March 28, 2016 - 10-K: Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 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 Each 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 if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES ¨ NO ý

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. YES ¨ NO ý

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

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 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 by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO ý

On March 28, 2016, 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 the symbol "HLM.Pr." The aggregate market value of the Trust Preferred Securities held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2015 was $123,790,199.

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PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures related to acquisitions, refinancing, capital expenditures, resolution of pending litigation, and realization of deferred tax assets contained in this annual 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, forward-looking statements can be identified 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 this annual report. 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 annual report; they should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other individual. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur or might be materially different from those discussed.

Item 1 – Business.

General

The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Hillman” or “Company”) are one of the largest providers of hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. The Company's principal business is operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Hillman Group”), which had net sales of approximately $786.9 million in 2015. Hillman Group sells its products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, 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. The Company supports its product sales with services that include design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels.

The Company's headquarters are located at 10590 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company maintains a website at www.hillmangroup.com. Information contained or linked on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report and should not be considered a part of this annual report.

Background

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. (collectively, “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).

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Hillman Group

The Company is organized as five separate business segments, the largest of which is (1) Hillman Group operating primarily in the United States. The other business segments consist of subsidiaries of the Hillman Group operating in (2) Canada under the names The Hillman Group Canada ULC and H. Paulin & Co., (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. Hillman complements its extensive product selection with regular retailer visits by its field sales and service organization.

Hillman markets and distributes approximately 108,000 stock keeping units (“SKUs”) of small, hard-to-find and hard-to-manage hardware items. Hillman functions as a category manager for retailers and supports these products with in-store service, high order fill rates, and rapid delivery of products sold. Sales and service representatives regularly visit retail outlets to review stock levels, reorder items in need of replacement, and interact with the store management to offer new product and merchandising ideas. Thousands of items can be actively managed with the retailer experiencing a substantial reduction of in-store labor costs and replenishment paperwork. Service representatives also assist in organizing the products in a consumer-friendly manner. Hillman complements its broad range of products with merchandising services such as displays, product identification stickers, retail price labels, store rack and drawer systems, assistance in rack positioning and store layout, and inventory restocking services. Hillman regularly refreshes retailers' displays with new products and package designs utilizing color-coding to simplify the shopping experience for consumers and improve the attractiveness of individual store displays.

The Company operates from 19 strategically located distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia, and is recognized for providing retailers with industry leading fill-rates and lead times. Hillman's main distribution centers utilize state-of-the-art warehouse management systems (“WMS”) to ship customer orders within 48 hours while achieving a very high order fill rate. Hillman utilizes third-party logistics providers to warehouse and ship customer orders in the U.S., Mexico and Australia.

Hillman also designs, manufactures, and markets industry-leading identification and duplication equipment for home, office, automotive, and specialty keys. In 2000, the Company revolutionized the key duplication market with the patent-protected Axxess Key Duplication System™ which provided the ability to accurately identify and duplicate a key to store associates with little or no experience. In 2007, Hillman upgraded its key duplication technology with Precision Laser Key™ utilizing innovative digital and laser imaging to identify a key and duplicate the cut-pattern automatically. In 2011, Hillman introduced the innovative FastKey™ consumer-operated key duplication system which utilizes technology from the Precision Laser Key System™. Through the Company's creative use of technology and efficient use of inventory management systems, the sale of Hillman products has proven to be a profitable revenue source for big box retailers. The Company's duplication systems have been placed in over 25,000 retail locations to date and are supported by Hillman sales and service representatives.

In addition, Hillman applies a variety of innovative options of consumer-operated vending systems for engraving specialty items such as pet identification tags, luggage tags, and other engraved identification tags. The Company has developed unique engraving systems leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to provide a customized solution for mass merchant and pet supply retailers. To date, approximately 9,200 Hillman engraving systems have been placed in retail locations which are also supported by Hillman's sales and service representatives.

Products and Suppliers

Hillman's vast product portfolio is recognized by top retailers across North America for providing consistent quality and innovation to DIYers and professional contractors. The Company's product strategy concentrates on providing total project solutions for common and unique home improvement projects. Hillman's portfolio provides retailers the assurance that their shoppers can find the right product at the right price within an ‘easy to shop' environment.

The Company currently manages a worldwide supply chain of approximately 800 vendors, the largest of which accounted for approximately 6.3% of the Company's annual purchases and the top five of which accounted for approximately 20.9% of its annual purchases. About 40% of Hillman's annual purchases are from non-U.S. suppliers, with the balance from U.S. manufacturers and master distributors. The Company's vendor quality control procedures include on-site evaluations and frequent product testing. Vendors are also evaluated based on delivery performance and the accuracy of their shipments.

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Fasteners

Fasteners remain the core of Hillman's business and the product line encompasses more than 88,000 SKUs, which management believes to be one of the largest selections among suppliers servicing the hardware retail segment. The fastener line includes standard and specialty nuts, bolts, washers, screws, anchors, and picture hanging items. Hillman offers zinc, chrome, and galvanized plated steel fasteners in addition to stainless steel, brass, and nylon fasteners in this vast line of products. In addition, the Company carries a complete line of indoor and outdoor project fasteners for use with drywall and deck construction.

The Company believes that it keeps the fastener category vibrant and refreshed for retailers by providing a continuous stream of new products. Some of the Company's recent offerings include an expansion of Hillman's WeatherMaxx™ stainless steel fasteners. The Company believes that the fast-growing category provides consumers with value and performance in exterior applications and incremental margins for retailers. WeatherMaxx™ features a variety of packaging options to assist consumers to find the right quantity for large or small projects. In addition, the Tite-Series marks Hillman's expansion into the fast growing and highly profitable construction fastener segment. The Tite-Series features fasteners for common new construction and remodeling projects such as deck building, roof repair, landscaping, and gutter repair. The Company believes that the Tite-Series offers enhanced performance with an easy-start, type 17 bit, serrated threads, and reduced torque requirements. The program also features an innovative new merchandising format which the Company believes allows retailers to increase holding power while displaying products in a neat and organized system.

In 2015, the Company continued to expand a new line of hand driven nails, deck screws, and drywall screws. The new program features a comprehensive offering for DIYers and professional contractors across a good, better, best value platform. The program is marketed under the prominent Hillman brand and introduces three new categories: Fas-N-Tite, DeckPlus, and PowerPro, allowing shoppers to choose their desired quality level. The Company's new offering was the result of extensive consumer research and contains proprietary performance features that the Company's management believes will positively influence end-users' purchase decision. The packaging and merchandising utilizes large product images, impactful graphics, and mounted product samples so that shoppers can easily navigate the display and locate items quickly. The Company has received positive feedback from potential customers on the new program across all Hillman core distribution channels.

In 2015, the Company expanded its mass merchant fastener program in over 3,500 stores across the U.S. The line targets consumers visiting mass merchants, grocery, and department stores who desire to purchase their hardware needs while shopping for grocery and general merchandise needs. The product offering provides convenience to the light-duty DIYer and solutions to common home improvement projects. The program utilizes Hillman's proven packaging and merchandising best practices that simplify consumers' shopping experience. The Company's management believes that this new line is among the most comprehensive and innovative in this market segment which is growing in popularity due to busy consumers who prefer one-stop shopping superstores.

Also in 2015, Hillman continued to expand its fastener presence beyond retailers' ‘brick and mortar' locations by supporting the e-commerce segment. Hillman supported e-commerce requests and now has over 25,000 items available for sale on retailers' websites. The Company supported direct-to-store and direct-to-consumer fulfillment for consumers who choose to order fasteners directly from retailers' websites. Consumers can visit the retailer's website, select their desired fasteners, pay by credit card, and pick up their order at the retailer's store or choose to have the order shipped to the address of the consumer's choice. The Company plans to continue to support retailers' requests to expand their on-line offerings in 2016.

Fasteners generated approximately 65.8% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 64.5% in 2014 and 64.2% in 2013.

Keys and Key Accessories

Hillman designs and manufactures proprietary equipment which forms the cornerstone for the Company's key duplication business. The Hillman key duplication system is offered in various retail channels including mass merchants, home centers, automotive parts retailers, franchise and independent (“F&I”) hardware stores, and grocery/drug chains; it can also be found in many service-based businesses like parcel shipping outlets.

Hillman markets multiple separate key duplication systems. The Axxess Precision Key Duplication System™ is marketed to national retailers requiring a key duplication program easily mastered by novice associates, while the Hillman Key Program targets the F&I hardware retailers with a machine that works well in businesses with lower turnover and highly skilled employees. There are over 25,000 Axxess Programs placed in North American retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart.

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Hillman introduced the Precision Laser Key System™ in 2007. This system uses a digital optical camera, lasers, and proprietary software to scan a customer's key. The system identifies the key and retrieves the key's specifications, including the appropriate blank and cutting pattern, from a comprehensive database. This technology automates nearly every aspect of key duplication and provides the ability for every store associate to cut a key accurately. Hillman has placed approximately 2,700 of these key duplicating systems in North American retailers, and the Company's management believes that the Company is well-positioned to capitalize on this technology.

In 2011, Hillman launched the innovative FastKey™ consumer-operated key duplication system with Walmart in 1,000 high volume stores. FastKey™ utilizes technology from the Precision Laser Key System™ and combines a consumer-friendly vending system which allows retail shoppers to duplicate the most popular home, office, and small lock keys. The FastKey™ system covers a large percentage of the key market and features a unique key sleeve that ensures proper insertion, alignment, and duplication of the key. Consumers who attempt to duplicate keys not included in the FastKey™ system receive a ‘service slip' identifying their key and referring them to the main Hillman key cutting location within the store. The FastKey™ system has demonstrated the ability to increase overall key sales at the store retail level.

In addition to key duplication, Hillman has an exclusive, strategic partnership with Sid Tool Co., Inc. (acting through its Class C Solutions Group) for the distribution of the proprietary PC+© Code Cutter machine which produces automobile keys based on a vehicle's identification number. The Code Cutter machines are marketed to automotive dealerships, auto rental agencies, and various companies with truck and vehicle fleets. Since its introduction, over 7,900 PC+© units and over 8,900 of the newer Flash Code Cutter units have been sold.

Hillman also markets keys and key accessories in conjunction with its duplication systems. Hillman's proprietary key offering features the universal blank which uses a "universal" keyway to replace up to five original equipment keys. This innovative system allows a retailer to duplicate 99% of the key market while stocking less than 100 SKUs. Hillman continually refreshes the retailer's key offering by introducing decorated and licensed keys and accessories. The Company's Wackey™ and Fanatix™ lines feature decorative themes of art and popular licenses such as NFL, Disney, Breast Cancer Awareness, M&M's, and Harley Davidson to increase the purchase frequency and average transaction value per key. The Company also markets a successful line of decorative and licensed lanyards. Hillman has taken the key and key accessory categories from a price sensitive commodity to a fashion driven business and has significantly increased retail pricing and gross margins.

Keys, key accessories, and Code Cutter units represented approximately 15.6% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 16.6% in 2014 and 17.1% in 2013.

Engraving

Hillman's engraving business focuses on the growing consumer spending trends surrounding personalized and pet identification. Innovation has played a major role in the development of the Company's engraving business unit. From the original Quick-Tag™ consumer-operated vending system to the proprietary laser system of TagWorks, Hillman continues to lead the industry with consumer-friendly engraving solutions.

Quick-Tag™ is a patented, consumer-operated vending system that custom engraves and dispenses pet identification tags, military-style I.D. tags, holiday ornaments, and luggage tags. Styles include NFL and NCAA logo military tags. Quick-Tag™ is an easy, convenient means for the consumer to custom-engrave tags and generates attractive margins for the retailer. Hillman has placed over 4,700 Quick-Tag™ machines in retail outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition to placements in retail outlets, the Company has placed machines inside theme parks such as Disney, Sea World, and Universal Studios.

In 2010, Hillman launched the next generation engraving platform with its new FIDO™ system. This new engraving program integrates a fun attractive design with a user interface that provides new features for the consumer. The individual tag is packaged in a mini cassette and the machine's mechanism flips the tag to allow engraving on both sides. The user interface features a loveable dog character that guides the consumer through the engraving process. Hillman has placed approximately 1,500 FIDO™ systems in PETCO stores as of December 31, 2015.

In 2011, Hillman acquired the innovative TagWorks engraving system featuring patented technology, unique product portfolio, and attractive off-board merchandising. The TagWorks system utilizes laser printing technology and allows consumers to watch the engraving process. The off-board merchandising allows premium-priced tags to be displayed in store-front locations and is effective at increasing the average price per transaction.

Hillman designs, manufactures, and assembles the engraving equipment in the Company's Tempe, Arizona facility. Engraving products represented approximately 6.5% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 6.7% in 2014 and 6.9% in 2013.

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Letters, Numbers, and Signs

Letters, numbers, and signs (“LNS”) includes product lines that target both the homeowner and commercial user. Product lines within this category include individual and/or packaged letters, numbers, signs, safety related products (e.g., 911 signs), driveway markers, and a diversity of sign accessories, such as sign frames.

Through a series of strategic acquisitions, exclusive partnerships, and organic product developments, Hillman has created an LNS program which gives retailers one of the largest product offerings available in this category. This SKU intensive product category is considered a staple for retail hardware departments and is typically merchandised in eight linear feet of retail space containing hundreds of SKUs. In addition to the core product program, Hillman provides its customers with retail support including custom plan-o-grams and merchandising solutions.

Hillman has demonstrated the continual launch of new products to match the needs of DIY and commercial end-users. Hillman recently introduced popular programs such as high-end address plaques and numbers, the custom create-a-sign program, and commercial signs. The Company also introduced innovative solar technology to add an element of illumination to the core category.

The Hillman LNS program can be found in big box retailers, mass merchants, and pet supply accounts. In addition, Hillman has product placement in F&I hardware retailers.

The LNS category represented approximately 4.8% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 4.8% in 2014, and 4.9% in 2013.

Threaded Rod

Hillman is a leading supplier of metal shapes and threaded rod in the retail market. The SteelWorks™ threaded rod product includes hot and cold rolled rod, both weld-able and plated, as well as a complete offering of All-Thread rod in galvanized steel, stainless steel, and brass.

The SteelWorks™ program is carried by many top retailers, including Lowe's and Menards, and through cooperatives such as Ace Hardware. In addition, Hillman is the primary supplier of metal shapes to many wholesalers throughout the country.

Threaded rod generated approximately 4.2% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 4.5% in 2014 and 4.5% in 2013.

Builder's Hardware

The builder's hardware category includes a variety of common household items such as coat hooks, door stops, hinges, gate latches, hasps, and decorative hardware.

Hillman markets the builder's hardware products under the Hardware Essentials™ brand and provides the retailer with an innovative merchandising solution. The Hardware Essentials™ program utilizes modular packaging, color coding, and integrated merchandising to simplify the shopping experience for consumers. Colorful signs, packaging, and installation instructions guide the consumer quickly and easily to the correct product location. Hardware Essentials™ provides retailers and consumers decorative upgrade opportunities through the introduction of high-end finishes such as satin nickel, pewter, and antique bronze.

The combination of merchandising, upgraded finishes, and product breadth is designed to improve the retailer's performance. The addition of the builder's hardware product line exemplifies the Company's strategy of leveraging its core competencies to further penetrate customer accounts with new product offerings. In 2015, the Company expanded the placement of the Hardware Essentials™ line in the F&I channel. The F&I channel provided successful conversions in over 442 new locations in 2015.

As of December 31, 2015, the Hardware Essentials™ line was placed in over 3,200 retail locations and generated approximately 3.1% of the Company's total revenues in 2015, as compared to 2.9% in 2014 and 2.4% in 2013.

Markets and Customers

Hillman sells its products to national accounts such as Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart, Tractor Supply, Menards, PetSmart, and PETCO. Hillman's status as a national supplier of proprietary products to big box retailers allows it to develop a strong market position and high barriers to entry within its product categories.

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Hillman services more than 15,000 F&I retail outlets. These individual dealers are typically members of the larger cooperatives, such as True Value, Ace Hardware, and Do-It-Best. The Company ships directly to the cooperative's retail locations and also supplies many items to the cooperative's central warehouses. These central warehouses distribute to their members that do not have a requirement for Hillman's in-store service. These arrangements reduce credit risk and logistic expenses for Hillman while also reducing central warehouse inventory and delivery costs for the cooperatives.

A typical hardware store maintains thousands of different items in inventory, many of which generate small dollar sales but large profits. It is difficult for a retailer to economically monitor all stock levels and to reorder the products from multiple vendors. This problem is compounded by the necessity of receiving small shipments of inventory at different times and stocking the goods. The failure to have these small items available will have an adverse effect on store traffic, thereby possibly denying the retailer the opportunity to sell items that generate higher dollar sales.

Hillman sells its products to approximately 26,000 customers, the top five of which accounted for approximately 48.4% of the Company's total revenue in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2015, Lowe's was the single largest customer, representing approximately 20.8% of the Company's total revenue, Home Depot was the second largest at approximately 16.1%, and Walmart was the third largest at approximately 7.4% of the Company's total revenue. No other customer accounted for more than 5.0% of the Company's total revenue in 2015. In each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company derived over 10% of its total revenues from Lowe's and Home Depot which operated in the following segments: United States excluding All Points, All Points, Canada, and Mexico.

The Company's telemarketing activity sells to thousands of smaller hardware outlets and non-hardware accounts. The Company is also pursuing new business internationally in such places as Canada, Mexico, Australia, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. See Note 21, Segment Reporting and Geographic Information, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sales and Marketing

Hillman provides product support, customer service, and high profit margins for its retail distribution partners. The Company believes that its competitive advantage is in its ability to provide a greater level of customer service than its competitors.

Service is the hallmark of Hillman company-wide. The national accounts field service organization consists of approximately 600 employees and 40 field managers focusing on big box retailers, pet super stores, large national discount chains, and grocery stores. This organization reorders products, details store shelves, and sets up in-store promotions. Many of the Company's largest customers use electronic data interchange (“EDI”) for handling of orders and invoices.

The Company employs what it believes to be the largest factory direct sales force in the industry. The sales force, which consists of approximately 240 employees and is managed by 27 field managers, focuses on the F&I customers. The depth of the sales and service team enables Hillman to maintain consistent call cycles ensuring that all customers experience proper stock levels and inventory turns. This team also prepares custom plan-o-grams of displays to fit the needs of any store and establishes programs that meet customers' requirements for pricing, invoicing, and other needs. This group also benefits from daily internal support from the Company's inside sales and customer service teams. On average, each sales representative is responsible for approximately 57 full service accounts that the sales representative calls on approximately every two weeks.

These efforts, coupled with those of the marketing department, allow the sales force to sell and support its product lines. Hillman's marketing department provides support through the development of new products and categories, sales collateral material, promotional items, merchandising aids, and custom signage. Marketing services such as advertising, graphic design, and trade show management are also provided to the sales force. The department is organized along Hillman's three marketing competencies: product management, channel marketing, and marketing communications.

Competition

The Company's primary competitors in the national accounts marketplace for fasteners are Illinois Tool Works Inc., Dorman Products Inc., Midwest Fastener Corporation, Primesource Building Products, Inc., and Nova Capital. Competition is based primarily on in-store service and price. Other competitors are local and regional distributors. Competitors in the pet tag market are specialty retailers, direct mail order, and retailers with in-store mail order capability. The Quick-Tag™, FIDO™, and TagWorks systems have patent protected technology that is a major barrier to entry and helps to preserve this market segment.

The principal competitors for Hillman's F&I business are Midwest Fasteners and Hy-Ko Products Company (“Hy-Ko”) in the hardware store marketplace. Midwest Fasteners primarily focuses on fasteners, while Hy-Ko is the major competitor in LNS products and keys/key accessories. The Company's management estimates that Hillman sells to approximately 63% of the full service hardware stores in the F&I marketplace. The hardware outlets that purchase Hillman products without regularly

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scheduled sales representative visits may also purchase products from local and regional distributors and cooperatives. Hillman competes primarily on field service, merchandising, as well as product availability, price, and depth of product line.

Insurance Arrangements

Under the Company's current insurance programs, commercial umbrella coverage is obtained for catastrophic exposure and aggregate losses in excess of expected claims. Since 1991, the Company has retained the exposure on certain expected losses related to workers' compensation, general liability, and automobile. The Company also retains the exposure on expected losses related to health benefits of certain employees. The Company believes that its present insurance is adequate for its businesses. See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 2,907 full time and part time employees, none of which were covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In the opinion of the Company's management, employee relations are good.

Backlog

The Company does not consider the sales backlog to be a significant indicator of future performance due to the short order cycle of its business. The Company's sales backlog from ongoing operations was approximately $8.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and approximately $5.1 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company expects to realize the entire December 31, 2015 backlog during 2016.

Where You Can Find More Information

The Company files quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K and furnishes current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). You may read and copy any reports, statements, or other information filed by the Company at the Commission's public reference rooms at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms. The Commission also maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains quarterly, annual, and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, like Hillman, that file electronically with the Commission.

In addition, the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K are available free of charge on the Company's website at www.hillmangroup.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the SEC. The Company is providing the address to its website solely for the information of investors. The Company does not intend the address to be an active link or to incorporate the contents of the website into this report.

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Item 1A - Risk Factors.

An investment in the Company's securities involves certain risks as discussed below. However, the risks set forth below are not the only risks that the Company faces, and we face other risks which have not yet been identified or which are not yet otherwise predictable. If any of the following risks occur or are otherwise realized, the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. You should consider carefully the risks described below and all other information in this annual report, including the Company's financial statements and the related notes and schedules thereto, prior to making an investment decision with regard to the Company's securities.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Unfavorable economic conditions may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

The Company's business is impacted by general economic conditions in the U.S., Canada, and other international markets, particularly the U.S. retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retailers. The current and future economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, including, without limitation, the level of consumer debt, high levels of unemployment, higher interest rates, and the ability of our customers to obtain credit, may cause a continued or further decline in business and consumer spending.

Adverse changes in economic conditions, including inflation, recession, or instability in the financial markets or credit markets may either lower demand for our products or increase our operational costs, or both. Such conditions may also materially impact our customers, suppliers, and other parties with whom we do business and may result in financial difficulties leading to restructurings, bankruptcies, liquidations, and other unfavorable events for our customers, suppliers, and other service providers. Our revenue will be adversely affected if demand for our products declines. The impact of unfavorable economic conditions may also impair the ability of our customers to pay for products they have purchased and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry, which may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The retail industry is highly competitive, with the principal methods of competition being product innovation, price, quality of service, quality of products, product availability and timeliness, credit terms, and the provision of value-added services, such as merchandising design, in-store service, and inventory management. The Company encounters competition from a large number of regional and national distributors, some of which have greater financial resources than the Company and may offer a greater variety of products. If these competitors are successful, the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

To compete successfully, the Company must develop and commercialize a continuing stream of innovative new products that create consumer demand.

Our long-term success in the current competitive environment depends on our ability to develop and commercialize a continuing stream of innovative new products, including those in our new mass merchant fastener program, which create and maintain consumer demand. The Company also faces the risk that our competitors will introduce innovative new products that compete with the Company's products. The Company's strategy includes increased investment in new product development and continued focus on innovation. There are, nevertheless, numerous uncertainties inherent in successfully developing and commercializing innovative new products on a continuing basis, and new product launches may not provide expected growth results.

The Company's business may be adversely affected by seasonality.

In general, the Company has experienced seasonal fluctuations in sales and operating results from quarter to quarter. Typically, the first calendar quarter is the weakest due to the effect of weather on home projects and the construction industry. If adverse weather conditions persist on a regional or national basis into the second or other calendar quarters, the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

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Large customer concentration and the inability to penetrate new channels of distribution could adversely affect the Company's business.

Hillman Group's three largest customers constituted approximately 44.3% of net sales and 37.1% of the year-end accounts receivable balance for 2015. Each of these customers is a big box chain store. As a result, the Company's results of operations depend greatly on its ability to maintain existing relationships and arrangements with these big box chain stores. To the extent that the big box chain stores are materially adversely impacted by the current slow growth economy, this could have a negative effect on our results of operations. The loss of one of these customers or a material adverse change in the relationship with these customers could have a negative impact on the Company's business. The Company's inability to penetrate new channels of distribution may also have a negative impact on our future sales and business.

Successful sales and marketing efforts depend on the Company's ability to recruit and retain qualified employees.

The success of the Company's efforts to grow our business depends on the contributions and abilities of key executives, our sales force, and other personnel, including the ability of our sales force to achieve adequate customer coverage. The Company must therefore continue to recruit, retain, and motivate management, sales, and other personnel to maintain our current business and to support our projected growth. A shortage of these key employees might jeopardize the Company's ability to implement our growth strategy.

The Company is exposed to adverse changes in currency exchange rates.

Exposure to foreign currency risk exists because the Company, through our global operations, enters into transactions and makes investments denominated in multiple currencies. The Company's predominant exposures are in Canadian, Australian, Mexican, and Asian currencies, including the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). In preparing the Company's financial statements, for foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at current exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated using weighted-average exchange rates. With respect to the effects on translated earnings, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to local currencies, the Company's earnings could be negatively impacted. The Company does not make a practice of hedging our non-U.S. dollar earnings.

The Company sources many products from China and other Asian countries for resale in other regions. To the extent that the RMB or other currencies appreciate with respect to the U.S. dollar, the Company may experience cost increases on such purchases. The RMB depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 4.4% in 2015 and 2.5% in 2014, and appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 2.8% in 2013. Significant appreciation of the RMB or other currencies in countries where the Company sources our products could adversely impact the Company's profitability. In addition, the Company's foreign subsidiaries may purchase certain products from their vendors denominated in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthens compared to the local currencies, it may result in margin erosion. The Company has a practice of hedging some of its Canadian subsidiary's purchases denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company may not be successful at implementing customer pricing or other actions in an effort to mitigate the related cost increases and thus our results of operations may be adversely impacted.

The Company's results of operations could be negatively impacted by inflation or deflation in the cost of raw materials, freight, and energy.

The Company's products are manufactured of metals, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Additionally, the Company uses other commodity-based materials in the manufacture of LNS that are resin-based and subject to fluctuations in the price of oil. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in the price of diesel fuel in the form of freight surcharges on customer shipments and the cost of gasoline used by the field sales and service force. Continued inflation over a period of years would result in significant increases in inventory costs and operating expenses. If the Company is unable to mitigate these inflation increases through various customer pricing actions and cost reduction initiatives, the Company's financial condition may be adversely affected. Conversely, in the event that there is deflation, the Company may experience pressure from our customers to reduce prices. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to reduce our cost base (through negotiations with suppliers or other measures) to offset any such price concessions which could adversely impact the Company's results of operations and cash flows.

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We are subject to the risks of doing business internationally.

A portion of our revenue is generated outside the United States, primarily from customers located in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Because we sell our products and services outside the United States, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, which include:


•	changes in a specific country's or region's political and cultural climate or economic condition;


•	unexpected or unfavorable changes in foreign laws and regulatory requirements;


•	difficulty of effective enforcement of contractual provisions in local jurisdictions;


•	inadequate intellectual property protection in foreign countries;


•	trade-protection measures, import or export licensing requirements such as Export Administration Regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Sanctions Laws and Regulations administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, and fines, penalties, or suspension or revocation of export privileges;


•	violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;


•	the effects of applicable and potentially adverse foreign tax law changes;


•	significant adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates;


•	longer accounts receivable cycles;


•	managing a geographically dispersed workforce; and


•	difficulties associated with repatriating cash in a tax-efficient manner.

Any failure to adapt to these or other changing conditions in foreign countries in which we do business could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

The Company's business is subject to risks associated with sourcing product from overseas.

The Company imports large quantities of our fastener products. Substantially all of our import operations are subject to customs requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements or bilateral actions. In addition, the countries from which the Company's products and materials are manufactured or imported may, from time to time, impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, or other restrictions on their imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Adverse changes in these import costs and restrictions, or the Company's suppliers' failure to comply with customs regulations or similar laws, could harm the Company's business.

If any of our existing vendors fail to meet our needs, we believe that sufficient capacity exists in the open market to supply any shortfall that may result. However, it is not always possible to replace a vendor on short notice without disruption in our operations which may require more costly expedited transportation expense and replacement of a major vendor is often at higher prices.

The Company's ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, labor disputes, severe weather, or increased homeland security requirements in the U.S. and other countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require the Company to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transit costs, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's business and financial condition.

Acquisitions have formed a significant part of our growth strategy in the past, including the acquisition of Paulin in 2013, and may continue to do so. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or obtain financing needed to complete an acquisition, our growth strategy may not succeed.

Historically, the Company's growth strategy has relied on acquisitions that either expand or complement our businesses in new or existing markets, including the Paulin Acquisition in 2013, which expanded our presence in Canada. However, there can be

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no assurance that the Company will be able to identify or acquire acceptable acquisition candidates on terms favorable to the Company and in a timely manner, if at all, to the extent necessary to fulfill Hillman's growth strategy.

The process of integrating acquired businesses into the Company's operations may result in unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of resources and management attention, and there can be no assurance that Hillman will be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our operations.

Unfavorable changes in the current economic environment may make it difficult to acquire businesses in order to further our growth strategy. We will continue to seek acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in our existing markets. However, our ability to do so will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to obtain financing that we may need to complete a proposed acquisition opportunity which may be unavailable or available on terms that are not advantageous to us. If financing is unavailable, we may be forced to forego otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities which may have a negative effect on our ability to grow.

If the Company were required to write down all or part of our goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The Company has $615.5 million of goodwill and $85.2 million of indefinite-lived trade names recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015. The Company is required to periodically determine if our goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names have become impaired, in which case we would write down the impaired portion of the intangible asset. If the Company were required to write down all or part of our goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names, our net income could be materially adversely affected.

The Company's success is highly dependent on information and technology systems.

The Company believes that its proprietary computer software programs are an integral part of its business and growth strategies. Hillman depends on its information systems to process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell, and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to provide superior service to our customers. If these systems are damaged, intruded upon, shutdown, or cease to function properly (whether by planned upgrades, force majeure, telecommunications failures, hardware or software break-ins or viruses, other cyber-security incidents, or otherwise), the Company may suffer disruption in its ability to manage and operate its business.

There can be no assurance that the precautions which the Company has taken against certain events that could disrupt the operations of our information systems will prevent the occurrence of such a disruption. Any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

In addition, we are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system to improve our business capabilities. Although it is not anticipated, any disruptions, delays, or deficiencies in the design and/or implementation of the new ERP system, or our inability to accurately predict the costs of such initiatives or our failure to generate revenue and corresponding profits from such activities and investments, could impact our ability to perform necessary business operations, which could adversely affect our reputation, competitive position, business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer, employee, supplier, or Company information, whether through a breach of our computer systems, including cyber-attacks or otherwise, could severely harm our business.

As part of our business, we collect, process, and retain sensitive and confidential personal information about our customers, employees, and suppliers. Despite the security measures we have in place, our facilities and systems, and those of the retailers and other third party distributors with which we do business, may be vulnerable to security breaches, cyber-attacks, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors, or other similar events. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential customer, employee, supplier, or Company information, whether by us or by the retailers and other third party distributors with which we do business, could result in losses, severely damage our reputation, expose us to the risks of litigation and liability, disrupt our operations, and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The regulatory environment related to information security, data collection, and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs.

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Failure to adequately protect intellectual property could adversely affect our business.

Intellectual property rights are an important and integral component of our business. The Company attempts to protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Failure to obtain or maintain adequate protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Regulations Related to Conflict Minerals Could Adversely Impact Our Business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as “conflict minerals”, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and adjoining countries. These rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply, and pricing of materials used in our products, as the number of suppliers who provide conflict-free minerals may be limited. We may also suffer harm to our image if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict-free or if we are unable to modify our products to avoid the use of such materials. We may also face challenges in satisfying customers who may require that our products be certified as containing conflict-free minerals.

We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.

We are involved in various legal proceedings, which from time to time may involve class action lawsuits, state and federal governmental inquiries, audits and investigations, environmental matters, employment, tort, state false claims act, consumer litigation, and intellectual property litigation. At times, such matters may involve executive officers and other management. Certain of these legal proceedings may be a significant distraction to management and could expose our Company to significant liability, including settlement expenses, damages, fines, penalties, attorneys' fees and costs, and non-monetary sanctions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Increases in the cost of employee health benefits could impact the Company's financial results and cash flow.

The Company's expenses relating to employee health benefits are significant. Healthcare costs have risen significantly in recent years, and recent legislative and private sector initiatives regarding healthcare reform have resulted and could continue to result in significant changes to the U.S. healthcare system. Unfavorable changes in the cost of such benefits could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial results and cash flow.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

The Company has significant indebtedness that could affect operations and financial condition and prevent the Company from fulfilling its obligations under its indebtedness.

The Company has a significant amount of indebtedness. On December 31, 2015, total indebtedness was $1,005.7 million, consisting of $105.4 million of indebtedness of Hillman and $900.3 million of indebtedness of Hillman Group.

The Company's substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to investors in Hillman securities. For example, it could:


•	make it more difficult for the Company to satisfy obligations to holders of its indebtedness;


•	increase the Company's vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;


•	require the dedication of a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, and other general corporate purposes;


•	limit flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the Company's business and the industry in which it operates;


•	place the Company at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt; and


•	limit the Company's ability to borrow additional funds.

In addition, the indenture governing Hillman Group's notes and its senior secured credit facilities contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit the ability to engage in activities that may be in the Company's long-term best interests. The

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failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all outstanding debts.

Despite current indebtedness levels, the Company and its subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with the Company's substantial leverage.

The Company may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture do not fully prohibit the Company or our subsidiaries from doing so. The senior secured credit facilities permit additional borrowing of $42.0 million on the revolving credit facility. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that the Company and its subsidiaries now face could intensify.

The failure to meet certain financial covenants required by Hillman Group's credit agreements may materially and adversely affect assets, financial position, and cash flows.

Certain of the Company's credit agreements require the maintenance of a leverage ratio and limit our ability to incur debt, make investments, make dividend payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities, or undertake certain other business activities. In particular, our maximum allowed senior secured net leverage requirement is 6.50x as of December 31, 2015. A breach of the leverage covenant, or any other covenants, could result in an event of default under the credit agreements. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreements, all amounts outstanding, together with accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable by our lenders. If this happens, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the payments due under the credit agreements. The current credit market environment and other macro-economic challenges affecting the global economy may adversely impact our ability to borrow sufficient funds or sell assets or equity in order to pay existing debt.

The Company is subject to fluctuations in interest rates.

On June 30, 2014, Hillman 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 (the “Revolver”).

All of our indebtedness incurred in connection with the Senior Facilities has variable rate interest. Increases in borrowing rates will increase our cost of borrowing, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Restrictions imposed by the indenture governing the notes, and by our Senior Facilities and our other outstanding indebtedness, may limit our ability to operate our business and to finance our future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.

The terms of Hillman Group's Senior Facilities and the indenture governing the notes restrict us and our subsidiaries from engaging in specified types of transactions. These covenants restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, among other things, to:


•	incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;


•	pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase, or retire our capital stock or indebtedness;


•	make investments, loans, advances, and acquisitions;


•	pay dividends or other amounts to us from our restricted subsidiaries;


•	engage in transactions with our affiliates;


•	sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries;


•	consolidate or merge; and


•	create liens.

In addition, the Revolver requires us to comply, under certain circumstances, with a maximum senior secured net leverage ratio covenant. Our ability to comply with this covenant can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may not be able to satisfy them. A breach of this covenant would be an event of default. In the event of a default under the Revolver, those lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under the Revolver to be immediately due and payable or terminate their commitments to lend additional money, which would also lead to a cross-default and cross-acceleration of amounts owing under the term loan. If the indebtedness under our Senior Facilities or the notes were to be accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full. In particular, note holders will be paid only if we have assets remaining after we

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pay amounts due on our secured indebtedness, including our Senior Facilities. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our Senior Facilities.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including the notes. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital, or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments and the indenture governing the notes may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. Our Senior Facilities and the indenture governing the notes will restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that we could realize from them and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

Our ability to repay our debt, including the notes, is affected by the cash flow generated by our subsidiaries.

Our subsidiaries own substantially all of our assets and conduct substantially all of our operations. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness, including the notes, will be dependent on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment, or otherwise. Unless they are guarantors of the notes, our subsidiaries will not have any obligation to pay amounts due on the notes or to make funds available for that purpose. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. While the indenture governing the notes limits the ability of our subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations are subject to certain qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the notes.

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Item 1B - Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

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Item 2 – Properties.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company's principal office, manufacturing, and distribution properties were as follows:



Business Segment	Approximate Square Footage	Description
United States, excluding All Points
Cincinnati, Ohio	270,000	Office, Distribution
Forest Park, Ohio	385,000	Office, Distribution
Jacksonville, Florida	97,000	Distribution
Lewisville, Texas	81,000	Distribution
Fairfield, Ohio	248,000	Distribution
Parma, Ohio	16,000	Office, Distribution
Shafter, California	134,000	Distribution
Tempe, Arizona	184,000	Office, Mfg., Distribution
United States, All Points
Pompano Beach, Florida	39,000	Office, Distribution
Canada
Burnaby, British Columbia	29,000	Distribution
Edmonton, Alberta	51,000	Distribution
Laval, Quebec	36,000	Distribution
Milton, Ontario	37,000	Manufacturing
Mississauga, Ontario	25,000	Distribution
Moncton, New Brunswick	13,000	Office, Distribution
Pickering, Ontario	301,000	Distribution
Scarborough, Ontario	372,000	Office, Mfg., Distribution
Winnipeg, Manitoba	40,000	Distribution
Mexico
Monterrey	13,000	Distribution
Australia
Melbourne	16,000	Distribution

All of the Company's facilities are leased, with the exception of one distribution facility located in Scarborough, Ontario. In the opinion of the Company's management, the Company's existing facilities are in good condition.

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Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.

We are subject to various claims and litigation that arise in the normal course of business. For a description of our material legal proceedings, see Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

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PART II

Item 5 – Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Stock Exchange Listing

The Company's common stock does not trade and is not listed on or quoted in an exchange or other market. The Trust Preferred Securities trade under the ticker symbol "HLM.Pr." on the NYSE Amex. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported on the NYSE Amex for the Trust Preferred Securities.



2015	High		Low
First Quarter	$	33.45	$	25.50
Second Quarter	30.00		27.31
Third Quarter	30.33		28.83
Fourth Quarter	30.97		29.25
2014	High		Low
First Quarter	$	31.00	$	30.15
Second Quarter	31.40		29.80
Third Quarter	31.98		30.12
Fourth Quarter	32.24		30.60

The Trust Preferred Securities have a liquidation value of $25.00 per security. As of March 2, 2016, there were 361 holders of Trust Preferred Securities. As of March 28, 2016, the total number of Trust Preferred Securities outstanding was 4,217,724. As of March 28, 2016, the Company's total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 5,000, held by one stockholder.

Distributions

The Company pays interest to the Hillman Group Capital Trust (the “Trust”) on the junior subordinated debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105.4 million, or $12.2 million per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributes an equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid $12.2 million per year in interest on the junior subordinated debentures, which was equivalent to the amounts distributed by the Trust for the same periods.

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 the Deferral Period, the Company is required to accrue the full amount of all interest payable, and such deferred interest payments are 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 2015 or 2014.

The interest payments on the junior subordinated debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities are deductible for federal income tax purposes by the Company under current law and will remain an obligation of the Company until the Trust Preferred Securities are redeemed or upon their maturity in 2027.

For more information on the Trust and junior subordinated debentures, see “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

The Company made no sales of our equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company made no repurchases of our equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2015.

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Item 6 – Selected Financial Data.

The Company's operations for the periods presented prior to June 30, 2014 are referenced herein as the Predecessor or Predecessor Operations. The Company's operations for the periods presented since the Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the Successor or Successor Operations and include the effects of the Company's debt refinancing.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Predecessor for the six months ended June 29, 2014, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011; and consolidated financial data of the Successor as of and for the six months ended December 31, 2014 and for the year ended December 31, 2015. See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for information regarding the acquisition of the Company by affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC and the Oak Hill Funds and the Company's debt refinancing as well as other acquisitions that affect comparability.



	Successor						Predecessor
(dollars in thousands)	Year Ended 12/31/15			Period from 6/30/2014 Through 12/31/14			Six Months Ended 6/29/14			Year Ended 12/31/13			Year Ended 12/31/12			Year Ended 12/31/11
Income Statement Data:
Net sales	$	786,911		$	377,292		$	357,377		$	701,641		$	555,465		$	506,526
Cost of Sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	435,529			193,221			183,342			359,326			275,016			252,491
Acquisition and integration expense (1)	257			22,719			31,681			8,638			3,031			2,805
Net loss	(23,083		)	(18,937		)	(44,526		)	(1,148		)	(7,234		)	(9,779		)
Balance Sheet Data at December 31:
Total assets	$	1,864,447		$	1,903,013		N/A			$	1,264,856		$	1,175,793		$	1,127,851
Long-term debt & capital lease obligations (2)	570,277			547,857			N/A			385,955			313,439			315,709
6.375% Senior Notes	330,000			330,000			N/A			—			—			—
10.875% Senior Notes	—			—			N/A			265,000			265,000			200,000


(1)	Acquisition and integration expenses for investment banking, legal, and other professional fees incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction and previous acquisitions.


(2)	Includes current portion of long-term debt (at face value) and capitalized lease obligations.

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Item 7 – 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 consolidated financial statements and related notes and schedules thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

General

Hillman 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. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Hillman Group”), which had net sales of approximately $786.9 million in 2015. 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. 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. (collectively, “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 consolidated balance sheet and its related 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 consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 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”).

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 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 has been adjusted quarterly on a prospective basis on each adjustment date based upon total leverage ratio for initial term loan and the senior secured leverage ratio for Revolver loans. For the fiscal quarter beginning after December 31, 2015, the term loan borrowings will be at an adjusted interest rate of 4.5%. The Revolver loans were at an adjusted interest rate of 3.95%.

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.

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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 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. There were no deferrals of distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in 2015 or 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 December 31, 2015, the Revolver loan amount of $28 million and outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.8 million represented 47% 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 December 31, 2015.

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Acquisitions

On February 19, 2013, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares of H. Paulin & Co., Limited (the “Paulin Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price of the Paulin Acquisition was $103.4 million paid in cash. On March 31, 2013, H. Paulin & Co., Limited was amalgamated with The Hillman Group Canada ULC and continues as a division operating under the trade name of H. Paulin & Co. (“Paulin”).

Product Revenues

The following is revenue based on products for the Company's significant product categories (in thousands):



	Successor				Predecessor
	Year ended December 31, 2015		Period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014		Six months ended June 29, 2014		Year ended December 31, 2013
Net sales
Keys	$	93,840	$	48,327	$	45,511	$	90,518
Engraving	51,175		25,465		24,065		48,442
Letters, numbers and signs	37,645		19,439		16,145		34,045
Fasteners	518,162		241,636		232,222		450,234
Threaded rod	32,836		16,269		16,535		31,802
Code cutter	2,452		1,425		1,392		2,680
Builders hardware	24,568		10,482		10,106		17,320
Other	26,233		14,249		11,401		26,600
Consolidated net sales	$	786,911	$	377,292	$	357,377	$	701,641

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Results of Operations

Sales and profitability for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Successor										Predecessor
	Year ended December 31, 2015					Period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014					Six months ended June 29, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Total		Amount			% of Total		Amount			% of Total
Net sales	$	786,911		100.0	%	$	377,292		100.0	%	$	357,377		100.0	%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	435,529			55.3	%	193,221			51.2	%	183,342			51.3	%
Selling	107,952			13.7	%	53,248			14.1	%	55,312			15.5	%
Warehouse & delivery	100,279			12.7	%	44,585			11.8	%	41,449			11.6	%
General & administrative	43,024			5.5	%	17,346			4.6	%	20,772			5.8	%
Stock compensation	1,290			0.2	%	675			0.2	%	39,229			11.0	%
Transaction, acquisition and integration (a)	257			—	%	22,719			6.0	%	31,681			8.9	%
Depreciation	29,027			3.7	%	17,277			4.6	%	14,149			4.0	%
Amortization	38,003			4.8	%	19,128			5.1	%	11,093			3.1	%
Management fees to related party	630			0.1	%	276			0.1	%	15			—	%
Other expense (income), net	3,522			0.4	%	576			0.2	%	(277		)	(0.1	)%
Income (loss) from operations	27,398			3.5	%	8,241			2.2	%	(39,388		)	(11.0	)%
Interest expense, net	50,584			6.4	%	27,250			7.2	%	23,150			6.5	%
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures	12,609			1.6	%	6,305			1.7	%	6,305			1.8	%
Investment income on trust common securities	(378		)	—	%	(189		)	(0.1	)%	(189		)	(0.1	)%
Loss before income taxes	(35,417		)	(4.5	)%	(25,125		)	(6.7	)%	(68,654		)	(19.2	)%
Income tax benefit	(12,334		)	(1.6	)%	(6,188		)	(1.6	)%	(24,128		)	(6.8	)%
Net loss	$	(23,083	)	(2.9	)%	$	(18,937	)	(5.0	)%	$	(44,526	)	(12.5	)%

(a) Represents expenses for investment banking, legal, and other professional fees incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction.

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. During 2015, the U.S. economy grew at 2.4% which was equal to the growth rate of 2014. Although domestic credit markets have stabilized since the height of the financial crisis, the economy was confronted with weakened exports due to the strong U.S. dollar, falling commodity prices due in part to the Chinese economic slowdown, and a global weakening of demand in emerging markets. In addition, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates in December 2015 for the first time in over nine years. The 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 its 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 RMB by approximately 2.83% in 2013, increased by 2.49% in 2014, and increased by 4.40% in 2015. The U.S. dollar increased in value relative to the Taiwan dollar by approximately 2.69% in 2013, increased by 5.93% in 2014, and increased by 3.77% in 2015.

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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 took pricing action in response to the increases to our product cost caused by the above factors. The pricing actions resulted in increasing revenues by approximately $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company has not taken significant pricing action since 2012, except for price increases of approximately $2.0 million in the Canada operating division. 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.

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2015 vs Predecessor Period of January 1- June 29, 2014

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

The Company's cost of sales was $435.5 million, or 55.3% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $252.2 million compared to $183.3 million, or 51.3% of net sales, in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase was primarily due to 253 shipping days in the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to 126 shipping days in the six month period ended June 30, 2014. In addition, the higher sales volume which included the growth in sales of lower margin NDD line products 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 also had a major impact on the increase as a percent of net sales.

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Expenses

Operating expenses were $110.6 million higher for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to the longer 253 shipping day period in the year ended December 31, 2015 which provided unfavorable operating expense variances as compared to the 126 shipping day period in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The 2015 period includes incremental costs resulting from higher sales volume, introduction of the NDD line, and higher amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction. The first six months of 2014 also includes a significant amount of operating expenses as a result of administrative, stock compensation, and transaction expense incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses:

•

Selling expense was $108.0 million, or 13.7% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $52.7 million compared to $55.3 million, or 15.5% of net sales, in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The selling expense expressed as a percentage on net sales decreased in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six month period ended June 29, 2014 primarily as a result of lower sales service payroll and payroll benefit related expenditures and a lower amount of customer display costs.

•

Warehouse and delivery expenses were $100.3 million, or 12.7% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $58.9 million compared to warehouse and delivery expenses of $41.4 million, or 11.6% of net sales, in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The warehouse and delivery expense expressed as a percentage of net sales was 12.7% in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the 11.6% in the six month period ended June 29, 2014 as a result of higher overall operating expenses for the separate distribution center dedicated to the shipment of the new NDD line, higher warehouse labor and freight expense in the previously existing distribution centers, and further costs incurred in the new product roll-out to a major Canadian customer.

•

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses were $43.0 million, or 5.5% of net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $22.2 million compared to $20.8 million or 5.8% of net sales in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The G&A expense expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six month period ended June 29, 2014 primarily as a result of lower salary and wages, bonus, and employee benefit costs which were partially offset by higher consulting fees.


•	Stock compensation expense was $1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $39.2 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The stock compensation expense in the 2014 period resulted from an increase in the fair value of the underlying common stock and accelerated vesting of stock options in connection with the Merger Transaction.


•	Transaction, acquisition, and integration (TA&I) expenses were $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $31.7 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The first six months of 2014 contain costs for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction.

•

Depreciation expense was $29.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $14.1 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in depreciation expense was the result of comparing the full year of 2015 to the six months period in 2014. In addition, the value of fixed assets subject to depreciation in the 2015 period was increased in connection with the Merger Transaction.


•	Amortization expense was $38.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $11.1 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in amortization was the result of the full year of 2015 compared to the six months period in 2014 and an increase in intangible assets subject to amortization acquired in the Merger Transaction.


•	Interest expense, net, was $50.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $23.2 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in interest expense was the result of the full year of 2015 compared to the six months period in 2014 and the increase in debt acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.


•	Other expense was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the other income of $0.3 million in the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in expense was primarily due to the loss on interest rate swaps when adjusted to fair value which were partially offset by gains on FX forward currency contracts.

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Successor Year Ended December 31, 2015 vs Successor Period of June 30 – December 31, 2014

Net Sales

Cost of Sales

The Company's cost of sales was $435.5 million, or 55.3% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $242.3 million compared to $193.2 million, or 51.2% of net sales, in the six month period from June 30 through December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to 253 shipping days in the full year of 2015 as compared to 126 shipping days in the six month period in 2014. The increase in the cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was the result of high initial start-up costs and lower product margins associated with the introduction of the NDD line and the higher product costs in the Hillman Canada division as a result of the devaluation of the Canadian dollar on their inventory purchases denominated in U.S. dollars during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were higher when compared to the last six months of 2014. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to the longer 253 day ship period in the full year of 2015 which provided unfavorable operating expense variances as compared to the 126 day ship period in the last six months of 2014. In addition to the higher sales volume, the high initial start-up costs associated with the introduction of the NDD line and higher amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction had a major impact on the increase in operating expenses in the year ended December 31, 2015. The six month period from June 30 to December 31, 2014 also includes a significant amount of operating expenses as a result of administrative, stock compensation, and transaction expense incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses:

•

Selling expense was $108.0 million, or 13.7% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $54.8 million compared to $53.2 million, or 14.1% of net sales, for the last six months of 2014. The selling expense expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the last six months of 2014 as a result of lower selling salaries, wages, and related payroll taxes and benefits which were partially offset by higher customer display expense.

•

Warehouse and delivery expense was $100.3 million, or 12.7% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $55.7 million compared to warehouse and delivery expense of $44.6 million, or 11.8% of net sales, in the last six months of 2014. The increase in warehouse and delivery expense in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the last six months of 2014 was a result of 253 shipping days in the full year of 2015 compared to 126 shipping days in the last six months of 2014. In addition to the impact of days, warehouse and delivery expenses increased as a result of the roll-out of the new NDD line in 2015 as well as a major customer roll-out and the associated costs in Canada.

•

G&A expenses were $43.0 million, or 5.5% of net sales, in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $25.7 million compared to $17.3 million, or 4.6% of net sales in the last six months of 2014. The increase in G&A expense expressed as a percentage of net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the last six months of 2014 was primarily due to increases of $5.6 million in consulting and $2.5 million in severance expenses related to business restructuring.


•	Stock compensation expenses were $1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $0.7 million for the last six month of 2014. The increase in 2015 stock compensation expense was the result of the comparison of the full year 2015 period to the six month period of 2014 and the additional stock options granted during 2015.


•	TA&I expenses were $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $22.7 million for the last six months of 2014. The six month 2014 period contained investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction.

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•	Depreciation expense was $29.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $11.7 million compared to $17.3 million for the last six months of 2014. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily the result of comparing the longer full year 2015 period to the last six months of 2014.


•	Amortization expense was $38.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $18.9 million compared to $19.1 million for the last six months of 2014. The increase in amortization expense was primarily the result of comparing the longer full year of 2015 period to the last six months of 2014.

•

Interest expense, net, was $50.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $27.3 million for the last six months of 2014. The increase in interest expense was the result of comparing the longer full year period of 2015 to the last six months of 2014, offset by $2.4 million of interest expense on the 10.875% Senior Notes for the month of July 2014, prior to their cancellation in connection with the Merger Transaction. This was in addition to the July 2014 interest on the 6.375% Senior Notes acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.


•	Other expense was $3.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $0.6 million for the last six months of 2014. The increase in other expense was due to comparing the longer full year period of 2015 to the six month period in 2014 and the loss on interest rate swaps when adjusted to fair value which were partially offset by gains on FX forward currency contracts.

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Results of Operations

Sales and profitability for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Successor					Predecessor
	Period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014					Six months ended June 29, 2014					Year ended December 31, 2013
	Period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014					Six months ended June 29, 2014					Year ended December 31, 2013
(dollars in thousands)	Amount			% of Total		Amount			% of Total		Amount			% of Total

Net sales	$	377,292		100.0	%	$	357,377		100.0	%	$	701,641		100.0	%
Cost of sales (exclusive of
depreciation and amortization
shown separately below)	193,221			51.2	%	183,342			51.3	%	359,326			51.2	%
Selling	53,248			14.1	%	55,312			15.5	%	102,354			14.6	%
Warehouse & delivery	44,585			11.8	%	41,449			11.6	%	78,606			11.2	%
General & administrative	17,346			4.6	%	20,772			5.8	%	35,685			5.1	%
Stock compensation	675			0.2	%	39,229			11.0	%	9,006			1.3	%
Transaction, acquisition and integration (a)	22,719			6.0	%	31,681			8.9	%	8,638			1.2	%
Depreciation	17,277			4.6	%	14,149			4.0	%	24,796			3.5	%
Amortization	19,128			5.1	%	11,093			3.1	%	22,112			3.2	%
Management fees to related party	276			0.1	%	15			—	%	77			—	%
Other expense (income), net	576			0.2	%	(277		)	(0.1	)%	4,600			0.7	%

Income (loss) from operations	8,241			2.2	%	(39,388		)	(11.0	)%	56,441			8.0	%

Interest expense, net	27,250			7.2	%	23,150			6.5	%	48,138			6.9	%
Interest expense on junior
subordinated debentures	6,305			1.7	%	6,305			1.8	%	12,610			1.8	%
Investment income on trust
common securities	(189		)	(0.1	)%	(189		)	(0.1	)%	(378		)	(0.1	)%

Loss before income taxes	(25,125		)	(6.7	)%	(68,654		)	(19.2	)%	(3,929		)	(0.6	)%

Income tax benefit	(6,188		)	(1.6	)%	(24,128		)	(6.8	)%	(2,781		)	(0.4	)%

Net loss	$	(18,937	)	(5.0	)%	$	(44,526	)	(12.5	)%	$	(1,148	)	(0.2	)%

(a) Represents expenses for investment banking, legal, and other professional fees incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction and the Paulin Acquisition.

Predecessor Period of January 1 - June 29, 2014 vs Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales for the first six months of 2014 were $357.4 million, or $2.84 million per shipping day, compared to net sales of $701.6 million, or $2.82 million per shipping day for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in revenue of $344.2 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 126 shipping days in the first six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013. The sales per shipping day of $2.84 million in the first six months of 2014 was approximately 0.7% higher than the sales per shipping day of $2.82 million in the full year of 2013. The inclusion of the Paulin business in the entire first six months of 2014 and sales improvement of fastener and key products contributed to the higher average sales per day amount.

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Expenses

Operating expenses for the six months ended June 29, 2014 were $182.0 million, after excluding transaction costs of $31.7 million, compared to $281.3 million for the full year of 2013. The decrease in operating expense is primarily due to the shorter 126 day ship period in the first six months of 2014 which provided favorable operating expense variances as compared to the 249 day ship period in the full year of 2013. The first six months of 2014 also includes a significant amount of operating expenses as a result of administrative, stock compensation, and transaction expense incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses and cost of sales:

•

The Company's cost of sales was $183.3 million, or 51.3% of net sales, in the first six months of 2014, compared to $359.3 million, or 51.2% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. The primary reason for the decrease in cost of sales was the shorter 126 day ship period in the first six months of 2014. Purchasing efficiencies and stable inventory prices allowed the cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales to remain nearly the same as the prior year.

•

Selling expense was $55.3 million, or 15.5% of net sales, in the first six months of 2014, a decrease of $47.1 million compared to $102.4 million, or 14.6% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. The selling expense expressed as a percentage on net sales increased in the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of costs attributable to the new Paulin business, higher set up costs on customer displays, commissions on key vending sales, and sales service payroll and payroll benefit related expenditures.

•

Warehouse and delivery expense was $41.4 million, or 11.6% of net sales, in the first six months of 2014, a decrease of $37.2 million compared to warehouse and delivery expense of $78.6 million, or 11.2% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. In the first six months of 2014, warehouse and delivery expense expressed as a percentage on net sales increased compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of expenses attributable to the new Paulin business together with higher freight rates.


•	G&A expenses were $20.8 million, or 5.8% of net sales, in the first six months of 2014, a decrease of $14.9 million compared to $35.7 million, or 5.1% of net sales in the full year 2013. In the first six months of 2014, G&A expense expressed as a percentage on net sales increased compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of expenses attributable to the new Paulin business.

•

Stock compensation expenses from stock options primarily related to the Merger Transaction resulted in cost of $39.2 million in the first six months of 2014. The stock compensation expense was $9.0 million in the full year of 2013. The increase in stock compensation expense was the result of an increase in the fair value of the underlying common stock and accelerated vesting of stock options as a result of the Merger Transaction.


•	TA&I expenses of $31.7 million in the first six months of 2014 represent costs for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. Acquisition and integration costs were $8.6 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of the Paulin Acquisition and integration.


•	Depreciation expense was $14.1 million in the first six months of 2014, a decrease of $10.7 million compared to $24.8 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in depreciation expense was the result of the shorter period for the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013.


•	Amortization expense was $11.1 million in the first six months of 2014, a decrease of $11.0 million compared to $22.1 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in amortization expense was the result of the shorter period for the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013.


•	Interest expense, net, was $23.2 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to $48.1 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in interest expense was the result of the shorter period for the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013.


•	Other (income) expense, net was ($0.3) million in the first six months of 2014 compared to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The other expenses incurred in 2013 were primarily the result of the restructuring costs incurred to streamline the warehouse distribution system.

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Successor Period of June 30 – December 31, 2014 vs Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales for the last six months of 2014 were $377.3 million, or $3.0 million per shipping day, compared to net sales of $701.6 million, or $2.82 million per shipping day for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in revenue of $324.3 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 123 shipping days in the last six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013. The sales per shipping day of $3.0 million in the last six months of 2014 was approximately 6.4% higher than the sales per shipping day of $2.82 million in the full year of 2013. The inclusion of the Paulin business in the entire last six months of 2014 and sales improvement of fastener and key products contributed to the higher average sales per day amount.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the last six months of 2014 were $152.5 million, after excluding transaction costs of $22.7 million, compared to $281.3 million for the full year of 2013. The decrease in operating expense is primarily due to the shorter 123 day ship period in the last six months of 2014 which provided favorable operating expense variances as compared to the 249 day ship period in the full year of 2013. The last six months of 2014 also includes a significant amount of operating expenses as a result of increased depreciation and amortization expense incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. The following changes in underlying trends impacted the change in operating expenses and cost of sales:

•

The Company's cost of sales was $193.2 million, or 51.2% of net sales, in the last six months of 2014, compared to $359.3 million, or 51.2% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. The primary reason for the decrease in cost of sales was the shorter 123 day ship period in the last six months of 2014. Purchasing efficiencies and stable inventory prices allowed the cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales to remain the same as the prior year.


•	Selling expense was $53.2 million, or 14.1% of net sales, in the last six months of 2014, a decrease of $49.2 million compared to $102.4 million, or 14.6% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. The selling expense expressed as a percentage on net sales decreased in the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of less sales travel and customer display expense.

•

Warehouse and delivery expense was $44.6 million, or 11.8% of net sales, in the last six months of 2014, a decrease of $34.0 million compared to warehouse and delivery expense of $78.6 million, or 11.2% of net sales, in the full year of 2013. In the last six months of 2014, warehouse and delivery expense expressed as a percentage on net sales increased compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of expenses attributable to the new Paulin business together with higher freight rates.

•

G&A expenses were $17.3 million, or 4.6% of net sales, in the last six months of 2014, a decrease of $18.4 million compared to $35.7 million, or 5.1% of net sales in the full year 2013. In the last six months of 2014, G&A expense expressed as a percentage of net sales decreased compared to the full year of 2013 as a result of an adjustment to management bonuses for the reduced earnings level in 2014.


•	Stock compensation expenses from stock options of the successor company resulted in cost of $0.7 million in the last six months of 2014. The stock compensation expense was $9.0 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of an increase in the fair value of the underlying common stock.


•	TA&I expenses of $22.7 million in the last six months of 2014 represent costs for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. Acquisition and integration costs were $8.6 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of the Paulin Acquisition and integration.

•

Depreciation expense was $17.3 million in the last six months of 2014, a decrease of $7.5 million compared to $24.8 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in depreciation expense was the result of the shorter period for the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013. In addition, the monthly rate of depreciation expense increased in the last six months of 2014 as a result of a higher amount of fixed assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.

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•

Amortization expense was $19.1 million in the last six months of 2014, a decrease of $3.0 million compared to $22.1 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in amortization expense was the result of the shorter period for the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013. In addition, the monthly rate of amortization expense increased in the last six months of 2014 as a result of a higher amount of intangible assets acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.

•

Interest expense, net, was $27.3 million in the last six months of 2014 compared to $48.1 million in the full year of 2013. The decrease in interest expense was the result of the shorter period for the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013. In addition, the monthly rate of interest expense increased in the last six months of 2014 as a result of a higher amount of debt acquired in connection with the Merger Transaction.


•	Other (income) expense, net was $0.6 million in the last six months of 2014 compared to $4.6 million for the full year of 2013. The other expenses incurred in the full year of 2013 were primarily the result of the restructuring costs incurred to streamline the warehouse distribution system.

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Results of Operations – Operating Segments

The following table provides supplemental information of our sales and profitability by operating segment (in 000s):



	Successor						Predecessor
	Year Ended 12/31/2015			Period from 6/30/2014 through 12/31/2014			Six Months Ended 6/29/2014			Year Ended 12/31/2013
Segment Revenues
United States, excluding All Points	$	626,283		$	293,219		$	269,009		$	541,037
All Points	19,375			9,362			10,238			20,798
Canada	133,152			70,566			73,867			132,158
Mexico	6,831			3,507			3,620			6,842
Australia	1,270			638			643			806
Total revenues	$	786,911		$	377,292		$	357,377		$	701,641
Segment Income (Loss) from Operations
United States, excluding All Points	$	32,031		$	5,072		$	(44,830	)	$	52,255
All Points	1,407			655			896			1,737
Canada	(5,436		)	3,189			4,214			2,847
Mexico	403			73			446			629
Australia	(1,007		)	(748		)	(114		)	(1,027		)
Total income (loss) from operations	$	27,398		$	8,241		$	(39,388	)	$	56,441

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2015 vs Predecessor Period of January 1 – June 29, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $786.9 million, or $3.11 million per shipping day, compared to net sales of $357.4 million, or $2.84 million per shipping day for the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in revenue of $429.5 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 253 shipping days in the full year of 2015 to the results from 126 shipping days during the six month period ended June 29, 2014. The U.S. operating segment net sales per shipping day of $2.48 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $0.35 million or 16.4% more than net sales of $2.13 million per shipping day for the six months ended June 29, 2014. The primary reason for the increase in net sales per day in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six month 2014 period was the inclusion of the new NDD line which accounted for approximately $41.0 million of additional sales. The Canada operating segment net sales per shipping day of $526 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $60 thousand or 10.2% less than net sales of $586 thousand per shipping day for the six months ended June 29, 2014. The decrease in net sales per day in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the six month 2014 period was primarily the result of the negative impact of the currency exchange rates. The revenue impact of the remaining operating segments was not material to the overall variance between the two periods.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the U.S. segment was $326.0 million, or 52.1% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $127.9 million, or 47.6% of net sales, in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The U.S. segment cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales increased in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period primarily as a result of the high initial start-up costs associated with the introduction of the new NDD line. Cost of sales for the Canada segment was $90.7 million, or 68.1% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $45.9 million, or 62.2% of net sales, in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The Canada segment cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales increased in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period as a result of higher U.S. dollar denominated product costs and unfavorable currency exchange between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the U.S. segment were $268.2 million for year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $185.9 million in the six months period ended June 29, 2014. The increase in operating expenses, excluding the $70.9 million related to the Merger Transaction, was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 253 shipping days in the full year of 2015 to the results from 126 shipping days in the first six months of 2014.

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•

SG&A expense for the U.S. segment was $202.9 million, or 32.4% of net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $131.0 million, or 48.7% in the six months ended June 29, 2014. Stock compensation expense related to the Merger Transaction was $39.2 million in the six month 2014 period compared to stock compensation expense of $1.3 million in the full year 2015 period. The increase in SG&A expense in the 2015 period, after excluding the stock compensation expense in 2014, was the result of comparing a full year 2015 period to a six month 2014 period. SG&A expense for the Canada segment was $43.3 million, or 32.5% of net sales in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $22.3 million, or 30.2% in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The increase in SG&A expense for the Canada segment in the 2015 period was the result of the roll out costs for a major customer program and comparing a full year 2015 period to a six month 2014 period.

•

TA&I expense for the U.S. segment was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $31.7 million in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The first six months of 2014 contain costs for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. There was no TA&I expense for the Canada segment in the first six months of 2014 or for the year ended December 31, 2015.

•

Depreciation and amortization expense for the U.S. segment was $62.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $23.4 million in the six months ended June 29, 2014. Depreciation and amortization expense for the Canada segment was $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1.7 million in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The full year of 2015 compared to the six month period in 2014 and the increase in the value of fixed and intangible assets in connection with the Merger Transaction accounted for majority of the increase in depreciation and amortization expense.

•

Other expense in the U.S. segment was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to other income of $0.2 million in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The increase in expense was primarily due to the loss on interest rate swaps when adjusted to fair value. Other expense in the Canada segment was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to other income of $0.3 million in the six months ended June 29, 2014. The increase in expense was primarily as a result of higher exchange rate losses in the 2015 period.

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2015 vs Successor Period of June 30 – December 31, 2014

Net Sales

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $786.9 million, or $3.11 million per shipping day, compared to net sales of $377.3 million, or $3.0 million per shipping day for the last six months of 2014. The increase in revenue of $409.6 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 253 shipping days during full year 2015 to the results from 126 shipping days for the last six months of 2014. The U.S. operating segment net sales per shipping day of $2.48 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $0.15 million or 6.4% more than net sales of $2.33 million per shipping day for the last six months of 2014. The primary reason for the increase in net sales on a per day basis in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the last six months of 2014 was the inclusion of the NDD line. The Canada operating segment net sales per shipping day of $526.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $34.0 thousand or 5.4% less than net sales of $560.0 thousand per shipping day for the last six months of 2014. The decrease in net sales on a per day basis for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the last six months of 2014 was primarily the result of the negative impact of the currency exchange rates. The revenue impact of the remaining operating segments was not material to the overall variance between the two periods.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the U.S. segment was $326.0 million, or 52.1% of net sales, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $138.6 million, or 47.3% of net sales, in the period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The U.S. segment cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales increased in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period as a result of the high initial start-up costs associated with the introduction of the new NDD line products. Cost of sales for the Canada segment was $90.7 million, or 68.1% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $45.6 million, or 64.6% of net sales, in the six month period of June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Canada segment cost of sales expressed as a percentage of net sales also increased in the 2015 period compared to the 2014 period as a result of higher U.S. dollar denominated product costs and unfavorable currency exchange between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar.

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Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $324.0 million compared to $152.5 million for the period of June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The increase in operating expenses, excluding the Merger Transaction expenses recorded in the 2014 period, was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 253 shipping days in the year ended December 31, 2015 to the results from 126 shipping days in the last six months of 2014.

•

SG&A expense for the U.S. segment was $203.2 million, or 32.4% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $91.9 million, or 31.3% of net sales for the six month period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The increase in SG&A expense in the 2015 period was primarily the result of comparing a twelve month 2015 period to a six month 2014 period and the higher restructuring and severance related expenses in the 2015 period.

•

TA&I expense for the U.S. segment was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $22.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2014. The last six months of 2014 contain costs for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Transaction. The Canada segment incurred TA&I expense of $0.6 million in connection with the Merger Transaction for the six months ended December 31, 2014, but no TA&I expense for the year ended December 31, 2015.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense for the U.S. segment was $62.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $33.8 million for the period of June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The twelve month period in 2015 compared to the six month period in 2014 accounted for the majority of the increase in depreciation and amortization expense.

•

Other expense in the U.S. segment was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to other expense of $1.6 million in the six months ended December 31, 2014. Other expense in the Canada segment was $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to other income of $1.8 million in the six months ended December 31, 2014. The increase in expense was primarily a result of higher exchange rate losses in 2015.

Predecessor Period of January 1 – June 29, 2014 vs Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales for the first six months of 2014 were $357.4 million compared to net sales of $701.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in revenue of $344.2 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 126 shipping days in the first six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013. Although the net sales of each operating segment were less in the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013, operating segment sales were comparable to first six months of 2013. The Paulin business contributed approximately $0.9 million in incremental sales to the U.S. segment and $13.3 million in incremental sales to the Canada segment during the first six months of 2014.

Expenses

The operating expenses were substantially lower for the first six months of 2014 than for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in operating expenses of $67.6 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 126 shipping days in the first six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013.

•

Cost of sales for the U.S. segment was $127.9 million, or 47.6% of net sales in the first six months of 2014 compared to $259.4 million, or 48.0% for the full year of 2013. The cost of sales of the Canada segment was $45.9 million, or 62.2% in the first six months of 2014 compared to $80.7 million, or 61.0% of net sales for the full year of 2013. In the first six months of 2014, unfavorable fluctuations in the Canadian dollar exchange rate resulted in higher costs as a percentage of net sales for the Canada segment.

•

SG&A expense for the U.S. segment was $131.0 million for the first six months of 2014 compared to $179.9 million in 2013. The decrease in the first six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013 was primarily the result of fewer days of operations which was partially offset by $39.2 million in stock compensation cost related to the Merger Transaction. The SG&A expense of the Canada segment was $22.3 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to $39.1 million in the full year of 2013.


•	TA&I expense for the U.S. segment was $31.7 million in the first six months of 2014 primarily related to the Merger Transaction. The TA&I expense was $3.0 million in 2013 for the U.S. segment. There was no TA&I expense for the Canada

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segment in the first six months of 2014 and $5.6 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of expenses for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Paulin.


•	Depreciation and amortization expense for the U.S. segment was $23.4 million in the first six months of 2014 and $43.5 million in the full year of 2013. The primary reason for the decrease in expense was the comparison of a six month period of 2014 to a twelve month period in 2013.

•

Other (income) expense, net in the U.S. segment was other income of $0.2 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to other expense of $2.8 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of a decrease in restructuring costs incurred to streamline the warehouse distribution system. Other income in the Canada segment was approximately $0.3 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to other expense of $1.0 million in 2013 as a result of exchange rate losses in 2013. Other income in the Australia segment was approximately $0.1 million in the first six months of 2014 compared to other expense of $0.6 million in 2013 as a result of exchange rate losses.

Successor Period of June 30 – December 31, 2014 vs Predecessor Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales

Net sales for the last six months of 2014 were $377.3 million compared to net sales of $701.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in revenue of $324.3 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 126 shipping days in the last six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013. Although the net sales of each operating segment were less in the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013, operating segment sales were comparable to last six months of 2013. The Paulin business contributed approximately $11.8 million in incremental sales to the Canada segment during the last six months of 2014.

Expenses

The operating expenses were substantially lower for the last six months of 2014 than for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in operating expenses of $106.0 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 126 shipping days in the last six months of 2014 to the results from 249 shipping days in the full year of 2013.

•

Cost of sales for the U.S. segment was $138.6 million, or 47.3% of net sales in the last six months of 2014 compared to $259.4 million, or 48.0% for the full year of 2013. The cost of sales of the Canada segment was $45.6 million, or 64.6% in the last six months of 2014 compared to $80.7 million, or 61.0% of net sales for the full year of 2013. In the last six months of 2014, unfavorable fluctuations in the Canadian dollar exchange rate resulted in higher costs for the Canada segment.

•

SG&A expense for the U.S. segment was $91.9 million for the last six months of 2014 compared to $179.9 million in 2013. The decrease in the last six months of 2014 compared to the full year of 2013 was primarily the result of fewer days of operations and less stock compensation expense. The SG&A expense of the Canada segment was $20.6 million in the last six months of 2014 compared to $39.1 million in the full year of 2013.

•

TA&I expense for the U.S. segment was $22.1 million in the last six months of 2014 primarily related to the Merger Transaction. The TA&I expense was $3.0 million in 2013 for the U.S. segment. There was $0.6 million in TA&I expense related to the Merger Transaction for the Canada segment in the last six months of 2014 and $5.6 million in the full year of 2013 as a result of expenses for investment banking, legal, and other expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition of Paulin.

•

Depreciation and amortization expense for the U.S. segment was $33.8 million in the last six months of 2014 and $43.5 million in the full year of 2013. The primary reason for the decrease in expense was the comparison of a six month period of 2014 to a twelve month period in 2013 although the last six months of 2014 include depreciation and amortization expense on the stepped up value of fixed and intangible assets as a result of the independent valuation conducted in connection with the Merger Transaction.

•

Other (income) expense, net in the U.S. segment was other expense of $1.6 million in the last six months of 2014 compared to other expense of $2.8 million in the full year of 2013 primarily as a result of a decrease in restructuring costs incurred to streamline the warehouse distribution system. Other income in the Canada segment was $1.8 million in the last six months of 2014 primarily due to gains on foreign currency derivatives. Other expense was $1.0 million in 2013 as a result of exchange rate losses.

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Income Taxes

Year Ended December 31, 2015 and Year ended December 31, 2014

The effective income tax rate was 34.8% for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015, 24.6% for the six month Successor period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and 35.1% for the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015 primarily due to the increase in the valuation reserve recorded against certain deferred tax assets. The effective income tax rate also differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015 due to the effect of undistributed earnings and profits from a foreign subsidiary.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014 primarily due to certain non-deductible costs associated with the Merger Transaction. The effective income tax rate also differed from the federal statutory rate in the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014 due to a current period benefit caused by the effect of changes in certain state income tax rates on the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The remaining differences between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2015, the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014, and the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014 were primarily due to state and foreign income taxes. See Note 6, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for income taxes and disclosures related to 2015 and 2014 income tax events.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 and Year Ended December 31, 2013

The effective income tax rate was 24.6% for the six month Successor period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and 35.1% and 70.8% for the six month and twelve month Predecessor periods ended June 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014 primarily due to certain non-deductible costs associated with the Merger Transaction. The effective income tax rate also differed from the federal statutory rate in the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the six month Predecessor period ended June 29, 2014, due to a current period benefit caused by the effect of changes in certain state income tax rates on the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month Predecessor period ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to a decrease in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits. The effective income tax rate also differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month Predecessor period ended December 31, 2013 due to the decrease in the valuation reserve recorded against certain deferred tax assets in addition to the effect of state rates.

The remaining differences between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate in the six month Successor period June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and the six and twelve month Predecessor periods ended June 29, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, were primarily due to state and foreign income taxes. See Note 6, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for income taxes and disclosures related to 2014 and 2013 income tax events.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Successor), the six months ended December 31, 2014 (Successor), the six months period ended June 29, 2014 (Predecessor), and for year ended December 31, 2013 (Predecessor) by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing, and financing activities. The cash flows from the Merger Transaction are separately discussed below.

Merger Transaction

In connection with the Merger Transaction, Successor Holdco issued common stock for $542.9 million in cash. Proceeds from borrowings under the Senior Facilities provided an additional $566.0 million and proceeds from the 6.375% Senior Notes provided $330.0 million, less net aggregate financing fees of $26.4 million. The debt and equity proceeds were used to repay the existing senior debt, 10.875% Senior Notes, and accrued interest thereon of $657.6 million, to repurchase the existing shareholders' common equity and stock options of $729.6 million. The remaining proceeds were used to pay transaction expenses of $22.0 million and prepaid expenses of $0.1 million.

Operating Activities

Net cash used for operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $2.2 million was the result of the net loss of $23.1 million adjusted for non-cash items of $59.0 million for depreciation, amortization, gain on dispositions of equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash interest, together with cash related adjustments of $38.1 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assets. During 2015, routine operating activities used cash through an increase in inventories of $49.0 million, an increase in other assets of $2.0 million, and an increase in other items of $0.6 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $11.5 million, an increase in accounts payable of $1.0 million, and an increase in other accrued liabilities of $0.9 million. The increase in inventory for the year ended December 31, 2015 was primarily the result of acquiring inventory for the new NDD line and several new customer rollouts.

Excluding $40.2 million in cash used for the Merger Transaction, net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 was $28.0 million and was the result of the net loss of $3.1 million adjusted for non-cash items of $39.5 million for depreciation, amortization, loss on dispositions of equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash interest together with cash related adjustments of $8.4 million for routine operating activities, represented by changes in accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assets. During the period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014, routine operating activities provided cash through a decrease in accounts receivable of $22.4 million, and an increase in accounts payable of $6.2 million. This was partially offset by an increase in inventories of $14.6 million, a decrease in other accrued liabilities of $14.5 million, an increase in other items of $0.7 million, a decrease in interest payable on junior subordinated debentures of $1.0 million, and an increase in other assets of $6.1 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months period ended June 29, 2014 of $11.7 million was the result of the net loss of $44.5 million adjusted for non-cash items of $41.3 million for depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, deferred financing, and stock-based compensation together with cash related adjustments of $14.9 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assets. In the first six months of 2014, routine operating activities used cash through an increase in accounts receivable of $25.2 million, an increase in inventories of $17.9 million, and an increase in other items of $3.8 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts payable of $20.8 million, an increase in other accrued liabilities of $31.2 million, a decrease in other assets of $8.8 million, and an increase of $1.0 million in interest payable on the junior subordinated debentures. In the first six months of 2014, increases in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities provided cash that was primarily used for seasonal increases in accounts receivable and inventory.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $41.5 million was generated by the net loss of $1.1 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $54.0 million for depreciation, amortization, loss on dispositions of equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash interest which was partially offset by cash related adjustments of $12.5 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and other assets. In 2013, routine operating activities used cash for an increase in inventories of $11.5 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $9.1 million, and an increase in other assets of $4.1 million while operating activities provided cash from an increase in accounts payable of $8.4 million, an increase of accrued liabilities of $2.7 million, and an increase in other items of $1.1 million.

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Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $26.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $28.2 million, consisting of $10.0 million for key duplicating machines, $8.8 million for engraving machines, $3.7 million for computer software and equipment, and $5.7 million for plant equipment and other equipment purchases. The Company received $2.2 million in proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.

Excluding $729.6 million in cash used for the Merger Transaction, net cash used by investing activities for the six months ended December 31, 2014 was $15.0 million and consisted of $5.3 million for key duplicating machines, $2.6 million for engraving machines, $4.3 million for computer software and equipment, and $2.8 million for machinery and equipment.

Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 29, 2014 totaled $12.9 million, consisting of $6.7 million for key duplicating machines, $2.9 million for engraving machines, $2.8 million for computer software and equipment, and $0.5 million for machinery and equipment.

Net cash used for investing activities was $140.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company used $103.4 million for the Paulin Acquisition. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $38.0 million, consisting of $22.8 million for key duplicating machines, $5.4 million for engraving machines, $5.7 million for computer software and equipment, and $4.1 million for plant equipment and other equipment purchases. The Company received $0.8 million in proceeds from the sale of property and equipment.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The borrowings on revolving credit loans provided $55.0 million. The Company used $27.0 million of cash for the repayment of revolving credit loans, $5.5 million for principal payments on the senior term loans, and $0.2 million principal payments under capitalized lease obligations. The Company used $0.5 million of cash to purchase Holdco stock from a former member of management and received cash of $0.4 million from the sale of Holdco stock.

Excluding $763.2 million in net cash provided by borrowings and capital contributions related to the Merger Transaction, net cash used for financing activities was $17.9 million for the period from June 30, 2014 through December 31, 2014. The Company used $16.0 million of cash for the repayment of revolving credit loans, $2.8 million of cash for the repayment of senior term loans, and $0.1 million for the repayment of other credit and capitalized lease obligations. The Company received cash of $1.0 million from the sale of Holdco stock to a Board member.

Net cash used for financing activities was $0.6 million for the six months ended June 29, 2014. The Company received cash of $0.5 million from the exercise of Holdco stock options and used cash to pay $1.0 million in principal payments on the senior term loans under the Senior Facilities and $0.1 million in principal payments under capitalized lease obligations.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $69.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The borrowings on senior term loans provided $73.7 million, including the discount of $3.2 million and were used to pay the purchase price of the Paulin Acquisition. The Company used $3.8 million of cash for the repayment of senior term loans. Other borrowings, net, used an additional $0.9 million in cash.

Liquidity

The Company 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 $248.3 million as of December 31, 2015 represents an increase of $17.0 million from the December 31, 2014 level of $231.3 million.

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Contractual Obligations

The Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 are summarized below:



			Payments Due
(dollars in thousands)	Total		Less Than One Year		1 to 3 Years		3 to 5 Years		More Than Five Years
Junior Subordinated Debentures (1)	$	129,707	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	129,707
Interest on Jr Subordinated Debentures	143,719		12,231		24,463		24,463		82,562
Long Term Senior Term Loans	541,750		5,500		11,000		11,000		514,250
Bank Revolving Credit Facility	28,000		—		—		28,000		—
6.375% Senior Notes	330,000		—		—		—		330,000
KeyWorks License Agreement	1,951		403		764		712		72
Interest payments (2)	267,907		45,421		90,141		89,202		43,143
Operating Leases	54,344		9,804		12,042		8,349		24,149
Deferred Compensation Obligations	2,021		639		—		—		1,382
Capital Lease Obligations	596		250		256		89		1
Purchase Obligations (3)	496		350		146		—		—
Other Obligations	1,426		607		655		164		—
Uncertain Tax Position Liabilities	373		—		58		—		315
Total Contractual Cash Obligations (4)	$	1,502,290	$	75,205	$	139,525	$	161,979	$	1,125,581


(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 4.5%, excluding the impact of interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2015. Interest payments on the 6.375% Senior Notes were calculated at their fixed rate and interest payments on Revolver borrowings were calculated using the adjusted interest rate of 3.95%.

(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 on 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 consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 except for the interest payments, purchase obligations, and operating leases.

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.

Borrowings

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had $37.2 million available under our secured credit facilities. The Company had approximately $570.3 million of outstanding debt under its secured credit facilities at December 31, 2015, consisting of $541.8 million in term loans, $28.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, and $0.5 million in capitalized lease and other obligations. The term loans consisted of $541.8 million in Term B Loans with an interest rate of 4.5%, excluding the impact of interest rate swaps, see Note 15, Derivatives and Hedging. The capitalized lease and other obligations were at various interest rates.

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At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company's borrowings excluding junior subordinated debentures were as follows:



	December 31, 2015						December 31, 2014
	Facility		Outstanding		Interest		Facility		Outstanding		Interest
(dollars in thousands)	Amount		Amount		Rate		Amount		Amount		Rate
Term B Loan			$	541,750	4.50	%			$	547,250	4.50	%
Revolving credit facility	$	70,000	28,000		3.95	%	$	70,000	—		—
Capital leases & other obligations			527		various				607		various
Total secured credit			570,277						547,857
Senior notes			330,000		6.375	%			330,000		6.375	%
Total borrowings			$	900,277					$	877,857

Descriptions of the Company's credit agreement governing the Senior Facilities, as amended, and the 6.375% Senior Notes are contained in the “Financing Arrangements” section of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Non-GAAP Performance Measures

Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and as such, should not be considered a measure of financial performance or condition, liquidity, or profitability. It should not be considered an alternative to GAAP-based net income or income from operations or operating cash flows. Further, because not all companies use identical calculations, amounts reflected by Hillman as pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Management believes the information shown below is relevant as it presents the amounts used to calculate covenants which are provided to our lenders. Non-compliance with our debt covenants could result in the requirement to immediately repay all amounts outstanding under such agreements.

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 interest on the junior subordinated debentures, or undertake certain other business activities. As of December 31, 2015, the Revolver loan amount of $28.0 million and outstanding letters of credit of approximately $4.8 million represented 47% 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. Below are the calculations of the financial covenant with the Senior Facilities requirement for the twelve trailing months ended December 31, 2015.



(dollars in thousands)	Actual			Ratio Requirement
Secured Leverage Ratio
Term B-2 Loan	$	541,750
Revolving credit facility	28,000
Capital leases & other obligations	527
Cash and cash equivalents	(11,385		)
Total debt	$	558,892
Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA (1)	$	132,107
Leverage ratio (must be below requirement)	4.23			6.50

(1) Pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 is presented in the following pro-forma Adjusted EBITDA section.

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Adjusted EBITDA

The reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 follows:



	Year Ended 2015			Year Ended 2014 ⁽¹⁾			Year Ended 2013
Net loss	$	(23,083	)	$	(63,463	)	$	(1,148	)
Income tax benefit	(12,334		)	(30,316		)	(2,781		)
Interest expense, net	50,584			50,400			48,138
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures	12,609			12,610			12,610
Investment income on trust common securities	(378		)	(378		)	(378		)
Depreciation	29,027			31,426			24,796
Amortization	38,003			30,221			22,112
EBITDA	94,428			30,500			103,349
Stock compensation expense	1,290			39,904			9,006
Management fees	630			291			77
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	5,170			(550		)	2,252
Acquisition and integration expense	257			57,834			8,638
Legal fees and settlements	1,739			1,170			—
Restructuring costs	9,934			1,303			4,382
Other adjustments	1,756			986			313
Adjusted EBITDA	115,204			131,438			128,017
Pro-forma purchasing savings (2)	—			3,322			—
2015 costs to enter NDD market (3)	15,048			—			—
2015 costs for Canadian Tire new business	1,855			—			—
Pro-Forma Adjusted EBITDA	$	132,107		$	134,760		$	128,017


(1)	For purposes of the 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)

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 SKU volume, as part of a purchase savings program 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.


(3)	Represents the amounts spent on airfreight, other expedited delivery costs, and higher domestic sourcing costs to procure NDD product for the Company's entrance into the NDD market.

Related Party Transactions

The Successor has recorded aggregate management fee charges and expenses from the Oak Hill Funds and CCMP of $630.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $276.0 thousand for the six month period ended December 31, 2014. The Predecessor recorded aggregate management fee charges and expenses from the Oak Hill Funds of $15.0 thousand for the six month period ended June 29, 2014, and $77.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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. The Successor's rental expense for the lease of this facility was $311.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015. In the six month period ended December 31, 2014, the Successor's rental expense for the lease of this facility was $146.0 thousand. In the six month period ended June 29, 2014, the Predecessor's rental expense for the lease of this facility was $165.0 thousand. The Predecessor's rental expense for the lease of this facility was $311.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013.

In connection with the Paulin Acquisition, the Company 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

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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. The Successor's rental expense for these facilities was $645.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015. In the six month period ended December 31, 2014, the Successor's rental expense for these facilities was $371.0 thousand. In the six month period ended June 29, 2014, the Predecessor's rental expense for these facilities was $376.0 thousand. The Predecessor's rental expense for these facilities was $687.0 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company's accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in that note, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Future events cannot be predicted with certainty and, therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. The following section describes the Company's critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized when products are shipped or delivered to customers depending upon when title and risks of ownership have passed and the collection of the relevant receivables is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Sales taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

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

The Company also establishes reserves for customer returns and allowances. The reserve is established based on historical rates of returns and allowances. The reserve is adjusted quarterly based on actual experience. Returns and allowances are included in the determination of net sales.

The Company has determined that our customer product sales arrangements contain multiple elements. The following is a description of the elements present in the typical Hillman sales arrangements:


•	One-time design and set-up of a customized store display.


•	One-time cost of customized store display (such as racks and hooks) and merchandising materials (such as point of sale signage) to hold solely Hillman products.


•	One-time opening order sales of Hillman products for store display.


•	On-going store visits by Hillman sales and service representatives for order taking, maintaining store displays, and exploring new sales opportunities.


•	On-going reorder sales of Hillman products used in store display.

After consideration of the guidance provided in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-25-25, we have determined that all elements would be considered together under the same one unit of accounting.

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 information which includes the aging of customer receivables and adjustments for any collectability concerns. We have not made any material changes to the accounting methodology used to establish and adjust our aggregate reserve during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our aggregate reserve. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 5% change in our aggregate reserve at December 31, 2015 would have affected net earnings by less than $0.1 million. Increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts result in a corresponding expense. The Company writes off individual accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.6 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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Inventory Realization:

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

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.

The quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment is a two-step test. Under the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.

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 quantitative impairment model. In connection with the evaluation, an independent appraiser assessed the value of our intangible assets based on a relief from royalties, excess earnings, and lost profits discounted cash flow model. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the estimated fair value on the measurement date.

The Company identified the following four reporting units for testing of goodwill impairment – All Points, Canada, Mexico, and United States excluding All Points. Each of these reporting units is also an operating segment that was assigned goodwill as a result of the Company's acquisition by CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC in 2014. The goodwill was initially assigned to each of the reporting units based upon an independent valuation appraisal.

The Company's annual impairment assessment is performed for the reporting units as of October 1. In 2015 and 2013, the Company did not conduct an optional qualitative assessment of possible goodwill impairment for any reporting unit, rather we went directly to performance of the quantitative assessment. The October 1 goodwill and intangible impairment test data aligns the impairment assessment with the preparation of the Company's annual strategic plan and allows additional time for a more thorough analysis by the Company's independent appraiser. An independent appraiser assessed the value of the Company's reporting units based on a discounted cash flow model and multiple of earnings. Assumptions critical to the Company's fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rate, projected average revenue growth and projected long-term growth rates in the determination of terminal values. The results of the quantitative assessment in 2015 and 2013 indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value. In 2015, the fair value of each reporting unit, except for the United States excluding All Points reporting unit, was in excess of its carrying value by more than 10%. The United States excluding All Points reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 5%. A 100 basis point decrease in the projected long-term growth rate or a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate for this reporting unit could decrease the fair value by enough to result in some impairment based on the current forecast model. Future declines in the market and deterioration in earnings could lead to a step 2 calculation to quantify a potential impairment. United States, excluding All Points reporting unit had goodwill totaling $580,420 thousand at December 31, 2015.

In 2013, the fair value of each reporting unit was in excess of its carrying value by more than 10%. No impairment charges were recorded by the Company in 2015 or 2013 as a result of the quantitative annual impairment assessments.

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In considering the step zero approach to testing goodwill for impairment, the Company performed a qualitative analysis in 2014 which evaluated factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, internal cost factors, competitive environment, results of past impairment tests, and the operational stability and overall financial performance of the reporting units. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company utilized a qualitative assessment for reporting units where no significant change occurred and no potential impairment indicators existed since the previous evaluation of goodwill, and concluded it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value was more than its carrying value on a reporting unit basis. No impairment charges were recorded by the Company in 2014 as a result of the qualitative annual impairment assessment.

Long-Lived Assets:

The Company evaluates our long-lived assets for impairment and will continue to evaluate them based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. No impairment charges were recognized for long-lived assets in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, or 2013.

Income Taxes:

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided for tax benefits where it is more likely than not that certain tax benefits will not be realized. Adjustments to valuation allowances are recorded for changes in utilization of the tax related item. For additional information, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Risk Insurance Reserves:

The Company self-insures our product liability, automotive, workers' compensation, and general liability losses up to $250.0 thousand per occurrence. Catastrophic coverage has been purchased from third party insurers for occurrences in excess of $250.0 thousand up to $40.0 million. 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 to form the basis for workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves. The actuary contemplated the Company's specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors to estimate the range of reserves required. Risk insurance reserves are comprised of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts expected for development of these claims, as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The Company believes that the liability recorded for such risk insurance reserves is adequate as of December 31, 2015.

We have not made any material changes to the accounting methodology used to establish and adjust our workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material. A 5% change in our workers' compensation and automotive liability loss reserves at December 31, 2015 would have affected net earnings by approximately $0.1 million.

The Company self-insures our group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $200.0 thousand 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. The Company believes the liability recorded for such insurance reserves is adequate as of December 31, 2015.

Stock-Based Compensation:

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. The options granted were considered equity-classified awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. See Note 14, Stock-Based Compensation, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (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, 2018, 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 adoption is permitted as of the original effective date. We are currently assessing the impact of implementing this guidance on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

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 plan to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2016. Based on the balances as of December 31, 2015, we expect to reclassify approximately $19,448 of unamortized debt issuance costs from Deferred Financing Fees, Net to Long Term Senior Term Loans and Long Term Senior Notes.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value for entities that measure inventory using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method. The ASU defines net realizable value as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The amendments in this update are effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are evaluating the impact of ASU 2015-03 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On August 30, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which clarifies the treatment of debt issuance costs from line-of-credit arrangements after adoption of ASU 2015-03. The SEC Staff announced they would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The new standard becomes effective for us on January 1, 2016.

In November, 2015, the FASB issued the ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The intent is to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in the update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this update apply to all entities that present a classified statement of financial position. The amendments in this update will align the presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company does not plan on early adoption of ASU No. 2015-17.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments in this update require lessees, among other things, to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under previous authoritative guidance. This update also introduces new disclosure requirements for leasing arrangements. The new guidance will be effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. Early adoption will be permitted for all entities. We are currently evaluating the impact of implementing this guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 7A – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Exposure

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 December 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.

Foreign Currency Exchange

The Company is exposed to foreign exchange rate changes of the Australian, Canadian, and Mexican currencies as it impacts the $141.8 million tangible and intangible net asset value of our Australian, Canadian, and Mexican subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015. The foreign subsidiaries net tangible assets were $71.9 million and the net intangible assets were $69.9 million as of December 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 15, Derivatives and Hedging, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE



	Page(s)
Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	52
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	53
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets	54
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss	55
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	56
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity	57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	58
Financial Statement Schedule:
Valuation Accounts	99

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Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

The Company's management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management's assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies, and our overall control environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring performed under the direction of management.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Based on its assessment, the Company's management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective, as of December 31, 2015, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We reviewed the results of management's assessment with the Audit Committee of The Hillman Companies, Inc.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.



/s/ GREGORY J. GLUCHOWSKI, JR.		/s/ JEFFREY S. LEONARD

Gregory J. Gluchowski, Jr.		Jeffrey S. Leonard
President and Chief Executive Officer		Chief Financial Officer
Dated: March 28, 2016		Dated: March 28, 2016

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

The Hillman Companies, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Successor), the six months ended December 31, 2014 (Successor), the six months ended June 29, 2014 (Predecessor), and the year ended December 31, 2013 (Predecessor). In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedule II - Valuation Accounts. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Hillman Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 (Successor), the six months ended December 31, 2014 (Successor), the six months ended June 29, 2014 (Predecessor), and the year ended December 31, 2013 (Predecessor), in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Cincinnati, Ohio

March 28, 2016

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)



	December 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,385		$	18,485
Restricted investments	639			494
Accounts receivable, net	73,581			89,884
Inventories, net	243,683			204,723
Deferred income taxes, net	13,881			13,239
Other current assets	9,902			10,324
Total current assets	353,071			337,149
Property and equipment, net	110,392			114,531
Goodwill	615,515			621,560
Other intangibles, net	753,483			798,941
Restricted investments	1,382			1,750
Deferred financing fees, net	20,711			24,407
Investment in trust common securities	3,261			3,261
Other assets	6,632			1,414
Total assets	$	1,864,447		$	1,903,013
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	65,008		$	66,462
Current portion of senior term loans	5,500			5,500
Current portion of capitalized lease and other obligations	217			207
Accrued expenses:
Salaries and wages	5,408			5,247
Pricing allowances	7,216			6,662
Income and other taxes	2,982			3,301
Interest	9,843			10,587
Deferred compensation	639			494
Other accrued expenses	7,909			7,423
Total current liabilities	104,722			105,883
Long-term senior term loans	536,250			541,750
Bank revolving credit	28,000			—
Long-term capitalized lease and other obligations	310			400
Long-term senior notes	330,000			330,000
Junior subordinated debentures	129,707			130,685
Deferred compensation	1,382			1,750
Deferred income taxes, net	259,213			273,781
Other non-current liabilities	6,319			5,621
Total liabilities	1,395,903			1,389,870

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock:
Preferred stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014	—			—
Common Stock:
Common stock, $.01 par, 5,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	545,754			544,604
Accumulated deficit	(42,020		)	(18,937		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(35,190		)	(12,524		)
Total stockholders' equity	468,544			513,143
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,864,447		$	1,903,013

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

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THE HILLMAN COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(dollars in thousands)



	Successor						Predecessor
	Year Ended 12/31/2015			Period from 06/30/2014 through 12/31/2014			Six months Ended 06/29/2014			Year Ended 12/31/2013
Net sales	$	786,911		$	377,292		$	357,377		$	701,641
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	435,529			193,221			183,342			359,326
Selling, general and administrative expenses	252,545			115,854			156,762			225,651
Transaction, acquisition and integration (Note 22)	257			22,719			31,681			8,638
Depreciation	29,027			17,277			14,149			24,796
Amortization	38,003			19,128			11,093			22,112
Management fees to related party	630			276			15			77
Other expense (income)	3,522			576			(277		)	4,600
Income (loss) from operations	27,398			8,241			(39,388		)	56,441
Interest expense, net	50,584			27,250			23,150			48,138
Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures	12,609			6,305			6,305			12,610
Investment income on trust common securities	(378		)	(189		)	(189		)	(378		)
Loss before income taxes	(35,417		)	(25,125		)	(68,654		)	(3,929		)
Income tax benefit	(12,334		)	(6,188		)	(24,128		)	(2,781		)
Net loss	$	(23,083	)

Form: 10-K

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