UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) {X} ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 OR { } TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Commission file number 001-11549 --------- BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 63-0780521 - ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 4520 Executive Park Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36116-1602 - ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (334) 244-4000 -------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of each exchange Title of each class on which registered Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value New York Stock Exchange - ------------------------------------- ----------------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None ---- 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ------- Page 1 State the aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant. The aggregate market value shall be computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common stock, as of a specified date within 60 days prior to the date of filing. Aggregate market value of voting common stock held by nonaffiliates as of - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 1, 1999: $593,569,000 - ------------------------------- Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Class A Common Stock $.01 par value, as of February 1, 1999: 25,580,571 shares ---------- Class B Common Stock $.01 par value, as of February 1, 1999: 11,479,471 shares ---------- DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated: (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933. The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes. Portions of proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held April 19, 1999, are incorporated by reference in Part III. Page 2 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS The Company is an international manufacturing and marketing company with sales in over 130 countries and operations in three business segments: Outdoor Products, Sporting Equipment, and Industrial and Power Equipment. The Company was founded in 1946 as a general construction company. In 1994, the construction business was discontinued. See "Business - Acquisitions and Dispositions" on pages 6 and 7. The following text contains various trademarks of Blount, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and its subsidiaries. OUTDOOR PRODUCTS The Company's Outdoor Products segment is comprised of the Oregon Cutting Systems Division ("Oregon"), Dixon Industries, Inc. ("Dixon") and Frederick Manufacturing Corporation ("Frederick"). Oregon produces a wide variety of cutting chain, chain saw guide bars, cutting chain drive sprockets and maintenance tools for use primarily on portable gasoline and electric chain saws, and mechanical timber harvesting equipment. The Oregon trademark is well known to end-users and the Company believes that it is the world leader in the production of cutting chain. Oregon's cutting chain and related products are used primarily by professional loggers, construction workers, farmers, arborists and homeowners. Oregon markets an Industrial Cutting System ("ICS"). ICS, a diamond-segmented cutting system for concrete (including steel-reinforced concrete), is a faster and more flexible concrete cutting method than others currently employed in the construction and demolition industries. Oregon sells to distributors, dealers and mass merchandisers serving the retail replacement market. In addition, Oregon currently sells its products to more than 50 original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"). In 1998, approximately 16% of the sales by the Outdoor Products segment were to one customer. Due to the high level of technical expertise and capital investment required to manufacture cutting chain and guide bars, the Company believes that it is able to produce durable, high-quality cutting chain and guide bars more efficiently than most of its competitors. The use of Oregon cutting chain as original equipment on chain saws is also promoted through cooperation with OEMs in improving the design and specifications of chain and saws. The Company has Oregon marketing personnel throughout the United States and in a number of foreign countries. Oregon manufactures cutting chain and related products in Milwaukie, Oregon; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. Oregon's products compete with other cutting chain manufacturers as well as a small number of international chain saw manufacturers, some of whom are also customers. This segment's principal raw material, strip steel, is generally purchased from two vendors, and can be obtained from other sources. Dixon, located in Coffeyville, Kansas, was acquired in 1990 and has manufactured ZTR (zero turning radius) lawn mowers and related attachments since 1974. Dixon pioneered the development of ZTR and is the only manufacturer to offer a full line of ZTR lawn mowers for both homeowner and commercial applications. The key element which differentiates Dixon from its competitors is its unique mechanical transaxle. The transaxle transmits power independently to the rear drive wheels and enables the operator to move the back wheels at different speeds and turn the mower in a circle no larger than the machine, a "zero radius Page 3 turn". This unique transmission enables the Dixon mower to out-maneuver conventional ride-on products available in the market today and provides a cost advantage over the more expensive hydrostatic drives used by competitors in the market. The latest product additions are in the hydrostatic portion of the product line. In late 1997, Dixon introduced the "Estate Line" featuring mowers which are designed for large, homeowner lawns and are lower priced than commercial hydrostatic units. Models are available in 42-inch, 50-inch and 60- inch sizes. Expanding on the Estate Line, Dixon introduced a low-cost hydro line, IZT (integrated zero turn), in 1998. The IZT is positioned between Dixon's normal hydros and transaxle models geared for the residential user. It features models with cut widths of 42 inches, 50 inches and 60 inches. Dixon sells its products through distribution channels comprised of full-service dealers, North American distributors and export distributors. Frederick, located in Kansas City, Missouri, was acquired in January 1997. See "Business - Acquisitions and Dispositions" on pages 6 and 7. Frederick is a well-known and highly respected manufacturer that supplies quality Silver Streak brand accessories for lawn mowers and other outdoor products. Frederick fits well into the Company's operations and is provided international sales opportunities through Oregon's worldwide distribution outlets. SPORTING EQUIPMENT On November 4, 1997, the Company acquired the Federal Cartridge Company ("Federal"). See "Business - Acquisitions and Dispositions" on pages 6 and 7. Federal manufactures and markets shotshell, centerfire and rimfire cartridges, ammunition components, and clay targets. These products are distributed throughout the United States through a network of distributors and directly to large retail chains, the U.S. government and federal, state, local and international law enforcement agencies. The Federal acquisition both complemented and significantly expanded the Sporting Equipment segment's product offerings. Shotgun shells, a product not manufactured or sold by the Company prior to this acquisition, represented approximately 22% of Sporting Equipment's sales for 1998. Federal is also a significant producer and marketer of centerfire rifle ammunition, products as to which the Company's market share had been much smaller. Federal markets its products under the brand names of "Premium," "Gold Medal," "American Eagle," "Classic," "BallistiClean" and "Tactical." The acquisition of Federal placed the Company among the leading United States producers of ammunition products. The Company's other Sporting Equipment segment operations manufacture small arms ammunition, reloading equipment, primers, gun care products and accessories, and distribute imported sports optical products. Principal products include CCI and Speer ammunition sold for use by hunters, sportsmen and law enforcement and military personnel; RCBS reloading equipment for use by hunters and sportsmen who prefer to reload their own ammunition; Redfield scope mounting systems; Outers gun care and trap-shooting products; Ram-Line gun accessories; Weaver scope mounting systems; and Simmons and Weaver optics. The Company believes that it is a market leader in the domestic gun care and ammunition reloading markets with high levels of brand name recognition in each of these areas. The Company believes that the Sporting Equipment segment is also a world leader in the production of industrial powerloads which are used in the construction industry to drive fastening pins into metal or concrete. The market for Sporting Equipment products is characterized by a high degree of customer loyalty to brand names and historically has not been affected by adverse economic conditions. A continuing focus on new and better technologies has enabled the Company to introduce a number of new and improved products in recent years. These products include Speer Gold Dot high performance pistol ammunition which is used by law enforcement agencies around the world, as well Page 4 as Clean-Fire and non-toxic ammunition used extensively for indoor training. The Company's aluminum case technology continues to provide low cost Blazer ammunition to consumers and for law enforcement training applications. New for 1998 is a series of fully automatic electric traps specifically designed for commercial trap, skeet and sporting clays applications. Principal raw materials include brass, lead, aluminum and powder, which are purchased from several suppliers. The Company manufactures ammunition and powerloads in Lewiston, Idaho; shotshell, ammunition and ammunition components in Anoka, Minnesota; reloading equipment in Oroville, California; mounts, shooting accessories and gun care equipment in Onalaska, Wisconsin; and clay targets in Richmond, Indiana. The Company imports substantially all its optical products from foreign suppliers and does not rely on long-term agreements, although it does have long-term relationships with some of its suppliers. Optical products are distributed from a warehouse in Thomasville, Georgia. In the market for small arms ammunition and primers, the Company competes with several other manufacturers with well established brand names and market share positions. In the segment's other product lines, the Company competes with a number of smaller competitors, none of whom has a dominant market share. In 1998, approximately 20% of the Sporting Equipment segment's sales were to one customer. INDUSTRIAL AND POWER EQUIPMENT The Company's Industrial and Power Equipment segment manufactures equipment for the timber harvesting industry and for industrial use, industrial tractors for land and utility right-of-way clearing, and components for the gear industry. Major users of these products include logging contractors, harvesters, land reclamation companies, utility contractors, building materials distributors, scrap yard operators and original equipment manufacturers of hydraulic equipment. The Company believes that it is a world leader in the manufacture of hydraulic timber harvesting equipment, which includes a line of truck-mounted, trailer- mounted, stationary-mounted and self-propelled loaders and crawler feller bunchers (tractors with hydraulic attachments for felling timber) under the Prentice brand name; a line of rubber-tired feller bunchers and related attachments under the Hydro-Ax brand name; and a line of delimbers, slashers and firewood processors under the CTR brand name. The Company is a competitive force in the gear industry, selling power transmissions and gear components under the Gear Products brand name. The Company sells its timber harvesting products through a network of approximately 250 dealers in over 400 locations in the United States and currently has an additional 20 offshore dealers, primarily in the timber harvesting regions of South America and Southeast Asia. Gear Products, Inc. sells its products to over 350 original equipment manufacturers servicing the utility, construction, forestry and marine industries. Over 85% of this segment's sales in 1998 were in the United States, primarily in the southeastern and south central states. In 1998, approximately 27% of the sales by the Industrial and Power Equipment segment were to two customers. The Company places a strong emphasis on the quality, safety, comfort, durability and productivity of its products and on the after-market service provided by its distribution and support network. The Company's Industrial and Power Equipment segment competes primarily on the basis of quality with a number of domestic and foreign manufacturers. Page 5 The Company attempts to capitalize on its technological and manufacturing expertise as a means of increasing its participation in the market for replacement parts for products which it manufactures, as well as of developing new product applications both within and beyond the timber, material handling, scrap, land clearing and gear industries. The Company is committed to continuing research and development in this segment to respond quickly to increasing mechanization and environmental awareness in the timber harvesting industry. The Company's Industrial and Power Equipment segment has manufacturing facilities in Owatonna, Minnesota; Prentice and Spencer, Wisconsin; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Zebulon and Union Grove, North Carolina. A majority of the components used in the Company's products are obtained from a number of domestic manufacturers. CAPACITY UTILIZATION Based on an 80-hour work week, the Outdoor Products, Sporting Equipment, and Industrial and Power Equipment segments utilized approximately 82%, 61% and 65%, respectively, of their production capacity in the year ended December 31, 1998. BACKLOG The backlog for each of the Company's business segments as of the end of each of its last four reporting periods was as follows (in millions): December 31, ------------------------ February 29, 1998 1997 1996 1996 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ Outdoor Products $ 30.2 $ 42.0 $ 35.5 $ 33.7 Sporting Equipment 15.1 19.7 9.5 15.5 Industrial and Power Equipment 16.0 56.2 29.2 63.6 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $ 61.3 $117.9 $ 74.2 $112.8 - --------------------------------- ====== ====== ====== ====== The total backlog as of December 31, 1998, is expected to be completed and shipped within twelve months. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS In September 1998, the Company purchased certain operating assets of the Redfield line for approximately $3 million. The operating assets consisted of inventory (primarily rifle scopes, mounting systems and related items), machinery and equipment, trademarks, sales literature and patents. On November 4, 1997, the Company acquired Federal Cartridge Company (formerly Federal-Hoffman, Inc.), a manufacturer of shotshell, centerfire and rimfire cartridges, ammunition components and clay targets. The purchase price was approximately $129 million, including a post-closing adjustment and acquisition expenses. In January 1997, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of the Frederick Manufacturing Corporation and Orbex, Inc. for approximately $19 million and paid existing debt of the acquired companies in the amount of $5.8 million. The principal products of the acquired companies are accessories for lawn mowers and sporting goods. Orbex, Inc. was subsequently merged into Frederick Manufacturing Corporation. Page 6 In December 1995, the Company acquired all the outstanding capital stock of Simmons Outdoor Corporation, a sports optics distributor, for cash of approximately $38 million. In fiscal 1995, the Company acquired all the outstanding capital stock of CTR Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of automated forestry harvesting equipment, and the operating assets of Ram-Line, Inc., a manufacturer of stocks, magazines, lens caps and other products for the shooting sports markets. The purchase price paid for the two businesses was approximately $18.2 million, including notes issued of $7.2 million. In February 1994, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue its construction business through the orderly completion and close-out of the Company's principal domestic and foreign construction projects and the sale of Pozzo Construction Co. ("Pozzo"), a subsidiary headquartered in Los Angeles, California. During the first quarter of fiscal 1996, Pozzo was sold with no material effect on the Company's financial condition. All construction projects are complete. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 28. EMPLOYEES At December 31, 1998, the Company employed approximately 5,300 individuals. None of the Company's employees is unionized. The Company believes its relations with its employees are satisfactory. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS For information regarding certain environmental matters, see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 33 and 34. From time to time the Company may be identified as a potentially responsible party with respect to a Superfund site. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (or a state) can either (a) allow such a party to conduct and pay for a remedial investigation and feasibility study and remedial action or (b) conduct the remedial investigation and action and then seek reimbursement from the parties. Each party can be held jointly, severally and strictly liable for all costs, but the parties can then bring contribution actions against each other, where available. As a result of the Superfund Act, the Company may be required to expend amounts on such remedial investigations and actions which amounts cannot be determined at the present time but may ultimately prove to be significant. The Company expects to spend approximately $1.4 million, $1.0 million and $0.7 million during 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively, on environmental compliance costs. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS AND FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC OPERATIONS For information about industry segments and foreign and domestic operations, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition" on pages 11 through 15 and Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 35 through 37. SEASONALITY Only the Company's Sporting Equipment segment experiences significant seasonality with higher sales and operating income in the second half of the year than the first half of the year. Page 7 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The corporate headquarters of the Company occupy executive offices at 4520 Executive Park Drive, Montgomery, Alabama. The other principal properties of the Company and its subsidiaries are as follows: Cutting chain and accessories manufacturing plants are located in Milwaukie, Oregon; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, and sales and distribution offices are located in Europe, Japan and Russia. Lawn mowers and related accessories are manufactured at plants in Coffeyville, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri. Sporting ammunition, reloading equipment products, gun care equipment, industrial powerloads and shooting sports accessories are manufactured at plants in Anoka, Minnesota; Lewiston, Idaho; Oroville, California; Onalaska, Wisconsin; and Richmond, Indiana. The Company maintains a warehouse facility in Thomasville, Georgia for distribution of sports optics and hunting accessories. Log loaders, feller bunchers and accessories for automated forestry equipment are manufactured at plants in Prentice and Spencer, Wisconsin; Zebulon and Union Grove, North Carolina; and Owatonna, Minnesota. Rotation bearings and mechanical power transmission components are manufactured at a plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma. All of these facilities are in good condition, are currently in normal operation and are generally suitable and adequate for the business activity conducted therein. Approximate square footage of principal properties is as follows: Area in Square Feet --------------------- Owned Leased ------------------------------- --------- -------- Outdoor Products 1,015,000 209,000 Sporting Equipment 1,583,000 116,000 Industrial and Power Equipment 798,000 Corporate Office 192,000 13,000 ------------------------------- --------- ------- Total 3,588,000 338,000 ------------------------------- ========= ======= ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS For information regarding legal proceedings see Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 33 and 34. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable. Page 8 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table presents for the Company's last two years, the quarterly high and low prices and cash dividends declared for the Company's Common Stock. The Company had approximately 10,100 shareholders as of February 1, 1999. Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock ------------------------ ------------------------ High Low Dividend High Low Dividend - ------------------------ ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ -------- Year Ended December 31, 1998 First quarter $29.75 $23.00 $.071 $29.88 $23.50 $.067 Second quarter 34.38 26.50 .071 32.25 26.44 .067 Third quarter 29.50 19.94 .071 28.50 22.06 .067 Fourth quarter 24.94 18.94 .071 24.63 19.50 .067 Year Ended December 31, 1997 First quarter $21.63 $18.81 $.063 $21.25 $18.75 $.059 Second quarter 22.75 19.00 .063 22.25 19.63 .059 Third quarter 25.25 20.75 .063 23.69 21.13 .059 Fourth quarter 26.88 23.00 .071 27.00 25.28 .067 - ------------------------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------ ----- For information regarding restrictions on the net assets of foreign subsidiaries, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on pages 39 and 40. Page 9 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA Twelve Months Ended Twelve Months Ended Ten Months The Last Day December 31, Ended of February, Dollar amounts in millions, -------------------------------------- December 31, ------------------- except per share data 1998 1997 1996(1) 1995(1) 1996(1) 1996 1995 - ---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------------ -------- -------- (Unaudited) ------------------ Operating Results: Sales $ 831.9 $ 716.9 $ 649.3 $ 621.4 $ 526.7 $ 644.3 $ 588.4 Operating income from segments 132.4 117.9 113.1 104.9 91.2 112.8 101.9 Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss 63.3 59.1 53.8 49.4 44.0 53.6 40.7 Net income 61.3 59.1 55.2 49.4 45.4 53.6 40.7 Earnings per share: Basic: Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss 1.69 1.57 1.40 1.30 1.14 1.41 1.08 Net income 1.64 1.57 1.44 1.30 1.18 1.41 1.08 Diluted: Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss 1.65 1.53 1.38 1.27 1.13 1.38 1.05 Net income 1.60 1.53 1.41 1.27 1.16 1.38 1.05 - ---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- End of Period Financial Position: Total assets $ 668.8 $ 637.8 $ 533.8 $ 522.4 $ 533.8 $ 546.5 $ 520.8 Working capital 232.2 171.1 166.2 122.2 166.2 136.2 123.3 Property, plant and equipment-gross 392.8 376.8 301.9 293.8 301.9 295.5 279.9 Property, plant and equipment-net 182.9 188.5 131.7 136.7 131.7 135.5 134.4 Long-term debt 161.6 138.8 84.6 95.9 84.6 95.9 98.3 Total debt 162.3 140.3 85.8 108.7 85.8 107.6 106.0 Net debt to total capitalization (2) 22.0% 28.8% 5.9% 24.8% 5.9% 23.6% 16.8% Stockholders' equity 354.6 316.1 290.8 244.6 290.8 255.0 207.7 Current ratio 3.4 to 1 2.3 to 1 2.4 to 1 1.9 to 1 2.4 to 1 1.9 to 1 1.7 to 1 - ---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Other Data: Property, plant and equipment additions(3) $ 21.7 $ 78.5 $ 21.3 $ 19.8 $ 18.7 $ 19.3 $ 14.7 Depreciation and amortization 30.9 25.0 23.3 22.3 19.2 22.2 22.9 Interest expense, net of interest income 11.8 7.0 7.5 6.8 5.6 7.4 8.5 Stock price: Class A high 34.38 26.88 19.44 17.58 19.44 17.58 16.38 Class A low 18.94 18.81 12.69 12.25 14.13 12.25 9.38 Stock price: Class B high 32.25 27.00 18.94 17.58 18.94 17.58 16.29 Class B low 19.50 18.75 14.75 12.58 14.75 12.58 9.67 Per common share dividends: Class A .285 .261 .228 .198 .228 .198 .173 Class B .268 .244 .212 .181 .212 .181 .156 Shares used in earnings per share computations (in millions): Basic 37.4 37.6 38.4 37.9 38.4 38.0 37.8 Diluted 38.4 38.5 39.1 38.9 39.2 38.9 38.8 Employees (approximate) 5,300 5,700 4,400 4,400 4,400 4,400 4,600 - ---------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- (1) In April 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year from one ending on the last day of February to one ending on December 31. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Unaudited financial data for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 is also presented in the table above. (2) Net debt is defined as total debt less cash, cash equivalents and unexpended industrial development revenue bond proceeds. (3) Includes property, plant and equipment of acquired companies at date of purchase of $59.8 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 1997, and $0.6 million and $5.0 million in the twelve months ended the last day of February, 1996 and 1995. Page 10 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes. All references to earnings per share included in this discussion are to diluted earnings per share. OPERATING RESULTS TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 (AUDITED) COMPARED TO TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (AUDITED) Despite economic problems in some markets, the Company achieved record results in 1998. Sales in 1998 were $831.9 million compared to $716.9 million in 1997. Income before extraordinary loss was $63.3 million ($1.65 per share) in 1998 compared to $59.1 million ($1.53 per share) in 1997. Net income of $61.3 million ($1.60 per share) for 1998 reflects a net extraordinary loss of $2.0 million ($.05 per share) on the redemption of long-term debt. The higher sales and improved operating results in 1998 are primarily due to the full year contribution to the Sporting Equipment segment by Federal Cartridge Company ("Federal") which was acquired during the fourth quarter of 1997. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 17% of sales in 1998 compared to 19% in 1997. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $10.0 million in 1998 primarily due to Federal being included in operating results for the entire year. Higher interest expense in 1998 reflects higher debt levels during the current year, principally due to the Federal acquisition. Total backlog was $61.3 million at December 31, 1998, compared to $117.9 million at December 31, 1997. The current year backlog is lower at each of the Company's operating segments with the largest decrease at the Industrial and Power Equipment segment, principally reflecting reduced demand for timber harvesting and industrial equipment. The Company expects that 1999 will be a challenging year as, for the near term, poor economic conditions in Southeast Asia and the Far East will likely continue to affect the Outdoor Products segment and low pulp prices and high mill inventories will impact the demand for the Industrial and Power Equipment segment's timber harvesting equipment. The Industrial and Power Equipment segment has implemented production and cost control measures to help mitigate the effect of the reduction in demand. In 1999, the Sporting Equipment segment should continue to benefit from the acquisition of Federal and related consolidation and cost reduction activities. Sales and operating income for the Outdoor Products segment for 1998 were $315.4 million and $68.4 million, respectively, compared to $319.3 million and $67.1 million during 1997. The operating results for this segment reflect a decrease in sales and operating income of $10.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, at the Company's Oregon Cutting Systems Division ("Oregon") and higher sales and operating income at Dixon Industries, Inc. ("Dixon"). Oregon's 1998 results reflect an approximate $11.5 million sales decrease in Southeast Asia and the Far East, primarily due to the economic problems in those areas, which has contributed to an approximate 4% reduction in the sales volume of cutting chain and chain saw guide bars, Oregon's principal products. Oregon has foreign manufacturing or distribution operations in Canada, Europe, Brazil, Japan and Russia. The Company estimates that foreign currency exchange rates in 1998, as compared to 1997, provided a favorable impact on operating income of approximately $1.5 million. During 1998, operating income from Brazil was $3.1 million compared to $2.6 million during 1997. Dixon's sales and operating income improved in 1998 compared to the prior year due to higher volume and more favorable weather conditions. Page 11 Sales and operating income for the Sporting Equipment segment were $286.7 million and $36.1 million, respectively, in 1998 compared to $158.5 million and $18.1 million in 1997. The significant improvement in sales and operating income reflect the sales and income added by Federal which was acquired during the fourth quarter of 1997. Total sales and operating income at other Sporting Equipment operations were flat in 1998 as compared to the prior year. Sales and operating income for the Industrial and Power Equipment segment were down to $229.8 million and $27.9 million, respectively, in 1998 from $239.1 million and $32.7 million in 1997. The results for 1998 reflect reduced demand for timber harvesting equipment resulting principally from sharply lower pulp prices since mid-year and higher mill inventories, higher competitive discounts and higher warranty costs. The operating results for this segment's Gear Products, Inc. subsidiary ("Gear") improved slightly in 1998 compared to 1997. TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (AUDITED) COMPARED TO TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 (UNAUDITED) In April 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year from one ending on the last day of February to one ending on December 31. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This discussion and analysis includes a discussion of 1997 compared to the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1996 ("1996"). Sales in 1997 were $716.9 million compared to $649.3 million in 1996. Income from continuing operations improved to $59.1 million ($1.53 per share) in 1997 from $53.8 million ($1.38 per share) during the prior year. Net income for 1996 included income of $1.4 million ($.03 per share) from discontinued operations. The sales increase reflected higher sales in 1997 by each operating segment, while the income increase resulted primarily from improved performance by the Outdoor Products segment. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 19% of sales in 1997 compared to 20% in 1996. Total selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $4.6 million in 1997 principally due to the acquisitions of Federal and Frederick Manufacturing Company and Orbex, Inc. ("Frederick-Orbex"). See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Other income was higher in 1997 as a result of gains on sales of securities. Sales and operating income for the Outdoor Products segment for 1997 were $319.3 million and $67.1 million, respectively, compared to $292.7 million and $61.4 million during 1996. The operating results for this segment reflect an increase in sales and operating income of $25.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, at Oregon and flat sales and lower operating income at Dixon. Oregon's results reflect a 7% increase in the sales volume of cutting chain and a 15% increase in the sales volume of chain saw guide bars, Oregon's two principal products, partially offset by lower average selling prices, due to a higher percentage of lower priced sales to original equipment manufacturers and unfavorable exchange rates. Additionally, the acquisition of Frederick-Orbex increased sales by 7.5% in 1997. Approximately 24% and 36% of Oregon's sales and operating costs and expenses, respectively, were transacted in foreign currencies in 1997. The Company estimates that unfavorable exchange rates in 1997, as compared to 1996, reduced operating income by approximately $2.0 million. During 1997, operating income from Brazil was $2.6 million compared to $0.3 million during 1996, principally as a result of improved economic conditions. Dixon's operating results in 1997 compared to the prior year reflect the effects of reduced volume and higher costs, partially offset by higher average selling prices. Page 12 Sales for the Sporting Equipment segment were $158.5 million in 1997 compared to $147.1 million in 1996. Operating income was $18.1 million during 1997, compared to $19.8 million during 1996. Sales reflected a higher volume of ammunition products sales and the contribution by Federal since acquisition in November 1997, partially offset by a lower volume of sales of sports optics. Operating income was lower in 1997 as lower sports optics sales offset the effect of higher ammunition products sales. Additionally, operating income for the prior year included the positive effect of reduced environmental cost estimates of $1.9 million resulting from the resolution of an environmental matter. Sales and operating income for the Industrial and Power Equipment segment were $239.1 million and $32.7 million, respectively, in 1997 compared to $209.5 million and $31.9 million in 1996. The higher sales during 1997 are principally due to a higher volume of forestry equipment sold as a result of improved market conditions and higher average selling prices. Operating income increased by $0.8 million during 1997 as higher forestry equipment product and warranty costs offset much of the effect of the sales increase. The operating results for Gear continued to improve in 1997 as its sales and operating income increased by 8% and 15%, respectively, primarily due to higher volume. FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES At December 31, 1998, the Company had senior notes ("the senior notes") outstanding in the principal amount of $150.0 million which are due in 2005 and no amounts outstanding under its $150 million revolving credit agreement. At December 31, 1998, the Company's long-term debt to equity ratio was 0.5 to 1 compared to a ratio of 0.4 to 1 at December 31, 1997. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the terms and conditions of the senior notes and the $150 million revolving credit agreement. Working capital increased to $232.2 million at December 31, 1998, from $171.1 million at December 31, 1997, principally due to working capital provided by operations. Inventories decreased by $11.9 million, primarily due to production and inventory control efforts. Accounts payable decreased by $26.2 million since the prior year end, reflecting reduced purchasing associated with the production and inventory control efforts and the payment of an approximate $13.6 million post-closing adjustment for the purchase of Federal. The Company's operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $88.9 million compared to $80.3 million in 1997. Cash and cash equivalent balances were $45.1 million at December 31, 1998, compared to $4.8 million at December 31, 1997, as the Company's cash flows from operations exceeded cash expenditures for investing and financing activities. Acquisition expenditures and the purchase of treasury stock were lower in 1998. Management believes that the Company will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize all deferred income tax assets. The Company believes that its operating cash flows and $150 million revolving credit facility will provide both short-term and long-term liquidity. The Company and its operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain environmental matters. Management believes that the impact of domestic inflation on the Company has not been material in recent years as inflation rates have remained low. Page 13 MARKET RISK The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company manages its exposure to these market risks through its regular operating and financing activities, and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivatives. When utilized, derivatives are used as risk management tools and not for trading purposes. Interest Rate Risk: The Company manages its ratio of fixed to variable rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that management believes is appropriate. Historically, the Company has, on occasion, entered into interest rate swap agreements to exchange fixed and variable interest rates based on agreed upon notional amounts and has entered into interest rate lock contracts to hedge the interest rate of an anticipated debt issue. At December 31, 1998, no derivative financial instruments were outstanding to hedge interest rate risk. A hypothetical immediate 10% increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of the Company's fixed rate long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 1998, by $5.3 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in the interest rates on the Company's variable rate long-term debt for a duration of one year would increase interest expense by less than $0.1 million in 1999. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk: Approximately 36% of Oregon's sales and 42% of its operating costs and expenses were transacted in foreign currencies in 1998. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates impact the amount of Oregon's reported sales and operating income. Historically, the Company's principal exposures have been related to local currency operating costs and expenses in Canada and local currency sales in Europe (principally France and Germany). During the past three years, the Company has not used derivatives to manage any significant foreign currency exchange risk and, at December 31, 1998, no foreign currency exchange derivatives were outstanding. Commodity Price Risk: During 1998, the Company purchased approximately 10.9 million pounds of brass for use in its Sporting Equipment operations. The price risk of approximately 40% of these purchases was hedged through the use of copper and zinc futures contracts. In the near future, the Company expects to decrease its use of futures contracts to manage this price risk. An immediate hypothetical 10% decrease in the futures prices of copper and zinc contracts outstanding at December 31, 1998, would decrease their fair value by $0.3 million. In addition, a large quantity of other metals (principally lead) were purchased by Sporting Equipment operations in 1998. Derivatives were not used to manage this price risk. IMPACT OF YEAR 2000 ISSUE The Company has been evaluating its internal date-sensitive systems and equipment for Year 2000 compliance. The assessment phase of the Year 2000 project is substantially complete and included both information technology equipment and non-information technology equipment. Based on its assessment, the Company determined that it was necessary to modify or replace a portion of its information systems and other equipment. As of December 31, 1998, the Company is approximately 76% complete in the modification or replacement and testing of the critical software, hardware and equipment requiring remediation. The Company expects to be completed by June 1999. The Company believes that the above modifications and replacements should mitigate the effect of the Year 2000 issue. However, if such modifications and replacements are not made, or fail to correct date-sensitive problems, the Year Page 14 2000 issue could have a material impact on the Company's operations by disrupting its ability to manufacture and ship products, process financial transactions or engage in similar normal business activities. The Company does not believe that the effect of the Year 2000 issue on non-information technology systems is likely to have a material adverse impact. Finally, the Company has reviewed its own products and believes that it has no significant Year 2000 issues for those products. The total estimated cost of the Year 2000 project, including system upgrades, is approximately $5.5 million and is being funded by operating cash flows. As of December 31, 1998, costs of $3.7 million had been incurred. Of the total cost of the project, approximately $2.9 million is attributable to new software and equipment, which will be capitalized. The remaining costs will be expensed as incurred. The Company has also communicated with key suppliers and customers to determine their Year 2000 compliance and the extent to which the Company is vulnerable to any third-party Year 2000 issues. This program will be ongoing and the Company's efforts with respect to specific problems identified will depend on its assessment of the risk. Most key suppliers and customers who have replied to our inquiries indicated that they expect to be Year 2000 compliant on a timely basis. There can be no assurance that there will not be an adverse effect on the Company if third parties do not make the necessary modifications to their systems in a timely manner. However, management believes that ongoing communication with and assessment of these third parties will minimize these risks. Where needed, the Company will establish contingency plans based on actual testing results and assessment of outside risks. The costs of the Year 2000 issue and completion dates are based on management's best estimates, which were derived utilizing numerous assumptions of future events including the continued availability of certain resources, third-party modification plans and other factors. However, there can be no guarantee that these estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those plans. The above statement in its entirety is designated a Year 2000 readiness disclosure under the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and hedging. It requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value and establishes specific criteria for the use of hedge accounting. The Company's required adoption date is January 1, 2000. SFAS No. 133 is not to be applied retroactively to financial statements of prior periods. The Company expects no material adverse effect on consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows upon adoption of SFAS No. 133, but does expect a small reduction in stockholders' equity. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition - Market Risk" on page 14. Page 15 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS --------------------------------- To the Board of Directors and Shareholders, Blount International, Inc.: In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Blount International, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1998 and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Atlanta, Georgia January 28, 1999 Page 16 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY All information contained in the consolidated financial statements of Blount International, Inc., has been prepared by management, which is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the information. Generally accepted accounting principles have been followed. Reasonable judgments and estimates have been made where necessary. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the integrity and reliability of financial reporting. The system of internal accounting controls is tested by the internal audit department as part of its normal responsibilities and by the independent auditors to the extent deemed necessary in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Management believes the system of internal controls has been effective during the Company's most recent fiscal year and that no matters have arisen which indicate a material weakness in the system. Management follows the policy of responding to the recommendations concerning the system of internal controls made both by the independent auditors and by the internal audit department. Management implements those recommendations that it believes would improve the system of internal controls and be cost justified. Six directors of the Company, not members of management, serve as the Audit Committee of the Board and are the principal means through which the Board discharges its financial reporting responsibility. The Audit Committee meets with management personnel, the internal auditors and the Company's independent auditors each year to consider the results of internal and external audits of the Company and to discuss internal accounting control, auditing and financial reporting matters. At these meetings, the Audit Committee also meets privately with the independent auditors and the General Auditor of the Company to ensure free access by the independent auditors and internal auditors to the committee. The Company's independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, audited the financial statements prepared by the Company. Their opinion on these statements appears herein. JOHN M. PANETTIERE HAROLD E. LAYMAN President and Executive Vice President Chief Executive Officer Finance Operations and Chief Financial Officer Page 17 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended (Dollar amounts in millions, -------------------------- December 31, except per share data) 1998 1997 1996 1996 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ (Unaudited) Sales $831.9 $716.9 $649.3 $526.7 Cost of sales 573.6 482.9 426.9 346.5 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Gross profit 258.3 234.0 222.4 180.2 Selling, general and administrative expenses 144.6 134.6 130.0 105.2 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Income from operations 113.7 99.4 92.4 75.0 Interest expense (14.3) (9.5) (9.9) (7.9) Interest income 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.3 Other income, net 0.3 1.3 0.5 0.2 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes 102.2 93.7 85.4 69.6 Provision for income taxes 38.9 34.6 31.6 25.6 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss 63.3 59.1 53.8 44.0 Discontinued operations - Income on disposal, net 1.4 1.4 Extraordinary loss on repurchase of debt, net (2.0) - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $ 61.3 $ 59.1 $ 55.2 $ 45.4 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Basic earnings per share: Continuing operations before extraordinary loss $ 1.69 $ 1.57 $ 1.40 $ 1.14 Discontinued operations .04 .04 Extraordinary loss (.05) - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $ 1.64 $ 1.57 $ 1.44 $ 1.18 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Diluted earnings per share: Continuing operations before extraordinary loss $ 1.65 $ 1.53 $ 1.38 $ 1.13 Discontinued operations .03 .03 Extraordinary loss (.05) - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $ 1.60 $ 1.53 $ 1.41 $ 1.16 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash dividends per share: Class A $ .285 $ .261 $ .228 $ .228 Class B .268 .244 .212 .212 - ----------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited financial statements. Page 18 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data) 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Assets - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 45.1 $ 4.8 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.9 and $3.7 132.3 135.7 Inventories 121.0 132.9 Deferred income taxes 22.0 22.0 Other current assets 6.7 5.8 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total current assets 327.1 301.2 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $209.9 and $188.3 182.9 188.5 Cost in excess of net assets of acquired businesses, net 114.7 116.4 Other assets 44.1 31.7 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total Assets $668.8 $637.8 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Current liabilities: Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt $ 0.7 $ 1.5 Accounts payable 30.4 56.6 Accrued expenses 63.8 72.0 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total current liabilities 94.9 130.1 Long-term debt, exclusive of current maturities 161.6 138.8 Deferred income taxes, exclusive of current portion 13.0 15.2 Other liabilities 44.7 37.6 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total liabilities 314.2 321.7 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Commitments and Contingent Liabilities - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Stockholders' equity: Common stock: par value $.01 per share (see Note 5 for voting rights by class); Class A: 27,428,105 and 27,277,969 shares issued 0.3 0.3 Class B, convertible: 11,479,471 and 11,620,552 shares issued 0.1 0.1 Capital in excess of par value of stock 38.7 37.7 Retained earnings 348.9 300.3 Accumulated other comprehensive income 7.6 7.0 Less Class A treasury stock at cost, 1,852,302 and 1,453,180 shares (41.0) (29.3) - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total stockholders' equity 354.6 316.1 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $668.8 $637.8 - -------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited financial statements. Page 19 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------------ December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 1996 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ (Unaudited) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 61.3 $ 59.1 $ 55.2 $ 45.4 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Extraordinary loss 2.0 Depreciation, amortization and other noncash charges 30.9 25.0 23.6 19.6 Deferred income taxes (2.3) (1.7) 2.1 (2.1) Gain on disposals of property, plant and equipment (0.6) (0.2) (0.9) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired and sold: (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable 3.4 20.4 (0.6) 34.0 (Increase) decrease in inventories 13.3 (10.4) 13.2 11.4 (Increase) decrease in other assets 0.8 1.9 (1.8) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (12.8) 0.8 (6.7) (15.5) Decrease in accrued expenses (7.3) (15.5) (4.3) (6.8) Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 0.4 2.4 3.3 (0.1) - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net cash provided by operating activities 88.9 80.3 87.5 83.2 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 1.3 0.9 1.9 1.8 Purchases of property, plant and equipment (21.1) (17.8) (21.2) (18.7) Acquisitions of businesses (17.4) (132.5) - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net cash used in investing activities (37.2) (149.4) (19.3) (16.9) - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash flows from financing activities: Net reduction in short-term borrowings (0.4) (2.7) (1.6) Issuance of long-term debt 149.4 62.0 Reduction of long-term debt (137.5) (14.9) (13.9) (13.9) Decrease in restricted funds 0.5 1.0 3.7 2.7 Dividends paid (10.5) (9.4) (8.5) (8.5) Purchase of treasury stock (18.1) (27.5) (4.3) (4.3) Other 5.2 4.0 3.7 3.4 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (11.4) 15.2 (22.0) (22.2) - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 40.3 (53.9) 46.2 44.1 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4.8 58.7 12.5 14.6 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 45.1 $ 4.8 $ 58.7 $ 58.7 - -------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited financial statements. Page 20 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries Accumulated Common Stock Capital Other (Dollar amounts in millions, ---------------- In Excess Retained Comprehensive Treasury shares in thousands) Class A Class B of Par Earnings Income Stock Total - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- ------------- -------- ------- Balance, February 29, 1996 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $31.3 $215.3 $ 8.2 $255.0 Net income 45.4 45.4 Other comprehensive income, net: Foreign currency translation adjustment (0.3) (0.3) ------- Comprehensive income 45.1 Dividends (8.5) (8.5) Conversion of Class B to Class A Common stock (35 shares) Purchase of treasury stock (118 Class A shares) $ (4.3) (4.3) Other (187 Class A shares) - principally stock options exercised 3.5 3.5 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- ------------- -------- ------- Balance, December 31, 1996 0.1 0.1 34.8 252.2 7.9 (4.3) 290.8 Stock split (13,638 Class A shares, 728 shares to treasury, and 5,811 Class B shares) 0.2 (0.2) Net income 59.1 59.1 Other comprehensive income, net: Foreign currency translation adjustment (0.9) (0.9) ------- Comprehensive income 58.2 Dividends (9.6) (9.6) Conversion of Class B to Class A Common stock (79 shares) Purchase of treasury stock (673 Class A shares) (27.5) (27.5) Other (229 Class A shares, 66 from treasury) - principally stock options exercised 3.1 (1.4) 2.5 4.2 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- ------------- -------- ------- Balance, December 31, 1997 0.3 0.1 37.7 300.3 7.0 (29.3) 316.1 Net income 61.3 61.3 Other comprehensive income, net: Foreign currency translation adjustment 0.5 0.5 Unrealized gains on securities, net of gains of $0.2 reclassified to net income 0.6 0.6 Minimum pension liability adjustment (0.5) (0.5) ------- Comprehensive income 61.9 Dividends (10.5) (10.5) Conversion of Class B to Class A Common stock (141 shares) Purchase of treasury stock (705 Class A shares) (18.0) (18.0) Other (315 Class A shares, 306 from treasury) - principally stock options exercised 1.0 (2.2) 6.3 5.1 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- ------------- -------- ------- Balance, December 31, 1998 $ 0.3 $ 0.1 $38.7 $348.9 $ 7.6 $ (41.0) $354.6 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- --------- -------- ------------- -------- ------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of the audited financial statements. Page 21 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Blount International, Inc. and Subsidiaries NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blount International, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("the Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Change in fiscal year: In April 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year from one ending on the last day of February to one ending on December 31. Accordingly, the audited financial statements include the results for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 1998 ("1998") and 1997 ("1997"), and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996 ("transition period"). In addition to the basic audited financial statements and related notes, unaudited financial information for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1996 has been presented to enhance comparability. Reclassifications: Certain amounts in 1997 and the transition period and notes to consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1998 presentation. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates are used when accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, long-lived assets, product warranty expenses, casualty insurance costs, employee benefit plans, income taxes, discontinued operations and contingencies. It is reasonably possible that actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and significant changes to estimates could occur in the near term. Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates to be cash equivalents. Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Property, plant and equipment: These assets are stated at cost and are depreciated principally on the straight- line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. The principal ranges of estimated useful lives for depreciation purposes are as follows: buildings and improvements - 5 years to 45 years; machinery and equipment - 3 years to 15 years; furniture, fixtures and office equipment - 2 years to 10 years; and transportation equipment - 1 year to 15 years. Gains or losses on disposal are reflected in income. Property, plant and equipment held under leases which are essentially installment purchases are capitalized with the related obligations stated at the principal portion of future lease payments. Depreciation charged to costs and expenses was $25.9 million, $21.1 million and $16.4 million in 1998, 1997 and the transition period. Page 22 Interest cost incurred during the period of construction of plant and equipment is capitalized. No material amounts of interest were capitalized on plant and equipment during the three reporting periods ended December 31, 1998. Cost in excess of net assets of acquired businesses: The excess cost is being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 10 to 40 years. Accumulated amortization was $28.9 million and $25.0 million as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. The excess cost is evaluated for impairment based on the historic and estimated future profitability and cash flows of the business units to which it relates. Adjustments to carrying value are made if required. Insurance accruals: It is the Company's policy to retain a portion of expected losses related to workers' compensation and general, product and vehicle liability through retentions or deductibles under its insurance programs. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on estimates of the undiscounted aggregate liabilities for claims incurred. Foreign currency: For foreign subsidiaries whose operations are principally conducted in U.S. dollars, monetary assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate, while other assets (principally property, plant and equipment and inventories) and related costs and expenses are generally translated at historic exchange rates. Sales and other costs and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period and the resulting foreign exchange adjustments are recognized in income. Assets and liabilities of the remaining foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate and their statements of income are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation of the financial statements of these operations are reflected as "other comprehensive income" in stockholders' equity. The amount of income taxes allocated to this translation adjustment is not significant. Foreign exchange adjustments to pretax income were not material in 1998, 1997 and the transition period. Derivative financial instruments: The Company accounts for copper and zinc futures contracts in accordance with SFAS No. 80, "Accounting for Futures Contracts." These contracts (approximately 4.0 million pounds and 8.4 million pounds at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively) hedge a portion of the anticipated brass purchases the Company expects to carry out in the normal course of business. Any gain or loss on futures contracts accounted for as a hedge which are closed before the date of the anticipated transaction is deferred until completion of the transaction. Deferred gains or losses are amortized over the transaction period. An interest rate contract accounted for as an interest rate hedge of an expected debt issue was extinguished upon the issuance of 7% senior notes in the principal amount of $150 million (see Note 3) in June 1998. The cost to extinguish the interest rate contract is being amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the life of the senior notes. Deferred gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are generally classified as other assets or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Revenue recognition: The Company's policy is to record sales as orders are shipped. Page 23 Advertising: Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $13.5 million, $14.6 million and $10.1 million for 1998, 1997 and the transition period. Research and development: Expenditures for research and development are expensed as incurred. These costs were $7.4 million, $8.0 million and $6.0 million for 1998, 1997 and the transition period. Accounting standards: Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Prior periods have been reclassified to reflect the adoption of this standard. The adoption of SFAS No. 130 has no material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Comprehensive income equals net income plus other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses which are reflected in stockholders' equity but excluded from net income. For the Company, the components of other comprehensive income are principally foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on investments and minimum pension liability adjustments. As of December 31, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" and SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." These standards have no material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows. SFAS No. 131 establishes new standards for reporting operating segments and disclosing information about products and services and geographic areas. The Company's reportable segments are unchanged from the prior year. See Note 9. SFAS No. 132 revises disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. See Note 6. Page 24 NOTE 2: INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes attributable to continuing operations before extraordinary loss is as follows: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Current provision: Federal $ 33.3 $ 28.6 $ 24.5 State 4.3 3.8 0.8 Foreign 4.2 3.9 2.4 Deferred provision (benefit): Federal (2.4) (1.5) (3.6) State (0.1) 0.1 0.4 Foreign (0.4) (0.3) 1.1 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ $ 38.9 $ 34.6 $ 25.6 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss and income taxes is as follows: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Income before income taxes: Domestic $ 91.5 $ 83.8 $ 61.1 Foreign 10.7 9.9 8.5 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ $102.2 $ 93.7 $ 69.6 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ % % % Statutory tax rate 35.0 35.0 35.0 Impact of earnings of foreign operations (0.7) 0.7 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 2.6 2.2 1.5 Permanent differences between book bases and tax bases 1.2 1.6 1.5 Other items, net (0.7) (1.2) (1.9) - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ Effective income tax rate 38.1 36.9 36.8 - ------------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ All years reflect the allocation of substantially all corporate office expenses and interest expense to domestic operations. Page 25 As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, deferred income tax assets were $35.7 million and $35.6 million and deferred income tax liabilities were $26.7 million and $28.8 million. Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) applicable to temporary differences at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows: (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Property, plant and equipment basis differences $(17.8) $(18.3) Employee benefits 19.1 16.8 Other accrued expenses 15.0 16.1 Other - net (7.3) (7.8) - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ $ 9.0 $ 6.8 - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Deferred income taxes of approximately $3.9 million have not been provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries in the amount of $45.9 million as the earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested. The Company has settled its issues with the Internal Revenue Service through the 1993 fiscal year with no material adverse effect. The periods from fiscal 1994 through 1998 are still open for review. NOTE 3: DEBT AND FINANCING AGREEMENTS Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consists of the following: (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Senior notes (net of discount) $148.6 9% subordinated notes $ 68.8 Revolving credit agreement 54.0 Industrial development revenue bonds payable, maturing between 1999 and 2013, interest at varying rates (principally 4.2% at December 31, 1998) 13.1 15.7 Other long-term debt, interest at 8.8% 0.4 0.5 Lease purchase obligations, interest at varying rates, payable in installments to 2000 0.2 0.9 - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ 162.3 139.9 Less current maturities (0.7) (1.1) - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ $161.6 $138.8 - -------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Page 26 Maturities of long-term debt and the principal and interest payments on long- term capital leases are as follows: Capital Leases --------------------- Total (Dollar amounts in millions) Debt Principal Interest Payments - ------------------------------- ------ --------- -------- -------- 1999 $ 0.5 $ 0.2 $ 0.0 $ 0.7 2000 0.4 0.4 2001 0.4 0.4 2002 0.5 0.5 2003 0.0 0.0 2004 and beyond 160.3 160.3 - ------------------------------- ------ ----- ----- ------ $162.1 $ 0.2 $ 0.0 $162.3 - ------------------------------- ------ ----- ----- ------ In June 1998, Blount, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blount International, Inc., issued senior notes ("the senior notes") with a stated interest rate of 7% in the principal amount of $150 million maturing on June 15, 2005. The senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Blount International, Inc. Approximately $8.3 million, reflecting the price discount and the cost to extinguish an interest rate contract accounted for as a hedge of future interest on the debt, is being amortized to expense over the life of the senior notes. The senior notes are redeemable at a premium, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any time. The debt indenture contains restrictions on secured debt, sale and lease-back transactions, and the consolidation, merger and sale of assets. In July 1998, the Company redeemed all its 9% subordinated notes in the amount of $68.8 million. The extraordinary loss on redemption was $2.0 million, net of income taxes of $1.2 million. At December 31, 1998, no amount was outstanding under the Company's $150 million revolving credit agreement with a group of five banks. The $150 million agreement expires April 2002 and provides for interest rates to be determined at the time of borrowings based on a choice of formulas as specified in the agreement. The interest rates and commitment fees may vary based on the ratio of cash flow to debt as defined in the agreement. The agreement contains covenants relating to liens, subsidiary debt, transactions with affiliates, consolidations, mergers and sales of assets, and requires the Company to maintain certain leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. Proceeds from industrial development revenue bonds issued in fiscal 1995 are held in trust and released as qualified capital expenditures are made. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, $3.5 million and $3.9 million were held in trust and are included in "Other assets" in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 1997, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding short-term borrowings (principally foreign) was 9.7%. No short-term borrowings were outstanding at December 31, 1998. Page 27 NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS The following acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method, and the net assets and results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. In September 1998, the Company purchased certain operating assets of the Redfield line for approximately $3 million. The fair value of the assets acquired approximated the purchase price. On November 4, 1997, the Company acquired Federal Cartridge Company ("Federal"), formerly Federal-Hoffman, Inc. The purchase price was approximately $129 million including a post-closing adjustment and acquisition expenses. Federal manufactures shotshell, centerfire and rimfire cartridges, ammunition components and clay targets. The following summarized unaudited pro forma financial information for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 assumes the acquisition had occurred on January 1 of each year: Pro forma information (Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data) 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ Sales $842.2 $779.2 Income from continuing operations 65.1 50.7 Earnings per share from continuing operations: Basic 1.73 1.32 Diluted 1.69 1.30 - --------------------------------------------------- ------ ------ The pro forma results do not necessarily represent the results which would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place on the basis assumed nor are they indicative of the results of future operations. In January 1997, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of the Frederick Manufacturing Corporation ("Frederick") and Orbex, Inc. ("Orbex") for approximately $19 million and paid existing debt of the acquired companies in the amount of $5.8 million. Orbex was subsequently merged into Frederick. The principal products of the acquired companies are accessories for lawn mowers and sporting goods. The combined sales and pretax income of the acquired companies for their most recent year prior to the acquisition was $19.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively. In the transition period, income of $1.4 million, net of income taxes of $0.9 million, was recognized for disposal of the discontinued construction segment, primarily due to favorable claim settlements and improved international job profits. NOTE 5: CAPITAL STOCK, STOCK OPTIONS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA The Company has authorized 60 million shares of Class A Common Stock, 14 million shares of Class B Common Stock and 4,456,855 shares of Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 1998, no Preferred Stock was outstanding. The Class A Common Stock is entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors, is entitled to one-tenth of one vote per share on all other matters and will receive an additional dividend of $.00415 in any quarter that a cash dividend is declared on the Class B Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock is entitled to elect 75% Page 28 of the Company's Board of Directors and is entitled to one vote per share on all other matters. Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the stockholder into one share of Class A Common Stock. The number of shares used in the denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations were as follows (in thousands): Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------------ Shares for basic earnings per share computation - weighted average common shares outstanding 37,372 37,632 38,418 Dilutive effect of stock options 1,022 916 737 - --------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ Shares for diluted earnings per share computation 38,394 38,548 39,155 - --------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ No adjustment was required to reported income amounts for inclusion in the numerators of the earnings per share computations. The Company has granted options to purchase its Class A Common Stock to certain officers and key employees under four fixed stock option plans. Under these plans, options may be granted up to 6,750,000 shares. Each plan provides for the granting of options with an option price per share not less than the fair market value of one share of Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The options granted are exercisable for a period of up to ten years under each plan and vest in installments over periods determined by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, there were options for 815,020 shares and 99,422 shares available for grant under the plans. A summary of the status of the Company's fixed stock option plans as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, and changes during the periods ending on those dates is presented below: Twelve Months Ended December 31, Ten Months ------------------------------------------------ Ended December 31, 1998 1997 1996 ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Shares Exercise Shares Exercise Shares Exercise (in 000's) Price (in 000's) Price (in 000's) Price - -------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Outstanding at beginning of period 3,466 $14.79 2,918 $11.88 2,162 $ 9.05 Granted 598 25.15 1,035 19.98 1,171 15.48 Exercised (306) 13.69 (444) 7.87 (365) 6.78 Forfeited (114) 21.45 (43) 13.75 (50) 10.78 - -------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Outstanding at end of period 3,644 $16.38 3,466 $14.79 2,918 $11.88 - -------------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- Options exercisable at end of period 1,948 1,385 849 - -------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Page 29 The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at December 31, 1998: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ------------------------------------------ ---------------------- Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Shares Remaining Exercise Shares Exercise Range of Exercise Prices (in 000's) Contractual Life Price (in 000's) Price - ------------------------ ---------- ---------------- --------- ---------- --------- $2.54 to $4.56 175 4.0 years $ 3.43 95 $ 4.02 $9.35 to $12.78 633 5.1 years 9.50 585 9.51 $14.33 to $20.72 2,249 7.4 years 17.02 1,257 16.31 $23.64 to $31.28 587 9.1 years 25.19 11 25.44 - ------------------------ ---------- ---------------- --------- ---------- --------- Total 3,644 7.1 years $16.38 1,948 $13.72 - ------------------------ ---------- ---------------- --------- ---------- --------- The Company applies APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for fixed stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation cost been determined based on the estimated fair value at the grant dates for awards under the Company's plans, consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been the pro forma amounts indicated below: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended (Dollar amounts in millions, ------------------- December 31, except per share data) 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Net income: As reported $ 61.3 $ 59.1 $ 45.4 Pro forma 58.1 56.7 44.5 Earnings per share: As reported: Basic 1.64 1.57 1.18 Diluted 1.60 1.53 1.16 Pro forma: Basic 1.55 1.51 1.16 Diluted 1.51 1.48 1.14 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ For purposes of computing the pro forma amounts above, the Black-Scholes option- pricing model was used with the following weighted-average assumptions: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Estimated lives of plan options 6 years 6 years 6 years Risk-free interest rates 5.5% 6.2% 6.2% Expected volatility 23.0% 23.0% 24.0% Dividend yield 1.5% 1.5% 1.5% - ------------------------------------ ------- ------- ------- The weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during 1998, 1997 and the transition period was $7.34, $6.15 and $4.87, respectively. Page 30 NOTE 6: PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The changes in the benefit obligations, changes in plan assets, and funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement medical and life benefit plans for the periods ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows: Other Pension Postretirement Benefits Benefits FUNDED PLANS ---------------- ---------------- (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $(107.9) $ (76.4) $ (2.1) $ (2.2) Service cost (6.2) (4.6) Interest cost (8.4) (6.2) (0.2) (0.2) Plan participants' contributions (0.2) (0.2) Actuarial losses (6.8) (2.7) (0.4) (0.1) Benefits and plan expenses paid 2.9 2.6 0.5 0.6 Acquisition (20.6) - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Benefit obligation at end of period (126.4) (107.9) (2.4) (2.1) - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period 114.1 82.0 2.1 2.1 Actual return on plan assets 10.5 14.1 0.1 0.4 Company contributions Plan participants' contributions 0.2 0.2 Benefits and plan expenses paid (2.9) (2.6) (0.5) (0.6) Acquisition 20.6 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Fair value of plan assets at end of period 121.7 114.1 1.9 2.1 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Funded status (4.7) 6.2 (0.5) 0.0 Unrecognized actuarial losses 7.3 1.4 0.5 Unrecognized transition asset (0.6) (0.8) Unrecognized prior service cost (0.2) (0.2) - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Net amount recognized $ 1.8 $ 6.6 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Net amount recognized: Prepaid benefits $ 3.3 $ 6.8 Accrued benefits (1.5) (0.2) - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ $ 1.8 $ 6.6 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 - ---------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------ ------ Page 31 Other Pension Postretirement Benefits Benefits OTHER PLANS ---------------- ---------------- (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1998 1997 - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of period $ (6.3) $ (5.4) $(16.8) $(13.5) Service cost (0.5) (0.3) (0.4) (0.3) Interest cost (0.6) (0.5) (1.2) (1.0) Plan participants' contributions (0.4) (0.2) Actuarial gains (losses) (0.4) (0.4) 0.3 0.6 Benefits and plan expenses paid 0.3 0.3 1.1 0.7 Acquisition (3.1) Plan amendments (6.3) - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Benefit obligation at end of period (13.8) (6.3) (17.4) (16.8) Unrecognized actuarial (gains) losses 1.2 1.0 (0.9) (0.5) Unrecognized transition obligation 0.1 0.2 Unrecognized prior service cost 6.2 0.3 0.1 - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net amount recognized $ (6.3) $ (4.8) $(18.2) $(17.3) - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net amount recognized: Accrued benefits $(13.4) $ (4.8) $(18.2) $(17.3) Intangible asset 6.3 Accumulated other comprehensive income 0.8 - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $ (6.3) $ (4.8) $(18.2) $(17.3) - ---------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ The Company acquired Federal in November 1997, including the pension and postretirement benefit plans for its active employees. The accumulated pension benefit obligation of supplemental non-qualified defined benefit pension plans was $13.4 million and $4.9 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. A Rabbi Trust, whose assets are not included in the table above has been established to fund part of these non-qualified benefits. Page 32 The components of net periodic benefit cost and the weighted average assumptions used in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits follow: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Twelve Months Ended Ten Months Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, ------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------- -------- -------- ------------ -------- -------- ------------ Components of net periodic benefit cost: Service cost $ 6.7 $ 4.9 $ 3.7 $ 0.4 $ 0.3 $ 0.3 Interest cost 9.0 6.7 5.5 1.4 1.2 0.9 Expected return on plan assets (9.7) (7.3) (6.0) (0.2) (0.2) (0.1) Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses 0.1 0.1 0.1 (0.1) 0.1 Amortization of transition asset (0.1) (0.1) (0.1) Amortization of prior service cost 0.4 0.8 1.1 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ $ 6.4 $ 5.1 $ 4.3 $ 1.5 $ 1.4 $ 1.1 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Weighted average assumptions: Discount rate 7.0% 7.4% 7.6% 7.0% 7.5% 7.5% Expected return on plan assets 8.9% 8.7% 8.7% 9.0% 8.8% 8.8% Rate of compensation increase 3.8% 4.0% 4.2% - ---------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ A 7% annual rate of increase in the cost of health care benefits was assumed for 1998; the rate was assumed to decrease 1% per year until 4% is reached, remain at that level for ten years, and then decrease to the ultimate trend rate of 3%. A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: (Dollar amounts in millions) 1% Increase 1% Decrease - ------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- Effect on service and interest cost components $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Effect on other postretirement benefit obligations 0.9 0.8 - ------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan and matches a portion of employee contributions. The expense was $4.9 million, $3.6 million and $2.4 million in 1998, 1997 and the transition period. NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company leases office space and equipment under operating leases expiring in 1 to 7 years. Most leases include renewal options and some contain purchase options and escalation clauses. Future minimum rental commitments required under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 1998, are as follows (in millions): 1999-- $3.4; 2000--$2.1; 2001--$1.6; 2002--$0.9; 2003--$0.7; and 2004 and beyond--$0.6. Rentals charged to costs and expenses under cancelable and noncancelable lease arrangements were $4.6 million, $4.9 million and $5.0 million for 1998, 1997 and the transition period, respectively. Page 33 In 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") designated a predecessor of the Company as one of four potentially responsible parties ("PRPs") with respect to the Onalaska Municipal Landfill in Onalaska, Wisconsin ("the Site"). The waste complained of was placed in the landfill prior to 1981 by a corporation, some of whose assets were later purchased by a predecessor of the Company. It is the view of management that because the Company's predecessor corporation purchased assets rather than stock, the Company is not liable and is not properly a PRP. Although management believes the EPA is wrong on the successor liability issue, with other PRPs, the Company made a good faith offer to the EPA to pay a portion of the Site clean-up costs. The offer was rejected and the EPA and State of Wisconsin ("the State") proceeded with the clean-up at a cost of approximately $12 million. The EPA and the State brought suit in 1996 against the Town of Onalaska ("the Town") and a second PRP, Metallics, Inc., to recover response costs. On December 18, 1996, the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin approved and entered Consent Decrees pursuant to which the Town and Metallics, Inc. settled the suit and will pay a total of over $1.8 million to the EPA and the State. The Company continues to maintain that it is not a liable party. The EPA has not taken action against the Company, nor has the EPA accepted the Company's position. The Company does not know the financial status of the other named and unnamed PRPs who may have liability with respect to the Site. Management does not expect the situation to have a material adverse effect on consolidated financial condition or operating results. Under the provisions of Washington State environmental laws, the Washington State Department of Ecology ("WDOE") has notified the Company that it is one of many companies named as a Potentially Liable Party ("PLP"), for the Pasco Sanitary Landfill site, Pasco, Washington ("the Site"). Although the clean-up costs are believed to be substantial, accurate estimates will not be available until the environmental studies have been completed at the Site. However, based upon the total documented volume of waste sent to the Site, the Company's waste volume compared to that total waste volume should cause the Company to be classified as a "de minimis" PLP. In July 1992, the Company and thirty-eight other PLPs entered into an Administrative Agreed Order with WDOE to perform a Phase I Remedial Investigation at the Site. In October 1994, WDOE issued an administrative Unilateral Enforcement Order to all PLPs to complete a Phase II Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study ("RI/FS") under the Scope of Work established by WDOE. The results of the RI/FS investigation are expected in the near future. The Company is unable to determine, at this time, the level of clean-up demands that may be ultimately placed on it. Management believes that, given the number of PLPs named with respect to the Site and their financial condition, the Company's potential response costs associated with the Site will not have a material adverse effect on consolidated financial condition or operating results. The Company is a defendant in a number of product liability lawsuits, some of which seek significant or unspecified damages, involving serious personal injuries for which there are retentions or deductible amounts under the Company's insurance policies. In addition, the Company is a party to a number of other suits arising out of the conduct of its business. While there can be no assurance as to their ultimate outcome, management does not believe these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on consolidated financial condition or operating results. Page 34 NOTE 8: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CREDIT RISK CONCENTRATION The Company has manufacturing or distribution operations in Brazil, Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the United States. The Company sells to customers in these locations, primarily in the United States, and other countries throughout the world (see Note 9). At December 31, 1998, approximately 78% of trade accounts receivable were from customers within the United States. Trade accounts receivable are principally from service and dealer groups, distributors, mass merchants, and chain saw and other original equipment manufacturers, and are normally not collateralized. The estimated fair values of certain financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows: 1998 1997 -------------------- -------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (Dollar amounts in millions) Amount Value Amount Value - ---------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Cash and short-term investments $ 45.1 $ 45.1 $ 4.8 $ 4.8 Futures contracts (see Note 1) 0.0 (0.1) 0.0 (0.9) Other assets (restricted trust funds and notes receivable) 17.3 17.1 14.7 16.1 Notes payable and long-term debt (see Note 3) (162.3) (163.7) (140.3) (143.2) Interest rate lock contract (see Note 1) 0.0 (1.4) - ---------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- ------- The carrying amount of cash and short-term investments approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of derivative financial instruments (futures contracts and interest rate lock contract) is estimated by obtaining market quotes. The fair value of notes receivable is estimated based on the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. The fair value of restricted trust funds approximates the carrying amount for short-term instruments and is estimated by obtaining market quotes for longer term instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated based on recent market transaction prices or on current rates available for debt with similar terms and maturities. NOTE 9: SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company identifies operating segments based on management responsibility. The Company has three reportable segments: Outdoor Products, Sporting Equipment, and Industrial and Power Equipment. Outdoor Products produces or markets chain saw components (chain, bars and sprockets), lawn mowers and related products, and other outdoor care products. Sporting Equipment produces or markets small arms ammunition, sports optical products, reloading equipment and other shooting sports accessories. Industrial and Power Equipment produces timber harvesting and industrial loading equipment and power transmission and gear components. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment sales are not significant. Page 35 Information on Segments: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended -------------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 1996 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ (Unaudited) Sales: Outdoor products $315.4 $319.3 $292.7 $239.3 Sporting equipment 286.7 158.5 147.1 121.7 Industrial and power equipment 229.8 239.1 209.5 165.7 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $831.9 $716.9 $649.3 $526.7 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Operating income: Outdoor products $ 68.4 $ 67.1 $ 61.4 $ 50.7 Sporting equipment 36.1 18.1 19.8 16.5 Industrial and power equipment 27.9 32.7 31.9 24.0 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Operating income from segments 132.4 117.9 113.1 91.2 Corporate office expenses (18.7) (18.5) (20.7) (16.2) - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Income from operations 113.7 99.4 92.4 75.0 Interest expense (14.3) (9.5) (9.9) (7.9) Interest income 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.3 Other income, net 0.3 1.3 0.5 0.2 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes $102.2 $ 93.7 $ 85.4 $ 69.6 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Identifiable assets: Outdoor products $209.1 $221.9 $196.2 $196.2 Sporting equipment 226.8 236.6 107.7 107.7 Industrial and power equipment 107.1 102.7 102.6 102.6 Corporate office 125.8 76.6 127.3 127.3 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $668.8 $637.8 $533.8 $533.8 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Depreciation and amortization: Outdoor products $ 13.6 $ 13.4 $ 12.8 $ 10.6 Sporting equipment 10.7 5.7 4.8 4.0 Industrial and power equipment 4.2 4.1 3.9 3.2 Corporate office 2.4 1.8 1.8 1.4 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $ 30.9 $ 25.0 $ 23.3 $ 19.2 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Capital expenditures: Outdoor products $ 7.9 $ 13.5 $ 11.4 $ 10.2 Sporting equipment 6.9 60.5 3.3 2.5 Industrial and power equipment 6.7 4.2 6.0 5.6 Corporate office 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.4 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $ 21.7 $ 78.5 $ 21.3 $ 18.7 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Page 36 Information on Sales By Significant Product Groups: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended -------------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 1996 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ (Unaudited) Chain saw components $199.7 $211.1 $201.1 $167.0 Ammunition and related products 212.0 87.9 64.9 52.9 Timber harvesting and loading equipment 199.8 210.5 183.3 143.5 Lawn mowers and related products 75.7 66.2 45.6 34.9 Sports optical products 41.3 36.6 43.2 34.2 All others, less than 5% each 103.4 104.6 111.2 94.2 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $831.9 $716.9 $649.3 $526.7 - --------------------------------- ====== ====== ====== ====== Information on Geographic Areas: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended -------------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 1996 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------ (Unaudited) Sales: United States $623.4 $495.1 $446.6 $360.0 Canada 32.4 36.5 30.8 25.0 Germany 24.0 24.5 25.0 19.9 All others, less than 3% each 152.1 160.8 146.9 121.8 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $831.9 $716.9 $649.3 $526.7 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ Long-Lived Assets: United States $156.1 $159.6 $103.3 $103.3 Canada 20.1 22.3 21.4 21.4 Brazil 3.7 3.6 3.8 3.8 All others, less than 3% each 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.2 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ $182.9 $188.5 $131.7 $131.7 - --------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------ The geographic sales information is by country of destination. Long-lived assets exclude the cost in excess of net assets of acquired businesses. No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales in 1998, 1997 or the transition period. In 1998, approximately 16% of sales by Outdoor Products were to one customer, 20% of Sporting Equipment sales were to one customer, and 27% of Industrial and Power Equipment sales were to two customers. While the Company expects these business relationships to continue, the loss of any of these customers could affect the operations of the segments. Each of the Company's segments purchases certain important materials from a limited number of suppliers that meet quality criteria. Although alternative sources of supply are available, the sudden elimination of certain suppliers could result in manufacturing delays, a reduction in product quality and a possible loss of sales in the near term. Page 37 NOTE 10: SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Blount, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blount International, Inc. and is the issuer of the 7% senior notes described in Note 3. Summarized financial information for Blount, Inc. is as follows: December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 - ------------------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- Current assets $ 351.3 $ 301.2 Noncurrent assets 341.8 336.6 - ------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- Total assets $ 693.1 $ 637.8 - ------------------------------------------------ ======= ======= Current liabilities $ 92.4 $ 128.3 Noncurrent liabilities 219.2 191.6 Stockholder's equity 381.5 317.9 - ------------------------------------------------ ------- ------- Total liabilities and stockholder's equity $ 693.1 $ 637.8 - ------------------------------------------------ ======= ======= Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Sales $831.9 $716.9 $526.7 Gross profit 258.3 234.0 180.2 Income from continuing operations before extraordinary loss 64.3 60.0 44.8 Net income 62.3 60.0 46.2 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ Page 38 NOTE 11: OTHER INFORMATION At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the following balance sheet captions are comprised of the items specified below: (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 - ----------------------------------------------- --------- --------- Accounts receivable: Trade accounts $ 132.9 $ 131.5 Other 3.3 7.9 Allowance for doubtful accounts (3.9) (3.7) - ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- $ 132.3 $ 135.7 - ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Inventories: Finished goods $ 73.6 $ 79.0 Work in process 19.3 20.9 Raw materials and supplies 28.1 33.0 - ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- $ 121.0 $ 132.9 - ----------------------------------------------- ------- ------- Property, plant and equipment: Land $ 12.6 $ 13.1 Buildings and improvements 107.1 106.1 Machinery and equipment 219.8 204.8 Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 26.0 25.6 Transportation equipment 16.7 16.6 Construction in progress 10.6 10.6 Accumulated depreciation (209.9) (188.3) - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- $ 182.9 $ 188.5 - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- Accrued expenses: Salaries, wages and related withholdings $ 23.6 $ 25.8 Employee benefits 8.6 7.5 Casualty insurance costs 9.5 9.5 Income taxes payable 0.5 1.3 Other 21.6 27.9 - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- $ 63.8 $ 72.0 - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- Other liabilities: Employee benefits $ 41.3 $ 31.9 Casualty insurance costs 1.5 1.7 Other 1.9 4.0 - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- $ 44.7 $ 37.6 - ----------------------------------------------- -------- ------- At December 31, 1998, the Company's manufacturing operation in Canada had net assets of $19.6 million which were subject to withdrawal restrictions resulting from a financing agreement expiring in 1999. The majority of this amount was invested in property, plant and equipment. Page 39 Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: Twelve Months Ended Ten Months December 31, Ended ------------------- December 31, (Dollar amounts in millions) 1998 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------------ Interest paid $ 20.9 $ 10.4 $ 9.1 Income taxes paid 39.3 38.4 16.9 Noncash investing and financing activities: Capital lease obligations incurred (terminated) 0.8 (6.4) Fair value of assets acquired 175.3 Cash paid (132.5) Liabilities assumed and incurred 42.8 - ------------------------------------ ------ ------ ------ Page 40 SUPPLEMENTARY DATA QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) The following tables set forth a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 1998 and 1997. (Dollar amounts 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter in millions, except Ended Ended Ended Ended per share data) March 31, 1998 June 30, 1998 September 30, 1998 December 31, 1998 Total - ----------------- -------------- ------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------- 1998 Sales $199.7 $205.1 $226.6 $200.5 $831.9 Gross profit 60.5 63.1 70.7 64.0 258.3 Income before extraordinary loss 13.7 13.8 19.2 16.6 63.3 Net income 13.7 13.8 17.2 16.6 61.3 Earnings per share: Basic: Income before extraordinary loss .37 .36 .51 .45 1.69 Net income .37 .36 .46 .45 1.64 Diluted: Income before extraordinary loss .36 .35 .50 .44 1.65 Net income .36 .35 .45 .44 1.60 The third quarter includes a net extraordinary loss of $2.0 million ($.05 per share) on the redemption of long-term debt. (Dollar amounts 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter in millions, except Ended Ended Ended Ended per share data) March 31, 1997 June 30, 1997 September 30, 1997 December 31, 1997 Total - ----------------- -------------- ------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------- 1997 Sales $170.1 $160.5 $182.1 $204.2 $716.9 Gross profit 56.3 51.8 58.9 67.0 234.0 Net income 13.6 11.4 15.8 18.3 59.1 Earnings per share: Basic .36 .30 .42 .49 1.57 Diluted .35 .30 .41 .47 1.53 The fourth quarter includes the results of Federal, acquired on November 4, 1997 (see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Federal's sales were $14.5 million in the fourth quarter since acquisition. ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. Page 41 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE REGISTRANT See the "Election of Directors," "Executive Officers," and "Filing Disclosure" sections of the proxy statement for the April 19, 1999, Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Blount International, Inc., which sections are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION See the "Executive Compensation," "Compensation of Directors," "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," and "Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements" sections of the proxy statement for the April 19, 1999, Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Blount International, Inc., which sections are incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT See the "Principal Stockholders" section of the proxy statement for the April 19, 1999, Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Blount International, Inc., which section is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS See the "Indebtedness of Management" and "Certain Transactions and Other Matters" sections of the proxy statement for the April 19, 1999, Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Blount International, Inc., which sections are incorporated herein by reference. Page 42 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K Page Reference --------- (a) Certain documents filed as part of Form 10-K (1) Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Report of Independent Accountants 16 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996 18 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 19 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996 20 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996 21 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 22 - 40 Supplementary Data 41 (2) Financial Statement Schedules Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the ten-month period ended December 31, 1996 48 All other schedules have been omitted because they are not required or because the information is presented in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. (b) Reports on Form 8-K in the Fourth Quarter None. (c) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K: * 2(a) Plan and Agreement of Merger among Blount International, Inc., HBC Transaction Subsidiary, Inc. and Blount, Inc., dated August 17, 1995 filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). * 2(b) Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 4, 1997, by and among Blount, Inc., Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., Pentair, Inc. and Federal-Hoffman, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit No. 2 to the Form 8-K filed by Blount International, Inc. on November 19, 1997 (Commission File No. 001-11549). Page 43 * 3(a) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Blount International, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). * 3(b) By-Laws of Blount International, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). * 4(a) Registration Rights and Stock Transfer Restriction agreement filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). * 4(b) Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Reg. Nos. 333-42481 and 333-42481-01), with respect to the 7% $150 million Senior Notes due 2005 of Blount, Inc. which are guaranteed by Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on June 17, 1998. * 4(c) $150,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1997 among Blount, Inc., Blount International, Inc. and certain banks filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (Commission File No. 001-11549). *10(a) Form of Indemnification Agreement between Blount International, Inc. and The Blount Holding Company, L.P. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). *10(b) Insurance Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Winton M. Blount which was filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1983. *10(c) Supplemental Retirement and Disability Plan of Blount, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit 10(e) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1992 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(d) Written description of the Management Incentive Plan of Blount, Inc. which was included within the Proxy Statement of Blount, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held June 27, 1994 (Commission File No. 1- 7002). *10(e) Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan of Blount, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit 10(i) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1992 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(f) Insurance Agreement between Blount, Inc. and D. Joseph McInnes which was filed as Exhibit 10(y) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1991 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(g) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Blount, Inc. and Winton M. Blount which was filed as Exhibit 10(z) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1991 (Commission File No. 1-7002). Page 44 *10(h) 1992 Blount Incentive Stock Option Plan of Blount, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). *10(i) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Blount, Inc. and John M. Panettiere which was filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1993 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(j) 1994 Blount Executive Stock Option Plan of Blount, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). *10(k) Executive Management Target Incentive Plan of Blount, Inc. which was filed as Exhibit B to the Proxy Statement of Blount, Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held June 27, 1994 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(l) 1995 Blount Long-Term Executive Stock Option Plan of Blount, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 33-63141) of Blount International, Inc., including amendments and exhibits, which became effective on October 4, 1995 (Commission File No. 33-63141). *10(m) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and John M. Panettiere which was filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(n) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Harold E. Layman which was filed as Exhibit 10(q) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(o) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and D. Joseph McInnes which was filed as Exhibit 10(r) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1- 7002). *10(p) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and James S. Osterman which was filed as Exhibit 10(s) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1- 7002). *10(q) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Donald B. Zorn which was filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(r) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Blount, Inc. and Donald B. Zorn which was filed as Exhibit 10(v) to the Annual Report of Blount, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1995 (Commission File No. 1-7002). *10(s) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Richard H. Irving III which was filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Transition Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the transition period from March 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549). Page 45 *10(t) Blount, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock Compensation Plan which was filed as Exhibit 10(u) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549). *10(u) Amendments to and Assumptions of Employment Agreements with the following individuals which were filed as Exhibit 10(w) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549): John M. Panettiere Harold E. Layman D. Joseph McInnes James S. Osterman Donald B. Zorn *10(v) Blount, Inc. Executive Benefit Plans Trust Agreement and Amendment to and Assumption of Blount, Inc. Executive Benefit Plans Trust which were filed as Exhibits 10(x)(i) and 10(x)(ii) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549). *10(w) Blount, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust Agreement and Amendment To and Assumption of Blount, Inc. Benefits Protection Trust which were filed as Exhibits 10(y)(i) and 10(y)(ii) to the Annual Report of Blount International, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 1996 (Commission File No. 001-11549). *10(x) 1998 Blount Long-Term Executive Stock Option Plan of Blount International, Inc. filed as part of Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 333-56701), including exhibits, which became effective on June 12, 1998. **10(y) Employment Agreement between Blount, Inc. and Gerald W. Bersett. **10(z) Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan between Blount, Inc. and Gerald W. Bersett. **10(aa) Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Blount International, Inc. and Richard H. Irving. **10(bb) Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Blount International, Inc. and Harold E. Layman. **10(cc) The Blount Deferred Compensation Plan. 21. A list of the significant subsidiaries of Blount International, Inc. included herein on page 49. 23. Consent of Independent Accountants included herein on page 50. 27. Financial Data Schedule included herein on page 51. * Incorporated by reference. ** Filed electronically herewith. Copies of such exhibits may be obtained upon written request from: Blount International, Inc. P.O. Box 949 Montgomery, AL 36101-0949 Page 46 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. BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. By: /s/ Harold E. Layman Harold E. Layman Executive Vice President Finance Operations and Chief Financial Officer Dated: February 22, 1999 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report is signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Dated: February 22, 1999 /s/ Winton M. Blount /s/ C. Todd Conover Winton M. Blount C. Todd Conover Chairman of the Board Director and Director /s/ John M. Panettiere /s/ H. Corbin Day John M. Panettiere H. Corbin Day President and Chief Executive Director Officer and Director /s/ Haley Barbour /s/ Mary D. Nelson Haley Barbour Mary D. Nelson Director Director /s/ Samuel R. Blount /s/ Arthur P. Ronan Samuel R. Blount Arthur P. Ronan Director Director /s/ W. Houston Blount /s/ Andrew A. Sorensen W. Houston Blount Andrew A. Sorensen Director Director /s/ R. Eugene Cartledge /s/ Rodney W. Blankenship R. Eugene Cartledge Rodney W. Blankenship Director Vice President and Controller (Chief Accounting Officer) Page 47 BLOUNT INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Dollar amounts in millions) - ---------------------------- Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E -------- ------------ ------------------------- ----------- ---------- Additions ------------------------- Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at Beginning of Cost and Other End of Description Period Expenses Accounts Deductions Period ----------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- Ten months ended December 31, 1996 - ----------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $ 3.9 $ 0.6 $ 1.5 (1) $ 3.0 ======= ======= ======= ======= Year ended December 31, 1997 - ------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $ 3.0 $ 1.0 $ 0.9 (2) $ 1.2 (1) $ 3.7 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Year ended December 31, 1998 - ------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $ 3.7 $ 0.9 $ 0.7 (1) $ 3.9 ======= ======= ======= ======= (1) Principally amounts written-off less recoveries of amounts previously written-off. (2) Principally allowances established for companies acquired by purchase. Page 48 EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT At December 31, 1998, consolidated, directly or indirectly, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Blount International, Inc. were as follows: NAME OF PLACE OF SUBSIDIARY INCORPORATION - ---------- ------------- Blount, Inc. Delaware BI Holdings Corp. Delaware Blount Holdings, Ltd. Canada Blount Canada, Ltd. Canada Federal Cartridge Company Minnesota Dixon Industries, Inc. Kansas Gear Products, Inc. Oklahoma Simmons Outdoor Corporation Delaware CTR Manufacturing, Inc. North Carolina Frederick Manufacturing Corporation Delaware The names of particular subsidiaries have been omitted because when considered in the aggregate or as a single subsidiary they would not constitute a significant subsidiary as of December 31, 1998. Page 49 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of Blount International, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 33-46543), Form S-8 (File No. 33-51580), Form S-8 (File No. 33-56801), Form S-8 (File No. 333-14261) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-56701) of our report dated January 28, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Blount International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for the ten months ended December 31, 1996, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Atlanta, Georgia January 28, 1999 Page 50