Document
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2017

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from          to
 
Commission File Number: 1-06620
 
GRIFFON CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
DELAWARE
 
11-1893410
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
 
 
712 Fifth Ave, 18th Floor, New York, New York
 
10019
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(212) 957-5000
(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. ý Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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). ý Yes o No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ý

 
Accelerated filer
 o
Non-accelerated filer  o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes ý No

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at January 31, 2018 was 47,467,259.




Griffon Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Contents
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

Part I – Financial Information
Item 1 – Financial Statements
 
GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)


(Unaudited)


 
December 31,
2017

September 30,
2017
CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
Cash and equivalents
$
84,420


$
47,681

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,291 and $5,966
212,023


208,229

Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments of $5,165 and $4,407
120,200


131,662

Inventories, net
359,844


299,437

Prepaid and other current assets
64,837


40,067

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale
377,275


370,724

Assets of discontinued operations not held for sale
328


329

Total Current Assets
1,218,927


1,098,129

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
280,725


232,135

GOODWILL
385,076


319,139

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
277,160


205,127

OTHER ASSETS
15,675


16,051

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE
2,952


2,960

Total Assets
$
2,180,515


$
1,873,541







CURRENT LIABILITIES
 


 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
12,593


$
11,078

Accounts payable
197,814


183,951

Accrued liabilities
117,482


83,258

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale
85,737


84,450

Liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale
3,924


8,342

Total Current Liabilities
417,550


371,079

LONG-TERM DEBT, net
1,238,393


968,080

OTHER LIABILITIES
84,534


132,537

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE
5,225


3,037

Total Liabilities
1,745,702


1,474,733

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - See Note 18





SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 


 

Total Shareholders’ Equity
434,813


398,808

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
2,180,515


$
1,873,541


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


1

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
 
 
COMMON STOCK
 
CAPITAL IN
EXCESS OF
PAR VALUE
 
RETAINED
EARNINGS
 
TREASURY SHARES
 
ACCUMULATED
OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
 
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
 
 
(in thousands)
SHARES
 
PAR VALUE
 
 
 
SHARES
 
COST
 
 
 
TOTAL
Balance at September 30, 2017
80,663

 
$
20,166

 
$
487,077

 
$
480,347

 
33,557

 
$
(489,225
)
 
$
(60,481
)
 
$
(39,076
)
 
$
398,808

Net income

 

 

 
30,989

 

 

 

 

 
30,989

Dividend

 

 

 
(2,990
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,990
)
Shares withheld on employee taxes on vested equity awards

 

 

 

 
191

 
(4,332
)
 

 

 
(4,332
)
Amortization of deferred compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
817

 
817

Equity awards granted, net
895

 
223

 
(223
)
 









 

ESOP allocation of common stock

 

 
608

 

 

 

 

 

 
608

Stock-based compensation

 

 
2,555

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,555

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 
8,358

 

 
8,358

Balance at December 31, 2017
81,558

 
$
20,389

 
$
490,017

 
$
508,346

 
33,748

 
$
(493,557
)
 
$
(52,123
)
 
$
(38,259
)
 
$
434,813

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


2

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 

Three Months Ended December 31,
 

2017

2016
Revenue

$
437,303


$
352,277

Cost of goods and services

316,459


255,533

Gross profit

120,844


96,744








Selling, general and administrative expenses

105,807


78,884








Income from operations

15,037


17,860








Other income (expense)

 


 

Interest expense

(16,839
)

(13,295
)
Interest income

197


6

Other, net

(468
)

(140
)
Total other expense, net

(17,110
)

(13,429
)







Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations

(2,073
)

4,431

Benefit from income taxes

(24,904
)

(2,613
)
Income from continuing operations

$
22,831


$
7,044








Discontinued operations:






Income from operations of discontinued operations

11,466


8,545

Provision for income taxes

3,308


3,325

Income from discontinued operations

8,158


5,220








Net income

$
30,989


$
12,264








Income from continuing operations

$
0.54


$
0.18

Income from discontinued operations

0.19


0.13

Basic earnings per common share

$
0.74


$
0.31








Weighted-average shares outstanding

41,923


39,336








Income from continuing operations

$
0.53


$
0.17

Income from discontinued operations

0.19


0.12

Diluted earnings per common share

$
0.72


$
0.29








Weighted-average shares outstanding

43,336


42,312








Dividends paid per common share

$
0.07


$
0.06








Net income

$
30,989


$
12,264








Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

 


 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

(1,289
)

(13,479
)
Pension and other post retirement plans

9,559


544

Change in cash flow hedges

88


1,623

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

8,358


(11,312
)
Comprehensive income (loss), net

$
39,347


$
952

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


3

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017

2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 


 

Net income from continuing operations
$
30,989


$
12,264

Net (income) from discontinued operations
(8,158
)

(5,220
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
 


 

Depreciation and amortization
12,958


11,988

Stock-based compensation
2,555


2,452

Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable
(220
)

112

Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs
1,243


1,892

Deferred income taxes
(23,186
)

(196
)
Gain on sale of assets and investments
209



Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
 


 

Decrease in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed
38,909


18,667

Increase in inventories
(28,073
)

(13,663
)
Increase in prepaid and other assets
(8,459
)

(2,127
)
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable
(24,973
)

(27,423
)
Other changes, net
552


1,536

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(5,654
)

282

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 


 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(10,785
)

(7,690
)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
(198,683
)

(6,051
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
439


86

Net cash used in investing activities
(209,029
)

(13,655
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 


 

Dividends paid
(2,990
)

(2,499
)
Purchase of shares for treasury
(4,332
)

(15,073
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
326,094


39,056

Payments of long-term debt
(52,973
)

(7,295
)
Change in short-term borrowings
35



Financing costs
(7,392
)

(172
)
Purchase of ESOP shares


(9,213
)
Other, net
84


(349
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
258,526


4,455

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 


 

Net cash provided by operating activities
1,261


6,841

Net cash used in investing activities
(8,076
)

(14,756
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
396


(2,234
)






Net cash used in discontinued operations
(6,419
)

(10,149
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
(685
)

(1,217
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
36,739


(20,284
)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
47,681


72,553

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
84,420


$
52,269

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

4

Table of Contents
GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(US dollars and non US currencies in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Unless otherwise indicated, references to years or year-end refer to Griffon’s fiscal period ending September 30)



NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
About Griffon Corporation
 
Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Griffon oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. Griffon provides direction and assistance to its subsidiaries in connection with acquisition and growth opportunities as well as in connection with divestitures. In order to further diversify, Griffon also seeks out, evaluates and, when appropriate, will acquire additional businesses that offer potentially attractive returns on capital.

Headquartered in New York, N.Y., the Company was founded in 1959 and is incorporated in Delaware. Griffon is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol GFF.

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced it would explore strategic alternatives for Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC") and on November 16, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY) ("Berry") for $475 million in cash. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2018. As a result, Griffon classified the results of operations of the PPC business as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented and classified the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets. All results and information presented exclude PPC unless otherwise noted. PPC is a global leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films for hygienic, health-care and industrial products and sells to some of the world's largest consumer products companies. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon acquired ClosetMaid LLC ("ClosetMaid"). ClosetMaid, founded in 1965, is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products, and sells to some of the largest home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to-builder professional installers in North America. ClosetMaid's accounts, affected for preliminary adjustments to reflect fair market values assigned to assets purchased and liabilities assumed, and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition of October 2, 2017. See Note 3, Acquisitions.

Griffon currently conducts its operations through two reportable segments:
 
Home & Building Products (“HBP”) consists of three companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”), Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”) and ClosetMaid LLC ("ClosetMaid"):

-
AMES, founded in 1774, is the leading US manufacturer and a global provider of long-handled tools and landscaping products for homeowners and professionals.

-
CBP, since 1964, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial garage doors and sells to professional dealers and some of the largest home center retail chains in North America.

-
ClosetMaid, founded in 1965, is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products, and sells to some of the largest home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to-builder professional installers.

Telephonics Corporation ("Telephonics"), founded in 1933, is recognized globally as a leading provider of highly sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and communications solutions for defense, aerospace and commercial customers.





5


Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, they should be read together with Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which provides a more complete explanation of Griffon’s accounting policies, financial position, operating results, business properties and other matters. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of interim results. Griffon’s HBP operations are seasonal; for this and other reasons, the financial results of the Company for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.
 
The condensed consolidated balance sheet information at September 30, 2017 was derived from the audited financial statements included in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Griffon and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates may be adjusted due to changes in economic, industry or customer financial conditions, as well as changes in technology or demand. Significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returns, net realizable value of inventories, restructuring reserves, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, percentage of completion method of accounting, pension assumptions, useful lives associated with depreciation and amortization of intangible and fixed assets, warranty reserves, sales incentive accruals, stock based compensation assumptions, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, environmental reserves, legal reserves, insurance reserves and the valuation of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, acquisition assumptions used and the accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions Griffon may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.
 
Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

NOTE 2 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts and notes payable, and revolving credit and variable interest rate debt approximate fair value due to either the short-term nature of such instruments or the fact that the interest rate of the revolving credit and variable rate debt is based upon current market rates.

Applicable accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy requiring the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:

Level 1 inputs are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
 

6



The fair values of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes approximated $1,020,000 on December 31, 2017. Fair values were based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).

On January 17, 2017, Griffon's 4% convertible subordinated notes settled for a total of $173,855. The total settlement value for the convertible notes was based on the sum of the daily Volume Weighted Average Price multiplied by the conversion rate over a 40-day observation period (level 1 inputs).  The settlement value was split between $125,000 in cash and $48,858, or 1,954,993 shares, of common stock issued from treasury.
 
Insurance contracts with values of $3,000 at December 31, 2017 are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

At December 31, 2017, trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with a fair value of $3,352 ($2,824 cost basis), were included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

In the normal course of business, Griffon’s operations are exposed to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, Griffon may enter into various derivative contracts such as foreign currency exchange contracts, including forwards and options. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Griffon entered into several such contracts in order to lock into a foreign currency rate for planned settlements of trade and inter-company liabilities payable in US dollars.

At December 31, 2017, Griffon had $15,000 and $1,422 of Australian dollar and British Pound Sterling contracts, respectively, at a weighted average rate of $1.28 and $0.74, respectively, which qualified for hedge accounting. These hedges were all deemed effective as cash flow hedges with gains and losses related to changes in fair value deferred and recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") and Prepaid and other current assets, or Accrued liabilities, until settlement. Upon settlement, gains and losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Cost of goods and services ("COGS"). AOCI included deferred gains of $130 ($42, net of tax) at December 31, 2017 and a loss of $7 was recorded in COGS during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 for all settled contracts. All contracts expire in 15 to 179 days.

At December 31, 2017, Griffon had $4,129 of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.25. The contracts, which protect Canadian operations from currency fluctuations for US dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, a fair value gain of $237 was recorded to Other liabilities and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs). Realized losses of $29 were recorded in Other income during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 for all settled contracts. All contracts expire in 28 to 238 days.

NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS

Griffon accounts for acquisitions under the acquisition method, in which assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition using a method substantially similar to the goodwill impairment test methodology (level 3 inputs). The operating results of the acquired companies are included in Griffon’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition; in each instance, Griffon is in the process of finalizing the initial purchase price allocation.

On November 6, 2017, AMES acquired Harper Brush Works (“Harper”), a division of Horizon Global, for approximately $5,000. Harper is a leading U.S. manufacturer of cleaning products for professional, home, and industrial use. The acquisition will broaden AMES’ long-handled tool offering in North America to include brooms, brushes, and other cleaning tools and accessories.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon Corporation completed the acquisition of ClosetMaid, a market leader of home storage and organization products, for approximately $185,700, inclusive of post-closing adjustments, or $165,000 net of the estimated present value of tax benefits under the current tax law. There is no other contingent consideration arrangement relative to the acquisition of ClosetMaid. ClosetMaid adds to Griffon's Home and Building Products segment, complementing and diversifying Griffon's portfolio of leading consumer brands and products. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, SG&A and Cost of goods and services included acquisition costs of $1,612 and $1,500, respectively. ClosetMaid is part of the HBP segment.

ClosetMaid's accounts, affected for preliminary adjustments to reflect fair market values assigned to assets purchased and liabilities assumed, and results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition

7


of October 2, 2017. The Company has recorded a preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the Company’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair market values (level 3 inputs) at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill and is deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill recognized at the acquisition date represents the other intangible benefits that the Company will derive from the ownership of ClosetMaid, however, such intangible benefits do not meet the criteria for recognition of separately identifiable intangible assets.

The following unaudited proforma summary from continuing operations presents consolidated information as if the Company acquired ClosetMaid on October 1, 2016:
 
Proforma
 For the three months ended December 31, 2016
(unaudited)
Revenue
$
429,178

Income from continuing operations
7,980


Griffon did not include any material, nonrecurring proforma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the proforma revenue and earnings. These proforma amounts have been compiled by adding the historical results from continuing operations of Griffon, restated for classifying the results of operations of the PPC business as a discontinued operation, to the historical results of ClosetMaid after applying Griffon’s accounting policies and the following proforma adjustments:

Additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the preliminary fair value adjustments to property, plant, and equipment, and intangible assets had been applied from October 1, 2016.
Elimination of intercompany interest income recorded on ClosetMaid’s financial statements earned on an intercompany receivable due from ClosetMaid’s former parent.
Additional interest and related expenses from the add-on offering of $275,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior notes due 2022 that Griffon used to acquire ClosetMaid.
Removal of $600 of restructuring costs from ClosetMaid's historical results.
The consequential tax effects of the above adjustments using a 59% tax rate.

The calculation of the preliminary purchase price allocation, which is pending finalization of tax-related items and completion of the related final valuation, is as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents
$
5,999

Accounts receivable
32,234

Inventories
28,772

Property, plant and equipment
48,260

Goodwill
66,147

Intangible assets
72,465

Other current and non-current assets
3,852

Total assets acquired
257,729

 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
63,281

Long-term liabilities
8,719

Total liabilities assumed
72,000

Total
$
185,729



8


The amounts assigned to goodwill and major intangible asset classifications, all of which are tax deductible, for the ClosetMaid acquisition are as follows:
 
 
 
 
Average
Life
(Years)
Goodwill
 
$
66,147

 
N/A
Indefinite-lived intangibles
 
48,920

 
N/A
Definite-lived intangibles
 
23,545

 
18
Total goodwill and intangible assets
 
$
138,612

 
 

On September 29, 2017, AMES Australia completed the acquisition of Tuscan Landscape Group Pty, Ltd. ("Tuscan Path") for approximately $18,000 (AUD 22,250). Tuscan Path is a leading Australian provider of pots, planters, pavers, decorative stone, and garden decor products. The acquisition of Tuscan Path broadens AMES' outdoor living and lawn and garden business, and will strengthen AMES' industry leading position in Australia. The purchase price was primarily allocated to intangible assets of AUD 3,900 and inventory and accounts receivable of AUD 7,900.

On July 31, 2017, The AMES Companies, Inc. acquired La Hacienda Limited, a leading United Kingdom outdoor living brand of unique heating and garden decor products, for approximately $11,400 (GBP 9,175), including an approximate contingent earn out payment of $790 (GBP 600). The acquisition of La Hacienda broadens AMES' global outdoor living and lawn and garden business and supports AMES' UK expansion strategy. The purchase price allocation was primarily allocated to intangible assets of approximately GBP 3,100.
On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills Home Living ("Hills") for approximately $6,051 (AUD 8,400). The purchase price has been allocated to acquired assets and assumed liabilities and primarily consists of inventory, tooling and identifiable intangible assets, including trademarks, intellectual property and customer relationships. Hills, founded in 1946, is a market leader in the supply of clothesline, laundry and garden products. The Hills acquisition adds to AMES' existing broad category of products and enhances our lawn and garden product offerings in Australia. The purchase price was primarily allocated to intangible assets of approximately AUD 6,400.

On February 14, 2016, AMES Australia acquired substantially all of the Intellectual Property (IP) assets of Australia-based Nylex Plastics Pty Ltd. for approximately $1,744 (AUD 2,452). Through this acquisition, AMES and Griffon secured the ownership of the trademark “Nylex” for certain categories of AMES products, principally in the country of Australia.  Previously, the Nylex name was licensed.  The acquisition of the Nylex IP was contemplated as a post-closing activity following the Cyclone acquisition and supports AMES' Australian watering products strategy.  The purchase price was allocated to indefinite lived trademarks and is not deductible for income taxes.

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market.
 
The following table details the components of inventory:
 
At December 31, 2017
 
At September 30, 2017
Raw materials and supplies
$
87,588

 
$
67,990

Work in process
82,988

 
78,846

Finished goods
189,268

 
152,601

Total
$
359,844

 
$
299,437

 

9



NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The following table details the components of property, plant and equipment, net:
 
At December 31, 2017
 
At September 30, 2017
Land, building and building improvements
$
89,770

 
$
71,764

Machinery and equipment
497,743

 
462,173

Leasehold improvements
48,046

 
43,040


635,559

 
576,977

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(354,834
)
 
(344,842
)
Total
$
280,725

 
$
232,135

Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment was $10,702 and $10,349 for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation included in SG&A expenses was $3,742 and $3,060 for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Remaining components of depreciation, attributable to manufacturing operations, are included in Cost of goods and services.

No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2017 which would require additional impairment testing of property, plant and equipment.
 
NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
 
The following table provides changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment during the three months ended December 31, 2017:

 
At September 30, 2017

Goodwill from
ClosetMaid acquisition

Other
adjustments
including currency
translations

At December 31, 2017
Home & Building Products
$
300,594

 
$
66,147

 
$
(210
)
 
$
366,531

Telephonics
18,545

 

 

 
18,545

Total
$
319,139

 
$
66,147

 
$
(210
)
 
$
385,076



The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets:
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
At September 30, 2017
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Average
Life
(Years)
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer relationships
$
162,464

 
$
44,956

 
25
 
$
152,025

 
$
43,421

Technology and patents
18,877

 
5,303

 
12.5
 
6,193

 
4,719

Total amortizable intangible assets
181,341

 
50,259

 
 
 
158,218

 
48,140

Trademarks
146,078

 

 
 
 
95,049

 

Total intangible assets
$
327,419

 
$
50,259

 
 
 
$
253,267

 
$
48,140

 
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $2,256 and $1,639 for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2017 which would require impairment testing of long-lived intangible assets including goodwill.
 



10



NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" ("TCJA") was signed into law, significantly impacting several sections of the Internal Revenue Code. ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment even though the effective date for most provisions is for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, or in the case of certain other provisions, January 1, 2018. Though certain key aspects of the TCJA are effective January 1, 2018 and have an immediate accounting effect, other significant provisions are not effective or may not result in accounting effects for September 30 fiscal year companies until October 1, 2018.
Given the significance of the TCJA, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a one year “measurement period”. During the measurement period, impacts of the law are expected to be recorded at the time a reasonable estimate for all or a portion of the effects can be made, and provisional amounts can be recognized and adjusted as information becomes available, prepared or analyzed.
Among the significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the TCJA lowers the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate (“Federal Tax Rate”) from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company will compute its income tax expense for the September 30, 2018 fiscal year using a blended Federal Tax Rate of 24.5%. The 21% Federal Tax Rate will apply to fiscal years ending September 30, 2019 and each year thereafter.

The Company has recorded provisional amounts for the effects of the TCJA where accounting is not complete but a reasonable estimate has been determined. The company recorded a $23,941 benefit on the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities as a provisional amount for the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as an amount for deductible executive compensation expense, both of which have been reflected in the tax benefit for the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

A reasonable estimate cannot yet be made and therefore taxes are reflected based on the law in effect prior to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for the impact of the one-time mandatory repatriation transition tax on the net accumulated earnings and profits of a U.S. taxpayer’s foreign subsidiaries, bonus depreciation expensing for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017 and the impact on state income taxes.

The provisional amounts incorporate assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the TCJA and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance.

In accordance with SAB 118 adjustments recorded to the provisional amounts will be reflected within the measurement period through the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and will be included in income from continuing operations and net income as an adjustment to tax expense.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $24,904 on a Loss before taxes from continuing operations of $2,073, compared to a tax benefit of $2,613 on Income before taxes from continuing operations of $4,431 in the comparable prior year quarter. 

The quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 tax rates included net tax benefits that affect comparability of $23,018 and $4,421, respectively. The current year quarter ended December 31, 2017 included net tax benefits from the December 22, 2017 tax reform bill primarily from approximately $23,941 related to revaluation of deferred tax liabilities. The prior year quarter ended December 31, 2016 included discrete benefits from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance which requires the Company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense. Excluding these tax items, the effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 35.4% and 40.8%, respectively.




11


NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM DEBT
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
At September 30, 2017
  
 
Outstanding Balance

Original Issuer Premium

Capitalized Fees & Expenses
 
Balance Sheet

Coupon Interest Rate (1)

Outstanding Balance

Original Issuer Discount
 
Capitalized Fees & Expenses
 
Balance Sheet

Coupon Interest Rate (1)
Senior notes due 2022
(a)
$
1,000,000

 
$
1,484

 
$
(15,619
)
 
$
985,865

 
5.25
%
 
725,000

 
$
(1,177
)
 
$
(9,220
)
 
$
714,603

 
5.25
%
Revolver due 2021
(b)
147,743

 

 
(1,830
)
 
145,913

 
Variable

 
144,216

 

 
(1,951
)
 
142,265

 
Variable

Real estate mortgages
(d)
23,047

 

 
(304
)
 
22,743

 
Variable

 
23,642

 

 
(320
)
 
23,322

 
Variable

ESOP Loans
(e)
42,106

 

 
(279
)
 
41,827

 
Variable

 
42,675

 

 
(310
)
 
42,365

 
Variable

Capital lease - real estate
(f)
9,705

 

 
(99
)
 
9,606

 
5.00
%
 
5,312

 

 
(105
)
 
5,207

 
5.00
%
Non US lines of credit
(g)
4,675

 

 
(27
)
 
4,648

 
Variable

 
9,402

 

 
(31
)
 
9,371

 
Variable

Non US term loans
(g)
34,765

 

 
(108
)
 
34,657

 
Variable

 
35,943

 

 
(108
)
 
35,835

 
Variable

Other long term debt
(h)
5,748

 

 
(21
)
 
5,727

 
Variable

 
6,211

 

 
(21
)
 
6,190

 
Variable

Totals
 
1,267,789

 
1,484

 
(18,287
)
 
1,250,986

 
 

 
992,401

 
(1,177
)
 
(12,066
)
 
979,158

 
 

less: Current portion
 
(12,593
)
 

 

 
(12,593
)
 
 

 
(11,078
)
 

 

 
(11,078
)
 
 

Long-term debt
 
$
1,255,196

 
$
1,484

 
$
(18,287
)
 
$
1,238,393

 
 

 
$
981,323

 
$
(1,177
)
 
$
(12,066
)
 
$
968,080

 
 

 (1) n/a = not applicable


12


 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
Effective Interest Rate (1)

Cash Interest

Amort. Debt
Discount

Amort. Debt Issuance Costs
& Other Fees

Total Interest Expense

Effective Interest Rate (1)

Cash Interest

Amort. Debt
Discount

Amort.
Debt Issuance Costs
& Other Fees

Total Interest Expense
Senior notes due 2022
(a)
5.6
%
 
13,125

 
67

 
939

 
14,131

 
5.5
%
 
9,516

 
67

 
473

 
10,056

Revolver due 2021
(b)
Variable

 
1,356

 

 
141

 
1,497

 
Variable

 
325

 

 
132

 
457

Convert. debt due 2017
(c)
n/a

 

 

 

 

 
9.1
%
 
1,000

 
1,058

 
111

 
2,169

Real estate mortgages
(d)
3.5
%
 
185

 

 
17

 
202

 
2.4
%
 
120

 

 
2

 
122

ESOP Loans
(e)
4.1
%
 
413

 

 
31

 
444

 
3.3
%
 
364

 

 
27

 
391

Capital lease - real estate
(f)
5.5
%
 
164

 

 
6

 
170

 
5.4
%
 
80

 

 
6

 
86

Non US lines of credit
(g)
Variable

 
7

 

 
8

 
15

 
Variable

 
4

 

 
3

 
7

Non US term loans
(g)
Variable

 
334

 

 
33

 
367

 
Variable

 
222

 

 
11

 
233

Other long term debt
(h)
Variable

 
115

 

 
1

 
116

 
Variable

 
74

 

 
2

 
76

Capitalized interest
 
 

 
(103
)
 

 

 
(103
)
 
 

 
(302
)
 

 

 
(302
)
Totals
 
 

 
$
15,596

 
$
67

 
$
1,176

 
$
16,839

 
 

 
$
11,403

 
$
1,125

 
$
767

 
$
13,295

(1) n/a = not applicable



13



(a)
On October 2, 2017, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon completed the add-on offering of $275,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 101.00% of par, to Griffon's previously issued $125,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 98.76% of par, completed on May 18, 2016 and $600,000 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at par, completed on February 27, 2014 (collectively the “Senior Notes”). As of December 31, 2017, outstanding Senior Notes due totaled $1,000,000; interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. The net proceeds of the $275,000 add-on offering were used to acquire ClosetMaid with the remaining proceeds used to pay down outstanding loan borrowings under Griffon's revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement"). The net proceeds of the previously issued $125,000 add-on offering were used to pay down outstanding revolving loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On December 18, 2017, Griffon commenced an offer to exchange all of the $275,000 Senior Notes issued on October 2, 2017 for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933. On July 20, 2016 and June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the $125,000 and $600,000 Senior Notes, respectively, for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $1,020,000 on December 31, 2017 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs). In connection with the issuance and exchange of the $275,000 senior notes, Griffon capitalized $8,434 of underwriting fees and other expenses; Griffon capitalized $3,016 of underwriting fees and other expenses in connection with the $125,000 senior notes; and Griffon capitalized $10,313 in connection with the previously issued $600,000 senior notes. All capitalized fees will amortize over the term of the notes.

(b)
On March 22, 2016, Griffon amended the Credit Agreement to increase the credit facility from $250,000 to $350,000, extend its maturity date from March 13, 2020 to March 22, 2021 and modify certain other provisions of the facility. On October 2, 2017, Griffon further amended the Credit Agreement in association with the ClosetMaid acquisition to modify the net leverage covenant through the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $50,000 and a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000. The Credit Agreement provides for same day borrowings of base rate loans. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.25% for base rate loans and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors, and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the Credit Agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement; see footnote (e) below). At December 31, 2017, under the Credit Agreement, there were $147,743 in outstanding borrowings; standby letters of credit were $14,938; and $187,319 was available, subject to certain loan covenants, for borrowing at that date.

(c)
On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal amount of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). On July 14, 2016, Griffon announced that it would settle, upon conversion, up to $125,000 of the conversion value of the 2017 Notes in cash, with amounts in excess of $125,000, if any, to be settled in shares of Griffon common stock. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855 with $125,000 in cash, utilizing borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and $48,858, or 1,954,993 shares, of common stock issued from treasury.

(d)
In September 2015 and March 2016, Griffon entered into mortgage loans in the amounts of $32,280 and $8,000, respectively. The mortgage loans are secured by four properties occupied by Griffon's subsidiaries. The loans mature in September 2025 and April 2018, respectively, are collateralized by the specific properties financed and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%. At December 31, 2017, mortgage loans outstanding relating to continuing operations was $22,743, net of issuance costs.

(e)
In August 2016, Griffon’s ESOP entered into an agreement that refinanced the existing ESOP loan into a new Term Loan in the amount of $35,092 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,908 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. During 2017, Griffon's ESOP purchased 621,875 shares of common stock for a total of $10,908 or $17.54 per share, under a borrowing line that has now been fully utilized. On June 30, 2017,

14


the Term Loan and Line Note were combined into a single Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The Term Loan requires a quarterly principal payment of $569 with a balloon payment due at maturity on March 22, 2020. As of December 31, 2017, $41,827, net of issuance costs, was outstanding under the Term Loan. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.

(f)
Two Griffon subsidiaries have capital leases outstanding for real estate located in Troy, Ohio and Ocala, Florida. The leases mature in 2021 and 2022, respectively, and bear interest at fixed rates of approximately 5.0% and 8.0%, respectively. The Troy Ohio lease is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon. The Ocala, Florida lease contains two five-year renewal options. At December 31, 2017, $9,606 was outstanding, net of issuance costs.
 
(g)
In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 ($11,901 as of December 31, 2017) revolving credit facility.  The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (2.98% LIBOR USD and 2.78% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of December 31, 2017). The revolving facility matures in October 2019. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At December 31, 2017, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility with CAD 15,000 ($11,901 as of December 31, 2017) available for borrowing.

In July 2016, Griffon Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and its Australian subsidiaries ("Griffon Australia") entered into an AUD 30,000 term loan and an AUD 10,000 revolver. The term loan refinanced two existing term loans and the revolver replaced two existing lines. In December 2016, the amount available under the revolver was increased from AUD 10,000 to AUD 20,000 and, in March 2017, the term loan commitment was increased by AUD 5,000 to AUD 33,500. In September 2017, the term commitment was increased by AUD 15,000 to AUD 46,750. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD 1,250 plus interest, with a balloon payment of AUD 37,125 due upon maturity in June 2019, and accrues interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.00% per annum (3.84% at December 31, 2017). As of December 31, 2017, the term loan had an outstanding balance of AUD 44,625 ($34,765 as of December 31, 2017). The revolving facility matures in November 2018, but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank, and accrues interest at BBSY plus 2.0% per annum (3.70% at December 31, 2017). At December 31, 2017, the revolver had an outstanding balance of AUD 6,000 ($4,675 at December 31, 2017). The revolver and the term loan are both secured by substantially all of the assets of Griffon Australia and its subsidiaries. Griffon guarantees the term loan. Griffon Australia is required to maintain a certain minimum equity level and is subject to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charges cover ratio.

(h)
Other long-term debt consists primarily of a loan with the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, with the balance consisting of capital leases.
At December 31, 2017, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of all credit and loan agreements.

NOTE 9 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share. During 2017, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.06 per share, totaling $0.24 per share for the year. Dividends paid on shares in the ESOP were used to offset ESOP loan payments and recorded as a reduction of debt service payments and compensation expense. A dividend payable was established for the holders of restricted shares; such dividends will be released upon vesting of the underlying restricted shares.

On January 30, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on March 22, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2018.

Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized ratably over the required service period based on the fair value of the grant, calculated as the number of shares granted multiplied by the stock price on the date of grant and, for performance shares, the likelihood of achieving the performance criteria. Compensation cost related to stock-based awards with graded vesting, generally over a period of three to four years, is recognized using the straight-line attribution method and recorded within SG&A expenses.
 
On January 29, 2016, shareholders approved the Griffon Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan") under which awards of performance shares, performance units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, deferred shares and other stock-based awards may be granted. On January 31, 2018, shareholders approved Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan pursuant to which, among other things, 1,000,000 shares were added to the Incentive Plan. Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” or nonqualified stock options, generally expire ten years after the date of grant and are granted at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for award under the Incentive Plan is 3,350,000 (600,000 of which may

15


be issued as incentive stock options), plus (i) any shares reserved for issuance under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan as of the effective date of the Incentive Plan, and (ii) any shares underlying awards outstanding on such effective date under the 2011 Incentive Plan that are canceled or forfeited. As of December 31, 2017, there were 305,512 shares available for grant; after giving effect to Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan, there would have been 1,260,622 shares available for grant as of such date, contemplating 44,890 of restricted share awards granted on January 31, 2018.

All grants outstanding under former equity plans will continue under their terms; no additional awards will be granted under such plans.
 
During the first quarter of 2018, Griffon granted 1,008,756 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units. This included 480,756 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units, subject to certain performance conditions, with vesting periods of three years, with a total fair value of $9,980, or a weighted average fair value of $20.76 per share. This also included 528,000 shares of restricted stock granted to two senior executives with a vesting period of four years and a two year post-vesting holding period, subject to the achievement of certain absolute and relative performance conditions relating to the price of Griffon's common stock. So long as the minimum performance condition is attained, the amount of shares that can vest will range from 384,000 to 528,000. The total fair value of these restricted shares is approximately $7,008, or a weighted average fair value of $13.27.

For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,555 and $2,452, respectively.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, 191,332 shares, with a market value of $4,332 or $22.64 per shares were withheld to settle employee taxes due to the vesting of restricted stock, and were added to treasury.

On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal amount of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). On July 14, 2016, Griffon announced that it would settle, upon conversion, up to $125,000 of the conversion value of the 2017 Notes in cash, with amounts in excess of $125,000, if any, to be settled in shares of Griffon common stock. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855 with $125,000 in cash, utilizing borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and $48,858, or 1,954,993 shares of common stock issued from treasury.

On August 3, 2016, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under this share repurchase program, the Company may purchase shares in the open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or in privately negotiated transactions. There were no repurchases under this program during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, $49,437 remains under the August 3, 2016 Board authorization.

From August 2011 to December 31, 2017, Griffon repurchased 15,984,854 shares of common stock, for a total of $211,621 or $13.24 per share, under Board authorized repurchase programs.

In addition to repurchases under Board authorized programs, on December 10, 2013, Griffon repurchased 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct, L.L.C. (“GS Direct”), an affiliate of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining 5,555,556 shares of Griffon common stock at any time prior to December 31, 2017, it will first negotiate in good faith to sell such shares to the Company.


16



NOTE 10 – EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
 
Basic EPS (and diluted EPS in periods when a loss exists) was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus additional common shares that were issued in connection with stock based compensation and upon the settlement of the 2017 convertible notes.
 
The following table is a reconciliation of the share amounts (in thousands) used in computing earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
 
41,923

 
39,336

Incremental shares from stock based compensation
 
1,413

 
1,922

Convertible debt matured 2017
 

 
1,054

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
 
43,336

 
42,312

 
 
 
 
 
 
On July 14, 2016, Griffon announced that it would settle, upon conversion, up to $125,000 of the conversion value of the 2017 Notes in cash, with amounts in excess of $125,000, if any, to be settled in shares of Griffon common stock. During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, Griffon settled the 2017 Notes for $173,855 with $125,000 in cash and 1,954,993 shares of common stock issued from treasury. Prior to settlement, Griffon had the intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the 2017 Notes in cash, and as such, the issuance of shares related to the principal amount of the 2017 Notes did not affect diluted shares.

NOTE 11 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Griffon’s reportable segments from continuing operations are as follows:

HBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial garage doors to professional dealers and to some of the largest home center retail chains in North America; a global provider of long-handled tools and landscaping products for homeowners and professionals; and a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products to home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to builder professional installers.

Telephonics is recognized globally as a leading provider of highly sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and communications solutions for defense, aerospace and commercial customers.

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced it would explore strategic alternatives for PPC and on November 15, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry for $475 million in cash. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2018. As a result, Griffon classified the results of operations of the PPC business as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented and classified the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets; all results and information presented exclude PPC unless otherwise noted. PPC is a global leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films for hygienic, health-care and industrial products and sells to some of the world's largest consumer products companies. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations to the Notes of the Financial Statements.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon acquired ClosetMaid. ClosetMaid, founded in 1965, is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products, and sells to some of the largest home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to-builder professional installers in North America. The accounts of ClosetMaid, affected for preliminary adjustments to reflect fair market values assigned to assets purchased and liabilities assumed, are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition of October 2, 2017. ClosetMaid is part of the HBP segment. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, ClosetMaid's income from operations before taxes was $677,575.

17


Information on Griffon’s reportable segments from continuing operations is as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
REVENUE
2017
 
2016
Home & Building Products:
 

 
 

AMES
$
139,982

 
$
120,724

CBP
154,236

 
143,460

ClosetMaid
76,760

 

Home & Building Products
370,978

 
264,184

Telephonics
66,325

 
88,093

Total consolidated net sales
$
437,303

 
$
352,277


The following table reconciles segment operating profit to income before taxes from continuing operations:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
INCOME BEFORE TAXES FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
2017
 
2016
Segment operating profit:
 

 
 

Home & Building Products
$
27,751

 
$
22,640

Telephonics
1,480

 
5,391

Segment operating profit from continuing operations
29,231

 
28,031

Net interest expense
(16,642
)
 
(13,289
)
Unallocated amounts
(10,436
)
 
(10,311
)
Acquisition costs
(1,612
)
 

Cost of life insurance benefit
(2,614
)
 

Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations
$
(2,073
)
 
$
4,431

 
Griffon evaluates performance and allocates resources based on each segment's operating results before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unallocated amounts (mainly corporate overhead), restructuring charges, loss on debt extinguishment and acquisition related expenses, as well as other items that may affect comparability, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income before taxes from continuing operations:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
 

 
 

Home & Building Products
$
39,457

 
$
31,807

Telephonics
4,199

 
8,108

Total Segment adjusted EBITDA
43,656

 
39,915

Net interest expense
(16,642
)
 
(13,289
)
Segment depreciation and amortization
(12,852
)
 
(11,884
)
Unallocated amounts
(10,436
)
 
(10,311
)
Acquisition costs
(3,185
)
 

Cost of life insurance benefit
(2,614
)
 

Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations
$
(2,073
)
 
$
4,431


18



Unallocated amounts typically include general corporate expenses not attributable to a reportable segment.

For the Three Months Ended December 31,
DEPRECIATION and AMORTIZATION
2017

2016
Segment:
 

 
Home & Building Products
$
10,133

 
$
9,167

Telephonics
2,719

 
2,717

Total segment depreciation and amortization
12,852

 
11,884

Corporate
106

 
104

Total consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
12,958

 
$
11,988







CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 


 

Segment:
 


 

Home & Building Products
$
6,658

 
$
6,391

Telephonics
1,943

 
1,296

Total segment
8,601

 
7,687

Corporate
2,184

 
3

Total consolidated capital expenditures
$
10,785

 
$
7,690

ASSETS
At December 31, 2017

At September 30, 2017
Segment assets:
 

 
Home & Building Products
$
1,345,467

 
$
1,084,103

Telephonics
325,766

 
343,445

Total segment assets
1,671,233

 
1,427,548

Corporate
128,727

 
71,980

Total continuing assets
1,799,960

 
1,499,528

Assets of discontinued operations
380,555

 
374,013

Consolidated total
$
2,180,515

 
$
1,873,541


NOTE 12 – EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined benefit pension expense (income) was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
 
$
1,407

 
$
1,402

Expected return on plan assets
 
(2,684
)
 
(2,736
)
Amortization:
 
 

 
 

Prior service cost
 
4

 
4

Recognized actuarial loss
 
525

 
832

Pension settlement
 
13,715

 

Net periodic expense (income)
 
$
12,967

 
$
(498
)


19

Table of Contents
GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(US dollars and non US currencies in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
(Unless otherwise indicated, references to years or year-end refer to Griffon’s fiscal period ending September 30)


As a result of the recent passing of our Chairman of the Board, who participated in a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan relating to his tenure as Chief Executive Officer (a position from which he retired in 2008), the pension benefit liability was reduced by $13,715 at December 31, 2017, with the offset, net of tax, recorded in Other Comprehensive Income.

NOTE 13 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements

In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance to address the situation when a company modifies the terms of a stock compensation award previously granted to an employee. This guidance is effective, and should be applied prospectively, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In March 2017, the FASB issued amendments to the Compensation - Retirement Benefits guidance which requires companies to retrospectively present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost for pension and retiree medical plans along with other compensation costs in operating income and present the other components of net periodic benefit cost below operating income in the income statement. The guidance also allows only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization within inventory or fixed assets on a prospective basis. This guidance is effective, and should be applied retroactively, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those periods and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the definition of a business, which will impact many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The new standard is intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods and will be effective for the Company beginning in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued guidance on the Statement of Cash Flows Classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This guidance addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance on lease accounting requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for long-term leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. This guidance must be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach to all annual and interim periods presented and is effective for the Company

20


beginning in 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved, in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. This guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is effective for the Company beginning in 2019; early adoption is permitted beginning in 2018. The Company has commenced its initial assessment to assess the impact, if any, the new revenue standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. During this initial assessment, the Company has identified certain differences that will likely have the most impact; however, how significant of an impact cannot be determined during this phase of the Company’s implementation process. These differences relate to the new concepts of variable consideration, consideration payable and the focus on control to determine when and how revenue should be recognized (i.e. point in time versus over time). The FASB has also issued the following additional guidance clarifying certain issues on revenue from contracts with customers; Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients and Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. The Company expects to complete its initial assessments by the end of the third quarter of 2018 and expects to finalize its implementation process prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard on October 1, 2018.

The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements, and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 14 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
PPC

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced it would explore strategic alternatives for PPC and on November 16, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry for $475 million in cash. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2018. As a result, Griffon classified the results of operations of the PPC business as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented and classified the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets. All results and information presented exclude PPC unless otherwise noted. PPC is a global leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films for hygienic, health-care and industrial products and sells to some of the world's largest consumer products companies.

The following amounts related to the PPC segment have been segregated from Griffon's continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations:

 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
Revenue
 
$
120,430

 
$
114,823

 
Cost of goods and services
 
95,944

 
95,438

 
Gross profit
 
24,486

 
19,385

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
12,108

 
10,861

 
Income from discontinued operations
 
12,378

 
8,524

 
Other income (expense)
 
 

 
 

 
Interest expense, net
 
60

 
78

 
Other, net
 
852

 
(99
)
 
Total other income (expense)
 
912

 
(21
)
 
Income from operations of discontinued operations
 
$
11,466

 
$
8,545

 

21



The above table excludes depreciation and amortization from the current year results since PPC is classified as a discontinued operations and accordingly, the Company ceased depreciation and amortization in accordance with discontinued operations accounting guidelines. Depreciation and amortization would have been approximately $7,400 in the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

The following amounts related to the PPC segment have been segregated from Griffon's continuing operations and are reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets:

 
At December 31, 2017
 
At September 30, 2017
 
ASSETS
 

 
 

 
Accounts receivable, net
$
52,004

 
$
51,768

 
Inventories, net
46,552

 
45,742

 
Prepaid and other current assets
10,904

 
11,000

 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
191,793

 
185,940

 
GOODWILL
56,865

 
57,087

 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
12,228

 
12,298

 
OTHER ASSETS
6,929

 
6,889

 
Total Assets Held for Sale
$
377,275

 
370,724

 
LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
11,929

 
$
11,163

 
Accounts payable
29,705

 
36,619

 
Accrued liabilities
14,407

 
14,553

 
LONG-TERM DEBT, net
10,348

 
10,549

 
OTHER LIABILITIES
19,348

 
11,566

 
Total Liabilities Held for Sale
$
85,737

 
$
84,450

 

Installation Services and Other Discontinued Activities

In 2008, as a result of the downturn in the residential housing market, Griffon exited substantially all operating activities of its Installation Services segment which sold, installed and serviced garage doors and openers, fireplaces, floor coverings, cabinetry
and a range of related building products, primarily for the new residential housing market. In 2008, Griffon sold eleven units, closed one unit and merged two units into CBP. Griffon substantially concluded its remaining disposal activities in 2009.

Installation Services operating results have been reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all periods presented; Installation Services is excluded from segment reporting. There was no reported revenue in the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
 
During the year ended September 30, 2017, Griffon recorded $5,700 of reserves in discontinued operations related to historical environmental remediation efforts and to increase the reserve for homeowner association claims (HOA) related to the Clopay Services Corporation discontinued operations in 2008.

22


The following amounts related to the Installation Services segment, discontinued in 2008, and other businesses discontinued several years ago, which have been segregated from Griffon’s continuing operations, and are reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
At December 31, 2017

At September 30, 2017
Assets of discontinued operations not held for sale:
 


 

Prepaid and other current assets
$
328

 
$
329

Other long-term assets
2,952

 
2,960

Total assets of discontinued operations not held for sale
$
3,280

 
$
3,289

 
 
 
 
Liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale:
 

 
 

Accrued liabilities, current
$
3,924

 
$
8,342

Other long-term liabilities
5,225

 
3,037

Total liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale
$
9,149

 
$
11,379


There was no Installation Services revenue or income for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 or 2016.

NOTE 15 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Other income (expense) included $(437) and ($132), respectively, of net currency exchange gains (losses) in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $(5) and $87, respectively, of net investment income (loss).


NOTE 16 – WARRANTY LIABILITY
 
Telephonics offers warranties against product defects for periods generally ranging from one to two years, depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. CBP also offers warranties against product defects for periods generally ranging from one to ten years, with limited lifetime warranties on certain door models. Typical warranties require CBP, ClosetMaid and Telephonics to repair or replace the defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time revenue is recognized, Griffon records a liability for warranty costs, estimated based on historical experience, and periodically assesses its warranty obligations and adjusts the liability as necessary. AMES offers an express limited warranty for a period of ninety days on all products from the date of original purchase unless otherwise stated on the product or packaging.

Changes in Griffon’s warranty liability, included in Accrued liabilities, were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Balance, beginning of period
$
6,236

 
$
6,322

Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties
1,475

 
1,294

Actual warranty costs incurred
(2,492
)
 
(1,601
)
Other warranty liabilities assumed from acquisitions
$
836

 
$

Balance, end of period
$
6,055

 
$
6,015



23


NOTE 17 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of tax
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(1,289
)
 
$

 
$
(1,289
)
 
$
(13,479
)
 
$

 
$
(13,479
)
Pension and other defined benefit plans
14,244

 
(4,685
)
 
9,559

 
836

 
(292
)
 
544

Cash flow hedges
130

 
(42
)
 
88

 
2,272

 
(649
)
 
1,623

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
13,085

 
$
(4,727
)
 
$
8,358

 
$
(10,371
)
 
$
(941
)
 
$
(11,312
)

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
 
December 31, 2017
 
September 30, 2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(33,517
)
 
$
(32,227
)
Pension and other defined benefit plans
(18,580
)
 
(28,140
)
Change in Cash flow hedges
(26
)
 
(114
)
 
$
(52,123
)
 
$
(60,481
)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income were as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Gain (Loss)
2017
 
2016
 
Pension amortization
$
(529
)
 
$
(836
)
 
Cash flow hedges
(7
)
 
(649
)
 
Total gain (loss)
(536
)
 
(1,485
)
 
Tax benefit (expense)
161

 
97

 
Total
$
(375
)
 
$
(1,388
)
 

NOTE 18 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Legal and environmental

Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State (“DEC”), with ISC Properties, Inc. Lightron Corporation (“Lightron”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon, once conducted operations at a location in Peekskill in the Town of Cortlandt, New York (the “Peekskill Site”) owned by ISC Properties, Inc. (“ISC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon. ISC sold the Peekskill Site in November 1982.

Subsequently, ISC was advised by the DEC that random sampling at the Peekskill Site and in a creek near the Peekskill Site indicated concentrations of solvents and other chemicals common to Lightron’s prior plating operations. ISC then entered into a consent order with the DEC in 1996 (the “Consent Order”) to perform a remedial investigation and prepare a feasibility study. After completing the initial remedial investigation pursuant to the Consent Order, ISC was required by the DEC, and did accordingly conduct over the next several years, supplemental remedial investigations, including soil vapor investigations, under the Consent Order.

In April 2009, the DEC advised ISC’s representatives that both the DEC and the New York State Department of Health had reviewed and accepted an August 2007 Remedial Investigation Report and an Additional Data Collection Summary Report dated January 30, 2009. With the acceptance of these reports, ISC completed the remedial investigation required under the Consent Order and was authorized, accordingly, by the DEC to conduct the Feasibility Study required by the Consent Order. Pursuant to the requirements of the Consent Order and its obligations thereunder, ISC, without acknowledging any responsibility to perform any

24


remediation at the Site, submitted to the DEC in August 2009, a draft feasibility study which recommended for the soil, groundwater and sediment media, remediation alternatives having a current net capital cost value, in the aggregate, of approximately $5,000.  In February 2011, DEC advised ISC it has accepted and approved the feasibility study. Accordingly, ISC has no further obligations under the consent order.
 
Upon acceptance of the feasibility study, DEC issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (“PRAP”) that sets forth the proposed remedy for the site. The PRAP accepted the recommendation contained in the feasibility study for remediation of the soil and groundwater media, but selected a different remediation alternative for the sediment medium. The approximate cost and the current net capital cost value of the remedy proposed by DEC in the PRAP is $10,000. After receiving public comments on the PRAP, the DEC issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) that set forth the specific remedies selected and responded to public comments. The remedies selected by the DEC in the ROD are the same remedies as those set forth in the PRAP.
 
It is now expected that DEC will enter into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to request they undertake performance of the remedies selected in the ROD, and if such parties do not agree to implement such remedies, then the State of New York may use State Superfund money to remediate the Peekskill site and seek recovery of costs from such parties. Griffon does not acknowledge any responsibility to perform any remediation at the Peekskill Site.

Improper Advertisement Claim involving Union Tools® Products. Beginning in December 2004, a customer of AMES had been named in various litigation matters relating to certain Union Tools products. The plaintiffs in those litigation matters asserted causes of action against the customer of AMES for improper advertisement to end consumers. The allegations suggested that advertisements led the consumers to believe that Union Tools’ hand tools were wholly manufactured within boundaries of the United States. The complaints asserted various causes of action against the customer of AMES under federal and state law, including common law fraud. At some point, the customer may seek indemnity (including recovery of its legal fees and costs) against AMES for an unspecified amount. Presently, AMES cannot estimate the amount of loss, if any, if the customer were to seek legal recourse against AMES.

Union Fork and Hoe, Frankfort, NY site. The former Union Fork and Hoe property in Frankfort, NY was acquired by Ames in 2006 as part of a larger acquisition, and has historic site contamination involving chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons and metals. AMES has entered into an Order on Consent with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. While the Order is without admission or finding of liability or acknowledgment that there has been a release of hazardous substances at the site, AMES is required to perform a remedial investigation of certain portions of the property and to recommend a remediation option. At the conclusion of the remediation phase to the satisfaction of the DEC, the DEC will issue a Certificate of Completion. AMES has performed significant investigative and remedial activities in the last few years under work plans approved by the DEC, and the DEC has approved the final remedial investigation report. AMES submitted a Feasibility Study, evaluating a number of remedial options, and recommending excavation and offsite disposal of lead contaminated soils, capping of other areas of the site impacted by other metals and performing limited groundwater monitoring. The Company is now awaiting a DEC decision on the Feasibility Study and the issuance of a Record of Decision. Implementation of the selected remedial alternative is expected to occur following regulatory approval. AMES has a number of defenses to liability in this matter, including its rights under a previous Consent Judgment entered into between the DEC and a predecessor of AMES relating to the site.

US Government investigations and claims

In general, departments and agencies of the US Government have the authority to investigate various transactions and operations of Griffon, and the results of such investigations may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which could be fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages. US Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future US Government contracts or the loss of export privileges for a company or an operating division or subdivision. Suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on Telephonics because of its reliance on government contracts.

25



General legal

Griffon is subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and is a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes, based on facts presently known to it, that the resolution of the matters above and such other matters will not have a material adverse effect on Griffon’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


NOTE 19 — CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
Griffon’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the domestic assets of Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC"), Telephonics Corporation, The AMES Companies, Inc., ATT Southern, Inc., Clopay Ames True Temper Holding Corp., and ClosetMaid, LLC, all of which are indirectly 100% owned by Griffon. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, presented below are condensed consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations or financial position of the guarantor companies or non-guarantor companies had they operated as independent entities. The guarantor companies and the non-guarantor companies include the consolidated financial results of their wholly-owned subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.

The indenture relating to the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) contains terms providing that, under certain limited circumstances, a guarantor will be released from its obligations to guarantee the Senior Notes.  These circumstances include (i) a sale of at least a majority of the stock, or all or substantially all the assets, of the subsidiary guarantor as permitted by the Indenture; (ii) a public equity offering of a subsidiary guarantor that qualifies as a “Minority Business” as defined in the Indenture (generally, a business the EBITDA of which constitutes less than 50% of the segment adjusted EBITDA of the Company for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters), and that meets certain other specified conditions as set forth in the Indenture; (iii) the designation of a guarantor as an “unrestricted subsidiary” as defined in the Indenture, in compliance with the terms of the Indenture; (iv) Griffon exercising its right to defease the Senior Notes, or to otherwise discharge its obligations under the Indenture, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and (v) upon obtaining the requisite consent of the holders of the Senior Notes. Accordingly, at the time of closing of the sale of PPC, the guarantee given by PPC relating to the Senior Notes will be released.


26


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2017
 
 
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and equivalents
$
5,931

 
$
31,437

 
$
47,052

 
$

 
$
84,420

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

 
174,330

 
60,864

 
(23,171
)
 
212,023

Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments

 
119,529

 
671

 

 
120,200

Inventories, net

 
307,201

 
52,573

 
70

 
359,844

Prepaid and other current assets
34,622

 
20,748

 
3,499

 
5,968

 
64,837

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 
176,788

 
200,487

 

 
377,275

Assets of discontinued operations not held for sale

 

 
328

 

 
328

Total Current Assets
40,553

 
830,033

 
365,474

 
(17,133
)
 
1,218,927

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
715

 
248,481

 
31,529

 

 
280,725

GOODWILL

 
346,898

 
38,178

 

 
385,076

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
93

 
216,478

 
60,589

 

 
277,160

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE
587,623

 
772,461

 
391,237

 
(1,751,321
)
 

EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
1,066,860

 
883,171

 
1,817,051

 
(3,767,082
)
 

OTHER ASSETS
6,070

 
12,402

 
(1,323
)
 
(1,474
)
 
15,675

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE

 

 
2,952

 

 
2,952

Total Assets
$
1,701,914

 
$
3,309,924

 
$
2,705,687

 
$
(5,537,010
)
 
$
2,180,515

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
2,854

 
$
3,249

 
$
6,490

 
$

 
$
12,593

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
37,122

 
229,702

 
56,099

 
(7,627
)
 
315,296

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

 
42,635

 
43,102

 

 
85,737

Liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale

 

 
3,924

 

 
3,924

Total Current Liabilities
39,976

 
275,586

 
109,615

 
(7,627
)
 
417,550

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT, net
1,177,811

 
8,610

 
51,972

 

 
1,238,393

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES
63,607

 
1,324,279

 
334,212

 
(1,722,098
)
 

OTHER LIABILITIES
(14,293
)
 
76,997

 
4,919

 
16,911

 
84,534

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE

 

 
5,225

 

 
5,225

Total Liabilities
1,267,101

 
1,685,472

 
505,943

 
(1,712,814
)
 
1,745,702

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
434,813

 
1,624,452

 
2,199,744

 
(3,824,196
)
 
434,813

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,701,914

 
$
3,309,924

 
$
2,705,687

 
$
(5,537,010
)
 
$
2,180,515



27


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
At September 30, 2017

 
Parent
Company
 
Guarantor
Companies
 
Non-Guarantor
Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and equivalents
$
3,240

 
$
8,066

 
$
36,375

 
$

 
$
47,681

Accounts receivable, net of allowances

 
168,731

 
59,929

 
(20,431
)
 
208,229

Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments

 
131,383

 
279

 

 
131,662

Inventories, net

 
246,605

 
52,759

 
73

 
299,437

Prepaid and other current assets
21,131

 
15,854

 
3,002

 
80

 
40,067

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

 
168,306

 
202,418

 

 
370,724

Assets of discontinued operations not held for sale

 

 
329

 

 
329

Total Current Assets
24,371

 
738,945

 
355,091

 
(20,278
)
 
1,098,129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
645

 
200,362

 
31,128

 

 
232,135

GOODWILL

 
280,797

 
38,342

 

 
319,139

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
93

 
143,415

 
61,619

 

 
205,127

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE
552,017

 
757,608

 
915,551

 
(2,225,176
)
 

EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
863,149

 
877,641

 
1,613,891

 
(3,354,681
)
 

OTHER ASSETS
12,171

 
12,054

 
(1,002
)
 
(7,172
)
 
16,051

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE

 

 
2,960

 

 
2,960

Total Assets
$
1,452,446

 
$
3,010,822

 
$
3,017,580

 
$
(5,607,307
)
 
$
1,873,541

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
2,854

 
$
1,471

 
$
6,753

 
$

 
$
11,078

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
14,683

 
199,784

 
46,111

 
6,631

 
267,209

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

 
47,426

 
37,024

 

 
84,450

Liabilities of discontinued operations not held for sale

 

 
8,342

 

 
8,342

Total Current Liabilities
17,537

 
248,681

 
98,230

 
6,631

 
371,079

LONG-TERM DEBT, net
903,609

 
6,044

 
58,427

 

 
968,080

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES
84,068

 
1,259,413

 
854,518

 
(2,197,999
)
 

OTHER LIABILITIES
48,424

 
76,036

 
14,135

 
(6,058
)
 
132,537

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS NOT HELD FOR SALE

 

 
3,037

 

 
3,037

Total Liabilities
1,053,638

 
1,590,174

 
1,028,347

 
(2,197,426
)
 
1,474,733

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
398,808

 
1,420,648

 
1,989,233

 
(3,409,881
)
 
398,808

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,452,446

 
$
3,010,822

 
$
3,017,580

 
$
(5,607,307
)
 
$
1,873,541



28


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
 
($ in thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
Revenue
$

 
$
351,312

 
$
92,519

 
$
(6,528
)
 
$
437,303

Cost of goods and services

 
262,575

 
60,779

 
(6,895
)
 
316,459

Gross profit

 
88,737

 
31,740

 
367

 
120,844

Selling, general and administrative expenses
11,337

 
74,513

 
20,049

 
(92
)
 
105,807

Income (loss) from operations
(11,337
)
 
14,224

 
11,691

 
459

 
15,037

Other income (expense)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income (expense), net
(6,774
)
 
(6,202
)
 
(3,666
)
 

 
(16,642
)
Other, net
(5
)
 
323

 
(324
)
 
(462
)
 
(468
)
Total other income (expense)
(6,779
)
 
(5,879
)
 
(3,990
)
 
(462
)
 
(17,110
)
Income (loss) before taxes
(18,116
)
 
8,345

 
7,701

 
(3
)
 
(2,073
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(29,692
)
 
2,734

 
2,057

 
(3
)
 
(24,904
)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
11,576

 
5,611

 
5,644

 

 
22,831

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
19,413

 
(652
)
 
5,611

 
(24,372
)
 

Income from continuing operations
$
30,989

 
$
4,959

 
$
11,255

 
$
(24,372
)
 
$
22,831

Income from operations of discontinued businesses

 
6,420

 
5,046

 

 
11,466

Provision from income taxes

 
2,060

 
1,248

 

 
3,308

Income from discontinued operations

 
4,360

 
3,798

 

 
8,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (loss)
$
30,989

 
$
9,319

 
$
15,053

 
$
(24,372
)
 
$
30,989

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
39,347

 
$
22,769

 
$
47,447

 
$
(70,216
)
 
$
39,347



29


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2016

($ in thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
Revenue
$

 
$
291,336

 
$
68,551

 
$
(7,610
)
 
$
352,277

Cost of goods and services

 
218,839

 
44,554

 
(7,860
)
 
255,533

Gross profit

 
72,497

 
23,997

 
250

 
96,744

Selling, general and administrative expenses
6,644

 
54,991

 
17,341

 
(92
)
 
78,884

Income (loss) from operations
(6,644
)
 
17,506

 
6,656

 
342

 
17,860

Other income (expense)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income (expense), net
(4,027
)
 
(5,954
)
 
(3,308
)
 

 
(13,289
)
Other, net
(28
)
 
402

 
(172
)
 
(342
)
 
(140
)
Total other income (expense)
(4,055
)
 
(5,552
)
 
(3,480
)
 
(342
)
 
(13,429
)
Income (loss) before taxes
(10,699
)
 
11,954

 
3,176

 

 
4,431

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(9,029
)
 
5,864

 
552

 

 
(2,613
)
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
(1,670
)
 
6,090

 
2,624

 

 
7,044

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
13,934

 
(3,983
)
 
6,090

 
(16,041
)
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations
12,264

 
2,107

 
8,714

 
(16,041
)
 
7,044

Income from operation of discontinued businesses

 
3,491

 
5,054

 

 
8,545

Provision (benefit) from income taxes

 
1,804

 
1,521

 

 
3,325

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

 
1,687

 
3,533

 

 
5,220

Net Income (loss)
$
12,264

 
$
3,794

 
$
12,247

 
$
(16,041
)
 
$
12,264

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
952

 
$
(2,849
)
 
$
18,890

 
$
(16,041
)
 
$
952



30


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

 
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
$
30,989

 
$
9,319

 
$
15,053

 
$
(24,372
)
 
$
30,989

Net (income) loss from discontinued operations

 
(4,360
)
 
(3,798
)
 

 
(8,158
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(68,932
)
 
48,147

 
15,131

 

 
(5,654
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(121
)
 
(7,984
)
 
(2,680
)
 

 
(10,785
)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
(194,001
)
 
(4,682
)
 

 

 
(198,683
)
Proceeds from sale of assets

 
7

 
432

 

 
439

Net cash provided by investing activities
(194,122
)
 
(12,659
)
 
(2,248
)
 

 
(209,029
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of shares for treasury
(4,332
)
 

 

 

 
(4,332
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
326,094

 
976

 
(976
)
 

 
326,094

Payments of long-term debt
(45,719
)
 
(1,776
)
 
(5,478
)
 

 
(52,973
)
Change in short-term borrowings

 
35

 

 

 
35

Share premium payment on settled debt

 

 

 

 

Financing costs
(7,392
)
 

 

 

 
(7,392
)
Purchase of ESOP shares

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid
(2,990
)
 

 

 

 
(2,990
)
Other, net
84

 
(10,524
)
 
10,524

 

 
84

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
265,745

 
(11,289
)
 
4,070

 

 
258,526

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash used in discontinued operations

 
(827
)
 
(5,592
)
 

 
(6,419
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 
(1
)
 
(684
)
 

 
(685
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
2,691

 
23,371

 
10,677

 

 
36,739

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
3,240

 
8,066

 
36,375

 

 
47,681

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
5,931

 
$
31,437

 
$
47,052

 
$

 
$
84,420



31


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
$
12,264

 
$
3,794

 
$
12,247

 
$
(16,041
)
 
$
12,264

Net (income) loss from discontinued operations

 
(1,687
)
 
(3,533
)
 

 
(5,220
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(8,907
)
 
(334
)
 
9,523

 

 
282

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(3
)
 
(6,919
)
 
(768
)
 

 
(7,690
)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 
(6,051
)
 

 
(6,051
)
Proceeds from sale of assets

 
86

 

 

 
86

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(3
)
 
(6,833
)
 
(6,819
)
 

 
(13,655
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of shares for treasury
(15,073
)
 

 

 

 
(15,073
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
32,213

 

 
6,843

 

 
39,056

Payments of long-term debt
(788
)
 
(329
)
 
(6,178
)
 

 
(7,295
)
Financing costs
(172
)
 

 

 

 
(172
)
Purchase of ESOP shares
(9,213
)
 

 

 

 
(9,213
)
Dividends paid
(2,499
)
 

 

 

 
(2,499
)
Other, net
(349
)
 
(243
)
 
243

 

 
(349
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
4,119

 
(572
)
 
908

 

 
4,455

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash used in discontinued operations

 
(6,204
)
 
(3,945
)
 

 
(10,149
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents

 

 
(1,217
)
 

 
(1,217
)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
(4,791
)
 
(13,943
)
 
(1,550
)
 

 
(20,284
)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
6,517

 
27,692

 
38,344

 

 
72,553

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
1,726

 
$
13,749

 
$
36,794

 
$

 
$
52,269



32

Table of Contents

(Unless otherwise indicated, US dollars and non US currencies are in thousands, except per share data)

Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
 
Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Griffon oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. Griffon provides direction and assistance to its subsidiaries in connection with acquisition and growth opportunities as well as in connection with divestitures. In order to further diversify, Griffon also seeks out, evaluates and, when appropriate, will acquire additional businesses that offer potentially attractive returns on capital.

Headquartered in New York, N.Y., the Company was founded in 1959 and is incorporated in Delaware. Griffon is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol GFF.

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced it would explore strategic alternatives for Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC") and on November 16, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY) ("Berry") for $475 million in cash. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2018. As a result, Griffon classified the results of operations of the PPC business as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented and classified the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets. All results and information presented exclude PPC unless otherwise noted. PPC is a global leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films for hygienic, health-care and industrial products and sells to some of the world's largest consumer products companies. See Note 14, Discontinued Operations.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon acquired ClosetMaid LLC ("ClosetMaid"). ClosetMaid, founded in 1965, is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products, and sells to some of the largest home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to-builder professional installers in North America. The accounts, affected for preliminary adjustments to reflect fair market values assigned to assets purchased and liabilities assumed, and results of operations of ClosetMaid are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition of October 2, 2017. See Note 3, Acquisitions.

Griffon currently conducts its operations through two reportable segments:
 
Home & Building Products (“HBP”) consists of three companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”), Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”) and ClosetMaid:

-
AMES, founded in 1774, is the leading US manufacturer and a global provider of long-handled tools and landscaping products for homeowners and professionals.

-
CBP, since 1964, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial garage doors and sells to professional dealers and some of the largest home center retail chains in North America.

-
ClosetMaid, founded in 1965, is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of closet organization, home storage, and garage storage products, and sells to some of the largest home center retail chains, mass merchandisers, and direct-to-builder professional installers.

Telephonics Corporation ("Telephonics"), founded in 1933, is recognized globally as a leading provider of highly sophisticated intelligence, surveillance and communications solutions for defense, aerospace and commercial customers.

We are focused on acquiring, owning and operating businesses in a variety of industries. We are long-term investors that have substantial experience in a variety of industries. Our intent is to continue the growth of our existing segments and diversify further through investments and acquisitions.

As a result of the decline in the U.S. housing market, in May 2008, we announced the divestiture of our Installation Services business, which was consummated by September 2008. In September 2008, Griffon strengthened its balance sheet by raising $248,600 in equity through a common stock rights offering and a related investment by GS Direct L.L.C., an affiliate of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Since that time, Griffon has continued to refine and enhance the strategic direction and operating

33

Table of Contents

performance of its companies, while strengthening its balance sheet. During this period, Griffon has grown revenue and earnings through organic growth, cost containment and acquisitions, while returning capital to its shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks.

From October 2008 through May 10, 2017, Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") purchased 4,562,371 shares of Griffon's common stock, for a total of $54,186 or $11.88 per share. During the year ended September 30, 2017, Griffon's ESOP purchased 621,875 shares of common stock for a total of $10,908 or $17.54 per share. As of December 31, 2017, the ESOP holds 5,784,229 allocated and unallocated shares, or 12% of Griffon's outstanding shares, with a related loan balance of $41,827, net of issuance costs.

On September 30, 2010, Griffon purchased AMES for $542,000. Subsequently, Griffon acquired seven businesses complementary to AMES: the pots and planters business of Southern Sales & Marketing ("Southern Patio"), Northcote Pottery ("Northcote"), the Australian Garden and Tools division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. ("Cyclone"), Hills Home Living ("Hills"), La Hacienda Limited ("La Hacienda"), Tuscan Landscape Group Ltd ("Tuscan Path") and Harper Brush Works (“Harper”).

On October 17, 2011, AMES acquired Southern Patio for approximately $23,000. Southern Patio, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of landscape accessories.

In January 2013, AMES announced its intention to close certain U.S. manufacturing facilities and consolidate affected operations primarily into its Camp Hill and Carlisle, PA locations. These actions, which were completed at the end of the first quarter of 2015, improved manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, allowed for in-sourcing of certain production previously performed by third party suppliers, and improved material flow and absorption of fixed costs. Savings began in the second quarter of 2015 and have exceeded $10,000 on an annual basis.

On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote, founded in 1897 and a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000.
 
On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired Cyclone for approximately $40,000. Cyclone offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. The Northcote and Cyclone acquisitions complement Southern Patio and add to AMES' existing lawn and garden operations in Australia.

On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills for approximately $6,051 (AUD 8,400). Hills, founded in 1946, is a market leader in the supply of clothesline, laundry and garden products. The Hills acquisition adds to AMES' existing broad category of products and enhances its lawn and garden product offerings in Australia.

On July 31, 2017 AMES acquired La Hacienda, a leading United Kingdom outdoor living brand of unique heating and garden decor products, for approximately $11,400 (GBP 9,175). The acquisition of La Hacienda broadens AMES' global outdoor living and lawn and garden business and supports AMES' UK expansion strategy. La Hacienda is expected to generate approximately GBP 14,000 of revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.
On September 29, 2017, AMES Australia acquired Tuscan Path for approximately $18,000 (AUD 22,250). Tuscan Path is a leading Australian provider of pots, planters, pavers, decorative stone, and garden decor products. The acquisition of Tuscan Path broadens AMES' outdoor living and lawn and garden business, and will strengthen AMES' industry leading position in Australia. Tuscan Path is expected to generate approximately AUD 25,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.

On November 6, 2017, AMES acquired Harper, a division of Horizon Global, for approximately $5,000. Harper is a leading U.S. manufacturer of cleaning products for professional, home, and industrial use. The acquisition will broaden AMES’ long-handled tool offering in North America to include brooms, brushes, and other cleaning tools and accessories. The acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $10,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.

From August 2011 through December 31, 2017, Griffon repurchased 20,429,298 shares of its common stock, for a total of $261,621 or $12.81 per share. This included the repurchase of 15,984,854 shares on the open market, as well as the December 10, 2013 repurchase of 4,444,444 shares from GS Direct for $50,000, or $11.25 per share. In each of August 2011, May 2014, March 2015, July 2015 and August 2016, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under these programs, the Company may purchase shares in the open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or in privately negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2017, $49,437 remains under the August 3, 2016 Board authorization.



34

Table of Contents

On November 17, 2011, the Company began declaring quarterly dividends. For the three months ended December 31, 2017, and during 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company declared and paid dividends per share of $0.07, $0.24, $0.20 and $0.16, respectively, for total dividends of $29,767 paid during this period.

On January 30, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on March 22, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2018 .

As of December 31, 2017, Griffon had outstanding $1,000,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 ("Senior Notes"), which were issued in three tranches and under the same indenture.  During 2014, Griffon issued $600,000 of Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were primarily used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018.  In May 2016, the Company completed an add-on offering of $125,000 principal amount of Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were used to pay down outstanding revolving loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement.  On October 2, 2017, Griffon completed an add-on offering of $275,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were used to purchase ClosetMaid and to pay down outstanding revolving loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement).

On October 15, 2015, CBP announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Troy, Ohio. The expansion reflects increased customer demand for its core products, and its success in bringing new technologies to market. The project included improvements to its existing one million square foot building, as well as adding 250,000 square feet and new manufacturing equipment. The project is complete.

In January 2016, Griffon launched its new website, www.griffon.com.

On March 22, 2016, Griffon amended its Credit Agreement to increase the credit facility from $250,000 to $350,000, extend its maturity date from March 13, 2020 to March 22, 2021 and modify certain other provisions of the facility.

On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled its $100,000 principal amount of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 for $173,855, with $125,000 in cash and $48,858, or 1,954,993 shares of common stock issued from treasury.

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced that after having received from qualified parties unsolicited inquiries to acquire PPC, Griffon would explore strategic alternatives for PPC, and on November 16, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry for $475 million in cash. Griffon expects to close on the transaction in the first calendar quarter of 2018.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon completed the acquisition of ClosetMaid, a market leader of home storage and organization products, for approximately $185,700, inclusive of post-closing adjustments, or $165,000 net of the estimated present value of tax benefits under the current tax law. ClosetMaid adds to Griffon's Home and Building Products segment, complementing and diversifying Griffon's portfolio of leading consumer brands and products. ClosetMaid is expected to generate approximately $300,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.



35

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW
 
Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $437,303 compared to $352,277 in the prior year quarter, an increase of 24%, primarily driven by increased revenue at Home & Building Products from both recent acquisitions and organic growth, partially offset by decreased revenue at Telephonics. Income from continuing operations was $22,831 or $0.53 per share, compared to $7,044 or $0.17 per share, in the prior year quarter. The current quarter results from continuing operations included the following:

Acquisition costs of $3,185 ($2,348, net of tax, or $0.05 per share);
Cost of life insurance benefit of $2,614 ($248, net tax, or $0.01); and
Discrete and certain other tax benefits, net, of $(23,018) or $(0.53) per share.

The prior year quarter included net tax benefits of $4,421 or $0.10 per share, primarily related to discrete benefits for the adoption of recent Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance, which requires the Company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense.

Excluding these items from the respective quarterly results, Income from continuing operations would have been $2,409 or $0.06 per share in the current quarter compared to $2,623 or $0.06 per share in the prior year quarter.

Griffon evaluates performance based on Income from Continuing operations and the related Earnings per share excluding restructuring charges, loss on debt extinguishment, acquisition related expenses and discrete and certain other tax items, as well as other items that may affect comparability, as applicable. Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason. The following table provides a reconciliation of Income from continuing operations to Adjusted income from continuing operations and Earnings per share from continuing operations to Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations:

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
TO ADJUSTED INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(Unaudited) 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2017

2016
Income from continuing operations
$
22,831


$
7,044







Adjusting items, net of tax:
 


 

Acquisition costs
2,348



Cost of life insurance benefit
248



Discrete and certain other tax benefits
(23,018
)

(4,421
)






Adjusted income from continuing operations
$
2,409


$
2,623







Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations
$
0.53


$
0.17







Adjusting items, net of tax:
 


 

Acquisition costs
0.05



Cost of life insurance benefit
0.01



Discrete and certain other tax benefits
(0.53
)

(0.10
)






Adjusted earnings per common share from continuing operations
$
0.06


$
0.06







Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
43,336


42,312

 
Note: Due to rounding, the sum of earnings per common share and adjusting items, net of tax, may not equal adjusted earnings per common share.

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RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
 
Three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
Griffon evaluates performance and allocates resources based on each segment's operating results before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and unallocated amounts (mainly corporate overhead), restructuring charges, loss on debt extinguishment and acquisition related expenses, and as well as other items that may affect comparability, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason. The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment operating profit from continuing operations to Income before taxes from continuing operations:

 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Segment operating profit:

 

 
Home & Building Products
 
$
27,751

 
$
22,640

Telephonics
 
1,480

 
5,391

Segment operating profit from continuing operations
 
29,231

 
28,031

Net interest expense
 
(16,642
)
 
(13,289
)
Unallocated amounts
 
(10,436
)
 
(10,311
)
Acquisition costs
 
(1,612
)
 

Cost of life insurance benefit
 
(2,614
)
 

Income before taxes from continuing operations
 
$
(2,073
)
 
$
4,431

 
The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations:
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
 
 

 
 

Home & Building Products
 
$
39,457

 
$
31,807

Telephonics
 
4,199

 
8,108

Total Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
43,656

 
39,915

Net interest expense
 
(16,642
)
 
(13,289
)
Segment depreciation and amortization
 
(12,852
)
 
(11,884
)
Unallocated amounts
 
(10,436
)
 
(10,311
)
Acquisition costs
 
(3,185
)
 

Cost of life insurance benefit
 
(2,614
)
 

Income (loss) before taxes from continuing operations
 
$
(2,073
)
 
$
4,431




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Home & Building Products
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AMES
 
$
139,982

 
 

 
$
120,724

 
 

CBP
 
154,236

 
 

 
143,460

 
 

ClosetMaid
 
76,760

 
 
 

 
 
Home & Building Products
 
$
370,978

 
 

 
$
264,184

 
 

Segment operating profit
 
$
27,751

 
7.5
%
 
$
22,640

 
8.6
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
10,133

 
 

 
9,167

 
 

Acquisition costs
 
1,573

 
 

 

 
 

Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
$
39,457

 
10.6
%
 
$
31,807

 
12.0
%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, revenue increased $106,794 or 40%, compared to the prior year quarter due to the acquisition of ClosetMaid and AMES' acquisitions of Tuscan Path, La Hacienda, Hills and Harper, as well as, favorable mix and price increases at CBP, and increased shipments of Canadian snow tools and certain pots and planters sales.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Segment operating profit of $27,751 increased 23% from $22,640 in the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of acquisition related costs, Segment operating profit would have been $29,324, increasing 30% from the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the increased revenue as noted above. Segment depreciation and amortization increased $966 from the prior year quarter primarily from acquisitions.

On October 2, 2017, Griffon completed the acquisition of ClosetMaid, a market leader of home storage and organization products, for $185,700, inclusive of post-closing adjustments, or $165,000 net of the estimated present value of tax benefits under the current tax law. ClosetMaid adds to Griffon's Home and Building Products segment, complementing and diversifying Griffon's portfolio of leading consumer brands and products. ClosetMaid is expected to generate approximately $300,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.

On November 6, 2017, AMES acquired Harper Brush Works (“Harper”), a division of Horizon Global, for approximately $5,000. Harper is a leading U.S. manufacturer of cleaning products for professional, home, and industrial use. The acquisition will broaden AMES’ long-handled tool offering in North America to include brooms, brushes, and other cleaning tools and accessories. The acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $10,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.

Prior year acquisitions

On September 29, 2017, AMES Australia acquired Tuscan Path for approximately $18,000 (AUD 22,250). Tuscan Path is a leading Australian provider of pots, planters, pavers, decorative stone, and garden decor products. The acquisition of Tuscan Path broadens AMES' outdoor living and lawn and garden business, and will strengthen AMES' industry leading position in Australia. Tuscan Path is expected to generate approximately AUD 25,000 in revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.

On July 31, 2017 AMES acquired La Hacienda, a leading United Kingdom outdoor living brand of unique heating and garden decor products, for approximately $11,400 (GBP 9,175). The acquisition of La Hacienda broadens AMES' global outdoor living and lawn and garden business and supports AMES' UK expansion strategy. La Hacienda is expected to generate approximately GBP 14,000 of revenue in the first twelve months after the acquisition.
On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills for approximately $6,051 (AUD 8,400). Hills, founded in 1946, is a market leader in the supply of clothesline, laundry and garden products. The Hills acquisition adds to AMES' existing broad category of products and enhances its lawn and garden product offerings in Australia.

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Table of Contents

Telephonics 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
 
$
66,325

 
 

 
$
88,093

 
 
Segment operating profit
 
$
1,480

 
2.2
%
 
$
5,391

 
6.1%
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,719

 
 

 
2,717

 
 
Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
$
4,199

 
6.3
%
 
$
8,108

 
9.2%
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, revenue decreased $21,768 or 25% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to decreased maritime surveillance radar and airborne intercommunications systems revenue.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Segment operating profit decreased $3,911 or 73% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily driven by reduced margin on decreased revenue noted above.

During the three months ended December 31, 2017, Telephonics was awarded several new contracts and received incremental funding on existing contracts approximating $47,500. Contract backlog was $332,000 at December 31, 2017, with 70% expected to be fulfilled in the next 12 months. Backlog was $350,900 at September 30, 2017. Backlog is defined as unfilled firm orders for products and services for which funding has been both authorized and appropriated by the customer or Congress, in the case of US government agencies. The decrease in backlog was primarily due to the timing of various US and international contract awards associated with radar and surveillance opportunities.

Unallocated
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, unallocated amounts totaled $10,436 compared to $10,311 in the prior year. The increase in the current quarter compared to the respective prior year period primarily relates to compensation and incentive expenses.

Segment Depreciation and Amortization
 
Segment depreciation and amortization increased $968 for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to depreciation and amortization on acquired assets acquired in acquisitions.

Other Income (Expense)

For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Other income (expense) included $(437) and ($132), respectively, of net currency exchange losses in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $(5) and $87, respectively, of net investment income (loss).

Provision for income taxes
 
On December 22, 2017, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” ("TCJA") was signed into law, significantly impacting several sections of the Internal Revenue Code. ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment even though the effective date for most provisions is for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, or in the case of certain other provisions, January 1, 2018. Though certain key aspects of the TCJA are effective January 1, 2018 and have an immediate accounting effect, other significant provisions are not effective or may not result in accounting effects for September 30 fiscal year companies until October 1, 2018.
Given the significance of the TCJA, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a one year “measurement period”. During the measurement period, impacts of the law are expected to be recorded at the time a reasonable estimate for all or a portion of the effects can be made, and provisional amounts can be recognized and adjusted as information becomes available, prepared or analyzed.
Among the significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the TCJA lowers the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate (“Federal Tax Rate”) from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company will compute its income tax expense for the September 30, 2018 fiscal year using a blended Federal Tax Rate of 24.5%. The 21% Federal Tax Rate will apply to fiscal years ending September 30, 2019 and each year thereafter.

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The Company has recorded provisional amounts for the effects of the TCJA where accounting is not complete but a reasonable estimate has been determined. The company recorded a $23,941 benefit on the revaluation of deferred tax liabilities as a provisional amount for the re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as an amount for deductible executive compensation expense, both of which have been reflected in the tax benefit for the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

A reasonable estimate cannot yet be made and therefore taxes are reflected based on the law in effect prior to the enactment of the TCJA for the impact of the one-time mandatory repatriation transition tax on the net accumulated earnings and profits of a U.S. taxpayer’s foreign subsidiaries, bonus depreciation expensing for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017 and the impact on state income taxes.

The provisional amounts incorporate assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the TCJA and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance.

In accordance with SAB 118 adjustments recorded to the provisional amounts will be reflected within the measurement period through the quarter ended December 31, 2018 and will be included in income from continuing operations and net income as an adjustment to tax expense.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized a tax benefit of $24,904 on a Loss before taxes from continuing operations of $2,073, compared to a tax benefit of $2,613 on Income before taxes from continuing operations of $4,431 in the comparable prior year quarter. 

The quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 tax rates included net tax benefits that affect comparability of $23,018 and $4,421, respectively. The current year quarter ended December 31, 2017 included discrete tax benefits from the December 22, 2017 tax reform bill primarily from approximately $23,941 related to revaluation of deferred tax liabilities. The prior year quarter ended December 31, 2016 included discrete benefits from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance which requires the Company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense. Excluding these tax items, the effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 35.4% and 40.8%, respectively.

Stock based compensation
 
For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,555 and $2,452, respectively.
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, total other comprehensive income, net of taxes, of $8,358, included a $1,289 loss from foreign currency translation adjustments primarily due to the weakening of the Australian and Canadian currencies, offset by the strengthening of the Euro currency, all in comparison to the US Dollar, a $9,559 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses and a $88 gain on cash flow hedges.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, of $11,312, included a $13,479 loss from foreign currency translation adjustments primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Canadian and Australian currencies, all in comparison to the US Dollar, a $544 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses and a $1,623 gain on cash flow hedges.

Discontinued operations

Plastic Products Company

On September 5, 2017, Griffon announced it would explore strategic alternatives for Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC") and on November 16, 2017, announced it entered into a definitive agreement to sell PPC to Berry for $475 million in cash. As a result, the following PPC results have been classified PPC as a discontinued operation.


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Table of Contents

 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
 
$
120,430

 
 

 
$
114,823

 
 

Segment operating profit
 
$
12,448

 
10.3
%
 
$
8,031

 
7.0
%
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 

 
6,406

 
 

Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
$
12,448

 
10.3
%
 
$
14,437

 
12.6
%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, revenue increased $5,607 or 5% compared to the prior year quarter driven by increased volume in North America, favorable product mix in Europe and favorable resin pricing of $1,500, or 1%, partially offset by reduced volume in Europe and unfavorable mix in North America. PPC adjusts selling prices based on underlying resin costs on a delayed basis.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Segment operating profit increased $4,417 or 55% compared to the prior year quarter. Depreciation and amortization was excluded from the current year results since PPC is classified as a discontinued operations and accordingly, the Company ceased depreciation and amortization in accordance with discontinued operations accounting guidelines. Depreciation and amortization would have been approximately $7,400 in the quarter ended December 31, 2017. Including depreciation and amortization in the current year results, Segment operating profit would have been approximately $5,048, a decrease of $2,983 or 37%, driven by unfavorable product mix. Resin pricing did not have a material impact on EBITDA for the quarter.

Installation Services and Other Discontinued Activities

In 2008, as a result of the downturn in the residential housing market, Griffon exited substantially all operating activities of its Installation Services segment which sold, installed and serviced garage doors and openers, fireplaces, floor coverings, cabinetry and a range of related building products, primarily for the new residential housing market. Griffon sold eleven units, closed one unit and merged two units into CBP. Operating results of substantially this entire segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all periods presented; Installation Services is excluded from segment reporting.

Griffon substantially concluded remaining disposal activities in 2009. There was no revenue or income from the Installation Services’ business for the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

During the year ended September 30, 2017, Griffon recorded $5,700 of reserves in discontinued operations related to historical environmental remediation efforts and to increase the reserve for homeowner association claims (HOA) related to installation services.

At December 31, 2017, Griffon’s assets and liabilities for discontinued operations primarily related to income taxes and product liability, warranty and environmental reserves. Future net cash outflows to satisfy liabilities related to disposal activities accrued as of December 31, 2017 are estimated to be $5,679.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Management assesses Griffon’s liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing activities. Significant factors affecting liquidity are: cash flows from operating activities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dispositions, bank lines of credit and the ability to attract long-term capital under satisfactory terms. Griffon believes it has sufficient liquidity available to invest in its existing businesses and execute strategic acquisitions, while managing its capital structure on both a short-term and long-term basis.

The following table is derived from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

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Table of Contents

Cash Flows from Continuing Operations
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used In):
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
(5,654
)
 
$
282

Investing activities
(209,029
)
 
(13,655
)
Financing activities
258,526

 
4,455


Cash used from continuing operations for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $5,654 compared to a source of $282 in the prior year period. Current assets net of current liabilities, excluding short-term debt, cash and fair value acquisition related adjustments, increased to $728,196 at December 31, 2017 compared to $690,447 at September 30, 2017, primarily due to increases in inventory and prepaid and other current assets as well as decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses, partially offset by decreases in accounts receivable.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Griffon used $209,029 of cash in investing activities from continuing operations compared to $13,655 used in the prior year, with the increase primarily driven by acquisitions. On October 2, 2017, Griffon completed the acquisition of ClosetMaid, a market leader of home storage and organization products, for approximately $185,700, inclusive of post-closing adjustments, or $165,000 net of the estimated present value of tax benefits under the current tax law. Additionally, on November 6, 2017, AMES acquired Harper, a division of Horizon Global, for approximately $5,000. Harper is a leading U.S. manufacturer of cleaning products for professional, home, and industrial use. In the prior year quarter ended December 31, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills for approximately $6,051 (AUD 8,400). Capital expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 totaled $10,785, an increase of $3,095 from the prior year.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations totaled $258,526 compared to the $4,455 provided in the prior year. On October 2, 2017, Griffon completed an add-on offering of $275,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% senior notes due 2022 in an unregistered offering through a private placement. The $275,000 senior notes were issued under the same indenture pursuant to which Griffon previously issued $725,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022. The proceeds were used, among other things, to purchase ClosetMaid and for general corporate purposes (including to temporarily reduce the outstanding balance of Griffon's revolving credit facility (the "Credit Agreement")).

At December 31, 2017, there were $147,743 in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement compared to no outstanding borrowings at the same date in the prior year.

On August 3, 2016, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under these share repurchase programs, the Company may purchase shares in the open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or in privately negotiated transactions. There were no repurchases under these programs during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, $49,437 remains under the August 2016 Board authorization. In addition, during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, 191,332 shares, with a market value of $4,332, or $22.64 per share, were withheld to settle employee taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock, and were added to treasury stock.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividends of $0.07 per share each. On January 30, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on March 22, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2018.

Payments related to Telephonics revenue are received in accordance with the terms of development and production subcontracts; certain of such receipts are progress or performance based payments. With respect to HBP, there have been no material adverse impacts on payment for sales.
 
A small number of customers account for, and are expected to continue to account for, a substantial portion of Griffon’s consolidated revenue from continuing operations. For the quarter ended December 31, 2017:
 
The United States Government and its agencies, through either prime or subcontractor relationships, represented 9% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 60% of Telephonics’ revenue.
The Home Depot represented 19% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 22% of HBP’s revenue.

No other customer exceeded 10% of consolidated revenue. Future operating results will continue to substantially depend on the success of Griffon’s largest customers and our ongoing relationships with them. Orders from these customers are subject to change

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Table of Contents

and may fluctuate materially. The loss of all or a portion of volume from any one of these customers could have a material adverse impact on Griffon’s liquidity and operations.
Cash and Equivalents and Debt
December 31,
 
September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2017
Cash and equivalents
$
84,420

 
$
47,681

Notes payables and current portion of long-term debt
12,593

 
11,078

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
1,238,393

 
968,080

Debt discount/premium and issuance costs
16,803

 
13,243

Total debt
1,267,789

 
992,401

Debt, net of cash and equivalents
$
1,183,369

 
$
944,720

 
On October 2, 2017, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon completed the add-on offering of $275,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 101.00% of par, to Griffon's previously issued $125,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 98.76% of par, completed on May 18, 2016 and $600,000 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at par, completed on February 27, 2014 (collectively the “Senior Notes”). As of December 31, 2017, outstanding Senior Notes due totaled $1,000,000; interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. The net proceeds of the $275,000 add-on offering were used, among other things, to acquire ClosetMaid with the remaining proceeds used to pay down outstanding loan borrowings under Griffon's Credit Agreement. The net proceeds of the previously issued $125,000 add-on offering were used to pay down outstanding revolving loan borrowings under Griffon's Credit Agreement.

The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On December 18, 2017, July 20, 2016 and June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the $275,000, $125,000 and $600,000 Senior Notes, respectively, for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $1,020,000 on December 31, 2017 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs). In connection with the issuance and exchange of the $275,000 senior notes, Griffon capitalized $8,434 of underwriting fees and other expenses; Griffon capitalized $3,016 of underwriting fees and other expenses in connection with the $125,000 senior notes; and Griffon capitalized $10,313 in connection with the previously issued $600,000 senior notes. All capitalized fees will amortize over the term of the notes.

On March 22, 2016, Griffon amended the Credit Agreement to increase the credit facility from $250,000 to $350,000, extend its maturity from March 13, 2020 to March 22, 2021, and modify certain other provisions of the facility. On October 2, 2017, Griffon further amended the Credit Agreement in association with the ClosetMaid Acquisition to modify the net leverage covenant through the quarter ended March 31, 2019. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $50,000 and a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000. The Credit Agreement provides for same day borrowings of base rate loans. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.25% for base rate loans and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors, and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the Credit Agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement). At December 31, 2017, there were $147,743 in outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $14,938 under the Credit Agreement; $187,319 was available, subject to certain loan covenants, for borrowing at that date.

On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal amount of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). On July 14, 2016, Griffon announced that it would settle, upon conversion, up to $125,000 of the conversion value of the 2017 Notes in cash, with amounts in excess of $125,000, if any, to be settled in shares of Griffon common stock. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855 with $125,000 in cash, utilizing borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and $48,858, or 1,954,993 shares of common stock issued from treasury.


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Table of Contents

In September 2015 and March 2016, Griffon entered into mortgage loans in the amounts of $32,280 and $8,000, respectively. The mortgage loans are secured by four properties occupied by Griffon's subsidiaries. The loans mature in September 2025 and April 2018, respectively, are collateralized by the specific properties financed and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%. At December 31, 2017, mortgage loans outstanding relating to continuing operations was $22,743, net of issuance costs.

In August 2016, Griffon’s ESOP entered into an agreement that refinanced the existing ESOP loan into a new Term Loan in the amount of $35,092 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,908 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. During 2017, Griffon's ESOP purchased 621,875 shares of common stock for a total of $10,908 or $17.54 per share, under a borrowing line that has now been fully utilized. On June 30, 2017, the Term Loan and Line Note were combined into a single Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The Term Loan requires a quarterly principal payment of $569 with a balloon payment due at maturity on March 22, 2020. As of December 31, 2017, $41,827, net of issuance costs, was outstanding under the Term Loan. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.

Two Griffon subsidiaries have capital leases outstanding for real estate located in Troy, Ohio and Ocala, Florida. The leases both mature in 2022, and bear interest at a fixed rates of approximately 5.0% and 8.0%, respectively. The Troy Ohio lease is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon. The Ocala, Florida lease contains two five-year renewal options. At December 31, 2017, $9,606 was outstanding, net of issuance costs.

In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 ($11,901 as of December 31, 2017) revolving credit facility. The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (2.98% LIBOR USD and 2.78% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of December 31, 2017). The revolving facility matures in October 2019. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At December 31, 2017, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility with CAD 15,000 ($$11,901as of December 31, 2017) available for borrowing.

In July 2016, Griffon Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and its Australian subsidiaries ("Griffon Australia") entered into an AUD 30,000 term loan and an AUD 10,000 revolver. The term loan refinanced two existing term loans and the revolver replaced two existing lines. In December 2016, the amount available under the revolver was increased from AUD 10,000 to AUD 20,000 and, in March 2017, the term loan commitment was increased by AUD 5,000 to AUD 33,500. In September 2017, the term commitment was increased by AUD 15,000 to AUD 46,750. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD 1,250 plus interest, with a balloon payment of AUD 37,125 due upon maturity in June 2019, and accrues interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.00% per annum (3.84% at December 31, 2017). As of December 31, 2017, the term loan had an outstanding balance of AUD 44,625 ($34,765 as of December 31, 2017). The revolving facility matures in November 2018, but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank, and accrues interest at BBSY plus 2.0% per annum (3.70% at December 31, 2017). At December 31, 2017, the revolver had an outstanding balance of AUD 6,000 ($4,675 at December 31, 2017). The revolver and the term loan are both secured by substantially all of the assets of Griffon Australia and its subsidiaries. Griffon guarantees the term loan. Griffon Australia is required to maintain a certain minimum equity level and is subject to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charges cover ratio.

Other long-term debt consists primarily of a loan with the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, with the balance consisting of capital leases.

At December 31, 2017, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of its credit and loan agreements.

On August 3, 2016, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under this share repurchase program, the Company may, from time to time, purchase shares of its common stock in the open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or in privately negotiated transactions. There were no repurchases under these programs during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. From August 2011 through December 31, 2017, Griffon repurchased 20,429,298 shares of its common stock, for a total of $261,621 or $12.81 per share. This included the repurchase of 15,984,854 shares on the open market, as well as the December 10, 2013 repurchase of 4,444,444 shares from GS Direct for $50,000, or $11.25 per share. As of December 31, 2017, $49,437 remains under the August 2016 Board authorization.

The December 10, 2013 repurchase of 4,444,444 shares of common stock from GS Direct was effected in a private transaction at a per share price of $11.25, an approximate 9.2% discount to the stock’s closing price on November 12, 2013, the day before announcement of the transaction. GS Direct continues to hold approximately 5.6 million shares of Griffon’s common stock.

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Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining shares of Griffon common stock at any time prior to December 31, 2018, it will first negotiate in good faith to sell such shares to the Company.

In addition, during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, 191,332 shares, with a market value of $4,332, or $22.64 per share, were withheld to settle employee taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock, and were added to treasury stock.

On November 17, 2011, the Company began declaring quarterly dividends. During 2017, the Company declared and paid dividends totaling $0.24 per share. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share. The Company currently intends to pay dividends each quarter; however, payment of dividends is determined by the Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors, and no assurance can be provided as to the payment of future dividends.

On January 30, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on March 22, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 22, 2018.

During the quarter months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Griffon used cash for discontinued operations from operating, investing and financing activities of $6,419 and $10,149, respectively, primarily related to PPC operations and capital expenditures, and expenditures related to remaining Installation Services liabilities and environmental costs.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of Griffon’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the use of estimates, assumptions, judgments and subjective interpretations of accounting principles that have an impact on assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates can also affect supplemental information contained in public disclosures of Griffon, including information regarding contingencies, risk and its financial condition. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are evaluated on an ongoing basis and based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions, and form the basis for estimating the carrying values of assets and liabilities, as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment for commitments and contingencies. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates. There have been no changes in Griffon’s critical accounting policies from September 30, 2017.

Griffon’s significant accounting policies and procedures are explained in the Management Discussion and Analysis section in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. In the selection of the critical accounting policies, the objective is to properly reflect the financial position and results of operations for each reporting period in a consistent manner that can be understood by the reader of the financial statements. Griffon considers an estimate to be critical if it is subjective and if changes in the estimate using different assumptions would result in a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of Griffon.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The FASB issues, from time to time, new financial accounting standards, staff positions and emerging issues task force consensus. See the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of these matters.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, especially “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”, contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to, among other things, income (loss), earnings, cash flows, revenue, changes in operations, operating improvements, industries in which Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) operates and the United States and global economies. Statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” and may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “supports,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “believes,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “hope,” “forecast,” “management is of the opinion,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “explores,” “opportunities,” the negative of these expressions, use of the future tense and similar words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: current economic conditions and uncertainties in the housing, credit and capital markets; Griffon’s ability to achieve expected savings from cost control, restructuring, integration and disposal initiatives; the ability to identify and successfully consummate and integrate value-adding acquisition opportunities; increasing competition and pricing pressures in the markets served by Griffon’s operating companies; the ability of Griffon’s operating companies to expand into new geographic and product markets and to anticipate and meet customer demands for new products and product enhancements and innovations; reduced military spending

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by the government on projects for which Griffon’s Telephonics Corporation supplies products, including as a result of defense budget cuts or other government actions; the ability of the federal government to fund and conduct its operations; increases in the cost of raw materials such as resin, wood and steel; changes in customer demand or loss of a material customer at one of Griffon’s operating companies; the potential impact of seasonal variations and uncertain weather patterns on certain of Griffon’s businesses; political events that could impact the worldwide economy; a downgrade in Griffon’s credit ratings; changes in international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange fluctuations; the reliance by certain of Griffon’s businesses on particular third party suppliers and manufacturers to meet customer demands; the relative mix of products and services offered by Griffon’s businesses, which impacts margins and operating efficiencies; short-term capacity constraints or prolonged excess capacity; unforeseen developments in contingencies, such as litigation, regulatory and environmental matters; unfavorable results of government agency contract audits of Telephonics Corporation; Griffon’s ability to adequately protect and maintain the validity of patent and other intellectual property rights; the cyclical nature of the businesses of certain of Griffon’s operating companies; and possible terrorist threats and actions and their impact on the global economy. Additional important factors that could cause the statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or the actual results of operations or financial condition of Griffon to differ are discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Special Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Griffon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
Griffon’s business’ activities necessitates the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and commodity prices.
 
Interest Rates
 
Griffon’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to variable interest rate debt and investments in cash and equivalents.
 
The Credit Agreement and certain other of Griffon’s credit facilities have a LIBOR-based variable interest rate. Due to the current and expected level of borrowings under these facilities, a 100 basis point change in LIBOR would not have a material impact on Griffon’s results of operations or liquidity.

Foreign Exchange
 
Griffon conducts business in various non-US countries, primarily in Canada, Australia, Mexico and China; therefore, changes in the value of the currencies of these countries affect Griffon's financial position and cash flows when translated into US Dollars. Griffon has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements relative to its non-US operations. Griffon may, from time to time, hedge its currency risk exposures. A change of 10% or less in the value of all applicable foreign currencies would not have a material effect on Griffon’s financial position and cash flows.
 
Item 4 - Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of Griffon’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), were evaluated as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, Griffon’s CEO and CFO concluded that Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
 
During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in Griffon’s internal control over financial reporting which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Griffon’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
 
Griffon believes that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all controls issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1    Legal Proceedings
None

Item 1A    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A to Part I in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which could materially affect Griffon’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Griffon. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Griffon or that Griffon currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect Griffon’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.


Item 2    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c)    ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
(a) Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
 
 
(b) Average Price
Paid Per Share (or
Unit)
 
(c) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (1)
 
(d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or Units)
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs(1)
October 1 - 31, 2017

 
 
$

 

 
 

November 1 - 30, 2017
190,097

(2)
 

 

 
 

December 1 - 31, 2017
1,235

(2)
 

 

 
 

Total
191,332

 
 
$

 

 
$
49,437


1.
On August 3, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon common stock; as of December 31, 2017, an aggregate of $49,437 remained available for the purchase of Griffon common stock under the August 3, 2016 Board authorization.
2.
Shares acquired by the Company from holders of restricted stock upon vesting of the restricted stock, to satisfy tax-withholding obligations of the holders.

 
Item 3    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None

Item 4    Mine Safety Disclosures
None

Item 5    Other Information

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.



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Amendment No. 1 to the Griffon Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan

On January 31, 2018, Griffon’s stockholders approved Amendment No. 1 to the Griffon Corporation Equity Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") at the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), pursuant to which 1,000,000 shares were added to the Incentive Plan and which provided that any dividend or other distribution payable with respect to a restricted share award (or with respect to any other award), will be paid if, and only at such time as, the restricted share award (or other award) vests.

This summary description of Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to (i) the description of the Incentive Plan and Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan included in Griffon’s Proxy Statement relating to its Annual Meeting filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2017 (the “Proxy Statement”), and (ii) the actual Incentive Plan and Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan, a copy of each which were included as Annexes A and B to the Proxy Statement, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.


Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

On January 31, 2018, Griffon held its Annual Meeting. Of the 47,310,984 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, 45,393,721 shares, or 96%, were represented at the meeting in person or by proxy, and therefore a quorum was present. The final results for each of the matters submitted to a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting are as follows:

Item No. 1: All of the Board’s nominees for Class II directors were elected to serve until Griffon’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, by the votes set forth below:
Nominee
For
Withheld
Broker Non-Votes
 
 
 
 
Henry A. Alpert*
40,838,041
2,545,158
2,010,522
Bradley J. Gross
41,562,267
1,820,932
2,010,522
General Donald J. Kutyna
41,715,248
1,667,951
2,010,522
Kevin Sullivan
42,260,018
1,123,181
2,010,522

Item No. 2: The stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in Griffon’s Proxy Statement, by the votes set forth below:
For
Against
Abstain
Broker Non-votes
36,239,515
5,851,674
1,292,010
2,010,522

Item No. 3: The stockholders approved Amendment No. 1 to the Incentive Plan, by the votes set forth below:
For
Against
Abstain
Broker Non-votes
41,545,996
1,397,346
439,857
2,010,522

Item No. 4: The stockholders ratified the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Griffon’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2018, by the votes set forth below:
For
Against
Abstain
45,003,081
244,632
146,008

*As previously disclosed, Harvey R. Blau, who was up for re-election as a Class II director, passed away prior to the Annual Meeting. In accordance with the Proxy Statement, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, designated Mr. Henry A. Alpert as the substitute nominee for the Class II directorship for which Mr. Blau was nominated. As a result, any shares voted by proxy FOR the election of Mr. Blau as a Class II director at the Annual Meeting were instead voted for the election of Mr. Alpert as a Class II director. Because Mr. Alpert was elected as a Class II director at the Annual Meeting, concurrently with such election, he ceased to serve as a Class III director. The Board intends to appoint a successor director to fill the resulting Class III director vacancy in due course in accordance with the terms of the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws.

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Mr. Blau was also the Company’s Chairman of the Board. The Board has appointed Ronald J. Kramer, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to succeed Mr. Blau as Chairman of the Board.

Item 6
Exhibits
 
 
10.1
 
 
10.2*
 
 
10.3*
 
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentations Document
 
 
*
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
GRIFFON CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Brian G. Harris
 
 
Brian G. Harris
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ W. Christopher Durborow
 
 
W. Christopher Durborow
 
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
Date: February 1, 2018


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