Form: 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

May 15, 2015

Documents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
Non-accelerated filer
 
x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
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 May 15, 2015, 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.

THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 


Page 2 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)



 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,137

 
$
18,485

Restricted investments
494

 
494

Accounts receivable, net
108,102

 
89,884

Inventories, net
227,599

 
204,723

Deferred income taxes, net
12,633

 
13,239

Other current assets
10,094

 
10,324

Total current assets
361,059

 
337,149

Property and equipment, net
112,326

 
114,531

Goodwill
618,882

 
621,560

Other intangibles, net
786,065

 
798,941

Restricted investments
1,720

 
1,750

Deferred financing fees, net
23,483

 
24,407

Investment in trust common securities
3,261

 
3,261

Other assets
3,093

 
1,414

Total assets
$
1,909,889

 
$
1,903,013

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
76,864

 
$
66,462

Current portion of senior term loans
5,500

 
5,500

Current portion of capitalized lease and other obligations
207

 
207

Accrued expenses:
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
7,619

 
5,247

Pricing allowances
6,640

 
6,662

Income and other taxes
2,778

 
3,301

Interest
4,795

 
10,587

Deferred compensation
494

 
494

Other accrued expenses
9,318

 
7,423

Total current liabilities
114,215

 
105,883

Long term senior term loans
540,375

 
541,750

Bank revolving credit
29,000

 
—

Long term capitalized lease and other obligations
350

 
400

Long term senior notes
330,000

 
330,000

Junior subordinated debentures
130,448

 
130,685

Deferred compensation
1,720

 
1,750

Deferred income taxes
263,114

 
273,781

Other non-current liabilities
8,237

 
5,621

Total liabilities
1,417,459

 
1,389,870

 
 
 
 
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 3 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)

 

Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred Stock:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014
—

 
—

Common Stock:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014
—

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
544,268

 
544,604

Accumulated deficit
(28,802
)
 
(18,937
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(23,036
)
 
(12,524
)
Total stockholders’ equity
492,430

 
513,143

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,909,889

 
$
1,903,013

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS





Page 4 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)


 
Successor
 
Predecessor
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
180,696

 
 
 
 
$
154,779

 
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
 
103,348

 
 
 
 
79,415

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
61,698

 
 
 
 
55,843

 
Transaction, acquisition and integration expenses
 
165

 
 
 
 
—

 
Depreciation
 
7,537

 
 
 
 
6,868

 
Amortization
 
9,517

 
 
 
 
5,544

 
Management fees to related party
 
151

 
 
 
 
—

 
Other expense (income)
 
1,230

 
 
 
 
(488
)
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
(2,950
)
 
 
 
 
7,597

 
Interest expense, net
 
12,627

 
 
 
 
11,545

 
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures
 
3,152

 
 
 
 
3,152

 
Investment income on trust common securities
 
(95
)
 
 
 
 
(95
)
 
Loss before income taxes
 
(18,634
)
 
 
 
 
(7,005
)
 
Income tax benefit
 
(8,769
)
 
 
 
 
(2,943
)
 
Net loss
 
$
(9,865
)
 
 
 
 
$
(4,062
)
 
Net loss (from above)
 
$
(9,865
)
 
 
 
 
$
(4,062
)
 
Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(10,512
)
 
 
 
 
(4,047
)
 
Total other comprehensive loss
 
(10,512
)
 
 
 
 
(4,047
)
 
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(20,377
)
 
 
 
 
$
(8,109
)
 
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Page 5 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(9,865
)
 
 
$
(4,062
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
17,054

 
 
12,183

Loss on dispositions of property and equipment
63

 
 
—

Deferred income taxes
(9,160
)
 
 
(2,375
)
Deferred financing and original issue discount amortization
687

 
 
693

Stock-based compensation expense
204

 
 
508

Other non-cash interest and change in value of interest rate swap
1,543

 
 
—

Changes in operating items:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(17,957
)
 
 
(7,043
)
Inventories
(27,613
)
 
 
(6,630
)
Other assets
7,934

 
 
4,746

Accounts payable
11,050

 
 
3,601

Interest payable on junior subordinated debentures
—

 
 
1,019

Other accrued liabilities
(3,123
)
 
 
1,290

Other items, net
(329
)
 
 
(534
)
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
(29,512
)
 
 
3,396

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(6,428
)
 
 
(6,925
)
Net cash used for investing activities
(6,428
)
 
 
(6,925
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Repayments of senior term loans
(1,375
)
 
 
(992
)
Borrowings on revolving credit loans
29,000

 
 
—

Principal payments under capitalized lease obligations
(50
)
 
 
(41
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
—

 
 
474

Purchase of stock from a former member of management
(540
)
 
 
—

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
27,035

 
 
(559
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(7,443
)
 
 
(4,251
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(16,348
)
 
 
(8,339
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
18,485

 
 
34,969

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
2,137

 
 
$
26,630

Supplemental schedule of noncash activities:
 
 
 
 
Fixed assets acquired under capital lease
$
—

 
 
$
56

THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 6 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)

 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
—

$
544,604

$
(18,937
)
$
(12,524
)
$
513,143

Net loss
—

—

(9,865
)
—

(9,865
)
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
—

—

—

(10,512
)
(10,512
)
Stock-based compensation
—

204

—

—

204

Purchase of 540 shares from former member of management
—

(540
)
—

—

(540
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
$
—

$
544,268

$
(28,802
)
$
(23,036
)
$
492,430

 


THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page 7 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

 

1.     Basis of Presentation:
The accompanying 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.
On June 30, 2014, affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (“CCMP”) and Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P., Oak Hill Capital Management Partners III, L.P. and OHCP III HC RO, L.P. (“Oak Hill Funds”), together with certain current and former members of Hillman’s management, consummated a merger transaction (the “Merger Transaction”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 16, 2014. As a result of the Merger Transaction, Hillman Companies remained a wholly-owned subsidiary of OHCP HM Acquisition Corp., which changed its name to HMAN Intermediate II Holdings Corp. (“Predecessor Holdco”), and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of HMAN Group Holdings Inc. (“Successor Holdco” or “Holdco”). The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was $1,504,498 including repayment of outstanding debt and including the value of the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated debentures ($105,443 liquidation value at the time of the Merger Transaction).
Prior to the Merger Transaction, affiliates of the Oak Hill Funds owned 95.6% of the Predecessor Holdco’s outstanding common stock and certain current and former members of management owned 4.4% of the Predecessor Holdco’s outstanding common stock. Upon consummation of the Merger Transaction, affiliates of CCMP owned 80.4% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock, affiliates of the Oak Hill Funds owned 16.9% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock, and certain current and former members of management owned 2.7% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock.
The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the periods presented prior to June 30, 2014 are referenced herein as the predecessor financial statements (the “Predecessor”). The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and its related statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the periods presented subsequent to the Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the successor financial statements (the “Successor”).
The Successor financial statements reflect the allocation of the aggregate purchase price of $1,504,498, including the value of the Company’s junior subordinated debentures, to the assets and liabilities of Hillman based on fair values at the date of the Merger Transaction in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible assets has been allocated to goodwill and intangible assets based upon an independent valuation appraisal. The Company currently has approximately $30,088 of goodwill from prior acquisitions that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.


Page 8 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


1.    Basis of Presentation (continued):
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and applicable rules of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information or footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Management believes that the financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 do not necessarily indicate the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
The following table reconciles the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities to the total purchase price:
 
Amount
Fair value of consideration transferred
$
1,399,055

Cash
$
28,695

Accounts Receivable
113,030

Inventory
187,509

Other current assets
25,321

Property and equipment
117,336

Goodwill
624,870

Intangible assets
822,620

Other non-current assets
4,154

Total assets
1,923,535

Less:
 
Accounts payable
(65,009
)
Deferred income taxes
(275,957
)
Junior subordinated debentures
(105,443
)
Junior subordinated debentures premium
(22,437
)
Other liabilities
(55,634
)
Net assets
$
1,399,055


Page 9 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


1.    Basis of Presentation (continued):
 
The following table indicates the pro-forma financial statements of the Company for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the three month period ended March 31, 2014, (including transaction costs of $54,400). The pro-forma financial statements give effect to the Merger Transaction as if it had occurred on January 1, 2014.
 
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31,  2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31,  2014
Net Sales
$
180,696

 
$
154,779

Net Loss
(9,865
)
 
(67,633
)
The pro-forma results are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The pro-forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred if the Merger Transaction had been effective January 1, 2014, nor are they intended to be indicative of results that may occur in the future. The underlying pro-forma information includes the historical results of the Company, the Company’s financing arrangements related to the Merger Transaction, and certain purchase accounting adjustments.
Nature of Operations:
The Company is comprised of five separate business segments, the largest of which is (1) The Hillman Group, Inc. (“Hillman Group”) operating primarily in the United States. The other business segments consist of separate subsidiaries of Hillman Group operating in (2) Canada under the name of The Hillman Group Canada ULC, (3) Mexico under the name SunSource Integrated Services de Mexico S.A. de C.V., (4) Florida under the name All Points Industries, Inc., and (5) Australia under the name The Hillman Group Australia Pty. Ltd. Hillman Group provides merchandising services and products 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, to retail outlets, primarily hardware stores, home centers, and mass merchants, pet supply stores, grocery stores, and drug stores. The Canada segment also produces fasteners, stampings, fittings, and processes threaded parts for automotive suppliers, industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”), and industrial distributors.

Page 10 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


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 31, 2014. Policies included herein were updated for activity in the interim period.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:
The Company establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method and also provides a reserve in the aggregate. The estimates for calculating the aggregate reserve are based on historical collection experience. Increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts result in a corresponding expense. The Company writes off individual accounts receivable when collection becomes improbable. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $631 at March 31, 2015 and $627 at December 31, 2014.
Property and Equipment and Accumulated Depreciation:
Property and equipment, including assets acquired under capital leases, are carried at cost and include expenditures for new facilities and major renewals. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in the income from operations. The accumulated depreciation was $20,990 at March 31, 2015 and $14,361 at December 31, 2014.

Costs incurred to develop software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Costs related to maintenance of internal-use software are expensed as incurred. Costs used for the development of internal-use software were capitalized and placed into service in the amounts of $1,196 in the Successor three month period ended March 31, 2015 and $325 in the Predecessor three month period ended March 31, 2014.
Shipping and Handling:
The costs incurred to ship product to customers, including freight and handling expenses, are included in selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
In the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Successor’s shipping and handling costs were $7,994. In the three months period ended March 31, 2014, the Predecessor’s shipping and handling costs were $6,333.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 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 period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.


Page 11 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


3.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update outlines a five-step model and related application guidance, which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 is effective for us in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017, and for interim periods within that year. The amendments can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this standard recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is not permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of implementing this guidance on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The issue is the result of a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF). The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be either applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable) and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The guidance is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The update requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. Debt disclosures will include the face amount of the debt liability and the effective interest rate. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-03 on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Page 12 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


4.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:    

Goodwill represents the excess purchase cost over the fair value of net assets of companies acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is an indefinite-lived asset and is assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit is greater than the fair value, impairment may be present. ASC 350 permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment model. This qualitative assessment is referred to as a “step zero” approach. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit's fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment. No impairment charges were recorded by the Company in the first quarter of 2015 or in the first quarter of 2014.
Goodwill amounts by reporting unit are summarized as follows:
 
 
Goodwill at
Acquisitions
Dispositions
Other (1)
Goodwill at
 
December 31, 2014
March 31, 2015
United States, excluding All Points
$
580,420

$
—

$
—

$
—

$
580,420

All Points
3,360

—

—

—

3,360

Canada
32,844

—

—

(2,568
)
30,276

Mexico
4,936

—

—

(110
)
4,826

Australia
—

—

—

—

—

Total
$
621,560

$
—

$
—

$
(2,678
)
$
618,882

 
(1)
These amounts relate to adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
The Company also evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks and trade names) for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is below its carrying amount. ASC 350 permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step impairment model. No impairment charges were recorded by the Company in the first quarter of 2015 or in the first quarter of 2014.

Page 13 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


4.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued):
 
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to impairment testing. The values assigned to intangible assets, in connection with the Merger Transaction, were determined through a separate independent appraisal. Other intangibles, net, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:
 
 
Estimated
Useful Life
(Years)
March 31, 2015
December 31, 2014
Customer relationships
20
$
691,069

$
693,852

Trademarks - All Others
Indefinite
85,933

86,513

Trademarks - TagWorks
5
300

300

KeyWorks license
10
4,454

4,476

Patents
7-12
32,838

32,895

Intangible assets, gross
 
814,594

818,036

Less: Accumulated amortization
 
28,529

19,095

Other intangibles, net
 
$
786,065

$
798,941

The Successor’s accumulated amortization was $28,529 as of March 31, 2015, which includes accumulated amortization of foreign subsidiaries translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The Successor’s amortization expense for amortizable assets was $9,517, including the adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. The Predecessor’s amortization expense was $5,544, including the adjustments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, for the three month period ended March 31, 2014. The
amortization expense for amortizable assets for the year ending December 31, 2015 is estimated to be $38,040. For the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, the Successor’s amortization expense for amortizable assets is estimated to be $38,040, $38,040, $38,040, $38,040, and $37,367, respectively.

Page 14 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


5.    Commitments and Contingencies:
The Company self-insures our 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 the liability of approximately $2,177 recorded for such risk insurance reserves is adequate as of March 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2015, the Company has provided certain vendors and insurers letters of credit aggregating $4,523 related to our product purchases and insurance coverage of product liability, workers’ compensation, and general liability.
The Company self-insures our group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $200 per participant. Aggregate coverage is maintained for annual group health insurance claims in excess of 125% of expected claims. 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 the liability of approximately $2,410 recorded for such group health insurance reserves is adequate as of March 31, 2015.
On October 1, 2013, 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 we are 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.
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.

Page 15 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


5.    Commitments and Contingencies (continued):
 
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, but 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.
Because the lawsuit remains in a preliminary stage, 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 has changed from a bilateral dispute over patent infringement to a lawsuit solely about Minute Key Inc.’s business conduct. After a conference with the court on March 2, 2015, the court entered a new scheduling order to govern the case on March 12, 2015. Hillman Group intends to continue to pursue this lawsuit vigorously and believes that it has meritorious claims for Minute Key Inc.’s unfair competition.
On July 14, 2014, PrimeSource Building Products, Inc., a supplier of products and materials in the building, construction, and do-it-yourself industries (“PrimeSource”), filed a complaint against Hillman Group in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division) alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment and seeking, among other things, (1) a preliminary and permanent injunction and (2) unspecified money damages, as well as recovery of court costs and attorneys’ fees. On August 8, 2014, Hillman Group filed a motion to dismiss the complaint and, on August 29, 2014, PrimeSource filed an amended complaint. On September 12, 2014, Hillman Group filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint and, on October 3, 2014, PrimeSource filed a response to the motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On October 17, 2014, Hillman Group filed a reply in support of its motion to dismiss the amended complaint.
In addition to its earlier-filed complaint, PrimeSource filed a motion for preliminary injunction on July 30, 2014. On August 20, 2014, Hillman Group filed a response in opposition to the motion for preliminary injunction and, on September 3, 2014, PrimeSource filed a reply in support of its motion for preliminary injunction. On October 1, 2014, Hillman Group filed a surreply in opposition to the motion for preliminary injunction. The parties held a court hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction on March 24 and 25, 2015. On March 31, 2015, the court issued an order denying Hillman’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint and an order denying PrimeSource’s motion for preliminary injunction. On April 14, 2015, Hillman filed an answer to the amended complaint.
Because the lawsuit is in a preliminary stage, it is not yet possible to assess the impact or range of loss, if any, that the lawsuit will have on the Company. However, Hillman Group believes that it has meritorious defenses to the claims and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously. Also, Hillman Group's third party insurer has agreed to defend Hillman Group in the case subject to the right to withdraw its defense and/or to disclaim any obligation to indemnify Hillman Group, and reserving the right to seek a judicial determination that it is not obligated to defend or indemnify Hillman Group.
On December 15, 2014, Maria Santos, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, filed a complaint against Hillman Group and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (“Wal-Mart”) in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (Western Division) alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the California Disabled Persons Act. On behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, Ms. Santos claims to seek, among other things, (1) a preliminary and permanent injunction to correct the alleged violations of these acts, (2) a declaration that Hillman Group and Wal-Mart are violating these acts, and (3) unspecified money damages, as well as recovery of court costs and attorneys’ fees. On January 5, 2015, Hillman Group filed its answer.
The Company has paid a portion of the legal fees incurred by Wal-Mart and its affiliates in this lawsuit in connection with the agreement to license Hillman Group’s products in Wal-Mart’s stores, and expects to pay, in the future, the reasonable legal fees incurred by Wal-Mart in this case.
Because the lawsuit is in a preliminary stage, it is not yet possible to assess the impact or range of loss, if any, that the lawsuit will have on the Company. However, Hillman Group has retained counsel, believes that is has meritorious defenses to the claims, and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously.

Page 16 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


5.    Commitments and Contingencies (continued):
 
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.

Page 17 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


6.    Related Party Transactions:

The Successor has recorded aggregate management fee charges and expenses from the Oak Hill Funds and CCMP of $151 for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. The Predecessor did not record any management fee expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.
Gregory Mann and Gabrielle Mann are employed by the All Points subsidiary of Hillman. All Points leases an industrial warehouse and office facility from companies under the control of the Manns. The Company has recorded rental expense for the lease of this facility on an arm’s length basis. In the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Successor’s rental expense for the lease of this facility was $82. In the three month period ended March 31, 2014, the Predecessor’s rental expense for the lease of this facility was $82.
The Hillman Group Canada ULC subsidiary of Hillman entered into three leases for five properties containing 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 is employed by The Hillman Group Canada ULC, and the owner of the properties under the other two leases is a company which is owned by Richard Paulin and certain of his relatives. The Company has recorded rental expense for the three leases on an arm’s length basis. In the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Successor’s rental expense for these leases was $166. The Predecessor’s rental expense for these facilities was $187 in the three month period ended March 31, 2014.

Page 18 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


7.    Income Taxes:

The Company’s policy is to estimate income taxes for interim periods based on estimated annual effective tax rates. These are derived, in part, from expected pre-tax income or loss. Accordingly, the Company applied an estimated annual effective tax rate to the interim period pre-tax income / (loss) in the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 and the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014 to calculate the income tax provision / (benefit) in accordance with the principal method prescribed by ASC 740-270, the accounting guidance established for computing income taxes in interim periods.
The effective income tax rates were 47.1% for the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 and 42.0% for the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014.
The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 and in the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014 due in part to a valuation reserve recorded to offset the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary. The remaining differences between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate in the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 and the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to state and foreign income taxes.


Page 19 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


8.    Long-Term Debt:
On June 30, 2014, Hillman Companies and certain of its subsidiaries closed on a $620,000 senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Facilities”), consisting of a $550,000 term loan and a $70,000 revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). The term loan portion of the Senior Facilities has a seven year term and the Revolver has a five year term. For the first fiscal quarter after June 30, 2014, the Senior Facilities provide term loan borrowings at interest rates based on LIBOR plus a LIBOR Spread of 3.50%, or an Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) plus an ABR Spread of 2.50%. The LIBOR is subject to a minimum floor rate of 1.00% and the ABR is subject to a minimum floor of 2.00%. Additionally, the Senior Facilities provide Revolver borrowings at interest rates based on a LIBOR plus LIBOR Spread of 3.25%, or an ABR plus an ABR Spread of 2.25%. There is no minimum floor rate for Revolver loans. After the initial fiscal quarter, the borrowing rate shall be adjusted quarterly on a prospective basis on each adjustment date based upon total leverage ratio for initial term loans and the senior secured leverage ratio for Revolver loans. For the fiscal quarter beginning after March 31, 2015, the term loan borrowings will be at an adjusted interest rate of 4.5% and the Revolver loans will be at an adjusted interest rate of 3.43%.
Concurrent with the consummation of the Merger Transaction, Hillman Group issued $330,000 aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”), which are guaranteed by Hillman Companies and its domestic subsidiaries other than the Hillman Group Capital Trust. Hillman Group pays interest on the 6.375% Senior Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
Prior to the consummation of the Merger Transaction, the Company, through Hillman Group, was party to a Senior Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $30,000 revolving credit line and a $384,400 term loan. The facilities under the Prior Credit Agreement had a maturity date of May 28, 2017. In addition, the Company, through Hillman Group, had issued $265,000 in aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Senior Notes that were scheduled to mature on June 1, 2018. In connection with the Merger Transaction, both the Prior Credit Agreement and the 10.875% Senior Notes were repaid and terminated.
The Company pays interest to the Hillman Group Capital Trust (“Trust”) on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105,443, or $12,231 per annum in the aggregate. The Trust will redeem the Trust Preferred Securities when the Junior Subordinated Debentures are repaid, or at maturity on September 30, 2027. The Trust distributes an equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. Pursuant to the Indenture that governs the Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust is able to defer distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities for a period that cannot exceed 60 months (the “Deferral Period”). During a Deferral Period, the Company is required to accrue the full amount of all interest payable, and such deferred interest payable would become immediately payable by the Company at the end of the Deferral Period. There were no deferrals of distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in the first quarter of 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014.
The Senior Facilities provide for customary events of default, including but not limited to, payment defaults, breach of representations or covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy events, failure to pay judgments, attachment of its assets, change of control, and the issuance of an order of dissolution. Certain of these events of default are subject to notice and cure periods or materiality thresholds. The Company is also required to comply, in certain circumstances, with a senior secured net leverage ratio covenant. This covenant only applies if, at the end of a fiscal quarter, there are outstanding Revolver borrowings in excess of 35% of the total revolving commitments. As of March 31, 2015, the Revolver loan amount of $29,000 and outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4,523 represented 48% of total revolving commitments and this financial covenant was in effect. The occurrence of an event of default permits the lenders under the Senior Facilities to accelerate repayment of all amounts due. The Company was in compliance with all provisions and covenants of the Senior Facilities as of March 31, 2015.
Additional information with respect to the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate senior notes and junior subordinated debentures is included in Note 12 - Fair Value Measurements.

Page 20 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


9.    Common and Preferred Stock:
The Hillman Companies has one class of common stock, with 5,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding as of March 31, 2015. All outstanding shares of Hillman Companies common stock are owned by Successor Holdco.
The Hillman Companies has one class of preferred stock, with 5,000 shares authorized and none issued or outstanding as of March 31, 2015.


Page 21 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


10.    Stock-Based Compensation:
HMAN Group Holdings Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
Effective June 30, 2014, Holdco established the HMAN Group Holdings Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Equity Incentive Plan”), pursuant to which Holdco may grant options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock-based awards for up to an aggregate of 44,021.264 shares of its common stock. The 2014 Equity Incentive Plan is administered by a committee of the Holdco board of directors. Such committee determines the terms of each stock-based award grant under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, except that the exercise price of any granted options and the grant price of any granted stock appreciation rights may not be lower than the fair market value of one share of common stock of Holdco as of the date of grant.
In 2014, Holdco granted a total of 35,817.010 non-qualified stock options with certain time-vesting and performance vesting conditions under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. The options were granted with an exercise price equal to the grant date fair value of the underlying securities.
During the first quarter of 2015, Holdco granted a total of 6,121.000 non-qualified stock options with certain time-vesting and performance vesting conditions under the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan. The options were granted with an exercise price equal to the grant date fair value of the underlying securities. A total of 5,722.764 stock options were forfeited during the first quarter of 2015. As of March 31, 2015, a total of 7,806.018 shares were available for future stock-based award grants.
The fair value of 18,497.623 time-vested options granted by Holdco in 2014 and in the first quarter of 2015 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield equaling 0%, risk-free interest rate from 1.8% to 2.1%, expected volatility assumed to be 32.0%, and expected term from 6.5 years to 6.75 years. The fair value of each option was 370.58 dollars.
Compensation expense of $204 was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, there was $5,976 of unrecognized compensation expense for unvested common options. The expense will be recognized as a charge to earnings over a weighted average period of approximately 4.37 years.
 
Holdco also granted 17,717.623 performance-based stock options that ultimately vest depending upon satisfaction of conditions that only arise in the event of a sale of the Company. No compensation expense will be recognized on these stock options unless it becomes probable the performance conditions will be satisfied.
A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
 
Number
of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
 
35,817.010

 
$
1,000

 
9.50

 
$
—

Granted
 
6,121.000

 
$
1,000

 
 
 
 
Exercised or converted
 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
 
5,722.764

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2015
 
36,215.246

 
$
1,000

 
9.37

 
$
—

Exercisable at March 31, 2015
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—




Page 22 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


11.    Derivatives and Hedging:
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage our exposures to (1) interest rate fluctuations on our floating rate Senior Facilities; (2) price fluctuations in metal commodities used in our key products; and (3) 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 a forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement (the “2014 Swap No. 1”) with a three-year term for a notional amount of $90,000. The forward start date of the 2014 Swap No. 1 is October 1, 2015 and its termination date is September 30, 2018. The 2014 Swap No. 1 fixes the interest rate at 2.2% plus the applicable interest rate margin.
On September 3, 2014, the Company entered into a forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement (the “2014 Swap No. 2”) with a three-year term for a notional amount of $40,000. The effective date of the 2014 Swap No. 2 is October 1, 2015 and its termination date is September 30, 2018. The 2014 Swap No. 2 fixes the interest rate at 2.2% plus the applicable interest rate margin.
The total fair value of the interest rate swaps was $(2,478) as of March 31, 2015 and was reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other non-current liabilities with an increase in interest expense recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss for the unfavorable change of $1,543 in fair value since December 31, 2014.
The total fair value of the interest rate swaps was $(935) as of December 31, 2014 and was reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in other non-current liabilities with an increase in interest expense recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss for the unfavorable change of $935 in fair value since the inception.
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”).

Foreign Currency Forward Contract - During 2014, the Company entered into multiple foreign currency forward contracts (the “2014 FX Contracts”) with maturity dates ranging from March 2014 to December 2015. The 2014 FX Contracts fixed the Canadian to U.S. dollar forward exchange rate at points ranging from 1.06800 to 1.17400. The purpose of the 2014 FX Contracts is to manage the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.
During 2015, the Company entered into multiple foreign currency forward contracts (the “2015 FX Contracts”) with maturity dates ranging from February 2015 to March 2016. The 2015 FX Contracts fixed the Canadian to U.S. dollar forward exchange rate at points ranging from 1.2360 to 1.2841. The purpose of the 2015 FX 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$31,368 and C$31,032 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The total fair value of the outstanding 2015 FX Contracts and 2014 FX Contracts was $1,926 and $1,247 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and was reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other current assets. An increase in other income of $679 was recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss for the favorable change in fair value from December 31, 2014.
The Company’s FX 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 12 - Fair Value Measurements.


Page 23 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

12.    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 accounting guidance establishes a hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. An asset or liability’s level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
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 March 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Trading securities
$
2,214

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,214

Interest rate swaps
—

 
(2,478
)
 
—

 
(2,478
)
Foreign exchange forward contracts
—

 
1,926

 
—

 
1,926

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Trading securities
$
2,244

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
2,244

Interest rate swaps
—

 
(935
)
 
—

 
(935
)
Foreign exchange forward contracts
—

 
1,247

 
—

 
1,247

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 restricted investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
For the Successor three month period ended March 31, 2015, the unrealized gains on these securities of $50 were recorded as other income. For the Predecessor three month period ended March 31, 2014, the unrealized gains on these securities of $18 were recorded as other income. An offsetting entry for the same amount, adjusting the deferred compensation liability and compensation expense within SG&A, was also recorded for the corresponding periods.
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 during the term of the swap contracts. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the interest rate swaps were included in other non-current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Page 24 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)

12.    Fair Value Measurements (continued):
 
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 contracts. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the foreign exchange forward contracts were included in other current assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate senior notes and junior subordinated debentures as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were determined by utilizing current trading prices obtained from indicative market data. As a result, the fair value measurement of the Company’s senior term loans is considered to be Level 2.
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
6.375% Senior Notes
 
$
330,000

 
$
329,588

 
$
330,000

 
$
315,563

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
130,448

 
126,841

 
130,685

 
137,764

The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short term maturity of these instruments and the carrying value of the variable rate senior term loans approximates fair value as the interest rate is variable and approximates current market rates (Level 2).
Additional information with respect to the derivative instruments is included in Note 11 - Derivative and Hedging. Additional information with respect to the Company’s fixed rate senior notes and junior subordinated debentures is included in Note 8 - Long-Term Debt.

Page 25 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


13.    Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Expenses:
In the three month period ended March 31, 2015, the Successor incurred $165 in transaction expenses related to the Merger Transaction. There were no acquisition and integration expenses for the Predecessor three month period ended March 31, 2014.

Page 26 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


14.    Segment Reporting:
The Company’s segment reporting structure uses the Company’s management reporting structure as the foundation for how the Company manages our business. The Company periodically evaluates our segment reporting structure in accordance with ASC 350-20-55 and we have concluded that we have five reportable segments as of March 31, 2015. The United States segment, excluding All Points, and the Canada segment are considered material by the Company’s management as of March 31, 2015. The segments are as follows:
•
United States – excluding the All Points division
•
All Points
•
Canada
•
Mexico
•
Australia
The United States segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retail outlets primarily in the United States. This segment also provides innovative pet identification tag programs to a leading pet products retail chain using a unique, patent-protected/patent-pending technology and product portfolio.
The All Points segment is a Florida-based distributor of commercial and residential fasteners catering to the hurricane protection industry in the southern United States. All Points has positioned itself as a major supplier to manufacturers of railings, screen enclosures, windows, and hurricane shutters.
The Canada segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items, threaded rod, keys, key duplicating systems, accessories, and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, industrial distributors, automotive aftermarket distributors, and other retail outlets and industrial Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) in Canada. The Canada segment also produces fasteners, stampings, fittings, and processes threaded parts for automotive suppliers and industrial OEMs.
The Mexico segment distributes fasteners and related hardware items to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retail outlets in Mexico.
The Australia segment distributes keys, key duplicating systems, and accessories to home centers and other retail outlets in Australia.
The Company uses profit or loss from operations to evaluate the performance of our segments. Profit or loss from operations is defined as income from operations before interest and tax expenses. Hillman accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, at current market prices. Segment revenue excludes sales between segments, which is consistent with the segment revenue information provided to the Company’s chief operating decision maker. Segment income (loss) from operations for Mexico and Australia include insignificant costs allocated from the United States, excluding All Points segment, while the remaining operating segments do not include any allocations.
The transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction were recorded in the United States, excluding All Points segment. For further information, see Note 13, Transaction, Acquisition, and Integration Expenses.

Page 27 of 47
THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands)


14.    Segment Reporting (continued):
 
The table below presents revenues and (loss) income from operations for our reportable segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
United States, excluding All Points
 
$
144,121

 
 
$
118,108

All Points
 
5,113

 
 
4,564

Canada
 
29,416

 
 
30,021

Mexico
 
1,711

 
 
1,734

Australia
 
335

 
 
352

Total revenues
 
$
180,696

 
 
$
154,779

Segment (loss) income from operations
 
 
 
 
 
United States excluding All Points
 
$
(2,723
)
 
 
$
6,637

All Points
 
334

 
 
298

Canada
 
(271
)
 
 
454

Mexico
 
136

 
 
246

Australia
 
(426
)
 
 
(38
)
Total (loss) income from operations
 
$
(2,950
)
 
 
$
7,597



The tables below present assets and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 
 
As of
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
United States excluding All Points
 
$
1,542,960

 
 
$
1,522,371

All Points
 
16,095

 
 
16,108

Canada
 
333,524

 
 
346,691

Mexico
 
15,409

 
 
15,886

Australia
 
1,901

 
 
1,957

Total Assets
 
$
1,909,889

 
 
$
1,903,013


 
 
As of
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
December 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
United States excluding All Points
 
$
601

 
 
$
13,192

All Points
 
380

 
 
696

Canada
 
34

 
 
3,186

Mexico
 
862

 
 
1,396

Australia
 
260

 
 
15

Total Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,137

 
 
$
18,485


Page 28 of 47

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 31, 2014.
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 31, 2014. 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 31, 2014; 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.

Page 29 of 47

General
The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "Hillman" or the "Company") is one of the largest providers of hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. The Company’s principal business is operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. (the “Hillman Group”). Hillman Group sells our products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, 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 (“LNS”). The Company supports our product sales with services that include the design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels.
Merger Transaction
On June 30, 2014, affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC (“CCMP”) and Oak Hill Capital Partners III, L.P., Oak Hill Capital Management Partners III, L.P. and OHCP III HC RO, L.P. (“Oak Hill Funds”), together with certain current and former members of Hillman’s management, consummated a merger transaction (the “Merger Transaction”) pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 16, 2014. As a result of the Merger Transaction, The Hillman Companies, Inc. remained a wholly-owned subsidiary of OHCP HM Acquisition Corp., which changed its name to HMAN Intermediate II Holdings Corp. (“Predecessor Holdco”), and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of HMAN Group Holdings Inc. (“Successor Holdco” or “Holdco”). The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was approximately $1.5 billion including repayment of outstanding debt and including the value of the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated debentures ($105.4 million liquidation value at the time of the Merger Transaction).
Prior to the Merger Transaction, the Oak Hill Funds owned 95.6% of the Predecessor Holdco’s outstanding common stock and certain current and former members of management owned 4.4% of the Predecessor Holdco’s outstanding common stock. Upon
consummation of the Merger Transaction, affiliates of CCMP owned 80.4% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock, the Oak Hill Funds owned 16.9% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock, and certain current and former members of management owned 2.7% of the Successor Holdco’s outstanding common stock.
The Company’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the periods presented prior to June 30, 2014 are referenced herein as the predecessor financial statements (the “Predecessor”). The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 and its related statements of comprehensive loss, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the periods presented subsequent to the Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the successor financial statements (the “Successor”).

Page 30 of 47

Financing Arrangements
On June 30, 2014, Hillman Companies and certain of its subsidiaries closed on a $620.0 million senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Facilities”), consisting of a $550.0 million term loan and a $70.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). The term loan portion of the Senior Facilities has a seven year term and the Revolver has a five year term. For the first fiscal quarter after June 30, 2014, the Senior Facilities provided term loan borrowings at interest rates based on LIBOR plus a LIBOR Spread of 3.50%, or an Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) plus an ABR Spread of 2.50%. The LIBOR is subject to a minimum floor rate of 1.00% and the ABR is subject to a minimum floor of 2.00%. Additionally, the Senior Facilities provide Revolver borrowings at interest rates based on LIBOR plus a LIBOR Spread of 3.25%, or an ABR plus an ABR Spread of 2.25%. There is no minimum floor rate for Revolver loans. After the initial fiscal quarter, the borrowing rate shall be adjusted quarterly on a prospective basis on each adjustment date based upon total leverage ratio for initial term loans and the senior secured leverage ratio for Revolver loans. For the fiscal quarter beginning after March 31, 2015, the term loan borrowings will be at an adjusted interest rate of 4.5% and the Revolver loans will be at an adjusted interest rate of 3.43%.
Concurrent with the consummation of the Merger Transaction, Hillman Group issued $330.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due July 15, 2022 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”), which are guaranteed by Hillman Companies and its domestic subsidiaries other than the Hillman Group Capital Trust. Hillman Group pays interest on the 6.375% Senior Notes semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
Prior to the consummation of the Merger Transaction, the Company, through Hillman Group, was party to a Senior Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”), consisting of a $30.0 million revolving credit line and a $384.4 million term loan. The facilities under the Prior Credit Agreement had a maturity date of May 28, 2017. In addition, the Company, through Hillman Group, had issued $265.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Senior Notes that were scheduled to mature on June 1, 2018. In connection with the Merger Transaction, both the Prior Credit Agreement and the 10.875% Senior Notes were repaid and terminated.
In September 1997, The Hillman Group Capital Trust, a Grantor trust (the “Trust”), completed a $105.4 million underwritten public offering of 4,217,724 11.6% Trust Preferred Securities. The Trust invested the proceeds from the sale of the preferred securities in an equal principal amount of 11.6% Junior Subordinated Debentures of Hillman due September 2027. The Company pays interest to the Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105.4 million, or $12.2 million per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributes an equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. Pursuant to the Indenture that governs the Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust is able to defer distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities for a period that cannot exceed 60 months (the “Deferral Period”). During a Deferral Period, the Company is required to accrue the full amount of all interest payable, and such deferred interest payable would become immediately payable by the Company at the end of the Deferral Period.
The Senior Facilities provide for customary events of default, including but not limited to, payment defaults, breach of representations or covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy events, failure to pay judgments, attachment of its assets, change of control, and the issuance of an order of dissolution. Certain of these events of default are subject to notice and cure periods or materiality thresholds. The Company is also required to comply, in certain circumstances, with a senior secured net leverage ratio covenant. This covenant only applies if, at the end of a fiscal quarter, there are outstanding Revolver borrowings in excess of 35% of the total revolving commitments. As of March 31, 2015, the Revolver loan amount of $29.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of $4.5 million represented 48% of total revolving commitments and this financial covenant was in effect. The occurrence of an event of default permits the lenders under the Senior Facilities to accelerate repayment of all amounts due. The Company was in compliance with all provisions and covenants of the Senior Facilities as of March 31, 2015.

Page 31 of 47

Results of Operations
The following analysis of results of operations includes a brief discussion of the factors that affected the Company’s operating results and a comparative analysis of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014.
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Total
 
 
Amount
 
% of
Total
Net sales
$
180,696

 
100.0
 %
 
 
$
154,779

 
100.0
 %
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
103,348

 
57.2
 %
 
 
79,415

 
51.3
 %
Selling
27,923

 
15.5
 %
 
 
27,117

 
17.5
 %
Warehouse & delivery
22,334

 
12.4
 %
 
 
19,201

 
12.4
 %
General & administrative
11,237

 
6.2
 %
 
 
9,017

 
5.8
 %
Stock compensation
204

 
0.1
 %
 
 
508

 
0.3
 %
Transaction, acquisition and integration (a)
165

 
0.1
 %
 
 
—

 
—
 %
Depreciation
7,537

 
4.2
 %
 
 
6,868

 
4.4
 %
Amortization
9,517

 
5.3
 %
 
 
5,544

 
3.6
 %
Management fees to related party
151

 
0.1
 %
 
 
—

 
—
 %
Other expense (income)
1,230

 
0.7
 %
 
 
(488
)
 
(0.3
)%
(Loss) income from operations
(2,950
)
 
(1.6
)%
 
 
7,597

 
4.9
 %
Interest expense, net
12,627

 
7.0
 %
 
 
11,545

 
7.5
 %
Interest expense on junior subordinated notes
3,152

 
1.7
 %
 
 
3,152

 
2.0
 %
Investment income on trust common securities
(95
)
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
(95
)
 
(0.1
)%
Loss before income taxes
(18,634
)
 
(10.3
)%
 
 
(7,005
)
 
(4.5
)%
Income tax benefit
(8,769
)
 
(4.9
)%
 
 
(2,943
)
 
(1.9
)%
Net loss
$
(9,865
)
 
(5.5
)%
 
 
$
(4,062
)
 
(2.6
)%
 
(a)
Represents expenses for investment banking, legal, and other professional fees incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction.

Page 32 of 47

Current Economic Conditions
The Company’s 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. In recent quarters, Hillman operations have been impacted by the slow, uneven growth in the U.S. economy and the retail market we sell into. Although there have been certain signs of improvement in the economy and stabilization of domestic credit markets from the height of the financial crisis, general expectations do not call for significant economic growth to return in the near term and may have the effect of reducing consumer spending which could adversely affect our results of operations during the current year and beyond.
Hillman is 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. Hillman purchases 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 declined in value relative to the Chinese renminbi by approximately 2.94% in 2013, increased by 0.46% in 2014, and has decreased 0.48% for the period ended March 31, 2015. The U.S. dollar increased in value relative to the Taiwan dollar by approximately 3.75% in 2013, increased by 5.82% in 2014, and has decreased by 1.70% for the period ended March 31, 2015.
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 manufacture of our products. The Company does 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.
The Company has not taken significant pricing action since 2012; however, the Company may take future pricing action, when warranted, in an attempt to offset a portion of product cost increases. The ability of the Company’s operating divisions to institute price increases and seek price concessions, as appropriate, is dependent on competitive market conditions.
The Three Month Successor Period Ended March 31, 2015 vs the Three Month Predecessor Period Ended March 31, 2014
Net Sales
The Successor net sales for the first quarter of 2015 were $180.7 million, an increase of $25.9 million compared to the Predecessor net sales of $154.8 million for the first quarter of 2014. The increase in revenue was primarily the result of strong comparable store performance in retail channels, four more selling days in the 2015 three month period, and the introduction of a new line of nails, deck screws, and drywall screws (the "NDD line").
Cost of Sales
The Company’s cost of sales was $103.3 million, or 57.2% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of $23.9 million compared to $79.4 million, or 51.3% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2014. The primary reasons for the increase in cost of sales in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 were the high initial start-up costs associated with the introduction of the new NDD line and the higher product costs in the Hillman Canada division as a result of the unfavorable currency exchange on their inventory purchases made in U.S dollar transactions.
Expenses
Operating expenses were higher for the Successor three months ended March 31, 2015 than the Predecessor three months ended March 31, 2014. The primary reason for the increase in operating expenses was the increase in incremental costs resulting from higher sales volume together with higher depreciation and amortization expense related to assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses:

•
Selling expense was $27.9 million, or 15.5% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of $0.8 million compared to $27.1 million, or 17.5% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in selling expense was the result of higher sales service payroll costs and higher travel costs which were partially offset by a decrease in the cost of customer displays.

Page 33 of 47

•
Warehouse and delivery expense was $22.3 million, or 12.4% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of $3.1 million compared to warehouse and delivery expense of $19.2 million, or 12.4% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2014. In the first quarter of 2015, higher warehouse and delivery expenses were attributable to the higher sales volume which included the new NDD line. In particular, the Company experienced an increase in warehouse labor, freight, and delivery expense in the first quarter of 2015.
•
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses were $11.2 million in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of $2.2 million compared to $9.0 million in the first quarter of 2014. The G&A expenses in the 2015 period were higher than the prior year period primarily as a result of management restructuring and severance costs.
•
The stock compensation expense was $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of differences in the separate option plans in effect during the two periods.
•
Depreciation expense was $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in depreciation expense was attributable to an increase in the value of fixed assets in connection with the Merger Transaction.
•
Amortization expense was $9.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in amortization was the result of an increase in intangible assets subject to amortization acquired in the Merger Transaction.
•
Interest expense, net, was $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $11.5 million in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in interest expense in the first quarter of 2015 was primarily the result of the increase in debt acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.
•
Other expense was $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the other income of $(0.5) million in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in expense was due to the loss on interest rate swaps when adjusted to fair value which were partially offset by gains on FX forward currency contracts.

Page 34 of 47


Results of Operations – Operating Segments

The following table provides supplemental information regarding our net sales and profitability by operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in 000’s):
 
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
United States, excluding All Points
 
$
144,121

 
 
$
118,108

All Points
 
5,113

 
 
4,564

Canada
 
29,416

 
 
30,021

Mexico
 
1,711

 
 
1,734

Australia
 
335

 
 
352

Total revenues
 
$
180,696

 
 
$
154,779

Segment (loss) income from operations
 
 
 
 
 
United States excluding All Points
 
$
(2,723
)
 
 
$
6,637

All Points
 
334

 
 
298

Canada
 
(271
)
 
 
454

Mexico
 
136

 
 
246

Australia
 
(426
)
 
 
(38
)
Total (loss) income from operations
 
$
(2,950
)
 
 
$
7,597


The Three Month Successor Period Ended March 31, 2015 vs the Three Month Predecessor Period Ended March 31, 2014

Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased $25.9 million compared to the net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The United States, excluding All Points operating segment generated increased net sales of $26.0 million. The increase in net sales of this operating segment was primarily the result of strong comparable store performance in retail channels and the introduction of the new NDD line. In addition, the net sales of all operating segments benefited from four additional selling days in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the U.S. segment was $79.0 million, or 54.8% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $56.6 million, or 47.9% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Cost of sales for the Canada segment was $19.5 million, or 66.3% of net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $18.5 million, or 61.5% of net sales, in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The primary reason for the increase in cost of sales in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 was the high initial start-up costs associated with the introduction of the new NDD line. The Canada segment cost of sales increased in the first quarter of 2015 as a result of higher U.S. dollar denominated product costs and unfavorable currency exchange rates between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar.
Expenses
The operating expenses were approximately $80.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $67.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in operating expenses in the 2015 period was attributable to the operating costs associated with higher sales volume, an increase in depreciation and amortization expense, start-up costs of the new NDD line, and management restructuring and severance related expenses. The majority of the higher operating expenses were incurred in the United States, excluding All Points operating segment.


Page 35 of 47

•
Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expense for the U.S. segment was $50.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $43.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in SG&A expense was due to higher selling and warehouse costs related to the higher sales volume together with the management restructuring and severance expense. The SG&A expense of the other operating segments was comparable to the prior year period.
•
Depreciation and amortization expense for the U.S. segment was $15.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $11.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense in the Canada segment was $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The primary reason for the increased expense in the 2015 period was the increase in the value of fixed assets subject to depreciation and intangible assets subject to amortization due to the Merger Transaction.



Page 36 of 47

Income Taxes
In the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $8.8 million on pre-tax loss of $18.6 million. The effective income tax rate was 47.1% for the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015.
In the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.9 million on pre-tax loss of $7.0 million. The effective income tax rate was 42.0% for the three month period ended March 31, 2014.
The difference between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 was caused by a valuation reserve recorded to offset the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary. The remaining differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the three month Successor period ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to state and foreign income taxes.
The difference between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014 was caused by a valuation reserve recorded to offset the deferred tax assets of a foreign subsidiary. The remaining differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate in the three month Predecessor period ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to state and foreign income taxes.


Page 37 of 47

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows
The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the Successor three month period ended March 31, 2015 and the Predecessor three month period ended March 31, 2014 by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing, and financing activities.
Operating Activities
Net cash used by operating activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2015 was $29.5 million and was the result of the net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $0.5 million for depreciation, amortization, gain on dispositions of property and equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, and stock-based compensation together with cash related adjustments of $30.0 million for routine operating activities, represented by changes in accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other items. During the three month period ended March 31, 2015, routine operating activities used cash through an increase in accounts receivable of $18.0 million, an increase in inventories of $27.6 million, a decrease in other accrued liabilities of $3.1 million, and a decrease in other items of $0.3 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $11.1 million and a decrease in other assets of $7.9 million. In the first three months of 2015, the seasonal increases in accounts receivable and inventory, and the effects of anticipated NDD line roll-out, were the primary uses of cash flow from operating activities for the period.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of $3.4 million was the result of the net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $6.9 million for depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, deferred financing, and stock-based compensation which was offset by cash related adjustments of $3.5 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assets. In the first three months of 2014, routine operating activities used cash through an increase in accounts receivable of $7.0 million, an increase in inventories of $6.6 million, and a decrease in other items of $0.5 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in other assets of $4.7 million, an increase in accounts payable of $3.6 million, an increase in other accrued liabilities of $1.3 million, and an increase of $1.0 million in interest payable on the junior subordinated debentures. In the first three months of 2014, the seasonal increases in accounts receivable and inventory were the primary uses of cash flow from operating activities for the period.
Investing Activities
Net cash used by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $6.4 million and consisted of $2.7 million for key duplicating machines, $1.7 million for engraving machines, $1.6 million for computer software and equipment, and $0.4 million for machinery and equipment.
Net cash used for investing activities was $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Capital expenditures for the three months totaled $6.9 million, consisting of $3.3 million for key duplicating machines, $1.4 million for engraving machines, $1.4 million for computer software and equipment, and $0.8 million for machinery and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $27.0 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. The borrowings on revolving credit loans provided $29.0 million. The Company used cash to pay $1.4 million in principal payments on the senior term loans under the Senior Facilities and $0.1 million in principal payments under capitalized lease obligations. The Company used $0.5 million of cash to purchase shares from a former member of management.
Net cash used for financing activities was $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The Company received cash of $0.5 million from the exercise of stock options and used cash to pay approximately $1.0 million in principal payments on the senior term loans and $0.1 million on the capitalized lease obligations.
Liquidity
The Company’s management believes that projected cash flows from operations and revolver availability will be sufficient to fund working capital and capital expenditure needs for the next 12 months.
The Company’s working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) position of $246.8 million as of March 31, 2015 represents an increase of $15.5 million from the December 31, 2014 level of $231.3 million.

Page 38 of 47

Contractual Obligations
The Company’s contractual obligations in thousands of dollars as of March 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Payments Due
Contractual Obligations
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1 to 3 Years
 
3 to 5 Years
 
More Than
5 Years
Junior Subordinated Debentures (1)
$
130,448

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
130,448

Interest on Jr Subordinated Debentures
152,892

 
12,231

 
24,463

 
24,463

 
91,735

Senior Term Loans
545,875

 
5,500

 
11,000

 
11,000

 
518,375

Bank Revolving Credit Facility
29,000

 
—

 
—

 
29,000

 
—

6.375% Senior Notes
330,000

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
330,000

KeyWorks License Agreement
2,264

 
415

 
785

 
731

 
333

Interest Payments (2)
302,125

 
45,594

 
90,491

 
89,555

 
76,485

Operating Leases
59,354

 
9,868

 
13,243

 
9,574

 
26,669

Deferred Compensation Obligations
2,214

 
494

 
—

 
—

 
1,720

Capital Lease Obligations
628

 
240

 
300

 
85

 
3

Purchase Obligations (3)
759

 
263

 
496

 
—

 
—

Other Obligations
2,177

 
871

 
1,045

 
261

 
—

Uncertain Tax Position Liabilities
347

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
347

Total Contractual Cash Obligations (4)
$
1,558,083

 
$
75,476

 
$
141,823

 
$
164,669

 
$
1,176,115

(1)
The junior subordinated debentures liquidation value is approximately $108,704.
(2)
Interest payments for borrowings under the Senior Facilities, the 6.375% Senior Notes, and Revolver borrowings. Interest payments on the variable rate Senior Term Loans were calculated using the actual interest rate of 4.50% as of March 31, 2015. Interest payments on the 6.375% Senior Notes were calculated at their fixed rate. Interest payments on the Revolver borrowings were calculated using the actual interest rate of 3.43%.
(3)
The Company has a purchase agreement with our supplier of key blanks which requires minimum purchases of 100 million key blanks per year. To the extent minimum purchases of key blanks are below 100 million, the Company must pay the supplier $0.0035 per key multiplied by the shortfall. Since the inception of the contract in 1998, the Company has purchased more than the requisite 100 million key blanks per year from the supplier. In 2013, the Company extended this contract for an additional three years.
(4)
All of the contractual obligations noted above are reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2015 except for the interest payments, purchase obligations, and operating leases.
As of March 31, 2015, the Company had no material purchase commitments for capital expenditures.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company does 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”).

Page 39 of 47

Borrowings
As of March 31, 2015, the Company had $36.5 million available under the Senior Facilities. The Company had approximately $575.4 million of outstanding debt under its Senior Facilities at March 31, 2015, consisting of $545.9 million in a term loan, $29.0 million in Revolver borrowings, and $0.5 million in capitalized lease and other obligations. The term loan consisted of a $545.9 million Term B-2 Loan at an interest rate of 4.5%. The Revolver borrowings consisted of $29.0 million at an interest rate of 3.43% and the capitalized lease obligations were at various interest rates.
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company’s borrowings were as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)
Facility
Amount
 
Outstanding
Amount
 
Interest
Rate
 
Facility
Amount
 
Outstanding
Amount
 
Interest
Rate
Term B-2 Loan
 
 
$
545,875

 
4.50%
 
 
 
$
547,250

 
4.50
%
Revolving credit facility
$
70,000

 
29,000

 
3.43%
 
$
70,000

 
—

 
—

Capital leases & other obligations
 
 
557

 
various
 
 
 
607

 
various

Total secured credit
 
 
575,432

 
 
 
 
 
547,857

 
 
Senior notes
 
 
330,000

 
6.375%
 
 
 
330,000

 
6.375
%
Total borrowings
 
 
$
905,432

 
 
 
 
 
$
877,857

 
 
Descriptions of the Company’s credit agreement governing the Senior Facilities, as amended, and the Senior Notes are contained in the “Financing Arrangements” section of this report on Form 10-Q.
Terms of the Senior Facilities subject the Company to a revolving facility test condition whereby a senior secured leverage ratio covenant of no greater than 6.5 times last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA comes into effect if more than 35% of the total Revolver commitment is drawn or utilized in letters of credit at the end of a fiscal quarter. If this covenant comes into effect, it may restrict the Company’s ability to incur debt, make investments, pay dividends to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, or undertake certain other business activities. As of March 31, 2015, the total revolving credit commitment of the Company was 48% utilized. Below are the calculations of the financial covenant with the Senior Facilities requirement for the twelve trailing months ended March 31, 2015:
(dollars in thousands)
 
Actual
 
Ratio Requirement
Secured Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
Term B-2 Loan
 
$
545,875

 
 
Revolving credit facility
 
29,000

 
 
Capital leases & other obligations
 
557

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
(2,137
)
 
 
Total debt
 
573,295

 
 
Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA (1)
 
132,513

 
 
Leverage ratio (must be below requirement)
 
4.33
 
6.50
(1) Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended March 31, 2015 is presented in the following pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA section.

Page 40 of 47

Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA

The reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the year ended December 31, 2014, and the twelve trailing months ("TTM") ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
Year
TTM
TTM
 
 
 
March 31,
March 31,
Ended
March 31,
March 31,
 
 
 
2015
2014
2014 (1)
2015 (2)
2014
Net loss
 
$
(9,865
)
$
(4,062
)
$
(63,463
)
$
(69,266
)
$
(625
)
Income tax benefit
 
(8,769
)
(2,943
)
(30,316
)
(36,142
)
(3,082
)
Interest expense, net
 
12,627

11,545

50,400

51,481

47,730

Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures
 
3,152

3,152

12,610

12,611

12,610

Investment income on trust common securities
 
(95
)
(95
)
(378
)
(378
)
(378
)
Depreciation
 
7,537

6,868

31,426

32,095

26,122

Amortization
 
9,517

5,544

30,221

34,194

22,210

EBITDA
 
14,104

20,009

30,500

24,595

104,587

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Stock compensation expense
 
204

508

39,904

39,600

9,253

   Management fees
 
151

—

291

442

77

   Foreign exchange (gain) loss
 
(131
)
(25
)
(550
)
(656
)
1,064

   Acquisition and integration expense
 
165

396

57,834

57,603

7,005

   Legal fees and settlements
 
515

200

1,170

1,485

200

   Restructuring costs
 
3,175

35

1,303

4,443

4,176

   Other adjustments
 
1,543

43

986

2,486

347

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
19,726

$
21,166

$
131,438

$
129,998

$
126,709

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro-forma purchasing savings (3)
 
 
 
3,322

1,864

8,050

2015 costs to enter NDD market
 
 
 
—

651

—

2013 facilities closures (4)
 
 
 
—

—

550

Paulin Acquisition synergies (5)
 
 
 
—

—

450

Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
 
$
134,760

$
132,513

$
135,759


1) For purposes of the Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA computation, the predecessor six month period ended June 29, 2014 was combined with the successor six month period ended December 31, 2014.

2) For purposes of the Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA computation, the predecessor three month period ended June 29, 2014 was combined with the successor nine month period ended March 31, 2015.

3) Represents the pro-forma impact of run-rate cost savings (net of amounts already realized) agreed with vendors in exchange for higher committed volumes, based on savings calculated against actual SKU volume, as part of a purchase savings program that began in 2012 and negotiations held during 2012 and 2013 with our top suppliers. Annual contracts were awarded that stipulated annual volume, price and service expectations, although no fixed volume commitments were made by the Company.

4) Represents pro-forma impact of U.S. facilities closed during 2013, including savings related to senior management and other operating costs.

5) Represents run-rate cost savings and synergies for actions taken with the Paulin Acquisition, including consolidation of legacy-held facility in Canada.


Page 41 of 47

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 March 31, 2015, however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and circumstances.
There have been no material changes 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 31, 2014, 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 31, 2014, which includes audited financial statements.

Page 42 of 47

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes as borrowings under the Senior Facilities bear interest at variable interest rates. It is the Company’s policy to enter into interest rate swap and interest rate cap transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet our objectives.
Based on the Company’s exposure to variable rate borrowings at March 31, 2015, after consideration of the Company’s 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 $4.4 million.
The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate changes of the Australian, Canadian, and Mexican currencies as it impacts the $146.0 million tangible and intangible net asset value of our Australian, Canadian, and Mexican subsidiaries as of March 31, 2015. The foreign subsidiaries net tangible assets were $67.2 million and the net intangible assets were $78.8 million as of March 31, 2015.
The Company utilizes foreign exchange forward contracts to manage the exposure to currency fluctuations in the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. Dollar. See Note 11, Derivatives and Hedging, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Page 43 of 47

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, and solely as a result of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, as of the end of the period ended March 31, 2015, in ensuring that material information relating to the Company required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits 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.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis. Management determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was not effective solely as a result of the material weakness described below which existed as of March 31, 2015. The material weakness also existed as of December 31, 2014.
Management identified pervasive deficiencies related to the design and operating effectiveness of transaction, process level, and management monitoring controls that have a direct impact on the financial reporting of our Canadian subsidiary (The Hillman Group Canada ULC), which in aggregate are considered a material weakness. In 2013, Hillman acquired H. Paulin & Co., which has since been amalgamated with The Hillman Group Canada ULC. There are numerous manual procedures required to be performed on both the data input into our legacy system and the subsequent output in order to validate, prepare, and record information in the general ledger. These required manual procedures vary in complexity and extend throughout all functions of the entire financial reporting process. Further, there is an ineffective control environment surrounding these aforementioned manual procedures, management review controls, as well as ineffective controls over change management, critical access, and end user system access to the legacy system. As a result of these deficiencies, financial information may not be accurately reflected in key reports that are used in higher level management review controls or subsequently recorded in the general ledger.
The Company is not aware of any transactions that were improperly undertaken as a result of this material weakness and therefore does not believe that such material weakness had any material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness.
Management is, and intends to continue, taking appropriate and reasonable steps to make the necessary improvements to remediate this material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. In particular, a senior management team has been assigned responsibility for internal controls within the Canadian subsidiary and training will be provided to all employees in financial reporting roles. A thorough evaluation of all processes, controls, and the legacy system will be conducted and enhancements will be made where necessary, and ultimately, the legacy system will be migrated to a new platform and additional resources will be added where deemed appropriate.
Management believes that the measures described above will facilitate remediation of the material weakness we have identified and will continue to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting. The Company is actively involved in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Page 44 of 47

PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. – Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth under Note 5 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A – Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes to the risks related to the Company from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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

Page 45 of 47

Item 6. – Exhibits.
a)
Exhibits, including those incorporated by reference.
10.1
General Release dated as of January 8, 2015, by and between The Hillman Companies, Inc. and Anthony Vasconcellos. (1) (Exhibit 10.1)
10.2
Employment Agreement between Jeffrey S. Leonard and The Hillman Group, Inc. dated March 4, 2015. (2) (Exhibit 10.1)
10.3
Letter Agreement between Jeffrey Jonsohn and The Hillman Group Canada ULC dated February 26, 2015. (2) (Exhibit 10.2)
10.4
General Release between Robert J. Lackman and The Hillman Companies, Inc. dated February 27, 2015. (2) (Exhibit 10.3)
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 Consolidating Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information.
101
The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May15, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2015.
(2)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2015.
*
Filed herewith.


Page 46 of 47

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/    Jeffrey S. Leonard        
 
/s/    Harold J. Wilder        
Jeffrey S. Leonard 
 
Harold J. Wilder
Chief Financial Officer
 
Controller
 
 
(Chief Accounting Officer)
DATE: May 15, 2015


Page 47 of 47