10-K
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
or
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: 0-10546
 
(LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. LOGO)
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
         
Delaware     36-2229304  
(State or other jurisdiction of     (I.R.S. Employer  
incorporation or organization)     Identification No. )
 
1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(847) 827-9666
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, $1.00 par value   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o  No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o   No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ  No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ 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 by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o   No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates on June 30, 2008 (based upon the per share closing price of $24.78) was approximately $92,600,000.
 
As of March 5, 2009, 8,522,001 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference:
 
Part III incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.
 


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page #
 
      Business     3  
      Risk Factors     7  
      Unresolved Staff Comments     9  
      Properties     9  
      Legal Proceedings     10  
      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     10  
 
PART II
      Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     11  
      Selected Financial Data     12  
      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     13  
      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     19  
      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     20  
      Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     43  
      Controls and Procedures     43  
      Other Information     44  
 
PART III
      Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     45  
      Executive Compensation     45  
      Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     45  
      Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     46  
      Principal Accounting Fees and Services     46  
 
PART IV
      Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules     47  
        Signatures     49  
 EX-10.11
 EX-10.12
 EX-10.14
 EX-10.24
 EX-21
 EX-23
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32
 
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. The terms “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continues,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, intentions or beliefs and are subject to a number of factors, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences or that might otherwise impact the business include the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
 
The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such factor or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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PART I
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.
 
Overview
 
Lawson Products, Inc. (“Lawson”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) was incorporated in Illinois in 1952, and reincorporated in Delaware in 1982. Lawson is a North American distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial, institutional, and governmental maintenance repair and operations (“MRO”) marketplace. The Company also manufactures, sells and distributes production and specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace (“OEM”) including the automotive, appliance, aerospace, construction, and transportation industries. Please see Note O “Segment Reporting” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for further information regarding financial results related to the Company’s geographical and business segments. (Such information is incorporated herein by reference.)
 
MRO Segment
 
Industry and competition
 
The MRO industry consists of companies that buy and stock products in bulk and supply these products to customers on an as needed basis. The customer benefits from lower costs and convenience of ordering. We estimate the MRO industry in North America to exceed $100 billion in revenues.
 
We encounter intense competition from several national distributors and manufacturers and a large number of regional and local distributors. Some competitors have greater financial and personnel resources, handle more extensive lines of merchandise, operate larger facilities and price some merchandise more competitively than we do. We compete for business delivering on our proposition of vendor managed inventory, technical expertise and highly engineered products.
 
Operations
 
We participate in the MRO industry through our Lawson Products business unit and through our Rutland Tools subsidiary (“Rutland”) which together represented 83% of our overall net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
The majority of our sales are generated through a network of approximately 1,500 independent sales agents. These agents deliver value to the customer by offering vendor managed inventory, technical expertise and highly engineered products. Sales agents receive education in the best uses of our products enabling them to provide solutions customized to our customers needs. This includes on-site visits to help manage customer inventories, introducing cost savings and improving their profitability. Regular inventory analysis and replenishment is conducted to prevent unnecessary purchases and unplanned downtime. Additionally, we provide customized storage systems for improved organization and a more efficient workflow. Product demonstrations that can improve our customers’ productivity are regularly given by our agents.
 
We distribute printed catalogs to two primary markets. One is the retail market where business is done with the end user of the product. The other is the wholesale market where the distributor resells our product to an end customer. In 2008, we delivered printed catalogs to approximately 70,000 retail customers and approximately 62,000 wholesale customers. We also have showrooms located in Whittier, California; City of Industry, California; San Jose, California; Santa Ana, California; Chatsworth, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and Houston, Texas.
 
We receive product orders in various ways. Customers can place orders with our customer service team via fax or phone, orders can be placed directly through the on-line catalog on our web site and agents enter orders directly into an electronic ordering system.
 
Our engineering department provides technical support as part of our value proposition for our extensive product line and on-site problem solving. Material Safety Data Sheets are maintained electronically and are available to our customers seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Additionally, product certifications and material test


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reports are available by contacting the engineering department at engineering@lawsonproducts.com. Our engineering department also develops and presents product safety and technical training seminars tailored to meet our customers’ needs.
 
We sell products in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. An important factor in attracting and retaining customers is our ability to process orders promptly. We normally ship to customers within one to two days of order placement. This rapid shipment is facilitated by automated order entry and inventory control systems. Products are stocked in and processed from strategically placed general distribution centers in Des Plaines, Illinois; Addison, Illinois; Vernon Hills, Illinois; Reno, Nevada; Fairfield, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; Suwanee, Georgia; and Mississauga, Ontario.
 
We carry a significant amount of inventories to ensure product availability and rapid processing of customer orders. We depend on accurate forecasting of customer demand to establish the proper level of inventory for each product. Inventory levels need to be sufficient to meet customer demand while avoiding the costs of stocking excess items. Technology is critical to provide management with timely information related to our current inventory on hand in relation to customer demand, vendor pricing and purchase lead times to order the replenishment of the optimal number of parts at the proper time at the best price. We are seeking to improve and upgrade the quality of our information technology to maximize the efficiency of our supply chain.
 
Products
 
We offer approximately 240,000 different products for sale of which approximately 180,000 products are maintained in inventory. Sales percentages by broad categories of our product mix are as follows:
 
         
Product Category
  Percent of Total MRO Sales
 
Fastening systems
    20 %
Specialty chemicals
    13  
Cutting tools and abrasives
    13  
Fluid power
    11  
Aftermarket automotive supplies
    9  
Electrical
    9  
Welding and metal repair
    6  
Other
    19  
         
      100 %
         
 
Substantially all of our products are manufactured by others, purchased in bulk and repackaged in smaller quantities for sale to our customers. During 2008, our Lawson Products business unit purchased products from over 1,100 suppliers and our Rutland business unit purchased products from approximately 600 suppliers. We generally do not engage in long-term or fixed-price contracts. No single supplier accounted for more than three percent of our purchases in 2008 and we believe that the loss of any single supplier would not significantly affect our operations.
 
We actively participate in the design and development of products with our manufacturers. Technology has helped us to develop new items that are application specific. We review applications and recommend alternative products that could prove beneficial to the customer. Our quality control department tests our product offerings to assure they meet our specifications. We also conduct failure analysis and recommend solutions to help customers maximize product performance and avoid costly product failures. To promote brand loyalty, we sell products using various private labels and tradenames including Lawson Products, Kent Automotive, Cronatron, and Drummond, among others.
 
Customers
 
Our customers include a wide range of purchasers of industrial supply products from small repair shops to large national and governmental accounts. Our customers operate in a wide variety of industries including


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automotive repair, transportation, governmental including the military, manufacturing, construction, mining, wholesale, service and others.
 
During 2008, our Lawson Products business unit sold products to approximately 140,000 customers and our Rutland business unit sold products to approximately 30,000 customers. No customer accounted for more than two percent of net sales. In 2008, 94% of our net sales came from customers in the United States and 6% came from customers in Canada.
 
OEM Segment
 
Two of our subsidiaries, Assembly Component Systems (“ACS”) and Automatic Screw Machine Parts Company (“ASMP”) compete in the OEM marketplace. The OEM marketplace generally consists of large manufacturing companies with multiple supply chain needs. ACS and ASMP accounted for 13% and 4% of the Company’s net sales for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
ACS specializes in providing OEM manufacturers with just-in-time delivery of fasteners, components and fittings to maximize the efficiency of the customers’ supply chain. ACS seeks long-term agreements with companies to identify product needs and parameters of use, offer engineering expertise, provide product sourcing and manage inventory replenishment. Sales support and dedicated warehousing is provided, enabling partnered companies to focus on manufacturing operations while affording them a reduction in financial obligations associated with inventory housing and usage. ACS operates a distribution network that includes Des Plaines, Illinois; Lenexa, Kansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Memphis, Tennessee. Inventory supply rooms staffed by dedicated ACS sales personnel located close to, or within a company’s operating space, are used to facilitate the selection and transfer of goods that are called for during a production schedule. Additional sales support is available through sales calls, special needs requests, and pre-determined replenishment schedules.
 
ASMP manufactures and distributes components, fasteners and fittings for use by OEM manufacturers. Based in Decatur, Alabama, ASMP manufactures components specific to the customer’s production needs including various nondependent or interdependent components. ASMP seeks to obtain long-term commitments to enable proper support of the customers’ supply chain. ASMP manufactures products developed for high strength critical applications and also sources externally produced items if applications call for such goods.
 
Employees and Sales Agents
 
As of December 31, 2008, we employed approximately 1,350 full time workers, consisting of approximately 340 sales and marketing employees, 760 operations and distribution employees and 250 management and administrative staff. Approximately 12% of our workforce is represented by four collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our relations with our employees and their collective bargaining organizations are good.
 
Additionally, sales in our MRO segment are made primarily through a network of approximately 1,500 independent sales agents. Independent sales agents are compensated on a commission only basis and are responsible for repayment of commissions on any uncollectible accounts.
 
Available Information
 
We file or furnish annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and file or furnish amendments to those reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and Section 16 reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The public can obtain copies of these materials by visiting the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington DC 20549, by accessing the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are filed with or furnished to the Commission, we make copies available to the public free of charge on or through our website at www.lawsonproducts.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report.


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Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The executive officers of Lawson as of December 31, 2008 were as follows.
 
                     
        Year First
   
        Elected to
   
        Present
   
Name
 
Age
 
Office
 
Position
 
Thomas J. Neri
    57       2007     Chief Executive Officer and Director
F. Terrence Blanchard
    55       2008     Chief Financial Officer
Neil E. Jenkins
    59       2004     Executive Vice President; Secretary and General Counsel
Harry Dochelli
    49       2008     Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing
William Holmes
    49       2006     Vice President and Treasurer
Stewart Howley
    47       2008     Senior Vice President Strategic Business Development
Michelle Russell
    47       2007     Senior Vice President Operations and Supply Chain Management
Mary Ellen Schopp
    46       2007     Senior Vice President, Human Resources
 
Biographical information for the past five years relating to each of our executive officers is set forth below.
 
Mr. Neri was elected Chief Executive Officer in April 2007. Mr. Neri was elected to the Board of Directors in December 2007. Mr. Neri was elected President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2007. Mr. Neri was elected Executive Vice President, Finance, Planning and Corporate Development; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in 2004. Mr. Neri joined the Company in October 2003 as Executive Vice President, Finance and Corporate Planning.
 
Mr. Blanchard was elected Chief Financial Officer effective June 30, 2008. Mr. Blanchard has been a partner in the executive services firm Tatum, LLC (“Tatum”) since 2006, where he has served as Interim Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer for Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., as Senior Financial Officer for Hyperfeed Technologies, Inc. and in a financial consultation role for Zimmer Holdings, Inc. Mr. Blanchard served from 1999 to 2006 in various management positions with Florsheim Group Inc., including as President and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance and Vice President and Controller. Florsheim Group Inc. filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on March 4, 2002.
 
Mr. Jenkins was elected Executive Vice President; Secretary and General Counsel in 2004. From 2000 to 2003 Mr. Jenkins served as Secretary and Corporate Counsel of the Company.
 
Mr. Dochelli was elected Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing effective April 2008. Previously, Mr. Dochelli served as Executive Vice President, North America Contract Sales for OfficeMax from 2007 until 2008, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations for OfficeMax/Boise Cascade Office Solutions from 2005 to 2007 and in various other management positions with OfficeMax/Boise Cascade Office Solutions from 1987 to 2005.
 
Mr. Holmes was elected Vice President and Treasurer effective January 2006. From 2001 through 2005 Mr. Holmes was Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Company.
 
Mr. Howley was elected Senior Vice President Strategic Business Development effective April 2008. Mr. Howley served as Chief Marketing Officer from December 2005 until May 2008. From August 2002 through December 2005, he was Director of Strategic Business Development with Home Depot Supply.
 
Ms. Russell was elected Senior Vice President Operations and Supply Chain Management in August 2007. Ms. Russell served as Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer from April 2006 until August 2007 and in a consulting capacity from November 2005 through March 2006. Prior to this Ms. Russell held the role of Vice President of Operations at Associated Materials from 2001 until 2005.
 
Ms. Schopp was elected Senior Vice President, Human Resources in 2007. Prior to this Ms. Schopp held the role of Vice President, Human Resources at ConAgra Foods, Inc. from 2003 until 2006.


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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS.
 
In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the following factors should be considered in evaluating Lawson’s business. Our operating results depend upon many factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The material risks and uncertainties known to us which may cause the operating results to vary from anticipated results or which may negatively affect our operating results are as follows:
 
Our results of operations may continue to be adversely impacted by the current worldwide economic recession. As a result, demand for our products may significantly decline or the market price of our common stock may decline.
 
In late 2007, the U.S. and world economies entered into a severe economic recession due to the effects of the subprime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, volatile energy and commodity costs, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. These conditions make it difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and have caused U.S. and foreign businesses to slow spending on products throughout our industry, which adversely impacts our revenues and our ability to manage inventory levels, collect customer receivables and ultimately our profitability. We cannot predict the duration of the recession or the timing or strength of a subsequent economic recovery. Additionally, our stock price could decrease if investors have concerns that our business, financial condition, results of operations and capital requirements will be negatively impacted by a continued worldwide recession. A decrease in our stock price reduces the market value of the Company compared to the book value of our net assets, which may lead to further impairment of our assets.
 
Our Deferred Prosecution Agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, and any potential breach of such agreement, may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.
 
We entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (the “DPA”) in August 2008 with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (the “U.S. Attorney’s Office), which provides for the payment of $30.0 million in penalties to resolve our liability for the actions of our representatives in improperly providing gifts or awards to purchasing agents through our then-existing customer loyalty programs. The signing of the DPA may negatively affect our ability to do business with certain customers (both government and non-government customers). In addition, under the terms of the DPA, if it is determined that we deliberately gave false, incomplete or misleading information under the DPA or have committed any federal crimes subsequent to the DPA, or otherwise knowingly, intentionally, and materially violated any provision of the DPA, we may be subject to prosecution for any federal criminal violation of which the U.S. Attorney’s Office has knowledge. We cannot predict the impact, if any, of the signing of the DPA on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and stock price.
 
A significant portion of our inventory may become obsolete.
 
Our business strategy requires us to carry a significant amount of inventory in order to meet rapid processing of customer orders. If our inventory forecasting and production planning processes result in inventory levels exceeding the levels demanded by customers, our operating results could be adversely affected due to costs of carrying the inventory and additional inventory write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory.
 
Work stoppages and other disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports may adversely affect our ability to obtain inventory and make deliveries to Lawson’s customers.
 
Our ability to rapidly process customer orders is an integral component of our overall business strategy. Disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports, due to events such as severe weather or labor interruptions or other events, affect both our ability to maintain core products in inventory and deliver products to our customers on a


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timely basis, which may in turn adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, severe weather conditions could adversely affect demand for our products in particularly hard hit regions.
 
Changes in our customers and product mix could cause our gross margin percentage to decline in the future.
 
From time to time, we have experienced changes in product mix and inventory costs. When our product mix changes, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our historical gross profit margins. Changes in our customers, product mix, or the volume of orders could cause our gross profit margin percentage to decline.
 
Increases in energy costs and the cost of raw materials used in our products could impact our cost of goods and distribution and occupancy expenses, which may result in lower operating margins.
 
Increases in the cost of raw materials used in our products (e.g., steel) and energy costs raise the production costs of our vendors. Those vendors typically look to pass the higher costs along to us through price increases. If we are unable to fully pass these increased prices and costs through to our customers or to modify our activities, the impact would have an adverse effect on our operating profit margins.
 
Disruptions of our information systems could adversely affect the Company.
 
We depend on our information systems to process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to service customers. Disruptions in the operation of information systems can occur due to a variety of factors including power outages, computer bugs and human error. Any disruption in the operation of our information systems whether over a short or an extended period of time or affecting one or multiple distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
A limited number of the Company’s stockholders can exert significant influence over the Company.
 
As of January 31, 2009, members of the Port family collectively beneficially owned 55.3% of the outstanding shares of common stock. This share ownership would permit these stockholders, if they chose to act together, to exert significant influence over the outcome of stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors, by-law amendments, possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions. The interests of the Port family may differ from those of other stockholders.
 
The Company operates in highly competitive markets.
 
Our marketplace, although consolidating, still includes large, fragmented industries that are highly competitive. We believe that customers and competitors may continue to consolidate over the next few years, which may make the industry even more competitive. Our current or future competitors include companies with similar or greater market presence, name recognition, and financial, marketing, and other resources, and we believe they will continue to challenge the marketplace with their product selection, financial resources, and services.
 
Future acquisitions are subject to integration and other risks.
 
We anticipate that we may, from time to time, selectively acquire additional businesses or assets. Acquisitions are accompanied by risks, such as potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business. In addition, we may not obtain the expected benefits or cost savings from acquisitions. Acquisitions are subject to risks associated with financing the acquisition and integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses or assets. If any of these risks materialize, they may result in disruptions to our business and the diversion of management time and attention, which could increase the costs of operating our existing or acquired businesses or negate the expected benefits of the acquisitions.


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An economic or other situation that affects government and tax-supported entities could negatively impact our sales and earnings.
 
We sell to numerous government and tax supported entities. Any situation that impacts these funded entities or our ability to sell to these entities could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.
 
Our headquarters is located in Des Plaines, Illinois and we conduct our business from owned or leased facilities at the following locations.
 
                                 
                      Square
 
Location
  Segment     Function     Own/Lease     Footage  
 
Addison, Illinois
    MRO       Distribution       Own       85,800  
Des Plaines, Illinois
    MRO       Administration/Distribution       Own       175,000  
Des Plaines, Illinois
    MRO       Administration       Own       45,000  
Des Plaines, Illinois
    MRO/OEM       Distribution       Lease       135,000  
Dallas, Texas
    MRO       Distribution       Own       44,264  
Fairfield, New Jersey
    MRO       Distribution       Own       30,444  
Independence, Ohio
    MRO       Call Center       Lease       23,096  
Mississauga, Ontario Canada
    MRO       Distribution       Own       78,000  
Vernon Hills, Illinois
    MRO       Distribution       Own       107,061  
Reno, Nevada
    MRO       Distribution       Own       244,280  
Suwanee, Georgia
    MRO       Distribution       Own       91,235  
Whittier, California
    MRO       Administration       Lease       22,023  
Houston, Texas
    MRO       Dist./Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       28,000  
San Jose, California
    MRO       Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       6,425  
Santa Ana, California
    MRO       Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       5,570  
Phoenix, Arizona
    MRO       Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       3,750  
Chatsworth, California
    MRO       Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       11,300  
City of Industry, California
    MRO       Warehouse/Showroom       Lease       20,100  
Decatur, Alabama
    OEM       Manufacturing       Own       65,000  
Centralia, Missouri
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       26,800  
Cincinnati, Ohio
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       12,583  
Dunlap, Tennessee
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       16,569  
Ettrick, Wisconsin
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       9,000  
Hopkinsville, Kentucky
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       3,820  
Johnson City, Tennessee
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       2,000  
Lenexa, Kansas
    OEM       Administration/Warehouse       Lease       48,000  
Memphis, Tennessee
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       26,250  
Michigan City, Indiana
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       10,000  
Reynosa, Mexico
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       13,778  
Waite Park, Minnesota
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       2,400  
Stuttgart, Arkansas
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       16,000  
Willowbrook, Illinois
    OEM       Administration       Lease       2,613  
Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
    OEM       Warehouse       Lease       24,220  


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The location and operation of our facilities is frequently reviewed to determine whether they meet the strategic needs of our business. We believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet our needs.
 
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
There is no material pending litigation to which the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, is a party or to which any of their property is subject.
 
In December 2005, the FBI executed a search warrant for records at the Company’s offices and informed the Company that it was conducting an investigation as to whether any of the Company’s representatives improperly provided gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs (the “investigation”). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (the “U.S. Attorney’s Office”) subsequently issued a subpoena for documents in connection with the investigation.
 
In April 2007, thirteen people, including seven former sales agents of the Company, were indicted on federal criminal charges, including mail fraud, in connection with the investigation. These indictments alleged that, under the Company’s customer loyalty programs, sales agents would provide cash gift certificates to individuals purchasing Company merchandise on behalf of their employers as a way to increase their commissions and prices paid by customers. All of the cases involved commissioned sales agents of the Company. All seven of the indicted former sales agents have entered guilty pleas to federal criminal charges.
 
On August 11, 2008, in connection with the investigation, the Company entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (the “DPA”) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. An additional three people, including a former sales manager and a former sales agent were indicted on August 11, 2008 and have since pled guilty. Under the terms of the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a one count criminal Information charging the Company with mail fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, but agreed to defer prosecution of such charge for three years. If the Company abides by the terms and conditions of the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek dismissal with prejudice of the Information within 30 days of the expiration of the three-year period.
 
Pursuant to the DPA, the Company agreed to a $30.0 million penalty, which includes $0.8 million of restitution, and recorded a charge of $30.0 million in the second quarter of 2008. The penalty is payable in three equal installments. The first $10.0 million payment was made in August 2008. The remaining $10.0 million payments are due in August 2009 and in August 2010. If a controlling interest in the Company is sold, any unpaid amounts shall due at the closing of the sale.
 
Under the DPA, the Company agreed to make restitution payments to certain customers that employed individuals who received over ten thousand dollars in payments through the Winners Choice incentive program, that employed individuals who have been or later are convicted of mail fraud as a result of Winners Choice payments, or that purchased Company merchandise from sales agents who have been or later are convicted of mail fraud for providing checks to the customer’s employees. Restitution payments were made to these customers from the Company’s first installment payment.
 
In conjunction with the Company’s internal investigation, several customer loyalty programs were terminated because the Company believes that these programs provided or had the potential of providing promotional considerations, such as gifts and awards, to purchasing agents that the Company deemed inappropriate. The Company has modified another customer loyalty program to limit the amount and nature of customer gifts distributed under the program. In addition, twenty-three independent agents have been terminated, a number have resigned and the Company has terminated four employees. The Company has also implemented a compliance and ethics program to prevent future abuses. Under the terms of the DPA, the Company agreed to continue to implement its compliance and ethics program.
 
ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.


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PART II
 
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “LAWS.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market along with cash dividends declared for each outstanding share during the last two years for the periods presented.
 
                                                 
    2008     2007  
                Cash Dividends
                Cash Dividends
 
    High     Low     Paid Per Share     High     Low     Paid Per Share  
 
First Quarter
  $ 38.00     $ 23.21     $ 0.20     $ 47.00     $ 34.54     $ 0.20  
Second Quarter
    29.39       23.77       0.20       39.70       34.99       0.20  
Third Quarter
    38.49       23.90       0.20       39.05       34.81       0.20  
Fourth Quarter
    32.10       11.81       0.20       38.73       29.96       0.20  
 
On March 5, 2009 the closing sales price of our common stock was $14.33 and the number of stockholders of record was 609.
 
Stock Price Performance Chart
 
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and a peer group (the “Peer Group”) of the Company for the five prior years. The Peer Group consists of Barnes Group Inc., Fastenal Company and MSC Industrial Direct. The Company believes that the Peer Group is representative of the markets it services in terms of product sales and customers. The chart below represents the cumulative return of a hypothetical $100 invested on December 31, 2003 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
 
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Among Lawson Products, the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and a Peer Group
 
LINE GRAPH
 
                                                             
      Indexed Returns Years Ending December 31,
Company Name/Index     Base Period 2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     2008
Lawson Products
      100.00         154.52         118.57         146.33         123.43         76.41  
                                                             
S&P Smallcap 600
      100.00         122.65         132.07         152.04         151.59         104.48  
                                                             
Peer Group
      100.00         120.52         151.68         148.38         174.46         140.98  
                                                             


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ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The income statement data and balance sheet data are for, and as of the end of each of, the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008, and are derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.
 
                                         
    2008   2007   2006   2005   2004
        (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net Sales(1)
  $ 485,207     $ 512,543     $ 514,273     $ 443,823     $ 402,142  
                                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change(2)(3)(4)
  $ (27,060 )   $ 11,332     $ 13,702     $ 21,944     $ 21,570  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations(5)
    (571 )     (703 )     (729 )     4,794       (145 )
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    (27,631 )     10,629       12,973       26,738       21,425  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (361 )            
                                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (27,631 )   $ 10,629     $ 12,612     $ 26,738     $ 21,425  
                                         
Basic (loss) income per share of common stock:
                                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54     $ 2.42     $ 2.29  
Discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )     0.53       (0.02 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.04 )            
                                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42     $ 2.94     $ 2.28  
                                         
Diluted (loss) income per share of common stock:
                                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54     $ 2.41     $ 2.29  
Discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )     0.53       (0.02 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.04 )            
                                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42     $ 2.94     $ 2.27  
                                         
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.80     $ 0.80     $ 0.80     $ 0.80     $ 0.72  
                                         
Total assets
  $ 270,996     $ 299,863     $ 281,292     $ 279,224     $ 260,550  
                                         
Noncurrent liabilities
  $ 64,660     $ 52,660     $ 48,320     $ 41,256     $ 37,271  
                                         
Stockholders’ equity
  $ 138,744     $ 174,361     $ 170,317     $ 185,425     $ 180,332  
                                         
 
Notes
 
 
(1) Results include Rutland since the date of acquisition in December 2005, accounting for net sales of $46.5 million, $54.8 million, $57.7 million and $4.3 million in 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
(2) Severance and other charges, of $9.3 million, $12.3 million and $1.2 million were recorded in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
(3) Settlement and related charges of $31.7 million, $5.8 million and $3.2 million related to the investigation disclosed in Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” were recorded in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
(4) The 2008 results include a $2.3 million charge for goodwill impairment.
 
(5) The 2005 results include a $7.5 million after tax loss related to discontinuation of the UK business and an after tax gain of $12.2 million related to the gain on the sale of the Company’s investment in real estate.


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ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
OVERVIEW
 
The two principal factors affecting our 2008 results were the one-time $30.0 million DPA settlement penalty and the global economic recession and contraction in the credit markets that led to decreased customer demand throughout our industry. The duration of the recession is uncertain and industry demand is expected to continue to decline and create downward pressure on sales volume in 2009. Despite the negative effects of the economy, we were able to take steps to improve our financial condition during 2008. Operationally, we made progress in integrating previously separate businesses to allow our customers access to an expanded range of products from a single point of contact. We were able to generate cash by reducing our working capital requirements primarily through initiatives taken to improve inventory management. Additionally, the settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois substantially brings to a close the uncertainty created by the investigation initiated in 2005.
 
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
 
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    Amount     % of Net Sales     Amount     % of Net Sales     Amount     % of Net Sales  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
                                               
MRO
  $ 403,584       83.2 %   $ 429,508       83.8 %   $ 430,815       83.8 %
OEM
    81,623       16.8       83,035       16.2       83,458       16.2  
                                                 
Consolidated total
  $ 485,207       100.0 %   $ 512,543       100.0 %   $ 514,273       100.0 %
                                                 
Gross profit
                                               
MRO
  $ 266,371       54.9 %   $ 284,598       55.5 %   $ 286,519       55.7 %
OEM
    12,627       2.6       19,231       3.8       20,207       3.9  
                                                 
Consolidated total
    278,998       57.5       303,829       59.3       306,726       59.6  
Operating expenses:
                                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    255,999       52.8       265,267       51.8       278,537       54.2  
Settlement related costs
    31,666       6.5       5,793       1.1       3,224       0.6  
Severance and other charges
    9,313       1.9       12,328       2.4       1,196       0.2  
Impairment of goodwill
    2,251       0.5                          
Loss on sale of equipment
                            806       0.1  
                                                 
Operating (loss) income
    (20,231 )     (4.2 )     20,441       4.0       22,963       4.5  
Other, net
    (469 )     (0.1 )     (369 )     (0.1 )     2,157       0.4  
                                                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax expense
    (20,700 )     (4.3 )     20,072       3.9       25,120       4.9  
Income tax expense
    6,360       1.3       8,740       1.7       11,418       2.2  
                                                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (27,060 )     (5.6 )%   $ 11,332       2.2 %   $ 13,702       2.7 %
                                                 


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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR 2008 AS COMPARED TO 2007
 
Sales and Gross Profit
 
Sales and gross profit results for the years ending December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31,     Change  
    2008     2007     Amount     %  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
                               
MRO
  $ 403,584     $ 429,508     $ (25,924 )     (6.0 )%
OEM
    81,623       83,035       (1,412 )     (1.7 )
                                 
Consolidated
  $ 485,207     $ 512,543     $ (27,336 )     (5.3 )
                                 
Gross profit
                               
MRO
  $ 266,371     $ 284,598     $ (18,227 )     (6.4 )%
OEM
    12,627       19,231       (6,604 )     (34.3 )
                                 
Consolidated
  $ 278,998     $ 303,829     $ (24,831 )     (8.2 )
                                 
Gross profit margin
                               
MRO
    66.0 %     66.3 %                
OEM
    15.5       23.2                  
Consolidated
    57.5       59.3                  
 
The 5.3% decrease in net sales to $485.2 million in 2008 compared to $512.5 million in 2007 resulted from decreases in both the MRO and OEM segments as our businesses were negatively impacted by the slowdown in the global economy. Net sales of our MRO business experienced a severe decline of 14.3% in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to 2007 as our customers, affected by overall weakness in the economy and a much more restrictive credit environment, reduced their purchasing requirements. We expect the demand level to continue to deteriorate until the credit markets recover and the global economic environment improves. Sales were also negatively impacted by a net reduction of over 100 sales agents in 2008 compared to 2007. Net sales of our OEM segment decreased $1.4 million due to customer losses and the economic slowdown in the fourth quarter, partially offset by increased sales generated from some of our current customers.
 
Gross profit decreased $24.8 million to $279.0 million in 2008 primarily due to the reduction in net sales and a decline of 1.8 percentage points as a percent of sales. The decline was primarily attributable to higher product and commodity costs.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative costs declined by 3.5% to $256.0 million in 2008 compared to $265.3 million in 2007 primarily due to decreases in sales commissions and compensation expenses. Selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of sales increased 1.0 percentage points to 52.8% in 2008 as fixed costs were not reduced in direct proportion to the overall decrease in net sales.
 
Settlement and Related Costs
 
Settlement costs relate to the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois as to whether our sales representatives provided improper gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through our customer loyalty programs. In August 2008, in connection with the investigation, we entered into the DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agreed to pay a $30.0 million penalty. In addition to the penalty, we incurred legal and other expenses of $1.7 million in 2008 and $5.8 million in 2007 in connection with the investigation.


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Severance and Other Charges
 
In 2008, the Company recorded $9.3 million of severance and other charges. Of this amount, $5.4 million related to severance costs associated with the departure of certain executives and operational efficiency improvement initiatives and $3.9 million related to unclaimed property liabilities primarily associated with years prior to 2003. During 2007, the Company implemented several initiatives designed to improve operating efficiencies. As a result of these initiatives, certain positions and departments were eliminated and restructured, resulting in $12.3 million of severance costs and other charges.
 
Impairment of Goodwill
 
Annually, we assess the fair value of our goodwill for impairment. Our 2008 review resulted in a $2.3 million non-cash charge to reflect the impairment of goodwill recorded in our OEM segment related to ACS.
 
Other Expense, Net
 
Other expense, net of $0.5 million in 2008 was relatively unchanged compared to 2007. A $0.2 million decrease in interest income was somewhat offset by a $0.1 million decrease in interest expense.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
The effective tax rates for continuing operations for 2008 and 2007 were (30.7)% and 43.5%, respectively. The 2008 effective tax rate reflects the effect of $29.2 million related to the penalty under the DPA which was non-deductible and a $6.1 million non-deductible expense related to a decline in the cash value of life insurance. Excluding these items, the 2008 effective tax rate would have been 43.7%.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR 2007 AS COMPARED TO 2006
 
Sales and Gross Profit
 
Sales and gross profit results for the years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
 
                                 
    Year Ended December 31,     Change  
    2007     2006     Amount     %  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Net sales
                               
MRO
  $ 429,508     $ 430,815     $ (1,307 )     (0.3 )%
OEM
    83,035       83,458       (423 )     (0.5 )
                                 
Consolidated
  $ 512,543     $ 514,273     $ (1,730 )     (0.3 )
                                 
Gross profit
                               
MRO
  $ 284,598     $ 286,519     $ (1,921 )     (0.7 )%
OEM
    19,231       20,207       (976 )     (4.8 )
                                 
Consolidated
  $ 303,829     $ 306,726     $ (2,897 )     (0.9 )
                                 
Gross profit margin
                               
MRO
    66.3 %     66.5 %                
OEM
    23.2       24.2                  
Consolidated
    59.3       59.6                  
 
The decrease in net sales to $512.5 million in 2007 compared to $514.3 million in 2006 resulted from decreases in both the MRO and OEM segments. The sales decrease for MRO businesses was primarily driven by lower sales of metalworking products due to order fulfillment problems encountered during the Reno, Nevada distribution facility expansion which was completed in December 2007. OEM sales decreased primarily due to the loss of some customer contracts.
 
Gross profit decreased $2.9 million to $303.8 million in 2007 compared to $306.7 million in 2006 primarily due to lower overall sales in 2007. As a percent of sales, gross profit declined by 0.3 percentage points to 59.3% in 2007 from


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59.6% in 2006. The decline was primarily attributable to a change in sales mix and increased product and commodity costs compared to 2006.
 
MRO gross profit margins declined slightly to 66.3% in 2007 from 66.5% in 2006. The gross profit margins for the OEM segment decreased 1.0 percentage points to 23.2% in 2007 from 24.2% in 2006, principally, due to increased product costs.
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Selling, general and administrative costs declined by 4.8% to $265.3 million in 2007 compared to $278.5 million in 2006. As a percent of sales selling, general and administrative costs declined 2.4 percentage points to 51.8% in 2007 compared to 54.2% in 2006 primarily due to several initiatives undertaken during 2007 designed to improve operating efficiencies. The initiatives included the elimination of certain positions and restructuring of departments.
 
Settlement Related Costs
 
The Company incurred legal and other expenses of $5.8 million in 2007 and $3.2 million in 2006 in connection with the investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois related to whether Company sales representatives provided improper gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs.
 
Severance and Other Charges
 
The Company implemented several initiatives during 2007 designed to improve operating efficiencies. As a result of these initiatives, certain positions and departments were eliminated and restructured, resulting in $12.3 million of severance costs and other charges. The Company incurred $1.2 million of severance and other charges in 2006.
 
Other (Expense) Income, Net
 
The Company recorded $0.4 million of other expense, net in 2007 compared to $2.2 million of other income, net, in 2006. The $2.6 million increase in other expense, net was primarily due to a higher average balance on our revolving line of credit which increased our interest expense in 2007 and lower foreign currency gains realized in 2007 compared to 2006.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
The effective tax rates for continuing operations for 2007 and 2006 were 43.5% and 45.5%, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2006 primarily reflects adjustments related to the deductibility of the Company’s customer loyalty programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash provided by operating activities for 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $15.7 million, $11.6 million and $19.9 million, respectively. The $4.1 million increase in 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily due to improved working capital utilization which was mostly offset by a decrease in net income and the $10.0 million payment related to the DPA penalty. The $8.3 million decline in 2007 cash provided by operating activities from 2006 was due primarily to lower net income and increases in inventories, prepaid expenses and miscellaneous receivables.
 
Working capital at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $90.0 million and $99.1 million, respectively. The $9.1 million decrease in working capital is primarily attributable to a $10.4 million reduction in inventory, and a $10.3 million reduction in accounts receivable, partially offset by decreases in other liabilities. Initiatives taken to improve the inventory management process led to the lower inventory balance, while increased attention to collections and a reduction in sales during the fourth quarter led to the decrease in the amount of outstanding accounts receivable.


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Cash used to purchase property plant and equipment was $3.5 million in 2008 compared to $17.7 million in 2007 and $5.3 million in 2006. 2007 included $12.1 million related to the Reno, Nevada facility expansion. Capital spending was reduced in 2008 in response to the economic downturn that began in the second half of 2008.
 
Financing activities included a $3.3 million paydown of our line of credit in 2008 compared to $11.0 million borrowed from the line of credit in 2007. The Company paid dividends of $6.8 million, $6.8 million and $7.2 million to shareholders of its common stock in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
In October 2006, we purchased 486,493 of our common shares in a “Dutch Auction” tender offer at a cost of $20.9 million. We did not purchase any of our common stock in 2008 or 2007. At December 31, 2008, 202,780 shares remained available for purchase pursuant to the 2004 authorization by our Board of Directors to purchase up to 500,000 shares of our common stock.
 
In November 2008, we entered into a First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. The Credit Facility provides for a total commitment of $75 million in the form of revolving loans and letters of credit and matures on November 7, 2011. The interest rate for the Credit Facility bears interest at either, LIBOR plus 0.625%, or the prime rate minus 1.0%, as elected by us. The interest rate may be adjusted based on the ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA calculated on the basis of our most recent annual or quarterly financial statements. We had $7.7 million outstanding as of December 31, 2008 under the Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate was 3.2% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Credit Facility specifies certain financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage and total debt to equity and minimum net worth calculations which must be met as of the end of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2008 we were in compliance with all covenants.
 
In March 2009 we amended the Credit Facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), reducing the amount of the facility, adjusting the covenants and providing additional security to Bank of America, N.A. The Amended Credit Facility provides for a total commitment of $55 million. The maturity date remains November 7, 2011. The interest rate is LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.5%, based on the ratio of total debt to EBITDA. The Amended Credit Facility contains covenants for adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, for each quarter through September 30, 2009. Commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2009, additional covenants will be in place, including fixed charge coverage, total debt to equity and minimum net worth, as defined in the credit agreement. The Amended Credit Facility places a restriction on quarterly dividends of $0.26 million, or $1.04 million on an annual basis. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, excluding real property and the capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries, except for the stock of Lawson Canada. The Company paid an amendment fee of $0.1 million.
 
We believe that cash provided by operations and the $55 million revolving line of credit will be sufficient to fund our operating requirements, cash dividends and capital improvements for the upcoming fiscal year.


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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
Contractual obligations that will require payment over future periods are as follows:
 
                                         
          Payments Due In Years Ended December 31,  
    Total     2009     2010 - 2011     2012 - 2013     Thereafter  
    (Amounts in thousands)  
 
Operating leases
  $ 6,446     $ 2,396     $ 3,341     $ 709     $  
Capital leases
    2,904       1,133       1,634       137        
Revolving line of credit
    7,700             7,700              
Deferred compensation
    11,301       1,922       3,475       1,789       4,115  
Security bonus plan*
    26,218       906                   25,312  
Severance obligation
    6,111       4,889       1,222              
Long term incentive plan
    6,071       3,090       2,981              
Purchase commitments
    4,485       4,485                    
Deferred Prosecution Agreement
    20,000       10,000       10,000              
                                         
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 91,236     $ 28,821     $ 30,353     $ 2,635     $ 29,427  
                                         
 
 
* Payments to beneficiaries of the security bonus plan are made on a lump sum basis at time of retirement. Payouts for known retirement dates have been included in 2009, while payouts for unknown retirement dates are reflected in the thereafter column.
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The Company has disclosed its significant accounting policies in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following provides supplemental information to these accounting policies as well as information on the accounts requiring more significant estimates.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Methodology — We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial down-grading of credit ratings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount we believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts based on our historical experience of bad debt write-offs as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be revised by a material amount. In 2008, we recorded an allowance reserve equal to 3% of our trade receivables outstanding. A hypothetical change of one percent to our reserve allowance would have affected our annual doubtful accounts expense by approximately $0.5 million.
 
Inventory Reserves — We carry a significant amount of inventory as part of our strategy to fulfill the vast majority of our customers’ orders the same day received. However, this strategy increases the chance that portions of the inventory have lost value through obsolescence or becoming slow-moving or excess. To reduce inventory to a lower of cost or market value, we record a reserve for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. Obsolete and slow-moving inventory is monitored by examining reports of parts which have not been sold for extended periods. If experience or market conditions change, estimates of the reserves needed could be revised by a material amount. In 2008, we have an allowance reserve of $10.1 million equal to approximately 10% of our total inventory. A hypothetical change of one percent to our reserve allowance would have affected our selling, general and administrative expenses by approximately $1.0 million.
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the


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differences are expected to reverse. We record a provision for income taxes based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions as well as deferred tax asset and liability balances, including the estimation of valuation allowances and the evaluation of tax positions.
 
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
Through one of our subsidiaries, we distribute products in Canada. The functional currency of this subsidiary is the Canadian dollar which is translated into U.S. dollars when included in our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we are exposed to market risk relating to the change in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. A hypothetical 10% change in the Canadian foreign currency exchange rate would have affected our 2008 net sales by $3.2 million and total assets by $2.0 million.
 
We are exposed to investment market risk relating to changes in the value of the $18.0 million cash value of life insurance asset. This exposure is mostly offset by the $10.8 million value of the deferred compensation liability. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the investment portfolios of both the cash value of life insurance asset and the deferred compensation liability would have affected our net income by $0.7 million.
 
At December 31, 2008, we had a $7.7 million outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit. The market risk of a one percentage point change in the LIBOR or Prime interest rates would be immaterial to our operating results.
 
We are exposed to market risk relating to increased commodity and energy costs affecting the production costs of our vendors. Those vendors typically look to pass their increased costs along to us and if we are unable to fully pass these costs through to our customers or to modify our activities, the impact would have an adverse effect on our operating profit margins.


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ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
The following information is presented in this item:
 
         
    21  
    22  
    23  
    24  
    25  
    26  
    27  
    28  
    43  


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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All internal control systems have inherent limitations, regardless of how well-designed they are. Therefore, an effective internal control over financial reporting system provides only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance with respect to the preparation and/or presentation of the financial statements.
 
The Company’s management conducted an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
 
Based on the evaluation described above and using the COSO criteria, the Company’s management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, which is included herein, on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
 
We have audited Lawson Products, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO” criteria). Lawson Products, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Lawson Products, Inc. maintained in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Lawson Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 and our report dated March 11, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2009


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Consolidated Financial Statements
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lawson Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lawson Products, Inc. at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Lawson Products, Inc’s. internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 11, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2009


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,300     $ 1,671  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,680 and $1,376 respectively
    48,634       58,882  
Inventories
    86,435       96,785  
Miscellaneous receivables and prepaid expenses
    11,812       10,303  
Deferred income taxes
    6,127       3,226  
Discontinued current assets
    296       1,064  
                 
Total current assets
    157,604       171,931  
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    47,783       53,031  
Other assets:
               
Cash value of life insurance
    17,970       23,702  
Deferred income taxes
    18,159       21,344  
Goodwill
    25,748       27,999  
Other
    3,732       1,856  
                 
Total assets
  $ 270,996     $ 299,863  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Revolving line of credit
  $     $ 11,000  
Accounts payable
    16,334       16,266  
Settlement payable — current
    10,000        
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    41,205       45,254  
Discontinued current liabilities
    53       322  
                 
Total current liabilities
    67,592       72,842  
                 
Noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits
               
Revolving line of credit
    7,700        
Security bonus plan
    26,218       25,491  
Deferred compensation
    11,301       19,119  
Settlement payable — noncurrent
    10,000        
Other
    9,441       8,050  
                 
      64,660       52,660  
                 
Commitments and contingencies — Note L
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1 par value:
               
Authorized — 500,000 shares, Issued and outstanding — None
           
Common stock, $1 par value:
               
Authorized — 35,000,000 shares, Issued and outstanding — 8,522,001 shares
    8,522       8,522  
Capital in excess of par value
    4,774       4,774  
Retained earnings
    126,158       160,606  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (710 )     459  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
    138,744       174,361  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 270,966     $ 299,863  
                 
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 485,207     $ 512,543     $ 514,273  
Cost of goods sold
    206,209       208,714       207,547  
                         
Gross profit
    278,998       303,829       306,726  
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    255,999       265,267       278,537  
Settlement and related costs
    31,666       5,793       3,224  
Severance and other charges
    9,313       12,328       1,196  
Impairment of goodwill
    2,251              
Loss on sale of equipment
                806  
                         
Operating (loss) income
    (20,231 )     20,441       22,963  
Interest and dividend income
    47       255       513  
Interest expense
    (789 )     (910 )     (150 )
Other income, net
    273       286       1,794  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    (20,700 )     20,072       25,120  
Income tax expense
    6,360       8,740       11,418  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
    (27,060 )     11,332       13,702  
Discontinued operations, net
    (571 )     (703 )     (729 )
                         
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    (27,631 )     10,629       12,973  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (361 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (27,631 )   $ 10,629     $ 12,612  
                         
Basic (loss) income per share of common stock:
                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54  
Discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.04 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42  
                         
Diluted (loss) income per share of common stock:
                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54  
Discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                (0.04 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42  
                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
                                         
                      Accumulated
       
    Common
    Capital in
          Other
       
    Stock,
    Excess of
    Retained
    Comprehensive
    Comprehensive
 
    $1 Par Value     Par Value     Earnings     (Loss) Income     Income (Loss)  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Balance at January 1, 2006
  $ 8,972     $ 4,137     $ 172,668     $ (352 )        
Net income
                12,612           $ 12,612  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                       
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                      (609 )     (609 )
                                         
Comprehensive income for the year
                                  $ 12,003  
                                         
Cash dividends declared
                (7,098 )              
Stock issued under employee stock plans
    35       870                      
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (486 )     (258 )     (20,174 )              
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2006
    8,521       4,749       158,008       (961 )        
Net income
                10,629           $ 10,629  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                       
Cumulative translation adjustment related to closure of Mexico operations
                      403       403  
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                      1,017       1,017  
                                         
Comprehensive income for the year
                                  $ 12,049  
                                         
Adjustment for FIN 48 adoption
                (1,213 )              
Cash dividends declared
                (6,818 )              
Stock issued under employee stock plans
    1       25                      
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
    8,522       4,774       160,606       459          
Net loss
                (27,631 )         $ (27,631 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
                                       
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                      (1,169 )     (1,169 )
                                         
Comprehensive loss for the year
                          $ (28,800 )
                                         
Cash dividends declared
                (6,817 )              
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 8,522     $ 4,774     $ 126,158     $ (710 )        
                                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Operating activities
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (27,631 )   $ 10,629     $ 12,612  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    8,282       7,435       7,544  
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,481       954       594  
Deferred income taxes
    912       (1,456 )     (4,309 )
Deferred compensation and security bonus plans
    (526 )     5,000       6,593  
Payments under deferred compensation and security bonus plans
    (6,255 )     (4,922 )     (3,285 )
Stock based compensation
    (843 )     (427 )     2,482  
Provision for settlement
    30,000              
Settlement payment
    (10,000 )            
Impairment of goodwill
    2,251              
Loss on sale of equipment
    56             806  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    7,956       1,120       (991 )
Inventories
    9,368       (5,955 )     (11,723 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    2,276       (5,732 )     (357 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (3,101 )     (387 )     7,664  
Other
    1,512       5,289       2,255  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    15,738       11,548       19,885  
                         
Investing activities
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (3,549 )     (17,694 )     (5,291 )
Other
    36       90       631  
                         
Net cash used for investing activities
    (3,513 )     (17,604 )     (4,660 )
                         
Financing activities
                       
Net (payments on ) proceeds from revolving line of credit
    (3,300 )     11,000        
Dividends paid
    (6,817 )     (6,817 )     (7,189 )
Purchases of common stock
                (20,919 )
Proceeds from other common stock transactions
          26       906  
                         
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities
    (10,117 )     4,209       (27,202 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2,108       (1,847 )     (11,977 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    2,473       4,320       16,297  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    4,581       2,473       4,320  
Cash held by discontinued operations
    (281 )     (802 )     (929 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents held by continuing operations at end of year
  $ 4,300     $ 1,671     $ 3,391  
                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Note A — Description of Business
 
Lawson Products, Inc. (“Lawson” or the “Company”) is a North American distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial and institutional maintenance, repair and operations (“MRO”) marketplace. The Company also manufactures sells and distributes specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace (“OEM”).
 
Note B — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Revenue Recognition — Revenue includes product sales, billings for freight and handling charges and fees earned for services provided. Sales and associated cost of goods sold are generally recognized when products are shipped and title passes to customers. We accrue for returns under the guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 48, Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists, based on historical evidence of rates of return.
 
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs — Costs related to shipping and handling fees are included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses”. Shipping and handling fees charged to customers are included in the caption “Net sales” and totaled $18,624, $17,130 and $16,819 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Methodology — The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial down-grading of credit ratings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for bad debts based on the Company’s historical experience of bad debt write-offs as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due the Company could be revised by a material amount.
 
Inventories — Inventories which consist principally of finished goods are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. To reduce inventory to a lower of cost or market value, the Company records a reserve for slow-moving and obsolete inventory based on historical experience and monitoring current inventory activity.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment — Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation expense is computed by the straight-line method for buildings and improvements using useful lives of 20 to 30 years and using the double declining balance method for machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and vehicles using useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Amortization of capitalized leases is included in depreciation expense. Depreciation expense was $5,357, $4,308 and $4,568 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Capitalized software is amortized over estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years using the straight-line method. Amortization expense of capitalized software was $2,675, $2,877 and $2,726 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Stock-Based Compensation — The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”) on January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective method. The adoption resulted in recording a $361 Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
ended December 31, 2006. Under SFAS No. 123(R), share based compensation is valued at its fair value at the grant date and the expense is recognized over the vesting period. Fair value is re-measured each reporting period for liability classified awards.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles — Goodwill represents the cost of business acquisitions in excess of the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s useful life. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indeterminate lives are assessed for impairment at least annually or more often if triggering events occur.
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the amount of a valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (1) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (2) expected future taxable income, and (3) the impact of tax planning strategies. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding our volume, pricing and costs. Additionally, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws.
 
Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS No. 109”) and in evaluating tax positions. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.
 
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recorded at the date of adoption an additional liability of $1,213 for unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings
 
Earnings Per Share — Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution from the exercise or conversion of stock options into common stock.
 
Foreign Currency — The accounts of foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. All balance sheet amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the applicable period end. Income statement amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the applicable period. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from the translation of subsidiary accounts in local currency to U.S. dollars have been reported as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses result from the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. These gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and were immaterial for all years presented.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Use of Estimates — Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Reclassifications — Certain amounts related to freight charges billed to customers and the addition of the settlement and related costs line item have been reclassified in the 2007 and 2006 financial statements to conform with the 2008 presentation. The reclassifications did not affect operating income. The following financial statement line items in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were affected by the reclassification for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:
 
                                 
        Reclassifications    
    As Originally
  Billed
  Settlement
   
    Reported   Freight   Charges   As Adjusted
 
2007
                               
Net sales
  $ 509,695     $ 2,848           $ 512,543  
Gross profit
    300,981       2,848             303,829  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    268,212       2,848       (5,793 )     265,267  
Settlement and related costs
                5,793       5,793  
2006
                               
Net sales
  $ 511,377     $ 2,896           $ 514,273  
Gross profit
    303,830       2,896             306,726  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    278,780       2,896       (3,139 )     278,537  
Settlement and related costs
                3,224       3,224  
Severance and other charges
    1,281             (85 )     1,196  
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year, as it relates to fair value measurement requirements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for an acquirer, which improves the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of information provided by a reporting entity in its financial reports about business combinations and its effects. SFAS 141(R) is effective prospectively to business combinations as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (an amendment of ARB No. 51). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards designed to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information provided in a reporting entity’s consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 is effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. Currently, we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. This statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves the transparency of financial reporting. This statement is effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. Based on current conditions, we do not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a significant impact on our financial statements.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Note C — Inventories
 
Components of inventories were as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Finished goods
  $ 92,565     $ 102,410  
Work in progress
    1,791       1,885  
Raw materials
    2,146       2,514  
                 
Total
    96,502       106,809  
Reserve for obsolete and excess inventory
    (10,067 )     (10,024 )
                 
    $ 86,435     $ 96,785  
                 
 
Note D — Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Components of property, plant and equipment were as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Land
  $ 9,197     $ 9,444  
Buildings and improvements
    54,069       54,333  
Machinery and equipment
    32,754       32,142  
Furniture and fixtures
    6,708       6,384  
Vehicles
    354       414  
Capitalized software
    13,246       14,563  
Capital leases
    3,736       3,342  
Construction in progress
    1,014       924  
                 
      121,078       121,546  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (73,295 )     (68,515 )
                 
    $ 47,783     $ 53,031  
                 
 
Note E — Goodwill
 
The Company reviews goodwill annually for impairment as required by SFAS 142, Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value. In the fourth quarter of 2008 the Company determined, based on market prices of comparable businesses and forecasted discounted cash flows, that the goodwill associated with its OEM segment was impaired and recorded a non-cash charge of $2,251 for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Goodwill by business segment consisted of the following:
 
                         
    MRO     OEM     Total  
 
Balance at December 31, 2007 and 2006
  $ 25,748     $ 2,251     $ 27,999  
Impairment loss
          (2,251 )     (2,251 )
                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 25,748     $     $ 25,748  
                         


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Note F — Other Intangibles
 
Intangible assets, included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2008     December 31, 2007  
                Net
                Net
 
    Gross
    Accumulated
    Carrying
    Gross
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Balance     Amortization     Amount     Balance     Amortization     Amount  
 
Trademarks and tradenames
  $ 1,400     $ 787     $ 613     $ 1,400     $ 737     $ 663  
Non-compete covenant
    1,000       600       400       1,000       400       600  
                                                 
    $ 2,400     $ 1,387     $ 1,013     $ 2,400     $ 1,137     $ 1,263  
                                                 
 
Trademarks and tradenames are amortized over 20 years. The non-compete covenant is being amortized over 5 years. Amortization expense, all of which is included in the MRO segment, for these intangible assets was $250 per year for 2008, 2007 and 2006 and is expected to be $250 per year for 2009 and 2010 and $50 per year thereafter until the trademarks and tradenames are fully amortized.
 
Note G — Income Taxes
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
United States
  $ (23,901 )   $ 15,741     $ 20,446  
Canada
    3,201       4,331       4,674  
                         
    $ (20,700 )   $ 20,072     $ 25,120  
                         
 
Provisions (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Current income tax:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 2,920     $ 6,485     $ 11,438  
U.S. State
    666       1,960       3,025  
Canada
    915       1,544       1,264  
                         
Total
  $ 4,501       9,989       15,727  
                         
Deferred income tax (benefit):
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 1,874     $ (1,500 )   $ (4,281 )
U.S. State
    21       177       (489 )
Canada
    (36 )     74       461  
                         
Total
  $ 1,859     $ (1,249 )   $ (4,309 )
                         
Total income tax:
                       
U.S. Federal
  $ 4,794     $ 4,985     $ 7,157  
U.S. State
    687       2,137       2,536  
Canada
    879       1,618       1,725  
                         
Total
  $ 6,360     $ 8,740     $ 11,418  
                         


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
The reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal rate for continuing operations was as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Statutory federal rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
                       
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
    (3.7 )     7.4       7.8  
Settlement penalty
    (49.3 )            
Canadian subsidiaries
    0.2       0.2       0.4  
Executive life insurance
    (10.3 )     (3.4 )     (3.0 )
Non-deductible promotion expense
                7.7  
Other items, net
    (2.6 )     4.3       (2.4 )
                         
Provision for income taxes
    (30.7 )%     43.5 %     45.5 %
                         
 
Income taxes paid for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 amounted to $7,008, $13,958 and $11,284, respectively.
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company also has a $8,154 capital loss carryforward remaining related to the 2003 sale of the Company’s UK MRO business and the closure of its Mexico operations. A valuation allowance is recorded for all of the capital loss carryforward due to the uncertainty of the Company’s ability to realize the capital loss against future capital gains prior to expiration in 2008.
 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Compensation and benefits
  $ 20,879     $ 25,075  
Inventories
    6,142       4,122  
Capital loss
    2,854       3,337  
Accounts receivable
    594       503  
Property, plant & equipment
    260       230  
Other
    903        
                 
Total deferred tax assets
    31,632       33,267  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
    (2,854 )     (3,337 )
                 
Net deferred tax assets
    28,778       29,930  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Goodwill
    3,687       3,259  
Other
    805       2,101  
                 
Total deferred liabilities
    4,492       5,360  
                 
Total net deferred assets
  $ 24,286     $ 24,570  
                 
Net deferred tax assets:
               
Net current deferred income taxes
    6,127       3,226  
Net noncurrent deferred income taxes
    18,159       21,344  
                 
    $ 24,286     $ 24,570  
                 


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Net deferred tax assets include the tax impact of items in comprehensive income of $382 and $(247) at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 923     $ 4,059  
Additions for tax positions of current year
    248        
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    1,799       1,029  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
          (2,010 )
Settlements
          (2,155 )
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 2,970     $ 923  
                 
 
The recognition of the $2,970 unrecognized tax benefits would have a favorable effect on the effective tax rate. Due to the uncertainty of both timing and resolution of income tax examinations, the Company is unable to determine whether any amounts included in the December 31, 2008 balance of unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions that could significantly change during the next twelve months.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At December 31, 2008, the Company had accrued $1,793 for the potential payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and Canadian jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2008, the Company is subject to income tax examinations for the tax years 2000 through 2007.
 
Note H — Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Salaries, commissions and other compensation
  $ 15,498     $ 18,386  
Accrued severance
    4,889       4,344  
Accrued and withheld taxes, other than income taxes
    2,774       3,101  
Accrued profit sharing contributions
    2,372       3,952  
Accrued stock performance rights
    1,206       2,098  
Accrued self-insured health benefits
    2,630       2,548  
Cash dividends payable
    1,704       1,704  
Other
    10,132       9,121  
                 
    $ 41,205     $ 45,254  
                 
 
Note I — Revolving Line of Credit
 
In November 2008 the Company entered into a First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. The Credit Facility provides for a total commitment of $75 million in the form of revolving loans and letters of credit and matures on November 7, 2011. The interest rate for the Credit Facility bears interest at either, LIBOR plus 0.625%, or the prime rate minus 1.0%, as elected by the Company. The


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
interest rate may be adjusted based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to EBITDA calculated on the basis of the Company’s most recent annual or quarterly financial statements. The Credit Facility also specifies unused commitment fees that are assessed based on the average unused balance and the Company’s ratio of total debt to EBITDA. The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of 65% of the capital stock of the Company’s subsidiary, Lawson Products, Inc. (Ontario) (“Lawson Canada”). The Credit Facility specifies certain financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage and total debt to equity calculation which must be met as of the end of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2008 the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
 
The Company had $7,700 outstanding under the revolving line at December 31, 2008 and paid interest of $535, $910 and $150 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The weighted average interest rate charged on the outstanding balance of the Credit Facility was 3.2% for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
In March 2009 the Company amended the Credit Facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), reducing the amount of the facility, adjusting the covenants and providing additional security to Bank of America, N.A. The Amended Credit Facility provides for a total commitment of $55.0 million. The maturity date remains November 7, 2011. The interest rate is LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0% to 3.5%, based on the ratio of total debt to EBITDA. The Amended Credit Facility contains covenants for adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the agreement, for each quarter through September 30, 2009. Commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2009, additional covenants will be in place, including fixed charge coverage, total debt to equity and minimum net worth, as defined in the credit agreement. The Amended Credit Facility places a restriction on quarterly dividends of $260, or $1,040 on an annual basis. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, excluding real property and the capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries, except for the stock of Lawson Canada. The Company paid an amendment fee of $100.
 
Note J — Reserve for Severance
 
Severance charges related to management realignment and reorganization of $5,378, $10,886 and $1,196 were recorded in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The severance costs are primarily related to the MRO segment. The table below shows the changes in the Company’s reserve for severance and related payments.
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Beginning balance
  $ 7,058     $ 962     $ 216  
Charged to earnings
    5,378       10,886       1,196  
Cash paid
    (6,264 )     (4,670 )     (297 )
Adjustment to reserves
    (61 )     (120 )     (153 )
                         
Ending balance
  $ 6,111     $ 7,058     $ 962  
                         
 
Accrued severance charges were included in the line items of the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Accrued severance included in:
               
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $ 4,889     $ 4,344  
Noncurrent other
    1,222       2,714  
                 
Total accrued severance
  $ 6,111     $ 7,058  
                 
 
The Company anticipates the remaining benefits outstanding as of December 31, 2008 will be substantially paid out by the end of 2010.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Note K — Retirement and Security Bonus Plans
 
The Company has a retirement plan with a profit sharing feature for certain office and warehouse personnel. The amounts of the company’s annual contributions are determined by the board of directors subject to limitations based upon operating results. Provisions for the profit sharing plan were $2,216, $3,997 and $4,152 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
The Company provides 401(k) defined contribution benefit plans to give employees a pre-tax investment vehicle to save for retirement. Matching funds contributed by the Company’s subsidiaries amounted to $169, $160 and $154 in the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
The Company has a security bonus plan for the benefit of its independent sales agents, under the terms of which participants are credited with a percentage of their yearly earnings. The aggregate amounts credited to participants’ accounts vest 25% after five years and an additional 5% vests each year thereafter. For financial reporting purposes, amounts are charged to operations over the vesting period. Provisions for the security bonus plan were $2,641, $2,093 and $3,364 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Note L — Commitments and Contingencies
 
Lease Commitments
 
Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounted to $3,479, $4,126 and $4,355, respectively. The Company’s future minimum lease commitments, principally for facilities and equipment, as of December 31, 2008, were as follows:
 
                 
Year Ended December 31,
  Operating Leases     Capital Leases  
 
2009
  $ 2,396     $ 1,133  
2010
    2,055       933  
2011
    1,286       701  
2012
    709       137  
2013 and thereafter
           
                 
Total
  $ 6,446     $ 2,904  
                 
 
Litigation
 
In December 2005, the FBI executed a search warrant for records at the Company’s offices and informed the Company that it was conducting an investigation as to whether any of the Company’s representatives improperly provided gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs (the “investigation”). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (the “U.S. Attorney’s Office”) subsequently issued a subpoena for documents in connection with the investigation.
 
In April 2007, thirteen people, including seven former sales agents of the Company, were indicted on federal criminal charges, including mail fraud, in connection with the investigation. These indictments alleged that, under the Company’s customer loyalty programs, sales agents would provide cash gift certificates to individuals purchasing Company merchandise on behalf of their employers as a way to increase their commissions and prices paid by customers. All of the cases involved commissioned sales agents of the Company. All seven of the indicted former sales agents have entered guilty pleas to federal criminal charges.
 
On August 11, 2008, in connection with the investigation, the Company entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (the “DPA”) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. An additional three people, including a former sales manager and a former sales agent were indicted on August 11, 2008 and have since pled guilty. Under the terms of the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a one count criminal Information charging the Company with mail fraud in


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, but would defer prosecution of such charge for three years. If the Company abides by the terms and conditions of the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek dismissal with prejudice of the Information within 30 days of the expiration of the three-year period.
 
Pursuant to the DPA, the Company agreed to a $30,000 penalty, which includes $806 of restitution, and recorded a charge of $30,000 in the second quarter of 2008. The penalty is payable in three equal installments. The first $10,000 payment was made in August 2008. The remaining $10,000 payments are due in August 2009 and in August 2010. If a controlling interest in the Company is sold, any unpaid amounts shall be accelerated and due at the closing of the sale.
 
Other
 
In November 2008, the Company became aware that it had not properly withheld state income tax from a small number of employees in approximately 15 states. The Company may have exposure for penalties and interest for state income taxes withholdings and payroll tax returns, however, since the amount is subject to further analysis and interpretations by state taxing jurisdictions, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount of the exposure at this time.
 
Note M — Stock Performance Plan
 
The Stock Performance Plan (the “Plan”), provides for the issuance of incentive compensation to non-employee directors, officers and key employees including in the form of stock performance rights (“SPRs”). The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
Stock Performance Rights
 
The Company grants SPRs pursuant to the Plan to selected employees and outside directors. The SPRs have a ten-year life and vest ratably over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. The SPRs entitle the recipient to receive a cash payment equal to the excess of the market value of the Company’s common stock over the SPR exercise price when the SPRs are surrendered.
 
Employees and non-employee directors who are retirement eligible, defined as age 65 or older, are permitted to retain their awards after retirement and exercise them during the remaining contractual life. Grants of SPRs, with the retirement eligible provision, are recognized as expense on the grant date.
 
As required by SFAS 123(R), the SPRs outstanding have been remeasured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions that will usually have a significant impact on the fair value estimate. The weighted-average estimated value of SPRs outstanding as of December 31, 2008 was $6.12 per SPR using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
 
     
Expected volatility
  51.0% to 88.8%
Risk-free interest rate
  0.4% to 1.6%
Expected term (in years)
  1.0 to 5.4
Expected annual dividend
  $0.80
 
The expected volatility was based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price commiserate with the expected life of the SPR. The risk-free rate of return reflects the weighted average interest rate offered for zero coupon treasury bonds over the expected life of the SPR. The expected life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and was calculated using the simplified method prescribed by the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The estimated annual dividend was based on the recent dividend payout trend.
 
Compensation (income) expense, included in selling, general and administrative expenses for SPRs was $(843), $(427) and $2,482 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Cash paid out due to the exercise of SPRs was $49, $51 and $1,236 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Activity related to the Company’s SPRs during the year ended 2008 was as follows:
 
                 
    Number
    Average
 
    of SPRs     Exercise Price  
 
Outstanding on December 31, 2007
    209,250     $ 34.17  
Granted
    151,500       25.82  
Exercised
    (28,250 )     27.10  
Cancelled
    (24,900 )     25.57  
                 
Outstanding on December 31, 2008
    307,600       31.40  
                 
Exercisable on December 31, 2008
    180,270     $ 33.95  
                 
 
The SPRs outstanding had no aggregate intrinsic value as of December 31, 2008 since all exercise prices exceeded the market price of the Company’s stock at that date. Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested SPRs was $590 at December 31, 2008, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. During the year ended December 31, 2008, 39,467 SPRs vested. At December 31, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual term was 7.2 years for all outstanding SPRs and 5.9 years for the SPRs that are exercisable.
 
Stock Options
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had 5,000 fully vested outstanding stock options with an average exercise price of $23.11 and an immaterial aggregate intrinsic value. The options have a weighted average remaining contractual term of 1.3 years. There was no compensation expense related to stock options in 2008, 2007 or 2006. The Company’s stock option plan expired in 2006.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Note N — (Loss) Earnings Per Share
 
The computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share consisted of the following (shares in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Weighted average shares
                       
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    8,522       8,522       8,878  
Dilutive stock options outstanding
          2       2  
                         
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    8,522       8,524       8,880  
                         
(Loss) Earnings
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (27,060 )   $ 11,332     $ 13,702  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (571 )     (703 )     (729 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (361 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (27,631 )   $ 10,629     $ 12,612  
                         
Basic (loss) earnings per share of common stock
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (0.04 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42  
                         
Diluted (loss) earnings per share of common stock
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (3.18 )   $ 1.33     $ 1.54  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (0.04 )
                         
Net (loss) income
  $ (3.24 )   $ 1.25     $ 1.42  
                         
 
The effect of future stock option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2008 would have been anti-dilutive and, therefore, was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
 
Note O — Segment Reporting
 
The Company has two reportable segments:  MRO and OEM. The Company’s MRO segment is a distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial, institutional, and governmental maintenance repair and operations marketplace. The Company’s OEM segment manufactures, sells and distributes production and specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace. The Company’s two reportable segments are distinguished by the nature of products distributed and sold, types of customers and manner of servicing them. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to reportable segments primarily based on operating income.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments from continuing operations consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net sales
                       
MRO
  $ 403,584     $ 429,508     $ 430,815  
OEM
    81,623       83,035       83,458  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 485,207     $ 512,543     $ 514,273  
                         
Operating income (loss)
                       
MRO
  $ 26,174     $ 34,366     $ 22,962  
OEM
    (3,175 )     4,196       5,227  
Settlement and related costs
    (31,666 )     (5,793 )     (3,224 )
Severance and other charges
    (9,313 )     (12,328 )     (1,196 )
Impairment of goodwill
    (2,251 )            
Loss on sale of equipment
                (806 )
                         
Consolidated total
    (20,231 )     20,441       22,963  
Interest and dividend income
    47       255       513  
Interest expense
    (789 )     (910 )     (150 )
Other, net
    273       286       1,794  
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ (20,700 )   $ 20,072     $ 25,120  
                         
Capital expenditures
                       
MRO
  $ 2,809     $ 16,943     $ 4,710  
OEM
    740       751       581  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 3,549     $ 17,694     $ 5,291  
                         
Depreciation and amortization
                       
MRO
  $ 7,509     $ 6,692     $ 6,782  
OEM
    773       743       762  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 8,282     $ 7,435     $ 7,544  
                         
Total assets
                       
MRO
  $ 202,413     $ 221,274     $ 204,852  
OEM
    44,000       52,955       50,408  
                         
Segment total
    246,413       274,229       255,260  
Corporate
    24,287       24,570       23,879  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 270,700     $ 298,799     $ 279,139  
                         


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Financial information related to the Company’s continuing operations by geographic area consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Net sales
                       
United States
  $ 455,028     $ 482,491     $ 485,591  
Canada
    30,179       30,052       28,682  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 485,207     $ 512,543     $ 514,273  
                         
Long lived assets
                       
United States
  $ 67,076     $ 73,971     $ 64,233  
Canada
    7,468       8,322       7,943  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 74,544     $ 82,293     $ 72,176  
                         
 
Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of customers. Long-lived assets consist of total property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
 
Note P — Discontinued Operations
 
The Company closed its operations in Mexico in 2007. Accordingly, the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the assets and liabilities and operating results as discontinued operations.
 
Note Q — Loss on Sale of Equipment
 
In 2006, the Company incurred a loss of $0.8 million ($0.5 million, net of tax) on the sale of equipment related to the Company’s decision to outsource the manufacturing of a product line in the Company’s OEM business. Net book value for the disposed equipment was approximately $1.0 million.
 
Note R — Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations
 
Amounts related to freight charges billed to customers that were originally recorded as a reduction to selling, general and administrative expenses have been reclassified to net sales. This reclassification had no effect on net income (loss). A reconciliation of the amounts previously reported to the reclassified amounts for the first three quarters of 2008 and the four quarters of 2007 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    Net Sales     Gross Profit  
    Originally Reported     Adjustment     Reclassified     Originally Reported     Adjustment     Reclassified  
 
Quarter ended:
                                               
September 30, 2008
  $ 124,567     $ 797     $ 125,364     $ 70,292     $ 797     $ 71,089  
June 30, 2008
    126,310       838       127,148       72,606       838       73,444  
March 31, 2008
    125,004       866       125,870       73,262       866       74,128  
December 31, 2007
    122,935       651       123,586       72,000       651       72,651  
September 30, 2007
    127,913       725       128,638       76,457       725       77,182  
June 30, 2007
    129,178       731       129,909       76,697       731       77,428  
March 31, 2007
    129,669       741       130,410       75,827       741       76,568  


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) — (Continued)
 
Unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized as follows:
 
                                 
    2008 Quarter Ended  
    Dec. 31     Sep. 30     Jun. 30     Mar. 31  
 
Net sales
  $ 106,825     $ 125,364     $ 127,148     $ 125,870  
Gross profit
    60,337       71,089       73,444       74,128  
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  $ (5,417 )   $ 3,068     $ (29,235 )   $ 4,524  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
    (8 )     10       (418 )     (155 )
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,425 )   $ 3,078     $ (29,653 )   $ 4,369  
                                 
Basic (loss) income per share of common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.36     $ (3.43 )   $ 0.53  
Discontinued operations
                (0.05 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.36     $ (3.48 )   $ 0.51  
                                 
Diluted (loss) income per share of common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.36     $ (3.43 )   $ 0.53  
Discontinued operations
                (0.05 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.64 )   $ 0.36     $ (3.48 )   $ 0.51  
                                 
 
                                 
    2007 Quarter Ended  
    Dec. 31     Sep. 30     Jun. 30     Mar. 31  
 
Net sales
  $ 123,586     $ 128,638     $ 129,909     $ 130,410  
Gross profit
    72,651       77,182       77,428       76,568  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 4,216     $ 2,410     $ (20 )   $ 4,726  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (207 )     (11 )     (329 )     (156 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,009     $ 2,399     $ (349 )   $ 4,570  
                                 
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.49     $ 0.28     $     $ 0.55  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )           (0.04 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.47     $ 0.28     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.54  
                                 
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock:
                               
Continuing operations
  $ 0.49     $ 0.28     $     $ 0.55  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )           (0.04 )     (0.02 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.47     $ 0.28     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.54  
                                 


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Lawson Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
                                 
    Balance at
    Charged to
          Balance at
 
    Beginning of
    Costs and
          End of
 
Description
  Period     Expenses     Deductions     Period  
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 1,376     $ 1,461     $ (1,157 )(1)   $ 1,680  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    1,332       928       (884 )(1)     1,376  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    1,483       605       (756 )(1)     1,332  
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 10,024     $ 2,486     $ (2,443 )(2)   $ 10,067  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    9,233       2,455       (1,664 )(2)     10,024  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    9,348       521       (636 )(2)     9,233  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2008
  $ 3,337     $ (483 )   $     $ 2,854  
Year ended December 31, 2007
    1,318       2,763       (744 )(3)     3,337  
Year ended December 31, 2006
    1,318                   1,318  
 
 
(1) Uncollected receivables written off, net of recoveries and translation adjustment.
 
(2) Disposal of excess and obsolete inventory and translation adjustment.
 
(3) Net operating loss carryforward written off.
 
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) was effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 were recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding financial disclosures.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The report of management under Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The attestation report required under Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION.
 
Not applicable.


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PART III
 
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
a.   Directors
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009, under the caption “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
b.   Executive Officers
 
The information required by this Item is set forth under the caption Item 1 — Business under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
 
c.   Audit Committee
 
Information on the Company’s Audit Committee is contained under the caption “Board of Directors Meetings and Committees” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
The Board of Directors has determined that Mitchell Saranow, member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K, and that Mr. Saranow is “independent” as the term is defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
 
d.   Code of Business Conduct
 
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all employees and sales agents. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct is applicable to senior financial executives including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Company. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct is available on the Corporate Governance page in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.lawsonproducts.com. The Company intends to post on its website any amendments to, or waivers from its Code of Business Conduct applicable to senior financial executives. The Company will provide any persons with a copy of its Code of Business Conduct without charge upon written request directed to the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s address.
 
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009, under the caption “Remuneration of Executive Officers,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009 under the caption “Securities Beneficially Owned by Principal Stockholders and Management” which information is incorporated herein by reference.


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Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2008 regarding the number of shares of common stock that were available for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans.
 
                         
                Number of Securities
 
    Number of Securities
    Weighted-Average
    Remaining Available for Future
 
    to be Issued Upon
    Exercises Price of
    Issuance Under Equity
 
    Exercise of
    Outstanding
    Compensation Plans
 
    Outstanding Options,
    Options, Warrants
    (Excluding Securities Reflected
 
Plan category
  Warrants and Rights     and Rights     In The First Column)  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    5,000     $ 23.11        
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
                         
Total
    5,000     $ 23.11        
                         
 
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009 under the caption “Election of Directors” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The information required under this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 12, 2009 under the caption “Fees Paid to Independent Auditors” which information is incorporated herein by reference.


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PART IV
 
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
(a) See Index to Financial Statements and Schedule II in Item 8 on page 20.
 
(b) Exhibits
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  3 .1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988.
  3 .2   Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 15, 2008.
  10 .1*   Lawson Products, Inc. Incentive Stock Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 11, 1999.
  10 .2*   Amended and Restated Executive Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(7) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
  10 .3*   Lawson Products, Inc. Stock Performance Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(8) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
  10 .4*   Lawson Products, Inc. 2002 Stock Equivalents Plan for Non Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(9) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
  10 .5*   Lawson Products, Inc. Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(10) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2004.
  10 .6*   Form of Shareholder Value Appreciation Rights Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(14) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
  10 .7*   Form of Restricted Stock Award and Acknowledgment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(15) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
  10 .8*   Form Letter regarding Stock Performance Rights, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(16) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
  10 .9*   Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Thomas Neri, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 2007.
  10 .10*   Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Neil Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 2007.
  10 .11*   Executive Employment Agreement dated December 5, 2005 between the Company and Stewart Howley.
  10 .12*   Employment Agreement dated February 29, 2008 between the Company and Harry Dochelli.
  10 .13*   Lawson Products, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 13, 2008.
  10 .14*   Executive Services Agreement dated June 23, 2008 between the Company and Tatum, LLC.
  10 .15   Deferred Prosecution Agreement, dated August 11, 2008 between the Company and the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.
  10 .16*   Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 15, 2008.
  10 .17   First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 7, 2008 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. Successor by Merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 7, 2008.
  10 .18*   Amendment No. 1 to Lawson Products, Inc. Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.


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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  10 .19*   Form of Amended and Restated Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.
  10 .20*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of February 12, 2009 by and between the Company and Thomas Neri, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.
  10 .21*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of February 12, 2009 by and between the Company and Neil E. Jenkins, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.
  10 .22*   Change in Control Agreement dated as of February 12, 2009 by and between the Company and Harry Dochelli, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.
  10 .23*   Change in Control Agreement dated as of February 12, 2009 by and between the Company and Stewart Howley, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 12, 2009.
  10 .24   First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Security Agreement dated March 9, 2009 between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. Successor by Merger to LaSalle Bank National Association.
  21     Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  31 .1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
* Indicates management employment contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

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Table of Contents

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
 
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  Thomas J. Neri
Thomas J. Neri
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
Date: March 11, 2009
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below this 11th day of March, 2009, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
     
/s/  Thomas J. Neri

Thomas J. Neri
  Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)
     
/s/  F. Terrence Blanchard

F. Terrence Blanchard
  Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
     
/s/  Ronald B. Port

Ronald B. Port
  Chairman of the Board
     
/s/  James T. Brophy

James T. Brophy
  Director
     
/s/  James S. Errant

James S. Errant
  Director
     
/s/  Lee S. Hillman

Lee S. Hillman
  Director
     
/s/  Thomas S. Postek

Thomas S. Postek
  Director
     
/s/  Robert G. Rettig

Robert G. Rettig
  Director
     
/s/  Mitchell H. Saranow

Mitchell H. Saranow
  Director
     
/s/  Wilma J. Smelcer

Wilma J. Smelcer
  Director


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