10-Q 1 a08-25467_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x                              Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.

 

OR

 

o        Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission file number 001-11549

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

63 0780521

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

4909 SE International Way, Portland, Oregon

 

97222-4679

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(503) 653-8881

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

Yes x

No o

 

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

Yes o

No x

 

 

The number of shares outstanding of $0.01 par value common stock as of October 30, 2008 was 47,608,570 shares.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Index

 

 

 

 

 

Page

Part I

Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Nine months ended September 30, 2008

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

35

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

36

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I       FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Three Months 
Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

175,006

 

$

129,853

 

$

463,265

 

$

383,749

 

Cost of sales

 

118,470

 

85,927

 

314,929

 

253,492

 

Gross profit

 

56,536

 

43,926

 

148,336

 

130,257

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

26,526

 

23,327

 

80,037

 

70,800

 

Operating income

 

30,010

 

20,599

 

68,299

 

59,457

 

Interest income

 

301

 

325

 

1,032

 

819

 

Interest expense

 

(6,873

)

(8,454

)

(20,533

)

(25,259

)

Other income, net

 

690

 

651

 

1,461

 

715

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

24,128

 

13,121

 

50,259

 

35,732

 

Provision for income taxes

 

9,146

 

4,940

 

18,171

 

12,490

 

Income from continuing operations

 

14,982

 

8,181

 

32,088

 

23,242

 

Discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before taxes

 

(87

)

2,043

 

(367

)

3,323

 

Provision for income taxes

 

145

 

781

 

39

 

1,274

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

(232

)

1,262

 

(406

)

2,049

 

Net income

 

$

14,750

 

$

9,443

 

$

31,682

 

$

25,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.68

 

$

0.49

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.03

 

(0.01

)

0.04

 

Net income

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted income (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.67

 

$

0.48

 

Discontinued operations

 

0.00

 

0.03

 

(0.01

)

0.04

 

Net income

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.66

 

$

0.52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

47,624

 

47,288

 

47,440

 

47,276

 

Diluted

 

48,248

 

48,113

 

48,079

 

48,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

September 30, 2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

53,577

 

$

57,589

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,740 and $2,181, respectively

 

91,454

 

67,818

 

Inventories, net

 

81,363

 

70,273

 

Deferred income taxes

 

5,640

 

5,536

 

Current intangible asset, net

 

465

 

 

Other current assets

 

13,176

 

16,393

 

Total current assets

 

245,675

 

217,609

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

116,582

 

89,729

 

Deferred financing costs

 

7,684

 

10,698

 

Deferred income taxes

 

3,380

 

14,849

 

Goodwill and noncurrent intangible assets, net

 

80,053

 

48,984

 

Assets held for sale

 

1,476

 

 

Other assets

 

30,430

 

30,080

 

Total Assets

 

$

485,280

 

$

411,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

38,232

 

$

1,242

 

Accounts payable

 

34,084

 

29,799

 

Accrued expenses

 

53,779

 

57,447

 

Deferred income taxes

 

505

 

533

 

Total current liabilities

 

126,600

 

89,021

 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

 

293,847

 

295,758

 

Employee benefit obligations

 

48,429

 

48,948

 

Other liabilities

 

36,491

 

32,368

 

Total liabilities

 

505,367

 

466,095

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock: par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 47,607,570 and 47,291,647 outstanding, respectively

 

476

 

473

 

Capital in excess of par value of stock

 

579,468

 

575,595

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(586,465

)

(618,147

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(13,566

)

(12,067

)

Total stockholders’ deficit

 

(20,087

)

(54,146

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit

 

$

485,280

 

$

411,949

 

 

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

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

32,088

 

$

23,242

 

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

15,974

 

12,742

 

Amortization, stock compensation and other non-cash charges

 

8,563

 

5,730

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

(459

)

(106

)

Deferred income taxes

 

285

 

4,711

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(1,287

)

(517

)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

 

(10,642

)

(5,962

)

(Increase) decrease in inventories

 

(2,798

)

(10,126

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

1,956

 

(3,494

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

(2,101

)

971

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

 

1,580

 

3,518

 

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

(103

)

(14,978

)

Discontinued operations

 

(4,199

)

(1,572

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

38,857

 

14,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

1,349

 

184

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(17,675

)

(13,760

)

Acquisition of Carlton Holdings, Inc., net of cash acquired

 

(64,381

)

 

Discontinued operations

 

1,725

 

968

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(78,982

)

(12,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

37,000

 

5,250

 

Repayment of term loan principal

 

(1,921

)

(1,125

)

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

459

 

106

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

575

 

205

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

36,113

 

4,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(4,012

)

5,987

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

57,589

 

27,636

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

53,577

 

$

33,623

 

 

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

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Shares

 

Common
Stock

 

Capital in
Excess
of Par

 

Accumulated
Deficit

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance December 31, 2007

 

47,292

 

$

473

 

$

575,595

 

$

(618,147

)

$

(12,067

)

$

(54,146

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,682

 

 

 

31,682

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(495

(495

Unrealized losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,004

)

(1,004

Comprehensive income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,183

 

Stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock

 

316

 

3

 

1,031

 

 

 

 

 

1,034

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

2,842

 

 

 

 

 

2,842

 

Balance September 30, 2008

 

47,608

 

$

476

 

$

579,468

 

$

(586,465

)

$

(13,566

)

$

(20,087

)

 

Other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively.  Other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1.1 million and $(1.7) million, respectively.

 

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

 

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BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Basis of Presentation.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blount International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Blount” or the “Company”) and are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U. S.”).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.  In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ deficit for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying financial data as of September 30, 2008 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008  and 2007 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2007 consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Income Taxes.  The effective tax rate differs from the U. S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the inclusion of various state income taxes incurred in the U. S. and the effect of various tax rates that apply to our foreign locations, which can differ significantly from our U. S. federal tax rate.

 

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U. S. requires that management make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  The Company bases its estimates on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Management is continually evaluating and updating these estimates and it is reasonably possible that these estimates will change in the near term.

 

Reclassifications.  Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  Such reclassifications have no effect on previously reported net income or net stockholders’ deficit.

 

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 $21.4 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 Financial Accounting Standard (“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.  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 liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash flows. A summary of the preliminary purchase price allocation for the fair value of the assets acquired and the obligations assumed at the date

 

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of the acquisition is presented below. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to the completion of certain items, including final determination of post-closing purchase price adjustments, and for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 and deferred tax positions under FAS No. 109.

 

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

 

413

 

Total current assets

 

28,220

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

26,703

 

Noncurrent intangible assets subject to amortization

 

8,790

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization

 

22,545

 

Non-current deferred tax asset

 

1,283

 

Total assets

 

87,541

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

7,615

 

Non-current liabilities

 

3,430

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

10,315

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

21,360

 

Cash paid for acquisition, excluding cash acquired

 

$

66,181

 

 

Reflected in the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are non-cash charges totaling $0.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, 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.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Life
In Years

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Goodwill, Carlton acquisition

 

Indefinite

 

$

17,045

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Goodwill, other

 

Indefinite

 

48,984

 

 

48,984

 

 

Total goodwill

 

 

 

66,029

 

 

48,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and trade names

 

Indefinite

 

5,500

 

 

 

 

Backlog

 

0.7

 

1,240

 

(775

)

 

 

Covenant not to compete

 

3

 

590

 

(82

)

 

 

Customer relationships

 

10

 

8,200

 

(184

)

 

 

Total intangible assets

 

 

 

$

81,559

 

$

(1,041

)

$

48,984

 

$

 

 

Amortization expense was $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.  No amortization expense was incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.  Amortization expense for these intangible assets is expected to total $1.7 million in 2008; $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.

 

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The following pro forma results present the estimated effect as if the acquisition had occurred on the first day of each period presented.   The pro forma results include the historical results of Carlton, pro forma purchase accounting effects for the three and nine month periods, 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 pro forma results for each period presented include a charge of $1.7 million to expense the adjustment of inventory to estimated fair value.

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended September 30,
2008

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2008

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

As
Reported

 

Pro
Forma

 

As
Reported

 

Pro
Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 175,006

 

$

 175,006

 

$

 463,265

 

$

 483,408

 

Net income

 

14,750

 

13,777

 

31,682

 

31,546

 

Basic earnings per share

 

0.31

 

0.29

 

0.67

 

0.66

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

0.31

 

0.29

 

0.66

 

0.65

 

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended September 30,
2007

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,
2007

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

As
Reported

 

Pro-
Forma

 

As
Reported

 

Pro-
Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 129,853

 

$

 143.892

 

$

 383,749

 

$

 424,169

 

Net income

 

9,443

 

8,860

 

25,291

 

23,838

 

Basic earnings per share

 

0.20

 

0.19

 

0.53

 

0.50

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

0.20

 

0.19

 

0.52

 

0.49

 

 

NOTE 3:  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

Discontinued Forestry Division.  On November 5, 2007, the Company sold its Forestry Division, which constituted the majority of its 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 were 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 the fourth quarter of 2007.  Prior to its treatment as discontinued operations, this division accounted for 21% of the Company’s 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 harvesting 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.

 

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Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

99,761

 

Operating income (loss) before taxes from discontinued operations

 

(367

)

3,323

 

Income tax provision

 

39

 

1,274

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(406

)

$

2,049

 

 

NOTE 4:  INVENTORIES, NET

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Raw materials and supplies

 

$

15,301

 

$

9,297

 

Work in progress

 

14,612

 

14,701

 

Finished goods

 

51,450

 

46,275

 

Total inventories

 

$

81,363

 

$

70,273

 

 

NOTE 5:  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Land

 

$

7,469

 

$

4,882

 

Buildings and improvements

 

56,830

 

51,251

 

Machinery and equipment

 

206,913

 

186,076

 

Furniture, fixtures and office equipment

 

29,679

 

28,419

 

Transportation equipment

 

832

 

662

 

Construction in progress

 

12,477

 

5,491

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(197,618

)

(187,052

)

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

116,582

 

$

89,729

 

 

NOTE 6:  LONG TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

37,000

 

$

 

Term loans

 

120,079

 

122,000

 

8 7/8% senior subordinated notes

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

Total debt

 

332,079

 

297,000

 

Less current maturities

 

(38,232

)

(1,242

)

Long-term debt

 

$

293,847

 

$

295,758

 

 

The weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt as of September 30, 2008 was 6.69%.

 

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Table of Contents

 

8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.  The Company has one registered debt security, the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes.  The interest rate on these notes is fixed until their maturity on August 1, 2012.  These notes are subject to redemption at any time after August 1, 2008 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 100.000% 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 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.  While the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries guarantee these 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes, none of Blount’s existing foreign subsidiaries (“non-guarantor subsidiaries”) guarantee these notes.  See also Note 15.

 

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 revolving credit facility and a term loan facility.

 

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 September 30, 2008, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $108.2 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 entire balance outstanding under the revolving credit facility is classified as a current liability on the September 30, 2008 balance sheet.

 

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.  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 relating, among other categories, to investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, and the sale of stock or assets.  The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 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 each of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

 

NOTE 7:  PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees in the U. S., Canada and Belgium.  The Company also sponsors various other post-employment medical and benefit plans covering many of its current and former employees.  The components of net periodic benefit cost for these plans, including amounts recognized both in continuing and discontinued operations are as follows:

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Post-Employment
Benefits

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Service cost

 

$

987

 

$

907

 

$

63

 

$

95

 

Interest cost

 

2,765

 

2,572

 

538

 

526

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(3,565

)

(3,287

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(2

)

(2

)

2

 

2

 

Amortization of net actuarial losses

 

288

 

371

 

208

 

243

 

Total net periodic benefit cost

 

$

473

 

$

561

 

$

811

 

$

866

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Other Post-Employment
Benefits

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Service cost

 

$

2,961

 

$

2,721

 

$

189

 

$

285

 

Interest cost

 

8,295

 

7,715

 

1,614

 

1,577

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(10,695

)

(9,861

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

(6

)

(6

)

6

 

6

 

Amortization of net actuarial losses

 

864

 

1,113

 

624

 

729

 

Total net periodic benefit cost

 

$

1,419

 

$

1,682

 

$

2,433

 

$

2,597

 

 

As of December 31, 2006, the Company implemented a redesign of its domestic retirement plans, including a freeze of its defined benefit pension plan and the associated nonqualified plan.  Effective January 1, 2007, employees who were active participants in the plans ceased accruing benefits and new employees are not eligible to participate.  All retirement benefits accrued up to the time of the freeze were preserved.  The Company expects to contribute a total of approximately $3 million to $4 million to its funded pension plans during 2008.

 

The Company also sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan covering most employees in the U. S.  In conjunction with the redesign of its domestic retirement plans, the defined contribution 401 (k) plan was amended to provide for an additional annual Company contribution of 3%, 4% or 5% of base compensation, depending upon the participant’s years of service.  The new contribution is made whether or not the employee contributes to the plan.

 

At September 30, 2008, the fair value of the assets of the Company’s pension plans was estimated at $142.1 million, down from $176.8 million at December 31, 2007.  The significant decline was mainly due to the drop in global stock prices.  Based on the decline in fair value of the assets as of September 30, 2008, the net pension expense in 2009 would be approximately $4.5 million to $5.5 million higher than in 2008.  Any change in the fair value of pension assets during the three month period ending December 31, 2008 will further affect this estimated effect.  This decline is not expected to significantly impact 2009 funding requirements but may increase the required contributions to the plans in future years.

 

NOTE 8:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Guarantees and other commercial commitments are summarized in the following table:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

Letters of credit outstanding

 

4,800

 

Contingent guarantees under various third party financing agreements

 

821

 

 

In addition to these amounts, the Company also guarantees certain debt of its subsidiaries (see Notes 6 and 15).

 

The Company is a defendant in a number of product liability lawsuits involving both continuing operations and certain discontinued operations, some of which seek significant or unspecified damages, involving serious personal

 

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injuries for which there are retentions or deductible amounts under the Company’s insurance policies. 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 these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows.

 

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 (“OII 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 that there would be further delays.  On July 21, 2008, the Company received a request from the OII Site Steering Committee to extend the Company’s tolling agreement with the companies participating in the clean-up on the understanding that the EPA’s offer to settle would be forthcoming in late 2008.  The Company agreed to maintain the parties’ status quo for an additional period.

 

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 material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows.

 

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 remediation 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 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 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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 9:  EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

 

Shares used in the denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months
Ended September 30,

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Shares for basic per share computation – weighted average common shares outstanding

 

47,624

 

47,288

 

47,440

 

47,276

 

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

 

624

 

825

 

639

 

792

 

Shares for diluted per share computation

 

48,248

 

48,113

 

48,079

 

48,068

 

Options and stock appreciation rights excluded from computation as anti-dilutive because they are out-of-the-money

 

2,299

 

1,727

 

1,677

 

1,727

 

 

NOTE 10:  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company made the following stock-based compensation awards:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted

 

305

 

380

 

Restricted stock (“RS”) shares granted

 

54

 

45

 

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted

 

125

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate fair value, SARs granted

 

$

1,259

 

$

1,617

 

Aggregate fair value, RS & RSUs granted

 

$

2,148

 

$

2,138

 

Effect of accelerated expense recognition due to grantee retirement-eligible status

 

$

491

 

$

609

 

 

The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of SARs:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Estimated average life

 

6 years

 

6 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.7

%

4.5

%

Expected volatility

 

32.4

%

29.1% - 29.5

%

Weighted average volatility

 

32.4

%

29.3

%

Dividend yield

 

0.0

%

0.0

%

Weighted average grant date fair value

 

$

4.37

 

$

4.50

 

 

As of September 30, 2008, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to previously granted awards was $2.3 million. The weighted-average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is 1.2 years.  The Company’s policy upon the exercise of options, RS awards, RSUs or SARs has been to issue new shares into the market place.

 

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Table of Contents

 

NOTE 11:  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.  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.

 

Certain financial information by segment is presented in the tables below:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

416,363

 

$

316,834

 

Other and corporate

 

68,917

 

95,115

 

 

 

 

Three months ended
September 30,

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

166,217

 

$

122,112

 

$

438,800

 

$

361,085

 

Other

 

8,789

 

7,741

 

24,465

 

22,664

 

Total sales

 

$

175,006

 

$

129,853

 

$

463,265

 

$

383,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

34,131

 

$

23,667

 

$

80,482

 

$

71,401

 

Other and corporate expenses

 

(4,121

)

(3,068

)

(12,183

)

(11,944

)

Operating income

 

$

30,010

 

$

20,599

 

$

68,299

 

$

59,457

 

 

NOTE 12:  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

21,654

 

$

27,145

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

11,846

 

10,544

 

 

NOTE 13:  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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.  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 Purposes 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

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, “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.  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, the adoption of FAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 had no immediate effect on the Company’s 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.  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 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 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, “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 the Company on January 1, 2009.

 

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 the Company on January 1, 2009 and early 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.

 

NOTE 14:  EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION CENTER

 

Blount Europe S.A. (“Blount Europe”), a subsidiary of Blount Inc., has entered into contracts to lease new office and warehouse space and will relocate its administrative offices and distribution center to the new locations in the first half of 2009. The new European office will be located in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, and the new European distribution center will be in Courcelles, Belgium.  Blount Europe has also entered into a contract to sell its current facility in Nivelles, Belgium, subject to satisfactory completion of various contingent items.  The leases for the two new facilities require aggregate annual payments of $1.1 million and have lease terms of fifteen years.  The existing facilities in Belgium are classified as assets held for sale in the September 30, 2008 consolidated balance sheet.

 

NOTE 15:  CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

See Note 6 for a discussion of the Company’s guarantor subsidiaries.  The following consolidating financial information sets forth condensed consolidating statements of operations, balance sheets and statements of cash flows of Blount International, Inc., Blount, Inc., the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 

16



Table of Contents

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Information

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

125,855

 

$

12,979

 

$

96,446

 

$

(60,274

)

$

175,006

 

Cost of sales

 

 

91,113

 

10,561

 

79,273

 

(62,477

)

118,470

 

Gross profit

 

 

34,742

 

2,418

 

17,173

 

2,203

 

56,536

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

16,560

 

1,039

 

8,927

 

 

26,526

 

Operating income

 

 

18,182

 

1,379

 

8,246

 

2,203

 

30,010

 

Other, net

 

(4,093

)

(1,578

)

141

 

(352

)

 

(5,882

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(4,093

)

16,604

 

1,520

 

7,894

 

2,203

 

24,128

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(1,431

)

7,066

 

637

 

2,874

 

 

9,146

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(2,662

)

9,538

 

883

 

5,020

 

2,203

 

14,982

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(196

)

(36

)

 

 

(232

)

Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

 

17,412

 

8,070

 

50

 

 

(25,532

)

 

Net income

 

$

14,750

 

$

17,412

 

$

897

 

$

5,020

 

$

(23,329

)

$

14,750

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

330,653

 

$

36,505

 

$

275,271

 

$

(179,164

)

$

463,265

 

Cost of sales

 

 

238,244

 

30,183

 

226,568

 

(180,066

)

314,929

 

Gross profit

 

 

92,409

 

6,322

 

48,703

 

902

 

148,336

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

49,166

 

3,142

 

27,729

 

 

80,037

 

Operating income

 

 

43,243

 

3,180

 

20,974

 

902

 

68,299

 

Other, net

 

(12,893

)

(5,747

)

431

 

169

 

 

(18,040

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(12,893

)

37,496

 

3,611

 

21,143

 

902

 

50,259

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(5,347

)

16,016

 

1,568

 

5,934

 

 

18,171

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(7,546

)

21,480

 

2,043

 

15,209

 

902

 

32,088

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(370

)

(36

)

 

 

(406

)

Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

 

39,228

 

18,118

 

128

 

 

(57,474

)

 

Net income

 

$

31,682

 

$

39,228

 

$

2,135

 

$

15,209

 

$

(56,572

)

$

31,682

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Information

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

92,252

 

$

12,145

 

$

78,518

 

$

(53,062

)

$

129,853

 

Cost of sales

 

 

60,459

 

9,921

 

69,534

 

(53,987

)

85,927

 

Gross profit

 

 

31,793

 

2,224

 

8,984

 

925

 

43,926

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

14,600

 

878

 

7,839

 

(10

)

23,327

 

Operating income

 

 

17,193

 

1,346

 

1,145

 

915

 

20,599

 

Other, net

 

(5,782

)

(1,893

)

506

 

(309

)

 

(7,478

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(5,782

)

15,300

 

1,852

 

836

 

915

 

13,121

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(2,224

)

7,070

 

602

 

(508

)

 

4,940

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(3,558

)

8,230

 

1,250

 

1,344

 

915

 

8,181

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

1,783

 

 

(521

)

 

1,262

 

Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

 

13,001

 

2,988

 

(99

)

 

(15,890

)

 

Net income

 

$

9,443

 

$

13,001

 

$

1,151

 

$

823

 

$

(14,975

)

$

9,443

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

275,613

 

$

35,766

 

$

232,930

 

$

(160,560

)

$

383,749

 

Cost of sales

 

 

191,300

 

29,460

 

192,358

 

(159,626

)

253,492

 

Gross profit

 

 

84,313

 

6,306

 

40,572

 

(934

)

130,257

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

44,470

 

3,069

 

23,261

 

 

70,800

 

Operating income

 

 

39,843

 

3,237

 

17,311

 

(934

)

59,457

 

Other, net

 

(17,566

)

(5,556

)

782

 

(1,385

)

 

(23,725

)

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(17,566

)

34,287

 

4,019

 

15,926

 

(934

)

35,732

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(6,192

)

15,770

 

1,417

 

1,495

 

 

12,490

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(11,374

)

18,517

 

2,602

 

14,431

 

(934

)

23,242

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

2,656

 

(53

)

(554

)

 

2,049

 

Equity in earnings of affiliated companies

 

36,665

 

15,492

 

141

 

 

(52,298

)

 

Net income

 

$

25,291

 

$

36,665

 

$

2,690

 

$

13,877

 

$

(53,232

)

$

25,291

 

 

18



Table of Contents

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 

$

3,177

 

$

 

$

50,400

 

$

 

$

53,577

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

50,476

 

5,583

 

35,389

 

6

 

91,454

 

Intercompany receivables

 

 

181,859

 

77,953

 

10,814

 

(270,626

)

 

Inventories

 

 

52,789

 

5,945

 

22,075

 

554

 

81,363

 

Other current assets

 

 

11,098

 

43

 

8,140

 

 

19,281

 

Total current assets

 

 

299,399

 

89,524

 

126,818

 

(270,066

)

245,675

 

Investments in affiliated companies

 

251,678

 

252,365

 

980

 

 

(505,023

)

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

58,242

 

11,546

 

46,794

 

 

116,582

 

Goodwill and other assets

 

 

99,569

 

11,884

 

13,544

 

(1,974

)

123,023

 

Total Assets

 

$

251,678

 

$

709,575

 

$

113,934

 

$

187,156

 

$

(777,063

)

$

485,280

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
(Deficit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$

 

$

38,232

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

38,232

 

Accounts payable

 

 

17,932

 

4,514

 

11,638

 

 

34,084

 

Intercompany payables

 

270,620

 

 

 

 

(270,620

)

 

Other current liabilities

 

 

32,906

 

3,256

 

18,122

 

 

54,284

 

Total current liabilities

 

270,620

 

89,070

 

7,770

 

29,760

 

(270,620

)

126,600

 

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

 

 

293,847

 

 

 

 

293,847

 

Other liabilities

 

1,145

 

74,980

 

 

10,769

 

(1,974

)

84,920

 

Total liabilities

 

271,765

 

457,897

 

7,770

 

40,529

 

(272,594

)

505,367

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

 

(20,087

)

251,678

 

106,164

 

146,627

 

(504,469

)

(20,087

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

$

251,678

 

$

709,575

 

$

113,934

 

$

187,156

 

$

(777,063

)

$

485,280

 

 

19



Table of Contents

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Information

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International,
Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

41,877

 

6,860

 

21,884

 

(348

)

70,273

 

Other current assets

 

 

13,843

 

216

 

7,870

 

 

21,929

 

Total current assets

 

 

280,748

 

94,516

 

109,600

 

(267,255

)

217,609

 

Investments in affiliated companies

 

213,950

 

243,745

 

852

 

248

 

(458,795

)

 

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

 

$

117,591

 

$

170,461

 

$

(727,937

)

$

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

 

110,166

 

135,027

 

(459,143

)

(54,146

)

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

$

213,950

 

$

637,884

 

$

117,591

 

$

170,461

 

$

(727,937

)

$

411,949

 

 

20



Table of Contents

 

Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows Information

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

Blount
International, Inc.

 

Blount,
Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

5,304

 

$

20,605

 

$

(3,084

)

$

16,032

 

$

 

$

38,857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

1,333

 

16

 

 

 

1,349

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(9,777

)

(2,110

)

(5,788

)

 

(17,675

)

Acquisition of Carlton Holdings, Inc.

 

 

(64,381

)

 

 

 

(64,381

)

Discontinued operations

 

 

1,725

 

 

 

 

1,725

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(71,100

)

(2,094

)

(5,788

)

 

(78,982

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

 

37,000

 

 

 

 

37,000

 

Repayment of term loan principal

 

 

(1,921

)

 

 

 

(1,921

)

Advances from (to) affiliates

 

(6,338

)

8,081

 

5,057

 

(6,800

)

 

 

Other

 

1,034

 

 

 

 

 

1,034

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(5,304

)

43,160

 

5,057

 

(6,800

)

 

36,113

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(7,335

)

(121

)

3,444

 

 

(4,012

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

10,512

 

121

 

46,956

 

 

57,589

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

 

$

3,177

 

$

 

$

50,400

 

$

 

$

53,577

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

3,920

 

$

(936

)

$

590

 

$

13,330

 

$

(2,745

)

$

14,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(7,816

)

(1,397

)

(4,547

)

 

(13,760

)

Other

 

 

147

 

1

 

36

 

 

184

 

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

(556

)

1,561

 

(37

)

 

 

968

 

Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities

 

 

(8,225

)

165

 

(4,548

)

 

(12,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

 

5,250

 

 

 

 

5,250

 

Repayment of term loan principal

 

 

(1,125

)

 

 

 

(1,125

)

Advances from (to) affiliates

 

(4,231

)

5,036

 

(805

)

 

 

 

Other

 

311

 

 

 

 

 

311

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(3,920

)

9,161

 

(805

)

 

 

4,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

(50

)

8,782

 

(2,745

)

5,987

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

 

90

 

29,398

 

(1,852

)

27,636

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

 

$

 

$

40

 

$

38,180

 

$

(4,597

)

$

33,623

 

 

21



Table of Contents

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

 

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 $66.2 million in cash for Carlton, including related acquisition costs of $1.5 million, and we also assumed liabilities totaling $21.4 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 our revolving credit facility.  The operating results of Carlton are included in our consolidated financial statements from May 2, 2008 forward.

 

We 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.  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 liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash flows.  A summary of the preliminary purchase price allocation for the fair value of the assets acquired and the obligations assumed at the date of acquisition is presented below.  The purchase price allocation is preliminary and is subject to the completion of certain items, including final determination of post-closing purchase price adjustments, and for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 and deferred tax positions under FAS No. 109.

 

(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

 

413

 

Total current assets

 

28,220

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

26,703

 

Noncurrent intangible assets subject to amortization

 

8,790

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization

 

22,545

 

Non-current deferred tax asset

 

1,283

 

Total assets

 

87,541

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

7,615

 

Non-current liabilities

 

3,430

 

Deferred income tax liability

 

10,315

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

21,360

 

Cash paid for acquisition, excluding cash acquired

 

$

66,181

 

 

Reflected in the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are non-cash charges totaling $0.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively, 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.  In addition, a charge of $0.1 million was recognized for severance costs related to positions eliminated after the transaction.

 

22



Table of Contents

 

Operating Results

 

Three months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited) compared to three months ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited).

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in millions)*

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change

 

 

 

Contributing Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

175.0

 

$

129.9

 

$

45.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

22.9

 

Sales volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

Selling price and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.8

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.9

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

56.5

 

43.9

 

12.6

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

32.3

%

33.8

%

 

 

8.0

 

Sales volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

 

Selling price and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

Product cost and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.9

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”)

 

26.5

 

23.3

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

 

As a percent of sales

 

15.2

%

18.0

%

 

 

1.6

 

Compensation and other benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

30.0

 

20.6

 

9.4

 

 

 

 

 

Operating margin

 

17.1

%

15.9

%

 

 

12.6

 

Increase in gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.2

)

Increase in SG&A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

15.0

 

8.2

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.4

 

Increase in operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.6

 

Decrease in net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4.2

)

Increase in income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.2

)

1.3

 

(1.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.1

)

Change in operating results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

Change in income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

14.8

 

$

9.4

 

$

5.3

 

 

 

 

 

 


*Amounts may not foot due to rounding.

 

Sales in the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased by $45.1 million (35%) from the same period in 2007.  This sales increase was primarily due to a $22.9 million increase in sales volume and $15.9 million of sales from Carlton (acquired on May 2, 2008).  Additional factors included price increases and the favorable effect of translation of foreign currency denominated sales transactions, given the weaker U. S. dollar in comparison to 2007.  The Outdoor Products segment, including the results of Carlton, experienced a $44.1 million (36%) increase in sales during the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  Sales of gear components increased $1.0 million (14%) during the same period.  International sales increased $30.5 million (36%) and domestic sales increased $14.6 million (33%).  The increase in international sales is attributed to the Carlton acquisition and continued strength in international markets, as well as the $2.8 million favorable impact from movement in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2007.  The increase in U. S. sales is a result of higher

 

23



Table of Contents

 

domestic sales volume for chainsaw components and outdoor care products and increased sales of gear-related products, partially offset by slightly lower domestic sales of concrete cutting products.

 

Consolidated order backlog at September 30, 2008 was $104.3 million compared to $69.3 million at December 31, 2007 and $72.7 million at September 30, 2007.  Backlog in the Outdoor Products segment increased $34.4 million from December 31, 2007, of which $23.5 million relates to Carlton.  The backlog for gear components increased by $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

Gross profit increased $12.6 million (29%) in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007.  Gross margin for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was 32.3% of sales compared to 33.8% for the same period in 2007.  Higher sales volume and improved pricing were partially offset by the unfavorable net effects of movement in foreign currency exchange rates estimated at $1.9 million, and higher product costs, including steel costs estimated at $2.2 million.  Gross profit from Carlton of $2.1 million reflects charges of $0.9 million in purchase accounting effects.

 

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates decreased our gross profit in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007 by an estimated $1.9 million on a consolidated basis.  Translation of stronger foreign currencies into a weaker U. S. dollar resulted in higher manufacturing costs, as well as other cost of sales elements, with our Brazil operations being the largest component.  Increases in these higher manufacturing costs were only partially offset by higher translated sales in Europe.

 

SG&A was $26.5 million for the three month period ending September 30, 2008, compared to $23.3 million for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $3.2 million (14%).  As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased from 18.0% in the third quarter of 2007 to 15.2% in the same period of 2008, reflecting improved leverage on higher sales revenue.  The SG&A increase included $0.7 million from the addition of Carlton operations and $0.9 million from the effect of currency exchange rates on international-based expenses.  In addition, compensation expense increased by $1.6 million year-over-year, reflecting annual merit increases for our employees, as well as increased accruals for incentive compensation expenses based on improved operating performance.

 

Operating income increased by $9.4 million from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008, resulting in an operating margin for 2008 of 17.1% of sales compared to 15.9% for 2007. The increase in operating income was due to higher sales and the related gross profit, partially offset by the increase in SG&A expenses.

 

Interest expense was $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $8.5 million for the same period in 2007.  The decrease in interest expense was due to lower average outstanding debt balances and lower average interest rates.

 

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

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

24,128

 

$

13,121

 

Provision for income taxes

 

9,146

 

4,940

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

14,982

 

$

8,181

 

Effective tax rate

 

37.9

%

37.6

%

 

The effective tax rate for the two periods has remained consistent.  The effective tax rate differs from the U. S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the inclusion of various state income taxes incurred in the U. S. and the effect of various tax rates that apply to our foreign locations, which can differ significantly from our U. S. federal tax rate.

 

Income from continuing operations in the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $15.0 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $8.2 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.

 

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Loss from discontinued operations in the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.2 million compared to income from discontinued operations of $1.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.  Results for the third quarter of 2008 consisted of wind-down and exit activities related to our discontinued Forestry Division, which was sold on November 5, 2007, as well as an adjustment to the tax provision related to the finalization of the 2007 tax return.  Results for the third quarter of 2007 reflect the operations of our Forestry Division prior to the sale, as well as wind-down and exit activities related to our discontinued Lawnmower segment, which was sold in 2006.

 

Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

37,851

 

Income (loss) before taxes from discontinued operations

 

(87

)

2,043

 

Income tax provision

 

145

 

781

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(232

)

$

1,262

 

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 as a 
% of 2007

 

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

166,217

 

$

122,112

 

136

%

Other

 

8,789

 

7,741

 

114

%

Total sales

 

$

175,006

 

$

129,853

 

135

%

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

34,131

 

$

23,667

 

144

%

Other and corporate expenses

 

(4,121

)

(3,068

)

134

%

Operating income

 

$

30,010

 

$

20,599

 

146

%

 

Outdoor Products Segment.  Sales for the Outdoor Products segment increased $44.1 million (36%) in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  Of this increase, Carlton sales contributed $15.9 million, and $23.3 million was due to additional sales volume, primarily from an increase in sales of wood-cutting saw chain and outdoor equipment parts that was partially offset by slightly lower sales of concrete-cutting products.  Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates added $2.8 million to segment sales in the third quarter of 2008 compared to 2007.  Excluding the effects of Carlton, international sales grew 20% for the three month comparable periods and domestic sales increased 30%.  Domestic sales were stimulated, in part, by hurricane activity along the U. S. Gulf Coast.  Sales to OEM customers increased 18% and replacement sales increased 25% in the comparable periods, excluding the effects of Carlton.  Order backlog increased by $34.4 million from December 31, 2007 to $97.7 million at September 30, 2008, of which $23.5 million relates to Carlton.

 

Segment contribution to operating income increased $10.5 million (44%) in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter of 2007.  The favorable effects of increased sales volume of $10.1 million (including Carlton), favorable selling price and mix of $2.2 million and improved product cost and mix of $1.9 million, were partially offset by higher SG&A expenses of $1.0 million and the net unfavorable effect of fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates of $2.8 million.  The improved product cost and mix, excluding the foreign currency exchange effect, includes increased leverage on our factories from higher production volumes, partially offset by $1.1 million in higher steel costs.  The operating margin of 20.5% in 2008 compares to 19.4% in 2007.

 

Other and Corporate Expenses.  The other and corporate expense category includes the activity of our gear components business, as well as the costs of certain centralized management and administrative functions.  Sales of

 

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gear-related products increased 14% from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008.  This increase was a result of $1.3 million favorable effect of price increases and product mix partially offset by decreased volume of $0.3 million.  The contribution to operating income from our gear components business increased $0.1 million (16%) year-over-year due to the higher revenue, partially offset by higher product cost and mix.  Corporate expenses increased $1.2 million (33%), reflecting increased accruals for incentive compensation expenses based on improved operating performance.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2008 (unaudited) compared to nine months ended September 30, 2007 (unaudited).

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in millions)*

 

2008

 

2007

 

Change

 

 

 

Contributing Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

$

463.3

 

$

383.7

 

$

79.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

37.6

 

Sales volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.9

 

Selling price and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.8

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.2

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

148.3

 

130.3

 

18.1

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

32.0

%

33.9

%

 

 

15.7

 

Sales volume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.9

 

Selling price and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.5

)

Product cost and mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4.1

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SG&A

 

80.0

 

70.8

 

9.2

 

 

 

 

 

As a percent of sales

 

17.3

%

18.4

%

 

 

3.5

 

Compensation and other benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

Severance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.8

)

Professional services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

Carlton operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

68.3

 

59.5

 

8.8

 

 

 

 

 

Operating margin

 

14.7

%

15.5

%

 

 

18.1

 

Increase in gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9.2

)

Increase in SG&A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

32.1

 

23.2

 

8.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.8

 

Increase in operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

 

Decrease in net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5.7

)

Increase in income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

Increase in other income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.4

)

2.0

 

(2.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.7

)

Change in operating results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2

 

Change in income tax provision

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

31.7

 

$

25.3

 

$

6.4

 

 

 

 

 

 


*Amounts may not foot due to rounding.

 

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Sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased by $79.5 million (21%) from the same period in 2007.  Increased sales volume ($37.6 million), higher average selling prices and product mix ($6.9 million), and the favorable effect of translation of foreign currency denominated sales transactions ($8.8 million), given the weaker U. S. dollar in comparison to 2007, contributed to the increase.  In addition, the acquisition of Carlton on May 2, 2008 contributed $26.2 million of the sales increase.  The Outdoor Products segment experienced a $77.7 million (22%) increase in sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, while sales of gear components increased $1.8 million (8%) during the same period.  International sales increased $65.4 million (27%), while domestic sales increased $14.1 million (10%).  The increase in international sales reflected Carlton international sales of $22.5 million, along with continued strength in international markets, as well as the $8.8 million favorable impact from movement in foreign currency exchange rates compared to 2007.  The increase in U. S. sales is attributed to increased sales volume for chainsaw components and outdoor care products, as well as increased domestic sales of gear-related products, partially offset by slightly lower sales of concrete-cutting products.

 

Gross profit increased $18.1 million (14%) from the first nine months of 2007 to the same period in 2008.  Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 32.0% of sales compared to 33.9% for the same period in 2007.  Higher sales volume and improved pricing were partially offset by increases in product costs and the unfavorable net effect of movement in foreign currency exchange rates.  The higher product costs were attributable to higher steel costs, estimated at $3.8 million, as well as increased shipping and freight costs related to higher energy prices.  In addition, in the first nine months of 2007, we incurred $1.0 million in costs to consolidate certain North American distribution functions.  The nine months ended September 30, 2008 also include charges to cost of sales totaling $2.8 million related to purchase accounting for the Carlton acquisition.

 

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates decreased our gross profit in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007 by $4.1 million on a consolidated basis.  The year to date trend of translation of stronger foreign currencies into a weaker U. S. dollar continued, resulting in higher manufacturing costs in Brazil and Canada, where local currencies strengthened compared to the U. S. dollar, partially offset by higher translated sales in Europe.

 

SG&A was $80.0 million for the nine month period ending September 30, 2008, compared to $70.8 million for the same period in 2007, representing an increase of $9.2 million (13%).  As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased from 18.4% in 2007 to 17.3% in 2008, reflecting improved leverage on higher sales revenue.  International operating expenses increased $3.3 million from the prior year due to the weaker U. S. dollar and its effect on the translation of foreign expenses.  The effect of the Carlton acquisition increased SG&A by $2.5 million.  Compensation and other benefits expense increased by $3.5 million year-over-year, reflecting annual merit increases, higher incentive compensation expenses based on improved operating performance and increased post-employment benefit expenses.  Severance costs and benefits related to a reorganization at our Portland headquarters, as well as similar actions taken in Europe, accounted for $0.9 million of the increase.  Professional services expense decreased $1.8 million due to lower legal and audit costs.

 

Operating income increased by $8.8 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to the same period in 2008; however, the operating margin for 2008 was 14.7% of sales compared to 15.5% for 2007.  The decrease in operating margin was due to increased SG&A expenses and a total of $2.9 million in purchase accounting charges related to the acquisition of Carlton, partially offset by higher gross profit.

 

Interest expense was $20.5 million for the nine month period ending September 30, 2008 compared to $25.3 million for the same period in 2007.  The decrease was due to lower average outstanding debt balances and lower average interest rates.

 

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

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

50,259

 

$

35,732

 

Provision for income taxes

 

18,171

 

12,490

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

32,088

 

$

23,242

 

Effective tax rate

 

36.2

%

35.0

%

 

The increase in our effective tax rate from 2007 to 2008 is largely due to shifts in the relative proportion of pre-tax income earned in foreign versus domestic locations, and the various tax rates that apply to our foreign locations, which can differ significantly from our domestic income tax rate.

 

Our U. S. federal Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryforward was fully utilized during 2007.  We estimate our state NOL carryforwards were $30.3 million as of December 31, 2007.  These carryforwards expire at various dates from 2008 through 2024.  Additionally, we have a foreign tax credit carryforward of approximately $1.7 million as of December 31, 2007 that expires in 2010.  We also have state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.2 million that expire at various dates from 2008 through 2021.  Our federal research credits and alternative minimum tax credits were fully utilized as of December 31, 2007.  The state NOL and other carryforwards are available to reduce cash taxes on future domestic taxable income, although a portion of the state NOL carryforwards are reduced by a valuation allowance reflecting the expectation that the carryforward period will expire before they can be fully utilized.

 

Income from continuing operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $32.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to $23.2 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.

 

Loss from discontinued operations in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.4 million or $0.01 per diluted share compared to income from discontinued operations of $2.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.  The 2008 results consisted solely of wind-down and exit activities related to our discontinued Forestry Division, which was sold on November 5, 2007.  Results for the nine month period ending September 30, 2007 reflect the activities of the Forestry Division prior to the sale, as well as wind-down and exit activities related to our discontinued Lawnmower segment, which was sold in 2006.

 

Discontinued operations are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Sales

 

$

 

$

99,761

 

Operating income (loss) before taxes from discontinued operations

 

(367

)

3,323

 

Income tax provision

 

39

 

1,274

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 

$

(406

)

$

2,049

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008 as a
% of 2007

 

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

438,800

 

$

361,085

 

122

%

Other

 

24,465

 

22,664

 

108

%

Total sales

 

$

463,265

 

$

383,749

 

121

%

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Products

 

$

80,482

 

$

71,401

 

113

%

Other and corporate expenses

 

(12,183

)

(11,944

)

102

%

Operating income

 

$

68,299

 

$

59,457

 

115

%

 

Outdoor Products Segment.  Sales for the Outdoor Products segment increased $77.7 million (22%) in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  Of this increase, Carlton sales contributed $26.2 million. Additional sales volume provided $38.4 million, primarily from an increase in sales of wood-cutting saw chain and outdoor equipment parts, which was partially offset by slightly lower sales of concrete-cutting products.  Higher average selling prices and improved product mix also contributed $4.4 million to the year-over-year sales increase.  Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates added another $8.8 million to segment sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to 2007.  Excluding the effects of Carlton, international sales grew 18% for the nine month comparable periods, domestic sales increased 8%, sales to OEM customers increased 1% and replacement sales increased 20%.

 

Segment contribution to operating income increased $9.1 million (13%) in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007.  Increased sales volume ($15.7 million), improved price and mix ($4.4 million) and the inclusion of Carlton ($0.5 million) were partially offset by higher product cost and mix ($1.6 million), higher SG&A expenses ($2.5 million) and the net unfavorable effect of fluctuations in foreign currency translation rates ($7.4 million).  Carlton’s results were negatively impacted by non-cash charges of $2.8 million related to purchase accounting.  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, increased energy costs and an estimated $2.2 million in higher steel costs.  The operating margin of 18.3% in 2008 compares to 19.8% in 2007.

 

Other and Corporate Expenses.  The other and corporate expense 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 8% from the nine months ended September 30, 2007 to the same period in 2008.  This increase was a result of a $2.6 million favorable effect of price and mix improvements, partially offset by lower volume of $0.8 million.  The contribution to operating income from our gear components business increased $0.6 million (35%) year-over-year due to the higher sales, partially offset by higher product cost and mix.  Corporate expenses increased $0.9 million (6%), with severance costs and higher accrued variable compensation expense partially offset by lower legal and audit expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Total debt at September 30, 2008 was $332.1 million, compared to $297.0 million at December 31, 2007.  The increase in debt during 2008 is attributable to borrowings of $58.5 million under the revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of Carlton on May 2, 2008, partially offset by repayment of $21.5 million of such borrowings from net cash flows.  As of September 30, 2008, our debt consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

September 30,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

37,000

 

$

 

Term loans

 

120,079

 

122,000

 

8 7/8% senior subordinated notes

 

175,000

 

175,000

 

Total debt

 

332,079

 

297,000

 

Less current maturities

 

(38,232

)

(1,242

)

Long-term debt

 

$

293,847

 

$

295,758

 

 

8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.  The Company has one registered debt security, the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes.  The interest rate on these notes is fixed until their maturity on August 1, 2012.  These notes are subject to redemption at any time after August 1, 2008 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 100.000% 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 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes are 100% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.  While the Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries guarantee these 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes, none of Blount’s existing foreign subsidiaries (“non-guarantor subsidiaries”) guarantee these notes.

 

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 revolving credit facility and a term loan facility.

 

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 September 30, 2008, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $108.2 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 entire balance outstanding at September 30, 2008 is classified as a current liability because the facility matures in less than twelve months.

 

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.  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 relating, among other categories, to investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, and the sale of stock or assets.  The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 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

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 each of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

 

Interest expense was $20.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $4.7 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  The decrease reflects the favorable effects of lower average debt outstanding, as well as reduced interest rates on our variable rate debt.  Our interest expense may vary in the future because the revolving credit facility and term loan interest rates are variable. The interest rate is fixed on the senior subordinated notes.  Our weighted average interest rate on all debt was 6.69% as of September 30, 2008 compared to 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 adverse consequences.

 

We intend to fund working capital, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the next twelve months, including the August 2009 maturity of the revolving credit facility, through expected cash flows generated from operations.  We expect our remaining resources will be sufficient to cover any additional increases in working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months.  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 the potential extension of the revolving credit facility beyond its maturity date.  However, any such extension may result in amendment fees, higher borrowing costs and other changes in terms and conditions, particularly in light of recent developments in the world-wide credit markets.

 

At September 30, 2008, the fair value of the assets of our pension plans was estimated at $142.1 million, down from $176.8 million at December 31, 2007.  The significant decline was mainly due to the drop in global stock prices.  Based on the decline in fair value of the assets as of September 30, 2008, the net pension expense in 2009 would be approximately $4.5 million to $5.5 million higher than in 2008.  Any change in the fair value of pension assets during the three month period ending December 31, 2008 will further affect this estimated effect.  This decline is not expected to significantly impact 2009 funding requirements but may increase the required contributions to the plans in future years.

 

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2008 were $53.6 million compared to $57.6 million at December 31, 2007.  At September 30, 2008, $50.4 million of the cash balance was held at our foreign operations.

 

Cash provided by operating activities is summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

32,088

 

$

23,242

 

Non-cash items

 

23,076

 

22,560

 

Subtotal

 

55,164

 

45,802

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net

 

(12,108

)

(30,071

)

Discontinued operations, net

 

(4,199

)

(1,572

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

38,857

 

$

14,159

 

 

Non-cash items consist of expenses for depreciation of property, plant and equipment; amortization; stock compensation expense; other non-cash charges; the tax benefit from exercise of stock options; deferred income taxes; non-cash purchase accounting effects and gain or loss on disposal of assets.

 

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, operating activities provided $38.9 million of cash.  Income from continuing operations plus non-cash items totaled $55.2 million in the first nine months of 2008, reflecting improved operating results and a net increase in non-cash items.  The increase in non-cash items reflects higher depreciation and amortization expenses, offset by fluctuations in the deferred income tax provision when compared to the first nine months of 2007.  In addition, purchase accounting for the Carlton acquisition resulted in non-cash charges of $2.8 million recognized in the first nine months of 2008.  We expect non-cash charges related to the Carlton acquisition purchase accounting to total $3.5 million for 2008, and approximately $1.7 million in 2009 and $1.8 million in 2010.  The positive operating cash flow from these items was partially offset by the net increase in working capital and other assets and liabilities during the period, including an increase in accounts receivable of $10.6 million and an increase in inventories of $2.8 million.  Discontinued operations used $4.2 million in cash during the first nine months of 2008 as certain obligations and liabilities related to the sale of our Forestry Division were paid in 2008.  Cash payments during the first nine months of 2008 also included $21.7 million for interest and $11.8 million for income taxes.

 

During the first nine months of 2007, operating activities provided $14.2 million of cash.  Income from continuing operations plus non-cash items totaled $45.8 million.  The positive operating cash flow from these items was partially offset by the net increase in working capital and other assets and liabilities during the period.   An increase in accounts receivable of $6.0 million, inventories of $10.1 million, other assets of $3.5 million and a net decrease in liabilities of $10.5 million used a combined total of $30.1 million in the first nine months of 2007. In addition, discontinued operations used $1.6 million of cash during the first nine months of 2007, reflecting increases in working capital components.  Cash payments during the first nine months of 2007 also included $27.1 million for interest, $10.5 million for income taxes and $19.0 million for contributions to defined benefit pension plans.

 

Cash used in investing activities is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

$

1,349

 

$

184

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(17,675

)

(13,760

)

Acquisition of Carlton Holdings, Inc.

 

(64,381

)

 

Discontinued operations

 

1,725

 

968

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

$

(78,982

)

$

(12,608

)

 

During 2008, we expect to invest $24 million to $26 million in available cash for capital expenditures, primarily for ongoing productivity and cost improvements in our manufacturing processes, routine replacement of machinery and equipment, replacement of tooling that is consumed in the production process and incremental capacity expansion.

 

Cash provided by financing activities is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net increase in debt principal outstanding

 

$

35,079

 

$

4,125

 

Proceeds and tax benefits from the exercise of stock options

 

1,034

 

311

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

$

36,113

 

$

4,436

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2008 consisted of net borrowings of $35.1 million under our credit facilities.  These net borrowings include $58.5 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility for the acquisition of Carlton Holdings, Inc., partially offset by scheduled principal repayments of $1.9 million on our term loans and payments against the revolver balance from cash generated during the period. Net proceeds and tax benefits from the exercise of stock options totaled $1.0 million during the first nine months of 2008. Cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2007 was $4.4 million, consisting of net borrowings of $4.1 million under our revolving credit facility and term loans, and the net proceeds and tax benefits from the exercise of stock options.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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 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, the adoption of  FAS No. 159 on January 1, 2008 had no immediate 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. The provisions of FAS No. 141(R) are effective for the Company on 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 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 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, “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 the Company on January 1, 2009.

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 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 the Company on January 1, 2009.  Early 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.

 

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,”

 

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“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 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, the state of global financial markets and the anticipated effects of discontinued operations involve certain estimates and assumptions. 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 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, including raw materials such as steel. 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. See also the Market Risk section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our most recent Form 10-K for further discussion of market risk.

 

Although the recent events in the world-wide economy and credit markets have not significantly affected our business to date, they could impact our business in the future, including the following effects:

 

·                  Our ability to obtain new financing facilities and to refinance our existing debt could be impacted if credit markets do not improve by the maturity dates of our existing facilities.  New credit facilities could carry higher interest rates, increased fees and more restrictive terms and conditions compared to our current credit facilities.

 

·                  The expected world-wide recession could adversely affect our customers businesses, and thereby affect the demand for our products.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our sales were 67% international and 23% domestic.

 

·                  Our customers’ ability to pay their accounts receivable to us may be adversely affected by recent changes in currency exchange rates.  For example, accounts receivable denominated in U. S. dollars owed by international customers may be harder for them to pay if the U. S. dollar strengthens against their currencies while the balance is outstanding.

 

·                  Our defined benefit pension plans may require increased funding and may result in increased expense given the recent decline in fair value of the related pension assets.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities Exchange Act of 1934 reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations, 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 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, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

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

 

PART II     OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

(a) Exhibits:

 

**31.1 Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by James S. Osterman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

 

**31.2 Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Calvin E. Jenness, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

 

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

 

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

 


**   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

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the duly authorized undersigned.

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

Registrant

 

 

 

/s/ Calvin E. Jenness

 

/s/ Mark V. Allred

Calvin E. Jenness

 

Mark V. Allred

Senior Vice President and

 

Vice President - Corporate Controller

Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

Dated: November 10, 2008

 

 

 

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