UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

Commission file number 1-13293

The Hillman Companies, Inc.

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 o

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

On August 13, 2004 there were 6,212.9 Class A Common Shares issued and outstanding, 1,000.0 Class B Common Shares issued and outstanding, 2,787.1 Class C Common Shares issued and outstanding, 82,104.8 Class A Preferred Shares issued and outstanding by the Registrant and 57,282.4 Class A Preferred Shares issued and outstanding by the Hillman Investment Company 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.

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

1. Basis of Presentation:

The accompanying financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Hillman Companies, Inc. (the “Company” or “Hillman”) and its indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

On March 31, 2004, The Hillman Companies, Inc. was acquired by an affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) dated as of February 14, 2004, the Company was merged with an affiliate of CHS with the Company surviving the merger (“Merger Transaction”). The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was $511.6 million including repayment of outstanding debt and including the value of the Company’s outstanding Trust Preferred Securities ($102.3 million at merger).

Prior to the merger, Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied Capital”) owned 96.8 % of the Company’s common stock. As a result of the change of control, an affiliate of CHS owns 49.1% of the Company’s common stock and 54.5% of the Company’s voting common stock, Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan (“OTPP”) owns 27.9% of the Company’s common stock and 31.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and HarborVest Partners VI owns 8.7% of the Company’s common stock and 9.7% of the Company’s voting common stock. Certain members of management own 14.1% of the Company’s common stock and 4.5% of the Company’s voting common stock.

CHS is a private equity firm that manages approximately $1.56 billion in capital in four funds. The acquisition of the Company by CHS adds to their existing portfolio of middle market manufacturing and distribution businesses.

The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and its related Statements of Operations, Cash Flows and Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the periods presented prior to the March 31, 2004 Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the predecessor financial statements (the “Predecessor” or “Predecessor Financial Statements”). The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 and its related Statements of Operations, Cash Flows and Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for three month period ended June 30, 2004 are referenced herein as the successor financial statements (the “Successor” or “Successor Financial Statements”). The accompanying Successor Financial Statements reflect the allocation of the aggregate purchase price of $511.6, including the value of the Company’s Trust Preferred Securities, to the assets and liabilities of Hillman based on fair values at the date of the merger in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The Company is in the process of obtaining third-party valuations of certain assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction. Thus, the allocation of the purchase price is subject to change. Any amounts attributable to such assets are expected to be finalized during 2004. The following table reconciles the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities to the total purchase price:

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

1. Basis of Presentation (continued):

The purchase price includes transaction related costs aggregating $2,171 which were associated with CHS’s purchase of the Company.

The following table indicates the pro forma financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and the six and three months ended June 30, 2003 (including non-recurring charges of $30,707 as discussed in Note 9). The pro forma financial statements give effect to the Merger Transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 2004 and January 1, 2003, respectively.

The pro forma results are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the acquisition had been effective January 1, 2004 and 2003, nor are they intended to be indicative of results that may occur in the future. The underlying pro forma information includes the historical financial results of the Company, the Company’s financing arrangements, and certain purchase accounting adjustments.

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 six months ended June 30, 2004 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, 2003.

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

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Shipping and Handling:

The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the Company’s Statements of Operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $4,245 for the Successor Company and $4,292 for the Predecessor Company, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $3,628 for the Predecessor Company and for the six months ended June 30, 2003, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $7,861 for the Predecessor Company.

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

Reclassifications:

Certain amounts in the 2003 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

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.

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

3. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. SFAS No. 142 provides for the non-amortization of goodwill. Goodwill is now subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. Goodwill totaling $229,655 was recorded in connection with the Merger Transaction. Other intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to a lower of cost or market impairment testing.

The values assigned to intangible assets in connection with the March 31, 2004 Merger Transaction were determined by a preliminary independent appraisal. The intangible asset values may be adjusted for any changes determined upon completion of work on the independent appraisal. Intangible assets as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 consist of the following:

The Predecessor Company’s amortization expense for amortizable assets for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $321. The Successor Company’s amortization expense for amortizable assets for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 is estimated to be $8,034 and for the years ending December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are estimated to be $10,710, $10,710, $9,985 and $8,350, respectively.

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 June 30, 2004, the Company has provided insurers letters of credit aggregating $4,865 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 should 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 Allied acquisition, the Company was obligated to pay management

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

5. Related Party Transactions (continued):

fees to a subsidiary of Allied Capital for management services rendered in the amount of $1,800 per year, plus out of pocket expenses, for calendar years subsequent to 2001.

The Predecessor Company has recorded a management fee charge of $524 and $450 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively and a management fee of $900 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Payment of management fees was due annually after delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial statements to the Board of Directors of the Company. The obligation to pay management fees to Allied Capital was terminated upon the payment of outstanding fees in the amount of $2,324 on March 31, 2004 in connection with the close of the Merger Transaction.

On March 31, 2004, the Company was acquired by an affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC. In connection with the CHS acquisition, the Company is obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of CHS in the amount of $58 per month and to pay management fees to a subsidiary of OTPP in the amount of $26 per month, plus out of pocket expenses, for each month commencing with the closing date of the Merger Transaction. Management fees to CHS and OTPP of $256 have been recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2004.

The Predecessor Company incurred interest expense to Allied Capital on the subordinated debt at a fixed rate of 18.0% per annum. Cash interest payments were 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. The subordinated debt and accrued interest thereon of $45,571 were paid in full at March 31, 2004 in connection with the Merger Transaction.

6. Long Term Debt:

On March 31, 2004 the Company, through its Hillman Group, Inc. subsidiary, refinanced its revolving credit and senior term loans with a Senior Credit Agreement consisting of a $40,000 revolving credit (the “Revolver”) and a $217,500 term loan (the “Term Loan”). The Senior Credit Agreement has a seven-year term and provides borrowings at interest rates based on the London Inter-bank Offered Rates (the “LIBOR”) plus a margin of between 2.25% and 3.00% (the “LIBOR Margin”), or prime (the “Base Rate”) plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.0% (the “Base Rate Margin”). The applicable LIBOR Margin and Base Rate Margin is based on the Company’s leverage at the date of the preceding fiscal quarter. In accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement, letter of credit commitment fees are based on the average daily face amount of each outstanding letter of credit multiplied by a Letter of Credit Margin of between 2.25% and 3.00% per annum. The Letter of Credit Margin is also based on the Company’s leverage at the date of the preceding fiscal quarter. The Company also pays a Commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the average daily unused Revolver balance.

The Senior Credit Agreement, among other provisions, contains financial covenants requiring the maintenance of specific leverage and interest coverage ratios and levels of financial position, restricts the incurrence of additional debt and the sale of assets, and permits acquisitions with the consent of the lenders.

On March 31, 2004 the Company, through its Hillman Group, Inc. subsidiary, issued $47,500 of unsecured subordinated notes to Allied Capital Corporation maturing on September 30, 2011 (“Subordinated Debt Issuance”). Interest on the Subordinated Debt Issuance is at a fixed rate of 13.5% per annum, with cash interest payments required on a quarterly basis at a fixed rate of 11.25% commencing April 15, 2004. The outstanding principal balance of the Subordinated Debt Issuance shall be increased on a quarterly basis at the remaining 2.25% fixed rate (the “PIK Amount”). All of the PIK Amounts are due on the maturity date of the Subordinated Debt Issuance.

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

6. Long Term Debt (continued):

The Company is subject to a prepayment charge on the Subordinated Debt equal to 6% of the outstanding principal if paid prior to March 31, 2006, 3% of the outstanding principal if paid after March 31, 2006 but prior to March 31, 2007 and 1% of the outstanding principal if paid after March 31, 2007 but before March 31, 2008.

The Company incurred financing fees of $6,539 and $1,053 in connection with the Senior Credit Agreement and the Subordinated Debt issuance, respectively. These fees were capitalized as deferred financing fees as of March 31, 2004 and will be amortized over the lives of the respective credit agreements.

7. Common and Preferred Stock:

Common Stock issued in connection with the Merger Transaction:

There are 23,141 authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, 6,212.9 of which are issued and outstanding. Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote. Each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled at any time to convert any or all of the shares into an equal number of shares of Class C Common Stock.

There are 2,500 authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, 1,000 of which are issued and outstanding. Holders of Class B Common Stock have no voting rights. The Class B Common was issued to certain members of the Company’s management and is subject to vesting over five years with 20% vesting on each anniversary of the Merger Transaction.

In connection with the Merger Transaction, certain members of management entered into an Executive Securities Agreement (“ESA”). The ESA provides for the method and terms under which management proceeds were invested in the Company. Under the terms of the ESA, management shareholders have the right to put their Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock back to the Company at fair market value if employment is terminated for other than cause. If terminated for cause, the management shareholders can generally put the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock back to the Company for the lower of the fair market value or cost. Accounting Series Release No. 268 requires certain securities whose redemption is not in the control of the issuer to be classified outside of permanent equity. The put feature embedded in management’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock allow redemption at the holder’s option under certain circumstances. Accordingly, management’s 407.6 Class A Common Stock shares and 1,000 Class B Common Stock shares have been classified between liabilities and stockholder’s equity in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.

There are 30,109 authorized shares of Class C Common Stock, 2,787.1 of which are issued and outstanding. Each share of Class C Common Stock entitles its holder to one vote, provided that the aggregate voting power of Class C Common Stock (with respect to the election of directors) never exceeds 30%. Each holder of Class C Common Stock is entitled at any time to convert any or all of the shares into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock.

Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Merger Transaction:

The Company has 238,889 authorized shares of Class A Preferred Stock, 82,104.8 of which are issued and outstanding and 13,450.7 of which are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of Class A Preferred Stock. Holders of Class A Preferred Stock are not entitled to any voting rights. Holders of Class A Preferred Stock are entitled to preferential dividends that shall accrue on a daily basis at the rate of 11.5% per annum of the sum of the Liquidation Value (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) thereof plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon.

Hillman Investment Company, a subsidiary of the Company, has 166,667 authorized shares of Class A Preferred Stock, 57,282.4 of which are issued and outstanding and 9,384.2 of which are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of

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

Class A Preferred Stock. Holders of Class A Preferred Stock are not entitled to any voting rights. Holders of Class A Preferred Stock are entitled to preferential dividends that shall accrue on a daily basis at the rate of 11.0% per annum of the sum of the Liquidation Value (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) thereof plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 requires certain financial instruments with both debt and equity characteristics to be classified as debt. The statement requires initial and subsequent valuation of this debt at a present or fair market value and was effective July 1, 2003. The Hillman Investment Company Class A Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable on March 31, 2028 and in accordance with SFAS 150 has been classified as debt in the accompanying June 30, 2004 Balance Sheet.

Dividends on the mandatorily redeemable Class A Preferred Stock for the three months ended June 30, 2004 are included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Stock Options:

On March 30, 2004, the Company granted 1,085,116 common stock options under the SunSource Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Incentive Plan”). The options were issued with an exercise price below the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. The fair value of the stock on March 30, 2004 was $29.20 per share and the weighted average exercise price was $6.76 per share. Compensation expense of $24,353 was recorded in the first quarter of 2004 for the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price.

Prior to the Merger Transaction the Company had 349,641 options issued in connection with the 1998 SunSource Equity Compensation Plan (“1998 Incentive Plan”). The options were 100% vested and had a weighted average strike price of $4.19 per share. In connection with the Merger Agreement, 154,641 of the 1998 Incentive Plan options and 75,714 of the 2001 Incentive Plan options were cancelled and converted into rights to receive options to purchase 3,895.16 shares of Hillman Companies, Inc. Class A Preferred Stock and 2,717.55 shares of Hillman Investment Company Class A Preferred Stock (collectively the “Purchased Options”). The Purchased Options have a weighted average strike price of $170.69. The fair value of the Hillman Investment Company Class A Preferred Stock options have been included with the underlying security in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. SFAS 150 requires security instruments with a redemption date that is certain to occur to be classified as liabilities. Thus, The Hillman Companies, Inc. Class A Preferred Stock options, which have a March 31, 2028 expiration date, have been classified at their fair market value in the liability section of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent the Company pays a dividend to holders of the Class A Preferred Stock and the Hillman Investment Company Class A Preferred Stock, the Purchased Option Holder will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the dividend which would have been paid if the Purchased Options had been exercised on the date immediately prior to the record date for the dividend. Additionally, under the terms of the ESA, the Purchased Options can be put back to the Company at fair market value if employment is terminated.

The remaining 1998 Incentive Plan Options and 2001 Incentive Plan Options were cancelled and converted into rights to receive a pro rata share of the merger consideration. The 1998 Incentive Plan and the 2001 Incentive Plan were then terminated.

On March 31, 2004, the Company’s adopted The Hillman Companies, Inc. 2004 Stock Option Plan (“Common Option Plan”) following Board and shareholder approval. Grants under the

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

Common Option Plan will consist of non-qualified stock options for the purchase of Class B Common Shares. The number of Class B Common Shares authorized for issuance under the Common Option Plan is not to exceed 256.41 shares. Unless otherwise consented to by the Board, the aggregate number of Class B Common Shares for which options may be granted under the Common Option Plan cannot exceed 51.28 in any one calendar year.

The Common Option Plan is administered by a Committee of the Board. The Committee determines the term of each option, provided, however, that the exercise period may not exceed ten years from date of grant. No options have been awarded under the Common Option Plan as of June 30, 2004.

On March 31, 2004, certain members of the Company’s management were granted options to purchase 9,555.5 shares of Class A Preferred Stock and 6,666.7 shares of Hillman Investment Company Class A Preferred Stock (collectively the “Preferred Options”). The Preferred Options vest over five years with 20% vesting on each anniversary of the Merger Transaction.

In September 1997, The Hillman Group Capital Trust (“Trust”), a Grantor trust, completed a $105.4 million underwritten public offering of 4,217,724 11.6% Trust Preferred Securities (“TOPrS”). The Trust invested the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities and the related common securities in an equal principal amount of 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures of Hillman due September 2027. The Trust distributes monthly cash payments it receives from the Company as interest on the debentures to preferred security holders at an annual rate of 11.6% on the liquidation amount of $25 per preferred security. The Company may defer interest payments on the debentures at any time, for up to 60 consecutive months. If this occurs, the Trust will also defer distribution payments on the preferred securities. The deferred distributions, however, will accumulate distributions at a rate of 11.6% per annum. The Trust will redeem the preferred securities when the debentures are repaid, or at maturity on September 30, 2027. The Company may redeem the debentures before their maturity at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures redeemed, plus accrued interest. When the Company redeems any debentures before their maturity, the Trust will use the cash it receives to redeem preferred securities and common securities as provided in the trust agreement. The Company guarantees the obligations of the Trust on the Trust Preferred Securities.

The Company has determined that the Trust is a variable interest entity and (ii) the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Trust pursuant to the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entries” (“FIN 46R”). Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of FIN 46R, the Company has de-consolidated the Trust at March 31, 2004. Summarized below is the condensed financial information of the Trust as of June 30, 2004.

The non-current assets for the Trust relate to its investment in the 11.6% junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of Hillman due September 30, 2027.

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

In accordance with SFAS 150, the TOPrS constitute mandatorily redeemable financial instruments. The Company guarantees the obligations of the Trust on the Trust Preferred Securities. Upon adoption of SFAS 150 on January 1, 2004, the guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in the Company’s Junior Subordinated Debentures have been reclassified prospectively from the mezzanine section to the long-term liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Items previously shown separately on the Consolidated Statement of Operations as preferred security distributions of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests are classified as interest expense in the current period in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 150.

On March 31, 2004, the Junior Subordinated Debentures were recorded at the fair value of $114,725 based on the price underlying the Trust Preferred Securities of $27.20 per share upon close of trading on the American Stock Exchange on that date. The Company is amortizing the premium on the Junior Subordinated Debentures of $9,279 over their remaining life in the amount of $99 per quarter. At June 30, 2004, the value of the Junior Subordinated Debentures, net of premium amortization, was $114,626.

In the quarter ended March 31, 2004, the Company incurred $30,707 of non-recurring, one-time charges. The charges included a $24,353 expense for stock options granted in connection with the Merger Transaction at an exercise price below fair market value. See Note 7, Common and Preferred Stock for additional details. Payroll taxes on the stock option grant of $397 were also recorded in the first quarter of 2004. In addition, the Company recorded Merger Transaction costs incurred by the selling shareholders which consisted primarily of investment banking and legal fees of $4,035. Finally, in connection with the Merger Transaction the Company awarded bonuses to certain members of management totaling $1,922.

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 was 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 was subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the subordinated note agreement. If such restrictions did not permit the current payment of interest in cash when due, accrued interest was 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 under a held for sale methodology. 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 and accrued interest. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $5,657 charge to income in the first quarter of 2003 and a $600 charge to income in the second quarter of 2003 to write-down the face value of the note and accrued interest thereon to its estimated future cash flows. The Company recorded additional charges to income of $5,000 in the remainder of 2003 for changes in the assessments of the estimated amounts recoverable under the note. On March 30, 2004, the G-C note was distributed to the Predecessor common shareholders of the Company.

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

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposures to interest rate fluctuations on its floating rate senior debt. The derivative instruments are accounted for pursuant to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities.” As amended, SFAS No. 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet, measure those instruments at fair value and recognize changes in the fair value of derivatives in earnings in the period of change unless the derivative qualifies as an effective hedge that offsets certain exposures.

On April 28, 2004, the Company entered into an Interest Rate Swap Agreement (“Swap”) with a two-year term for a notional amount of $50 million. The Swap fixes the interest rate on $50 million of the Senior Term Loan at a rate of 1.17% plus the applicable interest rate margin for the first three months of the Swap with incremental increases ranging from 28 to 47 basis points in each successive quarter.

The Swap has been designated as a cash flow hedge and the fair value at June 30, 2004 was $95, net of $63 in taxes. The Swap is reported on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets. The related deferred gain on our swap agreements of $95 has been deferred in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income. This deferred gain is then recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the same period in which the related interest payments being hedged are recorded in interest expense. Gains and losses associated with the ineffective portion of the Swap are immediately recognized in earnings. For the period from the inception of the Swap to June 30, 2004 the gains and losses on the ineffective portion of the Swap were not material to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company applies the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations in accounting for its stock based employee compensation plans. On March 31, 2004 the Company recognized compensation expense for certain options granted under the stock option plan of the Predecessor with an exercise price less than the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant (See Note 7, Common and Preferred Stock).

In connection with the Merger Transaction, the Company granted options to purchase shares of Preferred Stock to certain members of management. The exercise price of the options was equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant and accordingly no compensation expense was recorded. The Company is subject to the disclosure rules of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. Management has determined that the impact of SFAS 123 on net income and stockholders’ equity was not material as of and for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

Page 18 of 33

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.

On March 31, 2004, The Hillman Companies, Inc. was acquired by an affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) dated as of February 14, 2004, the Company was merged with an affiliate of CHS with the Company surviving the merger (“Merger Transaction”). The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was $511.6 million including repayment of outstanding debt and including the value of the Company’s outstanding Trust Preferred Securities ($102.3 million at merger).

Prior to the Merger Transaction, Allied Capital Corporation (“Allied Capital”) owned 96.8 % of the Company’s common stock. As a result of the change of control, an affiliate of CHS owns 49.1% of the Company’s common stock and 54.5% of the Company’s voting common stock, Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan (“OTPP”) owns 27.9% of the Company’s common stock and 31.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and HarborVest Partners VI owns 8.7% of the Company’s common stock and 9.7% of the Company’s voting common stock. Certain members of management own 14.1% of the Company’s common stock and 4.5% of the Company’s voting common stock.

Financing Arrangements

On March 31, 2004, the Company, through its Hillman Group subsidiary, refinanced its revolving credit and senior term loans with a Senior Credit Agreement consisting of a $40.0 million revolving credit (the “Revolver”) and a $217.5 million term loan (the “Term Loan”). The Senior Credit Agreement has a seven-year term and provides borrowings at interest rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rates (the “LIBOR”) plus a margin of between 2.25% and 3.00% (the “LIBOR Margin”), or prime (the “Base Rate”) plus a margin of between 1.25% and 2.0% (the “Base Rate Margin”). The applicable LIBOR Margin and Base Rate Margin is based on the Company’s leverage at the date of the preceding fiscal quarter. In accordance with the Senior Credit Agreement, letter of credit commitment fees are based on the average daily face amount of each outstanding letter of credit multiplied by a Letter of Credit Margin of between 2.25% and 3.00% per annum. The Letter of Credit Margin is also based on the Company’s leverage at the date of the preceding fiscal quarter. The Company also pays a Commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on the average daily unused Revolver balance.

On March 31, 2004, the Company, through its Hillman Group subsidiary, issued $47.5 million of unsecured subordinated notes to Allied Capital maturing on September 30, 2011 (“Subordinated Debt Issuance”). Interest on the Subordinated Debt Issuance is at a fixed rate of 13.5% per annum, with cash interest payments required on a quarterly basis at a fixed rate of 11.25% commencing April 15, 2004. The outstanding principal

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balance of the Subordinated Debt Issuance shall be increased on a quarterly basis at the remaining 2.25% fixed rate (the “PIK Amount”). All of the PIK Amounts are due on the maturity date of the Subordinated Debt Issuance.

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.

On April 28, 2004, the Company entered into an Interest Rate Swap Agreement (“Swap”) with a two-year term for a notional amount of $50.0 million. The Swap fixes the interest rate on $50.0 million of the Senior Term Loan at a rate of 1.17% plus the applicable interest rate margin for the first three months of the Swap with incremental increases ranging from 28 to 47 basis points in each successive quarter.

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Net sales increased $8.4 million or 10.0% in the second quarter of 2004 to $92.6 million from $84.3 million in 2003. Franchise and independent (“F&I”) accounts increased $3.5 million from the comparable period in 2003. The increased F&I sales were the result of improved economic activity at the retail level and increased sales of galvanized fasteners used in the newly formulated treated lumber. The F&I accounts are typically individual hardware dealers who are members of larger cooperatives, such as TruServ, Ace, and Do-It-Best. Sales to national accounts represented $3.0 million of the $8.4 million total sales increase in the second quarter primarily as a result of increased fastener sales to Lowe’s and Tractor Supply and increased keys and letters, numbers, and signs (“LNS”) sales to Home Depot. Other sales, including regional accounts and engraving products were up $1.9 million compared to the second quarter of 2003.

The Company’s gross profit was 55.1% in the second quarter of 2004 compared to 54.6% in the second quarter of 2003. The margin rate increase from the prior year was the result of production efficiencies following the December 2003 consolidation of the Rockford packaging and distribution facility into the Company’s Cincinnati facility.

The Company’s consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“S,G&A”) increased $1.7 million or 5.5% from $31.0 million in the second quarter of 2003 to $32.7 million in the second quarter of 2004. Selling expenses increased $2.9 million or 20.7% primarily as a result of an increase in service labor and outside service cost for newly opened national account locations and an increase in the use of pricing labels for the conversion of merchant displays to reflect the recent fastener price increase. Warehouse and delivery expenses increased $1.0 million or 9.5% primarily as a result of increased freight and labor on the increased sales volume. General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.1 million in the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003. This decrease was primarily the result of the payment of a $1.2 million medical claim in the second quarter of 2003 together with reduced medical claims experience in the same period of 2004.

Total S,G&A expenses in the second quarter of 2004 expressed as a percentage of sales compared with the second quarter of 2003 are as follows:

Income from operations for the second quarter of 2004 was $11.4 million compared with income of $10.8 million for the same prior-year period, representing an increase of $0.6 million. The increase in income from operations in the second quarter of 2004 was the result of the 10.0% higher sales and the resulting 10.9% increase in gross profit.

The Company’s consolidated operating profit margin (income from operations as a percentage of sales) decreased from 12.8% in the second quarter of 2003 to 12.3% in 2004. The operating profit margin decrease was the result of an increase in amortization expense related to intangible assets recorded in connection with the March 31, 2004 Merger Transaction.

Depreciation expense increased $0.4 million to $3.9 million in the second quarter of 2004 from $3.5 million in the same quarter of 2003.

Amortization expense of $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2004 increased from $0.4 million in the same quarter of 2003 as a result of the increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the Merger Transaction.

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The Company has recorded a management fee charge of $0.26 million for the second quarter of 2004 and $0.45 million for the second quarter of 2003. The Company is obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of CHS for management services rendered in the amount of fifty-eight thousand dollars per month, plus out of pocket expenses, and to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan for management services rendered in the amount of twenty-six thousand dollars per month, plus out of pocket expenses, for each month commencing with the closing date of the Merger Transaction. The Company was obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Allied Capital for management services rendered in the amount of $1.8 million, plus out of pocket expenses, for calendar years subsequent to 2001. The payment of management fees was due annually after delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial statements to the Board of Directors of the Company. The obligation to pay management fees to Allied Capital was terminated upon the payment of outstanding fees in the amount of $2.3 million on March 31, 2004 in connection with the close of the Merger Transaction.

In February 2003, G-C Sun Holdings, L.P. (“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 and a $0.6 million charge to income in the second quarter of 2003 to write-down the face value of the note and accrued interest thereon to its estimated future cash flows. The Company recorded additional charges to income of $5.0 million in the remainder of 2003 for changes in the assessments of the estimated amounts recoverable under the note.

Interest expense from credit facilities, net of interest income, increased $0.7 million to $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2004 from $3.9 million in the same period of 2003. The interest expense increase was the result of increased Company debt related to the Merger Transaction.

Interest expense on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock was $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2004. Because this interest expense related to the Merger Transaction, there was no such expense incurred in the same period of 2003.

For the three months ended June 30, 2004 the Company paid $3.1 million in interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures and for the three months ended June 30, 2003 the Company paid $3.1 million in interest distributions on the guaranteed preferred beneficial interests. These interest payments were 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 international operations 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 provision for income taxes of $1.8 million on pre-tax income of $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2004. The effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2004 was 89.3% compared to 51.0% in the second quarter of 2003. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily the result of the $1.8 million of interest expense on the mandatorily redeemable preferred stock recorded in the second quarter of 2004 which is not deductible for tax purposes.

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Net sales increased $17.3 million or 11.2% in the first six months of 2004 to $171.6 million from $154.3 million in the same period of 2003. Sales to national accounts represented $8.6 million of the $17.3 million total sales increase in the first half primarily as a result of increased fastener, keys, and LNS sales to Lowe’s, increased keys and LNS sales to Home Depot, and increased keys sales to Wal-Mart. Franchise and independent accounts increased $6.1 million from the comparable period in 2003. The increased F&I sales were the result of improved economic activity at the retail level and increased sales of galvanized fasteners used in the newly formulated treated lumber. 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 $2.6 million compared to the first half of 2003.

The Company’s gross profit was 54.9% in the first half of 2004 compared to 54.6% in the first half of 2003. The margin rate increase from the prior year was the result of production efficiencies following the December 2003 consolidation of the Rockford packaging and distribution facility into the Company’s Cincinnati facility.

The Company’s consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“S,G&A”) increased $4.5 million or 7.6% from $59.2 million in the first half of 2003 to $63.7 million in the first half of 2004. Selling expenses increased $4.8 million or 17.1% primarily as a result of an increase in service labor and outside service cost for newly opened national account locations and conversion of merchant displays in existing locations. Warehouse and delivery expenses increased $1.8 million or 9.1% primarily as a result of increased freight and labor of $1.3 million on increased sales volume. General and administrative expenses decreased by $2.1 million in the first half of 2004 compared to the first half of 2003 as a result in a substantial decrease in medical expense and the elimination of several positions from our Corporate Group and the Tempe and Rockford facilities.

Total S,G&A expenses in the first half of 2004 expressed as a percentage of sales compared with the first half of 2003 are as follows:

Loss from operations for the first half of 2004 was $11.9 million compared with income of $16.7 million for the same prior-year period, representing a decrease of $28.6 million. The decrease in income from operations was the result of $30.7 million in stock option compensation expense, management incentive fees, investment banking and legal fees incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction.

The Company’s consolidated operating profit margin (income from operations as a percentage of sales) decreased from 10.8% in the first half of 2003 to (6.9%) in 2004. The operating profit margin decrease was principally the result of non-recurring expenses related to the Merger Transaction of $4.0 for investment banking and legal fees, $1.9 million in management incentives, and $24.8 million in stock option compensation and related payroll taxes. The consolidated operating profit margin, net of non-recurring Merger Transaction costs of $30.7 million, was $18.8 million or 11.0% expressed as a percentage of sales.

Depreciation expense increased $0.7 million to $7.7 million in the first half of 2004 from $7.0 million in the same period of 2003.

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Amortization expense of $3.0 million in the first half of 2004 increased from $0.7 million in the same period of 2003 as a result of the increase in amortizable intangible assets related to the Merger Transaction.

The Company has recorded a management fee charge of $0.78 million for the first half of 2004 and $0.9 million for the first half of 2003. The Company is obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of CHS for management services rendered in the amount of fifty-eight thousand dollars per month, plus out of pocket expenses, and to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan for management services rendered in the amount of twenty-six thousand dollars per month, plus out of pocket expenses, for each month commencing with the closing date of the Merger Transaction. The Company was obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of Allied Capital for management services rendered in the amount of $1.8 million, plus out of pocket expenses, for calendar years subsequent to 2001. The payment of management fees was due annually after delivery of the Company’s annual audited financial statements to the Board of Directors of the Company. The obligation to pay management fees to Allied Capital was terminated upon the payment of outstanding fees in the amount of $2.3 million on March 31, 2004 in connection with the close of the Merger Transaction.

In February 2003, G-C Sun Holdings, L.P. (“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 and a $0.6 million charge to income in the second quarter of 2003 to write-down the face value of the note and accrued interest thereon to its estimated future cash flows. The Company recorded additional charges to income of $5.0 million in the remainder of 2003 for changes in the assessments of the estimated amounts recoverable under the note.

Interest expense from credit facilities, net of interest income, increased $0.8 million to $8.4 million in the first half of 2004 from $7.6 million in the same period of 2003. The interest expense increase was primarily the result of increased Company debt related to the Merger Transaction and the amortization of additional deferred financing costs.

Interest expense on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock was $1.8 million in the first half of 2004. Because this interest expense related to the Merger Transaction, there was no such expense incurred in the same period of 2003.

For the six months ended June 30, 2004 the Company paid $6.1 million in interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures and for the six months ended June 30, 2003 the Company paid $6.1 million in interest distributions on the guaranteed preferred beneficial interests. These interest payments were 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 international operations 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 $9.1 million on pre-tax losses of $28.2 million in the first half of 2004. The effective tax rate in the first half of 2004 was 32.30% compared to (31.7%) in the first half of 2003. The change in the effective tax rate is due to the increase in the pre-tax loss because of the non-recurring expense incurred in the first half of 2004 along with a decrease in the permanent tax items in 2004 when compared to 2003 which include certain costs associated with the Merger Transaction and the write-down of the face value of the G-C Note in 2003.

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Cash Flows

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the three months ended June 30, 2004 (Successor), the Merger Transaction on March 31, 2004 (Successor), the three months ended March 31, 2004 (Predecessor), and the six months ended June 30, 2003 (Predecessor) by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing and financing activities. The cash flows from the March 31, 2004 Merger Transaction are separately discussed below.

Merger Transaction

In connection with Merger Transaction the Company issued Common Stock and Preferred Stock for $148.0 million in cash. Proceeds from the refinancing of the Senior Credit Agreement and the Subordinated Debt Issuance net of financing fees of $7.6 million provided an additional $259.8 million. The debt and equity proceeds were used to repay existing senior and subordinated debt and accrued interest thereon of $154.9 and to repurchase existing shareholder’s common equity of $214.7 million and $24.8 million in compensation for stock options and related payroll taxes. The remainder of the proceeds was used to pay transaction expenses of $2.2 million and a senior credit prepayment penalty of $1.1 million.

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.

Excluding $26.1 million in cash used for the Merger Transaction discussed above, cash used by operating activities for the first six months of 2004 was $3.0 million compared to $8.8 million in the same prior year period. Operating cash outflows have historically been the highest in the first and second fiscal quarters as sales volume and inventory levels generally increase as the Company approaches the stronger spring and summer selling seasons. The seasonal working capital impact was less pronounced in the first six months of 2004 as the net operating assets including inventory, receivables and payables increased only $8.7 million compared to $16.2 million in 2003.

Investing Activities

The principal recurring investing activities are property additions primarily for key duplicating machines. Net property additions for the first six months of 2004 were $5.4 million compared to $5.9 million in the comparable prior year period. The decrease in capital expenditures in the first six months of 2004 compared to the prior year period results from a decrease in the amount of expenditures for key duplicating machines of $.3 million and a reduction in plant and equipment expenditures $0.2 million.

Financing Activities

Excluding $36.3 million in cash provided by borrowings related to the Merger Transaction, net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $1.9 million compared to $12.6 million for the comparable period in 2003. The reduction in cash provided by financing activities is primarily a function of reduced borrowings under the revolving credit facility. As discussed above, revolver borrowings to fund the seasonal increase in working capital requirements were less significant in the first six months of 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s working capital position (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $83.6 million at June 30, 2004 represents an increase of $25.1 million from the December 31, 2003 level of $58.5 million primarily as a result of the seasonal increase in accounts receivable of $11.3 million and inventory of $3.3 million and the reduction in the current portion of long-term debt of $7.1 million together with an increase in cash of $3.7 million. The Company’s current ratio (defined as current

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assets divided by current liabilities) increased to 2.73x at June 30, 2004 from 2.06x at December 31, 2003.

The Company’s contractual obligations in thousands of dollars as of June 30, 2004 are summarized below:

All of the obligations noted above are reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2004 except for the Operating Leases.

As of June 30, 2004, the Company had $35.1 million available under its secured credit facilities. The Company had approximately $217.1 million of outstanding debt under its secured credit facilities at June 30, 2004, consisting of $216.9 million in a term loan and $0.2 million in capitalized lease obligations. The term loan consisted of a $216.4 million Term B Loan (the “Term Loan B”) currently at a six (6) month LIBOR rate of 4.625% and $0.5 million at a rate of 6.25%. The capitalized lease obligations were at various interest rates.

As of June 30, 2004 the Company had no material purchase commitments for capital expenditures.

Interest on the Subordinated Debt Issuance of $47.5 million which matures September 30, 2011 is at a fixed rate of 13.5% per annum, with cash interest payments being required on a quarterly basis at a fixed rate of 11.25% commencing April 15, 2004. The outstanding principal balance of the Subordinated Debt Issuance shall be increased on a quarterly basis at the remaining 2.25% fixed rate (the “PIK Amount”). All of the PIK Amounts are due on the maturity date of the Subordinated Debt Issuance. As of June 30, 2004, the outstanding Subordinated Debt Issuance including the PIK Amounts was $47.5 million.

The Senior Credit Agreement, among other provisions, contains financial covenants requiring the maintenance of specific leverage and interest coverage ratios and levels of financial position, restricts the incurrence of additional debt and the sale of assets, and permits acquisitions with the consent of the lenders. The Company was in full compliance with all provisions of the Senior Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2004.

The Company has net deferred tax assets aggregating $2.6 million as of June 30, 2004, 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

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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; realization of certain deferred tax assets are based on the Company’s projections of future taxable income; sales 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, rebates and slotting fees. 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. Slotting fees are used on an infrequent basis and are not considered to be significant. Discounts, rebates and slotting fees 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 twenty-four 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.

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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 and the Merger Transaction are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from four to fifteen 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.

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. Valuation allowances are provided for tax benefits where it is more likely than not that certain future tax benefits will not be realized. Adjustments to valuation allowances are recorded from changes in utilization of the tax related item.

Self-insurance Reserves:

The Company self insures its product liability, worker’s compensation and general liability losses up to $250 thousand per occurrence. Catastrophic coverage is maintained for occurrences in excess of $0.25 million up to $25.0 million.

The Company self insures its group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $125 thousand per participant. Aggregate coverage is maintained for annual group health insurance claims in excess of 125% of expected claims.

Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on an analysis of historical insurance claim data and certain actuarial assumptions.

Shipping and Handling:

The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the Company’s Statements of Operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $4,245 for the Successor Company and $4,292 for the Predecessor Company, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2004, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $3,628 for the Predecessor Company and for the six months ended June 30, 2003, shipping and handling costs included in SG&A were $7,861 for the Predecessor Company.

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Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

Reclassifications:

Certain amounts in the 2003 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

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

The Company is sensitive to inflation present in the economies of the United States and our foreign suppliers located primarily in Taiwan and China. Inflation in recent years has produced only a modest impact on the Company’s operations, however the recent growth in China’s economic activity has increased overall demand for materials used in the manufacture of our products. This increased demand has produced cost increases for certain of our fastener products which exceed the prevailing rate of inflation. Continued inflation and resulting cost increases over a period of years 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, refinancing, capital expenditures, 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

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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, 2003. 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 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.

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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 the Company’s policy to enter into interest rate transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet objectives. On April 28, 2004, the Company entered into an Interest Rate Swap Agreement (“Swap”) with a two-year term for a notional amount of $50 million. The Swap fixes the interest rate on $50 million of the Senior Term Loan at a rate of 1.17% plus the applicable interest rate margin for the first three months of the Swap with incremental increases ranging from 28 to 47 basis points in each successive quarter. Based on Hillman’s exposure to variable rate borrowings at June 30, 2004, a one percent (1%) change in the weighted average interest rate would change the annual interest expense by approximately $1.7 million.

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate changes of the Canadian currency as it impacts the $1.2 million net asset value of its Canadian subsidiary, The Hillman Group Canada, Ltd., as of June 30, 2004. Management considers the Company’s exposure to foreign currency translation gains or losses to be minimal.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

(a) As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer conducted an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchanges Act of 1934). Based upon this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them of any material information relating to the Company that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(b) There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2004, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 — None

Item 6 — Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

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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: August 13, 2004

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