curtailment charge of $3.2 million;

0  Stock compensation costs of $2.6 million;

0  A deferred income tax provision of $13.0 million; and

0  A net gain of $0.8 million related to the disposal of assets.

<  Changes in assets and liabilities reduced cash flow from operations by $13.8 million, including the following items:

0  Decreases in accounts receivable of $1.3 million;

0  A decrease in inventories of $2.7 million;

0  An increase in other assets of $3.8 million, largely due to income tax refunds receivable;

0  An increase in accounts payable of $2.6 million;

0  A reduction in accrued expenses of $7.1 million primarily related to payment of accrued income taxes; and

0  A reduction in other liabilities of $9.6 million, primarily related to pension funding in excess of the amount charged to expense.

<  Discontinued operations provided $4.3 million, primarily due to the full-year operating activities of our Forestry Division partially offset by transition costs incurred in selling the Lawnmower segment.

Cash contributions for all pension and post-retirement defined benefit plans were $7.1 million in 2008, $23.4 million in 2007 and $21.7 million in 2006. Funding requirements for post-retirement benefit plans fluctuate significantly from year to year. See further discussion following under "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates." The Company intends to make contributions to our funded pension plans in 2009 of approximately $12 million to $14 million. The amount of contributions required in subsequent years will depend, in part, on future investment returns on plan assets. The obligations under our other post-retirement benefit plans are made on a pay-as-you-go basis and we expect to pay between $2.5 million and $3.5 million in 2009 for these plans. We also make cash contributions to our U.S. 401(k) plan. We contributed $5.0 million in 2008, $2.6 million in 2007 and $2.7 million in 2006 to this plan. We expect to contribute b etween $4.5 million and $5.0 million to the 401(k) plan in 2009. The higher level of contributions made in 2008 and expected in 2009 reflects the additional contribution implemented as part of our U.S. retirement plan restructuring and the freeze of our U.S. defined benefit pension plan undertaken in 2006.

Net cash income tax payments were $13.2 million in 2008, $20.8 million in 2007 and $9.9 million in 2006. Income tax payments prior to 2007 have been primarily the result of our foreign tax liability, with a portion also for state and local taxes and alternative minimum tax. In the years prior to 2007, U.S. taxable income has been offset by our domestic net operating loss carryforwards. As expected, we began paying cash income taxes in the U.S. during 2007, and expect to continue to do so as we have fully utilized our U.S. net operating loss carryforwards.

Cash flows from investing activities are summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Proceeds from sale of assets   $ 1,632     $ 2,309     $ 1,244    
Purchases of property, plant
and equipment
    (26,058 )     (18,517 )     (21,653 )  
Acquisition of Carlton,
net of cash acquired
    (64,399 )              
Discontinued operations     1,725       69,071       30,900    
Cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
  $ (87,100 )   $ 52,863     $ 10,491    

 

In 2008 we used $87.1 million of cash in investing activities. Sale of marketable securities yielded $1.6 million in proceeds during the year. We paid $66.2 million in cash for Carlton, but the purchase included Carlton's $1.8 million of cash at the acquisition date, leaving a net cash outflow of $64.4 million for the acquisition. Discontinued operations provided $1.7 million of cash during 2008 as we collected the final payment related to the November 2007 sale of our Forestry Division.

In 2007 we generated $52.9 million of cash from investing activities, inclusive of $69.1 million of net activity from discontinued operations. Discontinued operations in 2007 included net proceeds from the sale of our Forestry Division, reduced by amounts held in escrow and capital expenditures made by the Forestry Division prior to the sale on November 5, 2007. Proceeds from the sale of assets of $2.3 million reflect the sale of idle land and buildings retained following the disposition of our Lawnmower segment in 2006 and our Forestry Division in 2007.

In 2006, we generated $10.5 million from investing activities, inclusive of $30.9 million of net activity from discontinued operations. Discontinued operations in 2006 included net proceeds from the sale of our Lawnmower segment, reduced by capital expenditures of our Forestry Division. Proceeds from the sale of assets reflect the receipt of insurance proceeds from fire damage we experienced in one of our manufacturing plants.

Purchases of property, plant and equipment for all three years presented are primarily for productivity improvements, expanded manufacturing capacity and replacement of consumable tooling and equipment. Generally one third of our

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capital spending represents replacement of consumable tooling and existing equipment with the rest devoted to capacity and productivity improvements. The increase in 2008 expenditures compared to 2007 and 2006 levels reflects an effort to accelerate the replacement of older equipment, as well as the incremental effect from adding Carlton's capital expenditures from May to the end of the year. Over the three year period, we have invested $15.5 million for construction and equipment at our facility in China, with $4.0 million of the total expended in 2008. In 2009, we expect to invest between $25 million and $28 million for property plant and equipment, primarily for ongoing productivity and cost improvements in our manufacturing processes and routine replacement of machinery and equipment, including tooling that is consumed in the production process, as well as incremental capacity expansion.

Cash flows from financing activities are summarized as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Net borrowing (reduction) of
debt principle
  $ 28,520     $ (53,875 )   $ (56,848 )  
Issuance, modification
and redemption costs
          (700 )     (700 )  
Proceeds and tax benefits
of share-based compensation
    1,069       324       1,740    
Cash provided by (used in)
financing activities
  $ 29,589     $ (54,251 )   $ (55,808 )  

 

2008 activity included the following:

<  Net borrowings during the year of $28.5 million consisting of :

0  Borrowing of $58.5 million under our revolving credit facility for the purchase of Carlton; and

0  Repayment of $30.0 million of principle on the revolving credit facility and term loans from available cash flows.

<  $0.6 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and a $0.5 million tax benefit that is recognized as a financing activity under FAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment" ("FAS No. 123(R)").

2007 activity included the following:

<  Net debt reduction of $53.9 million, primarily funded with proceeds from the sale of our Forestry Division;

<  Expenditures of $0.7 million incurred with the November, 2007 amendment to our senior credit facilities; and

<  $0.2 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and a $0.1 million tax benefit that is recognized as a financing activity under FAS No. 123(R).

2006 activity included the following:

<  Net debt reduction of $56.8 million, partially funded with proceeds from the sale of our Lawnmower segment, as well as cash flow from operations;

<  Expenditures of $0.7 million incurred with the March 2006 amendment to our senior credit facilities; and

<  $1.0 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and a $0.7 million tax benefit that is recognized as a financing activity under FAS No. 123(R).

As of December 31, 2008, our contractual and estimated obligations are as follows (in thousands):

(Amounts in thousands)   Total   2009   2010-2011   2012-2013   Thereafter  
Debt obligations (1)   $ 325,520     $ 31,981     $ 118,539     $ 175,000          
Estimated interest payments (2)     68,221       19,595       33,095       15,531          
Purchase commitments (3)     100       100                      
Operating lease obligations (4)     24,856       2,886       5,631       3,803     $ 12,536    
Defined benefit pension obligations (5)     2,731       2,731                      
Other post-retirement obligations (6)     16,325       1,739       2,624       2,328       9,634    
Other long-term liabilities (7)     500       25       450       25          
Total contractual obligations   $ 438,253     $ 59,057     $ 160,339     $ 196,687     $ 22,170    

 

(1) Scheduled minimum principal payments on debt. Additional voluntary prepayments may also be made from time to time. Additional mandatory principal payments are required under certain circumstances.

(2) Estimated future interest payments based on existing debt balances, timing of scheduled minimum principal payments and estimated variable interest rates.

(3) Does not include amounts recorded as current liabilities on the balance sheet.

(4) See also Note 12 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(5) Current minimum funding requirements for defined benefit pension plans. Does not include estimated future funding requirements for defined benefit pension plans of approximately $7.7 million in 2010 and each year thereafter. Actual funding requirements may vary significantly from these estimates based on actual return on assets, changes in assumptions, plan modifications and actuarial gains and losses. See additional discussion of these key assumptions and estimates under "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" below. Additional voluntary funding payments may also be made, and the Company intends to contribute between $12 and $14 million to these plans in 2009.

(6) Estimated payments for various non-qualified retirement benefits. The Company also has benefit payment obligations due under its post-retirement medical plan that are not required to be funded in advance, but are pay-as-you-go, and are not included herein. See also Note 11 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(7) Advisory and consulting fees for certain current and former officers and directors of the Company.

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As of December 31, 2008, our recorded liability for uncertain tax positions was $31.8 million. Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of potential future cash flows associated with uncertain tax positions, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the amounts and periods in which these remaining liabilities might be paid. It is reasonably possible that the estimate of uncertain tax positions could change materially in the near term.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise had we engaged in such relationships.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on the Company's consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S.

The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, equity components, revenues and expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable and consistent with industry practice. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

We record reductions to selling prices as products are shipped. These reductions are based on competitive and market conditions, in addition to specific customer contracts in some instances. Some reductions are determined based on sales volumes or other measurements not yet finalized at the time of shipment. These reductions are estimated and recorded at the time of shipment either through a reduction to the invoice total or the establishment of a reserve or an accrual for settlement at a later date. The amount reserved or accrued may increase or decrease prior to payment due to customer performance and market conditions.

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses against our recorded accounts receivable. Such allowance is based on an ongoing review of customer payments against terms and a review of customers' financial statements and conditions through monitoring services. Based on these reviews, the allowance is adjusted in the appropriate period. Additional allowances may be required based on future events or as we obtain new information about our customers credit and financial situations.

Specific industry market conditions can significantly increase or decrease the level of inventory on hand in any of our business units. We adjust for changes in demand by reducing or increasing production levels. We estimate the required inventory reserves for excess or obsolete inventory by assessing inventory turns and market selling prices on a product by product basis. We maintain such reserves until a product is sold or market conditions require a change in the reserves.

We perform an annual analysis for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. We also perform an impairment analysis of goodwill whenever circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The impairment tests are performed by estimating the fair values of the reporting units using a discounted projected cash flow model and comparing those fair values to the carrying values of the reporting units, including goodwill. For the analysis performed in the year ended December 31, 2008, we used a discount rate of 11.3% based on our actual weighted average interest rate for debt financing and an assumed 15% return on equity, and we projected future cash flows for twelve years forward with no consideration of terminal value. The sum of the fair values of the reporting units is reconciled to our current market capitalization plus an estimated control premium. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds t he implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Events or changes in circumstances may occur that could create underperformance relative to projected future cash flows, which could result in the recognition of future impairments.

We incur expenses in connection with product liability claims as a result of alleged product malfunctions or defects. Under terms of the related divestiture agreements, we remain contractually obligated, as between the buyer and us, to defend or settle product liability claims for products manufactured during our ownership period for certain discontinued operations. We maintain insurance for a portion of this exposure and record a liability for our estimated non-insured obligations. We estimate our product liability obligations on a case by case basis, in addition to a review of product performance trends and consideration of the potential liability for claims incurred but not yet reported. These estimated obligations are frequently increased or decreased as more information on specific cases becomes available or performance trends change.

We incur expenses in connection with compliance with environmental laws and regulations for investigation, monitoring and, in certain circumstances, remediation of environmental contamination at our current and certain of our

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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former operating locations. Under terms of the related divestiture agreements, we remain contractually obligated, as between the buyer and us, for certain environmental claims for any contamination determined to have occurred during our ownership period for certain discontinued operations. In certain limited circumstances, we maintain insurance coverage for a portion of this exposure. We record a liability for our estimated non-insured obligations. We estimate our environmental remediation obligations on a situation by situation basis. These estimated obligations may be increased or decreased as more information on specific situations becomes available.

We incur expenses in connection with our self-insured program for workers' compensation costs. Under terms of the related divestiture agreements, we remain contractually obligated, as between the buyer and us, for workers' compensation claims for injuries that occurred during our ownership period for certain discontinued operations. We maintain insurance for a portion of this exposure and record a liability for our estimated non-insured obligations. We estimate our workers' compensation obligations on a case by case basis, in addition to consideration of the potential liability for claims incurred but not yet reported. These estimated obligations are frequently increased or decreased as more information on specific cases becomes available or performance trends change.

In 2006, we implemented FAS No. 123(R) under the modified prospective approach. We expect to continue to incur significant stock compensation expense in future periods. Prior to 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation under FAS No. 123 and provided pro-forma disclosure, but did not expense the majority of our stock-based compensation. Under the modified prospective application method, the results for prior periods have not been restated. None of our outstanding stock awards were modified in anticipation of the adoption of FAS No. 123(R). We determine the fair value of stock based awards using the Black-Scholes model. We use the simplified method described in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110 ("SAB 110") for estimated lives of stock options and SARs. Assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and dividend yield are based on historical information and management estimates.

We determine our post-retirement obligations on an actuarial basis that requires management to make certain assumptions. These assumptions include the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate to be used in calculating the applicable benefit obligation and the anticipated inflation trend in future health care costs. These assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis and consideration is given to market conditions, applicable indices, historical results, changes in regulations, as well as to the requirements of FAS No. 158, "Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans" ("FAS No. 158").

The net post-retirement obligation is included in employee benefit obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total post-retirement obligations are reduced by the fair value of investment assets held in the related pension plan trusts. These pension assets consist of ownership interests in various mutual and comingled investment funds, which in turn hold investments in marketable debt and equity instruments and other investment assets. The fair value of these pension assets is determined in accordance with FAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("FAS No. 157"). As specified in FAS No. 157, we determine the fair value of these assets by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities where available (level 1). Where level 1 market prices are not available, we utilize significant observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identica l or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuations for which all significant assumptions are observable (level 2). Finally, if level 2 measurements are not available, we utilize significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities (level 3) to determine the fair values of such pension assets.

The weighted average assumed rate of return on pension plan assets was 8.3% for 2008. This assumed rate of return on plan assets is based on long-term historical rates of return achieved on similar investments, weighted in the same proportion as our current weighting, which is 55% equity securities and 45% debt securities for the U.S. plan, and 60% equities and 40% debt securities for the Canadian plan. To validate this assumption, we obtained a study of historical rates of return for similar investment categories that calculated actual returns for randomly selected 20-year periods of time over a much longer historical period. From this study, we determined the range of most common results between the 25th and 75th percentiles. We believe this assumed rate of return is reasonable given the asset composition, long-term historic trends and current economic and financial market conditions. We anticipate using a slightly lower assum ed rate of return in 2009 and beyond, reflecting management's intent to implement a slightly more conservative investment mix in the pension plan assets.

A weighted average discount rate assumption of 6.1% was used to determine our plan liabilities at December 31, 2008, consisting of 5.75% for the U.S. plan and 7.50% for the Canadian plan. The difference in discount rates between the two plans is attributable to differences in the relevant bond indices and market conditions between the U.S. and Canada as of December 31, 2008. We believe these discount rates are reasonable given comparable rates

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
28



for high quality corporate bonds with terms comparable to the projected cash flows for our respective plans. To validate this assumption, we obtained published indices for such bonds and our assumed discount rate is consistent with these indices. To further help establish an appropriate discount rate, we obtained the weighted average rate of return on a hypothetical customized bond portfolio that more closely matches the expected cash outflows of our benefit obligation. Our assumed discount rate is consistent with this customized bond portfolio rate of return and with the relevant indices for similar debt securities.

We have assumed that health care costs will increase by 9% in 2009, 8% in 2010, 7% in 2011, 6% in 2012 and 5% in 2013 and beyond. This assumption is based on historical rates of inflation for health care costs and expectations for future increases in health care costs.

Our annual post-retirement expenses can be significantly impacted by changes in these assumptions. A 1% change in the return on assets assumption would change annual pension expense by $1.2 million in 2009. A 1% decrease in the discount rate would increase pension expense by $2.1 million in 2009, and a 1% increase in the discount rate would decrease pension expense by $1.8 million in 2009. A 1% increase in the health care cost trend assumption for 2009 and beyond would increase annual post-retirement medical costs by approximately $0.3 million per year and a 1% decrease in the health care cost trend assumption for 2009 and beyond would decrease annual post-retirement medical costs by approximately $0.2 million a year.

Effective January 1, 2007, we account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FIN No. 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FAS No. 109. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and are often ambiguous. As such, we are required to make many assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of income tax laws and regulations and guidance surrounding them change over time. Changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on our uncertain tax positions and the impact of adopting FIN No. 48.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Included in recorded tax liabilities are estimated amounts related to uncertain tax positions. Actual tax liabilities may differ materially from these estimates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. As of December 31, 2008, we have a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $2.3 mi llion, primarily related to foreign tax credit carryforwards and state tax net operating loss carryforwards.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("FAS No. 157"). FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S., and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We adopted FAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements. As permitted by FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157", we elected to defer the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13" ("FSP No. 157-1"). We also adopted FSP No. 157-1 on January 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements. In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-3, "Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active" ("FSP No. 157-3"). We adopted FSP No. 157-3 on October 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, "Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("FAS No. 159"). FAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. We chose not to elect the fair value option for our financial assets and liabilities existing at January 1, 2008 and did not elect the fair value option on financial assets and liabilities transacted subsequent to that date. Therefore, FAS No. 159 has had no effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141(R), "Business Combinations" ("FAS No. 141(R)"). FAS No. 141(R) replaces FAS No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("FAS No. 141"). The provisions of FAS No. 141(R) are effective for us on January 1, 2009.

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The impact of adopting FAS No. 141(R) will depend on the nature, terms and size of any business combinations completed after the effective date. In addition, certain transaction-related expenses that would have been capitalized as part of a transaction under FAS No. 141, will be expensed as incurred under FAS No. 141(R) beginning January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160, "Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements" ("FAS No. 160"). FAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements. The provisions of FAS No. 160 are effective for us on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of FAS No. 160 is not anticipated to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" ("FAS No. 161"). FAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities. The provisions of FAS No. 161 are effective for us on January 1, 2009, and will result in expanded disclosures about our derivative instruments and hedging activities.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 142-3, "Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets" ("FSP No. 142-3"). This FASB Staff Position amends the factors that should be considered in developing assumptions used to determine useful lives of recognized intangible assets under FAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". The provisions of FSP No. 142-3 are effective for us on January 1, 2009 and earlier adoption is prohibited. The impact of adopting FSP No. 142-3 will depend on the nature, terms and size of any business combinations completed after the effective date.

In December 2008 the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 132(R)-1, "Employers' Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets" ("FSP No. 132(R)-1"). This FASB Staff Position amends FASB Statement No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to provide guidance on an employer's disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The provisions of FSP No. 132(R)-1 will be effective for us in our 2009 Form 10-K, and will result in expanded disclosures in our financial statements.

Forward Looking Statements

"Forward looking statements," as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, used in this report, including without limitation our "outlook," "guidance," "expectations," "beliefs," "plans," "indications," "estimates," "anticipations," and their variants, are based upon available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable; however, these forward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including those set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors", and should not be considered indicative of actual results that the Company may achieve in the future. Specifically, issues concerning foreign currency exchange rates, the cost to the Company of commodities in general, and of steel in particular, the anticipated level of applicable interest rates, tax rates, discount rates and rates of return and the anticipated effects of discontinued operations involve estimates and assumpti ons. To the extent that these, or any other such assumptions, are not realized going forward, or other unforeseen factors arise, actual results for the periods subsequent to the date of this report may differ materially.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities, and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivatives. When utilized, derivatives are used as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk. We manage our ratio of fixed to variable rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that management believes is appropriate. We have, on occasion, entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange fixed and variable interest rates based on agreed upon notional amounts and we have entered into interest rate lock contracts to hedge the interest rate of an anticipated debt issue. A hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of our fixed rate long-term debt outstanding by $5.5 million. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the interest rates on our variable rate debt for the duration of one year would have increased interest expense by approximately $1.5 million in 2008. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, no derivative financial instruments were outstanding to hedge interest rate risk on debt. Additionally, the interest rates available in certain jurisdictions in which we hold excess cash may vary, thereby affecting the return we earn on cash equivalent short-term investments. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had derivative financial instruments outstanding representing variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps on cash equivalents in Brazil to protect the return on those investments. These contracts were not designated as hedging instruments. The total notional amount of such instruments was $10.3 million at December 31, 2008 and $10.8 million at December 31, 2007.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. Approximately 17% of our sales and 26% of our operating costs and expenses were transacted in foreign currencies in 2008. As a result,

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fluctuations in exchange rates impact the amount of our reported sales and operating income. Historically, our principal exposures have been related to local currency operating costs and expenses in Canada, Brazil and China, and local currency sales and expenses in Europe and Japan. During 2008 and 2007, we used derivative instruments to protect the U.S. Dollar value of cash equivalents held in Brazil. At December 31, 2008 we had contracts outstanding to protect those investments from fluctuations in foreign currency. In the fourth quarter of 2008, we entered into several contracts to hedge our currency exposure to Canadian Dollar based production costs and operating expenses. We may also, in the future, decide to manage some of our other exposures to currency exchange rate fluctuations through derivative products.

We make regular payments to our wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada, Blount Canada Ltd. ("Blount Canada") for contract manufacturing services performed on our behalf. In the latter part of 2008, we selectively hedged a portion of the anticipated payment transactions with Blount Canada that were subject to foreign exchange exposure using zero cost collar option contracts to manage our exposure to Canadian Dollar exchange rates. These zero cost collar instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. The effective portion of the contracts' gains or losses due to changes in fair value is initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when we settle the hedged payment to Blount Canada. We use the hypothetical derivative method under FAS No. 133, as amended by FAS 138 and FAS 149, "Accounting for De rivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("FAS No. 133") to determine the hedge effectiveness of our zero cost collar option contracts. These contracts are highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in Canadian Dollar exchange rates. As of December 31, 2008, the total notional amount of such contracts outstanding was $51.4 million. As of December 31, 2008 we did not have any zero cost collars mature which would result in reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings and we had not recognized any amount in earnings due to ineffectiveness of the hedging instruments.

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 67% of our total accounts receivable were owed to us by foreign customers. If the U.S. Dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, as it did during the latter half of 2008, it becomes more costly for these foreign customers to pay their U.S. Dollar balances owed. They may have difficulty in repaying these amounts, and in turn, our bad debts expense may increase.

The table below illustrates the estimated effect on our 2008 operating results of a hypothetical 10% change in major currencies (defined for us as the Euro, Canadian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Chinese RMB, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen and Swedish Krona):

    Effect of 10% Weaker U.S. Dollar  
(Amounts in thousands)   Sales   Cost of
Sales
  Operating
Income
 
Euro   $ 6,076     $ (2,049 )   $ 2,202    
Canadian Dollar     1,068       (6,315 )     (5,752 )  
Brazilian Real           (2,158 )     (2,602 )  
Chinese RMB           (856 )     (959 )  
Swiss Franc           (1,195 )     (1,195 )  
Japanese Yen     900       (71 )     688    
Swedish Krona     859       (76 )     582    

 

Commodity Price Risk. We secure raw materials through purchasing functions at each of our manufacturing locations. These functions are staffed by professionals who determine the sourcing of materials by assessing quality, availability, price and service of potential vendors. When possible, multiple vendors are utilized to ensure competitive prices and to minimize risk of lack of availability of materials. Some of these raw materials are subject to price volatility over time. We have not hedged against the price volatility of any raw materials by using any derivative instruments during 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Raw material price volatility has not had a significant impact on our results in recent years, with the exception of steel pricing, where prices rose sharply in 2004 before moderating somewhat in 2005 and 2006, rose somewhat in 2007 and rose sharply in 2008. We purchased approximately $82.4 million of steel in 2008, our largest sourced commodity. A hypothetical 10% change in the price of steel would have had an estimated $8.2 million effect on pre-tax income in 2008. We utilize multiple suppliers to purchase steel. We estimate the impact of price changes on our cost of purchased steel were a decrease in costs of $1.0 million from 2005 to 2006, an increase of $1.0 million from 2006 to 2007, and an increase of $7.9 million from 2007 to 2008. Some selling prices to our customers have been increased, in part to offset the increase in steel commodity costs. We source many of our outdoor care products from Asia through brokers, and we anticipate expanding this practice in the future. For example, we believe that we can source certain components for gear-related products at a lower cost from international locations. Historically, we have not incurred any significant issues in sourcing internationally, in part due to the fact that there are multiple suppliers for each of the products we purchase.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management of Blount International, Inc. is responsible for the information and representations contained in this report. The financial statements have been prepared in

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conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Reasonable judgments and estimates have been made where necessary. Other financial information in this report is consistent with these financial statements.

Our accounting systems include controls designed to reasonably assure that assets are safeguarded from unauthorized use or disposition and that provide for the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These systems are supplemented by the selection and training of qualified financial personnel and an organizational structure providing for appropriate segregation of duties.

Four directors of the Company, who are not members of management, serve as the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and are the principal means through which the Board discharges its financial reporting responsibility. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm and reviews with the independent registered public accounting firm, management and the internal auditors, the scope and the results of the annual audit, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures and other matters relating to financial reporting and the financial affairs of Blount International, Inc. as they deem appropriate. The independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have full access to the Committee, with and without the presence of management, to discuss any appropriate matters.

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Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a -15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based upon the criteria set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

Management excluded the internal controls over financial reporting of Carlton, which was acquired by the Company during 2008 in a purchase business combination, from its assessment of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. The acquired Carlton business represented approximately 17% of the Company's total assets as of December 31, 2008 and approximately 7% of its consolidated net revenues for the year then ended.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of their inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm that has audited the consolidated financial statements, has also audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 as stated in their report which appears herein.

/s/ James S. Osterman   /s/ Calvin E. Jenness  
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
  Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Blount International, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Blount International Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, 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 opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain re asonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax positions as of January 1, 2007. As discussed in Notes 10 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2006.

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 (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.

As described in Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded its Carlton operations from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 because it was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination during 2008. We have also excluded Carlton from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Carlton's total assets and total net revenues represent approximately 17% and 7%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 10, 2009

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2008   2007   2006  
Sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 487,494    
Cost of sales     404,263       340,578       313,815    
Gross profit     192,772       174,957       173,679    
Selling, general and administrative expenses     105,292       94,257       89,472    
Retirement plan redesign                 3,747    
Operating income     87,480       80,700       80,460    
Interest income     1,389       1,360       378    
Interest expense     (27,094 )     (33,066 )     (35,782 )  
Other income (expense), net     1,813       (821 )     1,335    
Income from continuing operations before income taxes     63,588       48,173       46,391    
Provision for income taxes     24,745       16,030       13,746    
Income from continuing operations     38,843       32,143       32,645    
Discontinued operations:  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before taxes     (589 )     25,794       20,055    
Income tax provision (benefit)     (345 )     15,080       10,154    
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     (244 )     10,714       9,901    
Net income   $ 38,599     $ 42,857     $ 42,546    
Basic income (loss) per share:  
Continuing operations   $ 0.82     $ 0.68     $ 0.69    
Discontinued operations     (0.01 )     0.23       0.21    
Net income   $ 0.81     $ 0.91     $ 0.90    
Diluted income (loss) per share:  
Continuing operations   $ 0.81     $ 0.67     $ 0.68    
Discontinued operations     (0.01 )     0.22       0.21    
Net income   $ 0.80     $ 0.89     $ 0.89    
Weighted average shares used in per share calculation:  
Basic     47,510       47,280       47,145    
Diluted     48,130       48,078       47,868    

 

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

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)   2008   2007  
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 58,275     $ 57,589    
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,800 and $2,181 respectively     75,555       67,818    
Inventories, net     90,302       70,273    
Deferred income taxes     5,492       5,536    
Other current assets     14,940       16,393    
Total current assets     244,564       217,609    
Property, plant and equipment, net     119,749       89,729    
Deferred financing costs     6,679       10,698    
Deferred income taxes     21,679       14,849    
Intangible assets     13,864          
Assets held for sale     1,429          
Goodwill     66,071       48,984    
Other assets     25,649       30,080    
Total Assets   $ 499,684     $ 411,949    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit  
Current liabilities:  
Current maturities of long-term debt   $ 31,981     $ 1,242    
Accounts payable     28,864       29,799    
Accrued expenses     55,235       57,447    
Deferred income taxes     498       533    
Total current liabilities     116,578       89,021    
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities     293,539       295,758    
Deferred income taxes     2,223          
Employee benefit obligations     93,898       48,948    
Other liabilities     36,966       32,368    
Total liabilities     543,204       466,095    
Commitments and contingent liabilities  
Stockholders' equity (deficit):  
Common stock: par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized,
47,614,236 and 47,291,647 outstanding, respectively
    476       473    
Capital in excess of par value of stock     579,930       575,595    
Accumulated deficit     (579,548 )     (618,147 )  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (44,378 )     (12,067 )  
Total stockholders' (deficit)     (43,520 )     (54,146 )  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' (Deficit)   $ 499,684     $ 411,949    

 

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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Income from continuing operations   $ 38,843     $ 32,143     $ 32,645    
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net
cash provided by operating activities:
 
Early extinguishment of debt           625       1    
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment     21,212       17,641       15,058    
Amortization     7,351       3,951       3,729    
Stock compensation and other non-cash charges     4,157       1,245       5,140    
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation     (463 )     (114 )     (747 )  
Deferred income taxes     3,166       11,059       13,025    
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets     (1,543 )     675       (774 )  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:  
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable     5,945       3,585       1,337    
(Increase) decrease in inventories     (10,986 )     (13,409 )     2,749    
(Increase) decrease in other assets     4,461       (3,672 )     (3,750 )  
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable     (7,286 )     4,680       2,601    
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses     1,995       (7,451 )     (7,145 )  
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities     (1,330 )     (16,571 )     (9,599 )  
Discontinued operations     (4,318 )     (5,209 )     4,345    
Net cash provided by operating activities     61,204       29,178       58,615    
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Proceeds from sale of assets     1,632       2,309       1,244    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (26,058 )     (18,517 )     (21,653 )  
Acquisition of Carlton, net of cash acquired     (64,399 )              
Discontinued operations     1,725       69,071       30,900    
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     (87,100 )     52,863       10,491    
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving credit facility     30,750       (27,000 )     27,000    
Repayment of term debt principal     (2,230 )     (26,875 )     (83,848 )  
Issuance costs related to debt           (700 )     (700 )  
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation     463       114       747    
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants     606       210       993    
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     29,589       (54,251 )     (55,808 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes     (3,007 )     2,163       1,401    
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     686       29,953       14,699    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     57,589       27,636       12,937    
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 58,275     $ 57,589     $ 27,636    

 

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

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(Amounts in thousands)   Shares
(in 000's)
  Common
Stock
  Capital in
Excess
of Par
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Total  
Balance December 31, 2005     47,004     $ 470     $ 566,692     $ (703,550 )   $ (8,799 )   $ (145,187 )  
Net income                       42,546             42,546    
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                             1,682       1,682    
Unrealized losses                             (27 )     (27 )  
Minimum pension liability adjustment                             2,957       2,957    
Comprehensive income, net                                   47,158    
Cumulative effect of adopting FAS No. 158                             (12,255 )     (12,255 )  
Exercise of stock options     239       2       1,738                   1,740    
Stock compensation expense                 3,253                   3,253    
Balance December 31, 2006     47,243       472       571,683       (661,004 )     (16,442 )     (105,291 )  
Net income                       42,857             42,857    
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                             1,718       1,718    
Unrealized gains                             1,315       1,315    
Pension liability adjustment                             1,342       1,342    
Comprehensive income, net                                   47,232    
Exercise of stock options     49       1       323                   324    
Stock compensation expense                 3,589                   3,589    
Balance December 31, 2007     47,292       473       575,595       (618,147 )     (12,067 )     (54,146 )  
Net income                       38,599             38,599    
Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Foreign currency translation adjustment                             (1,574 )     (1,574 )  
Unrealized losses                             (2,524 )     (2,524 )  
Pension liability adjustment                             (28,213 )     (28,213 )  
Comprehensive income, net                                   6,288    
Exercise of stock options     322       3       1,066                   1,069    
Stock compensation expense                 3,269                   3,269    
Balance December 31, 2008     47,614     $ 476     $ 579,930     $ (579,548 )   $ (44,378 )   $ (43,520 )  

 

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

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
38




NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTE 1: BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Blount International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is a manufacturer of equipment, accessories and replacement parts to the global forestry, yard care and general contractor industries. The Company manufactures and markets branded products in focused end markets, serving professional loggers, construction workers, homeowners, equipment dealers and distributors and original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). The Company's products include cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets and accessories for chainsaws, lawnmower blades and other accessories for lawn and garden equipment, concrete-cutting equipment and accessories, mobile equipment rotational bearings, worm gear reducers and swing drives. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Brazil and China.

Basis of Presentation. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008.

Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Foreign Currency. For foreign subsidiaries whose operations are principally conducted in U.S. Dollars, monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at the current exchange rate, while other assets (principally property, plant and equipment and inventories) and related costs and expenses are generally translated at historic exchange rates. Sales and other costs and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and the resulting foreign exchange adjustments are recognized in income. Assets and liabilities of the remaining foreign operations are translated to U.S. Dollars at the current exchange rate and their statements of income are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation of the financial statements of these operations are reflected as "other comprehen sive income" in stockholders' equity (deficit).

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, liabilities and the components of equity and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are used when accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, goodwill and other long-lived assets, product warranties, casualty insurance costs, product liability reserves and related expenses, other legal proceedings, employee benefit plans, income taxes and deferred tax assets and liabilities, discontinued operations and contingencies. It is reasonably possible that actual resu lts could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions and significant changes to estimates could occur in the near term.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers cash equivalents to be all highly liquid temporary cash investments, with original maturities of 90 days or less, that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company determines the cost of most raw materials, work in process and finished goods inventories by the first in, first out ("FIFO") or average cost methods. The Company writes down its inventories for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. The principal ranges of estimated useful lives for depreciation purposes are as follows: buildings and improvements: 10 to 45 years; machinery and equipment: 3 to 10 years; furniture, fixtures and office equipment: 3 to 10 years; and transportation equipment: 3 to 15 years. Gains or losses on disposal are reflected in income. Property, plant and equipment under capital lease is capitalized with the related obligations stated at the principal portion of future lease payments.

Interest cost incurred during the period of construction of plant and equipment is capitalized. No material amounts of interest were capitalized on plant and equipment during the three years ended December 31, 2008.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives. The Company accounts for goodwill, and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("FAS") No. 142, "Goodwill and other Intangible Assets" ("FAS No. 142"). Under the provisions of FAS No. 142, the Company performs an annual review for impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company also performs an impairment analysis whenever circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. The impairment tests are performed by estimating the fair values of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow model and comparing those fair values to the carrying values of the reporting units, including goodwill. The sum of the fair values of the reporting units is reconciled to the Company's current market capitalization plus an e stimated control premium. If the fair value

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of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company then allocates the fair value of the unit to all the assets and liabilities of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit's fair value was the price to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Events or changes in circumstances may occur that could create underperformance relative to projected future cash flows that would create future impairments. No goodwill impairments have been recognized in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Deferred Financing Costs. The Company capitalizes costs incurred in connection with borrowings or establishment of credit facilities. These costs are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the borrowing or life of the credit facility using the straight line method. In the case of early debt principal repayments, the Company adjusts the value of the corresponding deferred financing costs with a charge to other expense, and similarly adjusts the future amortization expense.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used, including finite lived intangible assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset are separately identifiable and are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for disposal costs. During 2006, th e Company recognized an impairment charge of $1.5 million on property, plant and equipment formerly used by its discontinued Lawnmower segment. Also in 2006, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $0.8 million on property, plant and equipment in Menominee, Michigan formerly used by its Industrial and Power Equipment segment. No impairment charges were recognized in 2007 or 2008.

Income Taxes. In accordance with FAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Included in recorded tax liabilities are estimated amounts related to uncertain tax positions. Actual tax liabilities may differ materially from these estimates. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax laws and rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax laws or rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred ta x assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 includes a deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of "qualified production activities income," as defined in the law and subject to certain limitations. The benefit of this deduction is accounted for as a special deduction when realized in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 109-1.

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN No. 48. There was no material adjustment to the net liability for uncertain tax positions as a result of the adoption of FIN No. 48. However, uncertain tax positions that were previously netted on the balance sheet have been reported separately since January 1, 2007. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.

Product Liability. The Company monitors claims that relate to the alleged malfunction or defects of its products that may result in an injury to the equipment operator or others. The Company records an accrued liability and charge to cost of sales for its estimated obligation as claims are incurred and evaluated. The accrual may increase or decrease as additional information regarding claims is developed.

Insurance Accruals. It is the Company's policy to retain a portion of expected losses related to general and product liability, workers' compensation and vehicle liability losses through retentions or deductibles under its risk management and insurance programs. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on estimates of the ultimate undiscounted aggregate liabilities for claims incurred.

Warranty. The Company offers certain warranties with the sale of its products. An estimate of warranty costs is recognized at the time the related revenue is recognized and the warranty obligation is recorded as a charge to cost of sales and as a liability on the balance sheet. Warranty cost is estimated using historical customer claims, supplier performance and new product performance.

Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with FAS No. 133. The Company's earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. The Company's risk management policy allows for the use of derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate, and commodity price exposures prudently. The policy specifies that derivatives are not to be used for speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, derivatives consisted of foreign currency hedge instruments and interest rate swaps. See also Note 18. Changes in the fair value of non-hedging derivative instruments are reported in current earnings. Changes in the

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
40



fair value of hedging derivative instruments are recognized in other comprehensive income, until the instrument is settled, at which time the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence that a sales arrangement exists, title and risk of loss have passed, the price to the customer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured, which has historically been upon the date of shipment of product for the majority of the Company's sales transactions. There are an insignificant amount of shipments with FOB destination or similar shipping terms, for which revenue is not recognized until delivery has occurred.

Shipping and Handling Costs. The Company incurs expenses for the shipment of goods to customers. These expenses are recognized in the period in which they occur and are classified as gross revenues if billed to the customer and cost of goods sold if incurred by the Company in accordance with the Emerging Issues Task Force's Issue (EITF) 00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs".

Sales Incentives. The Company provides various sales incentives to customers in the form of coupons, rebates, discounts, free product and advertising allowances. The estimated cost of such expenses is recorded at the time of revenue recognition and recorded as a reduction to revenue, with the exception that free product is recorded as cost of sales, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 01-9, "Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer".

Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for cooperative advertising allowances, which are accrued over the period the revenues are recognized. Advertising costs from continuing operations were $5.4 million, $5.0 million and $4.7 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Research and Development. Expenditures for research and development are expensed as incurred and include costs of direct labor, indirect labor, materials and outside services. These costs were $8.4 million, $6.5 million and $6.6 million for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on previously reported net income or net stockholders' deficit.

Due to increased cash balances at the Company's foreign subsidiaries, and increased volatility in the movement of foreign currency exchange rates, the Company has presented the effect of exchange rate changes as a separate component on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Previously, the effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows was embedded within the cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; however, such amounts were not material. The presentation of cash flows for prior years has been corrected to the current year presentation.

NOTE 2: ACQUISITION OF CARLTON HOLDINGS, INC.

On May 2, 2008, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Carlton Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Carlton"), a manufacturer of cutting chain for chainsaws located near Portland, Oregon. The Company paid a total of $66.2 million in cash for Carlton, including related acquisition costs of $1.5 million, and also assumed liabilities totaling $21.3 million. Carlton had $1.8 million in cash on the date of acquisition, resulting in a net cash outflow of $64.4 million for the acquisition. The acquisition was financed with a combination of cash on hand and $58.5 million borrowed under the Company's revolving credit facility. The operating results of Carlton are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from May 2, 2008 forward.

The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with FAS No. 141. Accordingly, Carlton's assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The Company estimated the fair value of assets using various methods and considering, among other factors, projected discounted cash flows, replacement cost less an allowance for depreciation, recent comparable transactions, and historical book values. The Company estimated the fair value of inventory by considering the stage of completion of the inventory, estimated costs to complete the manufacturing process and the normal gross profit margin typically associated with its sale. The Company estimated the fair value of liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash flows. A summary of the purchase price allocation for the fair value of the assets acquired and the obligations assumed at the date of the acquisition is presented below.

Summary of Carlton Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

(Amounts in thousands)   May 2, 2008  
Cash   $ 1,801    
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $1,590
    14,808    
Inventories     9,958    
Current intangible asset subject to amortization     1,240    
Other current assets     348    
Property, plant and equipment, net     26,703    
Noncurrent intangible assets subject to amortization     8,790    
Goodwill and other intangible assets
not subject to amortization
    22,587    
Non-current deferred tax asset     1,267    
Total assets     87,502    
Current liabilities     7,645    
Non-current liabilities     3,430    
Deferred income tax liability     10,227    
Total liabilities assumed     21,302    
Cash paid for acquisition, before consideration of
cash acquired
  $ 66,200    

 

Reflected in the consolidated results of operations for 2008 are non-cash charges totaling $3.5 million for amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of the step-up to fair value for property, plant and equipment and expensing of the step-up to fair value related to inventories.

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The following table summarizes the Company's intangible assets:

        December 31, 2008   December 31, 2007  
(Amounts in thousands)   Life
In Years
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
 
Goodwill, Carlton acquisition     Indefinite     $ 17,087                      
Goodwill, previous acquisitions     Indefinite       48,984           $ 48,984          
Total goodwill             66,071             48,984          
Trademarks and trade names     Indefinite       5,500                      
Backlog     0.7       1,240     $ 1,240                
Covenant not to compete     3       590       131                
Customer relationships     10       8,200       295                
Total intangible assets           $ 81,601     $ 1,666     $ 48,984          

 

Amortization expense was $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. No amortization expense was incurred in 2006 or 2007. Amortization expense for these intangible assets is expected to total $1.5 million in each of 2009 and 2010; $1.3 million in 2011; $1.1 million in 2012 and $1.0 million in 2013.

The following unaudited pro forma results present the estimated effect as if the acquisition had occurred on the first day of each period presented. The unaudited pro forma results include the historical results of Carlton, pro forma purchase accounting effects for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the pro forma interest expense effects of additional borrowings to fund the transaction and the related pro forma income tax effects. In addition to the pro forma amortization of tangible and intangible asset adjustments to fair value, the unaudited pro forma results for each period presented include a charge of $1.7 million to expense the adjustment of inventory to estimated fair value.

    2008   2007  
(Amounts in thousands)   As Reported   Pro Forma
(Unaudited)
  As Reported   Pro Forma
(Unaudited)
 
Sales   $ 597,035     $ 617,178     $ 515,535     $ 571,302    
Net income     38,599       38,830       42,857       40,594    
Basic income per share   $ 0.81     $ 0.82     $ 0.91     $ 0.86    
Diluted income per share     0.80       0.81       0.89       0.84    

 

NOTE 3: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued Forestry Division. On November 5, 2007, the Company sold its Forestry Division, which constituted the majority of the Industrial and Power Equipment segment, to Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., for gross proceeds of $79.1 million. Under the terms of the related purchase agreement, $8.8 million of the gross proceeds are initially held in escrow for up to three years from the transaction date. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $26.0 million net of related transaction expenses on the sale in 2007. This division accounted for 26% of 2006 consolidated sales and 21% of consolidated sales for the first nine months of 2007. The Forestry Division is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. This division was headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina and manufactured and marketed timber h arvesting and handling equipment and industrial tractors and loaders. The division had manufacturing facilities in Owatonna, Minnesota; Prentice, Wisconsin; and Söderhamn, Sweden. The sale included the disposition of the Forestry Division's recorded goodwill in the amount of $22.9 million. The Company retained certain liabilities related to the business, as well as an idle manufacturing facility located in Menominee, Michigan. In December 2007, the land and building in Menominee, Michigan were sold for net cash proceeds of $0.5 million.

Discontinued Lawnmower Segment. On July 27, 2006, the Company sold certain of the assets and liabilities of Dixon Industries, Inc. ("Dixon") to Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Husqvarna AB. Dixon had previously been reported as the Company's Lawnmower segment. The Company received gross proceeds of $33.1 million and recognized a pretax gain of $17.4 million net of related transaction expenses on the sale in 2006. The Lawnmower segment accounted for 7.5% of consolidated sales for the first six months of 2006. The Lawnmower segment is reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Dixon was located in Coffeyville, Kansas, and manufactured zero-turn radius riding lawnmowers and related attachments. The sale included the disposition of Dixon's recorded goodwill in the amount of $5.0 million. Certain li abilities of Dixon, as well as the land, building, building improvements, certain machinery and equipment

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and various other assets related to its Coffeyville, Kansas facility, were retained by the Company by merger of Dixon with and into 4520 Corp. Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The land and building were sold in September 2007 for net cash proceeds of $1.5 million.

Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Sales         $ 111,934     $ 196,826    
Operating income (loss)   $ (589 )     (195 )     2,689    
Gain on disposition of
net assets
          25,989       17,366    
Income (loss) before taxes
from discontinued operations
    (589 )     25,794       20,055    
Income tax provision (benefit)     (345 )     15,080       10,154    
Income (loss) from
discontinued operations
  $ (244 )   $ 10,714     $ 9,901    

 

The 2008 results consist of wind down and wrap up activities related primarily to the discontinued Forestry Division. Included in the operating loss for 2007 are charges totaling $4.5 million for employee severance, employee benefits, transition costs and closure costs. Included in the operating income for 2006 are charges totaling $8.0 million for employee severance and benefits costs, impairment of assets and closure costs.

NOTE 4: INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Raw materials and supplies   $ 14,260     $ 9,297    
Work in progress     14,169       14,701    
Finished goods     61,873       46,275    
Total inventories   $ 90,302     $ 70,273    

 

The balance at December 31, 2008 includes $10.6 million related to Carlton.

NOTE 5: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Land   $ 7,469     $ 4,882    
Buildings and improvements     57,782       51,251    
Machinery and equipment     210,683       186,076    
Furniture, fixtures and office
equipment
    29,537       28,419    
Transportation equipment     865       662    
Construction in progress     14,267       5,491    
Accumulated depreciation     (200,854 )     (187,052 )  
Total property, plant and
equipment, net
  $ 119,749     $ 89,729    

 

The balance at December 31, 2008 includes $26.0 million related to Carlton.

NOTE 6: DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS

Deferred financing costs represent costs incurred in conjunction with the Company's debt financing activities and are amortized over the term of the related debt instruments. Deferred financing costs and the related amortization expense are adjusted when any pre-payments of principal are made to the related outstanding term loan. See also Note 8. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the following occurred:

(Amounts in thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2007   $10,698  
Amortization during period   (4,019)  
Balance at December 31, 2008   $6,679  

 

Scheduled amortization, assuming no further cost deferrals or prepayments of principal, is as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)   Estimated
Annual
Amortization
 
2009   $ 3,262    
2010     1,729    
2011     1,067    
2012     621    
Total amortization   $ 6,679    

 

NOTE 7: ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consisted of the following:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Salaries, wages and related withholdings   $ 22,923     $ 26,455    
Accrued interest     6,908       7,205    
Employee benefits     5,526       4,467    
Advertising     4,530       2,985    
Accrued customer incentive programs     4,684       4,261    
Product liability     2,820       3,506    
Unrealized loss on foreign currency hedges     1,837          
Accrued professional services fees     1,795       1,605    
Accrued taxes     785       1,550    
Other     3,427       5,413    
Total accrued expenses   $ 55,235     $ 57,447    

 

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NOTE 8: DEBT AND FINANCING AGREEMENTS

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Revolving credit facility borrowings   $ 30,750          
Term loans     119,770     $ 122,000    
87/8% Senior subordinated notes     175,000       175,000    
Total debt     325,520       297,000    
Less current maturities     (31,981 )     (1,242 )  
Total long-term debt   $ 293,539     $ 295,758    

 

Minimum principal payments required are as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)   Payments  
2009   $ 31,981    
2010     118,539    
2011        
2012     175,000    
Total debt   $ 325,520    

 

The weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt as of December 31, 2008 was 6.42%.

87/8% Senior Subordinated Notes. The Company has one registered debt security, the 87/8% senior subordinated notes. The interest rate on these notes is fixed until their maturity on August 1, 2012. These notes are s ubject to redemption at any time at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at redemption prices of 104.438% through July 31, 2009; 102.219% from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010; and at 100% on August 1, 2010 and thereafter. These notes are issued by the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc. and are fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed by the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries ("guarantor subsidiaries") other than Blount, Inc. All guarantor subsidiaries of these 87/8% senior subordinated notes are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company. While the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries guarantee these 87/8% senior subordinated notes, none of Blount's existing foreign subsidiaries ("non-guarantor subsidiaries") guarantee these notes. See also Note 19.

Senior Credit Facilities. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc., first entered into a credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent on May 15, 2003. The agreement was amended and restated on August 9, 2004, and has had several subsequent amendments. The senior credit facilities consist of a term loan facility and a revolving credit facility.

2006 Amendment to Credit Facilities. On March 23, 2006, the Company amended certain terms of the senior credit facilities. This amendment included the following changes:

<  Maximum availability under the revolving credit facility was increased from $100.0 million to $150.0 million;

<  Interest rates were reduced by 0.75% for the term loans and 1.00% for the revolving credit facility;

<  Certain financial covenants were modified, including increases to the amounts that may be paid for acquisitions, dividends and repurchase of Company stock, as well as modifications to certain financial ratio requirements; and

<  The Company incurred fees and third party costs of $0.7 million related to the amendment.

Immediately following the amendment, the Company completed the following transactions:

<  $82.1 million was borrowed under the revolving credit facility;

<  The total principal balance of $4.6 million was paid off on a Canadian term loan, and that loan was cancelled; and

<  $77.5 million in principal was paid against the term loans, leaving a balance of $150.0 million outstanding.

2007 Amendment to Credit Facilities. On November 5, 2007, the Company amended certain terms of the senior credit facilities. No changes were made to the interest rates, principal amounts, maturity dates or payment schedules of the debt or to the availability of credit under the agreement. This amendment included the following changes:

<  The agreement was modified to allow the Company to sell its Forestry Division on the same day as the effective date of the amendment;

<  Certain covenants, terms and conditions were modified in the credit agreement, including an increased allowance for acquisitions, reduced reporting requirements and a reduction in the required senior leverage ratio; and

<  The Company incurred fees and third party costs of $0.7 million related to the amendment.

The revolving credit facility provides for total available borrowings up to $150.0 million, reduced by outstanding letters of credit and further restricted by a specific leverage ratio and first lien credit facilities leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $115.2 million under the terms of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%, or at the prime rate, depending on the type of loan, and matures on August 9, 2009. Interest is payable monthly in arrears on any prime rate borrowing and at the individual maturity dates for any LIBOR-based borrowing. Any outstanding principal is due in its entirety on the maturity date.

The term loan facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.75%, or at the prime rate, depending on the type of loan, and matures on August 9, 2010. The term loan facility requires quarterly payments of $0.3 million, with a final payment of $117.6 million due on the maturity date.

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Once repaid, principal under the term loan facility may not be re-borrowed by the Company.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities contain financial covenant calculations relating to maximum capital expenditures, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio and maximum first lien credit facilities leverage ratio. In addition, there are covenants and restrictions relating to, among other categories, investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, dividends on our stock and the sale of stock or assets. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2008.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities may be prepaid at any time. There can also be additional mandatory repayment requirements related to the sale of Company assets, the issuance of stock under certain circumstances or upon the Company's annual generation of excess cash flow, as determined under the credit agreement.

Blount International, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries other than Blount, Inc. guarantee Blount, Inc.'s obligations under the senior credit facilities. The obligations under the senior credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Blount, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of all of Blount, Inc.'s capital stock held by Blount International, Inc. and all of the stock of domestic subsidiaries held by Blount, Inc. Blount, Inc. has also pledged 65% of the stock of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

NOTE 9: INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes was as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Current  
Federal   $ 10,717     $ 15,155     $ 1,609    
State     (6 )     1,436       1,747    
Foreign     9,797       1,511       7,520    
Deferred  
Federal     3,081       11,711       10,100    
State     794       1,891       1,844    
Foreign     17       (594 )     1,080    
Provision for income taxes     24,400       31,110       23,900    
The provision (benefit) is reported as follows:  
Continuing operations     24,745       16,030       13,746    
Discontinued operations     (345 )     15,080       10,154    
Provision for income taxes   $ 24,400     $ 31,110     $ 23,900    

 

The Company also recorded the following deferred tax amounts directly to the components of stockholders' equity (deficit):

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Pension liability
adjustment
  $ 17,286     $ (2,896 )   $ 9,319    
Change in unrealized
losses/gains
    246       785       91    
Stock options exercised     463       114       747    

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Income before income taxes:  
Domestic   $ 34,506     $ 33,943     $ 13,481    
Foreign     29,082       14,230       32,910    
Total   $ 63,588     $ 48,173     $ 46,391    

 

A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes was as follows:

    % of income (loss) before tax  
    2008   2007   2006  
Statutory tax rate     35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %  
Impact of earnings of
foreign operations
    (0.6 )     (8.4 )     (6.1 )  
Repatriation of foreign earnings     2.3       1.3       1.4    
Federal and state research tax credits     (0.7 )     (0.2 )     (0.3 )  
State income taxes, net of
federal tax benefit
    1.0       3.8       4.2    
Permanent differences     1.3       (0.9 )     (10.6 )  
Change in estimated contingencies     2.0       2.3       7.6    
Other     (1.4 )     1.1       (0.5 )  
Effective income tax rate
before valuation allowance
    38.9       34.0       30.7    
Valuation allowance           (0.7 )     (1.1 )  
Effective income tax rate after
valuation allowance
    38.9 %     33.3 %     29.6 %  

 

The effective income tax rate increased from 33.3% in 2007 to 38.9% in 2008 primarily due to taxable foreign currency gains at foreign subsidiaries driven by the stronger U.S. Dollar. The Company also experienced a significant shift in the relative proportion of pre-tax income earned in foreign locations compared to domestic locations. These increases were partially offset by a lower state effective income tax rate. The effective income tax rate increased in 2007 to 33.3%, from 29.6% in 2006, primarily due to the discontinued special deduction for U.S. export sales, partially offset by the domestic activities production deduction. The effective income tax rate

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
45



in 2006 was 29.6%, reflecting benefits derived from an adjustment to the tax rate applied to deferred tax items, partially offset by increases in estimated contingencies.

The components of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) applicable to temporary differences at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Deferred tax assets:  
Employee benefits and compensation   $ 38,358     $ 22,547    
Other accrued expenses     6,077       4,282    
Net operating loss, capital loss
and credit carryforwards
    2,854       3,158    
Other     437          
Foreign     1,374       2,138    
Gross deferred tax assets     49,100       32,125    
Less valuation allowance     (2,348 )     (2,318 )  
Deferred tax assets net of
valuation allowance
    46,752       29,807    
Deferred tax liabilities:  
Property, plant and equipment
and intangible asset basis differences
    (19,580 )     (8,603 )  
Foreign     (2,720 )     (533 )  
Other           (819 )  
Total deferred tax liabilities     (22,300 )     (9,955 )  
Net deferred tax asset   $ 24,450     $ 19,852    

 

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had no remaining U.S. NOL carryforwards but had state NOL carryforwards estimated at $23.6 million that expire at various dates from 2011 through 2024. Additionally, the Company has a foreign tax credit carryforward of approximately $1.7 million that expires in 2010. The Company also has state research and other tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.2 million that expire at various dates from 2009 through 2021.

The Company had recorded valuation allowances of $2.3 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, pertaining to certain tax credit and state NOL carryforwards, which are not expected to be realized before they expire.

U.S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries. Management's intention is to reinvest these earnings indefinitely. As of December 31, 2008, undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries were approximately $126.5 million. Repatriation of foreign earnings in 2008, 2007 and 2006 pertained to current earnings of one foreign subsidiary.

The periods from 2001 through 2007 remain open for review by the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service is currently examining our U.S. income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2005. In 2005, the Company entered into a Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement ("BAPA") negotiation with the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") and the Internal Revenue Service. This negotiation, now expected to take an additional six to twelve months to complete, is intended to eliminate taxation of the same profits by both governments. The Company is pursuing the BAPA in order to bring certainty with respect to transfer pricing between the U.S. and Canada. The BAPA agreement will cover the years 2002 through 2011. For this reason, the Company released its reserve for contingency related to this matter in 2004.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 28,024     $ 27,264    
Increases (decreases) for tax
positions taken during a prior period
    566       (1,890 )  
Increases for tax positions taken
during the current period
          2,650    
Settlements              
Statute of limitations expirations              
Balance at end of period   $ 28,590     $ 28,024    

 

Unrecognized tax benefits are included in other assets and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had recorded $3.2 million and $2.5 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, respectively.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company's effective tax rate if recognized is $12.6 million as of December 31, 2008 and $12.0 million as of December 31, 2007. It is reasonably possible that unrecognized tax benefits could change significantly during 2009. The Company estimates that up to $0.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits could reverse during 2009.

NOTE 10: RETIREMENT PLANS

Funded Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees in the U.S., Canada and Belgium. The changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of these plans for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

    Pension Benefits  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Change in benefit obligations:  
Projected benefit obligations at
beginning of year
  $ (184,024 )   $ (177,699 )  
Service cost     (3,767 )     (3,694 )  
Interest cost     (10,618 )     (10,085 )  
Actuarial gains (losses)     17,517       (1,764 )  
Benefits and plan expenses paid     9,329       9,424    
Divestitures           (206 )  
Projected benefit obligations at
end of year
  $ (171,563 )   $ (184,024 )  

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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    Pension Benefits  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Change in plan assets:  
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year
  $ 176,849     $ 148,177    
Actual return on plan assets     (47,529 )     18,478    
Company contributions     3,115       19,618    
Benefits and plan expenses paid     (9,329 )     (9,424 )  
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year
    123,106       176,849    
Net funded status at end of year   $ (48,457 )   $ (7,175 )  
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:  
Non-current assets         $ 2,284    
Non-current liabilities   $ (48,457 )     (9,459 )  
Net liability recognized in
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  $ (48,457 )   $ (7,175 )  

 

The accumulated benefit obligations for the above defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007 totaled $160.2 million and $163.4 million, respectively.

The projected benefit payments for these plans over the next ten years are estimated as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)   Estimated
Benefit
Payments
 
2009   $ 8,012    
2010     8,499    
2011     9,794    
2012     9,658    
2013     9,556    
2014 – 2018     62,455    
Total estimated benefit payments over next ten years   $ 107,974    

 

The Company expects to contribute approximately $12 million to $14 million to its funded pension plans in 2009.

Domestic Benefit Plans

The Company recorded pension curtailment charges of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in discontinued operations in 2007 and 2006, representing the portion of unamortized prior service cost related to the former employees of the discontinued operations.

As of December 31, 2006, the Company implemented a redesign of its U.S. defined benefit pension plan and the associated nonqualified plan. As of January 1, 2007, employees who were participants in the plans on that date ceased accruing benefits and new employees are not eligible to participate. All retirement benefits accrued up to the time of the freeze were preserved. Accordingly, the Company recorded a pension curtailment charge of $3.2 million in 2006 that represented the immediate recognition of the unamortized prior service cost for U.S. employees. The Company also incurred a total of approximately $0.5 million for related fees and costs associated with the changes to its retirement plans.

Unfunded Supplemental Non-Qualified Plans

The Company sponsors various supplemental non-qualified retirement plans covering certain employees and former employees in the U.S. The changes in benefit obligations and funded status of these plans for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

    Unfunded
Retirement Plans
 
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Change in Benefit Obligations:  
Projected benefit obligations at
beginning of year
  $ (5,314 )   $ (5,448 )  
Service cost           (67 )  
Interest cost     (327 )     (310 )  
Actuarial gains (losses)     (290 )     47    
Benefits and plan expenses paid     483       464    
Recognized loss due to special
termination benefits
    (392 )        
Projected benefit obligations at
end of year
    (5,840 )     (5,314 )  
Net funded status at end of year   $ (5,840 )   $ (5,314 )  
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:  
Current liabilities   $ (526 )   $ (450 )  
Non-current liabilities     (5,314 )     (4,864 )  
Net liability recognized in
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  $ (5,840 )   $ (5,314 )  

 

The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension plans in accordance with FAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions ("FAS No. 87") and FAS No. 158. FAS No. 158 was effective December 31, 2006 and requires the recognition of the funded status of the pension benefit plans in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The implementation of FAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006 resulted in an $8.5 million charge to accumulated other comprehensive income. The net obligation for the Company's pension plans is included in employee benefit obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income

The components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income and the weighted average

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
47



assumptions used in accounting for funded and unfunded pension benefits follow:

    Pension Benefits
Year Ended December 31,
 
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Components of net periodic benefit cost:  
Service cost   $ 3,767     $ 3,761     $ 6,629    
Interest cost     10,945       10,395       10,315    
Expected return on plan assets     (14,074 )     (13,297 )     (11,776 )  
Amortization of actuarial losses     1,103       1,411       2,398    
Amortization of prior
service cost
    (6 )     (10 )     195    
Recognized loss due to special
termination benefits
    392                
Net curtailment loss, including
discontinued operations
          206       3,570    
Total net periodic
benefit cost
  $ 2,127     $ 2,466     $ 11,331    
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:  
Actuarial (gains) losses   $ 45,158     $ (5,909 )   $ 34,613    
Prior service cost     6       10       (46 )  
Total recognized in
accumulated other
comprehensive loss
  $ 45,164     $ (5,899 )   $ 34,567    
Weighted average assumptions:  
Discount rate used to
determine net periodic
benefit cost
    6.1 %     5.7 %     5.5 %  
Discount rate used to
determine year end
benefit obligations
    6.1 %     6.0 %     5.7 %  
Expected return on plan
assets used to determine
net periodic benefit cost
    8.3 %     8.5 %     8.9 %  
Rate of compensation increase     3.5 %     3.5 %     3.5 %  

 

The Company annually evaluates and selects the discount rates to be used for its pension plans. Consideration is given to relevant indices for high quality fixed rate debt securities, as well as comparable rates for high quality corporate bonds with terms comparable to the projected cash flows for the respective plans, as of the measurement date. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was chosen from the range of likely results of compound average annual returns based on the current investment policies. The expected return and volatility for each asset class was based on historical equity, bond and cash returns over a twenty year time horizon, based on repetitive modeling of outcomes using an extended period of historical actual results. While this approach gives appropriate consideration to recent fund performance and historical returns, the assumption is primarily a long-term, prospective rate.

The Company maintains target allocation percentages among various asset classes based on investment policies established for these plans. The target allocation is designed to achieve long-term objectives of return, while mitigating downside risk and considering expected cash flows. The weighted average target allocation for 2008 was equity securities 56% and debt securities 44%. The weighted average target allocation for 2007 was equity securities 62%, debt securities 37% and other 1%. The weighted average target allocation for 2006 was equity securities 64%, debt securities 35% and other 1%.

The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2009 are actuarial losses of $4.9 million and prior service costs of $6 thousand.

Defined Contribution Plan

The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the "401(k) Plan") covering substantially all U.S. employees and matches a portion of employee contributions. The 401(k) Plan was amended in August, 2006 to provide an additional annual Company contribution, effective January 1, 2007, of 3%, 4% or 5% of base compensation, depending upon the participant's years of service. The new contributions are made whether or not the employee contributes to the plan. Total expense recognized for the 401(k) Plan was $2.7 million in 2006, $4.9 million in 2007 and $5.2 million in 2008.

NOTE 11: OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors various unfunded supplemental retirement and post-retirement medical programs covering many of its current and former employees. The changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of these plans for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, were as follows:

    Other Post-Retirement
Benefits
 
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Change in benefit obligations:  
Projected benefit obligations at
beginning of year
  $ (35,976 )   $ (33,805 )  
Service cost     (253 )     (358 )  
Interest cost     (2,155 )     (2,082 )  
Participant contributions     (1,992 )     (1,295 )  
Actuarial gains (losses)     (1,464 )     (5,019 )  
Benefits and plan expenses paid     3,769       4,184    
Divestitures           2,399    
Projected benefit obligations at
end of year
  $ (38,071 )   $ (35,976 )  

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
48



    Other Post-Retirement
Benefits
 
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Change in plan assets:  
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year
        $ 111    
Actual return on plan assets           1    
Company contributions   $ 1,776       2,776    
Participant contributions     1,992       1,295    
Benefits and plan expenses paid     (3,768 )     (4,183 )  
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year
             
Net funded status at end of year   $ (38,071 )   $ (35,976 )  
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:  
Current liabilities   $ (2,801 )   $ (2,779 )  
Non-current liabilities     (35,270 )     (33,197 )  
Net liability recognized in
consolidated balance sheets
  $ (38,071 )   $ (35,976 )  

 

The projected benefit payments for these plans, net of the estimated Medicare Part D subsidy expected to be received by the Company, over the next ten years are estimated as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)   Estimated
Gross
Benefit
Payments
  Estimated
Medicare
Part D
Subsidy
  Estimated
Net Benefit
Payments
 
2009   $ 3,167     $ 286     $ 2,881    
2010     3,209       309       2,900    
2011     3,220       329       2,891    
2012     3,202       349       2,853    
2013     3,174       361       2,813    
2014 – 2018     15,344       1,909       13,435    
Total estimated
benefit payments
over next ten years
  $ 31,316     $ 3,543     $ 27,773    

 

The Company expects to meet funding requirements for its unfunded post-retirement medical and other benefit plans on a pay-as-you-go basis during 2009.

The Company accounts for post-retirement medical plans in accordance with FAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("FAS No. 106") and FAS No. 158. The Company adopted FAS No. 158 effective December 31, 2006. FAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the funded status of other post-retirement benefit plans in the Company's statement of financial position. The implementation of FAS No. 158 on December 31, 2006 resulted in a $3.8 million charge to accumulated other comprehensive loss. The obligation for the other post-retirement benefit plans is reported in employee benefit obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Periodic Benefit Costs and Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss and the weighted average assumptions used in accounting for other post-retirement benefits follow:

    Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Year Ended December 31,
 
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Components of net periodic benefit cost:  
Service cost   $ 253     $ 358     $ 376    
Interest cost     2,154       2,082       1,840    
Expected return on plan assets                 (16 )  
Amortization of actuarial losses     831       932       742    
Amortization of prior
service cost
    7       8       9    
Curtailment cost           3          
Total net periodic
benefit cost
  $ 3,245     $ 3,383     $ 2,951    
Amount recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive loss:
 
Actuarial losses   $ 627     $ 1,675     $ 10,843    
Prior service cost                 18    
Total recognized in
accumulated other
comprehensive loss
  $ 627     $ 1,675     $ 10,861    
Weighted average assumptions:  
Discount rate used to
determine net periodic
benefit cost
    6.3 %     5.8 %     5.5 %  
Discount rate used to
determine year end
benefit obligations
    5.8 %     6.3 %     5.8 %  
Expected return on plan assets     n/a       2.0 %     9.0 %  

 

The amount in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2009 is $1.0 million in actuarial losses.

The Company annually evaluates and selects the discount rates to be used for these plans. Consideration is given to relevant indices for high quality fixed rate debt securities and to specific debt securities with maturity dates similar to the expected timing of cash outflows for the plans as of the measurement date. The annual rate of increase in the cost of health care benefits was assumed to be 9% in 2006, 8% in 2007, 10% in 2008, 9% in 2009, 8% in 2010, 7% in 2011, 6% in 2012 and 5% thereafter. A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have had the following effects for 2008:

(Amounts in thousands)   1% Increase   1% Decrease  
Effect on service and
interest cost components
  $ 239     $ (198 )  
Effect on other post-retirement
benefit obligations
    3,035       (2,555 )  

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
49



NOTE 12: COMMITMENTS

The Company leases office space and equipment under operating leases expiring in one to 15 years. Most leases include renewal options and some contain purchase options and escalation clauses. Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2008, are as follows: 2009: $2.9 million; 2010: $3.1 million; 2011: $2.5 million; 2012: $2.3 million; 2013: $1.5 million; 2014 and beyond: $12.5 million. Rentals charged to costs and expenses for continuing operations under cancelable and non-cancelable lease arrangements were $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $2.5 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 the Company did not have any material capital leases.

Guarantees and other commercial commitments include the following:

(Amounts in thousands)   December 31, 2008  
Product warranty   $ 136    
Letters of credit outstanding     4,175    
Other financial guarantees (1)     905    
Total from continuing operations   $ 5,216    

 

(1) Includes $0.2 million of guarantees to third party financing companies under financing arrangements pertaining to our discontinued operations, for which the Company remains contingently liable. These guarantees have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results or cash flows in the past, nor does the Company expect to incur any material charges related to these agreements in the future based on past experience.

In addition to these amounts, the Company also guarantees certain debt of its subsidiaries. See also Notes 8 and 19.

Changes in the warranty reserve were as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 160     $ 3,269     $ 4,888    
Warranty reserve related to
discontinued operations
          (2,496 )     (976 )  
Accrued warranty expense     317       1,536       2,778    
Payments made (in cash or
in-kind)
    (341 )     (2,149 )     (3,421 )  
Balance at end of period   $ 136     $ 160     $ 3,269    

 

The warranty reserve is included in accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The warranty reserve related to the discontinued Forestry Division was assumed by Caterpillar in 2007 as part of the sale of the Forestry Division, and the warranty reserve related to the discontinued Lawnmower segment was assumed by Husqvarna Professional Outdoor Products in 2006 as part of the sale of Dixon Industries. See also Note 3.

Other guarantees and claims arise during the ordinary course of business from relationships with suppliers and customers when we undertake an obligation to guarantee the performance of others if specified triggering events occur. Nonperformance of a contract could trigger an obligation of the Company. In addition, certain guarantees relate to contractual indemnification provisions in connection with transactions involving the purchase or sale of stock or assets. These claims include actions based upon intellectual property, environmental, product liability and other indemnification matters. The ultimate effect on future financial results is not subject to reasonable estimation because considerable uncertainty exists as to the occurrence or, if triggered, final outcome of these claims. However, while the ultimate liabilities resulting from such claims may be potentially significant to results of operations in the period recognize d, management does not anticipate they will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or liquidity. See also Note 13.

NOTE 13: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company reserves for product liability, environmental remediation and other legal matters as management becomes aware of such matters. A portion of these claims or lawsuits may be covered by insurance policies that generally contain both deductible and coverage limits. Management monitors the progress of each legal matter to ensure that the appropriate reserve for its obligation has been recognized and disclosed in the financial statements. Management also monitors trends in case types to determine if there are any specific issues that relate to the Company that may result in additional future exposure on an aggregate basis. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, management believes the Company has appropriately recorded and disclosed all material costs for its obligations in regard to known matters. Management believes that the recoverability of the costs of claims from insurance companies will continue in the futur e. Management periodically assesses these insurance companies to monitor their ability to pay such claims.

The Company was named a potentially liable person ("PLP") by the Washington State Department of Ecology ("WDOE") in connection with the Pasco Sanitary Landfill Site ("Site"). This Site has been monitored by WDOE since 1988. From available records, the Company believes that it sent 26 drums of chromic hydroxide sludge in a non-toxic, trivalent state to the Site. The Company further believes that the Site contains more than 50,000 drums in total and millions of gallons of additional wastes, some potentially highly toxic in nature. Accordingly, based both on volume and on the nature of the waste, the Company believes that it is a de minimis contributor.

The current on-site monitoring program is being conducted and funded by certain PLPs, excluding the Company and several other PLPs, under the supervision of WDOE. During 2007 and 2008, WDOE requested that the participating PLPs conduct further study and prepare a new "scope of work." It is likely that such new scope of

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
50



work, once proposed by the participating PLPs and approved by WDOE, will result in additional work and costs in the future. The Company may or may not be required to contribute to the cost of this new or any subsequent studies or remediation, if any. The Company is unable to estimate such costs, or the likelihood of being assessed any portion thereof. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had accrued $0.1 million for the potential costs of any clean-up at the Site. The Company incurred no costs during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 in connection with the remediation efforts at the Site.

On September 12, 2003, the Company received a General Notice Letter as a Potentially Responsible De Minimis Party from Region IX of the EPA regarding the Operating Industries, Inc. Superfund Site in Monterey Park, California. The notice stated that the EPA would submit an offer to settle and an explanation as to why it believes the Company or a predecessor unit is a de minimis participant at the site. The Company was subsequently informed by the EPA that its report would be delayed, and on September 17, 2004, was notified of further delay in the process. The EPA has indicated that its de minimis settlement offer will be based on volume of waste at a uniform per gallon price among all de minimis parties. The site was operated as a landfill from 1948 to 1984, and received wastes from over 4,000 generators. At the present time, the Company has no knowledge as to which of its units, if any, was involved at the site, or the amounts, if any, that were sent there. However, based upon its current knowledge of the site, and its alleged status as a Potentially Responsible De Minimis Party, the Company does not believe that any settlement or participation in any remediation will have a materially adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows. The Company has received no further notice or explanation from Region IX of the EPA as of December 31, 2008.

With respect to certain proceedings involving Carlton, which the Company acquired on May 2, 2008, the Company has determined that, in 1989, contamination of soil and groundwater by trichloroethylene ("TCE") and other volatile organic compounds ("VOCs") was discovered at Carlton's facility located in Milwaukie, Oregon (the "Carlton Site") in connection with the removal of two underground storage tanks. On November, 19, 1990, Carlton entered into a Consent Order with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ("DEQ"), which was amended in 1996, 1997 and 2000, pursuant to which the Company continues to investigate, remediate and monitor the contamination under the supervision of the DEQ. The Company has accrued an amount based upon the current estimated potential remediation costs of the clean-up at the Carlton Site through the year 2028. Although there can be no assurance that the currently estimated cost and scope of remediat ion will not change in the future due to the imposition of additional remediation obligations by the DEQ, the detection of additional contamination in the future or other later discovered facts, the Company does not believe that any remediation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows.

The Company is a defendant in a number of product liability lawsuits, some of which seek significant or unspecified damages, involving serious personal injuries for which there are retentions or deductible amounts under the Company's insurance policies. Some of these lawsuits arise out of the Company's duty to indemnify certain purchasers of the Company's discontinued operations for lawsuits involving products manufactured prior to the sale of certain of these businesses. In addition, the Company is a party to a number of other suits arising out of the normal course of its business, including suits concerning commercial contracts, employee matters and intellectual property rights. In some instances the Company is the plaintiff, and is seeking recovery of damages. In others, the Company is a defendant against whom damages are being sought. While there can be no assurance as to their ultimate outcome, management does not believe t hese lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows. The Company recognized $0.7 million in other income related to legal settlements in 2006.

The Company accrues, by a charge to income, an amount representing management's best estimate of the undiscounted probable loss related to any matter deemed by management and its counsel as a reasonably probable loss contingency in light of all of the then known circumstances. The Company does not accrue a charge to income for a matter deemed by management and its counsel to be a reasonably possible loss contingency in light of all of the current circumstances.

NOTE 14: CAPITAL STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

The number of shares used in the denominators of the basic and diluted income per share computations was as follows:

Weighted Average Common Shares   Year Ended December 31,  
(In thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Shares for basic income
per share computation –
weighted average common
shares outstanding
    47,510       47,280       47,145    
Dilutive effect of stock
options, stock appreciation
rights and warrants
    620       798       723    
Shares for diluted income
per share computation
    48,130       48,078       47,868    
Options and stock appreciation
rights excluded from
computation as anti-dilutive
    2,113       1,676       1,687    

 

No adjustment was required to reported amounts for inclusion in the numerators of the per share computations.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
51



NOTE 15: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FAS No. 123(R). FAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based compensation to employees, directors and others who perform services for the Company to be valued at fair value on the date of grant and to be expensed over the applicable service period.

Under the Company's 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, options to purchase the Company's common stock, and, by amendment, stock appreciation rights ("SARs") could be granted to employees, directors and other persons who perform services for the Company. Such options could be either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. Options and SARs generally vested in equal installments over a three year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The number of shares that could have been issued under these two plans could not exceed an aggregate of 5,875,000 shares.

On April 25, 2006, the Company's stockholders approved the Blount International, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the 1999 and 2000 plans were replaced at that time. The 2006 Plan provides for substantially similar terms and conditions of stock-based awards to the predecessor plans, but also provides for the use of restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit grants and other forms of equity instruments. The maximum number of shares that may be awarded under the 2006 Plan is 4,236,919, of which 736,919 represent shares that remained unused under the 1999 and 2000 plans that were transferred to the 2006 Plan. The maximum number of incentive stock options that may be issued under the 2006 Plan is 1,750,000. Outstanding stock-based awards issued under the 1999 and 2000 plans remain unaffected by the adoption of the 2006 Plan.

The fair value of options and SARs was estimated on their respective grant dates using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The estimated average life of SARs granted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 was derived from the "simplified" method described in SAB 110. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with the remaining term equal to the average life. The expected volatility factors used are based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock. The expected dividend yield is based on historical information and management estimate. The expense recognized for each stock award is reduced by an estimated forfeiture rate of 5.6%. The estimated forfeiture rate is based on the historical forfeiture rate, and is adjusted to the actual forfeiture rate over the life of the stock awards accounted for under FAS No. 123(R).

The following assumptions were used to estimate fair value of stock options and SARs:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008   2007   2006  
Estimated average lives     6 years       6 years       6 years    
Risk-free interest rate     2.7 %     4.5 %     4.6 %  
Expected volatility     32.4 %     29.1 %-29.5%     26.7 %  
Weighted average volatility     32.4 %     29.3 %     26.7 %  
Dividend yield     0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %  
Weighted average grant date fair value   $ 4.37     $ 4.50     $ 6.09    

 

A summary of stock option and stock-settled SARs activity for the year December 31, 2008 is presented in the following tables:

    Year Ended December 31, 2008  
    Shares
(in 000's)
  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted
Average
Contractual
Life
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in 000's)
 
Outstanding options and SARs at beginning of period     3,322     $ 11.01                
SARs granted     305       11.93                
Options exercised     (136 )     4.43                
Options forfeited     (94 )     15.40                
SARs forfeited     (53 )     14.22                
Outstanding options and SARs at end of period     3,344       11.19       4.8     $ 5,955    
Outstanding options at end of period     2,224       9.71       3.1       5,955    
Outstanding SARs at end of period     1,120       14.13       8.0          
Options exercisable at end of period     2,224       9.71       3.1       5,955    
SARs exercisable at end of period     446       15.64       7.4          

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
52



    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Intrinsic value of options exercised   $ 1,181     $ 436     $ 2,410    
Estimated fair value of options and SARs that vested     1,515       2,310       1,357    
Share-based compensation cost recognized in income     3,269       3,589       3,253    
Total tax benefit related to share-based compensation recognized     1,031       1,168       1,179    
Total amount of cash received from options exercised     606       210       993    
Tax benefit realized from options exercised     463       114       747    
Cash used to settle equity instruments                    

 

As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation cost related to awards not yet recognized was $1.9 million. The weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is one year. The Company's policy upon the exercise of options or SARs has been to issue new shares into the market place.

Under certain conditions, stock options, SARs, restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs") granted by the Company are eligible for continued vesting upon a qualified retirement of the employee. FAS No. 123(R) clarifies that the fair value of such stock-based compensation should be expensed based on an accelerated service period, or immediately, rather than ratably over the vesting period stated in the grant, for employees who are eligible for a qualified retirement prior to the completion of the vesting period. The net effect of applying accelerated amortization of expense recognized for those employees who were eligible or became eligible for a qualified retirement within the vesting period was an increase of $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2007 and an increase of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Restricted Stock Awards. Under the 2006 equity compensation plan, the Company from time to time issues restricted stock and RSUs. The following activity occurred in the periods indicated.

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Restricted stock shares awarded     54       45       35    
RSUs awarded     125       136          
Total fair value of restricted stock and RSUs awarded   $ 2,148     $ 2,138     $ 318    
Total expense recognized for restricted stock and RSUs   $ 1,789     $ 1,715     $ 318    

 

Tax Benefits. The Company has elected to use the transition short-cut method to determine its pool of windfall tax benefits in accordance with FAS No. 123(R). Tax attributes are determined under the tax law ordering method.

NOTE 16: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company identifies operating segments primarily based on management responsibility. The Company has one operating and reportable segment: Outdoor Products. The corporate and other category includes centralized administrative functions and a gear components manufacturing business. See also Note 3 regarding the disposition of the primary operating unit making up the Company's former Industrial and Power Equipment segment, and the disposition of the former Lawnmower segment. Outdoor Products manufactures and markets cutting chain, bars, sprockets and accessories for chainsaw use, concrete-cutting equipment, lawnmower blades and accessories for yard care equipment.

The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Sales:  
Outdoor Products   $ 565,557     $ 486,739     $ 455,009    
Corporate and other     31,478       28,796       32,485    
Total sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 487,494    
Operating income (expense):  
Outdoor Products   $ 102,601     $ 95,932     $ 97,805    
Corporate and other     (15,121 )     (15,232 )     (17,345 )  
Total operating income   $ 87,480     $ 80,700     $ 80,460    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
53



    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Depreciation and amortization:  
Outdoor Products   $ 23,617     $ 16,796     $ 14,212    
Corporate and other     4,946       4,796       4,575    
Total depreciation and amortization   $ 28,563     $ 21,592     $ 18,787    
Capital expenditures:  
Outdoor Products   $ 24,091     $ 17,155     $ 20,630    
Corporate and other     1,967       1,362       1,023    
Total capital expenditures   $ 26,058     $ 18,517     $ 21,653    
Sales by major product line:  
Chainsaw components and accessories   $ 455,485     $ 381,839     $ 360,332    
Outdoor equipment parts and accessories     82,242       74,276       64,856    
All others, less than 10% each     59,308       59,420       62,306    
Total sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 487,494    
Sales by geographic region:  
United States   $ 203,714     $ 185,793     $ 192,322    
European Union     163,601       160,375       143,838    
Brazil     29,792       24,735       20,659    
Russian Federation     30,417       18,426       14,403    
Canada     16,746       17,526       18,199    
All others, less than 5% each     152,765       108,680       98,073    
Total sales   $ 597,035     $ 515,535     $ 487,494    

 

The geographic sales information is by country of destination. One customer, Husqvarna AB, accounted for approximately 14% of sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006. While we expect this business relationship to continue, the loss of this customer could significantly affect our operations. No other single customer represented more than 3.5% of sales in any of the preceding three years.

    December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007  
Identifiable assets:  
Outdoor Products   $ 354,305     $ 316,834    
Corporate and other     145,280       84,163    
Total assets from continuing operations     499,585       400,997    
Discontinued operations     99       10,952    
Total assets   $ 499,684     $ 411,949    
Goodwill:  
Outdoor Products   $ 60,906     $ 43,819    
Corporate and other     5,165       5,165    
Total goodwill   $ 66,071     $ 48,984    
Property, plant and equipment, net:  
United States   $ 69,739     $ 41,673    
Canada     19,384       18,240    
China     17,351       15,310    
Brazil     12,091       11,201    
European Union     654       2,970    
All others, less than 1% each     530       335    
Total property, plant and equipment, net   $ 119,749     $ 89,729    

 

Property, plant and equipment is shown net of accumulated depreciation. The European headquarters land and building is classified as assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008. Each of our business units purchases certain important materials from a limited number of suppliers that meet quality criteria. Although alternative

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
54



sources of supply are available, the sudden elimination of certain suppliers could result in manufacturing delays, a reduction in product quality and a possible loss of sales in the near term.

NOTE 17: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

    Year Ended December 31,  
(Amounts in thousands)   2008   2007   2006  
Interest paid   $ 23,638     $ 31,264     $ 33,044    
Income taxes paid, net     13,189       20,753       9,873    

 

NOTE 18: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CREDIT RISK CONCENTRATION

The Company has manufacturing or distribution operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Russia and the U.S. The Company sells to customers in these locations and other countries throughout the world. At December 31, 2008, approximately 33% of accounts receivable were from customers within the U.S. One customer accounted for 13.2% and 10.3% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, of the accounts receivable balance. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at December 31, 2008 or 2007. Accounts receivable are principally from dealers, distributors, mass merchants, chainsaw manufacturers and other OEMs, and are normally not collateralized.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short term maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of accounts receivable approximates fair value because the maturity period is short and the Company has reduced the carrying amount to the estimated net realizable value with an allowance for doubtful accounts. The carrying amount of the revolving credit facility approximates fair value because the interest rate is variable and the maturity period is relatively short. The fair value of the term loans is determined by reference to prices of recent transactions. The fair value of the fixed rate 87/8% senior subordinated notes is determined by reference to quoted market prices. The carrying amount of other financial instruments approximates fair value because of the short term maturity periods and variable interest rates associated with the instruments.

The estimated fair values of the term loans and 87/8% senior subordinated notes at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented below. See also Note 7.

    2008   2007  
(Amounts in thousands)   Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value   Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value  
Term loans   $ 119,770     $ 107,194     $ 122,000     $ 118,950    
87/8% senior subordinated notes     175,000     $ 159,478       175,000     $ 175,438    

 

Foreign currency exchange rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the U.S. Dollar value of certain balance sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the interest rates available in certain jurisdictions in which the Company holds cash may vary, thereby affecting the return on cash equivalent investments. The Company's practice is to use foreign currency and interest rate swap agreements to manage exposure to foreign currency and interest rate changes. The objective is to minimize earnings volatility resulting from conversion and the re-measurement of foreign currency balance sheet positions to U.S. Dollars. Changes in the fair value of non-derivative instruments are reported in current earnings as a component of interest income and were a gain of $0.4 million in 2008 and a loss of $0.1 million in 2007. There were no such instruments used in 2006.

As of December 31, 2008, approximately 67% of the total accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet were owed to the Company by foreign customers. If the U.S. Dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, as it did during the latter half of 2008, it becomes more costly for these foreign customers to pay their U.S. Dollar balances owed. They may have difficulty in repaying these amounts, and in turn, the Company's bad debts expense may increase.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Hedging. The Company makes regular payments to its wholly-owned subsidiary in Canada, Blount Canada Ltd. ("Blount Canada") for contract manufacturing services performed by Blount Canada on behalf of the Company. The Company is exposed to changes in Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar exchange rates from these transactions, which may adversely affect its results of operations and financial position.

Beginning in October, 2008 the Company began managing a portion of Canadian Dollar exchange rate exposures with derivative financial instruments. These derivatives are zero cost collar option combinations consisting of a purchased call option to buy Canadian Dollars and a written put option to sell Canadian Dollars. Each pair of contracts constituting a collar has the same maturity date in a monthly ladder extending out 12 months. Each month, the Company intends to extend the ladder one more month, on a rolling basis, so that a 12 month rolling hedge is maintained. These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. The effective portion of the gains or losses on these contracts due to changes in fair value is initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into cost of goods sold when the Company settles the hedged payment to Blount Canada. These contracts are highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
55



As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of these open Canadian Dollar contracts was an unrealized pre-tax loss of $1.8 million, included in other comprehensive loss and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2008, none of these contracts matured and no amounts were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also did not recognize any amount from these contracts in earnings due to ineffectiveness. As of December 31, 2008, the aggregate notional amount of these Canadian Dollar contracts outstanding was $51.4 million.

As of December 31, 2008 the fair values of derivatives held by the Company are:

(Amounts in thousands)   Carrying
Value of
Assets
(Liabilities) on
Balance Sheet
  Assets
(Liabilities)
Measured at
Fair Value
  Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
Inputs
Level 1
  Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Level 2
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
 
Derivative financial assets   $ 446     $ 446           $ 446          
Derivative financial liabilities     (1,837 )     (1,837 )           (1,837 )        

 

As specified in FAS No. 157, the framework for measuring fair value is based on independent observable inputs of market data and is based on the following hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2—Significant observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuations for which all significant assumptions are observable.

Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

When developing fair value measurements, it is the Company's policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2008 were measured at fair value using models or other market-accepted valuation methodologies derived from observable market data. These quoted prices are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs including currency rates, market interest rates, time value and volatility factors, as well as other relevant economic measures.

In accordance with SFAS No. 157, the Company includes nonperformance risk in calculating fair value adjustments. The impact of the credit risk adjustments for all outstanding derivatives was immaterial to the fair value calculation at December 31, 2008.

NOTE 19: CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

See Note 8 for a discussion of the Company's guarantor subsidiaries. The following consolidating financial information sets forth condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations, Balance Sheets and of Cash Flows of Blount International, Inc., Blount, Inc., the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Information

(Amounts in thousands)   Blount
International,
Inc.
  Blount,
Inc.
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008  
Sales         $ 436,351     $ 47,470     $ 342,865     $ (229,651 )   $ 597,035    
Cost of sales           312,961       39,068       282,088       (229,854 )     404,263    
Gross profit           123,390       8,402       60,777       203       192,772    
Operating expenses           65,387       4,214       35,691             105,292    
Operating income           58,003       4,188       25,086       203       87,480    
Other, net   $ (16,131 )     (9,399 )     (1,446 )     3,084             (23,892 )  
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before income taxes
    (16,131 )     48,604       2,742       28,170       203       63,588    
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     (6,980 )     20,725       1,186       9,814             24,745    
Income (loss) from continuing operations     (9,151 )     27,879       1,556       18,356       203       38,843    
Loss from discontinued operations           (100 )     (144 )                 (244 )  
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies     47,750       19,971                   (67,721 )        
Net income   $ 38,599     $ 47,750     $ 1,412     $ 18,356     $ (67,518 )   $ 38,599    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
56



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Information — Continued

(Amounts in thousands)   Blount
International,
Inc.
  Blount,
Inc.
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007  
Sales     $375,561   $45,258   $327,975   $ (233,259)   $515,535  
Cost of sales     252,626   37,745   282,272   (232,065)   340,578  
Gross profit     122,935   7,513   45,703   (1,194)   174,957  
Operating expenses     57,912   3,947   32,398     94,257  
Operating income     65,023   3,566   13,305   (1,194)   80,700  
Other, net   $(23,015)   (10,202)   (729)   1,419     (32,527)  
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before income taxes
  (23,015)   54,821   2,837   14,724   (1,194)   48,173  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (7,634)   21,478   1,267   919     16,030  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   (15,381)   33,343   1,570   13,805   (1,194)   32,143  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     11,477   (70)   (693)     10,714  
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies   58,238   13,418       (71,656)    
Net income   $42,857   $58,238   $1,500   $13,112   $(72,850)   $42,857  

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006  
Sales     $347,982   $49,088   $284,634   $(194,210)   $487,494  
Cost of sales     245,617   40,478   220,565   (192,845)   313,815  
Gross profit     102,365   8,610   64,069   (1,365)   173,679  
Operating expenses     60,400   3,653   29,166     93,219  
Operating income     41,965   4,957   34,903   (1,365)   80,460  
Other, net   $(22,818)   (10,703)   (525)   (23)     (34,069)  
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before income taxes
  (22,818)   31,262   4,432   34,880   (1,365)   46,391  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes   (8,671)   11,880   1,666   8,871     13,746  
Income (loss) from continuing operations   (14,147)   19,382   2,766   26,009   (1,365)   32,645  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     5,829   4,479   (407)     9,901  
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies   56,693   31,482       (88,175)    
Net income   $42,546   $56,693   $7,245   $25,602   $(89,540)   $42,546  

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information

(Amounts in thousands)   Blount
International,
Inc.
  Blount,
Inc.
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  
December 31, 2008  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents         $ 185           $ 59,158     $ (1,068 )   $ 58,275    
Accounts receivable, net           47,155     $ 4,367       24,033             75,555    
Intercompany receivables           189,459       77,478       5,022       (271,959 )        
Inventories           58,143       5,568       26,736       (145 )     90,302    
Deferred income taxes           4,729             763             5,492    
Other current assets           9,461       162       5,317             14,940    
Total current assets           309,132       87,575       121,029       (273,172 )     244,564    
Investments in affiliated
companies
  $ 229,389       256,374                   (485,763 )        
Property, plant and
equipment, net
          58,093       11,646       50,010             119,749    
Goodwill and other assets           111,983       11,883       13,509       (2,004 )     135,371    
Total Assets   $ 229,389     $ 735,582     $ 111,104     $ 184,548     $ (760,939 )   $ 499,684    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
57



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information — Continued

(Amounts in thousands)   Blount
International,
Inc.
  Blount,
Inc.
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)  
Current maturities of long-term debt         $ 31,981                       $ 31,981    
Accounts payable           16,358     $ 3,656     $ 9,918     $ (1,068 )     28,864    
Intercompany payables   $ 271,959                         (271,959 )        
Other current liabilities           35,714       3,052       16,967             55,733    
Total current liabilities     271,959       84,053       6,708       26,885       (273,027 )     116,578    
Long-term debt, excluding
current maturities
          293,539                         293,539    
Other liabilities     950       128,601             5,540       (2,004 )     133,087    
Total liabilities     272,909       506,193       6,708       32,425       (275,031 )     543,204    
Stockholders' equity (deficit)     (43,520 )     229,389       104,396       152,123       (485,908 )     (43,520 )  
Total Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
  $ 229,389     $ 735,582     $ 111,104     $ 184,548     $ (760,939 )   $ 499,684    
December 31, 2007  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents         $ 10,512     $ 121     $ 46,956           $ 57,589    
Accounts receivable, net           34,885       4,881       28,052             67,818    
Intercompany receivables           179,631       82,438       4,838     $ (266,907 )        
Inventories           42,107       6,849       22,664       (1,347 )     70,273    
Deferred income taxes           5,137             399             5,536    
Other current assets           8,706       216       7,471             16,393    
Total current assets           280,978       94,505       110,380       (268,254 )     217,609    
Investments in affiliated
companies
  $ 213,950       243,515             248       (457,713 )        
Property, plant and
equipment, net
          31,345       10,330       48,054             89,729    
Goodwill and other assets           82,046       11,893       12,559       (1,887 )     104,611    
Total Assets   $ 213,950     $ 637,884     $ 116,728     $ 171,241     $ (727,854 )   $ 411,949    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)  
Current maturities of long-term debt         $ 1,242                       $ 1,242    
Accounts payable           15,835     $ 3,857     $ 10,107             29,799    
Intercompany payables   $ 266,907                       $ (266,907 )        
Other current liabilities           39,264       3,568       15,148             57,980    
Total current liabilities     266,907       56,341       7,425       25,255       (266,907 )     89,021    
Long-term debt, excluding
current maturities
          295,758                         295,758    
Other liabilities     1,189       71,835             10,179       (1,887 )     81,316    
Total liabilities     268,096       423,934       7,425       35,434       (268,794 )     466,095    
Stockholders' equity (deficit)     (54,146 )     213,950       109,303       135,807       (459,060 )     (54,146 )  
Total Liabilities and
Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
  $ 213,950     $ 637,884     $ 116,728     $ 171,241     $ (727,854 )   $ 411,949    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
58



Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows Information

(Amounts in thousands)   Blount
International,
Inc.
  Blount,
Inc.
  Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008  
Net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities
  $ 6,741     $ 25,243     $ (2,373 )   $ 32,661     $ (1,068 )   $ 61,204    
Proceeds from sale of assets           1,605       16       11             1,632    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment           (13,081 )     (2,227 )     (10,750)             (26,058 )  
Acquisition of Carlton, net of cash acquired           (64,399 )                       (64,399 )  
Discontinued operations           1,725                         1,725    
Net cash used in investing activities           (74,150 )     (2,211 )     (10,739 )           (87,100 )  
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility           30,750                         30,750    
Repayment of long-term debt           (2,230 )                       (2,230 )  
Advances from (to) affiliates     (7,810 )     10,060       4,463       (6,713 )              
Other     1,069                               1,069    
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (6,741 )     38,580       4,463       (6,713 )           29,589    
Effect of exchange rate changes                       (3,007 )           (3,007 )  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           (10,327 )     (121 )     12,202       (1,068 )     686    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period           10,512       121       46,956             57,589    
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $     $ 185     $     $ 59,158     $ (1,068 )   $ 58,275    
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007  
Net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities
  $ 6,875     $ (3,145 )   $ (1,765 )   $ 25,361     $ 1,852     $ 29,178    
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant & equipment
          411       1,623       275             2,309    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment           (10,717 )     (1,496)       (6,304 )           (18,517 )  
Discontinued operations           69,071                         69,071    
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities           58,765       127       (6,029 )           52,863    
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility           (27,000 )                       (27,000 )  
Repayment of long-term debt           (26,875 )                       (26,875 )  
Advances from (to) affiliates     (7,199 )     9,467       1,669       (3,937 )              
Other     324       (700 )                       (376 )  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (6,875 )     (45,108 )     1,669       (3,937 )           (54,251 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes                       2,163             2,163    
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents           10,512       31       17,558       1,852       29,953    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                 90       29,398       (1,852 )     27,636    
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $     $ 10,512     $ 121     $ 46,956     $     $ 57,589    
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006  
Net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities
  $ 6,997     $ 31,265     $ (5,512 )   $ 26,880     $ (1,015 )   $ 58,615    
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant & equipment
          41       1       1,202             1,244    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment           (11,229 )     (1,104 )     (9,320 )           (21,653 )  
Discontinued operations           (919 )     32,322       (503 )           30,900    
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities           (12,107 )     31,219       (8,621 )           10,491    
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility           27,000                         27,000    
Repayment of long-term debt           (79,195 )           (4,653 )           (83,848 )  
Advances from (to) affiliates     (8,737 )     33,694       (25,617 )     660                
Other     1,740       (700 )                       1,040    
Net cash used in financing activities     (6,997 )     (19,201 )     (25,617 )     (3,993 )           (55,808 )  
Effect of exchange rate changes                       1,401             1,401    
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           (43 )     90       15,667       (1,015 )     14,699    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period           43             13,731       (837 )     12,937    
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $     $     $ 90     $ 29,398     $ (1,852 )   $ 27,636    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
59



NOTE 20: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157. FAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S., and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company adopted FAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities on January 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements. As permitted by FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157," the Company elected to defer the adoption of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Pu rposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13" ("FSP No. 157-1"). The Company also adopted FSP No. 157-1 on January 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements. In October 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. FAS 157-3, "Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active" ("FSP No. 157-3"). The Company adopted FSP No. 157-3 on October 1, 2008, with no immediate effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159. FAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company chose not to elect the fair value option for its financial assets and liabilities existing at January 1, 2008 and did not elect the fair value option on financial assets and liabilities transacted subsequent to that date. Therefore, FAS No. 159 has had no effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141(R). FAS No. 141(R) replaces FAS No. 141. The provisions of FAS No. 141(R) are effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The impact of adopting FAS No. 141(R) will depend on the nature, terms and size of any business combinations completed after the effective date. In addition, certain transaction-related expenses that would have been capitalized as part of a transaction under FAS No. 141, will be expensed as incurred under FAS No. 141(R) beginning January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160. FAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements. The provisions of FAS No. 160 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of FAS No. 160 is not anticipated to have a material impact on the financial position and results of operations of the Company.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161. FAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities. The provisions of FAS No. 161 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2009, and will result in expanded disclosures about the Company's derivative instruments and hedging activities.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3. This FASB Staff Position amends the factors that should be considered in developing assumptions used to determine useful lives of recognized intangible assets under FAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". The provisions of FSP No. 142-3 are effective for the Company on January 1, 2009 and earlier adoption is prohibited. The impact of adopting FSP No. 142-3 will depend on the nature, terms and size of any business combinations completed after the effective date.

In December 2008 the FASB issued FSP No. 132(R)-1. This FASB Staff Position amends FASB Statement No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, to provide guidance on an employer's disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The provisions of FSP No. 132(R)-1 will be effective for us in our 2009 Form 10-K, and will result in expanded disclosures in our financial statements.

NOTE 21: PLANNED CLOSURE OF FACILITY AND OTHER RESTRUCTURING ACTIONS

In January 2009, the Company announced its intent to close its manufacturing facility in Milan, Tennessee, during the second quarter of 2009. Products currently manufactured in that facility will be produced in the Company's other manufacturing facilities after the closure. The Company also took actions in early 2009 to reduce the number of employees at certain of its other locations. The Company expects to record charges of between $6.0 million and $7.0 million during the first quarter of 2009 for the costs of the Milan closure and move, including asset disposal and impairment charges, as well as employee severance benefits related to Milan and other locations. The closure and move related to the Milan facility is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2009.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
60



SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

The following tables set forth a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2008 and 2007. Consistent with the reclassifications on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, presented below is the effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows for each of the quarters in 2007 and 2008.

2008 results were as follows:

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)   1st Quarter   2nd Quarter   3rd Quarter   4th Quarter   Total 2008  
Sales   $ 133,207     $ 155,052     $ 175,006     $ 133,770     $ 597,035    
Gross profit     42,478       49,322       56,536       44,436       192,772    
Net income     6,836       10,096       14,750       6,917       38,599    
Net income per share:  
Basic   $ 0.14     $ 0.21     $ 0.31     $ 0.15     $ 0.81    
Diluted     0.14       0.21       0.31       0.14       0.80    
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ (11,939 )   $ 25,212     $ 26,436     $ 21,495     $ 61,204    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     1,086       150       (2,088 )     (2,155 )     (3,007 )  

 

Net income in the fourth quarter of 2008 reflects the year-to-date impact of $1.1 million, after tax, from a change in the effective tax rate compared to the effective tax rate recognized through the third quarter of 2008. In addition, the Company acquired Carlton on May 2, 2008. Accordingly, Carlton's operating results are included in the above results for the second, third and fourth quarters. Pretax purchase accounting effects from the acquisition of Carlton were $1.9 million in the second quarter, $0.9 million in the third quarter and $0.7 million in the fourth quarter.

2007 results were as follows:

(Amounts in thousands except per share data)   1st Quarter   2nd Quarter   3rd Quarter   4th Quarter   Total 2007  
Sales   $ 118,316     $ 135,580     $ 129,853     $ 131,786     $ 515,535    
Gross profit     40,055       46,276       43,926       44,700       174,957    
Net income     4,666       11,182       9,443       17,566       42,857    
Net income per share:  
Basic   $ 0.10     $ 0.24     $ 0.20     $ 0.37     $ 0.91    
Diluted     0.10       0.23       0.20       0.37       0.89    
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ (12,725 )   $ 19,507     $ 5,961     $ 16,435     $ 29,178    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     171       269       976       747       2,163    

 

The fourth quarter includes $4.5 million in severance, impairment and closure costs and a pretax gain of $26.0 million related to the sale of our Forestry Division.

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

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Company management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined under the Exchange Act rules. The Company maintains financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations ("COSO") framework was applied in performing this assessment. Based on this assessment, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures were effective at

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
61



the reasonable assurance level as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Management's report on internal control over financial reporting and the related audit report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are included in Item 8 of this Report.

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the Company's most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
62



PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

See the "Election of Directors", "Executive Officers", "Audit Committee Disclosure" and "Filing Disclosure" sections of our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

See the "Executive Compensation", "Compensation of Directors", "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Employment Contracts" sections of our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

See the "Principal Stockholders" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" sections of our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

See the "Certain Transactions and Other Matters" section of our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which section is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

See the "Ratify the Appointment of Independent Auditors" section of our Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which section is incorporated herein by reference.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
63




PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Page
Reference
 

 

(A)  Certain documents filed as part of Form 10-K

(1)  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     34    
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    35    
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007     36    
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    37    
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    38    
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     39    
Supplementary Data     61    

 

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    68    

 

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not required or because the information is presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(B)  Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

  *2(a)  Agreement and Plan of Merger and Recapitalization, dated as of April 18, 1999, between Blount International, Inc., and Red Dog Acquisition, Corp. (included as Appendix A to the Proxy Statement-Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement) previously filed on July 15, 1999, by Blount International, Inc. (Reg. No. 333-82973).

  *3(a)  Post-Merger Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Blount International, Inc. (included as Exhibit A to the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Recapitalization which is Exhibit 2.1) filed as part of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-82973) previously filed on July 15, 1999, by Blount International, Inc.

  *3(b)  Post-Merger Bylaws of Blount International, Inc. (included as Exhibit B to the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Recapitalization which is Exhibit 2.1) filed as part of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-82973).

  *4(a)  Registration Rights and Stock Transfer Restriction agreement filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141).

  *4(b)  Form of Stock Certificate of New Blount Common Stock filed as part of the Proxy Statement-Prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-82973) filed by Blount International, Inc. on July 15, 1999.

  *4(c)  Registration Right Agreement by and among Blount, Inc., Blount International, Inc., BI Holdings Corp., Benjamin F. Shaw Company, BI. L.L.C., Blount Development Corp., Omark Properties, Inc., Gear Products, Inc., Dixon Industries, Inc., Frederick Manufacturing Corporation, Federal Cartridge Company, Simmons Outdoor Corporation, Mocenplaza Development Corp., CTR Manufacturing, Inc., and Lehman Brothers, Inc. dated as of August 19, 1999, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 1999.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
64



  *4(d)  Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 9, 2004 among Blount Inc., Dixon Industries, Inc., Fabtek Corporation, Frederick Manufacturing Corporation, Gear Products, Inc., Omark Properties, Inc., and Windsor Forestry Tools LLC, as US Borrowers, Blount Canada Ltd., as Canadian Borrower, the other credit parties signatory thereto, as Credit Parties, from time to time, as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and US Lender, and General Electric Capital Canada Inc., as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Lender, GECC Capital Markets Group Inc., as Lead Arranger and Book Runner and BNP PARIBAS, as Syndication Agent, which was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.

  *4(e)  Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 1, 2004 to the Amended and Restated Senior Credit Amendment dated August 9, 2004 among Blount Inc., Dixon Industries, Inc., Fabtek Corporation, Frederick Manufacturing Corporation, Gear Products, Inc., Omark Properties, Inc., and Windsor Forestry Tools LLC, as US Borrowers, Blount Canada Ltd., as Canadian Borrower, the other credit parties signatory thereto, as Credit Parties, from time to time, as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and US Lender, and General Electric Capital Canada Inc., as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Lender, GECC Capital Markets Group Inc., as Lead Arranger and Book Runner and BNP PARIBAS, as Syndication Agent, which was filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the report on Form 8-K filed by Blount International, Inc., on December 3, 2004.

  *4(f)  Third amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Amended and Restated US Security Agreement dated as of March 23, 2006, by and among Blount Inc., Dixon Industries, Inc., Fabtek Corporation, Frederick Manufacturing Corporation, Gear Products, Inc., Omark Properties, Inc., and Windsor Forestry Tools LLC, as US Borrowers, Blount Canada Ltd., as Canadian Borrower, the other credit parties signatory thereto, as Credit Parties, from time to time, as Lenders, General Electric Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent and US Lender, and GE CFS Canada Holding Company, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Lender, which was filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the report on Form 8-K filed by Blount International, Inc., on March 23, 2006.

  *4(g)  Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-114840) with respect to the 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes of Blount, Inc. which are guaranteed by BI, LLC, Omark Properties, Inc., 4520 Corp., Inc., Gear Products, Inc., Dixon Industries, Inc., Frederick Manufacturing Corporation, Fabtek Corporation and Windsor Forestry Tools LLC and 10,000,000 shares of common stock of Blount International, Inc. including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on August 3, 2004.

  *4(h)  Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. No. 333-132024) with respect to 9,248,218 shares of common stock of Blount International, Inc., which became effective May 2, 2006.

  *9(a)  Stockholder Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1999, between Red Dog Acquisition, corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and The Blount Holding Company, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership which was filed as Exhibit 9 to the Form 8-K/A filed April 20, 1999.

  *10(a)  Supplemental Retirement and Disability Plan of Blount, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc., on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1992 (Commission File No. 1-7002).

  *10(b)  Written description of the Blount International, Inc. 2006 Executive Management Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2006, filed as Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement of Blount, International, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held April 25, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-11549).

  *10(c)  Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan of Blount, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit 10(i) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1992 (Commission File No. 1-7002).

  *10(d)  Blount, Inc. Executive Benefit Plans Trust Agreement and Amendment to and Assumption of Blount, Inc. Executive Benefit Plans Trust which were filed as Exhibits 10(x)(i) and 10(x)(ii) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549).

  *10(e)  Blount, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust Agreement and Amendment To Add Assumption of Blount, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust which were filed as Exhibits 10(y)(i) and 10(y)(ii) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549).

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
65



  *10(f)  Blount International, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement of Blount, International, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held April 25, 2006 (Commission File No. 001-11549), and the Amendment to the Blount International, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan dated as of February 23, 2007, as part of exhibits to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-149584), which became effective on March 6, 2008.

  *10(g)  1999 Stock Incentive Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan of Blount International, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-913-90) exhibits, which became effective June 27, 2002.

  *10(h)  The Blount Deferred Compensation Plan which was filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (Commission File No. 001-11549).

  *10(i)  Employee Stockholder Agreement dated as of August 19, 1999, among Blount International, Inc., Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II L.P. and Certain Employee Stockholders.

  *10(j)  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of James S. Osterman dated October 17, 2007, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated October 17, 2007.

  *10(k)  Amendment No. 1, dated November 10, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of James S. Osterman, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated November 10, 2008.

  *10(l)  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Richard H. Irving, III, as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Blount dated July 14, 2008, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated August 8, 2008.

  *10(m)  Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Blount International, Inc. and Calvin E. Jenness dated March 1, 2004 filed as Exhibit 10(u) to Form 10-K dated March 7, 2005.

  *10(n)  Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Kenneth O. Saito dated June 1, 1999.

  *10(o)  Amendment to Employment Agreement between Blount Inc. and Kenneth O. Saito dated August 16, 2002.

  **10(p)  Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Russell L. German dated April 30, 2008.

  **10(q)  Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and James Lee VanderZanden dated October 1, 2002.

  **10(r)  Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Cyrille Benoit Michel dated June 1, 1999.

  *10(s)  Stock Purchase Agreement among Blount International, Inc., Blount, Inc., Carlton Holdings, Inc., The Shareholders of Carlton Holdings, Inc. and Jerry A. Parsons and Richard L. Hawkins, as the Shareholders' Representative dated as of May 2, 2008, filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008.

  *10(t)  Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar Inc. and the Caterpillar Subsidiaries set forth therein and Blount, Inc., Blount International, Inc. and the Blount Subsidiaries set forth therein dated November 5, 2007, filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Form 10-K dated March 13, 2008.

  *14  Code of Ethics for Covered Officers as approved by Audit Committee on February 2, 2004.

  21  A list of the significant subsidiaries of Blount International, Inc. included herein on page 69.

  23  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm included herein on page 69.

  31.1  Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by James O. Osterman, Chief Executive Officer included herein on page 70.

  31.2  Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Calvin E. Jenness Chief Financial Officer included herein on page 71.

  **32.1  Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by James O. Osterman, Chief Executive Officer.

  **32.2  Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Calvin E. Jenness Chief Financial Officer.

* Incorporated by reference

** Filed electronically herewith. Copies of such exhibits may be obtained upon written request from:

Blount International, Inc.
P.O. Box 22127
Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant had duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Dated: March 10, 2009

By: /s/ Calvin E. Jenness
Calvin E. Jenness
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
  /s/ Mark V. Allred
Mark V. Allred
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report is signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Dated: March 10, 2009

/s/   Eliot M. Fried   Lead Director    
    Eliot M. Fried      
/s/   Harold E. Layman   Director    
    Harold E. Layman      
/s/   R. Eugene Cartledge   Director    
    R. Eugene Cartledge      
/s/   James S. Osterman   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director    
    James S. Osterman      
/s/   Joshua L. Collins   Director    
    Joshua L. Collins      
/s/   E. Daniel James   Director    
    E. Daniel James      
/s/   Thomas J. Fruechtel   Director    
    Thomas J. Fruechtel      
/s/   Robert D. Kennedy   Director    
    Robert D. Kennedy      

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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SCHEDULE II

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

(Dollar amounts in millions)  
Column A   Column B   Column C   Column D   Column E  
        Additions          
Description  
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
  Charged
(Credited) to
Cost and
Expenses
  Business
Acquisitions
and
Dispositions
 
(Deductions)
and
Recoveries
 
Balance at
End of
Period
 
Year Ended December 31, 2008:  
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable   $ 2,181     $685   $1,590   $ (656)   $ 3,800    
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets     2,318     30         2,348    
Year Ended December 31, 2007:  
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable     2,545     (428)   (163)   227     2,181    
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets     2,667     (349)         2,318    
Year Ended December 31, 2006:  
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable     2,239     245   (44)   105     2,545    
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets     2,907     (240)         2,667    

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

At December 31, 2008, consolidated, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned Significant Subsidiaries of Blount International, Inc. were deemed as follows:

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY   PLACE OF INCORPORATION  
Blount, Inc.   Delaware  
Blount Canada Ltd.   Canada  
Blount Europe, S.A.   Belgium  
Blount Holdings Ltd.   Canada  
Blount Industrial Ltda   Brazil  
Blount Industries Company Ltd.   China  

 

The names of certain subsidiaries have been omitted because when considered in the aggregate or as a single subsidiary they would not constitute a "Significant Subsidiary" as of December 31, 2008.

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-132024) and Form S-8 (No. 333-149584) of Blount International, Inc. of our report dated March 10, 2009 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
March 10, 2009

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James S. Osterman, certify that:

  1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 of Blount International, Inc.;

  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 the registrant's board of directors:

     (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: March 10, 2009

/s/ James S. Osterman  
James S. Osterman
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
 

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Calvin E. Jenness, certify that:

  1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 of Blount International, Inc.;

  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 the registrant's board of directors:

     (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: March 10, 2009

/s/ Calvin E. Jenness  
Calvin E. Jenness
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
71




The graph below matches Blount International, Inc.'s cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NYSE Composite index, and two customized peer groups of companies that includes the old peer group of eight companies, which are: Actuant Corp., Kaydon Corp., Kennametal Inc, Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc, Regal Beloit Corp., Snap-On Inc, Terex Corp. and The Toro Company; and another new peer group of eight companies which are Briggs & Stratton Corp., Husqvarna AB, Illinois Tool Works Inc, Kennametal Inc, Snap-On Inc, Stanley Works, The Black & Decker Corp. and The Toro Company. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, in each of the peer groups, and the index (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on 12/31/2003 and tracks it through 12/31/2008.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

Among Blount International, Inc., The NYSE Composite Index,
An Old Peer Group and a New Peer Group

* $100 invested on 12/31/03 in stock & index-including reinvestment of dividends.

Fiscal year ending December 31.

    12/03   12/04   12/05   12/06   12/07   12/08  
Blount International, Inc.     100.00       221.35       202.41       171.03       156.42       120.46    
NYSE Composite     100.00       114.97       125.73       151.46       164.89       100.16    
Old Peer Group     100.00       139.87       157.44       224.63       252.53       142.02    
New Peer Group     100.00       123.22       121.56       127.32       140.64       93.37    

 

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
72



EX-10.(P) 2 a09-1227_1ex10dp.htm EX-10.(P)

Exhibit 10.(p)

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 30th day of April, 2008, by and between BLOUNT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and RUSSELL L. GERMAN (“Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to hire Executive and Executive desires to accept such employment; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into an agreement providing for Executive’s employment by the Company and specifying the terms and conditions of such employment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Employment and Term.

 

(a)                                  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment,  as President of the Carlton business group of the Company and shall have such responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (or his designee).  Executive hereby agrees that during the Term of this Agreement he will devote substantially all his working time, attention and energies to the diligent performance of his duties for the Company.  With the consent of the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee), the Executive may serve as a director on the board of directors or trustees of an additional company or educational organization.

 



 

(b)                                 Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be for a rolling, two-year term (the “Term”) commencing on April 30, 2008 (the “Effective Time”), and shall be deemed to extend automatically, without further action by either the Company or Executive, each day for an additional day, such that the remaining term of the Agreement shall continue to be two years; provided, however, that either party may, by written notice to the other, cause this Agreement to cease to extend automatically and, upon such notice, the “Term” of this Agreement shall be the two-year period following the date of such notice and this Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of such Term.

 

2.                                       Compensation and Benefits.  As compensation for Executive’s services during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be paid and receive the compensation and benefits set forth in subsections (a) through (d) below:

 

(a)                                  An annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand One Hundred Fifty and No/100 Dollars ($358,150), prorated for any partial year of employment.  Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to annual review at such time as the Company conducts salary reviews for its executives generally.  Executive’s Base Salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments on a semi-monthly basis, or in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time for executives of the Company.

 

(b)                                 Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Executive Management Annual Incentive Program (“Incentive Program”) and such other annual incentive plans as may be established by the Company from time to time for individuals at Executive’s level.  The Company  will establish individual and financial performance goals each year under the Incentive Program, and Executive’s annual Target Bonus shall be 50% of Base Salary.  The

 

2



 

annual incentive bonus payable under this subsection (b) shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of the Incentive Program at the same time bonuses are paid to other executives, unless Executive elects to defer all or a portion of such bonus pursuant to any deferral plan established by the Company for such purpose.

 

(c)                                  Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) or employee benefit arrangement made generally available by the Company to its executives, including plans providing 401(k) benefits (including the Blount Excess 401(k) Plan), health care (including Exec-U-Care), life insurance, disability and similar benefits.

 

(d)                                 Executive is eligible for vacation in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy.  Executive will be provided a vehicle in accordance with the Company’s automobile policy.  Executive will be provided an annual physical examination and a financial/tax consultant for financial and tax planning.  Executive will be promptly reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs and properly reports in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.  Executive will be paid a tax gross-up amount by the Company to cover any additional federal or state income taxes he incurs as a result of being required to include in income the amount of the costs for, or personal usage of, a vehicle and financial and tax planning.

 

3.                                       Termination.

 

3.1                                 By Company.  The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time during the Term by Notice of Termination (as described in Section 6).  If the Company terminates Executive’s employment under this

 

3



 

Agreement (i) for Cause, as defined in Section 5.2, (ii) if Executive becomes Disabled, or (iii) upon Executive’s death, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of termination; provided, however, that Executive will be entitled to whatever benefits are payable to Executive pursuant to the terms of any health, life insurance, disability, welfare, retirement or other plan or program maintained by the Company in which Executive participates.  If the Company terminates Executive during the Term of this Agreement other than pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 3.1, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits provided in subsections (a) through (d) below.  Unless specified otherwise, the time periods in subsections (a) through (d) below shall be the lesser of (i) the 12-month period (the 24-month period if Executive’s date of termination of employment is within twelve (12) months after the date of a Change in Control, as defined in Section 5.3) commencing on the date of Executive’s termination of employment, or (ii) the time period remaining from the date of Executive’s termination until the date he attains age 65 (such time period under (i) or (ii) is hereinafter referred to as the “Severance Period”).  Except as otherwise provided herein (including Section 3.1(b)), the Company agrees that if Executive’s employment is terminated and he is entitled to compensation and benefits under this Section 3.1, he shall not be required to mitigate damages by seeking other employment, nor shall any compensation or benefit he receives  reduce the amount payable by the Company hereunder.  Executive agrees that the compensation and benefits provided pursuant to Section 3.1 shall be the only severance benefits payable to Executive by the Company and its affiliates as a result of Executive’s termination of employment and Executive hereby waives his rights (if any) to any severance benefits under any other plan or program of the Company and its affiliates.  The compensation and benefits payable

 

4



 

or to be provided under subsections (a) through (d) below shall cease in the event of Executive’s death after termination of employment.

 

(a)                                  Base Salary - Executive will continue to receive his Base Salary as then in effect (subject to withholding of all applicable taxes) for the Severance Period in the same manner as it was being paid as of the date of termination; provided, however, that the salary payments provided for hereunder shall be paid in a single lump sum payment, to be paid not later than 30 days after his termination of employment; provided, further, that the amount of such lump sum payment shall be determined by taking the salary payments to be made and discounting them to their Present Value (as defined in Section 5.8) on the date Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated.

 

(b)                                 Bonuses and Incentives - Executive shall receive bonus payments from the Company for each month of the Severance Period in an amount for each such month equal to one-twelfth of the average of the bonuses earned by him for the two fiscal years in which bonuses were paid (ignoring any fiscal year in which a bonus was not paid) immediately preceding the fiscal year in which such termination occurs.  Any bonus amounts that Executive had previously earned from the Company but which may not yet have been paid as of the date of termination shall be payable on the date such amounts are payable to other executives and Executive’s termination shall not affect the payment of such bonus.  Executive shall also receive a prorated bonus for any uncompleted fiscal year at the date of termination (assuming the Target Award level has been achieved for such year), based upon the number of days that he was employed during such fiscal year.  The bonus amounts determined herein shall be paid in a single lump sum payment, to be paid not later than 30 days after termination of employment;

 

5



 

provided, that the amount of such lump sum payment representing the monthly bonus payments shall be determined by taking the monthly bonus payments to be made and discounting them to their Present Value on the date Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated.

 

(c)                                  Health and Life Insurance Coverage - The health care (including Exec-U-Care) and group term life insurance benefits coverages provided to Executive at his date of termination shall be continued for the Severance Period at the same level and in the same manner as then provided to actively employed executive participants as if his employment under this Agreement had not terminated.  Any additional coverages Executive had at termination, including dependent coverage, will also be continued for such period on the same terms, to the extent permitted by the applicable insurance policies or contracts.  Any costs Executive was paying for such coverages at the time of termination shall be paid by Executive by separate check payable to the Company each month in advance.  If the terms of the life insurance coverage referred to in this subsection (c), or the laws applicable to such life insurance coverage do not permit continued participation by Executive, then the Company will arrange for other life insurance coverage at its expense providing substantially similar benefits.

 

If the terms of the healthcare benefits program referred to in this subsection (c) do not permit continued participation by Executive as required by this subsection or if the healthcare benefits to be provided to Executive and his dependents pursuant to this subsection (c) cannot be provided in a manner such that the benefit payments will continue to be tax-free to Executive and his dependents, then the Company shall (i) pay to Executive within five (5) days after Executive’s date of termination a lump sum amount equal to the monthly rate for COBRA coverage at Executive’s termination date that is then being paid by former active employees for

 

6



 

the level of coverage that applies to Executive and his dependents, minus the amount active employees are then paying for such coverage, multiplied by the number of months in the Severance Period, and (ii) permit Executive and his dependents to elect to participate in the healthcare plan for the length of the Severance Period upon payment of the applicable rate for COBRA coverage during the Severance Period.

 

The benefits provided in this subsection (c) shall cease if Executive obtains other employment and, as a result of such other employment, health care and life insurance benefits are available to Executive.

 

(d)                                 Employee Retirement Plans - To the extent permitted by the applicable plan, Executive will be entitled to continue to participate, consistent with past practices, in all employee retirement and deferred compensation plans maintained by the Company in effect as of his date of termination, including, to the extent such plans are still maintained by the Company, the Blount 401(k) Plan and the Blount Excess 401(k) Plan.  Executive’s participation in such retirement plans shall continue for the Severance Period and the compensation payable to Executive under (a) and (b) above shall be treated (unless otherwise excluded) as compensation under the plan as if it were paid on a monthly basis.  For purposes of the Blount 401(k) Plan and the Blount Excess 401(k) Plan, he will receive an amount equal to the Company’s contributions to the plan, assuming Executive had participated in such plan at the maximum permissible contributions level.  If continued participation in any plan is not permitted by the plan or by applicable law, the Company shall pay to Executive or, if applicable, his beneficiary a supplemental benefit equal to the present value on the date of termination of employment under this Agreement (calculated as provided in the plan) of the excess of (i) the benefit Executive

 

7



 

would have been paid under such plan if he had continued to be covered for the Severance Period (less any amounts Executive would have been required to contribute), over (ii) the benefit actually payable under such plan.  The Company shall pay the Present Value of such additional benefits (if any) in a lump sum within 30 days of Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(e)                                  Effect of Lump Sum Payment.  The lump sum payments under subsections (a) and (b) above shall not alter the amounts Executive is entitled to receive under the benefit plans described in subsections (c) and (d).  Benefits under such plans shall be determined as if Executive had received such payments monthly over the Severance Period.

 

(f)                                    Equity Awards.  As of Executive’s date of termination, the vesting and exercisability of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other equity awards held by Executive, shall be determined in accordance with the agreements for such awards.

 

3.2                                 By Executive.  Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment hereunder at any time by Notice of Termination (as described in Section 6).  If Executive terminates his employment, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of such termination.

 

3.3                                 Release of Claims.  To be entitled to any of the compensation and benefits described above in this Section 3, Executive shall sign a release of claims in the form required by the Company.  No payments shall be made under this Section 3 until such release has been properly executed and delivered to the Company and until the expiration of the revocation period, if any, provided under the release.  If the release is not properly executed by Executive

 

8



 

and delivered to the Company within the reasonable time periods specified in the release, the Company’s obligations under this Section 3 will terminate.

 

3.4                                 Section 409A Compliance.     The Company shall have the authority to delay the commencement of all or a part of the payments to Executive under this Section 3 if Executive is a “key employee” of the Company (as determined by the Company in accordance with procedures established by the Company that are consistent with Section 409A) to a date which is six months after the date of Executive’s termination of employment (and on such date the payments that would otherwise have been made during such six-month period shall be made) to the extent (but only to the extent) such delay is required under the provisions of Section 409A to avoid imposition of additional income and other taxes, provided that the Company and Executive agree to take into account any transitional rules and exemption rules available under Section 409A.

 

3.5                                 Limitation On Payments.

 

(a)                                  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any benefits payable or to be provided to Executive by the Company or its affiliates, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, which are treated as Severance Payments shall be modified or reduced in the manner provided in (b) below to the extent necessary so that the benefits payable or to be provided to Executive under this Agreement that are treated as Severance Payments, as well as any payments or benefits provided outside of this Agreement that are so treated, shall not cause the Company to have paid an Excess Severance Payment.  In computing such amount, the parties shall take into account all provisions of Code Section 280G, and the regulations thereunder, including making appropriate adjustments to such calculation for amounts established to be

 

9



 

Reasonable Compensation.  If Executive becomes entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 3.1 and such payments are considered to be Severance Payments contingent upon a Change in Control, Executive shall be required to mitigate damages (but only with respect to amounts that would be treated as Severance Payments) by reducing the amount of Severance Payments he is entitled to receive by any compensation and benefits he earns from subsequent employment (but shall not be required to seek such employment) during the 12-month period after termination (or such lesser period as he is entitled to extended benefits).

 

(b)                                 In the event that the amount of any Severance Payments which would be payable to or for the benefit of Executive under this Agreement must be modified or reduced to comply with this Section 3.5, Executive shall direct which Severance Payments are to be modified or reduced; provided, however, that no increase in the amount of any payment or change in the timing of the payment shall be made without the consent of the Company.

 

(c)                                  This Section 3.5 shall be interpreted so as to avoid the imposition of excise taxes on Executive under Section 4999 of the Code or the disallowance of a deduction to the Company pursuant to Section 280G(a) of the Code with respect to amounts payable under this Agreement or otherwise.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will any of the provisions of this Section 3.1 create, without the consent of Executive, an obligation on the part of Executive to refund any amount to the Company following payment of such amount.

 

(d)                                 In addition to the limits otherwise provided in this Section 3.5, to the extent permitted by law, Executive may in his sole discretion elect to reduce any payments he may be eligible to receive under this Agreement to prevent the imposition of excise taxes on Executive under Section 4999 of the Code.

 

10



 

4.                                       Confidentiality and Noncompetition.

 

(a)                                  In consideration of the Company’s agreement to employ Executive in an important executive position and to provide Executive with the substantial compensation and benefits hereunder, Executive acknowledges that, during the Term of this Agreement, the Company will furnish to Executive Confidential Information which could be used by Executive on behalf of a competitor of the Company to the Company’s substantial detriment, and  that Executive during the course of his employment with the Company may develop important relationships with customers and others having valuable business relationships with the Company.  In view of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictive covenants contained in this Section are reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and good will.

 

(b)                                 Executive agrees that he shall protect the Company’s Confidential Information and shall not disclose to any Person, or otherwise use, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement, any Confidential Information at any time, including following the termination of his employment with the Company for any reason; provided, however, that Executive may make disclosures required by a valid order or subpoena issued by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, in which event Executive will promptly notify the Company of such order or subpoena to provide the Company an opportunity to protect its interests.  Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(b) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, provided that Executive may after such expiration or termination disclose Confidential Information with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

11



 

(c)                                  Upon the termination or expiration of his employment hereunder, Executive agrees to deliver promptly to the Company all Company files, customer lists, management reports, memoranda, research, Company forms, financial data and reports and other documents supplied to or created by him in connection with his employment hereunder (including all copies of the foregoing) in his possession or control, and all of the Company’s equipment and other materials in his possession or control.  Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(c) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

(d)                                 Upon the termination or expiration of his employment under this Agreement, Executive agrees that for a period of one (1) year from his date of  termination or until the end of the period for which he is entitled to receive compensation under Section 3.1 above, whichever is longer, he shall not (i) enter into or engage in the design, manufacture, marketing or sale of any products similar to those produced or offered by the Company or its affiliates in the areas of North America and Asia (including all of China), either as an individual, partner or joint venturer, or as an employee, agent or salesman, or as an officer, director, or shareholder of a corporation, (ii) divert or attempt to divert any person, concern or entity which is furnished products or services by the Company from doing business with the Company or otherwise change its relationship with the Company, or (iii) solicit, lure or attempt to hire away any of the employees of the Company with whom the Executive interacted directly or indirectly while employed with the Company.

 

(e)                                  Executive agrees that the remedies at law of the Company for any actual or threatened breach by Executive of the covenants in this Section 4 would be inadequate and that the Company shall be entitled to seek specific performance of the covenants in this Section 

 

12



 

4, including entry of an ex-parte , temporary restraining order in state or federal court, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against activities in violation of this Section 4, or both, or other appropriate judicial remedy, writ or order, in addition to any damages and legal expenses which the Company may be legally entitled to recover.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants in this Section 4 shall be construed as agreements independent of any other provision of this or any other agreement between the Company and Executive, and that the existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against the Company, whether predicated upon this Employment Agreement or any other agreement, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of such covenants.

 

(f)                                    Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictive covenants are reasonable and valid in time and scope and in all other respects.  The covenants set forth in this Employment Agreement shall be considered and construed as separate and independent covenants.  Should any part or provision of any covenant be held invalid, void or unenforceable, such invalidity, voidness or unenforceability shall not render invalid, void or unenforceable any other part or provision of this Employment Agreement.  If any portion of the foregoing provisions is found to be invalid or unenforceable because its duration, the territory, the definition of activities or the definition of information covered is considered to be invalid or unreasonable in scope, the invalid or unreasonable term shall be redefined, or a new enforceable term provided, such that the intent of the Company and Executive in agreeing to the provisions of this Employment Agreement will not be impaired and the provision in question shall be enforceable to the fullest extent of the applicable laws.

 

13



 

(g)                                 The parties hereunder agree that it is their intention that the provisions of this Section 4 be enforced in accordance with their terms to the maximum extent possible under applicable law.  The parties further agree that, in the event any tribunal of competent jurisdiction shall find that any provision hereof is not enforceable in accordance with its terms, the tribunal shall reform these covenants such that they shall be enforceable to the maximum extent permissible at law.

 

5.                                       Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

 

5.1                                 Board” or “Board of Directors”.  The Board of Directors of Blount International, Inc.

 

5.2                                 Cause”.  The involuntary termination of Executive by the Company for the following reasons shall constitute a termination for Cause:

 

(a)                                  If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which have been found in an applicable court of law to constitute a felony;

 

(b)                                 If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which are in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) to be in violation of law or of policies of the Company and which result in material damage to the Company;

 

(c)                                  If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts of proven dishonesty by Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in significant gain or personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

 

14



 

(d)                                 Upon the willful and continued failure by the Executive substantially to perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to mental or physical illness not constituting a Disability, as defined herein), after a demand in writing for substantial performance is delivered by the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee), which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) believes that Executive has not substantially performed his duties.

 

With respect to clauses (b), (c) or (d)  above of this Section, Executive shall not be deemed to have been involuntarily terminated for Cause unless and until a notice is delivered to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) setting forth (i) the conduct deemed to qualify as Cause, (ii) reasonable action that would remedy such objectionable conduct, and (iii) a reasonable time (not less than thirty days) within which Executive may take such remedial action, and Executive shall not have taken such specified remedial action within such specified reasonable time.  For purposes of this Agreement, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be deemed to be “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

 

5.3                                 Change in Control”.  For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall mean (a) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), of securities of Blount International, Inc., (“BII”), representing an aggregate of more than 50% of the combined voting power of BII’s then outstanding securities (excluding acquisitions by persons who acquire such amount through inheritance); (b) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of

 

15



 

such period constitute the Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election of each new director was approved in advance by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the period; (c) consummation of (i) a merger, consolidation or other business combination of BII with any other “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of Exchange Act) or affiliate thereof, other than a merger, consolidation or business combination which would result in the outstanding common stock of BII immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into common stock of the surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof) more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of BII, or such surviving entity or parent or affiliate thereof, outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or business combination, or (ii) a plan of complete liquidation of BII or an agreement for the sale or disposition by BII of all or substantially all of BII’s assets; or (d) a sale of more than 50% of the assets of BII.

 

5.4                                 Code”.  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

5.5                                 Confidential Information”.  All technical, business, and other information relating to the business of BII or the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including, without limitation, technical or nontechnical data, formulae, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, and lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers, which (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other Persons, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its

 

16



 

secrecy or confidentiality.  Such information and compilations of information shall be contractually subject to protection under this Agreement whether or not such information constitutes a trade secret and is separately protectable at law or in equity as a trade secret.  Confidential Information does not include confidential business information which does not constitute a trade secret under applicable law two years after any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

5.6                                 Disability” or “Disabled”.  Executive’s inability as a result of physical or mental incapacity to substantially perform Executive’s duties for the Company on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months.

 

5.7                                 Person”.  Any individual, corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

 

5.8                                 Present Value”.  The term “Present Value” on any particular date shall have the same meaning as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.

 

6.                                       Termination Procedures.  During the Term of this Agreement, any purported termination of Executive’s employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one party hereto to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 10.  A Notice of Termination for Cause is required to include the information set forth in Section 5.2.  “Date of Termination,” with respect to any purported termination of Executive’s employment during the Term of this Agreement, shall mean (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death, (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties during such

 

17



 

thirty (30) day period), and (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case of a termination by the Company, shall not be less than thirty (30) days, except in the case of a termination for Cause; and in the case of a termination by the Executive, shall not be less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, respectively, from the date such Notice of Termination is given).

 

7.                                       Contract Non-Assignable.  The parties acknowledge that this Agreement has been entered into due to, among other things, the special skills of Executive, and agree that this Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by Executive, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

8.                                       Successors; Binding Agreement.

 

8.1                                 In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to, or transferor of,  the Company, the Company will require any successor to, or transferor of, all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, liquidation, consolidation or otherwise) to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

 

8.2                                 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees and by the Company’s successors and assigns.  If Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of Executive) if Executive had continued to live, all such

 

18



 

amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of Executive’s estate.

 

9.                                       Other Agents.  Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted as limiting the Company from employing other personnel on such terms and conditions as may be satisfactory to the Company.

 

10.                                 Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered or seven days after mailing if mailed, first class, certified mail, postage prepaid:

 

To the Company:

Blount, Inc.

 

P.O. Box 22127

 

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

ATTN: James Osterman

 

 

 

With a copy to: Richard H. Irving, III

 

Blount, Inc.

 

P.O. Box 22127

 

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

 

To the Executive:

Russell L. German

 

Any party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice thereof to the other party in the same manner provided herein.

 

11.                                 Provisions Severable.  If any provision or covenant, or any part thereof, of this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement,

 

19



 

all of which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

12.                                 Waiver.  Failure of either party to insist, in one or more instances, on performance by the other in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of any right granted in this Agreement or the future performance of any such term or condition or of any other term or condition of this Agreement, unless such waiver is contained in a writing signed by the party making the waiver.

 

13.                                 Indemnification.  During the term of this Agreement and after Executive’s termination for a period of time equal to the Severance Period, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against any claim, loss or cause of action arising from or out of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates or in any other capacity, including any fiduciary capacity, in which Executive serves at the Company’s request, in each case to the maximum extent permitted by law and under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (the “Governing Documents”), provided that in no event shall the protection afforded to Executive hereunder be less than that afforded under the Governing Documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement except for changes mandated by law.  During the Term and for a period of time equal to the Severance Period, Executive shall be covered in accordance with the terms of any policy of directors and officers liability insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit of its officers and directors.

 

14.                                 Amendments and Modifications.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto.

 

15.                                 Governing Law.  The validity and effect of this Agreement shall be governed by

 

20



 

and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

16.                                 Arbitration of Disputes; Expenses.  All claims by Executive for compensation and benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing.  Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to Executive in writing and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon.  The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to Executive for a review of a decision denying a claim and shall further allow Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that Executive’s claim has been denied.  Unless prohibited by applicable law, any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Portland, Oregon and shall proceed in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.  In the event the Executive incurs legal fees and other expenses in seeking to obtain or to enforce any rights or benefits provided by this Agreement and is successful, in whole or in part, in obtaining or enforcing any material rights or benefits through settlement, arbitration or otherwise, the Company shall promptly pay a portion, which reflects the extent to which Executive has been successful in enforcing such material rights or benefits, of Executive’s reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in enforcing this Agreement and the fees of the arbitrator.  Except to the extent provided in the preceding sentence, each party shall pay its own legal fees and other expenses associated with any dispute.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

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EXECUTIVE:

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Russell L. German

 

RUSSELL L. GERMAN

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY:

 

BLOUNT, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James S. Osterman

 

22


EX-10.(Q) 3 a09-1227_1ex10dq.htm EX-10.(Q)

Exhibit 10(q)

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 1st day of October, 2002, by and between BLOUNT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James Lee VanderZanden (“Executive”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into an Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, which Agreement became effective on August 19, 1999 (“Prior Employment Agreement”); and

 

WHEREAS, the parties now desire to modify the Prior Employment Agreement in a number of respects and to restate such agreement as hereinafter provided; and

 

WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions provided herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Employment and Term.

 

(a)                                  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as President of the ICS Group of the Company and shall have such responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. Executive hereby agrees that during the Term of this Agreement he will devote substantially all his working time, attention and energies to the diligent performance of his duties for the Company.

 



 

(b)                                 Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be for a rolling, two-year term (the “Term”) commencing on the Effective Time (as defined in subsection (c) below), and shall be deemed to extend automatically, without further action by either the Company or Executive, each day for an additional day, such that the remaining term of the Agreement shall continue to be two years; provided, however, that either party may, by written notice to the other, cause this Agreement to cease to extend automatically and, upon such notice, the “Term” of this Agreement shall be the two years following the date of such notice and this Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of such Term.

 

(c)                                  This amended and restated Agreement is effective October 1, 2002 (“Effective Time”) and supersedes the Prior Employment Agreement in its entirety and any rights under the Prior Employment Agreement are terminated on the Effective Time.

 

2.                                       Compensation and Benefits.  As compensation for Executive’s services during the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be paid and receive the compensation and benefits set forth in subsections (a) through (e) below:

 

(a)                                  An annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of One Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($150,000.00), prorated for any partial year of employment. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to annual review at such time as the Company conducts salary reviews for its Executives generally. Executive’s Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time.

 

(b)                                 Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Executive Management Annual Incentive Program (“Incentive Program”) and such other annual incentive plans as may be established by the Company from time to time for individuals at Executive’s level.  The

 

2



 

Company will establish individual and financial performance goals each year under the Incentive Program, and Executive’s annual Target Bonus shall be fifty percent (50%) of Base Salary.  The annual incentive bonus payable under this subsection (b) shall be payable as a lump sum at the same time bonuses are paid to other executives, unless Executive elects to defer all or a portion of such bonus pursuant to any deferral plan established by the Company for such purpose.

 

(c)                                  Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) or employee benefit arrangement made generally available by the Company to its Executives, including plans providing retirement, 401 (k) benefits, health care (including Exec-U-Care), life insurance, disability and similar benefits.

 

(d)                                 Executive is eligible for vacation in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy.  Executive will be provided a vehicle in accordance with the Company’s automobile policy.  Executive will be promptly reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs and properly reports in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

3.                                       Termination.

 

3.1                                 Termination.  The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time during the Term by notice to Executive. Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment at any time during the Term by notice to the Company. If the Company terminates Executive’s employment under this Agreement for Cause (as defined in Section 5.2), disability (as determined by the Company), or upon Executive’s death, or if Executive terminates his employment, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of termination; provided, however, that Executive will

 

3



 

be entitled to whatever benefits are payable to Executive pursuant to the terms of any health, life insurance, disability, welfare, retirement or other plan or program maintained by the Company in which Executive participates.  If the Company terminates Executive during the Term of this Agreement other than for Cause (and such termination does not result from Executive’s disability or death), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits provided in subsections (a) through (c) below. Unless specified otherwise, the time periods in subsections (a) through (c) below shall be the lesser of (i) the 12-month period (the twenty-four (24) month period if Executive’s date of termination of employment is on or after the date of a Change in Control, as defined in Section 5.3) commencing on the date of Executive’s termination of employment, or (ii) the time period remaining from the date of Executive’s termination until he attains age 65 (such time period under (i) or (ii) is hereinafter referred to as the “Severance Period”). Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company agrees that if Executive terminates employment and is entitled to compensation and benefits under this Section 3.1, he shall not be required to mitigate damages by seeking other employment, nor shall any amount he earns reduce the amount payable by the Company hereunder. Executive agrees that the compensation and benefits provided pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be the only severance benefits payable to Executive by the Company and its affiliates as a result of Executive’s termination of employment and Executive hereby waives his rights (if any) to any severance benefits under any other plan or program of the Company and its affiliates. The compensation and benefits payable or to be provided under subsections (a) through (c) below shall cease in the event of Executive’s death after termination of employment.

 

(a)                                  Base Salary - - Executive will continue to receive his Base Salary as then in effect (subject to withholding of all applicable taxes) for the Severance Period in the same

 

4



 

manner as it was being paid as of the date of termination; provided, however, that the salary payments provided for hereunder shall be paid in a single lump sum payment, to be paid not later than 30 days after his termination of employment; provided, further, that the amount of such lump sum payment shall be determined by taking the salary payments to be made and discounting them to their Present Value (as defined in Section 5.11) on the date Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated.

 

(b)                                 Bonuses and Incentives - - Executive shall receive bonus payments from the Company for each month of the Severance Period in an amount for each such month equal to one-twelfth of the average of the bonuses earned by him for the two fiscal years in which bonuses were paid immediately preceding the fiscal year in which such termination occurs. Any bonus amounts that Executive had previously earned from the Company but which may not yet have been paid as of the date of termination shall be payable on the date such amounts are payable to other executives and Executive’s termination shall not affect the payment of such bonus. Executive shall also receive a prorated bonus for any uncompleted fiscal year at the date of termination (assuming the Target Award level has been achieved for such year), based upon the number of days that he was employed during such fiscal year.  The bonus amounts determined herein shall be paid in a single lump sum payment, to be paid not later than 30 days after termination of employment; provided, that the amount of such lump sum payment representing the monthly bonus payments shall be determined by taking the monthly bonus payments to be made and discounting them to their Present Value on the date Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated.

 

(c)                                  Health and Life Insurance Coverage - The health care (including Exec-U-Care) and group term life insurance benefits coverage provided to Executive at his date of

 

5



 

termination shall be continued for the Severance Period at the same level and in the same manner as then provided to actively employed executive participants as if his employment under this Agreement had not terminated. Any additional coverages Executive had at termination, including dependent coverage, will also be continued for such period on the same terms, to the extent permitted by the applicable policies or contracts. Any costs Executive was paying for such coverages at the time of termination shall be paid by Executive by separate check payable to the Company each month in advance. If the terms of any benefit plan referred to in this Section, or the laws applicable to such plan, do not permit continued participation by Executive, then the Company will arrange for other coverage at its expense providing substantially similar benefits (including the same deductible and co-payment levels provided under the Company’s policy). The benefits provided in this subsection (c) shall cease if Executive obtains other employment and, as a result of such other employment, health care and life insurance benefits are available to Executive.

 

(d)                                 Effect of Lump Sum Payment.  The lump sum payments under subsections (a) and (b) above shall not alter the amounts Executive is entitled to receive under the benefit plans described in subsections (c) and (d). Benefits under such plans shall be determined as if Executive had received such payments monthly over the Severance Period.

 

(e)                                  Stock Options.  As of Executive’s date of termination, the vesting and exercisability of all outstanding Time Options and Performance Options held by Executive (and any other outstanding stock options granted to Executive by the Company) shall be determined in accordance with the stock option agreements for such options.

 

3.2                                 Release of Claims - - To be entitled to any of the compensation and benefits described above in Section 3.1, Executive shall sign a release of claims in the form required by

 

6



 

the Company. No payments shall be made under Section 3.1 until such release has been properly executed and delivered to the Company and until the expiration of the revocation period, if any, provided under the release. If the release is not properly executed by the Executive and delivered to the Company within the reasonable time periods specified in the release, the Company’s obligations under Section 3.1 will terminate.

 

3.3                                 Sale of Business - - If all or substantially all of the assets of the business unit for which Executive works are sold by the Company and Executive receives a bona fide offer of employment from the purchaser of such assets for a position and with compensation and benefits comparable to those Executive then has with the Company, Executive shall not, as a result of such transaction, be entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 3.1 arising from his termination of employment with the Company. If Executive does not receive such a bona fide offer of employment with comparable compensation and benefits from the purchaser, then the other provisions of this Section 3 shall apply.

 

4.                                       Confidentiality and Noncompetition.

 

(a)                                  Executive acknowledges that, prior to and during the Term of this Agreement, the Company has furnished and will furnish to Executive Confidential Information which could be used by Executive on behalf of a competitor of the Company to the Company’s substantial detriment. Moreover, the parties recognize that Executive during the course of his employment with the Company may develop important relationships with customers and others having valuable business relationships with the Company. In view of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictive covenants contained in this Section are reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and good will.

 

7



 

(b)                                 Executive agrees that he shall protect the Company’s Confidential Information and shall not disclose to any Person, or otherwise use, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement, any Confidential Information at any time, including following the termination of his employment with the Company for any reason; provided, however, that Executive may make disclosures required by a valid order or subpoena issued by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, in which event Executive will promptly notify the Company of such order or subpoena to provide the Company an opportunity to protect its interests. Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(b) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, provided that Executive may after such expiration or termination disclose Confidential Information with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

(c)                                  Upon the termination or expiration of his employment hereunder, Executive agrees to deliver promptly to the Company all Company files, customer lists, management reports, memoranda, research, Company forms, financial data and reports and other documents supplied to or created by him in connection with his employment hereunder (including all copies of the foregoing) in his possession or control, and all of the Company’s equipment and other materials in his possession or control. Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(c) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

(d)                                 Upon the termination or expiration of his employment under this Agreement, Executive agrees that for a period of one (1) year from his date of termination, he shall not (i) enter into or engage in the design, manufacture, marketing or sale of any products similar to those produced or offered by the Company or its affiliates in the area of North America, either as an individual, partner or joint venturer, or as an Executive, agent or salesman,

 

8



 

or as an officer, director, or shareholder of a corporation, (ii) divert or attempt to divert any person, concern or entity which is furnished products or services by the Company from doing business with the Company or otherwise change its relationship with the Company, or (iii) solicit, lure or attempt to hire away any of the Executives of the Company with whom the Executive interacted directly or indirectly while employed with the Company.

 

(e)                                  Executive acknowledges that if he breaches or threatens to breach this Section 4, his actions may cause irreparable harm and damage to the Company which could not be compensated in damages. Accordingly, if Executive breaches or threatens to breach this Section 4, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, in addition to any other rights or remedies of the Company. The existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of Executive’s agreement under this Section 4(e).

 

5.                                       Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

 

5.1                                 Board” or “Board of Directors”.  The Board of Directors of Blount International, Inc.

 

5.2                                 Cause”.  The involuntary termination of Executive by the Company for the following reasons shall constitute a termination for Cause:

 

(a)                                  If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which have been found in an applicable court of law to constitute a felony;

 

(b)                                 If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which are in the good faith judgment of the Company to be in violation of law or of policies of the Company and which result in material damage to the Company;

 

9



 

(c)                                  If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts of proven dishonesty by Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

 

(d)                                 Upon the willful and continued failure by the Executive substantially to perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to mental or physical illness not constituting a disability), after a demand in writing for substantial performance is delivered by the Company.

 

With respect to clauses (b), (c) or (d) above of this Section, Executive shall not be deemed to have been involuntarily terminated for Cause unless and until a notice is delivered to Executive by the Company setting forth (i) the conduct deemed to qualify as Cause, (ii) reasonable action that would remedy such objectionable conduct, and (iii) a reasonable time (not less than thirty days) within which Executive may take such remedial action, and Executive shall not have taken such specified remedial action within such specified reasonable time.

 

5.3                                 Change in Control”.  For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall mean (a) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than any member of the Lehman Group, of securities of Blount International, Inc. representing an aggregate of more than 50% of the combined voting power of Blount International, Inc.’s then outstanding securities (excluding the acquisitions by persons who acquire such amount through inheritance); (b) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election of each new director was approved in advance by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then still in office who were directors at the beginning of the period; (c) consummation of (i) a merger,

 

10



 

consolidation or other business combination of Blount International, Inc. with any other “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of Exchange Act) or affiliate thereof, other than a merger, consolidation or business combination which would result in the outstanding common stock of Blount International, Inc. immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining ouststanding or by being converted into common stock of the surviving entity or a parent or affiliate thereof) more than 50% of the outstanding common stock of the Blount International, Inc. or such surviving entity or partners or affiliate thereof, outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation or business combination, or (ii) a plan of complete liquidation of Blount International, Inc. or an agreement for the sale or disposition by Blount International, Inc. or all or substantially all of Blount International, Inc.’s assets; or (d) a sale of more than 50% of the assets of Blount International, Inc.; provided that none of the events described in clauses (b) through (d) shall be deemed a Change in Control if, immediately following such event, the Lehman Group owns 50% or more of the combined voting power of Blount International, Inc.’s then outstanding securities.

 

5.4                                 Code”.  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

5.5                                 Confidential Information”.  All technical, business, and other information relating to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including, without limitation, technical or nontechnical data, formulae, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, and lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers, which (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other Persons, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its

 

11



 

secrecy or confidentiality. Such information and compilations of information shall be contractually subject to protection under this Agreement whether or not such information constitutes a trade secret and is separately protectable at law or in equity as a trade secret. Confidential Information does not include confidential business information which does not constitute a trade secret under applicable law two years after any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

5.6                                 Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners”.  Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

 

5.7                                 Lehman Group”.  Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners and (i) any Affiliate (as defined in the Employee Stockholder Agreement) of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners, (ii) any Associates (as defined in the Employee Stockholder Agreement) of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners, (iii) the heirs, executors, administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees or beneficiaries of any member of the Lehman Group, and (iv) a trust, the beneficiaries of which, or a corporation or partnership, the stockholders or general or limited partners of which, include only Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners, Affiliates and Associates of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners, their spouses, their lineal descendants and any other members of their families, if, in cases of clauses (ii) through (iv) above, such Person agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of the Employee Stockholder Agreement as a member of the Lehman Group.

 

5.8                                 Person”.  Any individual, corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

 

5.9                                 Present Value”.  The term “Present Value” on any particular date shall have the same meaning as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.

 

12



 

6.                                       Termination Procedures.  During the Term of this Agreement, any purported termination of Executive’s employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one party hereto to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 10. A Notice of Termination for Cause is required to include the information set forth in Section 5.2. “Date of Termination,” with respect to any purported termination of Executive’s employment during the Term of this Agreement, shall mean (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death, (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties during such thirty (30) day period), and (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case of a termination by the Company, shall not be less than thirty (30) days, except in the case of a termination for Cause; and in the case of a termination by the Executive, shall not be less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, respectively, from the date such Notice of Termination is given).

 

7.                                       Contract Non-Assignable.  The parties acknowledge that this Agreement has been entered into due to, among other things, the special skills of Executive, and agree that this Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by Executive, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

8.                                       Successors: Binding Agreement.

 

8.1                                 In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to, or transferor of, the Company, the Company will require any successor to, or transferor of, all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, liquidation, consolidation or otherwise) to expressly assume and agree to perform

 

13



 

this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.

 

8.2                                 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees and by the Company’s successors and assigns. If Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of Executive) if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of Executive’s estate.

 

9.                                       Other Agents.  Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted as limiting the Company from employing other personnel on such terms and conditions as may be satisfactory to the Company.

 

10.                                 Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered or seven days after mailing if mailed, first class, certified mail, postage prepaid:

 

 

To the Company:

Blount International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

P.O. Box 22127

 

 

 

 

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

 

 

 

ATTN: James Osterman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a copy to:

Richard H. Irving, III

 

 

 

 

Blount International, Inc.

 

 

 

 

P.O. Box 22127

 

 

 

 

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Executive:

James Lee VanderZanden

 

 

 

 

Blount, Inc.

 

 

 

 

P.O. Box 22127

 

 

 

 

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

 

 

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Any party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice thereof to the other party in the same manner provided herein.

 

11.                                 Provisions Severable.  If any provision or covenant, or any part thereof, of this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement, all of which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

12.                                 Waiver.  Failure of either party to insist, in one or more instances, on performance by the other in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of any right granted in this Agreement or the future performance of any such term or condition or of any other term or condition of this Agreement, unless such waiver is contained in a writing signed by the party making the waiver.

 

13.                                 Indemnification.  During the term of this Agreement and after Executive’s termination for a period of time equal to the Severance Period, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against any claim, loss or cause of action arising from or out of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates or in any other capacity, including any fiduciary capacity, in which Executive serves at the Company’s request, in each case to the maximum extent permitted by law and under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (the “Governing Documents”), provided that in no event shall the protection afforded to Executive hereunder be less than that afforded under the Governing Documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement except for changes mandated by law. During the Term and for a

 

15



 

period of time equal to the Severance Period, Executive shall be covered in accordance with the terms of any policy of directors and officers liability insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit of its officers and directors.

 

14.                                 Amendments and Modifications: Governing Law.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto. The validity and effect of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ James L. VanderZanden

 

James Lee VanderZanden

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY:

 

BLOUNT, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ James S. Osterman

 

16


EX-10.(R) 4 a09-1227_1ex10dr.htm EX-10.(R)

Exhibit 10.(r)

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 1st day of June, 1999, by and between BLOUNT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Cyrille Benoit Michel (“Executive”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into an agreement providing for Executive’s employment by the Company and specifying the terms and conditions of such employment; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Recapitalization (the “Recapitalization Agreement”) dated April 18, 1999 with Red Dog Acquisition, Corp. (“Newco”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Merchant Banking Partners II L.P. (“LB MBP II”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Recapitalization Agreement, the Company will be recapitalized through a merger with and into Newco, following which substantially all of the outstanding capital stock of the Company will be held by LB MBP II; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company desires to modify any prior employment agreement and restate such agreement in a single document as hereinafter provided; and

 

WHEREAS, Executive desires to continue his employment with the Company on the terms and conditions provided herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Employment and Term.

 

(a)                            Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment, as Vice President,

 



 

Marketing of the OCSD of the Company and shall have such responsibilities, duties and authority as may from time to time be assigned to Executive by the Group President (or his designee), which responsibilities, duties and authority may be altered from time to time. Executive hereby agrees that during the Term of this Agreement he will devote substantially all his working time, attention and energies to the diligent performance of his duties for the Company.  With the consent of the Group President (or his designee), the Executive may serve as a director on the board of directors or trustees of an additional company or educational organization.

 

(b)                           Unless earlier terminated as provided herein, Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be for a rolling, two-year term (the “Term”) commencing on the Effective Time (as defined in the Recapitalization Agreement), and shall be deemed to extend automatically, without further action by either the Company or Executive, each day for an additional day, such that the remaining term of the Agreement shall continue to be two years; provided, however, that either party may, by written notice to the other, cause this Agreement to cease to extend automatically and, upon such notice, the “Term” of this Agreement shall be the two years following the date of such notice and this Agreement shall terminate upon the expiration of such Term.

 

(c)                            The purpose of this Agreement is to amend any prior employment agreement and to provide a single, integrated document which shall provide the basis for Executive’s continued employment by the Company.  This Agreement supersedes any prior employment agreement in its entirety and any rights under any prior employment agreement are terminated on the Effective Time, This Agreement shall not be effective until the Effective Time,

 



 

and this Agreement shall terminate immediately if the Recapitalization Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms prior to the Effective Time.

 

2.                                       Compensation and Benefits.  As compensation for Executive’s services during the initial Term of this Agreement, Executive shall be paid and receive the compensation and benefits set forth in subsections (a) through (e) below:

 

(a)                            An annual base salary (“Base Salary”) of One Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand and 00/00 Dollars ($138,000.00), prorated for any partial year of employment. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to annual review at such time as the Company conducts salary reviews for its executives generally.  Executive’s Base Salary shall be payable in substantially equal installments on a semi-monthly basis, or in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices in effect from time to time for executives of the Company.

 

(b)                           Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Target Incentive Plan and such other annual incentive plans as may be established by the Company from time to time for individuals at Executive’s level.  The Company will establish individual and financial performance goals each year under the incentive plans, and Executive’s annual Target Bonus shall be 40% of Base Salary; the maximum award for exceeding the performance goals (which will be determined in accordance with the current plan design) shall be 80% of Base Salary.  The annual incentive bonus payable under this subsection (b) shall be payable as a lump sum at the same time bonuses are paid to other executives, unless Executive elects to defer all or a portion of such bonus pursuant to any deferral plan established by the Company for such purpose.

 

(c)                            The Company will grant Executive 7,000 options to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock that will vest over time (“Time Options”) and the Company will grant Executive performance-based options for 7,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock

 



 

(“Performance Options”) (the Time Options and the Performance Options are collectively referred to herein as “Options”).  The terms and conditions of the Time Options and the Performance Options shall be as set forth in the separate Option Agreements with Executive covering the grant of such Options.  Executive will be eligible to participate in such other stock option programs as may be established from time to time by the Company for its executives.

 

The other terms and conditions applicable to the Options and any equity purchased by Executive in the Company on or after the Effective Time (“Purchased Equity”), including put and call rights, shall be as provided in the Employee Shareholders Agreement, the terms and conditions of which are described on Schedule A, and to which Executive agrees to be bound.

 

(d)                           Executive shall be entitled to participate in, or receive benefits under, any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) or employee benefit arrangement made generally available by the Company to its executives, including plans providing retirement, 401(k) benefits, health care, life insurance, disability and similar benefits.

 

(e)                            Executive is eligible for vacation in accordance with the Company’s standard vacation policy.  Executive will be provided a vehicle in accordance with the Company’s automobile policy.  Executive will be provided an annual physical examination. Executive will be promptly reimbursed by the Company for all reasonable business expenses Executive incurs and properly reports in carrying out Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Agreement.

 

3.                                       Termination.

 

3.1                                 By Company.  The Company shall have the right to terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement at any time during the Term by Notice of Termination (as

 



 

described in Section 6).  If the Company terminates Executive’s employment under this Agreement (i) for Cause, as defined in Section 5.2, (ii) if Executive becomes Disabled, or (iii) upon Executive’s death, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of termination; provided, however, that Executive will be entitled to whatever benefits are payable to Executive pursuant to the terms of any health, life insurance, disability, welfare, retirement or other plan or program maintained by the Company in which Executive participates. If the Company terminates Executive during the Term of this Agreement other than pursuant to clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 3.1, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits provided in subsections (a) through (c) below.  Unless specified otherwise, the time periods in subsections (a) through (c) below shall be the 12-month period commencing on the date of Executive’s termination of employment (“Severance Period”). Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company agrees that if Executive terminates employment and is entitled to compensation and benefits under this Section 3.1, he shall not be required to mitigate damages by seeking other employment, nor shall any amount he earns reduce the amount payable by the Company hereunder.  Executive agrees that the compensation and benefits provided pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.2 shall be the only severance benefits payable to Executive by the Company and its affiliates as a result of Executive’s termination of employment and Executive hereby waives his rights (if any) to any severance benefits under any other plan or program of the Company and its affiliates.  The compensation and benefits payable or to be provided under subsections (a) through (c) below shall cease in the event of Executive’s death after termination of employment.

 



 

(a)                            Base Salary - Executive will continue to receive his Base Salary as then in effect (subject to withholding of all applicable taxes) for the Severance Period in the same manner as it was being paid as of the date of termination.

 

(b)                           Bonuses and Incentives - Executive shall receive bonus payments from the Company for each month of the Severance Period in an amount for each such month equal to one-twelfth of the average of the bonuses earned by him for the two fiscal years in which bonuses were paid immediately preceding the year in which such termination occurs.  Any bonus amounts that Executive had previously earned from the Company but which may not yet have been paid as of the date of termination shall be payable on the date such amounts are payable to other executives and Executive’s termination shall not affect the payment of such bonus. Executive shall also receive a prorated bonus for any uncompleted fiscal year at the date of termination (assuming the Target Award level has been achieved), based upon the number of days that he was employed during such fiscal year.

 

(c)                            Health and Life Insurance Coverage - The health care and group term life insurance benefits coverage provided to Executive at his date of termination shall be continued for the Severance Period at the same level and in the same manner as then provided to actively employed executive participants as if his employment under this Agreement had not terminated. Any additional coverages Executive had at termination, including dependent coverage, will also be continued for such period on the same terms, to the extent permitted by the applicable policies or contracts.  Any costs Executive was paying for such coverages at the time of termination shall be withheld from the amounts payable under subsection (a) above, or be paid by Executive by separate check payable to the Company each month in advance.  If the terms of any benefit plan referred to in this Section, or the laws applicable to such plan, do not permit continued

 



 

participation by Executive, then the Company will arrange for other coverage at its expense providing substantially similar benefits (including the same deductible and co-payment levels provided under the Company’s policy).  The benefits provided in this subsection (c) shall cease if Executive obtains other employment and, as a result of such other employment, health care and life insurance benefits are available to Executive.

 

(d)                           Lump Sum Payment.  While the Company intends to pay such amounts on a monthly basis, the Company may, in its sole discretion, decide that the salary payments provided for under subsection (a) and/or the bonus payments provided for under subsection (b) shall be paid in a single lump sum payment, to be paid not later than 180 days after Executive’s termination of employment; provided, further, that the amount of any such lump sum payment shall be determined by taking the salary or bonus payments to be made and discounting them to their Present Value (as defined in Section 5.8) on the date the payment to Executive is made.  The lump sum payment under this subsection (d) shall not alter the amounts Executive is entitled to receive under the benefit plans described in subsection (c).  Benefits under such plans shall be determined as if Executive had received such payments over the Severance Period.

 

(e)                            Stock Options.  As of Executive’s date of termination, the vesting and exercisability of all outstanding Time Options and Performance Options held by Executive, (and any other outstanding stock options granted to Executive by the Company) shall be determined in accordance with the stock option agreements for such options.

 

3.2                                 By Executive.  Executive shall have the right to terminate his employment hereunder at any time by Notice of Termination (as described in Section 6).  If Executive terminates his employment other than for Good Reason, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall cease as of the date of such termination.  If Executive terminates his

 



 

employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 5.6), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation and benefits set forth in subsections (a) through (e) of Section 3.1 for the Severance Period, including the nonmitigation and other provisions of such section.

 

3.3                                 Release of Claims.  To be entitled to any of the compensation and benefits described above in this Section 3, Executive shall sign a release of claims in the form required by the Company.  No payments shall be made under this Section 3 until such release has been properly executed and delivered to the Company and until the expiration of the revocation period, if any, provided under the release.  If the release is not properly executed by Executive and delivered to the Company within the reasonable time periods specified in the release, the Company’s obligations under this Section 3 will terminate.

 

3.4                                 Sale of Business.  If all or substantially all of the assets of the business unit for which Executive works are sold by the Company and Executive receives a bona fide offer of employment from the purchaser of such assets for a position and with compensation and benefits comparable to those Executive then has with the Company, Executive shall not, as a result of such transaction, be entitled to compensation and benefits under this Section 3 arising from his termination of employment with the Company, nor shall Executive be entitled to terminate his employment for Good Reason.  If Executive does not receive such a bona fide offer of employment from the purchaser, then the other provisions of this Section 3 shall apply.

 

4.                                       Confidentiality and Noncompetition.

 

(a)                            Executive acknowledges that, prior to and during the Term of this Agreement, the Company has furnished and will furnish to Executive Confidential information which could be used by Executive on behalf of a competitor of the Company to the Company’s substantial detriment.  Moreover, the parties recognize that Executive during the course of his

 



 

employment with the Company may develop important relationships with customers and others having valuable business relationships with the Company.  In view of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that the restrictive covenants contained in this Section are reasonably necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and good will.

 

(b)                           Executive agrees that he shall protect the Company’s Confidential Information and shall not disclose to any Person, or otherwise use, except in connection with his duties performed in accordance with this Agreement, any Confidential Information at any time, including following the termination of his employment with the Company for any reason; provided, however, that Executive may make disclosures required by a valid order or subpoena issued by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, in which event Executive will promptly notify the Company of such order or subpoena to provide the Company an opportunity to protect its interests.  Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(b) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement for any reason, provided that Executive may after such expiration or termination disclose Confidential Information with the prior written consent of the Board.

 

(c)                            Upon the termination or expiration of his employment hereunder, Executive agrees to deliver promptly to the Company all Company files, customer lists, management reports, memoranda, research, Company forms, financial data and reports and other documents supplied to or created by him in connection with his employment hereunder (including all copies of the foregoing) in his possession or control, and all of the Company’s equipment and other materials in his possession or control.  Executive’s obligations under this Section 4(c) shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 



 

(d)                           Upon the termination or expiration of his employment under this Agreement, Executive agrees that for a period of one (1) year from his date of termination or until the end of the period for which he is entitled to receive compensation under Section 3.1 or 3.2 above, whichever is longer, he shall not (i) enter into or engage in the design, manufacture, marketing or sale of any products similar to those produced or offered by the Company or its affiliates in the area of North America, either as an individual, partner or joint venturer, or as an employee, agent or salesman, or as an officer, director, or shareholder of a corporation, (ii) divert or attempt to divert any person, concern or entity which is furnished products or services by the Company from doing business with the Company or otherwise change its relationship with the Company, or (iii) solicit, lure or attempt to hire away any of the employees of the Company with whom the Executive interacted directly or indirectly while employed with the Company.

 

(e)                            Executive acknowledges that if he breaches or threatens to breach this Section 4, his actions may cause irreparable harm and damage to the Company which could not be compensated in damages.  Accordingly, if Executive breaches or threatens to breach this Section 4, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, in addition to any other rights or remedies of the Company.  The existence of any claim or cause of action by Executive against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of Executive’s agreement under this Section 4(e).

 

5.                                       Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

 

5.1                                 Board” or “Board of Directors”.  The Board of Directors of the Company.

 

5.2                                 Cause”.  The involuntary termination of Executive by the Company for the following reasons shall constitute a termination for Cause:

 



 

(a)                            If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which have been found in an applicable court of law to constitute a felony;

 

(b)                           If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts by Executive which are in the good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) to be in violation of law or of policies of the Company and which result in material damage to the Company;

 

(c)                            If the termination shall have been the result of an act or acts of proven dishonesty by Executive resulting or intended to result directly or indirectly in significant gain or personal enrichment to the Executive at the expense of the Company; or

 

(d)                           Upon the willful and continued failure by the Executive substantially to perform his duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to mental or physical illness not constituting a Disability, as defined herein), after a demand in writing for substantial performance is delivered by the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee), which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) believes that Executive has not substantially performed his duties.

 

With respect to clauses (b), (c) or (d) above of this Section, Executive shall not be deemed to have been involuntarily terminated for Cause unless and until a notice is delivered to Executive by the Chief Executive Officer (or his designee) setting forth (i) the conduct deemed to qualify as Cause, (ii) reasonable action that would remedy such objectionable conduct, and (ill) a reasonable time (not less than thirty days) within which Executive may take such remedial action, and Executive shall not have taken such specified remedial action within such specified reasonable time.  For purposes of this Agreement, no act or failure to act by Executive shall be deemed to be “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive not in good faith and

 



 

without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.

 

5.3                                 Code”.  The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

5.4                                 Confidential Information”.  All technical, business, and other information relating to the business of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including, without limitation, technical or nontechnical data, formulae, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans, and lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers, which (i) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other Persons, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy or confidentiality.  Such information and compilations of information shall be contractually subject to protection under this Agreement whether or not such information constitutes a trade secret and is separately protectable at law or in equity as a trade secret. Confidential information does not include confidential business information which does not constitute a trade secret under applicable law two years after any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

5.5                                 Disability or Disabled”.  Executive’s inability as a result of physical or mental incapacity to substantially perform Executive’s duties for the Company on a full-time basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months.

 

5.6                                 Good Reason”.  A “Good Reason” for termination by Executive of Executive’s employment shall mean the occurrence during the Term (without the Executive’s express written consent) of any one of the following acts by the Company, or failures by the Company to act,

 



 

and such act or failure to act has not been corrected within thirty (30) days after written notice of such act or failure to act is given by Executive to the Company;

 

(i)                                     a material adverse change in the nature or status of Executive’s job responsibilities from those set forth in Section 1(a), except in connection with (A) a job change or relocation of Executive that is necessitated by changes in the operation of the business; or (B) a performance-related job change or relocation of Executive that the Company deems necessary to the operation of the business.

 

(ii)                                  a reduction by the Company in Executive’s Base Salary as in effect on the date hereof or as the same may be increased from time to time, except in connection with (A) an across-the-board pay reduction for executives of similar status, or (B) a change described in (i)(A) or (i)(B) above;

 

(iii)                               the failure by the Company to continue to provide Executive with compensation and benefits substantially similar in the aggregate to those enjoyed by Executive on the date hereof under the Company’s retirement, 401(k), incentive compensation, life insurance, health and accident or disability plans, or the taking of any action by the Company which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such compensation or benefits, except in connection with (A) an across-the-board reduction that impacts executives at Executive’s level generally, or (B) a change described in (i)(A) or (i)(B) above;

 

(iv)                              any purported termination of Executive’s employment which is not effected pursuant to a Notice of Termination satisfying the requirements of Section 6 (for purposes of this Agreement, no such purported termination shall be effective).

 

The Executive’s right to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason shall not be affected by the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness.  Unless

 



 

otherwise agreed to by Executive, the Executive’s continued employment shall not constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any act or failure to act constituting Good Reason hereunder.

 

5.7                                 Person.  Any individual, corporation, bank, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity.

 

5.8                                 Present Value”.  The term “Present Value” on any particular date shall have the same meaning as provided in Section 280G(d)(4) of the Code.

 

6.                                       Termination Procedures.  During the Term of this Agreement, any purported termination of Executive’s employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one party hereto to the other party hereto in accordance with Section 10.  A Notice of Termination for Cause is required to include the information set forth in Section 5.2.  “Date of Termination,” with respect to any purported termination of Executive’s employment during the Term of this Agreement, shall mean (i) if Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death, (ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of Executive’s duties during such thirty (30) day period), and (iii) if Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination (which, in the case of a termination by the Company, shall not be less than thirty (30) days, except in the case of a termination for Cause; and in the case of a termination by the Executive, shall not be less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days, respectively, from the date such Notice of Termination is given).

 

7.                                       Contract Non-Assignable.  The parties acknowledge that this Agreement has been entered into due to, among other things, the special skills of Executive, and agree that this

 



 

Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by Executive, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

8.                                       Successors; Binding Agreement.

 

8.1                                 In addition to any obligations imposed by law upon any successor to, or transferor of, the Company, the Company will require any successor to, or transferor of, all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, liquidation, consolidation or otherwise) to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement, in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  Failure of the Company to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall constitute the basis for Executive to terminate the Executive’s employment for Good Reason during the 90-day period after such succession and to receive the compensation and benefits provided in Section 3.1 above.  The provisions of this Section 8.1 shall not apply to transactions covered by Section 3.4.

 

8.2                                 This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees and by the Company’s successors and assigns.  If Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of Executive) if Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of Executive’s estate.

 



 

9.                                       Other Agents.  Nothing in this Agreement is to be interpreted as limiting the Company from employing other personnel on such terms and conditions as may be satisfactory to the Company.

 

10.                                 Notices.  All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered or seven days after mailing if mailed, first class, certified mail, postage prepaid:

 

To the Company:

 

Blount International, Inc.

 

 

4520 Executive Park Drive

 

 

Montgomery, Alabama 36116-1602

 

 

ATTN:

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a copy to: Richard H. Irving, III

 

 

Blount International, Inc.

 

 

4520 Executive Park Drive

 

 

Montgomery, Alabama 36116-1602

 

 

 

To the Executive:

 

Cyrille Benoit Michel

 

 

Blount, Inc.

 

 

Oregon Cutting Systems Division

 

 

4909 B.E. International Way

 

 

Portland, Oregon 97222-4679

 

Any party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be delivered or mailed by giving notice thereof to the other party in the same manner provided herein.

 

11.                                 Provisions Severable.  If any provision or covenant, or any part thereof, of this Agreement should be held by any court to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, either in whole or in part, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or covenants, or any part thereof, of this Agreement, all of which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

12.                                 Waiver.  Failure of either party to insist, in one or more instances, on performance by the other in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall not be

 



 

deemed a waiver or relinquishment of any right granted in this Agreement or the future performance of any such term or condition or of any other term or condition of this Agreement, unless such waiver is contained in a writing signed by the party making the waiver.

 

13.                                 Indemnification.  During the term of this Agreement and after Executive’s termination for a period of time equal to the Severance Period, the Company shall indemnify Executive and hold Executive harmless from and against any claim, loss or cause of action arising from or out of Executive’s performance as an officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or other affiliates or in any other capacity, including any fiduciary capacity, in which Executive serves at the Company’s request, in each case to the maximum extent permitted by law and under the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (the “Governing Documents”), provided that in no event shall the protection afforded to Executive hereunder be less than that afforded under the Governing Documents as in effect on the date of this Agreement except for changes mandated by law.  During the Term and for a period of time equal to the Severance Period, Executive shall be covered in accordance with the terms of any policy of directors and officers liability insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit of its officers and directors.

 

14.                                 Amendments and Modifications.  This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a writing signed by both parties hereto.

 

15.                                 Governing Law.  The validity and effect of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

16.                                 Arbitration of Disputes;  Expenses.  All claims by Executive for compensation and benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing.  Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be

 



 

delivered to Executive in writing and shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial and the specific provisions of this Agreement relied upon.  The Board shall afford a reasonable opportunity to Executive for a review of a decision denying a claim and shall further allow Executive to appeal to the Board a decision of the Board within sixty (60) days after notification by the Board that Executive’s claim has been denied.  Unless prohibited by applicable law, any further dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in a location selected at the discretion of the Company (which shall not be unreasonable, taking into account the business location at which Executive is employed), and shall proceed in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.  In the event the Executive incurs legal fees and other expenses in seeking to obtain or to enforce any rights or benefits provided by this Agreement and is successful, in whole or in part, in obtaining or enforcing any material rights or benefits through settlement, arbitration or otherwise, the Company shall promptly pay Executive’s reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in enforcing this Agreement and the fees of the arbitrator.  Except to the extent provided in the preceding sentence, each party shall pay its own legal fees and other expenses associated with any dispute.

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Cyrille Benoit Michel

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY:

 

 

 

BLOUNT, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 /s/ John M. Panettiere

 


EX-32.1 5 a09-1227_1ex32d1.htm EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James S. Osterman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

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

 

(ii)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the report.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Blount International, Inc. and will be retained by Blount International, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

Date: March 10, 2009

 

 

/s/James S. Osterman

 

James S. Osterman

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

 


EX-32.2 6 a09-1227_1ex32d2.htm EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Calvin E. Jenness, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

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

 

(ii)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the report.

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Blount International, Inc. and will be retained by Blount International, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

Date: March 10, 2009

 

 

/s/ Calvin E. Jenness

 

Calvin E. Jenness

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 


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