10-Q 1 gff12-31x201610q.htm 10-Q 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, 2016

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, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer
ý
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
 
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, 2017 was 47,266,068.



Griffon Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Contents
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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

 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
52,269

 
$
72,553

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,677 and $6,452
228,025

 
233,751

Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments of $7,145 and $8,001
108,572

 
126,961

Inventories, net
323,192

 
308,869

Prepaid and other current assets
41,410

 
38,605

Assets of discontinued operations
218

 
219

Total Current Assets
753,686

 
780,958

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
400,151

 
405,404

GOODWILL
357,507

 
361,185

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
210,251

 
210,599

OTHER ASSETS
21,634

 
21,982

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
1,960

 
1,968

Total Assets
$
1,745,189

 
$
1,782,096

 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
26,347

 
$
22,644

Accounts payable
161,140

 
190,341

Accrued liabilities
95,594

 
103,594

Liabilities of discontinued operations
1,498

 
1,684

Total Current Liabilities
284,579

 
318,263

LONG-TERM DEBT, net
938,673

 
913,914

OTHER LIABILITIES
130,818

 
137,266

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
2,098

 
1,706

Total Liabilities
1,356,168

 
1,371,149

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - See Note 19


 


SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

Total Shareholders’ Equity
389,021

 
410,947

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,745,189

 
$
1,782,096


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


1

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, 2016
79,966

 
$
19,992

 
$
529,980

 
$
475,760

 
34,797

 
$
(501,866
)
 
$
(81,241
)
 
$
(31,678
)
 
$
410,947

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
12,264

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
12,264

Dividend
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,499
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,499
)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net
—

 
—

 
(97
)
 
—

 
555

 
(12,872
)
 
—

 
—

 
(12,969
)
Amortization of deferred compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
893

 
893

Common stock issued
2

 
—

 
7

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7

Common stock acquired
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
129

 
(2,201
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2,201
)
Equity awards granted, net
293

 
73

 
(73
)
 
—


—


—


—


—

 
—

ESOP purchase of common stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(9,213
)
 
(9,213
)
ESOP allocation of common stock
—

 
—

 
652

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
652

Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
2,452

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,452

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(11,312
)
 
—

 
(11,312
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
80,261

 
$
20,065

 
$
532,921

 
$
485,525

 
35,481

 
$
(516,939
)
 
$
(92,553
)
 
$
(39,998
)
 
$
389,021

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


2

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,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
 
$
467,100

 
$
494,149

Cost of goods and services
 
350,972

 
378,044

Gross profit
 
116,128

 
116,105

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
89,743

 
91,299

Income from operations
 
26,385

 
24,806

Other income (expense)
 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
(13,373
)
 
(12,023
)
Interest income
 
6

 
11

Other, net
 
(42
)
 
555

Total other expense, net
 
(13,409
)
 
(11,457
)
Income before taxes
 
12,976

 
13,349

Provision for income taxes
 
712

 
2,561

Net income
 
$
12,264

 
$
10,788

Basic income per common share
 
$
0.31

 
$
0.26

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
39,336

 
41,968

Diluted income per common share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.24

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
42,312

 
45,384

Dividends paid per common share
 
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

Net income
 
$
12,264

 
$
10,788

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
 
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(13,479
)
 
(3,349
)
Pension and other post retirement plans
 
544

 
386

Change in cash flow hedges
 
1,623

 
(1,015
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
 
(11,312
)
 
(3,978
)
Comprehensive income (loss), net
 
$
952

 
$
6,810

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


3

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Net income
$
12,264

 
$
10,788

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
18,394

 
17,084

Stock-based compensation
2,452

 
3,066

Provision for losses on accounts receivable
118

 
(24
)
Amortization of debt discounts and issuance costs
1,915

 
1,671

Deferred income taxes
(196
)
 
2,763

Gain on sale of assets and investments
(103
)
 
(77
)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
 

 
 

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed
21,459

 
(6,106
)
Increase in inventories
(16,253
)
 
(9,080
)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets
(2,637
)
 
316

Decrease in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable
(31,475
)
 
(38,324
)
Other changes, net
1,616

 
519

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
7,554

 
(17,404
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(22,478
)
 
(25,018
)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
(6,051
)
 
—

Investment in unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
(2,726
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
118

 
484

Investment sales
—

 
715

Net cash used in investing activities
(28,411
)
 
(26,545
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

Dividends paid
(2,499
)
 
(2,281
)
Purchase of shares for treasury
(15,073
)
 
(10,910
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
39,056

 
79,874

Payments of long-term debt
(8,827
)
 
(24,126
)
Change in short-term borrowings
(702
)
 
(147
)
Financing costs
(172
)
 
—

Purchase of ESOP shares
(9,213
)
 
—

Other, net
(349
)
 
203

Net cash provided by financing activities
2,221

 
42,613

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 

 
 

Net cash used in operating activities
(430
)
 
(387
)
Net cash used in discontinued operations
(430
)
 
(387
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
(1,218
)
 
(310
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
(20,284
)
 
(2,033
)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
72,553

 
52,001

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
52,269

 
$
49,968

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

4
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.

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

-
AMES, founded in 1774, is the leading U.S. 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.

•
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.

•
Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC") , incorporated in 1934, 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.
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 (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with 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 U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, they should be read with reference to Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016, 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, 2016 was derived from the audited financial statements included in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016.
 
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 U.S. 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

5

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.
 
The fair values of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes approximated $730,438 on December 31, 2016. 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 1,954,993 shares of common stock.
 
Insurance contracts with values of $3,347 at December 31, 2016 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, 2016, trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with a fair value of $1,375 ($1,000 cost basis), were included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company settled trading securities with proceeds totaling $715 and recognized a loss of $13 in Other income (expense). Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).


6


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 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, 2016, Griffon had $16,500 of Australian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.39, 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 $974 ($619, net of tax) at December 31, 2016 and losses of $649 were recorded in COGS during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 for all settled contracts. All contracts expire in 30 to 180 days.

At December 31, 2016, Griffon had $4,655 of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.34. The contracts, which protect Canada operations from currency fluctuations for U.S. dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting. For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, a fair value gain of $111 was recorded to Other liabilities and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs). Realized losses of $41 were recorded in Other income during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 for all settled contracts. All contracts expire in 30 to 180 days.

NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills Home Living ("Hills") for approximately $6,051 (AUD 8,400). The preliminary allocation of the purchase price consists of $1,500 of inventory and $4,551 of 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.

On February 14, 2016, AMES Australia acquired substantially all of the Intellectual Property (IP) assets of Australia-based Nylex Plastics Pty Ltd. for approximately $1,700. 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 of 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.

In December 2015, Telephonics invested an additional $2,726 increasing its equity stake from 26% to 49% in Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems ("MTIS"), a joint venture with Mahindra Defence Systems, a Mahindra Group Company. MTIS is an aerospace and defense manufacturing and development facility in Prithla, India. This investment is accounted for using the equity method.

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, 2016
 
At September 30, 2016
Raw materials and supplies
$
79,260

 
$
81,345

Work in process
89,764

 
75,852

Finished goods
154,168

 
151,672

Total
$
323,192

 
$
308,869

 

7


NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The following table details the components of property, plant and equipment, net:
 
At December 31, 2016
 
At September 30, 2016
Land, building and building improvements
$
140,441

 
$
138,204

Machinery and equipment
798,766

 
804,280

Leasehold improvements
53,389

 
51,015


992,596

 
993,499

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(592,445
)
 
(588,095
)
Total
$
400,151

 
$
405,404

Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment was $16,533 and $15,209 for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Depreciation included in SG&A expenses was $3,513 and $3,157 for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 quarter ended December 31, 2016, 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, 2016:

 
At September 30, 2016

Other
adjustments
including currency
translations

At December 31, 2016
Home & Building Products
$
287,617

 
$
(1,269
)
 
$
286,348

Telephonics
18,545

 
—

 
18,545

PPC
55,023

 
(2,409
)
 
52,614

Total
$
361,185

 
$
(3,678
)
 
$
357,507


The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets:
 
 
At December 31, 2016
 
 
 
At September 30, 2016
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Average
Life
(Years)
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer relationships
$
167,198

 
$
47,740

 
25
 
$
170,652

 
$
47,217

Unpatented technology
5,927

 
4,095

 
12.5
 
6,073

 
4,060

Total amortizable intangible assets
173,125

 
51,835

 
 
 
176,725

 
51,277

Trademarks
88,961

 
—

 
 
 
85,151

 
—

Total intangible assets
$
262,086

 
$
51,835

 
 
 
$
261,876

 
$
51,277

 
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1,861 and $1,875 for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 which would require impairment testing of long-lived intangible assets including goodwill.
 



8


NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES

The Company reported pretax income, and recognized a tax provision of 5.5% for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to 19.2% in the prior year period. 

The December 31, 2016 and 2015 tax rates included net benefits of $4,263 and $2,591, respectively, primarily related to discrete benefits for the adoption of recent Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance which requires the company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense. Excluding these benefits, the effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 38.3% and 38.6%, respectively.

Griffon's Income tax provision for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 included a $2,193 benefit from the adoption of the FASB accounting guidance which requires excess tax benefits from vesting of equity awards to be recognized within income tax expense. Under this guidance all excess tax benefits (“windfalls”) and deficiencies (“shortfalls”) related to employee stock compensation are recognized within income tax expense. Under prior guidance windfalls were recognized to Additional Paid In Capital and shortfalls were only recognized to the extent they exceeded the pool of windfall tax benefits.


9

NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM DEBT
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016
 
At September 30, 2016
  
 
Outstanding Balance

Original Issuer Discount

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)
$
725,000

 
$
(1,379
)
 
$
(9,509
)
 
$
714,112

 
5.25
%
 
725,000

 
$
(1,447
)
 
$
(9,799
)
 
$
713,754

 
5.25
%
Revolver due 2021
(b)
23,000

 
—

 
(2,260
)
 
20,740

 
n/a

 
—

 
—

 
(2,425
)
 
(2,425
)
 
n/a

Convert. debt due 2017
(c)
100,000

 
(190
)
 
(37
)
 
99,773

 
4.00
%
 
100,000

 
(1,248
)
 
(148
)
 
98,604

 
4.00
%
Real estate mortgages
(d)
37,190

 
—

 
(525
)
 
36,665

 
n/a

 
37,861

 
—

 
(595
)
 
37,266

 
n/a

ESOP Loans
(e)
42,945

 
—

 
(301
)
 
42,644

 
n/a

 
34,387

 
—

 
(237
)
 
34,150

 
n/a

Capital lease - real estate
(f)
6,169

 
—

 
(124
)
 
6,045

 
5.00
%
 
6,447

 
—

 
(131
)
 
6,316

 
5.00
%
Non U.S. lines of credit
(g)
11,910

 
—

 
(32
)
 
11,878

 
n/a

 
11,462

 
—

 
(1
)
 
11,461

 
n/a

Non U.S. term loans
(g)
29,676

 
—

 
(262
)
 
29,414

 
n/a

 
33,669

 
—

 
(247
)
 
33,422

 
n/a

Other long term debt
(h)
3,772

 
—

 
(23
)
 
3,749

 
n/a

 
4,030

 
—

 
(20
)
 
4,010

 
n/a

Totals
 
979,662

 
(1,569
)
 
(13,073
)
 
965,020

 
 

 
952,856

 
(2,695
)
 
(13,603
)
 
936,558

 
 

less: Current portion
 
(26,347
)
 
—

 
—

 
(26,347
)
 
 

 
(22,644
)
 
—

 
—

 
(22,644
)
 
 

Long-term debt
 
$
953,315

 
$
(1,569
)
 
$
(13,073
)
 
$
938,673

 
 

 
$
930,212

 
$
(2,695
)
 
$
(13,603
)
 
$
913,914

 
 

 (1) n/a = not applicable

10

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
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)
5.5
%
 
9,516

 
67

 
473

 
10,056

 
5.4
%
 
7,875

 
—

 
322

 
8,197

Revolver due 2021
(b)
n/a

 
325

 
—

 
132

 
457

 
n/a

 
571

 
—

 
115

 
686

Convert. debt due 2017
(c)
9.1
%
 
1,000

 
1,058

 
111

 
2,169

 
9.0
%
 
1,000

 
1,048

 
111

 
2,159

Real estate mortgages
(d)
2.3
%
 
187

 
—

 
2

 
189

 
3.3
%
 
151

 
—

 
12

 
163

ESOP Loans
(e)
3.3
%
 
364

 
—

 
27

 
391

 
3.0
%
 
256

 
—

 
18

 
274

Capital lease - real estate
(f)
5.4
%
 
80

 
—

 
6

 
86

 
5.4
%
 
93

 
—

 
6

 
99

Non U.S. lines of credit
(g)
n/a

 
135

 
—

 
3

 
138

 
n/a

 
259

 
—

 
24

 
283

Non U.S. term loans
(g)
n/a

 
304

 
—

 
34

 
338

 
n/a

 
284

 
—

 
13

 
297

Other long term debt
(h)
n/a

 
74

 
—

 
2

 
76

 
n/a

 
19

 
—

 
—

 
19

Capitalized interest
 
 

 
(527
)
 
—

 
—

 
(527
)
 
 

 
(156
)
 
—

 
2

 
(154
)
Totals
 
 

 
$
11,458

 
$
1,125

 
$
790

 
$
13,373

 
 

 
$
10,352

 
$
1,048

 
$
623

 
$
12,023

(1) n/a = not applicable



11


(a)
On May 18, 2016, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon completed the add-on offering of $125,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 98.76% of par, to Griffon's previous issuance of $600,000 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at par, which was completed on February 27, 2014 (collectively the “Senior Notes”). As of May 18, 2016, outstanding Senior Notes due totaled $725,000; interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. The net proceeds of the add-on offering were used to pay down outstanding borrowings under Griffon's Revolving Credit Facility (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 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 $730,438 on December 31, 2016 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs). In connection with the issuance and exchange of the $125,000 senior notes, Griffon capitalized $3,016 of underwriting fees and other expenses, which will amortize over the term of such notes; Griffon capitalized $10,313 in connection with the previously issued $600,000 senior 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. The facility includes a letter 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, 2016, there were $23,000 in outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $16,029 under the Credit Agreement; $310,971 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”). As of December 31, 2016, the conversion rate of the 2017 Notes was 70.7738 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.13 per share. Under the terms of the 2017 Notes, Griffon had the right to settle the conversion of the 2017 Notes in cash, stock or a combination of cash and stock. 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. At both December 31, 2016 and 2015, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855, which consisted of $125,000 in cash, utilizing the Revolving Credit Facility, and 1,954,993 shares of common stock.

(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, 2016, $36,665 was outstanding, 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. The availability period for the Line Note runs through August 2017 at which point the outstanding balance under the Line Note will be combined with the Term Loan. The Term Loan and Line Note bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $655 through September 30, 2017 and $569 thereafter, with a balloon payment due at maturity on March 22, 2020. During the quarter, Griffon purchased 548,912 shares of common stock, for a total of $9,213 or $16.78 per share, with proceeds from the Line Notes. The remaining amount available under the Line Note is $1,695. As of December 31, 2016, $42,644, net of issuance costs, was outstanding under the Term Loan and Line Note. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of

12

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)
In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon. At December 31, 2016, $6,045 was outstanding, net of issuance costs.
 
(g)
In September 2015, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a EUR 5,000 ($5,227 as of December 31, 2016) revolving credit facility and EUR 15,000 term loan. The term loan is payable in twelve quarterly installments of EUR 1,250, bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.5% and matures in September 2018. The revolving facility matures in September 2017, but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 1.75% per annum (1.75% at December 31, 2016). The revolver and the term loan are both secured by substantially all of the assets of Clopay Europe and its subsidiaries. Griffon guarantees the revolving facility and term loan. The term loan had an outstanding balance of EUR 8,750 ($9,147 at December 31, 2016) and the revolver had no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2016. Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and is subject to a maximum debt leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA).
Clopay do Brazil maintains a line of credit of R$7,000 ($2,148 as of December 31, 2016). Interest on borrowings accrues at various fixed rates which averaged about 17.4% as of December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016 there was approximately R$4,778 ($1,466 as of December 31, 2016) borrowed under the line. PPC guarantees the loans and the line.
In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 ($11,088 as of December 31, 2016) revolving credit facility.  The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (2.30% LIBOR USD and 2.19% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of December 31, 2016). The revolving facility matures in October 2019. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

In July 2016, Griffon Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and its Australian subsidiaries 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. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD 750 plus interest, with a balloon payment of AUD 21,000 due upon maturity in June 2019, and accrues interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.25% per annum (4.12% at December 31, 2016). The term loan had an outstanding balance of AUD 28,500 ($20,529 as of December 31, 2016 ). The revolving facility matures in November 2017 but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank, and accrues interest at BBSY plus 2.0% per annum (3.68% at December 31, 2016). The revolver had an outstanding balance of AUD 14,500 ($10,444 as of December 31, 2016). 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, 2016, 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 2017, the Company paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share. During 2016, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.05 per share, totaling $0.20 per share for the year. Dividends paid on allocated shares in the ESOP were used to pay down the ESOP loan 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 31, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 22, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 23, 2017.

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.

13

 
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. 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 2,350,000 (600,000 of which may 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, 2016, there were 1,622,167 shares available for grant.

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 2017, Griffon granted 300,494 shares of restricted stock, subject to certain performance conditions, with vesting periods of three years, with a total fair value of $6,055, or a weighted average fair value of $20.15 per share.

For the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,452 and $3,066, respectively.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, 555,047 shares, with a market value of $12,872 or $23.19 per share were withheld to settle employee taxes due to the vesting of restricted stock, and were added to treasury.

On January 30, 2017, Griffon granted 528,000 shares of restricted stock 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 $8,500.

On each of July 29, 2015 and 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. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Griffon purchased 129,000 shares of common stock under these programs, for a total of $2,201 or $17.06 per share. As of December 31, 2016, $49,437 remains under the August 2016 Board authorization.

From August 2011 to December 31, 2016, 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.


14


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 could be 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,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
 
39,336

 
41,968

Incremental shares from stock based compensation
 
1,922

 
2,195

Convertible debt due 2017
 
1,054

 
1,221

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
 
42,312

 
45,384

 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS computation
 
—

 
419

 
As of December 31, 2016, Griffon had the intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the 2017 Notes in cash, and as such, the potential issuance of shares related to the principal amount of the 2017 Notes does not affect diluted shares. 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. Subsequent to December 31, 2016, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855, which consisted of $125,000 in cash and 1,954,993 shares of common stock.

NOTE 11 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Griffon’s reportable segments are as follows:
•
HBP is the leading U.S. manufacturer and a global provider of long-handled tools and landscaping products for homeowners and professionals, as well as 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.

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

•
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.
Information on Griffon’s reportable segments is as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
REVENUE
2016
 
2015
Home & Building Products:
 

 
 

AMES
$
120,724

 
$
118,290

CBP
143,460

 
142,908

Home & Building Products
264,184

 
261,198

Telephonics
88,093

 
109,037

PPC
114,823

 
123,914

Total consolidated net sales
$
467,100

 
$
494,149


15


The following table reconciles segment operating profit to income before taxes:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
INCOME BEFORE TAXES
2016
 
2015
 
Segment operating profit:
 

 
 

 
Home & Building Products
$
22,640

 
$
21,159

 
Telephonics
5,391

 
7,813

 
PPC
8,031

 
6,017

 
Total segment operating profit
36,062

 
34,989

 
Net interest expense
(13,367
)
 
(12,012
)
 
Unallocated amounts
(9,719
)
 
(9,628
)
 
Income before taxes
$
12,976

 
$
13,349

 
 
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) and restructuring charges, 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:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
 

 
 

 
Home & Building Products
$
31,807

 
$
29,829

 
Telephonics
8,108

 
10,344

 
PPC
14,437

 
11,785

 
Total Segment adjusted EBITDA
54,352

 
51,958

 
Net interest expense
(13,367
)
 
(12,012
)
 
Segment depreciation and amortization
(18,290
)
 
(16,969
)
 
Unallocated amounts
(9,719
)
 
(9,628
)
 
Income before taxes
$
12,976

 
$
13,349

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

For the Three Months Ended December 31,

DEPRECIATION and AMORTIZATION
2016

2015

Segment:
 

 

Home & Building Products
$
9,167

 
$
8,670

 
Telephonics
2,717

 
2,531

 
PPC
6,406

 
5,768

 
Total segment depreciation and amortization
18,290

 
16,969

 
Corporate
104

 
115

 
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
18,394

 
$
17,084

 







CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 


 


Segment:
 


 


Home & Building Products
$
6,273

 
$
17,280

 
Telephonics
1,296

 
1,280

 
PPC
14,906

 
6,404

 
Total segment
22,475

 
24,964

 
Corporate
3

 
54

 
Total consolidated capital expenditures
$
22,478

 
$
25,018

 

16

ASSETS
At December 31, 2016

At September 30, 2016
Segment assets:
 

 
Home & Building Products
$
1,027,389

 
$
1,020,297

Telephonics
318,290

 
334,631

PPC
358,387

 
365,920

Total segment assets
1,704,066

 
1,720,848

Corporate
38,945

 
59,061

Total continuing assets
1,743,011

 
1,779,909

Assets of discontinued operations
2,178

 
2,187

Consolidated total
$
1,745,189

 
$
1,782,096


NOTE 12 – DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE

Defined benefit pension expense (income) was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Interest cost
$
1,402

 
$
2,080

 
Expected return on plan assets
(2,736
)
 
(2,916
)
 
Amortization:
 

 
 

 
Prior service cost
4

 
4

 
Recognized actuarial loss
832

 
590

 
Net periodic expense (income)
$
(498
)
 
$
(242
)
 

In 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other post-retirement benefits from the single weighted-average discount rate to the spot rate method.  There was no impact on the total benefit obligation.

NOTE 13 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance on Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The guidance changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related matters in the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 using either prospective, retrospective or modified retrospective transition method, depending on the area covered in this update. The Company early adopted this guidance for 2016 in order to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payments.

Under this guidance all excess tax benefits (“windfalls”) and deficiencies (“shortfalls”) related to employee stock compensation were recognized within income tax expense for the year ended September 30, 2016. Under prior guidance, windfalls were recognized to Capital in excess of par value and shortfalls were only recognized to the extent they exceeded the pool of windfall tax benefits. As a result of the adoption, a tax benefit of $2,193 was recognized within income tax expense reflecting the excess tax benefits for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, income tax benefits at settlement of an award were previously reported as a reduction to operating cash flows and an increase to financing cash flows to the extent that those benefits exceeded the income tax benefits reported in earnings during the award's vesting period. Griffon has elected to apply that change in cash flow classification on a prospective basis, which has resulted in a $2,193 increase to net cash provided by operating activities and a corresponding decrease to net cash used in financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The remaining provisions of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the accompanying

17


condensed consolidated financial statements.

Newly issued but not yet effective accounting pronouncements

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 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 August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and related footnote disclosures. Management will be required to evaluate, at each reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2017; implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

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. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures. 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 is currently evaluating this guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements.


18


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
 
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 in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 
At December 31, 2016

At September 30, 2016
Assets of discontinued operations:
 


 

Prepaid and other current assets
$
218

 
$
219

Other long-term assets
1,960

 
1,968

Total assets of discontinued operations
$
2,178

 
$
2,187

 
 
 
 
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
 

 
 

Accrued liabilities, current
$
1,498

 
$
1,684

Other long-term liabilities
2,098

 
1,706

Total liabilities of discontinued operations
$
3,596

 
$
3,390


There was no Installation Services revenue or income for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.

NOTE 15 – RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES
 
During the third quarter of 2016, PPC incurred pre-tax restructuring and related exit costs approximating $5,900 primarily related to headcount reductions at PPC’s Dombuhl, Germany facility, other location headcount reductions and for costs related to the shut down of PPC's Turkey facility. These actions resulted in the elimination of approximately 83 positions. The Dombuhl charges are related to an optimization plan that will drive innovation and enhance PPC's industry leading position in printed breathable back sheet. The facility will be transformed into a state of the art hygiene products facility focused on breathable printed film and siliconized products. In conjunction with this effort, PPC's customer base will be streamlined, and PPC will dispose of old assets and reduce overhead costs, allowing for gains in efficiencies.
 
The activity in the restructuring accrual recorded in accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
 
 
Workforce
Reduction
 
Other
Related
 
Total
Accrued liability at September 30, 2016
$
2,487

 
$
1,004

 
$
3,491

Payments
(970
)
 
(148
)
 
(1,118
)
Accrued liability at December 31, 2016
$
1,517

 
$
856

 
$
2,373

 

NOTE 16 – OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
For the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Other income (expense) included $46 and $431, respectively, of net currency exchange gains 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 $87 and $192, respectively, of net investment income.



19

NOTE 17 – 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 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,
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, beginning of period
$
6,322

 
$
6,040

Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties
1,294

 
1,502

Actual warranty costs incurred
(1,601
)
 
(1,480
)
Balance, end of period
$
6,015

 
$
6,062


NOTE 18 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of tax
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(13,479
)
 
$
—

 
$
(13,479
)
 
$
(3,349
)
 
$
—

 
$
(3,349
)
Pension and other defined benefit plans
836

 
(292
)
 
544

 
594

 
(208
)
 
386

Cash flow hedges
2,272

 
(649
)
 
1,623

 
(1,450
)
 
435

 
(1,015
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(10,371
)
 
$
(941
)
 
$
(11,312
)
 
$
(4,205
)
 
$
227

 
$
(3,978
)

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(56,373
)
 
$
(42,894
)
Pension and other defined benefit plans
(36,799
)
 
(37,343
)
Change in Cash flow hedges
619

 
(1,004
)
 
$
(92,553
)
 
$
(81,241
)


20

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income were as follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
Gain (Loss)
2016
 
2015
Pension amortization
$
(836
)
 
$
(594
)
Cash flow hedges
(649
)
 
405

Total gain (loss)
(1,485
)
 
(189
)
Tax benefit (expense)
97

 
87

Total
$
(1,388
)
 
$
(102
)

NOTE 19 — 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, Griffon 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 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 approximately $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.

21

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 DEC accepted the Feasibility Study and is expected to issue a Record of Decision approving the selection of a remedial alternative in 2017. Implementation of the selected remedial alternative is also expected to occur in 2017, or if there are further delays in regulatory approvals, early 2018. 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.

U.S. Government investigations and claims

Defense contracts and subcontracts, including Griffon’s contracts and subcontracts, are subject to audit and review by various agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including among others, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”), and the Department of Justice ("DOJ") which has responsibility for asserting claims on behalf of the U.S. government. In addition to ongoing audits, Griffon is currently in discussions with the civil division of the U.S. Department of Justice regarding certain amounts the civil division has indicated it believes it is owed from Griffon with respect to certain U.S. government contracts in which Griffon acted as a subcontractor. No claim has been asserted against Griffon in connection with this matter, and Griffon believes that it does not have a material financial exposure in connection with this matter.

In general, departments and agencies of the U.S. 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. U.S. Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. 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.

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 20 — 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., Telephonics Corporation, The AMES Companies, Inc., ATT Southern, Inc. and Clopay Ames True Temper Holding Corp., 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, 2016 and September 30, 2016 and for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. 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.


22

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.

23

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
At December 31, 2016
 
 
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CURRENT ASSETS
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and equivalents
$
1,726

 
$
13,749

 
$
36,794

 
$
—

 
$
52,269

Accounts receivable, net of allowances
—

 
178,803

 
57,055

 
(7,833
)
 
228,025

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

 
108,028

 
544

 
—

 
108,572

Inventories, net
—

 
262,141

 
61,051

 
—

 
323,192

Prepaid and other current assets
39,453

 
33,165

 
17,524

 
(48,732
)
 
41,410

Assets of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
218

 
—

 
218

Total Current Assets
41,179

 
595,886

 
173,186

 
(56,565
)
 
753,686

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
878

 
301,822

 
97,451

 
—

 
400,151

GOODWILL
—

 
284,875

 
72,632

 
—

 
357,507

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
—

 
146,847

 
63,404

 
—

 
210,251

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE
554,518

 
882,627

 
322,103

 
(1,759,248
)
 
—

EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
826,587

 
866,959

 
1,921,056

 
(3,614,602
)
 
—

OTHER ASSETS
6,773

 
11,802

 
14,124

 
(11,065
)
 
21,634

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
—

 
—

 
1,960

 
—

 
1,960

Total Assets
$
1,429,935

 
$
3,090,818

 
$
2,665,916

 
$
(5,441,480
)
 
$
1,745,189

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
3,067

 
$
2,320

 
$
20,960

 
$
—

 
$
26,347

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
63,239

 
178,179

 
56,382

 
(41,066
)
 
256,734

Liabilities of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
1,498

 
—

 
1,498

Total Current Liabilities
66,306

 
180,499

 
78,840

 
(41,066
)
 
284,579

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT, net
881,781

 
18,316

 
38,576

 
—

 
938,673

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES
64,051

 
921,844

 
758,271

 
(1,744,166
)
 
—

OTHER LIABILITIES
28,776

 
112,763

 
21,060

 
(31,781
)
 
130,818

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
—

 
—

 
2,098

 
—

 
2,098

Total Liabilities
1,040,914

 
1,233,422

 
898,845

 
(1,817,013
)
 
1,356,168

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
389,021

 
1,857,396

 
1,767,071

 
(3,624,467
)
 
389,021

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,429,935

 
$
3,090,818

 
$
2,665,916

 
$
(5,441,480
)
 
$
1,745,189



24

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
At September 30, 2016

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and equivalents
$
6,517

 
$
27,692

 
$
38,344

 
$
—

 
$
72,553

Accounts receivable, net of allowances
—

 
175,583

 
63,810

 
(5,642
)
 
233,751

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

 
126,961

 
—

 
—

 
126,961

Inventories, net
—

 
239,325

 
69,544

 
—

 
308,869

Prepaid and other current assets
39,763

 
31,191

 
16,447

 
(48,796
)
 
38,605

Assets of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
219

 
—

 
219

Total Current Assets
46,280

 
600,752

 
188,364

 
(54,438
)
 
780,958

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net
956

 
303,735

 
100,713

 
—

 
405,404

GOODWILL
—

 
284,875

 
76,310

 
—

 
361,185

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
—

 
147,960

 
62,639

 
—

 
210,599

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE
539,938

 
713,118

 
307,081

 
(1,560,137
)
 
—

EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
824,887

 
866,595

 
1,916,622

 
(3,608,104
)
 
—

OTHER ASSETS
6,529

 
12,151

 
12,675

 
(9,373
)
 
21,982

ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
—

 
—

 
1,968

 
—

 
1,968

Total Assets
$
1,418,590

 
$
2,929,186

 
$
2,666,372

 
$
(5,232,052
)
 
$
1,782,096

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
$
3,153

 
$
2,307

 
$
17,184

 
$
—

 
$
22,644

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
65,751

 
202,657

 
65,213

 
(39,686
)
 
293,935

Liabilities of discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
1,684

 
—

 
1,684

Total Current Liabilities
68,904

 
204,964

 
84,081

 
(39,686
)
 
318,263

LONG-TERM DEBT, net
848,589

 
18,872

 
46,453

 
—

 
913,914

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES
57,648

 
737,980

 
735,053

 
(1,530,681
)
 
—

OTHER LIABILITIES
32,502

 
114,491

 
26,574

 
(36,301
)
 
137,266

LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
—

 
—

 
1,706

 
—

 
1,706

Total Liabilities
1,007,643

 
1,076,307

 
893,867

 
(1,606,668
)
 
1,371,149

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
410,947

 
1,852,879

 
1,772,505

 
(3,625,384
)
 
410,947

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,418,590

 
$
2,929,186

 
$
2,666,372

 
$
(5,232,052
)
 
$
1,782,096



25

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
$
—

 
$
359,861

 
$
114,849

 
$
(7,610
)
 
$
467,100

Cost of goods and services
—

 
271,732

 
87,100

 
(7,860
)
 
350,972

Gross profit
—

 
88,129

 
27,749

 
250

 
116,128

Selling, general and administrative expenses
6,644

 
62,997

 
20,194

 
(92
)
 
89,743

Income (loss) from operations
(6,644
)
 
25,132

 
7,555

 
342

 
26,385

Other income (expense)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income (expense), net
(4,027
)
 
(8,058
)
 
(1,282
)
 
—

 
(13,367
)
Other, net
93

 
651

 
(444
)
 
(342
)
 
(42
)
Total other income (expense)
(3,934
)
 
(7,407
)
 
(1,726
)
 
(342
)
 
(13,409
)
Income (loss) before taxes
(10,578
)
 
17,725

 
5,829

 
—

 
12,976

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(9,029
)
 
7,668

 
2,073

 
—

 
712

Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
(1,549
)
 
10,057

 
3,756

 
—

 
12,264

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
13,813

 
3,798

 
10,057

 
(27,668
)
 
—

Net income (loss)
$
12,264

 
$
13,855

 
$
13,813

 
$
(27,668
)
 
$
12,264

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (loss)
$
12,264

 
$
13,855

 
$
13,813

 
$
(27,668
)
 
$
12,264

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
(11,312
)
 
(4,317
)
 
13,634

 
(9,317
)
 
(11,312
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
952

 
$
9,538

 
$
27,447

 
$
(36,985
)
 
$
952



26

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

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

 
$
389,260

 
$
112,732

 
$
(7,843
)
 
$
494,149

Cost of goods and services
—

 
298,384

 
87,896

 
(8,236
)
 
378,044

Gross profit
—

 
90,876

 
24,836

 
393

 
116,105

Selling, general and administrative expenses
6,397

 
65,948

 
19,046

 
(92
)
 
91,299

Income (loss) from operations
(6,397
)
 
24,928

 
5,790

 
485

 
24,806

Other income (expense)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income (expense), net
(2,256
)
 
(7,789
)
 
(1,967
)
 
—

 
(12,012
)
Other, net
193

 
1,016

 
(169
)
 
(485
)
 
555

Total other income (expense)
(2,063
)
 
(6,773
)
 
(2,136
)
 
(485
)
 
(11,457
)
Income (loss) before taxes
(8,460
)
 
18,155

 
3,654

 
—

 
13,349

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(7,989
)
 
8,817

 
1,733

 
—

 
2,561

Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries
(471
)
 
9,338

 
1,921

 
—

 
10,788

Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries
11,259

 
1,929

 
9,338

 
(22,526
)
 
—

Net income (loss)
$
10,788

 
$
11,267

 
$
11,259

 
$
(22,526
)
 
$
10,788

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (loss)
$
10,788

 
$
11,267

 
$
11,259

 
$
(22,526
)
 
$
10,788

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
(3,978
)
 
139

 
(4,117
)
 
3,978

 
(3,978
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
6,810

 
$
11,406

 
$
7,142

 
$
(18,548
)
 
$
6,810



27

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

 
$
13,855

 
$
13,813

 
$
(27,668
)
 
$
12,264

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(8,907
)
 
6,787

 
9,674

 
—

 
7,554

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(3
)
 
(19,161
)
 
(3,314
)
 
—

 
(22,478
)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
—

 
—

 
(6,051
)
 
—

 
(6,051
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
—

 
96

 
22

 
—

 
118

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(3
)
 
(19,065
)
 
(9,343
)
 
—

 
(28,411
)
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
)
 
(554
)
 
(7,485
)
 
—

 
(8,827
)
Change in short-term borrowings
—

 
—

 
(702
)
 
—

 
(702
)
Financing costs
(172
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

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

 
—

 
—

 
(9,213
)
Dividends paid
(2,499
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,499
)
Other, net
(349
)
 
(1,111
)
 
1,111

 
—

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

 
(1,665
)
 
(233
)
 
—

 
2,221

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash used in discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(430
)
 
—

 
(430
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
—

 
—

 
(1,218
)
 
—

 
(1,218
)
NET 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



28

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Companies
 
Non-Guarantor Companies
 
Elimination
 
Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
$
10,788

 
$
11,267

 
$
11,259

 
$
(22,526
)
 
$
10,788

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(45,973
)
 
29,701

 
(1,132
)
 
—

 
(17,404
)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(54
)
 
(22,017
)
 
(2,947
)
 
—

 
(25,018
)
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture
—

 
(2,726
)
 
—

 
—

 
(2,726
)
Investment sales
715

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
715

Proceeds from sale of assets
—

 
472

 
12

 
—

 
484

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
661

 
(24,271
)
 
(2,935
)
 
—

 
(26,545
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of shares for treasury
(10,910
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,910
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
62,000

 
2,215

 
15,659

 
—

 
79,874

Payments of long-term debt
(2,551
)
 
(524
)
 
(21,051
)
 
—

 
(24,126
)
Change in short-term borrowings
—

 
—

 
(147
)
 
—

 
(147
)
Dividends paid
(2,281
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,281
)
Other, net
203

 
(5,684
)
 
5,684

 
—

 
203

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
46,461

 
(3,993
)
 
145

 
—

 
42,613

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash used in discontinued operations
—

 
—

 
(387
)
 
—

 
(387
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
—

 
—

 
(310
)
 
—

 
(310
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
1,149

 
1,437

 
(4,619
)
 
—

 
(2,033
)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
2,440

 
10,671

 
38,890

 
—

 
52,001

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
3,589

 
$
12,108

 
$
34,271

 
$
—

 
$
49,968



29

(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 conducting 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.
 
Griffon currently conducts its operations through three reportable segments:

•
Home & Building Products ("HBP") consists of two companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”) and Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”):

-
AMES, founded in 1774, is the leading U.S. 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.

•
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.

•
Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. ("PPC"), incorporated in 1934, 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.
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 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.

On September 30, 2010, Griffon purchased AMES for $542,000 in cash. Subsequently, Griffon acquired four 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") and the Hills Home Living business of Hills Limited, known in Australia for its clothesline, laundry and garden products ("Hills").

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

30

by third party suppliers, and improved material flow and absorption of fixed costs. Management continues to estimate that AMES' initiative resulted in annualized cash savings exceeding $10,000. Realization of savings began in the 2015 second quarter.

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. Hills is expected to generate approximately $7,200 (AUD 10,000) of annualized revenue in the first twelve months after acquisition.

From August 2011 through December 31, 2016, 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 3, 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, 2016, $49,437 in the aggregate remains under the August 3, 2016 Board authorization.

From October 2008 through November 11, 2016, Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") has purchased 4,562,371 shares of Griffon's common stock, for a total of $54,186 or $11.88 per share. During the quarter, Griffon's ESOP purchased 548,912 shares of common stock for a total of $9,213 or $16.78 per share. As of December 31, 2016, the remaining amount available under the existing ESOP borrowing line that can be used to purchase additional shares for the ESOP was $1,695. At December 31, 2016, the ESOP holds 5,882,524 allocated and unallocated shares, or 13% of Griffon's outstanding shares, with a related loan balance of $42,644, net of issuance costs.

On November 17, 2011, the Company began declaring quarterly dividends. During the first quarter of 2017, and during 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company declared and paid dividends per share of $0.06, $0.20, $0.16 and $0.12, respectively, for a total of $25,224 of dividends paid during this period.

On January 31, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 22, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 23, 2017.

During 2014, Griffon issued $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 the proceeds of which were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018. On May 18, 2016, the Company completed an add-on offering of $125,000 principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022; as of that date, outstanding Senior Notes due 2022 totaled $725,000. The net proceeds of the add-on offering were used to pay down outstanding Revolving Credit Facility borrowings.
  
In January 2016, Griffon launched its new website: www.griffon.com.

On March 22, 2016, Griffon amended its Revolving Credit Facility 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.

As of December 31, 2016, Griffon also had outstanding $100,000 principal amount of 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2017, with a conversion rate of 70.7738 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, which corresponded to a conversion price of $14.13 per share. On July 14, 2016, Griffon announced that it would settle, upon conversion, up to $125,000 of the conversion value in cash, with amounts in excess of $125,000 to be settled in shares of Griffon common stock. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled these notes for $125,000 in cash, utilizing borrowings under its Revolving Credit Facility, and 1,954,993 shares of common stock.

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 includes improvements to its existing one million square foot building, as well as adding 250,000 square feet and new manufacturing equipment. The project is substantially complete.

31


During April 2016, PPC announced a Sof-flex® breathable film investment which will expand breathable film capacity in North America, Europe and Brazil, increase PPC's extrusion and print capacity, and enhance PPC's innovation and technology capabilities. Griffon expects the project to be completed in fiscal 2018. This investment will allow PPC to maintain and extend its technological advantage and allow it to differentiate itself from competitors, while meeting increasing customer demand for lighter, softer, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly products.



32

OVERVIEW
 
Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $467,100 compared to $494,149 in the prior year quarter, a decrease of 5%, primarily from lower multi-mode radar system revenue at Telephonics and reduced volume and unfavorable mix at PPC, partially offset by product and market expansion in Australia at HBP. Net income was $12,264 or $0.29 per share, compared to $10,788 or $0.24 per share, in the prior year quarter. The current and prior year results included net tax benefits of $4,263 or $0.10 per share compared to $2,591 or $0.06 per share in the prior year quarter, primarily related to discrete benefits for the adoption of recent Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance which requires the company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense.

Excluding these tax benefits from the respective quarterly results, net income would have been $8,001 or $0.19 per share in the current quarter compared to $8,197 or $0.18 per share in the prior year quarter; the impact of foreign currency was not material to the quarter.

Griffon evaluates performance based on Earnings per share and Net income excluding restructuring charges, and discrete and certain other tax items, as applicable. Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted net income and Earnings per share to Adjusted earnings per share:
 
GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME
TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME
(Unaudited) 
 

For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 

2016

2015
Net income
 
$
12,264

 
$
10,788

Adjusting items, net of tax:
 
 

 
 

Discrete and certain other tax provisions (benefits)
 
(4,263
)
 
(2,591
)
Adjusted net income
 
$
8,001

 
$
8,197

Diluted income per common share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.24

Adjusting items, net of tax:
 
 
 
 

Discrete and certain other tax provisions (benefits)
 
(0.10
)
 
(0.06
)
Adjusted earnings per common share
 
$
0.19

 
$
0.18

Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)
 
42,312

 
45,384

 
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.

33

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
 
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) and restructuring charges, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors. The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment operating profit to Income before taxes:

 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Segment operating profit:

 

 
Home & Building Products
 
$
22,640

 
$
21,159

Telephonics
 
5,391

 
7,813

PPC
 
8,031

 
6,017

Total segment operating profit
 
36,062

 
34,989

Net interest expense
 
(13,367
)
 
(12,012
)
Unallocated amounts
 
(9,719
)
 
(9,628
)
Income before taxes
 
$
12,976

 
$
13,349

 
The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income before taxes:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
 

 
 

Home & Building Products
$
31,807

 
$
29,829

Telephonics
8,108

 
10,344

PPC
14,437

 
11,785

Total Segment adjusted EBITDA
54,352

 
51,958

Net interest expense
(13,367
)
 
(12,012
)
Segment depreciation and amortization
(18,290
)
 
(16,969
)
Unallocated amounts
(9,719
)
 
(9,628
)
Income before taxes
$
12,976

 
$
13,349




34

Home & Building Products
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

AMES
 
$
120,724

 
 

 
$
118,290

 
 

CBP
 
143,460

 
 

 
142,908

 
 

Home & Building Products
 
$
264,184

 
 

 
$
261,198

 
 

Segment operating profit
 
$
22,640

 
8.6
%
 
$
21,159

 
8.1
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
9,167

 
 

 
8,670

 
 

Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
$
31,807

 
12.0
%
 
$
29,829

 
11.4
%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, revenue increased $2,986 or 1%, compared to the prior year quarter primarily driven by AMES' market expansions into new products and distribution channels in Australia, most notably for garden tools, Nylex sprayers and Northcote designs, and increased snow sales in Canada. CBP revenue remained consistent with the prior year quarter.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Segment operating profit increased 7% to $22,640 compared to $21,159 in the prior year quarter, primarily resulting from improved margins delivered at AMES Australia from the market expansion described above and operational improvements at both AMES U.S. and CBP. Segment depreciation and amortization increased $497 from the prior year quarter.

On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills Home Living ("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 AMES' lawn and garden product offerings in Australia. Hills is expected to generate approximately $7,200 (AUD 10,000) of annualized revenue in the first twelve months after acquisition.
  

Telephonics 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
 
$
88,093

 
 

 
$
109,037

 
 
Segment operating profit
 
$
5,391

 
6.1
%
 
$
7,813

 
7.2%
Depreciation and amortization
 
2,717

 
 

 
2,531

 
 
Segment adjusted EBITDA
 
$
8,108

 
9.2
%
 
$
10,344

 
9.5%
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, revenue decreased $20,944 or 19% compared to the prior year quarter, due to lower multi-mode radar ("MMR") system revenue and timing of maritime and ground surveillance radar system revenue.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Segment operating profit decreased $2,422 or 31%, and operating profit margin decreased 105 basis points compared to the prior year quarter, driven by decreased MMR revenue and the timing of research and development and bid and proposal expenses.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Telephonics was awarded several new contracts and incremental funding on existing contracts approximating $52,000. Contract backlog was $384,000 at December 31, 2016, with 79% expected to be fulfilled in the next 12 months. Backlog was $420,000 at September 30, 2016. 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 the U.S. government agencies. The decrease in backlog was primarily due to the timing of various international contract awards associated with radar and surveillance opportunities that were not received by the end of the reporting period.

35

PPC
 

For the Three Months Ended December 31,
 

2016

2015
Revenue

$
114,823


 


$
123,914


 

Segment operating profit

$
8,031


7.0
%

$
6,017


4.9
%
Depreciation and amortization

6,406


 


5,768


 

Segment adjusted EBITDA

$
14,437


12.6
%

$
11,785


9.5
%
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, revenue decreased $9,091, or 7%, compared to the prior year quarter, due to decreased volume of 5% driven by reduced volume in North America and Europe partially offset by improved volume in Brazil, and unfavorable product mix of 3%. Resin pricing and foreign currency did not have a material impact on revenue for the quarter. PPC adjusts selling prices based on underlying resin costs on a delayed basis.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Segment operating profit increased $2,014 or 33% compared to the prior year quarter. Despite the sales decline, Segment operating profit benefited from improved margins delivered on increased volume in Brazil and operational performance improvements in Europe, partially offset by product mix and a $2,000 change in the impact of resin pricing pass through. Foreign currency did not have a material impact on Segment operating profit for the quarter. Segment depreciation increased $638 from the prior year period.

Unallocated
 
For the quarter ended December 31, 2016, unallocated amounts totaled $9,719 compared to $9,628 in the prior year.

Segment Depreciation and Amortization
 
Segment depreciation and amortization increased $1,321 for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to depreciation for new assets placed in service.

Other Income (Expense)

For the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Other income (expense) included $46 and $431, respectively, of net currency exchange gains 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 $87 and $192, respectively, of net investment income.

Provision for income taxes
 
The effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was 5.5% compared to 19.2% in the comparable prior year quarter.
The December 31, 2016 and 2015 tax rates included net benefits of $4,263 and $2,591, respectively, primarily related to discrete benefits for the adoption of recent FASB guidance which requires the company to recognize excess tax benefits from the vesting of equity awards within income tax expense. Excluding these benefits, the effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were 38.3% compared to 38.6%.

Stock based compensation
 
For the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,452 and $3,066, respectively.
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
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 U.S. Dollar, a $544 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses and a $1,623 gain on cash flow hedges.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, of $3,978, included a $3,349 loss from foreign currency translation adjustments primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Canadian, Australian and Brazilian currencies,

36

all in comparison to the U.S. Dollar, a $386 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses, and a $1,015 loss on cash flow hedges.

Discontinued operations – Installation Services

There was no revenue or income from the Installation Services’ business for the quarters ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

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:
Cash Flows from Continuing Operations
For the Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
 
2015
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used In):
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
7,554

 
$
(17,404
)
Investing activities
(28,411
)
 
(26,545
)
Financing activities
2,221

 
42,613


Cash provided by continuing operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 was $7,554 compared to a use of $17,404 in the prior year period. Current assets net of current liabilities, excluding short-term debt and cash, increased to $443,185 at December 31, 2016 compared to $412,786 at September 30, 2016, primarily due to decreased accounts payable and accrued expenses and an increase in inventory offset by decreased accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Griffon used cash for investing activities of $28,411 compared to $26,545 in the prior year. Capital expenditures for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 totaled $22,478, a decrease of $2,540 from the prior year. On December 30, 2016, AMES Australia acquired Hills Home Living ("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. In December 2015, Telephonics invested an additional $2,726 increasing its equity stake from 26% to 49% in Mahindra Telephonics Integrated Systems (MTIS), a joint venture with Mahindra Defence Systems, a Mahindra Group Company. This investment is accounted for using the equity method.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, cash provided by financing activities totaled $2,221 compared to $42,613 in the prior year. At December 31, 2016, there were $23,000 in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement compared to $95,000 outstanding borrowings at the same date in the prior year. On each of March 20, 2015, July 29, 2015 and 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. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Griffon purchased 129,000 shares of common stock under these programs, for a total of $2,201 or $17.06 per share. As of December 31, 2016, $49,437 remains under the August 2016 Board authorization. In addition, during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, 555,047 shares, with a market value of $12,872, or $23.19 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, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, paid on December 22, 2016 to shareholders of record as of close of business on December 5, 2016. On January 31, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 22, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 23, 2017.

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. PPC customers are generally substantial industrial companies whose payments have been steady, reliable and made in accordance with the terms governing such sales. PPC sales satisfy orders

37

that are received in advance of production, in which payment terms are established in advance. 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. For the quarter ended December 31, 2016:
 
•
The United States Government and its agencies, through either prime or subcontractor relationships, represented 14% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 72% of Telephonics’ revenue.
•
Procter & Gamble Co. represented 12% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 51% of PPC revenue.
•
The Home Depot represented 11% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 19% 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 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)
2016
 
2016
Cash and equivalents
$
52,269

 
$
72,553

Notes payables and current portion of long-term debt
26,347

 
22,644

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
938,673

 
913,914

Debt discount and issuance costs
14,642

 
16,298

Total debt
979,662

 
952,856

Debt, net of cash and equivalents
$
927,393

 
$
880,303

 
On May 18, 2016, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon completed the add-on offering of $125,000 principal amount of its 5.25% senior notes due 2022, at 98.76% of par, to Griffon's previously issued $600,000 5.25% senior notes due in 2022, at par, which was completed on February 27, 2014 (collectively the “Senior Notes”). As of May 18, 2016, outstanding Senior Notes due totaled $725,000; interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. The net proceeds of the add-on offering were used to pay down outstanding borrowings under Griffon's Revolving Credit Facility (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 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 $730,438 on December 31, 2016 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs). In connection with the issuance and exchange of the $125,000 senior notes, Griffon capitalized $3,016 of underwriting fees and other expenses, which will amortize over the term of such notes; Griffon capitalized $10,313 in connection with the previously issued $600,000 senior 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. 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, 2016, there were $23,000 in outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $16,029 under the Credit Agreement; $310,971 was available, subject to certain loan covenants, for borrowing at that date.

38


On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal amount of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). As of December 31, 2016, the conversion rate of the 2017 Notes was 70.7738 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.13 per share. Under the terms of the 2017 Notes, Griffon had the right to settle the conversion of the 2017 Notes in cash, stock or a combination of cash and stock. 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. At both December 31, 2016 and 2015, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. On January 17, 2017, Griffon settled the convertible debt for $173,855, which consisted of $125,000 in cash, utilizing the Revolving Credit Facility, and 1,954,993 shares of common stock.

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, 2016, $36,665 was outstanding under the mortgages, 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. The availability period for the Line Note runs through August 2017, at which point the outstanding balance under the Line Note will be combined with the Term Loan. The Term Loan and Line Note bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $655 through September 30, 2017 and $569 thereafter, with a balloon payment due at maturity on March 22, 2020. During the quarter, Griffon's ESOP purchased 548,912 shares of common stock for a total of $9,213 or $16.78 per share, with proceeds from the Line Notes. The remaining amount available under the Line Note is $1,695. As of December 31, 2016, $42,644, net of issuance costs, was outstanding under the Term Loan and Line Note. 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.

In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon. At December 31, 2016, $6,045 was outstanding, net of issuance costs.

In September 2015, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a EUR 5,000 ($5,227 as of December 31, 2016) revolving credit facility and a EUR 15,000 term loan. The term loan is payable in twelve quarterly installments of EUR 1,250, bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.5% and matures in September 2018. The revolving facility matures in September 2017, but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 1.75% per annum (1.75% at December 31, 2016). The revolver and the term loan are both secured by substantially all of the assets of Clopay Europe and its subsidiaries. Griffon guarantees the revolving facility and term loan. The term loan had an outstanding balance of EUR 8,750 ($9,147 at December 31, 2016) and the revolver had no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2016. Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and is subject to a maximum debt leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA).
Clopay do Brazil maintains a line of credit of R$7,000 ($2,148 as of December 31, 2016). Interest on borrowings accrues at various fixed rates which averaged about 17.4% at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016 there was approximately R$4,778 ($1,466 as of December 31, 2016) borrowed under the line. PPC guarantees the line.
In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 ($11,088 as of December 31, 2016) revolving credit facility. The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (2.30% LIBOR USD and 2.19% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of December 31, 2016). The revolving facility matures in October 2019. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity.  At December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

In July 2016, Griffon Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and its Australian subsidiaries 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. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of AUD 750 plus interest, with a balloon payment of AUD 21,000 due upon maturity in June 2019, and accrues interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.25% per annum (4.12% at December 31, 2016). The term loan had an outstanding balance of AUD 28,500 ($20,529 as of December 31, 2016). The revolving facility matures in November 2017 but is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank, and accrues interest at BBSY plus 2.0% per annum (3.68% at December 31, 2016). The revolver had an outstanding balance of AUD 14,500 ($10,444 as of December 31, 2016 ). The revolver and the term

39

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, 2016, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of its credit and loan agreements.

On each of March 20, 2015, July 29, 2015 and 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, 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. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, Griffon purchased 129,000 shares of common stock under these programs, for a total of $2,201 or $17.06 per share. From August 2011 through December 31, 2016, Griffon repurchased 20,429,298 shares of its common stock, for a total of $261,621 or $12.81 per share (which repurchases included exhausting the remaining availability under a Board authorized repurchase program in existence prior to 2011). 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, 2016, $49,437 remains under the August 2016 Board authorization.

On December 10, 2013, Griffon repurchased 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct. The repurchase 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. The transaction was exclusive of the Company’s August 2011 $50,000 authorized share repurchase program. GS Direct continues to hold approximately 5.6 million shares of Griffon’s common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining 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.

In addition, during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, 555,047 shares, with a market value of $12,872, or $23.19 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 the first quarter of 2017, and during 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company declared and paid dividends per share of $0.06, $0.20, $0.16 and $0.12, respectively, for a total of $25,224 of dividends paid during this period. 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 31, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on March 22, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 23, 2017.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Griffon used cash for discontinued operations of $430 and $387, respectively, primarily related to settling 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, 2016.

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, 2016. 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.

40



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.


41

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, 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 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 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, 2016. 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 revolving credit facility 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-U.S. countries, primarily in Canada, Germany, Brazil, China and Australia; therefore, changes in the value of the currencies of these countries affect the financial position and cash flows when translated into U.S. Dollars. Griffon has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements relative to its non-U.S. 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.
 

42

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.
 

43

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, 2016, 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, 2016
129,000

(1)
 
$
17.06

 
129,000

 
 

November 1 - 30, 2016
477,692

(2)
 
22.89

 
—

 
 

December 1 - 31, 2016
77,355

(2)
 
25.05

 
—

 
 

Total
684,047

 
 
$
22.04

 
129,000

 
$
49,437


1.
On each of July 30, 2015 and 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, 2016, 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

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On January 31, 2017, Griffon Corporation ("Griffon") held its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Of the 44,856,786 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, 43,305,988 shares, or 96.5%, were represented at the meeting

44


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 I directors were elected to serve until Griffon’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, by the votes set forth below:
Nominee
For
Withheld
Broker Non-Votes
 
 
 
 
Thomas J. Brosig
40,385,158
924,836
1,995,994
Rear Admiral Robert G. Harrison (USN Ret.)
36,457,805
4,852,189
1,995,994
Ronald J. Kramer
40,465,056
844,938
1,995,994
General Victor Eugene Renuart (USAF Ret.)
40,718,535
591,459
1,995,994

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
34,015,443
6,844,229
450,322
1,995,994

Item No. 3: The stockholders expressed their preference for the holding of an advisory vote on executive compensation on an annual basis, by the votes set forth below:
One Year
Two Years
Three Years
Abstain
Broker Non-votes
39,364,863
415,930
1,168,836
360,365
1,995,994

Item No. 4: The stockholders ratified the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Griffon’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017, by the votes set forth below:
For
Against
Abstain
43,012,946
105,412
187,630
Item 6
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32
Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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*
 
 
*
In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed”.

45

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: January 31, 2017


46

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32
Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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*
 
 
*
In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed”.

47