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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003

Commission file number 1-13293

The Hillman Companies, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (513) 851-4900

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

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

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      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
  YES        NO    X  

On May 14, 2003 there were 7,118,665 Common Shares issued and outstanding by the Registrant and 4,217,724 Trust Preferred Securities issued and outstanding by the Hillman Group Capital Trust. The Trust Preferred Securities trade on the American Stock Exchange under symbol HLM.Pr.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

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Item 1.

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 3 of  26

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED,
(dollars in thousands)

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 4 of  26

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED,
(dollars in thousands)

SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 5 of  26

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

     1.     Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Hillman Companies, Inc. (“Hillman” or the “Company”), and its wholly owned subsidiaries including an investment trust, Hillman Group Capital Trust (the “Trust”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company is organized as an independently managed portfolio company of Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied Capital”). Allied Capital owns approximately 96.8% of Hillman’s common stock with the remainder being held primarily by Company Management.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements present information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Management believes the financial statements include all normal recurring accrual adjustments necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2003 do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following as of March 31, 2003:

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 was $371 and $370, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is estimated to be as follows:

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Cash Equivalents:

Cash equivalents consist of commercial paper, U.S. Treasury obligations and other liquid securities purchased with initial maturities less than 90 days and are stated at cost which approximates market value.

Restricted Investments:

Restricted investments represent assets held in a Rabbi Trust to fund deferred compensation liabilities due to the Company’s employees.

Inventories:

Inventories consisting predominantly of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined principally on the first-in, first-out method.

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment, including assets acquired under capital leases, are carried at cost and include expenditures for new facilities and major renewals. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts when assets are sold or otherwise disposed of and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in current operations.

Depreciation:

For financial accounting purposes, depreciation, including that related to plant and equipment acquired under capital leases, is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to ten years, or, if shorter, over the terms of the related leases.

Long-Lived Assets:

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the Company has evaluated its long-lived assets for financial impairment and will continue to evaluate them based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.

Income Taxes:

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities (temporary differences) and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Retirement Benefits:

Certain employees of the Company are covered under a profit-sharing and retirement savings plan (“defined contribution plan”). The plan provides for a matching contribution for eligible employees of 50% of each dollar contributed by the employee up to 6% of employee’s compensation. In addition, the plan provides an annual contribution in amounts authorized by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued):

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue from sales of products is recorded upon the passing of title and risks of ownership which occurs upon the shipment of goods. Revenue is recorded net of pricing allowances such as customer rebates and discounts.

Shipping and Handling:

The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative were $3,482 and $2,936, respectively.

Research and Development:

The Company incurs research and development costs in connection with improvements to the key duplicating and engraving machines. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, research and development expenses, consisting primarily of internal wages and benefits, were $293 and $360, respectively.

Translation of Foreign Currencies:

The translation of the Company’s Canadian foreign currency based financial statements into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate during the period.

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

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

Page 8 of  26

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

3.     Acquisitions:

On May 1, 2002, the Company purchased certain assets of the Lowe’s specialty fastener business from R&B, Inc. for cash consideration of $6,207. On October 3, 2002, the Company purchased the net assets of the DIY division (“DIY”) of the Fastenal Company for cash consideration of $15,218. The following disclosures indicate the Company’s estimate of pro forma financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2002 had the acquisitions of the Lowe’s specialty fastener business and the DIY business been consummated on January 1, 2002:

4.     Contingencies:

Under the Company’s insurance programs, commercial umbrella coverage is obtained for catastrophic exposure and aggregate losses in excess of normal claims. Beginning in 1991, the Company has retained risk on certain expected losses from both asserted and unasserted claims related to worker’s compensation, general liability and automobile as well as the health benefits of certain employees. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on an analysis of historical insurance claim data and certain actuarial assumptions. As of March 31, 2003, the Company has provided insurers letters of credit aggregating $3,857 related to certain insurance programs.

Legal proceedings are pending which are either in the ordinary course of business or incidental to the Company’s business. Those legal proceedings incidental to the business of the Company are generally not covered by insurance or other indemnity. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of the pending litigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, operations or cash flows of the Company.

5.     Related Party Transactions:

On September 26, 2001, the Company was acquired by Allied Capital pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 18, 2001. In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company is obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Allied Capital for management services rendered in the amount of $1,800 for calendar years subsequent to 2001. The Company has recorded a management fee charge of $450 for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002. Payment of management fees are due annually after delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial statements to the Board of Directors of the Company. The management fee for the year ended December 31, 2002 was paid in April 2003.

The Company incurs interest expense to Allied Capital on the subordinated debt at a fixed rate of 18.0% per annum. Cash interest payments are required on a quarterly basis at a fixed rate of 13.5% with the remaining 4.5% fixed rate (the “PIK Amount”) being added to the principal balance. As of March 31, 2003, the outstanding subordinated debt including the PIK amounts was $42,591.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

6.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN No. 45 requires that a guarantor must recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation that it has undertaken in issuing a guarantee. FIN No. 45 also addresses the disclosure requirements that a guarantor must include in its financial statements for guarantees issued. The disclosure requirements in this interpretation are effective for financial statements ending after December 15, 2002. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of this interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN No. 45 effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements”), which becomes effective for the Company in June 2003. FIN No. 46 provides consolidation guidance for certain variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which equity investors of the VIE do not have the characteristics of a controlling interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the VIE to finance its activities independently. FIN No. 46 requires each enterprise involved with a special purpose entity to determine whether it provides financial support to the special purpose entity through a variable interest. Variable interests may arise from financial instruments, service contracts, minority ownership interests or other arrangements. If an entity holds a majority of the variable interests, or a significant variable interest that is considerably more than any other party’s variable interest, that entity would be the primary beneficiary and would be required to include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the special purpose entity in its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 46 to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS No. 145”). Among other items, SFAS No. 145 updates and clarifies existing accounting pronouncements related to reporting gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt and certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The provisions of SFAS No. 145 are generally effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, with earlier adoption of certain provisions encouraged. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 145 effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS No. 146”). SFAS No. 146 nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Costs to Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined in EITF Issue 94-3 was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002, with earlier application encouraged. Under SFAS No. 146, an entity may not restate its previously issued financial statements and the new statement grandfathers the accounting for liabilities that an entity had previously recorded under EITF Issue 94-3. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 146 effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Page 10 of  26

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

6.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued):

In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” (“SFAS No. 148”). SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the prior disclosure guidance and requires prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The provisions of SFAS No. 148 are generally effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. At this time the Company does not plan to adopt the accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123 and will continue to account for stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.”

7.     Note Receivable:

On April 13, 2002, the Company entered into a Unit Repurchase Agreement with GC-Sun Holdings, L.P. (“G-C”), pursuant to which G-C exercised its call right under the G-C partnership agreement to purchase the Company’s interest in G-C. The Unit Repurchase Agreement closed on June 25, 2002. In exchange for its interest in G-C, the Company received a $10,000 subordinated note from G-C. Interest on the note is payable quarterly at a rate of 18% from May 1, 2002 to April 30, 2003, 17% from May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004, and 16% thereafter. G-C’s payment of interest on the note is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the subordinated note agreement. If such restrictions do not permit the current payment of interest in cash when due, accrued interest is added to the principal.

In February 2003, G-C sold the assets of its largest operating division, Kar Products. The proceeds of the sale were primarily used to pay down G-C’s senior creditors. Following the sale of Kar Products, the Company estimated the enterprise value of G-C based on the cash flows and book value of the remaining operating division. The excess of the estimated enterprise value less debt obligations senior to the G-C note were determined to be insufficient to support the value of the G-C note. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $5,657 charge to income in the first quarter of 2003 to write-down the face value of the note and accrued interest thereon to its estimated fair value.

Page 11 of  26

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

General

The Hillman Companies, Inc. (“Hillman” or the “Company”), is one of the largest providers of value-added merchandising services and hardware-related products to retail markets in North America.

The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. (the “Hillman Group”) provides merchandising services and hardware and related products, such as, fasteners and similar items, key duplication equipment, keys and related accessories and identification equipment and items to retail outlets, primarily hardware stores, home centers and mass merchants.

Hillman is organized as an independently managed portfolio company of Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied Capital”). Allied Capital owns approximately 96.8% of Hillman’s common stock with the remainder being held primarily by Company Management.

Financing Arrangements

On December 28, 2000, the Company issued $30 million of unsecured subordinated notes to Allied Capital and issued an additional $10 million of these notes to Allied Capital on September 28, 2001 (the “Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance”). The majority of the cash proceeds generated from the Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance were used to repay at a discount an unsecured subordinated note issued in connection with the acquisition of Axxess Technologies, Inc. on April 7, 2000 (the “Axxess Subordinated Note Repayment”).

On September 28, 2001, the Company refinanced its $115 million bank revolving credit and $21.5 million term loan with $105 million in senior secured credit facilities (the “Refinancing”). The new senior debt agreement (“Credit Agreement”) has a $50 million revolving credit line, a $20 million term loan that expires on September 27, 2006, and a $35 million term loan that expires on September 27, 2008.

On May 1, 2002, the Credit Agreement was amended to provide an additional $10.0 million of availability under the revolving credit facility and to increase the term loans by $15.0 million. Proceeds of the additional financing were used to finance the purchase of the specialty fastener business of Lowe’s, Inc. from R&B, Inc., the settlement of litigation with R&B, Inc. and the expansion and automation of the Company’s distribution facilities.

On December 23, 2002, the Credit Agreement was amended to provide an additional $4.8 million of availability under the revolving credit agreement and to increase the term loans by $5.2 million. As of March 31, 2003, the outstanding balance of the term loans aggregated $67.5 million.

Acquisitions

On May 1, 2002, the Company purchased certain assets of the Lowe’s specialty fastener business from R&B, Inc. for cash consideration of $6,207. On October 3, 2002, the Company purchased the net assets of the DIY division (“DIY”) of the Fastenal Company for cash consideration of $15,218.

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 and 2002

Net sales increased $6.6 million or 10.4% in the first quarter of 2003 to $70.0 million from $63.4 million in 2002. Total fastener sales to Lowe’s represented $1.5 million of the $6.6 million total sales increase in the first quarter primarily as a result of the May 2002 acquisition of the Lowe’s specialty fastener business from R&B, Inc. Sales to other national accounts, including Home Depot and Wal-Mart, increased by an aggregate $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2003 compared to the first quarter of 2002, led by sales growth in the LNS and keys product lines. In October 2002, Hillman acquired the DIY division (“DIY”) of the Fastenal Company which contributed fastener related sales of $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2003. In addition, franchise and independent (“F&I”) accounts decreased $1.7 million from the comparable period in 2002. The F&I accounts are typically individual hardware dealers who are members of larger cooperatives, such as TruServ, Ace, and Do-It-Best. Other sales, including regional accounts and engraving products were up $0.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2002.

The Hillman Group’s gross profit was 54.8% in the first quarter of 2003 compared to 55.1% in the first quarter of 2002. The margin rate decrease from the prior year was the result of lower margins on the newly acquired DIY business.

The Company’s consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“S,G&A”) increased $1.7 million or 6.2% from $26.5 million in the first quarter of 2002 to $28.2 million in the first quarter of 2003. Selling expenses decreased $0.1 million or 1.0% primarily as a result of a reduction in the amount of opening and servicing costs at new national account stores. Warehouse and delivery expenses increased $2.2 million or 30.5% primarily as a result of increased freight and labor of $0.9 million on increased sales volume and labor and other costs of $0.9 million related to start up of the new distribution facility in 2003. Management expects the startup costs associated with the new distribution facility to moderate in the second quarter and to be eliminated by the end of the third quarter of 2003. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million or 7.1% primarily as a result of a reduction in corporate overhead costs following elimination of the Philadelphia corporate office in May 2002.

Total S,G&A expenses in the first quarter of 2003 expressed as a percentage of sales compared with the first quarter of 2002 are as follows:

Income from operations for the first quarter of 2003 was $5.9 million compared with $4.6 million for the same prior-year period, representing an increase of 28.3%.

The Company’s consolidated operating profit margin (income from operations as a percentage of sales) increased to 8.4% in the first quarter of 2003 compared with 7.2% in 2002. The operating profit margin improvement was due primarily to the reduction of S,G&A expenses as a percentage of sales. The 2003 first quarter’s 10.4% sales increase outpaced the smaller 6.2% S,G&A expense increase, thereby raising the overall operating profit margin. The smaller S,G&A rate of increase was due to a reduction in costs associated with promotional marketing materials and corporate overhead expenses.

Depreciation expense increased $0.4 million to $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $3.1 million in the same quarter of 2002.

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Amortization expense of $0.4 million in the first quarter of 2003 was equal to the amortization in the same quarter of 2002. This was the result of there being no change in the amount of intangible assets subject to amortization.

Interest expense increased $0.2 million to $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $3.4 million in the same period of 2002. The increase was primarily the result of additional borrowings to finance the expansion and automation of the Company’s distribution facility, to purchase the Lowe’s specialty fastener business from R&B, Inc. in May 2002, and to purchase the DIY business from Fastenal Company in October 2002.

The Company has recorded a management fee charge of $0.45 million for the first quarter of 2003 and $0.45 million for the first quarter of 2002. The Company is obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Allied Capital for management services rendered in the amount of $1.8 million for calendar years subsequent to 2001. The payment of management fees is due annually after delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial statements to the Board of Directors of the Company.

On April 13, 2002, the Company entered into a Unit Repurchase Agreement with GC-Sun Holdings, L.P. (“G-C”), pursuant to which G-C exercised its call right under the G-C partnership agreement to purchase the Company’s interest in G-C. The Unit Repurchase Agreement closed on June 25, 2002. In exchange for its interest in G-C, the Company received a $10,000 subordinated note from G-C. Interest on the note is payable quarterly at a rate of 18% from May 1, 2002 to April 30, 2003, 17% from May 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004, and 16% thereafter. G-C’s payment of interest on the note is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the subordinated note agreement. If such restrictions do not permit the current payment of interest in cash when due, accrued interest is added to the principal.

In February 2003, G-C sold the assets of its largest operating division, Kar Products. The proceeds of the sale were primarily used to pay down G-C’s senior creditors. Following the sale of Kar Products, the Company estimated the enterprise value of G-C based on the cash flows and book value of the remaining operating division. The excess of the estimated enterprise value less debt obligations senior to the G-C note were determined to be insufficient to support the value of the G-C note. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $5.7 million charge to income in the first quarter of 2003 to write-down the face value of the note and accrued interest thereon to its estimated fair value.

The Company pays interest to the Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105.4 million, or $12.2 million per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributes an equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company paid $3.1 million in interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, equivalent to the amounts distributed by the Trust on the Trust Preferred Securities.

The Company is subject to federal, state and local income taxes on its domestic operations and foreign income taxes on its Canadian operation as accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred income taxes represent differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as classified on the Company’s balance sheet. The Company recorded a tax benefit for income taxes of $2.4 million on pre-tax losses of $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2003. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2003 was 37.5% compared to 35.5% in the first quarter of 2002 due to a change in permanent tax items.

Cash Flows

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing and financing activities.

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Operating Activities

The Company’s main source of liquidity is cash generated from operating activities consisting of net earnings from operations adjusted for non-cash operating items such as depreciation and changes in operating assets and liabilities such as receivables, inventories and payables.

Cash used by operating activities for the first three months of 2003 was $9.8 million compared to cash used of $3.9 million in the same prior year period. The negative net change of $5.9 million in the current three months compared to the same period in 2002 was primarily due to the use of $3.2 million more operating cash to fund the increased inventory requirements and the use of $2.1 million more operating cash for the higher customer pricing allowances earned and accrued in 2002, but paid in 2003.

Investing Activities

The principal recurring investing activities are property additions primarily for key duplicating machines. Net property additions for the first three months of 2003 were $3.3 million compared to $2.6 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase in capital expenditures in the first three months of 2003 compared to the prior year period results from an additional $0.4 million of engraving machines, $0.2 million of key machines and $0.1 of equipment.

Financing Activities

Net borrowings under the Company’s senior credit facilities of $11.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003 increased $5.5 million from the comparable prior year period as a result primarily of cash flow used for operations. See Operating Activities noted above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s working capital position (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $62.8 million at March 31, 2003 represents an increase of $13.1 million from the December 31, 2002 level of $49.7 million primarily as a result of the seasonal increase in accounts receivable of $7.1 million and inventories of $1.9 million together with a decrease in accrued salaries and wages of $3.0 million. The Company’s current ratio (defined as current assets divided by current liabilities) increased to 2.16x at March 31, 2003 from 1.83x at December 31, 2002.

The Company’s contractual obligations in thousands of dollars as of March 31, 2003 are summarized below:

All of the obligations noted above are reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2003, except for the Operating Leases.

Page 15 of  26

As of March 31, 2003, the Company had $5.2 million available under its secured credit facilities. The Company had approximately $116.0 million of outstanding debt under its secured credit facilities at March 31, 2003, consisting of $67.5 million in term loans, $48.3 million in revolving credit borrowings and $0.2 million in capitalized lease obligations. The term loans consisted of a $37.0 million Term B Loan (the “Term Loan B”) currently at a three (3) month LIBOR rate of 5.125% and a $30.5 million Term A loan (the “Term Loan A”) at a three (3) month LIBOR rate of 4.375%. The revolver borrowings (the “Revolver”) consist of $20.0 million currently at a three (3) month LIBOR rate of 4.44%, $8.0 million at a three (3) month LIBOR rate of 4.375% and $20.3 million at the prime rate of 6.00%. The capitalized lease obligations were at various interest rates.

As of March 31, 2003 the Company had no material purchase commitments for capital expenditures.

Interest on the Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance of $40 million which matures September 29, 2009 is at a fixed rate of 18.0% per annum, with cash interest payments being required on a quarterly basis at a fixed rate of 13.5% commencing November 15, 2001. The outstanding principal balance of the Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance shall be increased on a quarterly basis at the remaining 4.5% fixed rate (the “PIK Amount”). All of the PIK Amounts are due on the fifth anniversary of the Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance. As of March 31, 2003, the outstanding Amended Subordinated Debt Issuance including the PIK Amounts was $42.6 million.

The Senior Credit Agreement, among other provisions, contains financial covenants requiring the maintenance of specific ratios and levels of financial position, restricts the incurrence of additional debt, and the sale of assets, and permits acquisitions only with the consent of the lenders. The Company was in full compliance with all provisions of the Senior Credit Agreement as of March 31, 2003.

The Company has deferred tax assets aggregating $35.0 million and deferred tax liabilities of $5.7 million as of March 31, 2003, as determined in accordance with SFAS 109. Management believes that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized through the reversal of existing temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis, as well as through future taxable income.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in Note 2, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates requires the exercise of judgment. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements include estimates associated with its evaluation of the recoverability of goodwill as well as those used in the determination of liabilities related to insurance programs, litigation, and taxation. In addition, significant estimates form the basis for the Company’s reserves with respect to sales and returns allowances, collectibility of accounts receivable, inventory valuations, deferred tax assets, and certain benefits provided to current employees. Various assumptions and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions and product mix. The Company constantly re-evaluates these significant factors and makes adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate. Specific factors are as follows: recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets are subject to annual impairment testing; litigation is based on projections provided by legal counsel; deferred taxes are based on the Company’s projections of future taxable income; sales

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and returns and allowances are based on historical activity and customer contracts; accounts receivable reserves are based on doubtful accounts and aging of outstanding balances; inventory reserves are based on expected obsolescence and excess inventory levels; and employee benefits are based on benefit plan requirements and severance agreements. Historically, actual results have not significantly deviated from those determined using the estimates described above.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue from sales of products is recorded upon the passing of title and risks of ownership to the customer, which occurs upon the shipment of goods.

The Company offers a variety of sales incentives to its customers primarily in the form of discounts and rebates. Discounts are recognized in the financial statements at the date of the related sale. Rebates are estimated based on the anticipated rebate to be paid and a portion of the estimated cost of the rebate is allocated to each underlying sales transaction. Rebates and discounts are included in the determination of net sales.

The Company also establishes reserves for customer returns and allowances. The reserve is established based on historical rates of returns and allowances. The reserve is adjusted quarterly based on actual experience.

Inventory Realization:

Inventories consisting predominantly of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined principally on the first-in, first-out method. Excess and obsolete inventories are carried at net realizable value. The historical usage rate is the primary factor used by the Company in assessing the net realizable value of excess and obsolete inventory. A reduction in the carrying value of an inventory item from cost to market is recorded for inventory with no usage in the preceding twelve month period or with on hand quantities in excess of twenty-four months average usage.

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment, including assets acquired under capital leases, are carried at cost and include expenditures for new facilities and major renewals. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in current operations.

Depreciation:

For financial accounting purposes, depreciation, including that related to plant and equipment acquired under capital leases, is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to ten years, or, if shorter, over the terms of the related leases.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Prior to January 1, 2002, the Company recorded goodwill related to the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets acquired and amortized the goodwill on a straight-line basis over twenty-five to forty years. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and accordingly, goodwill is no longer amortized, but is reviewed periodically for impairment. Other intangible assets arising principally from acquisitions are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three to twenty-five years.

Long-Lived Assets:

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the Company has evaluated its long-lived assets for financial impairment and will continue to evaluate them based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable.

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Income Taxes:

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities (temporary differences) and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Self-insurance Reserves:

The Company purchases third party insurance for worker’s compensation, automobile, product and general liability claims that exceed a certain level. However, the Company is responsible for the payment of claims under these insured limits. In estimating the obligation associated with incurred losses, the Company utilizes loss development factors prepared by consulting insurance carriers. These development factors utilize historical data to project the future development of incurred losses. Loss estimates are adjusted based upon actual claims settlements and reported claims.

Retirement Benefits:

Certain employees of the Company are covered under a profit-sharing and retirement savings plan (“defined contribution plan”). The plan provides for a matching contribution for eligible employees of 50% of each dollar contributed by the employee up to 6% of employee’s compensation. In addition, the plan provides an annual contribution in amounts authorized by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

Shipping and Handling

The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, shipping and handling costs included in selling, general and administrative were $3,482 and $2,936, respectively.

Research and Development:

The Company incurs research and development costs in connection with improvements to the key duplicating and engraving machines. For the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, research and development expenses, consisting primarily of internal wages and benefits, were $293 and $360, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

Cash, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and bank revolving credit are reflected in the consolidated financial statements at fair value due to short-term maturity or revolving nature of these instruments.

Translation of Foreign Currencies:

The translation of the Company’s Canadian foreign currency based financial statements into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average exchange rate during the period.

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Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

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

Please reference Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements for additional related information.

Inflation

Inflation in recent years has had a modest impact on the operations of the Company. Continued inflation, over a period of years at higher than current rates, would result in significant increases in inventory costs and operating expenses. However, such higher cost of sales and operating expenses can generally be offset by increases in selling prices, although the ability of the Company’s operating divisions to raise prices is dependent on competitive market conditions.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain disclosures related to acquisitions and divestitures, refinancing, capital expenditures, resolution of pending litigation and realization of deferred tax assets contained in this report involve risks and uncertainties and may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including the risks and uncertainties discussed under captions “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. Given these uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “project” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on

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our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this Report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Report might not occur.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes as borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest at variable interest rates. It is Hillman’s policy to enter into interest rate transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet objectives. On March 31, 2002, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement on a notional amount of $26.6 million of senior term debt. The interest rate cap agreement, which expires September 30, 2004, caps the LIBOR interest rate at 6% plus the senior credit facility LIBOR margin of between 3.25% and 3.75%. Based on Hillman’s exposure to variable rate borrowings at March 31, 2003, a one percent (1%) change in the weighted average interest rate would change the annual interest expense by approximately $1.0 million.

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate changes of the Canadian currency as it impacts the $0.4 million net asset value of its Canadian subsidiary, The Hillman Group Canada, Ltd., as of March 31, 2003. Management considers the Company’s exposure to foreign currency translation gains or losses to be minimal.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchanges Act of 1934, as amended) as of a date within 90 days prior to filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Changes in Internal Controls

Since the Evaluation Date, there have not been any significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 — None

Item 6 – Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     a)                Exhibits, Including Those Incorporated by Reference.

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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 undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC.

DATE: May 14, 2003

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CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Max W. Hillman, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

Date: 5/14/03

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CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, James P. Waters, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

Date: 5/14/03

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