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EX-32.2 - SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION - BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL INCdex322.htm
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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011.

OR

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission file number 001-11549

 

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   63 0780521

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4909 SE International Way, Portland, Oregon  

97222-4679

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

(503) 653-8881

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

As of May 2, 2011 there were 48,643,943 shares outstanding of $0.01 par value common stock.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Index

         Page  

Part I

 

Financial Information

  
 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

     3   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

     3   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

     4   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

     5   
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity Three months ended March  31, 2011

     6   
 

Unaudited Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

     7   
 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     18   
 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     24   
 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     25   

Part II

 

Other Information

  
 

Item 6. Exhibits

     25   

Signatures

     26   

 

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

   2011     2010  

Sales

   $ 180,874      $ 133,129   

Cost of sales

     120,826        84,039   
                

Gross profit

     60,048        49,090   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     32,205        27,723   
                

Operating income

     27,843        21,367   

Interest income

     22        25   

Interest expense

     (4,859     (6,520

Other expense, net

     (200     (13
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     22,806        14,859   

Provision for income taxes

     7,184        6,320   
                

Income from continuing operations

     15,622        8,539   
                

Discontinued operations:

    

Income from discontinued operations before income taxes

     —          393   

Provision for income taxes

     —          149   
                

Income from discontinued operations

     —          244   
                

Net income

   $ 15,622      $ 8,783   
                

Basic income per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ 0.32        0.18   

Discontinued operations

     —          —     
                

Net income

   $ 0.32      $ 0.18   
                

Diluted income per share:

    

Continuing operations

   $ 0.31      $ 0.18   

Discontinued operations

     —          —     
                

Net income

   $ 0.31      $ 0.18   
                

Weighted average shares used in per share calculations:

    

Basic

     49,089        47,789   

Diluted

     49,850        48,379   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)

   March 31,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 73,962      $ 80,708   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,710 and $1,490, respectively

     90,371        79,223   

Inventories

     104,563        100,445   

Deferred income taxes

     9,751        9,462   

Other current assets

     18,842        19,064   
                

Total current assets

     297,489        288,902   

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     109,109        108,348   

Deferred income taxes

     1,517        1,439   

Intangible assets

     65,547        57,573   

Assets held for sale

     900        900   

Goodwill

     107,422        103,700   

Other assets

     20,528        20,025   
                

Total Assets

   $ 602,512      $ 580,887   
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 10,250      $ 10,250   

Accounts payable

     36,571        35,032   

Accrued expenses

     49,423        55,626   

Deferred income taxes

     1,092        447   
                

Total current liabilities

     97,336        101,355   

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

     337,188        339,750   

Deferred income taxes

     16,214        11,404   

Employee benefit obligations

     65,025        64,556   

Other liabilities

     21,209        21,424   
                

Total liabilities

     536,972        538,489   
                

Commitments and contingent liabilities

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock: par value $0.01 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 48,625,838 and 48,236,247 outstanding, respectively

     486        482   

Capital in excess of par value of stock

     593,782        587,894   

Accumulated deficit

     (493,733     (509,355

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (34,995     (36,623
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     65,540        42,398   
                

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 602,512      $ 580,887   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
 

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 15,622      $ 8,783   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

provided by operating activities:

    

Income from discontinued operations

     —          (244

Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment

     5,180        5,230   

Amortization of intangible assets and deferred financing costs

     2,085        1,166   

Stock compensation and other non-cash charges

     1,782        679   

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (249     (86

Deferred income tax expense

     281        265   

Loss on disposal of assets

     81        85   

Changes in assets and liabilities net of the effect of acquisitions:

    

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

     (6,362     758   

(Increase) decrease in inventories

     4,900        (3,580

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     862        3,921   

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (439     (3,403

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses

     (5,780     (5,286

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (654     (2,494

Discontinued operations

     (173     374   
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     17,136        6,168   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

     (5,720     (3,719

Proceeds from sale of assets

     82        29   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (14,121     —     
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (19,759     (3,690
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net repayments under revolving credit facility

     —          (3,400

Repayment of term loan principal

     (2,562     (279

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     249        86   

Proceeds from share-based compensation activity

     291        235   

Taxes paid under share-based compensation activity

     (240     (325
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (2,262     (3,683
                

Effect of exchange rate changes

     (1,861     619   
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (6,746     (586

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     80,708        55,070   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 73,962      $ 54,484   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   Shares      Common
Stock
     Capital in
Excess

of Par
     Accumulated
Deficit
    Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive
Loss
    Total  

Balance December 31, 2010

     48,236       $ 482       $ 587,894       $ (509,355   $ (36,623   $ 42,398   

Net income

              15,622          15,622   

Other comprehensive income:

               

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                1,402        1,402   

Unrealized gains

                226        226   
                     

Comprehensive income, net

                  17,250   
                     

Acquisition of KOX

     310         3         4,706             4,709   

Stock options, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock

     80         1         299             300   

Stock compensation expense

           883             883   
                                                   

Balance March 31, 2011

     48,626       $ 486       $ 593,782       $ (493,733   $ (34,995   $ 65,540   
                                                   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

               

Three months ended March 31, 2011

                $ 1,628   

Three months ended March 31, 2010

                $ (1,497

The Company holds 382,380 shares of its common stock in treasury. These shares have been accounted for as constructively retired in the Consolidated Financial Statements, and are not included in the number of shares outstanding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Basis of Presentation. The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Blount International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Blount” or the “Company”) and are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In the opinion of management, the Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for the periods presented.

The accompanying financial data as of March 31, 2011 and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires that management make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We base our estimates on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Management is continually evaluating and updating these estimates and it is reasonably possible that these estimates will change in the near term.

Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications, if any, have no effect on previously reported net income, total cash flows, or net stockholders’ equity.

NOTE 2: ACQUISITIONS

Establishment of Blount B.V. on January 19, 2011

On January 19, 2011, we acquired a dormant shelf company registered in the Netherlands and changed the name to BI Netherlands B.V. (“Blount B.V.”). The acquisition price was $21 thousand, net of cash acquired. This acquisition, along with the formation of an additional holding entity named BI Holdings C.V., a limited partnership and parent of Blount B.V., is expected to increase our flexibility to make international acquisitions. Direct ownership of certain of our foreign subsidiaries was transferred from our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc., to Blount B.V. through a series of transactions executed in February 2011. We recognized $13 thousand of goodwill on the acquisition of the shelf company in the Netherlands.

Acquisition of KOX on March 1, 2011

On March 1, 2011, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Blount B.V., we acquired KOX GmbH and related companies (“KOX”), a Germany-based direct-to-customer distributor of forestry-related replacement parts and accessories, primarily serving professional loggers and consumers in Europe. The acquisition of KOX is expected to increase our distribution capabilities and to expand our geographic presence in Europe. KOX sales and operating income for calendar year 2010 were approximately $34.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Depreciation for 2010 was approximately $0.1 million, with no amortization expense. KOX has been a customer of Blount for over 30 years and purchased approximately $9.2 million of replacement parts from Blount in 2010.

 

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The total preliminary purchase price was $23.9 million, subject to certain adjustments. The preliminary purchase price consisted of $19.2 million in cash and 309,834 shares of our common stock valued at $4.7 million. KOX had $5.1 million of cash on the acquisition date, resulting in a net cash outflow of $14.1 million. As part of the acquisition, we assumed liabilities of $7.3 million. We assumed none of KOX’s debt in the transaction. The cash portion of the acquisition was funded from available cash on hand at Blount B.V. The common stock shares issued in the purchase are subject to certain restrictions under terms of the related stock purchase agreement.

The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification section 805 (“ASC 805”). Accordingly, KOX’s assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The Company estimated the fair value of assets using various methods and considering, among other factors, projected discounted cash flows, replacement cost less an allowance for depreciation, recent comparable transactions, and historical book values. The Company estimated the fair value of inventory by considering the estimated costs to complete the selling process, and the normal gross profit margin typically associated with its sale. The Company estimated the fair value of identifiable intangible assets based on discounted projected cash flows. The Company estimated the fair value of liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash outflows. The fair value of goodwill represents the residual enterprise value which does not qualify for separate recognition, including the value of the assembled workforce. None of the KOX goodwill is amortizable and deductible for income tax purposes. The Company has conducted a preliminary assessment of liabilities arising from tax matters related to KOX, and has recognized provisional amounts in its initial accounting for the acquisition for the identified tax liabilities. However, the Company is continuing its review of these matters during the measurement period, and if new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date identifies adjustments to the tax liabilities initially recognized, as well as any additional tax liabilities that existed as of the acquisition date, the acquisition accounting will be revised to reflect the resulting adjustments to the provisional tax amounts initially recognized.

A summary of the KOX purchase price allocation is presented below.

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   March 1, 2011

Cash

   $5,126

Accounts receivable

   3,365

Inventories

   8,879

Other current assets

   268

Property, plant, and equipment

   383

Non-current intangible assets subject to amortization

   4,594

Non-current intangible assets not subject to amortization

   5,241

Goodwill

   3,709
    

Total assets acquired

   31,565
    

Current liabilities

   4,793

Non-current liabilities

   2,836
    

Total liabilities assumed

   7,629
    

Purchase price, before consideration of cash acquired

   $23,936
    

The operating results of KOX are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date forward, including incremental net sales of $3.1 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes of $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011. Included in cost of sales for 2011 are non-cash charges totaling $0.4 million for amortization of intangible assets and expense for the step-up to fair value of inventories related to KOX. See also Note 4.

The following unaudited pro forma results present the estimated effect as if the acquisition of KOX had occurred on January 1, 2010. The unaudited pro forma results include the historical results of KOX, pro forma elimination of sales from Blount to KOX, pro forma purchase accounting effects, pro forma interest effects from reduced cash and cash equivalents following use of cash to fund the transaction, and the related pro forma income tax effects. In addition to the pro forma amortization of intangible asset adjustments to fair value, the unaudited pro forma results for 2010 include a charge of $0.7 million to expense the adjustment of inventory to estimated fair value on the date of acquisition.

 

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     Three Months Ended March 31,0 2011      Three Months Ended March 31, 2010  

(Amounts in thousands)

   As Reported      Pro Forma      As Reported      Pro Forma  

Sales

   $ 180,874       $ 186,229       $ 133,129       $ 140,689   

Net income

     15,622         16,774         8,783         9,008   
                                   

Basic income per share

     0.32         0.34         0.18         0.19   

Diluted income per share

     0.31         0.33         0.18         0.19   
                                   

Acquisition of SpeeCo on August 10, 2010

On August 10, 2010, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of SP Companies, Inc. and SpeeCo, Inc. (collectively, “SpeeCo”). SpeeCo, located in Golden, Colorado, is a supplier of log splitters, post-hole diggers, tractor three-point linkage parts and equipment, and farm and ranch accessories. The acquisition of SpeeCo expands our product offerings to our current markets and customers, as well as offering opportunities for synergies in the areas of marketing, sales, and distribution, including marketing SpeeCo’s products to our international customers, and for back office consolidation of support functions. We also expect to benefit from the acquisition of SpeeCo by leveraging its experience in low-cost sourcing of materials and components.

We paid $90.9 million in cash for SpeeCo, net of cash acquired, and assumed liabilities totaling $31.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of the stock purchase agreement, none of SpeeCo’s debt was assumed by Blount. The acquisition was financed with a combination of cash on hand and borrowing under the Company’s revolving credit facility.

The Company accounted for the acquisition in accordance with ASC 805. Accordingly, SpeeCo’s assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The Company estimated the fair value of assets using various methods and considering, among other factors, projected discounted cash flows, replacement cost less an allowance for depreciation, recent comparable transactions, and historical book values. The Company estimated the fair value of inventory by considering the stage of completion of the inventory, estimated costs to complete the manufacturing and assembly process, and the normal gross profit margin typically associated with its sale. The Company estimated the fair value of identifiable intangible assets based on discounted projected cash flows. The Company estimated the fair value of liabilities assumed considering the historical book values and projected future cash outflows. The fair value of goodwill represents the residual enterprise value which does not qualify for separate recognition, including the value of the assembled workforce. Approximately $7.0 million of the SpeeCo goodwill is amortizable and deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. The Company has conducted a preliminary assessment of liabilities arising from tax matters related to SpeeCo, and has recognized provisional amounts in its initial accounting for the acquisition for the identified tax liabilities. However, the Company is continuing its review of these matters during the measurement period, and if new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date identifies adjustments to the tax liabilities initially recognized, as well as any additional tax liabilities that existed as of the acquisition date, the acquisition accounting will be revised to reflect the resulting adjustments to the provisional tax amounts initially recognized.

A summary of the SpeeCo purchase price allocation is presented below.

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   August 10, 2010  

Cash

   $ 816   

Accounts receivable

     7,525   

Inventories

     18,868   

Current intangible assets subject to amortization

     401   

Other current assets

     1,282   

Property, plant, and equipment

     1,812   

Non-current intangible assets subject to amortization

     43,214   

Non-current intangible assets not subject to amortization

     5,968   

Goodwill

     42,794   
        

Total assets acquired

   $ 122,680   
        

 

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(Amounts in thousands)

   August 10, 2010  

Current liabilities

   $ 13,762   

Non-current liabilities

     106   

Deferred income tax liability

     17,142   
        

Total liabilities assumed

     31,010   
        

Purchase price, before consideration of cash acquired

   $ 91,670   
        

The operating results of SpeeCo are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date forward, including sales of $19.2 million and income from continuing operations before income taxes of $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Included in cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 are non-cash charges totaling $1.4 million for amortization of intangible assets related to SpeeCo. See also Note 4.

The following unaudited pro forma results present the estimated effect as if the acquisition of SpeeCo had occurred on January 1, 2009. The unaudited pro forma results include the historical results of SpeeCo, pro forma purchase accounting effects, pro forma interest expense effects of additional borrowings to fund the transaction, and the related pro forma income tax effects.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2010  

(Amounts in thousands)

   As Reported      Pro Forma
(Unaudited)
 

Sales

   $ 133,129       $ 149,884   

Net income

     8,783         9,021   
                 

Basic income per share

   $ 0.18       $ 0.19   

Diluted income per share

   $ 0.18       $ 0.19   
                 

NOTE 3: INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

      March 31,      December 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011      2010  

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 13,484       $ 16,529   

Work in progress

     14,726         14,986   

Finished goods

     76,353         68,930   
                 

Total inventories

   $ 104,563       $ 100,445   
                 

 

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NOTE 4: INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes intangible assets:

 

            March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

(Amounts in thousands)

   Life
In Years
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 

Goodwill, Blount B.V.

     Indefinite       $ 13       $ —         $ —         $ —     

Goodwill, KOX

     Indefinite         3,709         —           —           —     

Goodwill, SpeeCo

     Indefinite         42,794         —           42,794         —     

Goodwill, previous acquisitions

     Indefinite         60,906         —           60,906         —     
                                      

Total goodwill

        107,422         —           103,700         —     

Trademarks and trade names

     Indefinite         16,711         —           11,469         —     
                                      

Total with indefinite lives

        124,133         —           115,169         —     
                                      

Backlog

     Less than 1         1,641         1,641         1,641         1,641   

Covenants not to compete

     2 - 4         1,112         690         1,112         595   

Patents

     11 - 13         5,320         795         5,320         687   

Customer relationships

     10 - 19         50,684         6,795         46,090         5,136   
                                      

Total with finite lives

        58,757         9,921         54,163         8,059   
                                      

Total intangible assets

      $ 182,890       $ 9,921       $ 169,332       $ 8,059   
                                      

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1.9 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Amortization expense for these intangible assets is expected to total $8.2 million in 2011, $6.8 million in 2012, $5.8 million in 2013, $5.2 million in 2014, and $4.6 million in 2015.

NOTE 5: DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

Revolving credit facility borrowings

   $ —         $ —     

Term loans

     347,438         350,000   
                 

Total debt

     347,438         350,000   

Less current maturities

     10,250         10,250   
                 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

   $ 337,188       $ 339,750   
                 

Weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt

         5.14%             5.14%   
                 

Senior Credit Facilities. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc., maintains a senior credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation as agent and a lender which was amended and restated on August 9, 2010, and again on January 28, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the senior credit facilities consisted of a revolving credit facility, a term loan A, and a term loan B.

August 2010 Amendment and Restatement of Senior Credit Facilities. On August 9, 2010, the Company entered into an amendment and restatement of its senior credit facilities that included the following terms:

 

   

Maximum borrowings under the revolving credit facility were increased from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and the maturity date was extended to August 2015.

 

   

The term loan B facility was increased to $275.0 million and the maturity date was extended to August 2016.

 

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The interest rates on the revolving credit facility and the term loan B were changed, as described below.

 

   

A term loan A facility was established at $75.0 million with a maturity date of August 2015.

 

   

Certain financial and other covenants were amended and revised, as described below.

 

   

The Company paid $6.3 million in fees and transaction costs in connection with these transactions.

The Company used the $350.0 million combined proceeds of the term loans to repay the principal outstanding under its previous term loan B facility and its 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes originally due August 1, 2012. These 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes were redeemed in full on September 16, 2010, following the expiration of the required redemption notification period. In conjunction with the redemption of the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes and the repayment of principal on the previous term loan B, the Company expensed $3.5 million in unamortized deferred financing costs.

January 2011 Amendment of Senior Credit Facilities. On January 28, 2011, the senior credit facility was amended to facilitate a foreign subsidiary reorganization and to allow additional flexibility for making foreign acquisitions.

Current Terms of Senior Credit Facilities. The revolving credit facility provides for total available borrowings up to $75.0 million, reduced by outstanding letters of credit, and further restricted by a specific leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $72.1 million under the terms of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.50%, or an index rate, as defined in the credit agreement, plus 2.50%, and matures on August 9, 2015. Interest is payable on the individual maturity dates for each LIBOR-based borrowing and monthly on index rate-based borrowings. Any outstanding principal is due in its entirety on the maturity date.

The term loan A bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.50%, or the index rate plus 2.50%, and matures on August 9, 2015. The term loan A facility requires quarterly principal payments of $1.9 million commencing on January 1, 2011, with a final payment of $39.4 million due on the maturity date. Once repaid, principal under the term loan A facility may not be re-borrowed.

The term loan B bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.00%, or the index rate plus 3.00%, with a minimum rate of 5.50%, and matures on August 9, 2016. The term loan B facility requires quarterly principal payments of $0.7 million commencing on January 1, 2011, with a final payment of $259.2 million due on the maturity date. Once repaid, principal under the term loan B facility may not be re-borrowed.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities contain financial covenants relating to:

 

   

Maximum capital expenditures of $42.5 million per calendar year.

 

   

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15, defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by cash payments for interest, taxes, capital expenditures, scheduled debt principal payments, and certain other items, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis.

 

   

Maximum leverage ratio, defined as total debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. The maximum leverage ratio is set at 4.00 through June 30, 2011, 3.75 through December 31, 2011, 3.50 through September 30, 2012, 3.25 through March 31, 2013, and 3.00 thereafter.

In addition, there are covenants or restrictions relating to acquisitions, investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, dividends on our stock, the sale of stock or assets, and other categories. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2011. Non-compliance with these covenants, if it were to become an event of default under the terms of the credit agreement, could result in severe limitations to our overall liquidity, and the term loan lenders could require immediate repayment of outstanding amounts, potentially requiring sale of our assets.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities may be prepaid at any time. Through August 10, 2011, a 1% prepayment premium applies to any term loan B principal prepaid. There can also be additional mandatory repayment requirements related to the sale of Company assets, the issuance of stock under certain circumstances, or upon the Company’s annual generation of excess cash flow, as determined under the credit agreement. Our debt is not subject to any triggers that would require early payment due to any adverse change in our credit rating.

 

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Our debt is issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc. Blount International, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries other than Blount, Inc. guarantee Blount, Inc.’s obligations under the senior credit facilities. The obligations under the senior credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Blount, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of all of Blount, Inc.’s capital stock held by Blount International, Inc. and all of the stock of domestic subsidiaries held by Blount, Inc. The Company has also directly or indirectly pledged 65% of the stock of its non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

NOTE 6: PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans covering employees in the U.S., Canada, and Belgium. The Company also sponsors various other post-employment medical and benefit plans covering many of its current and former employees. The U.S. defined benefit pension plan and the associated nonqualified plan have been frozen since December 31, 2006. Employees who currently participate in these U.S. plans no longer accrue benefits and new employees hired since December 31, 2006, are not eligible to participate. All retirement benefits accrued up to the time of the freeze were preserved.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for these plans are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2011     2010     2011      2010  

(Amounts in thousands)

   Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  

Service cost

   $ 667      $ 624      $ 71       $ 71   

Interest cost

     2,743        2,743        505         526   

Expected return on plan assets

     (3,372     (2,988     —           —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     (1     (1     —           —     

Amortization of net actuarial losses

     916        972        223         228   
                                 

Total net periodic benefit cost

   $ 953      $ 1,350      $ 799       $ 825   
                                 

The Company expects to contribute approximately $15 million to $17 million to its funded defined benefit pension plans in 2011, including a $10 million voluntary contribution to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan.

The Company receives a Medicare Part D subsidy for a portion of the cost of providing prescription drug benefits under its retiree medical benefit plan. In March of 2010, new legislation was signed into law in the U.S. that makes this subsidy fully subject to federal income tax beginning in 2013. Previously, this subsidy was essentially exempt from federal income tax. Accordingly, the Company recognized a charge of $1.7 million to income tax expense in the three months ended March 31, 2010, reflecting the write-off of the deferred tax asset related to this subsidy.

NOTE 7: FINANCIAL GUARANTEES AND COMMITMENTS

Significant financial guarantees and commitments are summarized in the following table:

 

     March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011  

Letters of credit outstanding

   $ 2,998   

Other financial guarantees

     1,304   
        

Total financial guarantees and commitments

   $ 4,302   
        

See also Note 5.

 

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NOTE 8: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company is a defendant in a number of product liability lawsuits, some of which seek significant or unspecified damages, involving serious personal injuries for which there are retentions or deductible amounts under the Company’s insurance policies. Some of these lawsuits arise out of the Company’s duty to indemnify certain purchasers of the Company’s discontinued operations for lawsuits involving products manufactured prior to the sale of these businesses. In addition, from time to time, the Company is a party to a number of other lawsuits arising out of the normal course of its business, including suits concerning commercial contracts, employee matters, intellectual property rights, and other matters. In some instances the Company is the plaintiff and is seeking recovery of damages. In other instances, the Company is a defendant against whom damages are being sought. While there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of these lawsuits, management does not believe these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, operating results, or cash flows.

The Company was named a potentially liable person (“PLP”) by the Washington State Department of Ecology (“WDOE”) in connection with the Pasco Sanitary Landfill Site (“Site”). This Site has been monitored by WDOE since 1988. From available records, the Company believes that it sent 26 drums of chromic hydroxide sludge in a non-toxic, trivalent state to the Site. The Company further believes that the Site contains more than 50,000 drums in total and millions of gallons of additional wastes, some potentially highly toxic in nature. Accordingly, based both on volume and on the nature of the waste, the Company believes that it is a de minimis contributor.

The current on-site monitoring program is being conducted and funded by certain PLPs (the “PLP Group”), excluding the Company and several other PLPs, under the supervision of WDOE. In a recent development, WDOE required the PLP Group to undertake a “Focused Feasibility Study” to see if new cleanup technologies would work better than those currently being used with only limited success. The method chosen and the cost incurred is not expected to be known until late 2011 or early 2012.

In addition, the PLP Group has hired common counsel to pursue other potentially liable parties, including the federal government. The Company may or may not be pursued to contribute to the cost of this new or any subsequent studies or remediation, if any. The Company is unable to estimate such costs, or the likelihood of being assessed any portion thereof. The Company incurred no costs during the three months ended March 31, 2011 or 2010 in connection with the remediation efforts at the Site.

The Company accrues, by a charge to income, an amount representing management’s best estimate of the undiscounted probable loss related to any matter deemed by management and its counsel as a reasonably probable loss contingency in light of all of the then known circumstances.

NOTE 9: EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

Shares used in the denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended March 31,
 

(Shares in thousands)

   2011      2010  

Shares for basic per share computation – weighted average common shares outstanding

     49,089         47,789   

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

     761         590   
                 

Shares for diluted per share computation

     49,850         48,379   
                 

Options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) excluded from computation as anti-dilutive because they are out-of-the-money

     955         1,654   
                 

Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) considered to be participating securities

     173         162   
                 

The allocation of undistributed earnings (net income) to the participating securities under the two class method had no effect on the calculation of earnings per share.

 

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NOTE 10: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company made the following stock-based compensation awards:

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011      2010  

SARs granted (number of shares)

     469         549   

RSUs granted (number of shares)

     98         118   

Aggregate fair value of SARs granted

   $ 3,256       $ 3,091   

Aggregate fair value of RSUs granted

   $ 1,395       $ 1,322   

The SARs and RSUs granted in 2010 and 2011 vest quarterly over a three-year period and are restricted from exercise, sale, or other transfer until three years from the grant date. The SARs granted have a ten-year term.

The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of SARs in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

 

     2011      2010  

Estimated average life

     6 years         6 years   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.4%         2.8%   

Expected volatility

     48.4%         49.7%   

Weighted average volatility

     48.4%         49.7%   

Dividend yield

     0.0%         0.0%   

Weighted average grant date fair value

   $ 7.35        $ 5.28    

As of March 31, 2011, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to previously granted awards was $9.4 million. The weighted average period over which this expense is expected to be recognized is 29 months. The Company’s policy upon the exercise of options, restricted stock awards, RSUs, or SARs has been to issue new shares into the public market from the stockholder-approved 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

NOTE 11: SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company identifies operating segments primarily based on organizational structure and the evaluation of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (Chief Executive Officer). The Company has one operating and reportable segment: Outdoor Products. The central administration and other category includes centralized administrative functions. The Outdoor Products segment manufactures and markets cutting chain, guide bars, sprockets, and accessories for chain saw use, lawnmower and edger blades, log splitters, and concrete-cutting equipment and accessories. The Outdoor Products segment also markets branded parts and accessories for the lawn and garden equipment market, such as cutting line for line trimmers, lubricants, and small engine replacement parts, and parts and other accessories for farm, ranch, and agriculture applications, including tractor linkage parts and post-hole diggers.

The accounting policies of the segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Operating income (expense):

    

Outdoor Products

   $  34,104      $  27,779   

Central administration and other

     (6,261     (6,412
                

Operating income

   $ 27,843      $ 21,367   
                

 

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NOTE 12: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011      2010  

Interest paid

   $  4,668       $  9,149   

Income taxes paid, net

     1,704         2,903   

On March 1, 2011, we issued 309,834 shares of common stock valued at $4.7 million as part of the purchase price of KOX.

NOTE 13: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The carrying amount of accounts receivable approximates fair value because the maturity period is short and the Company has reduced the carrying amount to the estimated net realizable value with an allowance for doubtful accounts. The carrying amount of any principal outstanding on the revolving credit facility approximates fair value because the applicable interest rates are variable and the maturity period is relatively short.

The fair value of the term loans is determined by reference to prices of recent transactions whereby buyers and sellers exchange their interests in portions of these loans. Derivative financial instruments are carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, as determined by reference to quoted terms for similar instruments. The carrying amount of other financial instruments approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity periods and variable interest rates associated with the instruments.

The estimated fair values of the term loans at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are presented below.

 

     March 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  

(Amounts in thousands)

   Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Term loans

   $ 347,438       $ 350,043       $ 350,000       $ 352,188   

The Company has manufacturing or distribution operations in Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. The Company sells to customers in these locations and other countries throughout the world. At March 31, 2011, approximately 62% of accounts receivable were from customers outside the U.S. Accounts receivable are principally from distributors, dealers, mass merchants, chain saw manufacturers, and other original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), and are normally not collateralized.

Foreign currency exchange rate movements create a degree of risk by affecting the U.S. Dollar value of certain balance sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the interest rates available in certain jurisdictions in which the Company holds cash may vary, thereby affecting the return on cash equivalent investments. The Company’s practice is to use foreign currency and interest rate swap agreements to manage a portion of the exposure to foreign currency and interest rate changes on certain cash held in foreign locations. The objective is to minimize earnings volatility resulting from conversion and the re-measurement of foreign currency cash balances to U.S. Dollars.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Foreign Currency Hedging. The Company makes regular payments to its wholly-owned subsidiary Blount Canada, for contract manufacturing services performed by Blount Canada on behalf of the Company. The Company is exposed to changes in Canadian Dollar to U.S. Dollar exchange rates from these transactions, which may adversely affect its results of operations and financial position.

The Company manages a portion of Canadian Dollar exchange rate exposures with derivative financial instruments. These derivatives are zero cost collar option combinations consisting of a purchased call option to buy Canadian Dollars and a written put option to sell Canadian Dollars. Each pair of contracts constituting a collar has the same maturity date in a monthly ladder extending out 12 months. Each month, the Company intends to extend the ladder one more month, on a rolling basis, so that a 12 month rolling hedge is maintained. These instruments are designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The effective portion of the gains or losses on these contracts due to changes in fair value is initially recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into cost of goods sold when the contracts mature and the Company settles the hedged payment to Blount Canada. These contracts are highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to changes in currency exchange rates.

 

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As of March 31, 2011, the cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain on these contracts included in other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $1.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, a gain of $0.3 million and a gain of $1.4 million were recognized in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Income at the maturity of the related Canadian Dollar derivative financial instruments. Gains and losses on these Canadian Dollar derivative financial instruments are offset in cost of goods sold by the effects of currency exchange rate changes on the underlying transactions. Through March 31, 2011, the Company has not recognized any amount from these contracts in earnings due to ineffectiveness. The aggregate notional amount of these Canadian Dollar contracts outstanding was $37.2 million at March 31, 2011 and $34.5 million at December 31, 2010.

We hedge the interest rate and foreign currency exposure on a portion of our cash and cash equivalents invested in Brazil with interest rate swap agreements. The change in fair value of these instruments is recognized in interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Any change in fair value of these derivative contracts is fully offset by the change in fair value of the underlying investments. The Consolidated Statements of Income include income of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from the change in fair value of these interest rate swap contracts. There was no impact from these interest rate swap contracts in the three months ended March 31, 2011. There were no such instruments outstanding at March 31, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

In the first quarter of 2011, we entered into interest rate cap agreements covering 35% of the outstanding principal on our term loans A and B, that cap the maximum LIBOR used to determine the interest rate we pay at 5.00% through February 28, 2013. These agreements are carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at amortized cost.

Under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., the framework for measuring fair value is based on independent observable inputs of market data and is based on the following hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 – Significant observable inputs based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuations for which all significant assumptions are observable.

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

Derivatives held by the Company are summarized as follows:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   Carrying
Value on
Balance
Sheets
     Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

March 31, 2011

   $ 1,188       $ 1,188       $ —         $ 1,188       $ —     

December 31, 2010

     636         636         —           636         —     

The fair value of these Level 2 derivatives was determined using a market approach based on daily market prices of similar instruments issued by financial institutions in an active market.

The amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 is expected to be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income within the next twelve months.

NOTE 14: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2010, the FASB issued new guidance on business combinations, effective for acquisitions made after December 31, 2010. The new guidance changes the requirements for the presentation of comparative pro forma financial statements for a business combination. We elected to adopt this new guidance early and implemented it for the reporting period ended December 31, 2010, including the pro forma disclosures for the acquisition of SpeeCo. Pro forma disclosures for KOX are also presented under the new guidance.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Operating Results

Three months ended March 31, 2011 (unaudited) compared to three months ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited).

The table below provides a summary of results and the primary contributing factors to the year-over-year change.

 

      Three Months Ended March 31,            

(Amounts in millions)

   2011     2010     Change          

Contributing Factor

(Amounts may not sum due to rounding)            

Sales

   $ 180.9      $ 133.1      $ 47.7       
         $ 45.3      Sales volume, including acquisitions
           1.9      Selling price and mix
           0.5      Foreign currency translation

Gross profit

     60.0        49.1        11.0       

Gross margin

     33.2     36.9       14.3      Sales volume
           1.9      Selling price and mix
           (1.7   Purchase accounting effects
           (2.4   Product cost and mix
           (1.0   Foreign currency translation

Selling, general, and administrative expenses (“SG&A”)

     32.2        27.7        4.5       

As a percent of sales

     17.8     20.8       1.0      Compensation expense
           2.3      SpeeCo and KOX
           0.2      Foreign currency translation
           1.0      Other

Operating income

     27.8        21.4        6.5       

Operating margin

     15.4     16.0       11.0      Increase in gross profit
           (4.5   Increase in SG&A

Income from continuing operations

     15.6        8.5        7.1       
           6.5      Increase in operating income
           1.7      Decrease in net interest expense
           (0.2   Change in other income (expense)
           (0.9   Increase in income tax provision

Income from discontinued operations

     —          0.2        (0.2    
           (0.4   Decrease in operating results
           0.2      Decrease in income taxes

Net income

   $ 15.6      $ 8.8      $ 6.8       

 

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Sales in the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased by $47.7 million (35.9%) from the same period in 2010, primarily due to increased unit volume of $45.3 million. We report all incremental sales attributable to our recent acquisitions, SpeeCo and KOX, as unit volume increase. SpeeCo and KOX contributed $19.2 million and $3.1 million of incremental sales, respectively, in the three months ended March 31, 2011. Excluding the effect of these acquisitions, unit sales volume increased by $23.1 million or 17.3%. Changes in average selling price and product mix increased sales revenue by $1.9 million on a quarter-over-quarter basis. Higher average selling prices were attributable to pricing actions we implemented late in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, and to a lower relative proportion of OEM to replacement market sales. Historically, sales to our OEM customers are at slightly lower average prices than sales to the replacement market. Excluding SpeeCo and KOX, OEM sales were up 10.1% and replacement channel sales were up 21.9%. The translation of foreign currency-denominated sales transactions, given the slightly weaker U.S. Dollar in comparison to most foreign currencies in the first quarter of 2010, increased consolidated sales by $0.5 million in the current quarter. International sales increased by $17.5 million (17.9%), while domestic sales increased by $7.3 million (20.7%), both exclusive of sales from recent acquisitions. The increase in sales reflected strong global market conditions and demand for our products, with the largest percentage growth occurring in the Asia-Pacific region (up 24.3%), followed by North America (up 22.6%), both exclusive of sales from recent acquisitions. Excluding the effects of recent acquisitions, sales of forestry products were up 16.8%, lawn and garden products were up 33.6%, and construction products were up 15.0%.

Consolidated order backlog at March 31, 2011 was $181.9 million compared to $133.7 million at December 31, 2010. None of the incremental backlog is attributable to KOX.

Gross profit increased $11.0 million (22.3%) from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. Higher unit sales volume, including incremental volume from SpeeCo and KOX, along with the effect of higher average selling prices and product mix, accounted for the increase. Partially offsetting the volume increases were increased non-cash charges for purchase accounting and higher product cost and mix. Purchase accounting effects related to SpeeCo and KOX totaled $1.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011. Coupled with a slight decrease in amortization expense of purchased intangibles related to earlier acquisitions, the overall impact was an increase of $1.7 million from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011. Amortization of purchase intangible assets is expected to total $8.2 million for 2011. Product cost and mix increased by $2.4 million quarter-over-quarter. The increase in product cost was driven by annual merit pay increases, incremental headcount brought on after the first quarter of 2010 to service increasing product demand, and costs related to the Company’s continuing effort to streamline product offerings and improve efficiency. The comparable gross margin in the first quarter of 2010 benefited significantly from the relatively quick upturn in volumes and related manufacturing leverage we achieved in that quarter. Changes in steel costs did not have a significant effect on a year-over-year basis. Gross margin in the first quarter of 2011 was 33.2% of sales compared to 36.9% in the first quarter of 2010.

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates decreased our gross profit in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 2010 by $1.0 million on a consolidated basis. The translation of stronger foreign currencies in Canada and Brazil into a weaker U.S. Dollar resulted in higher reported manufacturing costs. This foreign currency effect at our international manufacturing locations more than offset the positive effect on translation of international sales revenue.

SG&A was $32.2 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $27.7 million in the first quarter of 2010, representing an increase of $4.5 million (16.2%). As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased from 20.8% in the first quarter of 2010 to 17.8% in the first quarter of 2011, primarily due to the increase in sales revenue, which outpaced the increase in SG&A spending. Compensation expense for the quarter increased by $1.0 million on a comparative basis, reflecting annual merit increases and increased headcount, and higher stock-based compensation costs, partially offset by reduced incentive compensation expense. Incremental SG&A expense incurred at SpeeCo and KOX added $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2011. International operating expenses increased slightly from the prior year comparative period due to the movement in foreign currency exchange rates. Additional increases in personnel-related and office expenses accounted for the remaining increase in SG&A.

Operating income increased by $6.5 million from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, resulting in an operating margin for 2011 of 15.4% of sales compared to 16.0% for the first quarter of 2010. The increase was due to higher sales volume and gross profit, partially offset by increased SG&A expenses.

Interest expense was $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2010. The decrease was due to lower average interest rates on our debt, partially offset by higher average outstanding debt balances in the comparable periods. The variable interest rates on our term loans decreased significantly when we amended and restated our senior credit facilities in August 2010, and our average interest costs were further reduced when we redeemed our 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes in September 2010.

 

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The following table summarizes our income tax provision for continuing operations in 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Income before income taxes

   $ 22,806      $ 14,859   

Provision for income taxes

     7,184        6,320   
                

Effective tax rate

     31.5     42.5
                

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2011 was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to favorable effects from foreign income taxes, partially offset by state income tax expense. Taxes on our foreign operations are lower than in the U.S. because of lower statutory tax rates and increased deductions for tax purposes in foreign jurisdictions that are not recognized as expenses for book purposes.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2010 was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to a charge of $1.7 million to income tax expense reflecting the write-off of the deferred tax asset related to the Medicare Part D subsidy. We sponsor various pension and other post-retirement benefit plans for many of our employees. The Company receives a Medicare Part D subsidy for a portion of the cost of providing prescription drug benefits under its retiree medical benefit plan. In March of 2010, new legislation was signed into law in the U.S. that makes this subsidy fully subject to federal income tax beginning in 2013. Previously, this subsidy was essentially exempt from federal income tax. This increase to the 2010 effective tax rate was partially offset by the positive effects from settlement of our IRS audit and the related release of reserves for some of our uncertain tax positions.

Net income in the first quarter of 2011 was $15.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $8.8 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2010.

Segment Results. The following table reflects segment sales and operating results for 2011 and 2010:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010     Percent
Change
 

Operating income (expense):

      

Outdoor Products

   $ 34,104      $ 27,779        22.8

Central administration and other

     (6,261     (6,412     (2.4 )% 
                        

Operating income

   $ 27,843      $ 21,367        30.3
                        

Outdoor Products Segment. The discussion above concerning sales, gross profit, and SG&A expenses is applicable to the Company’s Outdoor Products segment.

Central Administration and Other. The Central administration and other category decreased by $0.2 million from 2010 to 2011, reflecting a slight decrease in employee benefit plan costs, partially offset by increased expenses for professional services related to our strategic initiatives, including our acquisition program.

 

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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

(Amounts in thousands)

   March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010  

Revolving credit facility borrowings

   $ —        $ —     

Term loans

     347,438        350,000   
                

Total debt

     347,438        350,000   

Less current maturities

     10,250        10,250   
                

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

   $ 337,188      $ 339,750   
                

Weighted average interest rate on outstanding debt

     5.14     5.14
                

Senior Credit Facilities. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc., maintains a senior credit facility with General Electric Capital Corporation as agent and a lender which was amended and restated on August 9, 2010, and again on January 28, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the senior credit facilities consisted of a revolving credit facility, a term loan A, and a term loan B.

August 2010 Amendment and Restatement of Senior Credit Facilities. On August 9, 2010, the Company entered into an amendment and restatement of its senior credit facilities that included the following terms:

 

   

Maximum borrowings under the revolving credit facility were increased from $60.0 million to $75.0 million and the maturity date was extended to August 2015.

 

   

The term loan B facility was increased to $275.0 million and the maturity date was extended to August 2016.

 

   

The interest rates on the revolving credit facility and the term loan B were changed, as described below.

 

   

A term loan A facility was established at $75.0 million with a maturity date of August 2015.

 

   

Certain financial and other covenants were amended and revised, as described below.

 

   

The Company paid $6.3 million in fees and transaction costs in connection with these transactions.

The Company used the $350.0 million combined proceeds of the term loans to repay the principal outstanding under its previous term loan B facility and its 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes originally due August 1, 2012. These 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes were redeemed in full on September 16, 2010, following the expiration of the required redemption notification period. In conjunction with the redemption of the 8 7/8% senior subordinated notes and the repayment of principal on the previous term loan B, the Company expensed $3.5 million in unamortized deferred financing costs.

January 2011 Amendment of Senior Credit Facilities. On January 28, 2011, the senior credit facility was amended to facilitate a foreign subsidiary reorganization and to allow additional flexibility for making foreign acquisitions.

Current Terms of Senior Credit Facilities. The revolving credit facility provides for total available borrowings up to $75.0 million, reduced by outstanding letters of credit, and further restricted by a specific leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2011, the Company had the ability to borrow an additional $72.1 million under the terms of the revolving credit agreement. The revolving credit facility bears interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.50%, or an index rate, as defined in the credit agreement, plus 2.50%, and matures on August 9, 2015. Interest is payable on the individual maturity dates for each LIBOR-based borrowing and monthly on index rate-based borrowings. Any outstanding principal is due in its entirety on the maturity date.

The term loan A bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.50%, or the index rate plus 2.50%, and matures on August 9, 2015. The term loan A facility requires quarterly principal payments of $1.9 million commencing on January 1, 2011, with a final payment of $39.4 million due on the maturity date. Once repaid, principal under the term loan A facility may not be re-borrowed.

The term loan B bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.00%, or the index rate plus 3.00%, with a minimum rate of 5.50%, and matures on August 9, 2016. The term loan B facility requires quarterly principal payments of $0.7 million commencing on January 1, 2011, with a final payment of $259.2 million due on the maturity date. Once repaid, principal under the term loan B facility may not be re-borrowed.

 

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The amended and restated senior credit facilities contain financial covenants relating to:

 

   

Maximum capital expenditures of $42.5 million per calendar year.

 

   

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.15, defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by cash payments for interest, taxes, capital expenditures, scheduled debt principal payments, and certain other items, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis.

 

   

Maximum leverage ratio, defined as total debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. The maximum leverage ratio is set at 4.00 through June 30, 2011, 3.75 through December 31, 2011, 3.50 through September 30, 2012, 3.25 through March 31, 2013, and 3.00 thereafter.

The status of financial covenants was as follows:

 

     As of March 31, 2011

Financial Covenants

   Requirement    Actual

Maximum capital expenditures per calendar year

   $ 42.5 million    $5.7 million

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio trailing 12 months

   1.15             2.03         

Maximum leverage ratio trailing 12 months

   4.00             2.60         

In addition, there are covenants or restrictions relating to acquisitions, investments, loans and advances, indebtedness, dividends on our stock, the sale of stock or assets, and other categories. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2011. Non-compliance with these covenants, if it were to become an event of default under the terms of the credit agreement, could result in severe limitations to our overall liquidity, and the term loan lenders could require immediate repayment of outstanding amounts, potentially requiring sale of our assets.

The amended and restated senior credit facilities may be prepaid at any time. Through August 10, 2011, a 1% prepayment premium applies to any term loan B principal prepaid. There can also be additional mandatory repayment requirements related to the sale of Company assets, the issuance of stock under certain circumstances, or upon the Company’s annual generation of excess cash flow, as determined under the credit agreement. Our debt is not subject to any triggers that would require early payment due to any adverse change in our credit rating.

Our debt is issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary, Blount, Inc. Blount International, Inc. and all of its domestic subsidiaries other than Blount, Inc. guarantee Blount, Inc.’s obligations under the senior credit facilities. The obligations under the senior credit facilities are collateralized by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Blount, Inc. and its domestic subsidiaries, as well as a pledge of all of Blount, Inc.’s capital stock held by Blount International, Inc. and all of the stock of domestic subsidiaries held by Blount, Inc. Blount, Inc. has also pledged 65% of the stock of its directly-owned non-domestic subsidiaries as additional collateral.

Our debt instruments and general credit are rated by both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. There were no changes to these ratings during the three months March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2011, the credit ratings for the Company were as follows:

 

     Standard &
Poor’s
     Moody’s  

Senior credit facility

     BB-/Stable         Ba3/Stable   

General credit rating

     BB-/Stable         Ba3/Stable   

We intend to fund working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, and obligations under our post-employment benefit plans for the next twelve months through cash flows generated from operations and the amounts available under our revolving credit facility. We expect our financial resources will be sufficient to cover any additional increases in working capital and capital expenditures. There can be no assurance, however, that these resources will be sufficient to meet our needs. We may also consider other options available to us in connection with future liquidity needs, including, but not limited to, the postponement of discretionary contributions to post-employment benefit plans, the postponement of capital expenditures, restructuring of our credit facilities, and issuance of new debt or equity securities.

 

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Our interest expense may vary in the future because the revolving credit facility and term loan interest rates are variable. In the first quarter of 2011, we entered into interest rate cap agreements covering 35% of the outstanding principal on our term loans A and B, that cap the maximum LIBOR used to determine the interest rate we pay at 5.00% through February 28, 2013. Effectively, these agreements cap the maximum interest rate at 8.50% on 35% of the principal outstanding under term loan A, and at 9.00% on 35% of the principal outstanding under term loan B. Our weighted average interest rate on all debt was 5.14% as of March 31, 2011 and as of December 31, 2010.

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 were $74.0 million, compared to $80.7 million at December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, the majority of our cash was held at our foreign operations.

Cash provided by operating activities is summarized in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Net income

   $  15,622      $ 8,783   

Non-cash items

     9,160        7,095   
                

Subtotal

     24,782        15,878   

Changes in assets and liabilities, net

     (7,473     (10,084

Discontinued operations, net

     (173     374   
                

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 17,136      $ 6,168   
                

Non-cash items consist of expenses for depreciation of property, plant, and equipment; amortization; stock compensation and other non-cash charges; the tax benefit or expense from share-based compensation; deferred income taxes; and gains or losses on disposal of property, plant, and equipment. During the first three months of 2011, operating activities provided $17.1 million of cash. Income from continuing operations plus non-cash items totaled $24.8 million in the first quarter of 2011, reflecting increased income compared with the first quarter of 2010, and higher non-cash items. The increased amount of non-cash items in 2011 is primarily due to increased amortization expense on intangible assets related to our recent acquisitions and higher stock compensation expense. The net change in working capital components and other assets and liabilities during the 2011 period used $7.5 million in cash. An increase in accounts receivable of $6.4 million, reflecting higher sales levels, as well as a decrease in accrued expenses of $5.8 million, reflecting payment of various year-end accrued liabilities, accounted for the use of cash. These uses were partially offset by a reduction in inventories of $4.9 million, excluding inventory acquired with KOX. Cash payments during the first three months of 2011 also included $4.7 million for interest and $1.7 million for income taxes. The Company expects to contribute a total of $15 million to $17 million to its funded defined benefit pension plans during 2011.

During the first three months of 2010, operating activities provided $6.2 million of cash. Income from continuing operations plus non-cash items totaled $15.9 million in the first quarter of 2010. The net change in working capital components and other assets and liabilities during the 2010 period used $10.1 million in cash. An increase in inventories of $3.6 million, and decreases in accounts payable ($3.4 million), accrued expenses ($5.3 million), and other liabilities ($2.5 million) from timing of payments including payment of year end incentive compensation and retirement plan contributions, used cash during the period. These uses were partially offset by a decrease in other assets of $3.9 million, including the collection of income taxes receivable in certain jurisdictions. Cash payments during the first three months of 2010 also included $9.1 million for interest and $2.9 million for income taxes.

Cash used in investing activities is summarized as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net of proceeds from sales

   $ (5,638   $ (3,690

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (14,121     —     
                

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (19,759   $ (3,690
                

 

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Purchases of property, plant, and equipment are primarily for productivity improvements, expanded manufacturing capacity, and replacement of consumable tooling and equipment. Generally, about one-third of our capital spending represents replacement of consumable tooling, dies, and existing equipment, with the remainder devoted to capacity and productivity improvements. During 2011, we expect to invest approximately $35 million in available cash for capital expenditures, compared to $20.0 million for the full year in 2010. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we acquired KOX (see Note 2).

Cash used in financing activities is summarized as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  

(Amounts in thousands)

   2011     2010  

Net decrease in debt principal outstanding

   $ (2,562   $ (3,679

Proceeds and tax effects from stock-based compensation

     300        (4
                

Cash used in financing activities

   $ (2,262   $ (3,683
                

Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2011 consisted primarily of scheduled repayments of principal on our term loans. Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2010 consisted primarily of net repayments of principal under our revolving credit facility and scheduled repayments of principal on our term loan.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In the opinion of management, there are currently no recent accounting pronouncements to be adopted that are expected to have a significant effect on our financial reporting. See also Note14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1.

Forward Looking Statements

“Forward looking statements,” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, used in this report, including without limitation our “outlook,” “guidance,” “expectations,” “beliefs,” “plans,” “indications,” “estimates,” “anticipations,” and their variants, are based upon available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable; however, these forward looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties and should not be considered indicative of actual results that the Company may achieve in the future. Specifically, issues concerning foreign currency exchange rates, the cost to the Company of commodities in general, and of steel in particular, the anticipated level of applicable interest rates, tax rates, discount rates, rates of return, and the anticipated effects of discontinued operations involve estimates and assumptions. To the extent that these, or any other such assumptions, are not realized going forward, or other unforeseen factors arise, actual results for the periods subsequent to the date of this report may differ materially.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, including raw materials such as steel. We manage our exposure to these market risks through our regular operating and financing activities, and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivatives. When utilized, derivatives are used as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.

We manage our ratio of fixed to variable rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that management believes is appropriate. The interest rates are variable on our term and revolver loans and we are subject to market risk from movement in benchmark rates. During 2010, we redeemed our fixed rate 8 7/8% subordinated notes, and all of our debt is now subject to variable interest rates. In February 2011, we entered into a series of interest rate cap agreements that establish maximum fixed interest rates on 35% of the principal amount outstanding under our term loans, as required by our senior credit facility agreement.

 

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See also, the Market Risk section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our most recent Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March  9, 2011, for further discussion of market risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s Securities Exchange Act of 1934 reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and regulations, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), and Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f), respectively, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits:

**10.1 First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective as of January 28, 2011 by and among Blount, Inc., Omark Properties, Inc., Windsor Forestry Tools LLC, the other Credit Parties signatory thereto, General Electric Capital Corporation, and the other Lenders party thereto.

**31.1 Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Joshua L. Collins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

**31.2 Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Calvin E. Jenness, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

**32.1 Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Joshua L. Collins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

**32.2 Certification pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Calvin E. Jenness, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

** Filed electronically herewith. Copies of such exhibits may be obtained upon written request from:

 

Blount International, Inc.

P.O. Box 22127

Portland, Oregon 97269-2127

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the duly authorized undersigned.

 

BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

   
Registrant    

/s/ Calvin E. Jenness

   

/s/ Mark V. Allred

Calvin E. Jenness     Mark V. Allred
Senior Vice President and     Vice President and Corporate Controller
Chief Financial Officer     (Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)    

Dated: May 6, 2011

 

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