UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 4, 2009

GRIFFON CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)


Delaware
1-06620
11-1893410
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
100 Jericho Quadrangle
 
Jericho, New York
11753
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

(516) 938-5544
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 

 
Item 2.02.                                Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 4, 2009, Griffon Corporation (the “Registrant”) issued a press release announcing the Registrant’s financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008.  A copy of the Registrant’s press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01.                                Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)           Exhibits.

99.1            Press Release, dated February 4, 2009

The information filed as an exhibit to this Form 8-K is being furnished in accordance with Item 2.02 and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of such section, nor shall such information  be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 
 

 

 
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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
  GRIFFON CORPORATION  
       
 
By:
/s/ Patrick L. Alesia  
    Patrick L. Alesia  
    Chief Financial Officer  
       

Date:   February 4, 2009
 
 

 

 
Exhibit Index

 
99.1
Press release, dated February 4, 2009
Unassociated Document


 


Contact: Patrick L. Alesia
Chief Financial Officer
(516) 938-5544

Griffon Corporation Announces First Quarter Operating Results
 
● Diluted EPS of $.07 in 1Q 2009 versus $.04 loss in 1Q 2008
● Segment adjusted EBITDA of $17.0 million

JERICHO, NEW YORK, February 4, 2009 – Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF) today reported operating results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2008.

First Quarter of Fiscal 2009

Net sales from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were $302.3 million, compared to $294.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter was $4.3 million, or $.07 per diluted share, compared to $1.5 million, or $.05 per diluted share, last year. Results from discontinued operations for the first quarter were break-even, or nil per diluted share, compared to a loss of $2.9 million, or $.09 per diluted share, last year. Net income for the quarter was $4.3 million, or $.07 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1.4 million, or $.04 per diluted share, last year.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a non-cash, pre-tax gain from debt extinguishment of $6.7 million, net of a proportionate write-off of deferred financing costs, associated with the October 2008 purchase of $35.5 million face value of its outstanding 4% convertible notes from certain note holders for $28.4 million.

The Company’s segment adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2009 was $17.0 million compared to $21.8 million in 2008. Segment adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income excluding allocations of corporate overhead, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, goodwill charges and the impact of debt extinguishment.

As a result of the downturn in the residential housing market, in fiscal 2008, the Company exited substantially all of the operating activities of its Installation Services segment. Operating results of substantially all of the Installation Services segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented herein, and the Installation Services segment is excluded from segment reporting. The Company is winding down remaining disposal activities in the first half of fiscal 2009 and does not expect to incur significant expenses in the future.

Telephonics Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, Telephonics generated sales of $80.8 million, a 6.5% increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

The sales increase was primarily attributable to growth in the Radar Systems Division driven by increases in the Lamps MMR and ARPDD programs. Last year’s first quarter sales were favorably impacted by contracts with the Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC) that were winding down in the latter part of fiscal 2007. Excluding the prior-period sales related to the SRC contracts, core business sales grew by approximately $9.4 million, or 13%. However, operating income decreased $.1 million as a result of decreased gross margin performance attributable to program mix.


Clopay Garage Doors Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s Garage Doors segment generated sales of $108.8 million, a 3.3% decrease from the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Garage Doors’ sales continued to be impacted by weakness in the residential housing and credit markets.

The Garage Doors sales decline was principally due to reduced unit volume, offset partially by higher selling prices to pass through increased material costs and product mix.

Operating loss of the Garage Doors segment increased by approximately $3.0 million compared to last year, primarily as a result of reduced sales volume and associated plant absorption loss, as well as an increased mix of certain higher-priced, but lower-margin, commercial products. The prior-year period was affected by restructuring charges of approximately $1.7 million.

Clopay Specialty Plastic Films Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s Specialty Plastic Films segment generated sales of $112.7 million, a 5.9% increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Specialty Plastic Films achieved higher sales principally due to a favorable product mix in North America and the impact of increased selling prices to pass through increased resin costs, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of exchange rates on translated foreign sales. Operating income decreased by $.5 million as the favorable contribution to gross margin from the pass through of resin costs was more than offset by an unfavorable product mix and foreign exchange translation.

Balance Sheet and Capital Expenditures

In September 2008, the Company substantially strengthened its balance sheet by raising $241.3 million in gross proceeds from the sale of its common stock. The transaction was effected through a common stock rights offering, along with an investment by GS Direct, L.L.C., an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. An additional $5.3 million of rights offering proceeds were received in October 2008. The Company intends to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes and to fund its growth.

The Company’s total cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2008 was $276.0 million. Total debt outstanding at December 31, 2008 was $199.5 million, including $94.5 million of convertible notes. Capital expenditures were $4.8 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

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Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its results today, February 4, 2009, at 4:15 PM EST. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-800-322-9079 (U.S. participants) or 1-973-582-2717 (International participants). Callers should ask to be connected to Griffon Corporation’s first quarter fiscal 2009 teleconference and provide the conference ID number 83067804. A replay of the call will be available from February 4, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST by dialing 1-800-642-1687 (U.S.) or 1-706-645-9291 (International). The replay access code is 83067804. The replay will be available through February 18, 2009.

Forward-looking Statements

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including without limitation statements regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of the Company’s management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, business, financial market and economic conditions, including, but not limited to, the credit market, the housing market, results of integrating acquired businesses into existing operations, the results of the Company’s restructuring and disposal efforts, competitive factors and pricing pressures for resin and steel, and capacity and supply constraints. Such statements reflect the views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity of the Company as previously disclosed in the Company’s SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Griffon Corporation

Griffon Corporation, headquartered in Jericho, New York, is a diversified holding Company consisting of three distinct business segments: Electronic Information and Communication Systems, through Telephonics Corporation; Garage Doors, through Clopay Building Products Company; and Specialty Plastic Films, through Clopay Plastic Products Company.

● Telephonics Corporation’s high-technology engineering and manufacturing capabilities provide integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide.

● Clopay Building Products Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains.

● Clopay Plastic Products Company is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial markets.

For more information on the Company and its operating subsidiaries, please see the Company's website at www.griffoncorp.com.

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GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
(Unaudited)
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
             
 PRELIMINARY (in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
 Net Sales:
           
   Electronic Information and Communication Systems
  $ 80,827     $ 75,860  
   Garage Doors
    108,818       112,544  
   Specialty Plastic Films
    112,689       106,398  
    $ 302,334     $ 294,802  
                 
 Operating Income (Loss):
               
   Electronic Information and Communication Systems
  $ 5,378     $ 5,483  
   Garage Doors
    (4,393 )     (1,375 )
   Specialty Plastic Films
    5,536       5,998  
     Segment operating income
    6,521       10,106  
   Unallocated amounts
    (4,449 )     (5,229 )
   Gain from debt extinguishment, net
    6,714        
   Interest, net
    (2,278 )     (2,255 )
     Income from continuing operations before
        income taxes
  $ 6,508     $ 2,622  
                 

4


GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
   
 Three Months Ended December 31, 
 
 PRELIMINARY (in thousands, except per share data)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Net sales
  $ 302,334     $ 294,802  
Cost of sales
    243,377       230,044  
   Gross profit
    58,957       64,758  
                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    56,528       58,987  
Restructuring and other related charges
          1,691  
   Total operating expenses
    56,528       60,678  
   Income from operations
    2,429       4,080  
                 
Other income (expense):
               
   Interest expense
    (2,796 )     (3,136 )
   Interest income
    518       881  
   Gain from early extinguishment of debt
    6,714        
   Other, net
    (357 )     797  
      4,079       (1,458 )
Income from continuing operations
   before income taxes
    6,508       2,622  
Provision for income taxes
    2,237       1,083  
Income from continuing operations before
   discontinued operations
    4,271       1,539  
Discontinued operations:
               
  Income (loss) from operations of the discontinued Installation
    Services business
    5       (5,015 )
  Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    2       (2,121 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    3       (2,894 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,274     $ (1,355 )
                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
               
  Continuing operations
  $ .07     $ .05  
  Discontinued operations
          (.09 )
    $ .07     $ (.04 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
               
  Continuing operations
  $ .07     $ .05  
  Discontinued operations
          (.09 )
    $ .07     $ (.04 )
                 
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic
    58,853       32,478  
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted
    58,918       32,741  


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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
             
PRELIMINARY (in thousands)
 
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2008
 
 ASSETS
           
             
 Current Assets:
           
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 276,024     $ 311,921  
    Accounts receivable, net
    146,595       163,586  
    Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed
    64,194       69,001  
    Inventories
    169,379       167,158  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    54,943       52,430  
    Assets of discontinued operations
    4,793       9,495  
       Total current assets
    715,928       773,591  
 Property, plant and equipment, at cost, net of
               
    depreciation and amortization
    228,400       239,003  
 Costs in excess of fair value of net assets of
               
 businesses acquired
    88,300       93,782  
Intangible assets, net
    33,484       34,777  
Other assets
    23,007       22,067  
Assets of discontinued operations
    8,816       8,346  
    $ 1,097,935     $ 1,171,566  
                 
 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
 Current Liabilities:
               
    Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt
  $ 4,594     $ 2,258  
    Accounts payable
    107,088       129,823  
    Accrued liabilities
    59,816       64,450  
    Liabilities of discontinued operations
    11,849       14,917  
       Total current liabilities
    183,347       211,448  
 Long-term debt
    194,902       230,930  
 Other liabilities
    61,960       59,460  
 Liabilities of discontinued operations
    9,689       10,048  
 Shareholders’ equity
    648,037       659,680  
    $ 1,097,935     $ 1,171,566  

6


GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 PRELIMINARY (in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES – CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,274     $ (1,355 )
  Loss (income) from discontinued operations
    (3 )     2,894  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
    cash (used in) provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
               
    Depreciation and amortization
    10,553       10,370  
    Stock-based compensation
    814       624  
    Recovery of losses on accounts receivable
    (346 )     (17 )
    Amortization of deferred financing costs
    726       222  
    Gain from debt extinguishment, net
    (6,714 )      
    Deferred income taxes
    (376 )     412  
  Change in assets and liabilities:
               
    Decrease in accounts receivable and contract
      costs and recognized income not yet billed
    20,190       36,799  
    Increase in inventories
    (2,934 )     (4,208 )
    Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
    (1,341 )     (5,047 )
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued
      liabilities and income taxes payable
    (27,402 )     1,492  
    Other changes, net
    (2,267 )     (1,211 )
      (9,100 )     42,330  
     Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities – continuing operations
    (4,826 )     40,975  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES – CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
               
  Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
    (4,831 )     (6,445 )
  Acquired businesses
          (1,750 )
  Proceeds from sale of investment
          1,000  
  Decrease (increase) in equipment lease deposits
    (231 )     4,332  
     Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations
    (5,062 )     (2,863 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES – CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
               
  Proceeds from issuance of shares from rights offering
    5,274        
  Purchase of shares for treasury
          (579 )
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    4,908        
  Payments of long-term debt
    (33,761 )     (13,818 )
  Increase in short-term borrowings
    2,021       787  
  Financing costs
    (93 )      
  Purchase of ESOP shares
    (4,370 )      
  Other, net
    419       177  
     Net cash used in financing activities – continuing operations
    (25,602 )     (13,433 )
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
               
  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (323 )     181  
  Net cash used in investing activities
          (95 )
     Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
    (323 )     86  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (84 )     240  
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (35,897 )     25,005  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    311,921       44,747  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 276,024     $ 69,752  

7


GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME AND SEGMENT ADJUSTED EBITDA
 
(Unaudited)
The following is a reconciliation of operating income, which is a GAAP measure of our operating results, to segment operating income and segment adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that the presentation of segment operating income and segment adjusted EBITDA is appropriate to provide additional information about the Company’s reportable segments. Segment operating income and segment adjusted EBITDA are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP, are not measures of financial performance or condition, liquidity or profitability of the Company, and should not be considered as an alternative to (1) net income, operating income or any other performance measures determined in accordance with GAAP or (2) operating cash flows determined in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, segment operating income and segment adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for management’s discretionary use, as they do not consider certain cash requirements such as interest payments, tax payments, capital expenditures and debt service requirements.
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
             
 PRELIMINARY (in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Operating income – as reported
  $ 2,429     $ 4,080  
   Corporate and related charges
    4,449       5,229  
   Other income (expense)
    (357 )     797  
  Segment operating income
    6,521       10,106  
    Depreciation and amortization
    10,482       10,296  
    Restructuring charges
          1,691  
  Segment adjusted EBITDA
  $ 17,003     $ 22,093  


8

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
SEGMENT ADJUSTED EBITDA – BY REPORTABLE SEGMENT
(Unaudited)
 
   
   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
             
 PRELIMINARY (in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
             
Electronic Information and Communication Systems:
           
  Segment operating income
  $ 5,378     $ 5,483  
    Depreciation and amortization
    1,487       1,453  
  Segment adjusted EBITDA
  $ 6,865     $ 6,936  
                 
Garage Doors:
               
  Segment operating income
  $ (4,393 )   $ (1,375 )
    Depreciation and amortization
    3,232       3,259  
    Restructuring charges
          1,691  
  Segment adjusted EBITDA
  $ (1,161 )   $ 3,575  
                 
Specialty Plastic Films:
               
  Segment operating income
  $ 5,536     $ 5,998  
    Depreciation and amortization
    5,763       5,584  
  Segment adjusted EBITDA
  $ 11,299     $ 11,582  
                 
All segments:
               
  Segment operating income
  $ 6,521     $ 10,106  
    Depreciation and amortization
    10,482       10,296  
    Restructuring charges
          1,691  
  Segment adjusted EBITDA
  $ 17,003     $ 22,093  

###
 
 
 
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