UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

x

Quarterly Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For quarterly period ended September 30, 2005

 

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.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

36-2229304

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois

60018

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone no., including area code: (847) 827-9666

Not applicable

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Yes X No ___

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Yes ___ No X

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

9,003,193 Shares, $1 par value, as of October 18, 2005

 



Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

                                                                            Part I – Financial Information

 

LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

2005

 

2004

 

 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 14,543 

 

$ 28,872

 

Accounts receivable, less

 

 

 

 

allowance for doubtful accounts

56,361 

 

52,129

 

Inventories

72,235 

 

65,687

 

Miscellaneous receivables and prepaid expenses

12,320 

 

9,560

 

Deferred income taxes

1,322 

 

1,729

 

Total Current Assets

156,781 

 

157,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, less

 

 

 

 

allowances for depreciation and amortization

39,721 

 

42,452

 

Deferred income taxes

16,363 

 

14,779

 

Goodwill, less accumulated amortization

28,649 

 

28,649

 

Other assets

17,918 

 

16,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

$259,432 

 

$260,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$  10,493 

 

$    8,746

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

28,301 

 

32,628

 

Income taxes

856 

 

---

 

Current portion of long term debt

404 

 

1,573

 

Total Current Liabilities

40,054 

 

42,947

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liability under security bonus plans

23,254 

 

21,528

 

Other

17,049 

 

15,743

 

 

40,303 

 

37,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

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-(2005-9,003,193

 

 

 

 

shares; 2004-9,280,935 shares)

9,003 

 

9,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital in excess of par value

3,732 

 

3,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

166,409 

 

167,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(69)

 

397

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

179,075 

 

180,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$259,432 

 

$260,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

-2-

 



 

 

LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the

 

For the

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$117,837 

 

$107,380 

 

$338,474 

 

$312,481 

 

Cost of goods sold

43,537 

 

40,667 

 

128,852 

 

114,724 

 

Gross profit

74,300 

 

66,713 

 

209,622 

 

197,757 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

administrative expenses

63,778 

 

58,401 

 

182,224 

 

171,191 

 

Operating income

10,522 

 

8,312 

 

27,398 

 

26,566 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment and other income

539 

 

776 

 

1,942 

 

1,886 

 

Interest expense

(13)

 

(40)

 

(64)

 

(151)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

11,048 

 

9,048 

 

29,276 

 

28,301 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

4,458 

 

3,462 

 

12,122 

 

10,872 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$  6,590 

 

$  5,586 

 

$ 17,154 

 

$ 17,429 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$    0.73 

 

$    0.59 

 

$    1.88 

 

$    1.85 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

$    0.73 

 

$    0.59 

 

$    1.88 

 

$    1.84 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

share of common stock

$    0.20 

 

$    0.18 

 

$    0.60 

 

$    0.54 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

9,018 

 

9,390 

 

9,112 

 

9,440 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted

9,035 

 

9,422 

 

9,131 

 

9,468 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-3-

 



 

 

LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

For the

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income

$17,154 

 

$17,429 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to

 

 

 

net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

5,018 

 

5,011 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

(19,392)

 

(3,403)

Other

4,040 

 

2,525 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

6,820 

 

21,562 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

Additions to property, plant and equipment

(2,035)

 

(2,539)

Other

--- 

 

100 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

(2,035)

 

(2,439)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of treasury stock

(12,897)

 

(6,355)

Payments on long term debt

(1,169)

 

(1,086)

Dividends paid

(5,440)

 

(5,110)

Other

392 

 

732 

 

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

(19,114)

 

(11,819)

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

(14,329)

 

7,304 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

28,872 

 

23,555 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$14,543 

 

$30,859 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

-4-

 



 

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

A) As contemplated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been condensed and therefore, do not contain all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. Reference should be made to Lawson Products, Inc.’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2005, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 are unaudited. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) have been made, which are necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2005.

Certain amounts have been reclassified in the 2004 financial statements to conform to the 2005 presentation. These reclassified amounts do not materially affect the year-to-year comparisons.

B) Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income (in thousands) was $6,966 and $6,085 for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively. Comprehensive income was positively impacted by foreign currency translation adjustments of $376 and $499 for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

For the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, comprehensive income (in thousands) was $16,688 and $17,826, respectively. Comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation adjustments of ($466) and $397 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) consists only of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related income tax.

C) Earnings per Share

The calculation of dilutive weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Three months ended September 30

 

2005

2004

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

9,018

9,390

Dilutive impact of options outstanding

17

32

Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding

9,035

9,422

 

 

-5-

 



 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30

 

2005

2004

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

9,112

9,440

Dilutive impact of options outstanding

19

28

Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding

9,131

9,468

 

D) Revolving Line of Credit

On June 15, 2005, the revolving line of credit was amended to increase the maximum borrowing capacity to $75 million from $50 million, extend the maturity date to March 27, 2009 and amend certain financial covenants. The revolving line of credit carries an interest rate of prime minus 150 basis points floating or LIBOR plus 75 basis points, at the Company’s option. Interest is payable quarterly on prime rate borrowings and at the earlier of quarterly or maturity with respect to the LIBOR contracts. The line of credit contains certain financial covenants regarding interest coverage, minimum stockholders’ equity and working capital, all of which the Company was in compliance with at September 30, 2005. The Company had no borrowings under the line at September 30, 2005 or December 31, 2004.

E) Other Charges

The table below shows an analysis of the Company’s reserves for severance and related payments for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004:

In thousands

 

2005

 

2004

Balance at beginning of year

$

1,042 

$

2,476 

Cash paid

 

(686)

 

(1,003)

Balance at September 30

$

356 

$

1,473 

 

F) Intangible Assets

Intangible assets subject to amortization, included within other assets, were as follows (in thousands):

 

September 30, 2005

 

Gross
Balance

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and tradenames

$

1,747

$

972

$

775

Customer lists

 

953

 

425

 

528

 

$

2,700

$

1,397

$

1,303

 

 

-6-

 



 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

Gross
Balance

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Amount

 

 

 

 

Trademarks and tradenames

$

1,747

$

935

$

812

Customer lists

 

953

 

400

 

553

 

$

2,700

$

1,335

$

1,365

 

Trademarks and tradenames are being amortized over a remaining life of 15.50 years. Customer lists are being amortized over a remaining life of 16.25 years. Amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be $83,000 for 2005 and for each of the next four years.

G) Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company adopted FASB Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” This Statement requires additional disclosure within interim financial statements. The following tables show the effect on net income and earnings per share as required by FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.”

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

In thousands

2005

2004

Net income-as reported

$

6,590

$

5,586

 

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

expense determined under fair value method, net of tax

 

---

 

---

 

Net income-pro forma

 

6,590

 

5,586

 

Basic earnings per share-as reported and pro forma

 

.73

 

.59

 

Diluted earnings per share-as reported and pro forma

 

.73

 

.59

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30

In thousands

2005

2004

Net income-as reported

$

17,154

$

17,429 

 

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

expense determined under fair value method, net of tax

 

---

 

(4)

 

Net income-pro forma

 

17,154

 

17,425 

 

Basic earnings per share-as reported and pro forma

 

1.88

 

1.85 

 

Diluted earnings per share-as reported and pro forma

 

1.88

 

1.84 

 

 

Stock Performance Rights

The Company’s incentive stock plan provides for the issuance of Stock Performance Rights (SPRs). These SPRs vest over a three to five year period and 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 price when the SPRs are surrendered. The Company records an accrued liability based on the number of outstanding vested SPRs and the market value of the Company’s common stock.

 

-7-

 



 

 

Due to the decline in the Company’s stock price and fewer vested SPRs in 2005, the Company recorded income of $999,000 in the first nine months of 2005. In the comparable period of 2004, the Company recorded expense of $884,000 due principally to an increase in the Company’s stock price. The Company issued 30,000 SPRs in the second quarter of 2005.

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Statement No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. On April 14, 2005 the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the adoption of a new rule that amended the effective date to fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. As a result, the Company expects to apply the modified prospective application beginning January 1, 2006. The Company expects that the impact of complying with Statement No. 123(R) will not be significant.

H) Segment Reporting

The Company has four reportable segments: Maintenance, Repair and Replacement distribution in the U.S.(MRO-US),International Maintenance, Repair and Replacement distribution in Canada(MRO-CAN), Original Equipment Manufacturer distribution and manufacturing in the U.S.(OEM-US), International Original Equipment Manufacturer distribution in the United Kingdom and Mexico(OEM-INTL).

The Company’s MRO distribution segments distribute a wide range of MRO parts to repair and maintenance organizations primarily through the Company’s force of independent field sales agents, as well as inside sales personnel.

The Company’s OEM segments manufacture and distribute component parts to OEM manufacturers through a network of independent manufacturers representatives as well as internal sales personnel.

The Company’s reportable segments are distinguished by the nature of products, types of customers, manner of servicing customers, and geographical location.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to reportable segments primarily based on operating income.

 

-8-

 



 

 

Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments consisted of the following:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

 

In thousands

2005

2004

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

MRO-US

$

89,137 

$

80,778 

MRO-CAN

 

6,712 

 

5,157 

OEM-US

 

19,615 

 

17,064 

OEM-INTL

 

2,373 

 

4,381 

Consolidated total

$

117,837 

$

107,380 

Operating income(loss)

 

 

 

 

MRO-US

$

9,091 

$

7,306 

MRO-CAN

 

958 

 

512 

OEM-US

 

1,136 

 

678 

OEM-INTL

 

(663)

 

(184)

Consolidated total

$

10,522 

$

8,312 

 

The reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income before income taxes consisted of the following:

 

Three Months Ended
September 30

In thousands

2005

2004

Total operating income from reportable segments

$

10,522 

$

8,312 

 

Investment and other income

 

539 

 

776 

 

Interest expense

 

(13)

 

(40)

 

Income before income taxes

$

11,048 

$

9,048 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30

In thousands

2005

2004

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

MRO-US

$

253,708 

$

235,157 

 

MRO-CAN

 

19,699 

 

15,752 

 

OEM-US

 

56,179 

 

48,130 

 

OEM-INTL

 

8,888 

 

13,442 

 

Consolidated total

$

338,474 

$

312,481 

 

Operating income(loss)

 

 

 

 

 

MRO-US

$

22,905 

$

23,403 

 

MRO-CAN

 

2,376 

 

1,651 

 

OEM-US

 

3,774 

 

1,779 

 

OEM-INTL

 

(1,657)

 

(267)

 

Consolidated total

$

27,398 

$

26,566 

 

 

 

-9-

 



 

 

The reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income before income taxes consisted of the following:

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30

 

In thousands

2005

2004

 

Total operating income from reportable segments

$

27,398 

$

26,566 

Investment and other income

 

1,942 

 

1,886 

Interest expense

 

(64)

 

(151)

Income before income taxes

$

29,276 

$

28,301 

 

Asset information related to the Company’s reportable segments consisted of the following:


In thousands

September 30,
2005

December 31,
2004

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

MRO-US

$

165,495

$

174,777

MRO-CAN

 

17,734

 

18,519

OEM-US

 

48,324

 

40,275

OEM-INTL

 

10,194

 

10,471

Total for reportable segments

 

241,747

 

244,042

Corporate

 

17,685

 

16,508

Consolidated total

$

259,432

$

260,550

 

At September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the carrying value of goodwill within each reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):

MRO-US

$

22,104

MRO-CAN

 

4,294

OEM-US

 

2,251

OEM-INTL

 

---

Consolidated total

$

28,649

 

I) Short Term Debt

On July 1, 2003 the Company adopted FIN 46 which resulted in the consolidation of the Company’s investment in Superior and Sedgewick Associates, an Illinois limited partnership, which owns real property and an office building located at 366 West Superior Street and 400-432 West Superior Street in Chicago, Illinois. In conjunction with the consolidation of its investment, the Company has recorded the long-term debt of the variable interest entity (VIE), which represents a mortgage payable relative to the building, of approximately $0.4 million at September 30, 2005. The interest rate of the mortgage payable is 7.315%, with a maturity date of December 31, 2005. The building and land have a net carrying value of approximately $4.0 million, which are included in property, plant and equipment. The remaining assets, none of which are significant, are recorded in other assets. See Note J for information related to the sale of the real property and office building by Superior and Sedgewick Associates.

 

-10-

 



 

 

J) Subsequent Events

Sale of property owned by limited partnership

On October 24, 2005, Superior and Sedgwick Associates, an Illinois limited partnership (the “Partnership”), entered into a Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated October 24, 2005 (the “Real Estate Sale Agreement”), with the City of Chicago. Lawson Products, Inc. (the “Company”) is the limited partner of the Partnership and owns approximately 98.5% of the total Partnership interests. The interests were acquired at the time of the formation of the Partnership in 1984. Pursuant to the Real Estate Sale Agreement, the Partnership has agreed to sell real property located at 366 West Superior Street and 400-432 West Superior Street in Chicago, Illinois to the City of Chicago for the purchase price of approximately $17,950,000, subject to customary closing conditions, as well as prorations and similar adjustments at closing. The closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2005. The real property is the sole asset of the Partnership.

Robert J. Washlow, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, is the general partner of the Partnership and owns approximately 1.5% of the total Partnership interests. Pursuant to the Agreement of Limited Partnership dated November 1, 1984 governing the Partnership (the “Partnership Agreement”), which was entered into prior to the time that Mr. Washlow became an executive officer or director of the Company, the general partner is entitled to be paid reasonable fees as compensation for managing the affairs of the Partnership. The fees are to be comparable to those charged by real estate management firms in the Chicago metropolitan area and shall conclusively be deemed to be reasonable if they have been approved by the limited partner. In connection with the Real Estate Sale Agreement, the Company’s board of directors established a special committee of disinterested directors to consider the management fees to be paid pursuant to the Partnership Agreement. The special committee engaged advisors of its own selection to assist in its evaluation of the management fees, and on October 24, 2005 the special committee concluded that the appropriate management fees pursuant to the Partnership Agreement were $2,000,000, payable by the Partnership at the closing under the Real Estate Sale Agreement. On October 24, 2005, the audit committee of the board of directors considered and approved the management fees. Also on October 24, 2005, the management fees approved by the special committee were ratified unanimously by the board of directors, with Mr. Washlow abstaining. Mr. Washlow will also receive net cash proceeds of approximately $270,500 due to his 1.5% partnership interest.

As a result of the transaction contemplated by the Real Estate Sale Agreement and the dissolution of the Partnership, the Company expects to receive net cash proceeds of approximately $15,323,600. The Company expects that its gain on the transaction will be approximately $13,660,000, or $1.50 per share, which will be reflected in the Company’s financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2005.

Closure of UK Operations

The Company plans to close its original equipment manufacturer distribution operations in the United Kingdom. The Company informed its employees with respect to this decision on October 31, 2005. The Company plans to close its 4,000 square foot general distribution center in Bradley Stoke (Bristol), England and its 10,000 square foot general distribution center in Newcastle, England, subject to consultation with its employees as required by the employment laws of the United Kingdom. The restructuring actions are expected to be completed in the next two months. The decision to close the Company’s original equipment manufacturer distribution operations in

 

-11-

 



 

the United Kingdom was based upon the continued operating losses incurred by this business over the last several years.

The Company expects the charges associated with these restructuring actions to approximate $12 million before tax, $7.2 million after tax, or $.80 per diluted share. Of this total, $0.75 million relates to severance costs in connection with the planned termination of approximately 25 employees in the United Kingdom and substantially all of the remaining costs are associated with the write-off of inventory and equipment and expenditures relating to lease terminations. The Company expects to account for the United Kingdom operations as a “discontinued operation” in its fourth quarter and full year 2005 financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company expects that the restructuring plan will result in cash expenditures of approximately $2 million.

In conjunction with the Company’s restructuring plan described above, the Company will also recognize a pre-tax charge of $1.2 million, $.7 million after tax, or $.08 per diluted share, to reflect the accounting for the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets used in its global original equipment manufacturer distribution operations due to the loss of customers in connection with the closing of its original equipment manufacturer distribution operations in the United Kingdom. The Company does not expect this charge to result in the expenditure of cash.

Acquisition of Rutland Tools

On November 1, 2005, the Company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and operations of Rutland Tool and Supplies Co. (Rutland Tool), a California based subsidiary of Airgas, Inc. for $15 million in cash. The closing date for the transaction is expected no later than December 1, 2005. Rutland Tool distributes metalworking tools, machine tools and related MRO supplies.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Lawson Products, Inc.

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Lawson Products, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Lawson Products, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, not presented herein, and in our report dated March 10, 2005, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

October 18, 2005

 

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Safe Harbor” Statement under the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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 include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors:

The Company’s business strategy requires the Company to carry a significant amount of inventory in order to meet rapid processing of customer orders.

Disruptions of the Company’s information systems could adversely affect the Company.

There is an ongoing risk that orders may be cancelled or rescheduled due to fluctuations in the Company’s customers’ business needs or purchasing budgets.

Increases in commodity prices are likely to lead to increased costs of goods sold. We may not be able to pass on these increased costs to our customers.

A limited number of the Company’s stockholders can exert significant influence over the Company.

The Company operates in highly competitive markets. Some of the Company’s competitors have a greater variety of merchandise, financial resources, services, personnel resources and competitive pricing than Lawson.

The Company may not be able to successfully integrate Rutland Tool and Supplies Co. (“Rutland”) into its operations, and it may not be able to retain Rutland's customers..

Those related to general economic conditions and market conditions in the markets and industries the Company serves.

The risks of war, terrorism, and similar hostilities may adversely affect operating results.

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

Introduction

Lawson Products, Inc. (the “Company”) is an international distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial and institutional maintenance, repair and replacement (“MRO”) marketplace. The Company also manufactures, sells and distributes specialized component parts to the original equipment (“OEM”) marketplace, including automotive, appliance, aerospace, construction and transportation industries.

The Company markets its products primarily through a network of approximately 1,800 independent sales agents. In addition, the Company also markets its products through inside sales representatives.

Quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to Quarter ended September 30, 2004

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s financial performance for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004:

 

 

% of

 

% of

(Dollars in thousands)

2005

Net Sales

2004

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$117,837

100.0

$107,380

100.0

Cost of goods sold

43,537

36.9

40,667

37.9

Gross profit

74,300

63.1

66,713

62.1

Operating expenses

63,778

54.1

58,401

54.4

Operating income

10,522

8.9

8,312

7.7

Other

526

0.4

736

0.7

Income before taxes

11,048

9.4

9,048

8.4

Income tax expense

4,458

3.8

3,462

3.2

Net income

$6,590

5.6

$5,586

5.2

REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Net sales for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005 increased 9.7% to $117.8 million from $107.4 million in the same period of 2004.

The following table presents the Company’s net sales results for its MRO and OEM businesses for the third quarters of 2005 and 2004:

(Dollars in millions)

2005

2004

MRO

$ 95.8

$ 85.9

OEM

22.0

21.5

 

$ 117.8

$ 107.4

 

 

 

Combined Maintenance, Repair and Replacement distribution (MRO-US and MRO-CAN) net sales increased $9.9 million in the third quarter of 2005, to $95.8 million from $85.9 million in

 

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the prior year period. Sales increased in both the U.S. and Canada for the quarter, principally attributable to improved penetration of existing customers, the addition of new customers and positive effects from price increases. The favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations accounted for approximately one-half of the $1.3 million net sales gain realized in Canada.

Combined Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM-US and OEM-INTL) net sales increased $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2005, to $22.0 million from $21.5 million. Sales were higher by $2.5 million in the U.S. but $2.0 million lower internationally for the three-month period. The sales advance in the U.S. was primarily attributable to the addition of new customers. The decline in sales internationally is principally due to lower sales volume from a major customer in Europe.

Gross profit margins for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were 63.1% and 62.1%, respectively. Gross profit margins have improved sequentially for each quarter in 2005. The third quarter of 2005 reflected higher gross profit margins in the MRO segment and a decline for the OEM segment. MRO segment gross profit margins increased to 71.9% in the third quarter of 2005 from 71.2% in the comparable quarter of 2004. The 70 basis point improvement is principally attributable to a price increase implemented in the third quarter of 2005. OEM segment gross profit margins declined to 24.7% in the third quarter of 2005, 90 basis points lower than the prior period’s 25.6%. This decrease was principally due to price competition and higher product costs internationally.

OPERATING EXPENSES AND OPERATING INCOME

Operating expenses were $63.8 million and $58.4 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Of the $5.4 million increase in quarterly operating expenses over the 2004 quarter, approximately $3.7 million is due to higher sales agent compensation resulting from the increase in sales. In addition, compensation costs were higher in 2005 due to the addition of marketing and technology personnel. As a result of the sales increases and the Company’s ability to leverage its operating cost infrastructure over a larger revenue base, operating expenses as a percent of net sales declined slightly from 54.4% in the 2004 period to 54.1% of net sales in the 2005 period.

Operating income for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005 advanced to $10.5 million, from $8.3 million in the same period of 2004. This $2.2 million increase in operating income is principally attributable to higher net sales and improved gross profit margins, more than offsetting higher operating expenses.

 

-16-

 



 

 

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME

The following table presents investment and other income for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

(Dollars in millions)

2005

2004

Rental income

$0.5

$0.5

Realized foreign exchange gains

0.0

0.1

Interest and other

0.0

0.2

 

$0.5

$0.8

 

 

 

The rental income for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was attributable to the office building held by the Company as an investment and owned by the limited partnership referred to in Note I. See Note J for information related to the sale of the office building owned by the limited partnership.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense was primarily attributable to interest paid relative to a mortgage payable for the office building held by the Company as an investment and owned by the limited partnership referred to in Note I. See Note J for information related to the sale of the office building owned by the limited partnership.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rates for the quarters ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were 40.4% and 38.3%, respectively. Approximately 1.4 percentage points of the 2.1 percentage point increase in the effective tax rate over these periods is due to higher operating losses from the foreign subsidiaries in the OEM segment in 2005, for which no tax benefit was provided. Lower contributions of inventory to a charitable organization in 2005 also contributed to the increased effective tax rate in the third quarter 2005 compared to the prior year period.

NET INCOME

Net income for the third quarter of 2005 increased 18.0%, to $6.6 million ($.73 per diluted share), compared to $5.6 million ($.59 per diluted share) in the comparable period of 2004. The $1.0 million increase in net income is the result of the $2.2 million increase in operating income, partially offset by lower investment and other income and an increase in the effective tax rate discussed above. Per share net income for 2005 and 2004 was positively affected by the Company’s share repurchase program. The impact of the Company’s share repurchase program was $0.03 per share of net income in the quarter ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to Nine Months ended September 30, 2004

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s financial performance for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004:

 

 

% of

 

% of

(Dollars in thousands)

2005

Net Sales

2004

Net Sales

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$338,474

100.0

$312,481

100.0

Cost of goods sold

128,852

38.1

114,724

36.7

Gross profit

209,622

61.9

197,757

63.3

Operating expenses

182,224

53.8

171,191

54.8

Operating income

27,398

8.1

26,566

8.5

Other

1,878

0.6

1,735

0.6

Income before taxes

29,276

8.6

28,301

9.1

Income tax expense

12,122

3.6

10,872

3.5

Net income

$17,154

5.1

$17,429

5.6

REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Net sales for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 increased 8.3% to $338.5 million from $312.5 million in the similar period of 2004.

The following table presents the Company’s net sales results for its MRO and OEM businesses for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004:

(Dollars in millions)

2005

2004

MRO

$273.4

$250.9

OEM

65.1

61.6

 

$338.5

$312.5

 

 

 

Combined Maintenance, Repair and Replacement distribution (MRO-US and MRO-CAN) net sales increased $22.5 million in the first nine months of 2005, to $273.4 million from $250.9 million, reflecting higher sales in both the U.S. and Canada. Sales gains were principally attributable to the addition of new customers and improved penetration of existing customers. A growing component of the Company’s MRO business continues to be its supplemental supply programs, which allows the Company to improve customer penetration through additional non-stock product offerings. The growth in supplemental supply programs accounted for $6.3 million of the $22.5 million in net sales growth for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005. The favorable impact of foreign exchange fluctuations accounted for approximately one-third of the $3.9 million net sales increase in Canada.

Combined Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM-US and OEM-INTL) net sales increased $3.5 million in the first nine months of 2005, to $65.1 million from $61.6 million, comprised of an $8.0 million net sales increase in the U.S. offset by a $4.5 million sales decrease internationally. The sales gain in the U.S. was primarily attributable to the addition of new customers. The decline in sales internationally is due to lower sales volume from a major customer in Europe.

Gross profit margins for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were 61.9% and 63.3%, respectively. The year-to-date September 2005 period reflected lower gross

 

-18-

 



 

profit margins in both the MRO and OEM segments. MRO segment gross profit margins declined from 72.3% to 70.5% in these periods. The 180 basis point decrease in MRO segment gross profit margins in year-to-date September 2005 compared to the prior year period is principally due to higher product costs, including surcharges from steel vendors, and a sales mix shift, with approximately one-third of the incremental 2005 sales coming from sales of lower margin non-stock product category items. Although year-to-date September 2005 gross profit margins were lower than the prior year period, gross profit margins for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 improved compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2004. OEM segment gross profit margins declined 60 basis points, from 26.6% to 26.0%. This decline was principally due to price competition and higher product costs internationally, more than offsetting improved U.S. gross profit margins resulting from price increases and surcharges passed on to customers.

OPERATING EXPENSES AND OPERATING INCOME

Operating expenses were $182.2 million and $171.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The $11.0 million, or 6.4%, increase in year-to-date operating expenses for 2005 over the comparable period in 2004 was principally related to higher sales agent and employee compensation costs. The $5.0 million increase in sales agent compensation was attributable to the increase in sales. The $3.0 million employee compensation increase was driven by higher compensation costs associated with the Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan ($1.6 million increase), implemented in the third quarter of 2004, salary and wage increases, and marketing and technology personnel additions. This $3.0 million increase was partially offset by income of $1.0 million recorded relative to the issuance of Stock Performance Rights as provided by the Company’s incentive stock plan referred to in Note G. As a result of the sales increases and the Company’s ability to leverage its operating cost infrastructure over a larger revenue base, operating expenses as a percent of net sales declined from 54.8% in the 2004 period to 53.8% of net sales in the 2005 period.

Operating income for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 was $27.4 million, compared to $26.6 million in the prior year-to-date period. The $0.8 million increase in operating income over these periods is principally attributable to gains in net sales, more than offsetting lower gross profit margins and higher operating expenses.

INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME

The following table presents investment and other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

(Dollars in millions)

2005

2004

Rental income

$1.4

$1.4

Realized foreign exchange gains

0.4

0.1

Interest and other

0.1

0.4

 

$1.9

$1.9

 

 

 

The realized foreign exchange gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 were due to intercompany payments from a Canadian subsidiary. The rental income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was attributable to the office building held by the Company as an investment and owned by the limited partnership referred to in Note I. See Note J for information related to the sale of the office building owned by the limited partnership.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, was primarily attributable to interest paid relating to

 

-19-

 



 

a mortgage on the office building held by the Company as an investment and owned by the limited partnership referred to in Note I. See Note J for information related to the sale of the office building owned by the limited partnership.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were 41.4% and 38.4%, respectively. Approximately 1.9 percentage points of the 3.0 percentage point increase in the effective tax rate over these periods is due to higher operating losses from the foreign subsidiaries in the OEM segment in 2005, for which no tax benefit was provided. Lower contributions of inventory to a charitable organization in 2005 and lower exempt income in 2005 related to executive life insurance also contributed to the higher effective tax rate in the September 2005 year-to-date period compared to the prior year period.

NET INCOME

Net income for the first nine months of 2005 was $17.2 million ($1.88 per diluted share), compared to $17.4 million ($1.84 per diluted share) in the same period of 2004. The $0.2 million decline in net income is the result of a higher effective tax rate discussed above, more than offsetting the $0.8 million increase in operating income. Per share net income for 2005 and 2004 was positively affected by the Company’s share repurchase program. The impact of the Company’s share repurchase program was $0.07 in the September 2005 year-to-date period compared to the prior year period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operations declined to $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to $21.6 million for the prior year period. Net income was comparable over these periods; however, accounts receivable and inventory increases combined with accrued expense decreases resulted in lower operating cash. The growth in receivables is related to higher sales. Increases in inventory are related to higher sales, price inflation, and growth of inventory-management customers within the OEM business. Net cash used in financing activities increased by approximately $7.3 million related to higher treasury stock purchases for the first nine months of 2005. Working capital at September 30, 2005 was $116.7 million as compared to $115.0 million at December 31, 2004. At September 30, 2005 the current ratio was 3.9 to 1 as compared to 3.7 to 1 at December 31, 2004.

Additions to property, plant and equipment were $2.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. In addition, approximately $4.5 million was expended for software development in the first nine months of 2005 and recorded as prepaid expenses, a portion of which may be reclassified to property, plant and equipment in the fourth quarter of 2005 as the software is placed in service. Capital expenditures in 2005 were principally related to the purchase of machinery and equipment. In 2004, capital expenditures were principally related to the purchase of equipment and the development of software. The Company expects to spend approximately $6.0 million for capital expenditures in 2005.

In the third quarter of 2005, the Company announced a cash dividend of $.20 per share on common shares, an 11.1% increase over the previous $.18 per share on common shares paid each quarter in 2004.

 

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During the first nine months of 2005, the Company purchased 291,210 shares of its own common stock at a cost of approximately $12,897,000. Of those shares, 37,163 shares were purchased pursuant to the 2000 Board authorization for up to 500,000 shares and 254,047 shares were purchased pursuant to the October 2004 authorization for up to 500,000 shares. In the first nine months of 2004, the Company purchased 179,841 shares of its own common stock for approximately $6,355,000, pursuant to the 2000 Board authorization noted above. All shares purchased as of September 30, 2005 have been retired. Funds to purchase these shares were provided by cash and cash equivalents and net cash provided by operating activities. All of the shares authorized under the 2000 Board authorization have been purchased. As of September 30, 2005, there were 245,953 shares remaining under the 2004 share repurchase authorization, and there is no expiration date relative to the 2004 share repurchase authorization.

Net cash provided by operating activities, current cash and cash equivalents and the $75,000,000 unsecured line of credit are expected to be sufficient to finance the Company’s future growth, cash dividends and capital expenditures for the next 12 months.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risk at September 30, 2005 from that reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s senior management, including the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is 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 executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding financial disclosures. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2005 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II

OTHER INFORMATION

Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 are inapplicable and have been omitted from this report.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

(c) Total Number

(d) Maximum Number

 

(a) Total

 

of Shares Purchased

of Shares that May

 

Number of

(b) Average

as Part of Publicly

Yet Be Purchased

 

Shares

Price Paid

Announced Plans

Under the Plans

Period

Purchased

per Share

or Programs

or Programs

 

 

 

 

 

01/01/05 - 01/31/05

86,357

$48.72

86,357

450,806

 

 

 

 

 

02/01/05 - 02/28/05

9,515

$48.54

9,515

441,291

 

 

 

 

 

03/01/05 - 03/31/05

22,100

$45.65

22,100

419,191

 

 

 

 

 

04/01/05 - 04/30/05

37,657

$44.93

37,657

381,534

 

 

 

 

 

05/01/05 - 05/31/05

53,139

$40.80

53,139

328,395

 

 

 

 

 

06/01/05 - 06/30/05

39,846

$41.60

39,846

288,549

 

 

 

 

 

07/01/05 - 07/31/05

20,709

$39.09

20,709

267,840

 

 

 

 

 

08/01/05 - 08/31/05

21,887

$40.70

21,887

245,953

 

 

 

 

 

09/01/05 - 09/30/05

0

0.00

0

245,953

 

 

 

 

 

Total

291,210

$44.29

291,210

245,953

 

 

 

 

 

On May 16, 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its own common stock, and the Company has purchased all of the shares under this authorization. On October 13, 2004, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to purchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock in addition to that previously authorized. There is no expiration date relative to the 2004 authorization.

 

-22-

 



 

 

Item 6.             Exhibits

 

(a)

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

10(c)(19)

 

Employment Agreement dated as of September 14, 2005 between the Company and Kenneth E. Malik, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(19) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10(c)(20)

 

Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated October 24, 2005, by and between the City of Chicago and Superior and Sedgwick Associates, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(20) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2005.

 

 

 

 

10(c)(21)

 

Agreement of Limited Partnership of Superior and Sedgwick Associates, an Illinois Limited Partnership, dated as of November 1, 1984, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(21) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2005.

 

 

 

 

15

Letter from Ernst & Young LLP Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

-23-

 



 

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

 

LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated

November 9, 2005

/s/

Robert J. Washlow

 

 

 

 

Robert J. Washlow

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated

November 9, 2005

/s/

Thomas Neri

 

 

 

 

Thomas Neri

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

-24-

 

 

 

Exhibit 15

 

October 18, 2005

Board of Directors

Lawson Products, Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-17912 dated November 4, 1987) of Lawson Products, Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated October 18, 2005 relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Lawson Products, Inc. which are included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our report is not part of the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within the meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Robert J. Washlow, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Lawson Products, Inc.;

 

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 9, 2005

 

/s/ Robert J. Washlow                                                                               

Robert J. Washlow

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Thomas Neri, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Lawson Products, Inc.;

 

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 9, 2005

 

/s/ Thomas Neri                                                                                          

Thomas Neri

Executive Vice President, Finance, Planning and Corporate

Development; Chief Financial Officer; and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Lawson Products, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that based on their knowledge: 1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and 2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.

 

/s/ Robert J. Washlow                                                                           

Robert J. Washlow, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

/s/ Thomas Neri                                                                                     

Thomas Neri

Executive Vice President, Finance, Planning and Corporate Development;

Chief Financial Officer; and Treasurer

 

November 9, 2005