August 8, 2018 - 10-Q: Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Form: 10-Q

Documents

Table of Contents

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 June 30, 2018

Commission file number 1-13293

The Hillman Companies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		23-2874736
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



10590 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio		45231
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

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

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



Title of Class		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures		None
Preferred Securities Guaranty		None

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 ý NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES ý NO ¨

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. YES ¨ NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO ý

On August 8, 2018, 5,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were issued and outstanding and 4,217,724 Trust Preferred Securities were issued and outstanding by the Hillman Group Capital Trust. The Trust Preferred Securities trade on the NYSE Amex under symbol HLM.Pr.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		PAGE

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	27
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	27
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	27
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	27
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	27
Item 5.	Other Information	27
Item 6.	Exhibits	28
SIGNATURES		29

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)



	June 30, 2018			December 30, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,659		$	9,937
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $933 ($1,121 - 2017)	94,717			78,994
Inventories, net	247,729			219,479
Other current assets	6,707			11,850
Total current assets	359,812			320,260
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $110,542 ($98,674 - 2017)	173,469			153,143
Goodwill	619,218			620,503
Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $151,786 ($132,659 - 2017)	672,206			693,195
Other assets	11,256			12,116
Total assets	$	1,835,961		$	1,799,217
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	116,591		$	74,051
Current portion of debt and capital leases	5,470			5,706
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages	7,355			9,784
Pricing allowances	4,773			5,908
Income and other taxes	3,964			4,146
Interest	9,903			9,717
Other accrued expenses	15,957			19,911
Total current liabilities	164,013			129,223
Long term debt	1,025,786			989,674
Deferred income taxes, net	148,925			145,728
Other non-current liabilities	7,023			7,189
Total liabilities	$	1,345,747		$	1,271,814
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholder's Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017	—			—
Common stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	552,715			551,518
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(29,282		)	2,422
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(33,219		)	(26,537		)
Total stockholder's equity	490,214			527,403
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	$	1,835,961		$	1,799,217

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

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)



	Thirteen Weeks Ended June 30, 2018			Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2017			Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 30, 2018			Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
Net sales	$	246,154		$	224,260		$	453,749		$	413,039
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	134,027			120,253			243,617			221,847
Selling, general and administrative expenses	78,797			67,380			149,873			133,926
Depreciation	9,535			9,455			18,477			18,173
Amortization	9,712			9,470			19,435			18,942
Management fees to related party	134			130			262			263
Other (income) expense	578			(930		)	(403		)	(1,714		)
Income from operations	13,371			18,502			22,488			21,602
Interest expense, net	14,361			12,696			27,932			25,173
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures	3,152			3,152			6,304			6,304
Refinancing charges	8,542			—			8,542			—
Investment income on trust common securities	(94		)	(94		)	(189		)	(189		)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(12,590		)	2,748			(20,101		)	(9,686		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	941			1,529			3,747			(4,221		)
Net (loss) income	$	(13,531	)	$	1,219		$	(23,848	)	$	(5,465	)
Net (loss) income from above	$	(13,531	)	$	1,219		$	(23,848	)	$	(5,465	)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,643		)	3,395			(6,682		)	5,433
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(3,643		)	3,395			(6,682		)	5,433
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(17,174	)	$	4,614		$	(30,530	)	$	(32	)

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

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)



	Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 30, 2018			Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(23,848	)	$	(5,465	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	37,912			37,115
Deferred income taxes	3,847			(5,310		)
Deferred financing and original issue discount amortization	1,142			1,278
Stock-based compensation expense	992			1,553
Loss on debt restructuring	8,542			—
Loss on sale of property and equipment	53			132
Other non-cash interest and change in value of interest rate swap	(1,418		)	(666		)
Changes in operating items:
Accounts receivable	(17,687		)	(14,289		)
Inventories	(33,069		)	(7,265		)
Other assets	(5		)	(1,041		)
Accounts payable	46,237			16,805
Other accrued liabilities	(6,828		)	5,197
Other items, net	—			6
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,870			28,050
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(40,065		)	(25,251		)
Other items, net	—			(1,500		)
Net cash used for investing activities	(40,065		)	(26,751		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of senior term loans	(530,750		)	(2,750		)
Borrowings on senior term loans	530,000			—
Financing fees	(11,752		)	—
Borrowings on revolving credit loans	92,000			5,000
Repayments of revolving credit loans	(54,500		)	(5,000		)
Principal payments under capitalized lease obligations	(73		)	(42		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	200			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	25,125			(2,792		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(208		)	(755		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	722			(2,248		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,937			14,106
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	10,659		$	11,858
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid on junior subordinated debentures, net	$	6,115		$	6,115
Interest paid	24,364			23,725
Income taxes paid	632			219

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

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

1. Basis of Presentation:

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

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present information in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Operating results for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 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 30, 2017.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The significant accounting policies should be read in conjunction with the significant accounting policies included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Sales and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

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 consolidated financial statements at the date of the related sale. Rebates are based on the revenue to date and the contractual rebate percentage to be paid. A portion of the cost of the rebate is allocated to each underlying sales transaction. 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. Returns and allowances are included in the determination of net sales.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

The following table disaggregates our revenue by product category.



	Thirteen Weeks Ended June 30, 2018
	United States	Canada	Other	Consolidated
Fastening Solutions	122,086	34,633	1,767	158,486
Custom Solutions	52,715	1,456	18	54,189
Home Solutions	26,755	6,477	247	33,479
Total Revenue	201,556	42,566	2,032	246,154

	Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
	United States	Canada	Other	Consolidated
Fastening Solutions	102,144	31,428	1,372	134,944
Custom Solutions	54,121	1,722	11	55,854
Home Solutions	26,589	6,680	193	33,462
Total Revenue	182,854	39,830	1,576	224,260



	Twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018
	United States	Canada	Other	Consolidated
Fastening Solutions	220,808	58,145	3,344	282,297
Custom Solutions	105,516	2,645	25	108,186
Home Solutions	50,464	12,362	440	63,266
Total Revenue	376,788	73,152	3,809	453,749

	Twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017
	United States	Canada	Other	Consolidated
Fastening Solutions	187,905	54,404	2,917	245,226
Custom Solutions	102,085	3,258	21	105,364
Home Solutions	50,862	11,200	387	62,449
Total Revenue	340,852	68,862	3,325	413,039

Fastening solutions revenues consist primarily of the delivery of fasteners, anchors, and specialty products as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category.

Custom solutions revenues consist primarily of the delivery of keys and key accessories, pet tags, and letters, numbers, and signs (“LNS”) as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product categories and access to our proprietary key duplicating and engraving equipment.

Home solutions revenues consist primarily of the delivery of builders’ hardware, wall hanging, and threaded rod products as well as in-store merchandising services for the related product category.

The Company’s performance obligations under its arrangements with customers are providing products, in-store merchandising services, and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. Generally, the price of the merchandising services and the access to the key duplicating and engraving equipment is included in the price of the related products. Control of products is transferred at the point in time when the customer accepts the goods. Judgment was required in applying the new revenue standard in determining the time at which to recognize revenue for the in-store services and the access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. The Company’s obligation to provide in-store service and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment is satisfied when control of the related products is transferred. Therefore, consistent with the practice prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the entire amount of consideration related to the sale of products, in-store merchandising services, and

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

access to key duplicating and engraving equipment is recognized upon the customer’s acceptance of the products. The revenues for all performance obligations are recognized upon the customer's acceptance of the products.

The costs to obtain a contract are insignificant, and generally contract terms do not extend beyond one year. Therefore, these costs are expensed as incurred. Freight and shipping costs and the cost of our in-store merchandising services teams are recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense when control over products is transferred to the customer.

The Company used the practical expedient regarding the existence of a significant financing component as payments are due in less than one year after delivery of the products.

3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). On December 31, 2017, we adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as a $7,852 reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings with corresponding decreases to other current assets and other assets of $3,846 and $3,370, respectively, and an increase of $637 to other accrued expenses. The cumulative adjustment primarily relates to payments to customers. The Company will now recognize certain payments as a reduction of revenue when the payment is made as opposed to over the life of the master service agreement. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The impact to revenues for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 as a result of applying Topic 606 was immaterial. A majority of our revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped or delivered to customers. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be immaterial to our net income on an ongoing basis.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this update require lessees, among other things, to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous authoritative guidance. This update also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. The new standard is required to be applied with a modified retrospective approach to each prior reporting period presented with various optional practical expedients.The Company had operating leases with remaining rental payments of approximately $72,426 as of December 30, 2017 and the Company has assets that are deployed with customers that may qualify as leases under the new standard. The discounted minimum remaining rental payments will be the starting point for determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of implementing this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The ASU sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends and simplifies existing guidance in order to allow companies to more accurately present the economic effects of risk management activities in the financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the provisions of this ASU to have a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“ASU 2018-05”), which amends the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and XBRL Taxonomy based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) that was released by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Act changes numerous provisions that impact U.S. corporate tax rates, business-related exclusions, and deductions and credits and may additionally have international tax consequences for many companies that operate internationally. The Company has evaluated the impact of the Act as well as the guidance of SAB 118 and incorporated the changes into the determination of a reasonable

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

estimate of its deferred tax liability and appropriate disclosures in the notes to its consolidated financial statements (See Note 8 - Income Taxes).

4. Acquisitions

On May 29, 2018, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Minute Key Holdings, Inc. (“MinuteKey”), an innovative leader in self-service key duplicating kiosks for a total consideration reflecting an enterprise value of $165 million. The Company plans to finance the acquisition with the unfunded delayed draw term loan facility of $165 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill amounts by reporting unit are summarized as follows:



	Goodwill at		Acquisitions ⁽¹⁾		Dispositions		Other⁽²⁾			Goodwill at
	December 30, 2017		Acquisitions ⁽¹⁾		Dispositions		Other⁽²⁾			June 30, 2018
United States	$	586,437	$	164	$	—	$	—		$	586,601
Canada	30,372		—		—		(1,438		)	28,934
Mexico	3,694		—		—		(11		)	3,683
Total	$	620,503	$	164	$	—	$	(1,449	)	$	619,218


(1)	These amounts relate to the adjustments to the opening balance sheet for the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems ("STFS"). STFS was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2017.


(2)	These amounts relate to adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Other intangibles, net, as of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017 consist of the following:



	Estimated Useful Life (Years)	June 30, 2018		December 30, 2017
Customer relationships	13-20	$	701,898	$	703,399
Trademarks - All Others	Indefinite	85,443		85,759
Trademarks - TagWorks	5	300		300
KeyWorks license	7	4,443		4,455
Patents	7-12	31,908		31,941
Intangible assets, gross		823,992		825,854
Less: Accumulated amortization		151,786		132,659
Other intangibles, net		$	672,206	$	693,195

The amortization expense for amortizable assets including the adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates was $9,712 and $19,435 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and $9,470 and $18,942 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually. Impairment is also tested when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of the assets may be greater than their fair values. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, the Company did not adjust goodwill or intangible assets to their fair values as a result of any impairment analyses.

In 2017, the fair value of each reporting unit except the United States was in excess of its carrying value by more than 10%. In 2017, the fair value of United States reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 4%. A 100 basis point decrease in the projected long-term growth rate or a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate for this reporting unit could

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

decrease the fair value by enough to result in some impairment based on the current forecast model. Future declines in the market and deterioration in earnings could lead to a potential impairment.

6. Commitments and Contingencies:

The Company self-insures its product liability, automotive, workers' compensation, and general liability losses up to $250 per occurrence. Catastrophic coverage has been purchased from third party insurers for occurrences in excess of $250 up to $40,000. The two risk areas involving the most significant accounting estimates are workers' compensation and automotive liability. Actuarial valuations performed by the Company's outside risk insurance expert were used by the Company's management to form the basis for workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves. The actuary contemplated the Company's specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors to estimate the range of reserves required. Risk insurance reserves are comprised of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts expected for development of these claims, as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The Company believes that the liability of approximately $2,036 recorded for such risks is adequate as of June 30, 2018.

As of June 30, 2018, the Company has provided certain vendors and insurers letters of credit aggregating $6,936 related to our product purchases and insurance coverage for product liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability.

The Company self-insures group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $250 per participant. Historical group insurance loss experience forms the basis for the recognition of group health insurance reserves. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on an analysis of historical insurance claim data and certain actuarial assumptions. The Company believes that the liability of approximately $1,755 recorded for such risks is adequate as of June 30, 2018.

The Company imports large quantities of fastener products which are subject to customs requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements and bilateral actions. The Company could be subject to the assessment of additional duties and interest if it or its suppliers fail to comply with customs regulations or similar laws. The U.S. Department of Commerce (the "Department”) has received requests from petitioners to conduct administrative reviews of compliance with anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty laws for certain nails products sourced from Asian countries. The Company sourced products under review from vendors in China and Taiwan during the periods currently open for review, and it is at least reasonably possible that the Company may be subject to additional duties pending the results of the review. The Company accrues for the duty expense once it is determined to be probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. On March 16, 2018, the Department published updated results, which were finalized upon the completion of review of appeals in April 2018.

Based on the final results, our liability was reduced to $2,146 at March 31, 2018 from $6,274 at December 30, 2017. The Company recorded income of $0 and $4,128 in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, which is included in Cost of Goods Sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). In the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, the Company recorded expense of $1,796 and $2,146, respectively, based on the Department's initial assessments.

On October 1, 2013, The Hillman Group, Inc. ("Hillman Group") filed a complaint against Minute Key Inc., a manufacturer of fully-automatic, self-service key duplication kiosks, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Western Division), seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of a U.S. patent issued to Minute Key Inc. on September 10, 2013. Hillman Group's filing against Minute Key Inc. was in response to a letter dated September 10, 2013 in which Minute Key Inc. alleged that Hillman Group's FastKey™ product infringes the newly-issued patent. On October 23, 2013, Minute Key Inc. filed an answer and counterclaim against the Hillman Group alleging patent infringement. Minute Key Inc. also requested that the court dismiss the Hillman Group's complaint, enter judgment against the Hillman Group that the Company is willfully and deliberately infringing the patent, grant a permanent injunction, and award unspecified monetary damages to Minute Key Inc.

Minute Key Inc. later filed two motions on March 17, 2014 seeking to voluntarily withdraw its counterclaim alleging infringement by Hillman Group and also to dismiss Hillman Group's complaint for non-infringement and invalidity. Shortly after an April 23, 2014 court-ordered mediation, Minute Key Inc. provided Hillman Group with a covenant promising not to sue for infringement of two of its patents against any existing Hillman Group product, including the FastKey™ and Key Express™ products.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

Hillman Group filed a motion on May 9, 2014 seeking to add additional claims to the case against Minute Key Inc. under Federal and Ohio state unfair competition statutes. These claims relate to Minute Key Inc.'s business conduct during competition with Hillman Group over a mutual client.

In an August 15, 2014 order, the court granted Minute Key Inc.'s March 17, 2014 motions to dismiss the claims relating to patent infringement and also granted Hillman Group's May 9, 2014 motion to add its unfair competition claims.

Hillman Group formally amended its complaint to add the unfair competition claims on September 4, 2014, and Minute Key Inc. answered on September 29, 2014 without filing any counterclaims. Minute Key Inc. filed a motion on October 1, 2014 to move the case from Cincinnati to either the District of Colorado or the Western District of Arkansas. The court denied that motion on February 3, 2015.

It is not yet possible to assess the impact, if any, that the lawsuit will have on the Company. As a result of the Minute Key Inc. covenant not to sue, however, the Company's FastKey™ and Key Express™ products no longer face any threat of patent infringement liability from two of Minute Key Inc.'s patents. The scope of the lawsuit changed from a bilateral dispute over patent infringement to a lawsuit solely about Minute Key Inc.'s business conduct. Minute Key Inc. filed a motion for summary judgment on February 8, 2016. The court denied that motion on July 8, 2016. Following the denial of Minute Key Inc.’s summary judgment motion, a jury trial was held between August 24, 2016 and September 6, 2016. The jury returned a verdict in Hillman Group’s favor on September 6, 2016 finding that Minute Key Inc.’s actions violated the Federal Lanham Act and the Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Following this verdict against Minute Key Inc., Hillman Group has filed post-trial motions for recovery of its costs, attorney fees, pre-and post-judgment interest, and an injunction. All of Hillman’s post-trial motions remain pending before the court.

Minute Key Inc. also filed a post-trial motion to set aside the jury verdict. On March 29, 2018, the court denied Minute Key’s motion, finding that there was sufficient evidence presented at trial to permit the jury to reach its September 6, 2016 verdict. Minute Key appealed the court’s decision on the motion and the jury verdict itself to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on April 27, 2018. On May 23, 2018, the parties filed a joint motion in the Court of Appeals requesting that the appeal be deactivated until Hillman’s post-trial motions are decided in the district court, and the Court of Appeals granted the motion and deactivated the appeal on May 29, 2018.

In view of the Company’s agreement to acquire Minute Key, the parties filed a joint motion in the district court on June 7, 2018 requesting that the district court hold all decisions on post-trial motions in abeyance pending the closing of the acquisition. The district court granted the motion on June 12, 2018, and the case is stayed.

In addition, 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 the Company's 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.

7. Related Party Transactions

The Company has recorded aggregate management fee charges and expenses from CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (“CCMP”), Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P., Oak Hill Capital Management Partners III, L.P. and OHCP III HC RO, L.P. (collectively, “Oak Hill Funds”) of $134 and $262 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and $130 and $263 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

Gregory Mann and Gabrielle Mann are employed by Hillman. The Company leases an industrial warehouse and office facility from companies under the control of the Manns. The rental expense for the lease of this facility was $88 and $175 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and $89 and $177 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

The Hillman Group Canada ULC subsidiary of Hillman entered into three leases for five properties containing an industrial warehouse, manufacturing plant, and office facilities on February 19, 2013. The owners of the properties under one lease are relatives of Richard Paulin, who was employed by The Hillman Group Canada ULC until his retirement effective April 30, 2017, and the owner of the properties under the other two leases is a company which is owned by Richard Paulin and certain of

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

his relatives. The rental expense for the three leases was $167 and $337 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and $153 and $309 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

8. Income Taxes:

Accounting Standards Codification 740 (“ASC 740”) requires companies to apply their estimated annual effective tax rate on a year-to-date basis in each interim period. These rates are derived, in part, from expected annual pre-tax income or loss. In the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, the Company applied an estimated annual effective tax rate to the interim period pre-tax income (loss) to calculate the income tax expense (benefit).

For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, the effective income tax rate was (7.5)% and (18.6)%. The Company recorded income tax expense for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 of $941 and $3,747. The negative effective tax rate for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 was primarily the result of the new provisions introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") including the new provision on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") and the IRC Section 163(j) interest limitation. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 due to recognizing no benefit on losses in jurisdictions where valuation allowances are recorded against net deferred tax assets, certain non-deductible expenses, and several aspects of the Tax Act.

The effective income tax rate was 55.6% and 43.6% for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The Company recorded income tax expense/(benefit) for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 of $1,529 and $(4,221), respectively. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 primarily due to the decrease in the valuation allowance attributable to a foreign subsidiary and certain non-deductible expenses. Additionally, the effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 due in part to a tax benefit recorded in the current period from the reconciliation of a prior year’s tax return to the amount reported for tax provision purposes. The remaining differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 were due to state and foreign income taxes.

In December 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, among other things, several new taxes that may impact the Company’s 2018 effective tax rate. The new taxes include: GILTI, Foreign Derived Intangible Income (FDII), Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT), and an IRC Section 163(j) interest limitation (Interest Limitation). For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2018, we have not recorded provisional estimates in our effective tax rate for FDII or BEAT because we currently estimate that these provisions of the Tax Act will not apply in 2018. However, the Company may be subject to GILTI, which is a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign subsidiaries. The Company currently included a provisional estimated increase to the effective tax rate related to GILTI income from its foreign subsidiaries. Companies subject to GILTI have the option to account for the GILTI tax as a period cost if and when incurred, or to recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences including outside basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI. The Company has elected to account for GILTI as a period cost, and therefore has included GILTI expense in the effective tax rate calculation. Lastly, the Company recorded a provisional increase to income tax expense for recording a $6,831 valuation allowance on the Company’s Interest Limitation for 2018. The Company will continue to refine our provisional estimates for our computations of the GILTI, FDII, BEAT and the valuation allowance recorded on the Interest Limitation as we gather additional information.

In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), the provisional amounts recorded represent reasonable estimates of the effects of the Tax Act for which the analysis is not yet complete. As the Company completes its analysis of the Tax Act, including collecting, preparing and analyzing necessary information, performing and refining calculations and obtaining additional guidance from the U.S. Internal Revenue Services (IRS), U.S. Treasury Department, FASB or other standard setting and regulatory bodies on the Tax Act, it may record adjustments to the provisional amounts, which may be material. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company’s accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act will be completed during the measurement period, which should not extend beyond one year from the enactment date.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

9. Long Term Debt:

The following table summarizes the Company’s debt:



	June 30, 2018			December 30, 2017
Revolving loans	$	57,000		$	19,500
Senior term loan, due 2021	—			530,750
Senior term loan, due 2025	530,000			—
6.375% Senior Notes, due 2022	330,000			330,000
11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures - Preferred	105,443			105,443
Junior Subordinated Debentures - Common	3,261			3,261
Capital leases & other obligations	362			435
	1,026,066			989,389
(Add) unamortized premium on 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures	18,148			18,771
(Subtract) current portion of long term debt and capital leases	(5,470		)	(5,706		)
(Subtract) deferred financing fees	(12,958		)	(12,780		)
Total long term debt, net	$	1,025,786		$	989,674

On May 31, 2018, the Company entered into a new credit agreement consisting of a new funded term loan of $530 million and an unfunded delayed draw term loan facility ("DDTL") of $165 million ("2018 Term Loan"). Concurrently, the Company also entered into a new $150 million asset-based revolving credit agreement ("ABL Revolver"). The proceeds from the 2018 Term Loan and ABL Revolver were used to refinance in full all outstanding revolving loans and term loans under the existing agreements and to pay fees and other expenses related to the 2018 Term Loan and ABL revolver. The DDTL may be used to finance permitted acquisitions and to replenish cash and repay revolving credit loans previously used for permitted acquisitions. The DDTL is available to draw upon through May 31, 2019. The 2018 Term Loan and ABL Revolver require the Company to maintain certain financial and non-financial covenants.

The interest rate on the 2018 Term Loan is, at the Company's option, either adjusted LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum or an alternate base rate plus 2.5% per annum. The Term Loan will be payable in quarterly installments equal to .25% of the original principal amount, increased by any funding under the DDTL. The maturity date for the 2018 Term Loan is May 31, 2025. The amounts outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan are guaranteed by the Company and, subject to certain exceptions, the Company's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and the guarantors’ assets.

A portion of the ABL Revolver is available for borrowing by the Company's US subsidiary ($112.5 million) and a portion is available for borrowing by the Company's Canadian subsidiary ($37.5 million), in each case subject to a borrowing base. The interest rate for the ABL Revolver is, at the Company's option, either adjusted LIBOR (or a Canadian banker’s acceptance rate in the case of Canadian loans) plus a margin of 1.25% to 1.75% per annum based on availability or an alternate base rate (or a Canadian prime rate or alternate base rate in the case of Canadian loans) plus a margin varying from 0.25% to 0.75% per annum based on availability. The stated maturity date of the ABL Revolver is May 31, 2023. Amounts outstanding under the ABL revolver are guaranteed by the Company's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and the guarantors’ assets, plus, in the case of amounts borrowed by the Company's Canadian subsidiary, its and its wholly-owned Canadian subsidiary’s assets, which guarantee the Canadian portion under the ABL Credit Agreement.

In connection with the 2018 Term Loan, the Company recorded $8.6 million in deferred financing fees which are recorded as long term debt on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. In connection with the ABL Revolver, the Company recorded $1.8 million in deferred financing fees which are recorded as other non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, the Company expensed approximately $8.5 million in debt issuance costs which was recorded as refinancing charges in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

As of June 30, 2018, there was $530.0 million outstanding under the 2018 Term Loan. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had $57,000 outstanding under the ABL Revolver along with $6,936 of letters of credit. The Company has approximately $86,064 of available borrowings under the ABL Revolver as a source of liquidity.

Additional information with respect to the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate senior notes and junior subordinated debentures is included in Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements.

10. Derivatives and Hedging:

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage our exposures to (1) interest rate fluctuations on our floating rate senior debt and (2) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company measures those instruments at fair value and recognizes 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.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

On September 3, 2014, the Company entered into two forward Interest Rate Swap Agreements (the “2014 Swaps”) with three-year terms for notional amounts of $90,000 and $40,000. The forward start date of the 2014 Swaps was October 1, 2015 and the termination date is September 30, 2018. The 2014 Swaps fix the interest rate at 2.2% plus the applicable interest rate margin of 3.5% for an effective rate of 5.7%. The interest rate on the term loan was 5.5% at June 30, 2018.

On January 8, 2018, the Company entered into a forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement (the "2018 Swap") with three-year terms for notional amounts of $90,000. The forward start date of the 2018 Swap was September 30, 2018 and the termination date is June 30, 2021. The 2018 Swaps fix the interest rate at 2.3% plus the applicable interest rate margin of 3.5% for an effective rate of 5.8%.

The total fair value of the 2014 Swaps was $52, and the fair value of the 2018 Swap was $990 as of June 30, 2018. These were reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other current assets and other non-current assets, respectively. An increase in other expense recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss for the unfavorable change of $1,418 in fair value since December 30, 2017.

The total fair value of the 2014 Swaps was $392 as of December 30, 2017 and was reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other current liabilities.

The Company's interest rate swap agreements did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment because they did not meet the provisions specified in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives was recognized in current earnings.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

During 2016, 2017 and 2018 the Company entered into multiple foreign currency forward contracts. The table below summarizes the maturity dates and the fixed exchange rates of the contracts:



	2016 FX Contracts	2017 FX Contracts	2018 FX Contracts
Maturity date range:
Minimum	April 2016	October 2017	July 2018
Maximum	April 2017	April 2018	September 2018
Fixed exchange rate range:
Minimum	1.2536	1.3002	1.2720
Maximum	1.3458	1.3518	1.3336

The purpose of the Company's foreign currency forward contracts is to manage the Company's exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.

The total notional amount of contracts outstanding was C$8,774 and C$2,993 as of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively. The total fair value of the outstanding foreign currency forward contracts was $47 and $(140) as of June 30, 2018

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

and December 30, 2017, respectively, and was reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively. An increase in other income of $20, including contracts settled during the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, was recorded in the statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the change in fair value from December 30, 2017.

The Company's foreign currency forward contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment because they did not meet the provisions specified in ASC 815. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivatives was recognized in current earnings.

The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and, therefore, holds no derivative instruments for trading purposes.

Additional information with respect to the fair value of derivative instruments is included in Note 11 - Fair Value Measurements.

11. Fair Value Measurements:

The Company uses the accounting guidance that applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. The guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:



Level 1:		Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:		Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:		Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions.

The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period, by level, within the fair value hierarchy:



	As of June 30, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Trading securities	$	1,952	$	—		$	—	$	1,952
Interest rate swaps	—		1,042			—		1,042
Foreign exchange forward contracts	—		47			—		47

	As of December 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Trading securities	$	2,294	$	—		$	—	$	2,294
Interest rate swaps	—		(392		)	—		(392		)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	—		(140		)	—		(140		)

Trading securities are valued using quoted prices on an active exchange. Trading securities represent assets held in a Rabbi Trust to fund deferred compensation liabilities and are included as other assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company utilizes interest rate swap contracts to manage our targeted mix of fixed and floating rate debt, and these contracts are valued using observable benchmark rates at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the swap contracts. As of June 30, 2018, the 2014 Swaps were recorded as other current assets and the 2018 Swap was recorded as other non-current assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of December 30, 2017, the 2014 Swaps were included in other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(dollars in thousands)

The Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to manage our exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar. The forward contracts were valued using observable benchmark rates at commonly quoted intervals during the term of the forward contract. As of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017, the foreign exchange forward contracts were included in other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The fair value of the Company's fixed rate senior notes and junior subordinated debentures as of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were determined by utilizing current trading prices obtained from indicative market data. As a result, the fair value measurements of the Company's senior term notes and debentures are considered to be Level 2.



	June 30, 2018				December 30, 2017
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
6.375% Senior Notes	$	325,555	$	315,150	$	325,000	$	325,050
Junior Subordinated Debentures	126,852		131,775		127,475		148,098

Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements at book value, which approximates fair value, due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The carrying amount of the long-term debt under the revolving credit facility approximates the fair value at June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017 as the interest rate is variable and approximates current market rates. The Company also believes the carrying amount of the long-term debt under the senior term loan approximates the fair value at June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017 because, while subject to a minimum LIBOR floor rate, the interest rate approximates current market rates of debt with similar terms and comparable credit risk.

12. Segment Reporting:

The Company’s segment reporting structure uses the Company’s management reporting structure as the foundation for how the Company manages its business. The Company periodically evaluates its segment reporting structure in accordance with ASC 350-20-55 and has concluded that it has three reportable segments as of June 30, 2018: The United States, Canada, and All Other. The United States segment and the Canada segment are considered material by the Company’s management as of June 30, 2018. The Company's other segments have been combined in the "All Other" category. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on revenue and income (loss) from operations, and does not include segment assets or nonoperating income/expense items for management reporting purposes.

The table below presents revenues and income (loss) from operations for our reportable segments for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.



	Thirteen Weeks Ended June 30, 2018		Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2017		Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 30, 2018			Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
Revenues
United States	$	201,556	$	182,854	$	376,788		$	340,852
Canada	42,566		39,830		73,152			68,862
All Other	2,032		1,576		3,809			3,325
Total revenues	$	246,154	$	224,260	$	453,749		$	413,039
Segment income (loss) from operations
United States	$	11,427	$	14,785	$	22,351		$	19,387
Canada	1,864		3,650		(157		)	1,660
All Other	80		67		294			555
Total income from operations	$	13,371	$	18,502	$	22,488		$	21,602

Page 16

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides information which the Company’s 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in addition to the consolidated statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures related to acquisitions, refinancing, capital expenditures, resolution of pending litigation, and realization of deferred tax assets contained in this quarterly report involve substantial risks and uncertainties and may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. 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.

These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, and projections about future events. Although management believes that the expectations, assumptions, and projections on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, they nonetheless could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those expectations, assumptions, and projections also could be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Instead, forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s strategy, planning, actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any strategy, planning, 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 the caption “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017. Given these uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report and the risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017; they should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other individual. We undertake no obligation to update publicly 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 or be materially different from those discussed.

General

The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "Hillman" or "Company") are one of the largest providers of hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. Our principal business is operated through the wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Hillman Group”). Hillman Group sells its products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Product lines include thousands of small parts such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems, and accessories; builder's hardware; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs. We support our product sales with services that include design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels.

On May 29, 2018, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Minute Key Holdings, Inc. (“MinuteKey”), an innovative leader in self-service key duplicating kiosks for a total consideration reflecting an enterprise value of $165 million. We plan to finance the acquisition with the unfunded delayed draw term loan facility of $165 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

Page 17

On May 31, 2018 we entered into a new term credit agreement consisting of a a new funded term loan of $530 million and $165 million delayed draw term loan facility. Concurrently, we entered into a new $150 million asset-based revolving credit agreement. The proceeds were used to refinance in full all outstanding revolving credit and term loans under the existing credit agreement.We recorded a loss on the refinancing of $8.5 million related to deferred financing costs in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. See Note 9 - Long Term Debt of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for additional information.

As part of the ongoing restructuring of our Canada segment operations we are considering additional restructuring that may include consolidating facilities, exiting certain lines of business, and rationalizing stock keeping units (“SKUs”). The intended result of the Canada restructuring will be a more streamlined and scalable operation focused on delivering optimal service and a broad offering of products across our core categories. We expect to incur increased restructuring related charges and capital expenditures in our Canada segment over the next year as we finalize and implement the plan.

Current Economic Conditions

Our business is impacted by general economic conditions in the North American and international markets, particularly the U.S. and Canadian retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retailers.

We are exposed to the risk of unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates for the U.S. dollar versus local currency of our suppliers located primarily in China and Taiwan. We purchase a significant variety of our products for resale from multiple vendors located in China and Taiwan. The purchase price of these products is routinely negotiated in U.S. dollar amounts rather than the local currency of the vendors and our suppliers' profit margins decrease when the U.S. dollar declines in value relative to the local currency. This puts pressure on our suppliers to increase prices to us. The U.S. dollar increased in value relative to the CNY by approximately 7.2% in 2016, decreased by 6.3% in 2017, and increased by 1.7% during the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. The U.S. dollar declined in value relative to the Taiwan dollar by approximately 1.2% in 2016, declined by 8.5% in 2017, and increased by 2.7% during the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018.

In addition, the negotiated purchase price of our products may be dependent upon market fluctuations in the cost of raw materials such as steel, zinc, and nickel used by our vendors in their manufacturing processes. The final purchase cost of our products may also be dependent upon inflation or deflation in the local economies of vendors in China and Taiwan that could impact the cost of labor used in the manufacturing of our products. We identify the directional impact of changes in our product cost, but the quantification of each of these variable impacts cannot be measured as to the individual impact on our product cost with a sufficient level of precision.

We are also exposed to risk of unfavorable changes in the Canadian dollar exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar. Our sales in Canada are denominated in Canadian dollars while a majority of the products are sourced in U.S. dollars. A weakening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar results in lower sales in terms of U.S. dollars while the cost of sales remains unchanged. We have a practice of hedging some of our Canadian subsidiary's purchases denominated in U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar decreased in value relative to the Canadian dollar by approximately 3.0% in 2016, decreased by 6.6% in 2017, and increased by 5.0% during the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. We may take pricing action, when warranted, in an attempt to offset a portion of product cost increases. The ability of our operating divisions to institute price increases and seek price concessions, as appropriate, is dependent on competitive market conditions.

We import large quantities of products which are subject to customs requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements and bilateral actions. We expect that the recently-announced U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum and other imported goods will impact product costs during the second half of 2018, which could require us to take pricing action to offset the increasing product costs.

Results of Operations

The following analysis of results of operations includes a brief discussion of the factors that affected our operating results and a comparative analysis of the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

Page 18

Thirteen Week Period Ended June 30, 2018 vs the Thirteen Week Period Ended July 1, 2017



	Thirteen Weeks Ended June 30, 2018					Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Net Sales		Amount			% of Net Sales
Net sales	$	246,154		100.0	%	$	224,260		100.0	%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	134,027			54.4	%	120,253			53.6	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	78,797			32.0	%	67,380			30.0	%
Depreciation	9,535			3.9	%	9,455			4.2	%
Amortization	9,712			3.9	%	9,470			4.2	%
Other (income) expense	712			0.3	%	(800		)	(0.4	)%
Income from operations	13,371			5.4	%	18,502			8.3	%
Interest expense, net of investment income	17,419			7.1	%	15,754			7.0	%
Refinancing charges	8,542			88.0	%	—			—	%
Income before income taxes	(12,590		)	(5.1	)%	2,748			1.2	%
Income tax expense	941			0.4	%	1,529			0.7	%
Net income (loss)	$	(13,531	)	(5.5	)%	$	1,219		0.5	%

Net Sales

Net sales for the second quarter of 2018 were $246.2 million, an increase of approximately $21.9 million compared to net sales of $224.3 million for the second quarter of 2017. The increase from prior year was primarily due to the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017 which added approximately $13.7 million in net sales in the second quarter of 2018. Sales of hurricane related products increased $3.7 million. Key sales increased $3.1 million in our traditional market due to a key program roll out to a new customer. Lastly, sales in Canada increased by $2.7 million primarily due to the roll out of wall anchor products to retail customers and the favorable impact of conversion of the local currency to U.S. dollars.

Cost of Sales

Our cost of sales was $134.0 million, or 54.4% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of approximately $13.8 million compared to $120.3 million, or 53.6% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2017. The increase of 0.8% in cost of sales, expressed as a percent of net sales, in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017 was primarily driven by commodity inflation that was partially offset by non-commodity based price increases implemented in the fourth quarter of 2017 and $1.8 million of anti-dumping duties expensed in the second quarter of 2017. See Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for additional information.

Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were approximately $78.8 million in the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of approximately $11.4 million, compared to $67.4 million in the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses:

•

Selling expense was $32.8 million in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of $4.0 million compared to $28.8 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase in selling expense was primarily due to increasing labor and benefit costs of $1.8 million and the cost of updating customer store labels for a new pricing program of approximately $1.1 million. Finally, the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems added $0.7 million in selling expense in the current year.


•	Warehouse and delivery expenses were $32.0 million in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of $3.9 million compared to $28.1 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due increasing labor, benefit, and freight costs of $1.7 million and the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems, which added $1.5 million in warehouse and

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delivery expense in the current year. Finally, we incurred $0.9 million in additional expense to relocate our distribution center in Dallas, TX to a larger facility in the same area in order to optimize our distribution network.


•	General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses were $14.0 million in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of $3.5 million compared to $10.5 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to $2.4 million in costs associated with potential acquisitions. Additionally, the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems added $1.0 million in G&A expense in the current year.

Depreciation expense was $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2018 compared to depreciation expense of $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2017. Amortization expense was $9.7 million in the second quarter of 2018 compared to $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2017. The increase in amortization expense was driven by the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Other expense was $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2018 compared to other income of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 2017. We recorded an exchange rate loss of $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2018 as compared to a gain of $0.7 million in the second quarter of 2017. The remainder of other income and expense for both periods is management fees and losses on the disposal of fixed assets.

In the second quarter of 2018 we refinanced our term loan and revolving credit facility, incurring a loss of $8.5 million related to deferred financing costs. See Note 9 - Long Term Debt of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for additional information.

Twenty-six Week Period Ended June 30, 2018 vs the Twenty-six Week Period Ended July 1, 2017



	Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 30, 2018					Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
(dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Net Sales		Amount			% of Net Sales
Net sales	$	453,749		100.0	%	$	413,039		100.0	%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	243,617			53.7	%	221,847			53.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	149,873			33.0	%	133,926			32.4	%
Depreciation	18,477			4.1	%	18,173			4.4	%
Amortization	19,435			4.3	%	18,942			4.6	%
Other (income) expense	(141		)	—	%	(1,451		)	(0.4	)%
Income from operations	22,488			5.0	%	21,602			5.2	%
Interest expense, net of investment income	34,047			7.5	%	31,288			7.6	%
Refinancing charges	8,542			44.0	%	—			—	%
Income before income taxes	(20,101		)	(4.4	)%	(9,686		)	(2.3	)%
Income tax expense	3,747			0.8	%	(4,221		)	(1.0	)%
Net income (loss)	$	(23,848	)	(5.3	)%	$	(5,465	)	(1.3	)%

Net Sales

Net sales for twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 were $453.7 million, an increase of approximately $40.7 million compared to net sales of $413.0 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increase from prior year was primarily due to the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017 which added approximately $23.7 million in net sales in 2018. Key and key accessory sales increased by $7.5 million primarily due to the key program roll out to a new key customer in 2018. Sales of hurricane related products increased $5.8 million. Lastly, sales in Canada increased by $4.3 million primarily due

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to the roll out of wall anchor and builders' hardware products to retail customers and the favorable impact of conversion of the local currency to U.S. dollars.

Cost of Sales

Our cost of sales was $243.6 million, or 53.7% of net sales, in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of approximately $21.8 million compared to $221.8 million, or 53.7% of net sales, in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. Cost of sales, expressed as a percent of net sales, was consistent with the prior year as non-commodity based price increases implemented in the fourth quarter of the prior year were offset by commodity inflation. Additionally, in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 we recorded reduction of $4.1 million in cost of sales due to an adjustment of our accrual for anti-dumping duties based on the final results of the Department of Commerce’s administrative review of nails from China. In the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 we recorded expense of $2.1 million in cost of sales due to an adjustment to our accrual for anti-dumping duties based on the preliminary review results available at that time. See Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for additional information.

Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were approximately $149.9 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of approximately $15.9 million, compared to $133.9 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses:

•

Selling expense was $63.9 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $5.8 million compared to $58.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increase in selling expense was primarily due to increasing labor and benefit costs of $2.3 million and the cost of updating customer store labels for a new pricing program of $2.6 million. Additionally, the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems added $1.3 million in selling expense in the current year.

•

Warehouse and delivery expenses were $60.4 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $5.9 million compared to $54.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems, which added $2.6 million in warehouse and delivery expense in the current year. We also experienced increasing labor, benefit, and freight costs of $2.3 million. Finally, we incurred $1.2 million in additional expense to relocate our distribution center in Dallas, TX to a larger facility in the same area in order to optimize our distribution network.

•

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses were $25.6 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, an increase of $4.2 million compared to $21.4 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increase was primarily due to $2.5 million in costs associated with potential acquisitions. Additionally, the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems added $1.8 million in G&A expense in the current year.

Depreciation expense was $18.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 compared to depreciation expense of $18.2 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. Amortization expense was $19.4 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 compared to $18.9 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increases in depreciation and amortization were driven by the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Other income was $0.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 compared to other income of $1.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. In the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, we recorded a gain of $1.4 million on the mark to market adjustments on the interest rate swaps as compared to a gain of $0.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. Additionally, we recorded an exchange rate loss of $0.8 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 as compared to a gain of $1.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The remainder of other income and expense for both periods is management fees and losses on the disposal of fixed assets.

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Results of Operations – Operating Segments

The following table provides supplemental information regarding our net sales and profitability by operating segment for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 (dollars in thousands):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended June 30, 2018		Thirteen Weeks Ended July 1, 2017		Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 30, 2018			Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 1, 2017
Revenues
United States	$	201,556	$	182,854	$	376,788		$	340,852
Canada	42,566		39,830		73,152			68,862
All Other	2,032		1,576		3,809			3,325
Total revenues	$	246,154	$	224,260	$	453,749		$	413,039
Segment income (loss) from operations
United States	$	11,427	$	14,785	$	22,351		$	19,387
Canada	1,864		3,650		(157		)	1,660
All Other	80		67		294			555
Total income from operations	$	13,371	$	18,502	$	22,488		$	21,602

The Thirteen Week Period Ended June 30, 2018 vs the Thirteen Week Period Ended July 1, 2017

Net Sales

Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018 increased $21.9 million compared to the net sales for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. For the United States operating segment, net sales increased by $18.7 million primarily due to the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017 which added $13.7 million in net sales in the second quarter of 2018. Sales of hurricane related products increased $3.7 million. Key sales increased $3.1 million in our traditional market due to a key program roll out to a new customer. Net sales for our Canada operating segment increased by $2.7 million primarily due the roll out of wall anchor products to retail customers and the favorable impact of conversion of the local currency to U.S. dollars.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018 decreased $5.1 million compared to income from operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

Income from operations of our United States segment decreased by approximately $3.4 million in the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018 to $11.4 million as compared to $14.8 million in the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017. The increase in sales was offset by higher operating costs as we experienced increased labor, benefit, and freight costs of $3.7 million. We also incurred $2.4 million in costs related to potential acquisitions, $1.1 million in costs of updating customer store labels for a new pricing program, and $0.9 million in additional expense to relocate our distribution center in Dallas, TX to a larger facility in the same area in order to optimize our distribution network. The acquisition of ST Fastening systems also contributed $1.6 million in income from operations in the second quarter of 2018.

Income from operations in our Canada segment for thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018 of $1.9 million was $1.8 million lower than income of $3.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017 as the increase in sales was offset exchange rate losses of $0.7 million in the current year compared to gains of $0.6 million in thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017. We also incurred an additional $0.9 million in expense related to restructuring our network of facilities in Canada and $0.8 million in costs related to completing the implementation of our ERP system.

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The Twenty-six Week Period Ended June 30, 2018 vs the Twenty-six Week Period Ended July 1, 2017

Net Sales

Net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 increased $40.7 million compared to the net sales for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. For the United States operating segment, net sales increased by $35.9 million primarily due to the acquisition of ST Fastening Systems in the fourth quarter of 2017 which added $23.7 million in net sales in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. Key and key accessory sales increased by $7.5 million primarily due to the key program roll out to a new key customer in 2018. Sales of hurricane related products increased $5.8 million. Net sales for our Canada operating segment increased by $4.3 million primarily due to the roll out of wall anchor and builders' hardware products to retail customers and the favorable impact of conversion of the local currency to U.S. dollars.

Income from Operations

Income from operations for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 increased $0.9 million compared to income from operations for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

Income from operations of our United States segment increased by approximately $3.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 to $22.4 million as compared to $19.4 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. The increase in sales was partially offset by higher operating costs as we experienced increased labor, benefit, and freight costs of $5.0 million. We also incurred $2.6 million in costs of updating customer store labels for a new pricing program, $2.5 million in costs related to potential acquisitions, and $1.2 million in additional expense to relocate our distribution center in Dallas, TX to a larger facility in the same area in order to optimize our distribution network. The acquisition of ST Fastening systems also contributed $2.0 million in income from operations in the first half of 2018.

Loss from operations in our Canada segment for twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 of $0.2 million decreased $1.8 million as compared to income of $1.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 as the increase in sales was offset by exchange rate losses of $0.7 million in the current year compared to gains of $0.5 million in twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. We also incurred an additional $1.0 million in costs related to completing the implementation of our ERP system.

Income Taxes

In the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018, we recorded an income tax provision of $0.9 million on pre-tax loss of $12.6 million. The effective income tax rate was (7.5)% for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2018. In the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018, we recorded an income tax provision of $3.7 million on pre-tax loss of $20.1 million. The effective income tax rates was (18.6)% for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018.

In the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017, we recorded an income tax provision of $1.5 million on a pre-tax income of $2.7 million. The effective income tax rate was 55.6% for the thirteen weeks ended June 30, 2017. In the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, we recorded an income tax benefit of $4.2 million on a pre-tax loss of $9.7 million. The effective income tax rate was 43.6% for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to new provisions introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") including the new provision on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income ("GILTI") and the IRC Section 163(j) interest limitation. In addition, no income tax benefit is recognized on losses in jurisdictions where valuation allowances are recorded against net deferred tax assets.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory tax rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 primarily due to the decrease in the valuation allowance attributable to a foreign subsidiary and certain non-deductible expenses . The remaining differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 were due to state and foreign income taxes.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing, and financing activities.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 was $15.9 million as compared to $28.1 million in the comparable prior year period. Operating cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 were unfavorably impacted by an increase in inventory related to the build up of inventory for peak selling season and an increase in accounts receivable due to higher sales. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable due to changes in payment terms and increased inventory purchases. Operating cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017 were unfavorably impacted by an increase in inventory related to the build up of inventory for peak selling season and an increase in accounts receivable due to higher sales. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable associated with inventory purchases.

Net cash used by investing activities was $40.1 million and $26.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, respectively. The primary use of cash in both periods was our investment in new, state of the art key cutting technology, the KeyKrafter™, as well as engraving machines and the implementation of our ERP system in Canada.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $25.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. During the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 we entered into a new term credit agreement consisting of a a new funded term loan of $530 million and $165 million delayed draw term loan facility. Concurrently, we entered into a new $150 million asset-based revolving credit agreement. The proceeds were used to refinance in full all outstanding revolving credit and term loans under the existing credit agreement. We paid approximately $11.8 million in fees associated with the refinancing activities in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018. See Note 9 - Long Term Debt of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for additional information on the current quarter refinancing. Our revolver draws, net, were a source of cash of $37.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018.

Net cash used by financing activities was $2.8 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017. We used cash to pay $2.8 million in principal payments on the senior term loan under the Senior Facilities.

Management believes that projected cash flows from operations, delayed draw availability, and revolver availability will be sufficient to fund working capital, capital expenditure, an acquisition related needs for the next 12 months. Our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) position of $195.8 million as of June 30, 2018 represents an increase of $4.8 million from the December 30, 2017 level of $191.0 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Significant accounting policies and estimates are summarized in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Some accounting policies require management to exercise significant judgment in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. Such judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, known trends in our industry, terms of existing contracts, and other information from outside sources, as appropriate. Management believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable based on the facts and circumstances as of June 30, 2018, however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and circumstances.

There have been no material changes, other than revenue recognition discussed below, to our critical accounting policies and estimates which are discussed in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, our most significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 and elsewhere in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017.

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Table of Contents

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Sales and other taxes we collect concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

We offer a variety of sales incentives to our customers primarily in the form of discounts, rebates, and slotting fees. Discounts are recognized in the consolidated financial statements at the date of the related sale. Rebates are based on the revenue to date and the contractual rebate percentage to be paid. A portion of the cost of the rebate is allocated to each underlying sales transaction. Discounts, rebates, and slotting fees are included in the determination of net sales.

We also establish 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. Returns and allowances are included in the determination of net sales.

Our performance obligations under our arrangements with customers are providing products, in-store merchandising services, and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. Generally, the price of the merchandising services and the access to the key duplicating and engraving equipment is included in the price of the related products. Control of products is transferred at the point in time when the customer accepts the goods. Judgment was required in applying the new revenue standard in determining the time at which to recognize revenue for the in-store services and the access to key duplicating and engraving equipment. Our obligation to provide in-store service and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment is satisfied when control of the related products is transferred. Therefore, consistent with the practice prior to the adoption of ASC 606, the entire amount of consideration related to the sale of products, in-store merchandising services, and access to key duplicating and engraving equipment is recognized upon the customer’s acceptance of the products. The revenues for all performance obligations are recognized upon the customer's acceptance of the products.

We used the practical expedient regarding the existence of a significant financing component as payments are due in less than one year after delivery of the products.

See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial statements for information on disaggregated revenue by product category.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements” of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Exposure

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes as borrowings under the Senior Facilities bear interest at variable interest rates. It is our policy to enter into interest rate swap and interest rate cap transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives.

Based on our exposure to variable rate borrowings at June 30, 2018, after consideration of our LIBOR floor rate and interest rate swap agreements, a one percent (1%) change in the weighted average interest rate for a period of one year would change the annual interest expense by approximately $4.6 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange

We are exposed to foreign exchange rate changes of the Canadian and Mexican currencies as they impact the $124.7 million tangible and intangible net asset value of our Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries as of June 30, 2018. The foreign subsidiaries net tangible assets were $57.4 million and the net intangible assets were $67.4 million as of June 30, 2018.

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Table of Contents

We utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. Dollar. See "Note 10 - Derivatives and Hedging" of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of June 30, 2018, in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We modified existing internal controls to ensure we adequately evaluated our contracts and properly assessed the impact of the new accounting standards related to revenue recognition to facilitate its adoption on December 31, 2017. There were no significant changes to our internal control over financial reporting due to the adoption of this new standard.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. – Legal Proceedings.

We are subject to various claims and litigation that arise in the normal course of business. In the opinion of our management, the ultimate resolution of the pending litigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations, or cash flows.

Item 1A – Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risks from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017.

Item 2. – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Not Applicable

Item 3. – Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not Applicable

Item 4. – Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable

Item 5. – Other Information.

Not Applicable

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Item 6. – Exhibits.



a)	Exhibits, including those incorporated by reference.



31.1 *	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act
31.2 *	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act
32.1 *	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2 *	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
99.1 *	Supplemental Financial Information for The Hillman Companies, Inc.
101	The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2018, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 30, 2018 and the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended July 1, 2017, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



*	Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES

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

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC.




/s/ Robert O. Kraft		/s/ Nicholas P. Ruffing
Robert O. Kraft		Nicholas P. Ruffing
Chief Financial Officer		Controller
		(Chief Accounting Officer)

DATE: August 8, 2018

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Large accelerated filer

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Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company