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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
 
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
or
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from          to          
 
Commission file number: 0-10546
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
     
Delaware
  36-2229304
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
  Identification No.)
 
1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(847) 827-9666
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
Common Stock, $1.00 par value
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) has filed all reports required to be filed by section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer o
            Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting Company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates on June 29, 2007 (based upon the per share closing price of $38.70) was approximately $147,400,000.
 
As of February 29, 2008, 8,522,001 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
The following documents are incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference:
 
Part III incorporates information by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.
 


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
 
PART I
      BUSINESS     4  
      RISK FACTORS     8  
      UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS     10  
      PROPERTIES     10  
      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS     10  
      SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS     11  
 
PART II
      MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES     11  
      SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA     13  
      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS     15  
      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK     22  
      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA     23  
      CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE     50  
      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES     50  
      OTHER INFORMATION     51  
 
PART III
      DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE     51  
      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION     52  
      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS     52  
      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE     52  
      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES     52  
 
PART IV
      EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES     53  
    54  
    56  
 Subsidiaries of the Company
 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906
 
“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. The terms “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continues,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, intentions or beliefs and are subject to a number of factors, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences or that might otherwise impact the business include the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
 
The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such factor or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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PART I
 
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.
 
Lawson Products, Inc. (“Lawson” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Illinois in 1952 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1982. The Company has two reportable segments: (i) maintenance, repair and operations distribution in North America (the “MRO business”); and (ii) original equipment manufacturer distribution and manufacturing in North America (the “OEM business”). Please see Note P in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for additional information regarding segment results and sales by geographic region (and such information is incorporated herein by reference).
 
Overview
 
Lawson is a North American distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial and institutional maintenance, repair and operations (“MRO”) marketplace. The Company also manufactures, sells and distributes specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace (“OEM”), including automotive, appliance, aerospace, construction and transportation industries.
 
Lawson markets its products from its MRO segment primarily through a network of approximately 1,600 independent sales agents. The Company’s OEM segment sells primarily through inside sales representatives. The majority of the Company’s sales agents and inside sales representatives utilize catalogs, websites and call centers to facilitate customer ordering activity.
 
The Company’s sales and operating income declined in 2007. Sales declined by $1.7 million to $509.7 million in 2007 from $511.4 in 2006. Operating income declined by $2.5 million to $20.4, primarily due to lower sales and gross profit margins. Operating income includes $12.3 million of severance and other charges for several executives who departed in 2007. Selling, general and administrative expenses includes $5.8 million of legal and other costs incurred in conjunction with the ongoing government investigation which is discussed further in Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
Products
 
The Company offers expendable maintenance, repair and operations products in both of its segments. The Company’s products can be divided into three broad categories: Fasteners, Fittings and Related Parts, such as screws, nuts, rivets and other fasteners; Industrial Supplies, such as hoses and hose fittings, lubricants, cleansers, adhesives and other chemicals, as well as files, drills, welding products and other shop supplies; and Automotive and Equipment Maintenance Parts, such as primary wiring, connectors and other electrical supplies, exhaust and other automotive parts.
 
The Company estimates that these categories of products accounted for the following percentages of its total consolidated net sales for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively:
 
                         
    Percentage of
 
    Consolidated Net Sales  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Fasteners, Fittings and Related Parts
    44 %     44 %     48 %
Industrial Supplies
    47       48       43  
Automotive and Equipment Maintenance Parts
    9       8       9  
                         
      100 %     100 %     100 %
                         
 
Substantially all of the Company’s MRO products are manufactured by others and must meet the Company’s specifications. A majority of MRO products distributed by the Company are purchased by the Company in bulk and repackaged in smaller quantities. The Company uses a large number of suppliers and has no long-term or fixed price contracts with any of them. Most of the Company’s MRO products are purchased from several sources, and the Company believes that the loss of any single supplier would not significantly affect its operations. No single supplier accounted for more than 4% of the Company’s purchases in 2007.


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In the OEM business, the Company sources most products based on customer specifications through a variety of domestic and international suppliers. A small portion of OEM products are manufactured by the Company, primarily precision engineered machine parts. In addition to customer specified products, the OEM business provides supply chain management services such as in-plant inventory management, automatic re-stock programs and engineering services for its customers.
 
Markets
 
The Company’s principal markets are as follows:
 
In-Plant and Building Maintenance.  This market includes facilities engaged in a broad range of manufacturing and processing activities, as well as institutions such as hospitals, universities, school districts and government units. The Company estimates that approximately 46% of 2007 and 2006 net sales were made to customers in this market.
 
Heavy Duty Equipment Maintenance.  Customers in this market include operators of trucks, buses, agricultural implements, construction and road building equipment, mining, logging and drilling equipment and other off-the-road equipment. The Company estimates that approximately 24% of 2007 and 23% of 2006 net sales were made to customers in this market.
 
Original Equipment Manufacturers.  This market includes supplying production lines engaged in a broad range of manufacturing and processing activities with component parts. The Company estimates that approximately 16% of 2007 and 17% of 2006 net sales were made to customers in this market.
 
Vehicle Maintenance and Transportation.  Customers in this market include automobile service center chains, independent garages, automobile dealers, car rental agencies and other fleet operators. The Company estimates that approximately 14% of 2007 and 2006 net sales were made to customers in this market.
 
At December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately 329,000 customers. Sales were made primarily through a network of approximately 1,600 independent sales agents and inside sales representatives. Independent sales agents and inside sales representatives are compensated on a commission basis and are responsible for repayment of commissions on any uncollectible accounts. Sales force management includes 27 regional managers who coordinate regional marketing efforts. The Company had approximately 1,400 employees at December 31, 2007.
 
The Company’s products are sold in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Canada. The Company believes that an important factor in its success is its ability to service customers promptly. Rapid shipment is facilitated by computer controlled order entry and inventory control systems in each distribution center. Sales representatives in the field are equipped with technology to electronically transmit customer orders. Shipments to customers typically are delivered by common carrier.
 
Inventories
 
The Company is required to carry significant amounts of inventories in order to meet its high standards of rapid processing of customer orders. The Company has historically funded its working capital requirements for inventories internally. Such internally generated funds, along with a $75 million unsecured revolving line of credit, are expected to finance the Company’s working capital requirements.
 
Distribution and Manufacturing Facilities
 
The Company’s MRO products are primarily stocked in and distributed from ten general distribution centers located in: Des Plaines, Illinois; Addison, Illinois; Reno, Nevada; Farmers Branch, Texas; Suwanee, Georgia; Fairfield, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Vernon Hills, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina.
 
The Company completed a 140,000 square foot expansion of its Reno, Nevada distribution facility during 2007.


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In 2007, the Company closed its Mexico operation. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
OEM products are stocked and distributed primarily from five facilities located in Des Plaines, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Lenexa, Kansas; Dunlap, Tennessee and Cincinnati, Ohio. Certain OEM products are manufactured at the Company’s plant in Decatur, Alabama.
 
In the opinion of the Company, all existing facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. All facilities are being used substantially to capacity on a single shift basis, except the manufacturing facility in Decatur, Alabama and the inbound facility in Des Plaines, Illinois, each of which operate two shifts. Further expansion of warehousing capacity may require new or expanded warehouses, some of which may be located in new geographical areas.
 
International Operations
 
Approximately 6% of the Company’s net sales came from international sales, primarily in Canada and Mexico.
 
Canadian operations are conducted at the Company’s distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto. These operations constituted approximately 6% of the Company’s net sales during 2007.
 
In 2007, the Company closed its Mexico operation. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
The Company is from time to time exposed to market risk relating to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. The Company considers the market risk relating to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates to be immaterial.
 
Competition
 
The Company encounters intense competition from several national distributors and manufacturers and a large number of regional and local distributors. Due to the nature of its business and the absence of reliable trade statistics, the Company cannot estimate its position in relation to its competitors. However, the Company recognizes that some competitors have greater financial and personnel resources, handle more extensive lines of merchandise, operate larger facilities and price some merchandise more competitively than the Company. Although the Company believes that the prices of its products are competitive, it endeavors to meet competition primarily through its service capabilities, the quality of its product line, its response time and its delivery systems.


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Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The executive officers, all of whose terms of office expire in 2008, are as follows:
 
                     
          Year First
     
          Elected to
     
          Present
    Other Offices Held
Name and Present Position with Company
  Age     Office    
During the Past Five Years
 
Thomas J. Neri
Chief Executive Officer and Director
    56       2007     Mr. Neri was elected Chief Executive Officer in April 2007. Mr. Neri was elected to the Board of Directors in December 2007. Mr. Neri was elected President and Chief Operating Officer on January 5, 2007. Mr. Neri was elected Executive Vice President, Finance, Planning and Corporate Development; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in 2004. He also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from 2004 to January 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Neri was a business consultant from 2000 to 2003. From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Neri was President and Publisher of Pioneer Newspapers, Inc., a subsidiary of Hollinger International, a publicly held international publishing company.
Neil E. Jenkins
Executive Vice President; Secretary and General Counsel
    58       2004     Mr. Jenkins was elected Executive Vice President in 2004. From 2000 to 2003 Mr. Jenkins served as Secretary and Corporate Counsel of the Company.
Scott F. Stephens
Chief Financial Officer
    38       2006     Mr. Stephens was elected Chief Financial Officer in 2006. From 2004 to 2005 he was Senior Vice President Finance and Accounting of the Company. From 2001 to 2003 he was Chief Financial Officer of Wormser Company. Prior thereto he was a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young LLP’s Merger and Acquisition Advisory Services.
Michael W. Ruprich
Group President, MRO and New Channels
    51       2005     Mr. Ruprich was elected Group President MRO in 2004. From 1999 through 2003 he was Chief Executive Officer of Newark Electronics.
Stewart Howley
Chief Marketing Officer
    46       2005     Mr. Howley was elected Chief Marketing Officer in 2005. From 2002 through 2004 he was Director of Strategic Business Development with Home Depot Supply.
Kenneth E. Malik
Group President, OEM
    58       2005     Mr. Malik was elected Group President, OEM in 2004. From 2002 to 2004 he was the Chief Operating Officer of Conduit Healthcare Solutions. Prior thereto he was a Senior Executive with Haworth, Inc. from 1999 to 2002.
William Holmes
Vice President and Treasurer
    48       2006     Mr. Holmes was elected Vice President and Treasurer effective January 3, 2006. From 2001 through 2005 Mr. Holmes was Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the Company.


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Available Information
 
The Company’s internet address is: www.lawsonproducts.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. The Company makes available free of charge through its website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and Section 16 reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such documents are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS.
 
In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, the following factors should be considered in evaluating Lawson’s business. The Company’s operating results depend upon many factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The material risks and uncertainties known to the Company which may cause the operating results to vary from anticipated results or which may negatively affect the Company’s operating results and profitability are as follows:
 
If the Company is unable to successfully conclude the pending governmental investigation of the Company, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price could be adversely affected.
 
In December 2005, the FBI executed a search warrant for records at the Company’s offices and informed the Company that it was conducting an investigation as to whether any of the Company’s representatives improperly provided gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois subsequently issued a subpoena for documents in connection with this investigation. In April 2007, thirteen people, including seven former sales agents of the Company, were indicted on federal criminal charges, including mail fraud, in connection with the U.S. Attorney’s investigation. These indictments allege that, under the Company’s customer loyalty programs, sales agents would provide cash gift certificates to individuals purchasing Company merchandise on behalf of their employers as a way to increase their commissions and prices paid by customers. All of the cases involve commissioned sales agents of the Company. To date, six of the seven indicted former sales agents have entered guilty pleas to federal criminal charges. Although the Company was not charged in connection with these indictments, the U.S. Attorney has announced that its investigation is continuing.
 
The Company’s internal investigation regarding these matters has consisted of a review of the Company’s records and interviews with Company employees and independent agents and is not complete. In conjunction with the Company’s internal investigation, several customer loyalty programs were terminated because the Company believes that these programs provided or had the potential of providing promotional considerations, such as gifts and awards, to purchasing agents that the Company has deemed inappropriate. The Company has modified another customer loyalty program to limit the amount and nature of customer gifts distributed under the program. In addition, twenty-three independent agents have been terminated or have resigned and the Company has terminated four employees. The Company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation of the U.S. Attorney; however, the Company cannot predict when the investigation will be completed or what the outcome or the effect of the investigation will be. The outcome of the investigation could result in criminal sanctions or civil remedies against the Company, including material fines, injunctions or the loss of the Company’s ability to conduct business with governmental entities.
 
A significant portion of Lawson’s inventory may become obsolete.
 
Lawson’s business strategy requires the Company to carry a significant amount of inventory in order to meet rapid processing of customer orders. If the Company’s inventory forecasting and production planning processes result in the Company carrying inventory levels in excess of the levels demanded by the Company’s customers, the Company’s operating results could be adversely affected due to costs of carrying the inventory and additional inventory write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory.


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Work stoppages and other disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports may adversely affect Lawson’s ability to obtain inventory and make deliveries to Lawson’s customers.
 
The Company’s ability to provide rapid processing of customer orders is an integral component of the Company’s overall business strategy. Disruptions at transportation centers or shipping ports, due to events such as severe weather or labor interruptions or other events, affect both the Company’s ability to maintain core products in inventory and deliver products to the Company’s customers on a timely basis, which may in turn adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. In addition, severe weather conditions could adversely affect demand for the Company’s products in particularly hard hit regions.
 
Changes in the Company’s customers and product mix could cause the Company’s gross margin percentage to fluctuate or decline in the future.
 
From time to time, the Company has experienced changes in product mix and inventory costs. When the Company’s product mix changes, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain its historical gross profit margins. Changes in the Company’s customers, product mix, or the volume of Lawson’s orders could cause its gross profit margin percentage to fluctuate or decline.
 
Increases in energy costs and the cost of raw materials used in Lawson’s products could impact Lawson’s cost of goods and distribution and occupancy expenses, which may result in lower operating margins.
 
Costs of raw materials used in Lawson’s products (e.g. steel) and energy costs have been rising during the last several years, which has resulted in increased production costs for Lawson’s vendors. Those vendors typically look to pass their increased costs along to Lawson through price increases. If Lawson is unable to fully pass these increased prices and costs through to Lawson’s customers or to modify Lawson’s activities, the impact would have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating profit margins.
 
Disruptions of Lawson’s information systems could adversely affect the Company.
 
The Company depends upon its information systems to help process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products, to maintain cost-effective operations, and to service customers. Disruptions in the operation of information systems can occur due to a variety of factors including power outages, computer bugs and human error. Any disruption in the operation of the Company’s information systems whether over a short or an extended period of time or affecting one or multiple distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on Lawson’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
A limited number of the Company’s stockholders can exert significant influence over the Company.
 
As of February 29, 2008, members of the Port family collectively beneficially owned 55.3% of the outstanding shares of common stock. This share ownership would permit these stockholders, if they chose to act together, to exert significant influence over the outcome of stockholder votes, including votes concerning the election of directors, by-law amendments, possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions.
 
The Company operates in highly competitive markets.
 
The Company’s marketplace, although consolidating, still includes large, fragmented industries that are highly competitive. The Company believes that customers and competitors may continue to consolidate over the next few years, which may make the industry even more competitive. The Company’s current or future competitors include companies with similar or greater market presence, name recognition, and financial, marketing, and other resources, and the Company believes they will continue to challenge the marketplace with their product selection, financial resources, and services.


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Future acquisitions are subject to integration and other risks.
 
The Company anticipates that it may, from time to time, selectively acquire additional businesses or assets. Acquisitions are accompanied by risks, such as potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the acquired business. In addition, the Company may not obtain the expected benefits or cost savings from its acquisitions. Acquisitions are subject to risks associated with financing the acquisition and integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses or assets. If any of these risks materialize, they may result in disruptions to Lawson’s business and the diversion of management time and attention, which could increase the costs of operating the Company’s existing or acquired businesses or negate the expected benefits of the acquisitions.
 
A slowdown in the economy could negatively impact Lawson’s sales and earnings.
 
General economic conditions affect Lawson’s customers and its sales opportunities. In general, the Company’s sales represent spending on consumption needs by the Company’s customers. This spending is affected by many factors, including, among others: general business conditions, interest rates, inflation, taxation, fuel prices and electrical power rates, unemployment trends, terrorist attacks and acts of war, and other matters that influence consumer confidence and spending. Additionally, in the event of an economic downturn, Lawson could experience customer bankruptcies, reduced volume of business from its existing customers and lost volume due to customer plant shutdowns or consolidations.
 
An economic or other situation that affects government and tax-supported entities could negatively impact Lawson’s sales and earnings.
 
The Company sells to numerous government and tax supported entities. Any situation that impacts these funded entities or the Company’s ability to sell to these entities could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
 
None.
 
ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.
 
The Company owns two facilities located in Des Plaines, Illinois. These buildings contain the Company’s main administrative functions and an inbound warehouse facility that principally supports the MRO business. The Company also leases a facility in Des Plaines, Illinois, that contains administrative and warehouse activities. The Company also leases administrative and distribution facilities in Whittier, California, Suwanee, Georgia, and Houston, Texas. Additional administrative, warehouse and distribution facilities owned by the Company are located in Addison, Illinois, Fairfield, New Jersey, Reno, Nevada, Suwanee, Georgia, Farmers Branch, Texas and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The Company also leases administrative office space in Independence, Ohio.
 
Chemical products are distributed from an owned facility in Vernon Hills, Illinois and welding products are distributed from an owned facility located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Production components are distributed from leased facilities in Des Plaines, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, Lenexa, Kansas, Dunlap, Tennessee and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company owns a facility in Decatur, Alabama from which it manufacturers and distributes precision engineered machine products. From time to time, the Company leases additional warehouse space near its present facilities. Management believes that the current facilities are adequate to meet its needs. See Item 1, “Business — Distribution and Manufacturing Facilities” for further information regarding the Company’s properties.
 
ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
There is no material pending litigation to which the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, is a party or to which any of their property is subject. The Company is subject to audits by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) periodically.


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In December 2005, the FBI executed a search warrant for records at the Company’s offices and informed the Company that it was conducting an investigation as to whether any of the Company’s representatives improperly provided gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois subsequently issued a subpoena for documents in connection with this investigation. In April 2007, thirteen people, including seven former sales agents of the Company, were indicted on federal criminal charges, including mail fraud, in connection with the U.S. Attorney’s investigation. These indictments allege that, under the Company’s customer loyalty programs, sales agents would provide cash gift certificates to individuals purchasing Company merchandise on behalf of their employers as a way to increase their commissions and prices paid by customers. All of the cases involve commissioned sales agents of the Company. To date, six of the seven indicted former sales agents have entered guilty pleas to federal criminal charges. Although the Company was not charged in connection with these indictments, the U.S. Attorney has announced that its investigation is continuing.
 
The Company’s internal investigation regarding these matters has consisted of a review of the Company’s records and interviews with Company employees and independent agents and is not complete. In conjunction with the Company’s internal investigation, several customer loyalty programs were terminated because the Company believes that these programs provided or had the potential of providing promotional considerations, such as gifts and awards, to purchasing agents that the Company has deemed inappropriate. The Company has modified another customer loyalty program to limit the amount and nature of customer gifts distributed under the program. In addition, twenty-three independent agents have been terminated or have resigned and the Company has terminated four employees. The Company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation of the U.S. Attorney; however, the Company cannot predict when the investigation will be completed or what the outcome or the effect of the investigation will be. The outcome of the investigation could result in criminal sanctions or civil remedies against the Company, including material fines, injunctions or the loss of the Company’s ability to conduct business with governmental entities.
 
ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
 
PART II
 
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
 
The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol of “LAWS.” The approximate number of stockholders of record as of February 29, 2008 was 649. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market during the last two years for the periods presented. The table also indicates the cash dividends for each outstanding share of Common Stock paid by the Company during such periods. The closing sales price of our Common Stock on February 29, 2008 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $25.40 per share.
 
                                                 
    2007     2006  
                Cash Dividends
                Cash Dividends
 
    High     Low     Paid per Share     High     Low     Paid per Share  
 
First Quarter
  $ 47.00     $ 34.54     $ .20     $ 43.79     $ 33.82     $ .20  
Second Quarter
    39.70       34.99       .20       44.02       32.21       .20  
Third Quarter
    39.05       34.81       .20       42.77       33.43       .20  
Fourth Quarter
    38.73       29.96       .20       51.37       41.72       .20  
 
Company Stock Repurchases
 
The Company did not purchase equity securities that are registered by the Company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended December 31, 2007.


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Stock Price Performance Chart
 
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P Small Capitalization Index and a peer group (the “Peer Group”) of the Company for the five prior years. The old Peer Group consists of Barnes Group Inc. In 2006 the Old Peer Group included Strategic Distribution, Inc., which terminated its security registration in March 2007. The New Peer Group consists of Barnes Group Inc., Fastenal Company, Industrial Distribution Group Inc and MSC Industrial Direct. The Company believes that the New Peer Group is representative of the markets it services in terms of product sales and customers.
 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Lawson Products, The S&P Smallcap 600 Index,
A New Peer Group And An Old Peer Group
 
(GRAPH)
 
* $100 invested on 12/31/02 in stock or index-including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31.
 
Copyright © 2008, Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm
 
                                                 
    Indexed Returns Years Ending December 31,
    Base Period
                   
Company Name/Index   12/02   12/03   12/04   12/05   12/06   12/07
Lawson Products
    100.00       109.22       168.77       129.51       159.82       134.81  
                                                 
S&P Smallcap 600
    100.00       138.79       170.22       183.30       211.01       210.38  
                                                 
New Peer Group
    100.00       140.47       169.67       213.00       208.84       245.52  
                                                 
Old Peer Group
    100.00       164.48       139.07       177.88       240.48       376.28  
                                                 


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ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The income statement data and balance sheet data are for, and as of the end of each of, the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2007, and are derived from the audited Financial Statements of the Company.
 
                                                 
          Percent
                         
    2007     Change     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales(1)
  $ 509,695       (0.3 )%   $ 511,377     $ 443,629     $ 402,142     $ 374,177  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    20,072       (20.1 )%     25,120       37,039       33,173       27,990  
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change(2)(3)
    11,332       (17.3 )%     13,702       21,944       21,570       19,686  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations(4)
    (703 )     (3.6 )%     (729 )     4,794       (145 )     (3,490 )
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    10,629       (18.1 )%     12,973       26,738       21,425       16,196  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
          (100.0 )%     (361 )                  
Net income(2)(3)(5)
    10,629       (15.7 )%     12,612       26,738       21,425       16,196  
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock:
                                               
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33       (13.6 )%   $ 1.54       2.42     $ 2.29     $ 2.07  
Discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     0.0 %     (0.08 )     0.53       (0.02 )     (0.37 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          (100.0 )%     (0.04 )                  
                                                 
Net income
  $ 1.25       (12.0 )%   $ 1.42     $ 2.94     $ 2.28     $ 1.71  
                                                 
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock
                                               
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33       (13.6 )%   $ 1.54     $ 2.41     $ 2.29     $ 2.07  
Discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     0.0 %     (0.08 )     0.53       (0.02 )     (0.37 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          (100.0 )%     (0.04 )                  
                                                 
Net income
  $ 1.25       (12.0 )%   $ 1.42     $ 2.94     $ 2.27     $ 1.70  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 299,863       6.6 %   $ 281,292     $ 279,224     $ 260,550     $ 246,943  
Noncurrent liabilities
    52,660       9.0 %     48,320       41,256       37,271       36,714  
Stockholders’ equity
    174,361       2.4 %     170,317       185,425       180,332       173,350  
Return on average equity (percent)
    6.2       (8.8 )%     6.8       14.9       12.1       9.6  
Return on assets (percent)
    3.5       (22.2 )%     4.5       9.6       8.2       6.6  
Stockholders’ equity per share(6)
  $ 20.46       6.7 %   $ 19.18     $ 20.42     $ 19.16     $ 18.26  
Cash dividends declared per share(6)
    0.80       0.0 %     0.80       0.80       0.72       0.66  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    8,522       (4.0 )%     8,878       9,082       9,410       9,492  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    8,524       (4.0 )%     8,880       9,099       9,430       9,511  
 
 
(1) Net sales include the sales of Rutland Tool & Supply Co. (“Rutland”) since the date of acquisition in December 2005 and exclude amounts from the Company’s discontinued operations for all periods presented as discussed in Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Rutland accounted for $52.0 million, $54.8 million and $4.1 million of net sales in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


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(2) In 2007, includes $12.3 million of severance and other charges as discussed in Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements, $5.8 million of legal fees and other costs incurred in conjunction with the ongoing government investigation previously discussed, $2.4 million of compensation expense related to the Company’s annual and long-term incentive plans and income of $0.4 million related to stock performance rights (“SPRs”).
 
(3) In 2006, includes $8.9 million of compensation expense related to the Company’s annual and long-term incentive plans, $3.2 million of legal fees related to the previously disclosed investigation, $1.9 million of compensation expense related to stock performance rights and $1.9 million of increased income tax expense related to the elimination of tax deductions associated with the Company’s customer loyalty and promotions programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003, (many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006), $1.3 million of severance expense and $0.8 million for a loss on the sale of equipment.
 
(4) In 2005, the Company recorded a $7.5 million after tax loss related to the operations and closing of its remaining UK business. Also in 2005, the Company realized an after-tax gain of $12.2 million related to operating income and the gain on the sale of the Company’s investment in real estate. The loss from discontinued operations for 2003 primarily relates to a $2.8 million pretax loss related to the sale of Lawson Products Limited, the Company’s former UK MRO business. The 2002 losses from discontinued operations primarily relate to inventory write-offs in the Company’s UK business.
 
(5) In 2003, income tax expense includes a $2.2 million benefit to reflect the partial utilization of a capital loss generated by the sale of the Company’s former UK MRO business. In 2003 and 2002, the Company recorded $1.5 million and $0.4 million respectively, of after tax charges for compensation arrangements related to management personnel reductions.
 
(6) These per share amounts were computed using basic weighted average shares outstanding for all periods presented.


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ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
 
                                                 
          % of
          % of
          % of
 
          Net
          Net
          Net
 
    2007     Sales     2006     Sales     2005     Sales  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 509,695       100.0     $ 511,377       100.0     $ 443,629       100.0  
Cost of goods sold
    208,714       40.9       207,547       40.6       165,576       37.3  
                                                 
Gross profit
    300,981       59.1       303,830       59.4       278,053       62.7  
Operating expenses(1)(2)
    280,540       55.0       280,867       54.9       242,213       54.6  
                                                 
Operating income
    20,441       4.0       22,963       4.5       35,840       8.1  
Other income and expense, net
    (369 )     (0.1 )     2,157       0.4       1,199       0.3  
                                                 
Income from continuing operations before taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    20,072       3.9       25,120       4.9       37,039       8.3  
Income tax expense(3)
    8,740       1.7       11,418       2.2       15,095       3.4  
                                                 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
    11,332       2.2       13,702       2.7       21,944       4.9  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
    (703 )     (0.1 )     (729 )     (0.1 )     4,794       1.1  
                                                 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    10,629       2.1       12,973       2.5       26,738       6.0  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
          0.0       (361 )     (0.1 )           0.0  
                                                 
Net income
  $ 10,629       2.1     $ 12,612       2.5     $ 26,738       6.0  
                                                 
Diluted income (loss) per share:
                                               
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33             $ 1.54             $ 2.41          
Discontinued operations
    (0.08 )             (0.08 )             0.53          
Cumulative effect of accounting change
                  (0.04 )                      
                                                 
Net income
  $ 1.25             $ 1.42             $ 2.94          
                                                 
Total assets
    299,863               281,292               279,224          
Return on assets (%)
    3.5 %             4.5 %             9.6 %        
Stockholders’ equity
    174,361               170,317               185,425          
Return on average equity (%)
    6.2 %             6.8 %             14.9 %        
 
 
(1) In 2007, operating expenses include $12.3 million of severance and related expense as discussed in Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements, $5.8 million of legal fees related to the previously disclosed investigation, $2.4 million of compensation expense related to the Company’s annual and long-term incentive plans and income of $0.4 million related to stock performance rights.
 
(2) In 2006, operating expenses include $8.9 million of compensation expense related to the Company’s annual and long-term incentive plans, $3.2 million of legal fees related to the previously disclosed investigation, $1.9 million of compensation expense related to stock performance rights (“SPRs”), $1.3 million of severance expense and $0.8 million ($0.5 million, net of tax) for a loss on the sale of equipment.
 
(3) In 2006, income tax expense includes $1.9 million related to the elimination of tax deductions associated with the Company’s customer loyalty and promotions programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006.


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Overview
 
The Company recorded net sales of $509.7 million in 2007, a slight decrease over the prior year. Operating income decreased 11.0% to $20.4 million in 2007 from $23.0 million in 2006. For 2007, diluted income per share from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change decreased by 13.6% to $1.33 for 2007 as compared to $1.54 per share in 2006.
 
Continuing operations excludes the results of the Lawson de Mexico operations, which was closed in the second quarter of 2007, the Company’s United Kingdom operations, which was closed in the fourth quarter of 2005, and excludes the gain realized from the sale of a real estate investment held in a real estate partnership as well as results from the partnership’s operations. Those results are reported as discontinued operations for all the periods presented. Please see Note C — Business Combination and Discontinued Operations to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. Continuing operations include the results for Rutland Tool & Supply Co. (“Rutland”) since the acquisition date by the Company on December 1, 2005.
 
Management’s discussion and analysis of operating results below focuses on the MRO and OEM business segments. For additional information on the Company’s segment reporting, refer to Note P — Segment Reporting in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006
 
Net Sales and Gross Profit
 
Net sales decreased by $1.7 million to $509.7 million in 2007 compared to $511.4 million in 2006.
 
The following table presents the Company’s net sales results for its MRO and OEM segments for the past two years:
 
                 
   
2007
    2006  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
MRO
  $ 426.7     $ 427.9  
OEM
    83.0       83.5  
                 
    $ 509.7     $ 511.4  
                 
 
MRO net sales decreased $1.2 million in 2007, to $426.7 million from $427.9 million in the prior year period. The sales decrease for MRO businesses was primarily driven by lower sales of metalworking products due to order fulfillment problems encountered during the Reno, Nevada distribution facility expansion. The Reno facility expansion was completed in December 2007 and management expects order fulfillment levels to return to historical levels during the first quarter of 2008.
 
OEM sales decreased by $0.5 million or 0.5% in 2007 compared to 2006, due to cancellation of some customer contracts.
 
Gross profit decreased by $2.8 million or 0.9%, to $301.0 million in 2007 compared to $303.8 million in 2006 due to lower overall sales in 2007 and a slight decline in gross profit margin. As a percent of sales, gross profit declined by 30 basis points to 59.1 percent in 2007 from 59.4 percent in 2006.
 
MRO gross profit margins declined slightly to 66.0% in 2007 from 66.3% in 2006, primarily due to sales mix.
 
In the OEM segment, gross profit margins decreased 100 basis points to 23.2% in 2007 from 24.2% in 2006 due to product cost increases.
 
Operating Expenses and Operating Income
 
Operating expenses decreased $0.3 million to $280.5 million in 2007 from $280.9 million in 2006. The Company implemented several initiatives during 2007 designed to improve operating efficiencies. As a result of these initiatives, certain positions and departments were eliminated and restructured, resulting in $12.3 million of severance costs and other charges (See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Company incurred $1.3 million of severance costs in 2006. The Company realized savings in 2007 as a result of these initiatives, as


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selling, general and administrative costs (excluding severance) declined $11.4 million or 4.1 percent to $268.2 million in 2007 compared to $279.6 million in 2006. The Company incurred legal and other expenses of $5.8 million in 2007 and $3.2 million in 2006 in connection with an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois related to whether Company sales representatives provided improper gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs. This investigation is ongoing and the Company expects to incur legal costs throughout the remainder of 2008 related to this matter. See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Operating income decreased by 11.0% in 2007 to $20.4 million, primarily due to lower sales and gross profit margins discussed above.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Other income (expense), net decreased to $(0.4) million in 2007 from $2.2 million in 2006 primarily due to higher interest expense in 2007 and lower realized foreign currency gains. In 2006, the Company reduced its excess cash balances held in Canadian currency, resulting in foreign currency gains of $0.9 million.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
The effective tax rates for continuing operations for 2007 and 2006 were 43.5% and 45.5%, respectively. The Company believes its normalized tax rate is in the range of 39% to 41%. The higher effective tax rate in 2007 reflects a net adjustment of $0.58 million or ($0.07 per diluted share), primarily related to changes in the Company’s deferred tax rate and tax reserves.
 
The higher effective tax rate in 2006 reflects adjustments related to the deductibility of the Company’s customer loyalty programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006. See Note M to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Income from Continuing Operations before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change for 2007 decreased 17.3%, to $11.3 million, compared to $13.7 million in the comparable period of 2006. The $2.4 million decrease results both from lower pre-tax operating income and a higher effective tax rate, both of which are discussed above. Diluted per share comparisons were positively impacted due to the Company’s repurchase of shares under the modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer completed on October 11, 2006.
 
Loss from Discontinued Operations
 
Loss from discontinued operations of $0.7 million for 2007 primarily reflects the impact of operating losses and costs associated with the closure of the Company’s Mexico operations.
 
Loss from discontinued operations of $0.7 million for 2006 primarily reflects the operating losses attributed to the Company’s Mexico operations.
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax
 
The cumulative effect of accounting change of $(0.4) million recorded in 2006, represents the effect of adopting Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
 
Net Income
 
Net income decreased by $2.0 million or 15.7% to $10.6 million ($1.25 per diluted share) in 2007 from $12.6 million ($1.42 per diluted share) in 2006. The factors that resulted in the net income decline were primarily lower sales and gross profit margins, as discussed above.


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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
 
Net Sales and Gross Profit
 
Net sales increased by $67.8 million to $511.4 million in 2006 compared to $443.6 million in 2005, a 15.3% increase.
 
The following table presents the Company’s net sales results for its MRO and OEM segments for the past two years:
 
                 
   
2006
    2005  
    (Dollars in millions)  
 
MRO
  $ 427.9     $ 368.6  
OEM
    83.5       75.0  
                 
    $ 511.4     $ 443.6  
                 
 
MRO net sales increased $59.3 million in 2006, to $427.9 million from $368.6 million in the prior year period, including $54.8 million of sales in 2006 and $4.1 million of sales in 2005 from its subsidiary Rutland Tool and Supply Co., which was acquired by the Company in December 2005. The $8.6 million or 2.4% sales increase for other MRO businesses was primarily driven by price increases implemented in response to commodity material cost increases experienced throughout 2006.
 
OEM sales grew by $8.5 million or 11.3% in 2006 compared to 2005, driven by domestic growth. The OEM business increased sales unit volume, primarily through increased sales to existing customers in 2006.
 
Gross profit increased by $25.8 million or 9.3%, to $303.8 million in 2006 compared to $278.1 million in 2005. As a percent of sales, gross profit decreased 330 basis points to 59.4% in 2006 from 62.7% in 2005.
 
MRO gross profit margins declined by 410 basis points to 66.3% in 2006 from 70.4% in 2005. The primary driver of the MRO gross profit margin decline was due to the change in sales mix related to the Rutland business acquired in December 2005. The gross profit margins for MRO businesses other than Rutland remained comparable year over year.
 
In the OEM segment, gross profit margins declined 50 basis points to 24.2% in 2006 from 24.7% in 2005 as the OEM businesses utilized pricing measures to increase account penetration and drive sales volume, resulting in lower overall gross profit margin in 2006 compared to 2005.
 
Operating Expenses and Operating Income
 
Operating expenses increased by 16.0% or $38.7 million to $280.9 million in 2006 compared to $242.2 million in 2005. Of the $38.7 million increase for 2006, approximately $16.6 million is attributable to the Rutland acquisition which closed in December 2005. The remaining $22.0 million increase in operating expenses is primarily due to $12.9 million higher employee compensation costs, $2.6 million higher technology infrastructure costs, $3.2 million in legal expenses, $1.4 million increase in variable selling expenses and a $0.8 million loss on sale of equipment. The $12.9 million increase in employee compensation includes $2.7 million associated with the Company’s annual and long-term performance based incentive plans, $2.4 million related to stock performance rights (“SPRs”), $1.3 million for severance cost related to the termination of employees in connection with the Company’s process improvement initiatives (see Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements), as well as $6.5 million for general wage increases, higher health care costs and various personnel additions, primarily in marketing and technology. The Company incurred legal expenses of $3.2 million in 2006 in connection with an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois related to whether Company sales representatives provided improper gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs. The Company did not incur such legal costs in the prior year period. This investigation is ongoing and the Company expects to incur legal costs throughout the remainder of 2008 related to this matter. See Note N to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
As a percentage of sales, operating expenses increased to 54.9% in 2006 from 54.6% in 2005, primarily as the result of the items mentioned above.


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Operating income decreased by 36.0% in 2006 to $23.0 million, primarily due to general and administrative cost increases in the areas discussed above.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Other income (expense), net increased to $2.2 million in 2006 from $1.2 million in 2005 primarily due to higher realized foreign currency gains of $0.9 million in 2006. In 2006, the Company reduced its excess cash balances held in Canadian currency, resulting in foreign currency gains.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
The effective tax rates for continuing operations for 2006 and 2005 were 45.5% and 40.8%, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2006 reflects adjustments related to the deductibility of the Company’s customer loyalty programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006. See Note M to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Income from Continuing Operations before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change for 2006 decreased 37.6%, to $13.7 million, compared to $21.9 million in the comparable period of 2005. The $8.2 million decrease results both from lower pre-tax operating income and a higher effective tax rate, both of which are discussed above. Diluted per share comparisons were positively impacted due to the Company’s repurchase of shares under the modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer completed on October 11, 2006.
 
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
 
Income from discontinued operations of $4.8 million for 2005 reflects the impact of: (i) gain of $12.2 million related to the sale of a real estate investment held in a real estate partnership and related operating income of $0.6 million, (ii) losses of $6.7 million associated with the closure of the Company’s UK business and related operating losses of $0.8 million, (iii) $0.5 million of operating losses related to the Company’s Mexico operations.
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, Net of Tax
 
The cumulative effect of accounting change of $(0.4) million recorded during 2006 represents the effect of adopting Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
 
Net Income
 
Net income decreased by $14.1 million or 52.8% to $12.6 million ($1.42 per diluted share) in 2006 from $26.7 million ($2.94 per diluted share) in 2005. Approximately $4.8 million of the decrease relates to lower income from discontinued operations. The factors that resulted in the remaining $9.3 million net income decline were higher operating expenses and income taxes, as discussed above. Diluted per share net income comparisons were positively impacted by $0.04 per share due to the Company’s repurchase of shares under the modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer completed on October 11, 2006.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash provided by operations and a $75 million unsecured revolving line of credit have been sufficient to fund operating requirements, cash dividends and capital improvements. The Company had $11.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2007 under its revolving line of credit.
 
Cash provided by operations and the revolving line of credit are also expected to finance the Company’s future operations.


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Cash provided by operating activities for 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $11.5 million, $19.9 million and $17.8 million, respectively. The decline in 2007 cash provided by operating activities from 2006 was due primarily to lower net income and increases in inventories, prepaid expenses and miscellaneous receivables. The increase in 2006 cash provided by operations compared with 2005 was primarily due to working capital improvements in account receivable, prepaid expenses and accounts payable and accrued expenses offset by increases in inventories, cash value of life insurance and lower net income.
 
Working capital at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $99.1 million and $105.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007 the current ratio was 2.4 to 1 as compared to 2.7 to 1 at December 31, 2006.
 
Over the past three years, the Company has made the following purchases of its common stock:
 
                         
                Year
 
    Shares
          Authorized
 
Year Purchased
  Purchased     Cost     by Board  
    (In millions)  
 
2007
        $          
2006
    486,514       20.9       2006  
2005
    334,362       14.5       2000/2004  
 
On October 12, 2006 the Company purchased 486,493 shares in its “Dutch Auction” tender offer at $43.00 per share. These tendered shares represented 5.4% of the shares outstanding as of October 11, 2006. The tendered shares were paid for with $13.0 million of funding from the Company’s revolving credit line and $7.9 million cash from operations. The tendered shares were retired by the Company.
 
In October 2004, the Company’s Board of Director’s authorized the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in addition to that previously authorized. There is no expiration relative to this authorization. At December 31, 2007, 202,780 shares were available for purchase pursuant to the 2004 authorization.
 
The Company’s investing activities used net cash of $17.6 million for 2007 which consisted of $12.1 million for the Reno, Nevada facility expansion, approximately $4.5 million primarily related to purchases of equipment and $1.0 million for software development.
 
In 2005, the sale of real estate held in a real estate partnership generated $15.7 million of cash proceeds. The Company used cash of $14.6 million in 2005 to acquire Rutland and 2005 purchases of property, plant and equipment were $9.3 million. Capital expenditures in 2005 consisted of $2.3 million for land, $4.5 million for software development and the remainder principally for equipment.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2007 increased by approximately $31.4 million to $4.2 million in 2007 from cash used of $27.2 million in 2006, primarily due to a decrease in common stock purchases over 2006, partially offset by an increase in proceeds, net of payments, from the revolving line of credit.
 
In 2005, the net cash used in financing activities was approximately $22.3 million and was primarily due to common stock purchases and dividends paid.
 
Future contractual obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2007:
 
                                                         
                                  2013 and
       
    2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     Thereafter     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating leases
  $ 2,762     $ 2,172     $ 1,902     $ 1,665     $ 835     $     $ 9,336  
Capital leases
    1,464       1,301       744       512       43             4,064  
Deferred compensation
    4,164       1,798       1,569       1,394       1,391       8,803       19,119  
Security bonus plan(1)
                                  25,491       25,491  
                                                         
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 8,390     $ 5,271     $ 4,215     $ 3,571     $ 2,269     $ 34,294     $ 58,010  
                                                         


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(1) Payments to beneficiaries of the security bonus plan are made on a lump sum basis at time of retirement. As no such retirements are in place or known for the future, the entire balance is reflected in the thereafter column. The liabilities of $0.9 million related to FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), are excluded from this contractual obligations table because the Company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
 
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
Purchase of Rutland Tool & Supply Co.
 
On December 1, 2005, the Company purchased the business and substantially all of the assets, except for accounts receivable, and assumed certain liabilities of Rutland Tool & Supply Co. (“Rutland”) for the purchase price of $14.6 million, net of cash acquired. This cash transaction was accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the accounts and transactions of Rutland have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair values as determined by the Company’s management as follows: inventory $13.4 million; prepaid assets $0.1 million; property, plant and equipment $0.9 million; intangibles $1.0 million; and accrued liabilities of $0.9 million.
 
BUSINESS DISPOSALS
 
Discontinued Operations of Mexico Business
 
In the second quarter of 2007 the Company’s Mexico operations were closed. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
Discontinued Operations of UK Business
 
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company closed its UK business which was engaged primarily in the business of OEM sales. In 2005, the UK business had after-tax losses of approximately $7.5 million, largely related to inventory write-offs, goodwill and intangible write offs, and termination costs associated with the closing.
 
Sale of Real Estate
 
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company sold its investment in real estate held in a real estate partnership in which the Company was a 98.5% limited partner. The sale resulted in a gain of $12.2 million. In conjunction with this transaction, a former officer and former member of the Board of Directors of the Company, who was also the partnership’s general partner, received a $2.0 million fee from the real estate partnership, which is reflected in the net gain on sale of real estate.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The Company has disclosed its major accounting policies in Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following provides supplemental information to these accounting policies as well as information on the accounts requiring more significant estimates.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Methodology — The Company does not require collateral or other security and evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial down-grading of credit ratings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for bad debts based on the Company’s historical experience of bad debt write-offs as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due the Company could be revised by a material amount.
 
Inventories — Slow Moving and Obsolescence — The Company carries significant amounts of inventories, which is a part of the Company’s strategy as a competitive advantage in its ability to fulfill the vast majority of our


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customers’ orders the same day received. However, this strategy also increases the chances that portions of the inventory have decreased in value below their carrying cost. To reduce inventory to a lower of cost or market value, the Company records a reserve for slow-moving and obsolete inventory. The Company defines obsolete as those inventory parts on hand which the Company plans to discontinue offering to its customers. Slow-moving inventory is monitored by examining reports of parts which have not been sold for extended periods. The Company records the reserve needed based on its historical experience of how much the selling prices must be reduced to move these obsolete and slow-moving products. If experience or market conditions change, estimates of the reserves needed could be revised by a material amount.
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records a provision for income taxes based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions as well as deferred tax asset and liability balances, including the estimation of valuation allowances and the evaluation of tax positions.
 
FIN 48 — Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. See Note M — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail on our uncertain tax positions.
 
ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
The Company, through its foreign subsidiary, distributes products in Canada. The functional currency of this subsidiary is the respective local currency which is translated into U.S. dollars. As a result, the Company is from time to time exposed to market risk relating to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. The Company considers the market risk relating to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates to be immaterial. A hypothetical 10% adverse movement in exchange rates would have decreased income by $244,000 in 2007.
 
The Company had $11.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2007 under its revolving line of credit.


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ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
The following information is presented in this item:
 
         
    24  
    25  
    26  
    27  
    28  
    29  
    30  
    31  
    50  


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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All internal control systems have inherent limitations, regardless of how well-designed they are. Therefore, an effective internal control over financial reporting system provides only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance with respect to the preparation and/or presentation of the financial statements.
 
The Company’s management conducted an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
 
Based on the evaluation described above and using the COSO criteria, the Company’s management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
 
Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of its audit, has issued an attestation report, which is included herein, on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
 
We have audited Lawson Products, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO” criteria). Lawson Products, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Lawson Products, Inc. maintained in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Lawson Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and our report dated March 10, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 10, 2008


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Consolidated Financial Statements
 
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Lawson Products, Inc.
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Lawson Products, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lawson Products, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
 
As discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements effective January 1, 2006, the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation in connection with the required adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) and effective January 1, 2007 the Company changed its method of accounting for uncertain tax positions in connection with the required adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Lawson Products, Inc’s. internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 10, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
March 10, 2008


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,671     $ 3,391  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
    58,882       60,401  
accounts (2007 — $1,376; 2006 — $1,332)
               
Inventories
    96,785       90,272  
Miscellaneous receivables
    4,422       3,106  
Prepaid expenses
    5,881       4,748  
Deferred income taxes
    3,226       3,538  
Discontinued current assets
    1,064       2,150  
                 
Total current assets
    171,931       167,606  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    53,031       42,664  
                 
Other assets:
               
Cash value of life insurance
    23,702       20,996  
Deferred income taxes
    21,344       20,341  
Goodwill
    27,999       27,999  
Other intangible assets, net
    1,263       1,513  
Other
    593       170  
Discontinued noncurrent assets
          3  
                 
      74,901       71,022  
                 
Total assets
  $ 299,863     $ 281,292  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Revolving line of credit
  $ 11,000     $  
Accounts payable
    16,266       14,055  
Accrued expenses and other
    45,254       46,736  
Discontinued current liabilities
    322       1,864  
                 
Total current liabilities
    72,842       62,655  
                 
Noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits:
               
Accrued liability under security bonus plans
    25,491       25,522  
Deferred compensation and other liabilities
    27,169       22,798  
                 
      52,660       48,320  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred Stock, $1 par value: Authorized — 500,000 shares; Issued and outstanding — None
           
Common Stock, $1 par value: Authorized — 35,000,000 shares; Issued — 2007 — 8,522,001 shares; 2006 — 8,521,001 shares
    8,522       8,521  
Capital in excess of par value
    4,774       4,749  
Retained earnings
    160,606       158,008  
                 
      173,902       171,278  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    459       (961 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    174,361       170,317  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 299,863     $ 281,292  
                 
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands, except
 
    per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 509,695     $ 511,377     $ 443,629  
Cost of goods sold
    208,714       207,547       165,576  
                         
Gross profit
    300,981       303,830       278,053  
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    268,212       278,780       242,213  
Severance and other charges
    12,328       1,281        
Loss on sale of equipment
          806        
                         
Operating income
    20,441       22,963       35,840  
                         
Interest and dividend income
    255       513       374  
Interest expense
    (910 )     (150 )     (7 )
Other income, net
    286       1,794       832  
                         
      (369 )     2,157       1,199  
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
    20,072       25,120       37,039  
Income tax expense
    8,740       11,418       15,095  
                         
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
    11,332       13,702       21,944  
                         
Discontinued operations (net of income taxes):
                       
Gain on sale of real estate
                12,189  
Income from operations of real estate partnership
                584  
Loss on closure of Mexico business
    (68 )                
Loss from operations of Mexico business
    (635 )     (717 )     (485 )
Loss on closure of UK business
                (6,656 )
Loss from operations of UK business
          (12 )     (838 )
                         
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (703 )     (729 )     4,794  
                         
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    10,629       12,973       26,738  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
          (361 )      
                         
Net income
  $ 10,629     $ 12,612       26,738  
                         
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock:
                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33     $ 1.54     $ 2.42  
Discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (0.08 )     0.53  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          (0.04 )      
                         
Net income
  $ 1.25     $ 1.42     $ 2.94  
                         
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock:
                       
Continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33     $ 1.54     $ 2.41  
Discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (0.08 )     0.53  
Cumulative effect of accounting change
          (0.04 )      
                         
Net income
  $ 1.25     $ 1.42     $ 2.94  
                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of
Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
                                         
                      Accumulated
       
                      Other
       
    Common
    Capital in
          Comprehensive
       
    Stock,
    Excess of
    Retained
    Income
    Comprehensive
 
    $1 par Value     par Value     Earnings     (Loss)     Income  
          (Dollars in thousands)        
 
Balance at January 1, 2005
  $ 9,281     $ 3,467     $ 167,187     $ 397          
Net income
                    26,738             $ 26,738  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                       
Cumulative translation adjustment related to closure of UK operations
                            435       435  
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                            (1,184 )     (1,184 )
                                         
Comprehensive income for the year
                                  $ 25,989  
                                         
Cash dividends declared
                    (7,235 )                
Stock issued under employee stock plans
    25       801                          
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (334 )     (131 )     (14,022 )                
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2005
    8,972       4,137       172,668       (352 )        
Net income
                    12,612             $ 12,612  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                       
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                            (609 )     (609 )
                                         
Comprehensive income for the year
                                  $ 12,003  
                                         
Cash dividends declared
                    (7,098 )                
Stock issued under employee stock plans
    35       870                          
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (486 )     (258 )     (20,174 )                
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2006
    8,521       4,749       158,008       (961 )        
Net income
                    10,629             $ 10,629  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                       
Cumulative translation adjustment related to closure of Mexico operations
                            403       403  
Adjustment for foreign currency translation
                            1,017       1,017  
                                         
Comprehensive income for the year
                                  $ 12,049  
                                         
Adjustment for FIN 48 adoption
                    (1,213 )                
Cash dividends declared
                    (6,818 )                
Stock issued under employee stock plans
    1       25                          
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 8,522     $ 4,774     $ 160,606     $ 459          
                                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Operating activities
                       
Net income
  $ 10,629     $ 12,612     $ 26,738  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
    4,308       4,568       5,041  
Amortization
    3,127       2,976       1,577  
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts
    954       594       809  
Deferred income taxes
    (1,456 )     (4,309 )     (2,397 )
Deferred compensation and security bonus plans
    5,000       6,593       5,668  
Payments under deferred compensation and security bonus plans
    (4,922 )     (3,285 )     (1,543 )
Stock based compensation
    (427 )     2,482       (431 )
Gain on sale of real estate
                (12,189 )
Loss on sale of equipment
          806        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    1,120       (991 )     (9,345 )
Inventories
    (5,955 )     (11,723 )     (151 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (5,732 )     (357 )     (5,860 )
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (387 )     7,664       10,618  
Income taxes payable
    (1,213 )            
Other
    6,502       2,255       (739 )
                         
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    11,548       19,885       17,796  
                         
Investing activities
                       
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (17,694 )     (5,291 )     (9,271 )
Proceeds from sale of equipment
          175        
Proceeds from sale of real estate
                15,707  
Acquisition of Rutland Tool & Supply Co., net of cash acquired
          181       (14,562 )
Other
    90       275       100  
                         
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
    (17,604 )     (4,660 )     (8,026 )
                         
Financing activities
                       
Proceeds from revolving line of credit, net of payments
    11,000              
Payments on mortgage payable
                (1,573 )
Purchases of common stock
          (20,919 )     (14,487 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other common stock transactions
    26       906       826  
Dividends paid
    (6,817 )     (7,189 )     (7,111 )
                         
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
    4,209       (27,202 )     (22,345 )
                         
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,847 )     (11,977 )     (12,575 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    4,320       16,297       28,872  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    2,473       4,320       16,297  
Cash held by discontinued operations
    (802 )     (929 )     (1,791 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents held by continuing operations at end of year
  $ 1,671     $ 3,391     $ 14,506  
                         
 
See notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Note A — Description of Business
 
Lawson Products, Inc. (“Lawson” or the “Company”) is a North American distributor and marketer of systems, services and products to the industrial, commercial and institutional maintenance, repair and operations marketplace. The Company also manufactures sells and distributes specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace.
 
Note B — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Revenue Recognition — Sales and associated cost of goods sold are recognized when products are shipped and title passes to customers. We accrue for returns under the guidance of FASB Statement No. 48, Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists, based on historical evidence of rates of return.
 
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs — Costs related to shipping and handling fees are included on the Consolidated Statements of Income in the caption selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $16,918, $16,810 and $13,133 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Methodology — The Company does not require collateral or other security and evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filings, substantial down-grading of credit ratings), a specific reserve for bad debts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for bad debts based on the Company’s historical experience of bad debt write-offs as a percent of accounts receivable outstanding. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due the Company could be revised by a material amount.
 
Investment in Real Estate Partnership — The Company’s investment in real estate, represented by a limited partnership interest, was accounted for using the equity method until June 30, 2003. The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46 as of July 1, 2003, which resulted in the consolidation of the Company’s 98.5% investment in a limited partnership that owned an office building in Chicago, Illinois. An officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Company was the 1.5% general partner. The operations of the partnership consisted of renting the building under a long-term lease and the servicing of the non-recourse mortgage. The Company sold the real estate held in this partnership in the fourth quarter of 2005. See Note C for additional information.
 
Cash Equivalents — The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
 
Inventories — Inventories which consist principally of finished goods are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. See Note E for additional information.
 
Property, Plant and Equipment — Provisions for depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line method for buildings and improvements using useful lives of 20 to 30 years and using the double declining balance method for machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and vehicles using useful lives of 3 to 10 years. Capitalized software is amortized over estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years using the straight-line method. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
 
Stock-Based Compensation — Beginning January 1, 2006 the Company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
(SFAS No. 123(R)). Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, the Company measured share-based compensation cost based on the value of the award at the grant date which is recognized as expense over the vesting period. See Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles — Goodwill represents the cost of business acquisitions in excess of the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired. See Note H for additional information.
 
Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets or liabilities reflect temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established to offset any deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of the amount of a valuation allowance to be provided on recorded deferred tax assets involves estimates regarding (1) the timing and amount of the reversal of taxable temporary differences, (2) expected future taxable income, and (3) the impact of tax planning strategies. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results, projections of future taxable income and the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies. The projections of future taxable income include a number of estimates and assumptions regarding our volume, pricing and costs. Additionally, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws.
 
Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS No. 109) and in evaluating tax positions. In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. The Company continually assesses the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjusts the income tax provision, the current tax liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.
 
FIN 48 — Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), which requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. See Note M — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail on our uncertain tax positions.
 
Earnings Per Share — Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution from the exercise or conversion of securities into common stock, such as stock options.
 
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Reclassifications — Certain amounts have been reclassified in the 2006 and 2005 financial statements to conform with the 2007 presentation.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. However, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS 157, until the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year, as it relates to fair value measurement requirements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
fair value on a recurring basis. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 157 on our financial statements. We do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS 159 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. The adoption of SFAS 159 will not impact our financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for an acquirer, which improves the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of information provided by a reporting entity in its financial reports about business combinations and its effects. SFAS 141(R) is effective prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Currently, we are not able to estimate the impact SFAS 141(R) will have on our financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (an amendment of ARB No. 51). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards designed to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information provided in a reporting entity’s consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 requires:
 
  •  ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties, other than the parent, to be clearly identified, labeled and presented in the consolidated balance sheet within equity, but separate from the parent’s equity,
 
  •  net income attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest to be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income,
 
  •  changes in the parent’s ownership interest to be accounted for as equity transactions, if a subsidiary is deconsolidated and any retained noncontrolling equity investment to be measured at fair value,
 
  •  and that entities provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and noncontrolling owners.
 
SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008.
 
Currently, we are not able to estimate the impact SFAS 160 will have on our financial statements.
 
Note C — Business Combination and Discontinued Operations
 
In the second quarter of 2007, the Company closed its Mexico operations. The Company closed its UK operations and a real estate partnership in the fourth quarter of 2005 as all of the requirements of SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets have been met, these operations have been classified as discontinued. Accordingly the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income reflect the assets and liabilities and operating results as discontinued operations.
 
Discontinued Operations of Mexico Business
 
Discounted operations for 2007 include the Company’s Mexico operation, which was closed in the second quarter of 2007, and its former UK subsidiary, which was closed in 2005.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The results of Lawson de Mexico discontinued operations for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are summarized as follows:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
          (In millions)        
 
Net sales
  $ 2.6     $ 6.8     $ 6.6  
Loss before income taxes
    (0.7 )     (0.7 )     (0.5 )
Income tax
    (0.0 )     (0.0 )     (0.0 )
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (0.7 )   $ (0.7 )   $ (0.5 )
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the major components of assets and liabilities of the Lawson de Mexico discontinued operations were as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2006  
    (In millions)  
 
Current assets
  $ 0.6     $ 1.4  
                 
Total assets
  $ 0.6     $ 1.4  
                 
Current liabilities
  $ 0.1     $ 0.9  
                 
Total liabilities
  $ 0.1     $ 0.9  
                 
 
Operating cash flows generated from the discontinued operations were immaterial to the Company and, therefore, are not disclosed separately.
 
Discontinued Operations of UK Business
 
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company closed its UK business which was engaged primarily in the business of OEM sales. In 2005, the UK business had pretax losses of approximately $11,534, largely related to inventory write-offs, goodwill and intangible write offs, and termination costs associated with the closing. The tax benefit of these losses was $4,039, resulting in a net loss of $7,495. Net sales were $4,308 and $9,692, in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
The remaining assets and liabilities continue to be reported as discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and include $0.4 million and $0.6 million of assets, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.9 million of liabilities, respectively.
 
Sale of Real Estate
 
In the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company sold real estate held in a limited partnership and closed the partnership’s operations. The sale resulted in a net gain of $12,189 in 2005 which was substantially tax free as a result of prior year tax capital loss carryforwards. The Company’s share of cash proceeds from the sale was $15,707. In conjunction with this transaction, Robert J. Washlow, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, received a $2,000 management fee from the partnership as its founding general partner. The operations of the real estate partnership resulted in pre-tax income of $1,056 and tax expense of $472 in fiscal 2005. Activities of the partnership were not material to any period presented.
 
Purchase of Rutland Tool & Supply Co.
 
On December 1, 2005, the Company purchased the business and substantially all of the assets, except for accounts receivable, and assumed certain liabilities of Rutland Tool & Supply Co. (“Rutland”) for the purchase price of $14,562, net of cash acquired. This cash transaction was accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the accounts and transactions of Rutland have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the date of


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
acquisition. The assets acquired were recorded at fair values as determined by the Company’s management as follows: cash $2; inventory $13,356; prepaid assets $128; property, plant and equipment $936; intangibles $1,000; and accrued liabilities of $858. As Rutland was a consolidated subsidiary of its prior owner, the Company is unable to provide any meaningful pro forma information of prior period results.
 
In 2006, the Company collected cash of $0.2 million related to the purchase price adjustments for the acquisition of Rutland due to a decrease in the fair value of inventory acquired.
 
Note D — Reserve for Severance
 
The table below shows the changes in the Company’s reserve for severance and related payments. Of the December 31, 2007 balance, $4,344 is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities and $2,714 is included in noncurrent other liabilities (see Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements):
 
         
Balance January 1, 2005
  $ 1,042  
Cash paid in 2005
    (826 )
         
Balance December 31, 2005
    216  
Charged to earnings 2006
    1,281  
Cash paid in 2006
    (382 )
Adjustment to reserves 2006
    (153 )
         
Balance December 31, 2006
    962  
Charged to earnings 2007
    10,886  
Cash paid in 2007
    (4,670 )
Adjustment to reserves 2007
    (120 )
         
Balance December 31, 2007
  $ 7,058  
         
 
The $10,886 severance charge to earnings in 2007 is primarily related to payments for several executives who have retired or have been terminated due to a sales management realignment during 2007. The 2007 severance and other charges of $12,328 on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes $10,886 of severance charges and $1,442 of payments related to the retirement of Mr. Jeffrey Belford, the Company’s former President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
The severance costs are primarily related to the Maintenance, Repair and Operations distribution in North America (MRO) segment.
 
The Company anticipates the remaining benefits outstanding as of December 31, 2007 will be substantially paid out by the end of 2009.
 
Note E — Inventories
 
The following is a summary of inventories and reserve for excess and obsolete inventories:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
 
Inventories
  $ 106,809     $ 99,505  
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventories
    (10,024 )     (9,233 )
                 
    $ 96,785     $ 90,272  
                 


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Note F — Property, Plant and Equipment
 
                 
    2007     2006  
 
Land
  $ 9,444     $ 9,245  
Buildings and improvements
    54,333       44,120  
Machinery and equipment
    32,142       28,731  
Furniture and fixtures
    6,384       5,695  
Vehicles
    414       420  
Capitalized software(1)
    14,563       13,495  
Capital leases(2)
    3,342       552  
Construction in progress
    924       2,322  
                 
      121,546       104,581  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (68,515 )     (61,917 )
                 
    $ 53,031     $ 42,664  
                 
 
 
(1) Expense for amortization of capitalized software was $2,877, $2,726 and $1,269 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
(2) Expense for capital lease amortization is included in depreciation expense.
 
Note G — Loss on Sale of Equipment
 
In the second quarter of 2006, the Company incurred a loss of $0.8 million ($0.5 million, net of tax) on the sale of equipment related to the Company’s decision to outsource the manufacturing of a product line in the Company’s OEM business. Net book value for the disposed equipment was approximately $1.0 million.
 
Note H — Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
As defined under FASB statement No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangibles, the Company annually allocates its market capitalization at the goodwill impairment test date to its seven reporting units. This allocation considers revenue, operating profit and assets held in estimating the fair value. The Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2007, 2006 and 2005 and determined that goodwill was not impaired.
 
                         
    Gross
    Accumulated
    Net Carrying
 
December 31, 2007
  Balance     Amortization     Amount  
 
Trademarks and tradenames
  $ 1,400     $ 737     $ 663  
Non-compete covenant
    1,000       400       600  
                         
    $ 2,400     $ 1,137     $ 1,263  
                         
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization were as follows:
 
                         
    Gross
    Accumulated
    Net Carrying
 
December 31, 2006
  Balance     Amortization     Amount  
 
Trademarks and tradenames
  $ 1,400     $ 687     $ 713  
Non-compete covenant
    1,000       200       800  
                         
    $ 2,400     $ 887     $ 1,513  
                         
 
Trademarks and tradenames are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years. The non-compete covenant associated with the 2005 acquisition of Rutland is being amortized over 5 years. Amortization expense, all of which was included in the MRO distribution segment, for these intangible assets was $250, $250 and $50 in 2007,


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
2006 and 2005, respectively. Amortization expense related to the items capitalized at year-end 2007 is estimated to be $250 per year for each of the next three years and $50 per year thereafter until the trademarks and tradenames are fully amortized.
 
Note I — Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:
 
                 
    2007     2006  
 
Salaries, commissions and other compensation
  $ 18,386     $ 21,519  
Accrued severance
    4,344       962  
Accrued and withheld taxes, other than income taxes
    3,101       2,848  
Accrued profit sharing contributions
    3,952       4,152  
Accrued stock performance rights
    2,098       2,602  
Accrued self-insured health benefits
    2,548       2,006  
Cash dividends payable
    1,704       1,704  
Other
    9,121       10,943  
                 
    $ 45,254     $ 46,736  
                 
 
Note J — Revolving Line of Credit
 
The unsecured revolving line of credit has a maximum borrowing capacity of $75 million and a maturity date of March 27, 2009. The revolving line of credit carries a floating interest rate of prime minus 150 basis points or LIBOR plus 75 basis points, at the Company’s option. Interest is payable quarterly on prime rate borrowings and at contract expirations for LIBOR borrowings. The line of credit contains certain financial covenants regarding interest coverage, minimum stockholders’ equity and working capital, all of which the Company was in compliance with on December 31, 2007. The Company had $11.0 million outstanding under the revolving line at December 31, 2007. The Company paid interest of $910, $150 and $7 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Note K — Stock Performance Plan
 
The Stock Performance Plan (the “Plan”), provides for the issuance of incentive compensation to non-employee directors, officers and key employees in the form stock performance rights (“SPRs”).
 
Stock Performance Rights
 
The Company grants SPRs pursuant to the Plan to selected executives and outside directors. These SPRs have exercise prices $44.02 per right granted in 2006 and $36.71 per right granted in 2007. These SPRs vest at 33% per year and entitle the recipient to receive a cash payment equal to the excess of the market value of the Company’s common stock over the SPR exercise price when the SPRs are surrendered.
 
Employees and non-employee directors who are retirement eligible, defined as age 65 or older, are permitted to retain their awards after retirement and exercise them during the remaining contractual life. Grants of SPRs, with the retirement eligible provision, will be recognized as expense on the grant date.
 
As required by SFAS 123(R), the SPRs outstanding have been remeasured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Compensation income (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) for the SPRs in fiscal 2007 was ($0.4) million. Compensation expense (income) for SPRs in 2006 was $2.5 million, including $0.6 million ($0.4 million, net of tax) for the cumulative effect resulting from the adoption of SFAS 123(R) and $0.4 million in 2005.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Additional information with respect to SPRs is summarized as follows:
 
                 
    Weighted
       
    Average SPR
       
    Exercise Price     # of SPRs  
 
Outstanding January 1, 2005
  $ 27.41       189,000  
Granted
    41.46       31,000  
Exercised
    26.69       (13,750 )
Outstanding December 31, 2005(1)
    29.57       206,250  
                 
Granted
    44.02       35,000  
Exercised
    26.69       (13,750 )
                 
Outstanding December 31, 2006(2)
    33.31       179,500  
Granted
    36.71       40,000  
Exercised
    28.80       (6,550 )
Cancelled
    29.54       (3,700 )
                 
Outstanding December 31, 2007(3)
  $ 34.17       209,250  
                 
 
 
(1) Includes 128,180 SPRs vested at December 31, 2005 at a weighted average exercise price of $27.31 per SPR.
 
(2) Includes 113,500 SPRs vested at December 31, 2006 at a weighted average exercise price of $28.88 per SPR.
 
(3) Includes 132,117 SPRs vested at December 31, 2007 at a weighted average exercise price of $31.26 per SPR.
 
The aggregate intrinsic value of SPRs outstanding as of December 31, 2007 is $0.8 million.
 
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested SPRs was $0.3 million at December 31, 2007, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.
 
Valuation Information
 
The Company estimated the fair value of SPRs using the Black-Scholes valuation model. This model requires the input of subjective assumptions that will usually have a significant impact on the fair value estimate. The weighted-average estimated value of SPRs outstanding as of December 31, 2007 was $9.93 per SPR using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
 
     
    December 31, 2007
 
Expected volatility
  37.63% to 44.08%
Risk-free interest rate
  3.05% to 3.49%
Expected term (in years)
  1.5 to 5.4
Expected dividend yield
  2.11%


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Stock Options
 
                 
    Weighted
       
    Average
       
    Price     Options  
 
Outstanding January 1, 2005
  $ 22.75       49,550  
Exercised
    22.50       (10,750 )
Canceled or expired
    22.50       (1,600 )
                 
Outstanding December 31, 2005
    22.83       37,200  
Exercised
    22.66       (30,700 )
Canceled or expired
    22.50       (500 )
                 
Outstanding December 31, 2006
    23.72       6,000  
Exercised
    26.75       (1,000 )
                 
Outstanding December 31, 2007
  $ 23.11       5,000  
                 
 
                 
    Weighted
       
    Average
       
Exercisable Options at:
  Price     Options  
 
December 31, 2005
  $ 22.83       37,200  
December 31, 2006
  $ 23.72       6,000  
December 31, 2007
  $ 23.11       5,000  
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had the following outstanding options:
 
                 
Exercise Price
  $ 23.56     $ 22.44  
                 
Options Outstanding
    3,000       2,000  
Weighted Average Exercise Price
  $ 23.56     $ 22.44  
Weighted Average Remaining Life
    2.4       1.6  
Options Exercisable
    3,000       2,000  
Weighted Average Exercise price
  $ 23.56     $ 22.44  
 
As of December 31, 2007, all outstanding stock options were fully vested, and no remaining unrecognized compensations expense was recorded in 2007, 2006 or 2005.
 
No options were granted in 2006 or 2005. The Company’s stock option plan expired in 2006.
 
Note L — Retirement and Security Bonus Plans
 
The Company and certain subsidiaries have a retirement plan that has a profit sharing feature for office and warehouse personnel. The amounts of the companies’ annual contributions are determined by the board of directors subject to limitations based upon operating results.
 
The retirement plan also has a 401(k) defined contribution saving feature. This feature, available to all participants, was provided to give employees a pre-tax investment vehicle to save for retirement. The Company does not match the contributions made by plan participants.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries also have security bonus plans for the benefit of their regional managers and independent sales representatives, under the terms of which participants are credited with a percentage of their yearly earnings. Of the aggregate amounts credited to participants’ accounts, 25% vests after five years and an additional 5% vests each year thereafter. For financial reporting purposes, amounts are charged to operations over the vesting period.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Provisions for profit sharing and security bonus plans aggregated $6,090, $7,516 and $7,153 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
Note M — Income Taxes
 
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company also has a $9,535 capital loss carryforward remaining related to the 2003 sale of the Company’s UK MRO business and the closure of its Mexico operations. A valuation allowance is recorded for all of the capital loss and net operating loss carryforward due to the uncertainty of the Company’s ability to realize the capital loss against future capital gains prior to expiration in 2008 and the ceasing of operations at our foreign subsidiary. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:
 
                 
Deferred Tax Assets:
  2007     2006  
 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 25,075     $ 22,871  
Inventories
    4,122       3,361  
Net operating loss carryforward of subsidiary
          744  
Capital loss
    3,337       574  
Accounts receivable
    503       511  
Property, plant & equipment
    230        
Other
          518  
                 
Total deferred tax assets
    33,267       28,579  
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
    (3,337 )     (1,318 )
                 
Net deferred tax assets
    29,930       27,261  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property, plant & equipment
          179  
Goodwill
    3,259       2,678  
Other
    2,101       525  
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    5,360       3,382  
                 
Total net deferred tax assets
  $ 24,570     $ 23,879  
                 
Net deferred tax assets:
               
Total current deferred income taxes
  $ 3,226     $ 3,538  
Total noncurrent deferred income taxes
    21,344       20,341  
                 
Total net deferred tax assets
  $ 24,570     $ 23,879  
                 
 
Net deferred tax assets include the tax impact of items in comprehensive income of $(247) and $518 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:
 
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
 
United States
  $ 15,741     $ 20,446     $ 34,077  
Foreign
    4,331       4,674       2,962  
                         
    $ 20,072     $ 25,120     $ 37,039  
                         


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The provisions for income taxes for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, consisted of the following:
 
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ 8,029     $ 12,702     $ 14,599  
State
    1,960       3,025       2,893  
                         
      9,989       15,727       17,492  
Deferred benefit
    (1,249 )     (4,309 )     (2,397 )
                         
    $ 8,740     $ 11,418     $ 15,095  
                         
 
The reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the statutory federal rate for continuing operations is as follows:
 
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Statutory federal rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
                       
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit(1)
    7.4       7.8       5.1  
Foreign subsidiaries
    0.2       0.4       0.0  
Executive life insurance
    (3.4 )     (3.0 )     (1.0 )
Non-deductible promotion expense(2)
    0.0       7.7       1.5  
Other items, net
    4.3       (2.4 )     0.2  
                         
Provision for income taxes
    43.5 %     45.5 %     40.8 %
                         
 
 
(1) The effective rate for state income taxes increased in 2006 due to California unitary tax obligations triggered by Rutland’s operations in 2006, as well as additional state tax due related to the 2005 sale of the Company’s investment in Superior and Sedgwick Associates, a real estate partnership. The Company’s effective state tax rate fluctuates based on the income tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and based on the level of profits in those jurisdictions.
 
(2) In 2006, the Company eliminated tax deductions associated with the Company’s customer loyalty and promotions programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006.
 
Income taxes paid for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 amounted to $13,958, $11,284 and $15,793, respectively.
 
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”), which requires that the Company recognize in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions.
 
As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recorded at the date of adoption an additional liability of $1,213 for unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings
 
At January 1, 2007, the Company had $4,059 in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have an effect of $4,059 on the effective tax rate. At December 31, 2007, the Company had $923 in unrecognized tax benefits, the recognition of which would have an effect of $923 on the effective tax rate.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Due to the uncertainty of both timing and resolution of income tax examinations, the Company is unable to determine whether any amounts included in the December 31, 2007 balance of unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions that could significantly change during the next twelve months.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At January 1, 2007, the Company had accrued $405 for the potential payment of interest related to unrecognized tax benefits. At December 31, 2007, the Company had accrued $1,364 for the potential payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and international jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2007, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for the tax years 2001 through 2006 and to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years of 2001 through 2006. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2001 through 2006.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
         
Balance January 1, 2007
  $ 4,059  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
     
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    1,029  
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
    (2,010 )
Settlements
    (2,155 )
         
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 923  
         
 
Note N — Commitments and Contingencies
 
Operating Leases
 
The Company’s future minimum lease commitments, principally for equipment, under non-cancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2007, are as follows:
 
                                         
                    2013 and
2008
  2009   2010   2011   2012   Thereafter
 
$2,762
  $ 2,172     $ 1,902     $ 1,665     $ 835     $  
                                         
 
Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $4,126, $4,355 and $2,568, respectively. Rental expense in 2007 and 2006 reflects a full year of Rutland operations.
 
Capital Leases
 
The Company’s future minimum lease commitments, principally for equipment, under capital leases in effect at December 31, 2007, are as follows:
 
                                         
                    2013 and
2008
  2009   2010   2011   2012   Thereafter
 
$1,464
  $ 1,301     $ 744     $ 512     $ 43        
                                         
 
Contingency
 
In December 2005, the FBI executed a search warrant for records at the Company’s offices and informed the Company that it was conducting an investigation as to whether any of the Company’s representatives improperly provided gifts or awards to purchasing agents (including government purchasing agents) through the Company’s customer loyalty programs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois subsequently issued a


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
subpoena for documents in connection with this investigation. In April 2007, thirteen people, including seven former sales agents of the Company, were indicted on federal criminal charges, including mail fraud, in connection with the U.S. Attorney’s investigation. These indictments allege that, under the Company’s customer loyalty programs, sales agents would provide cash gift certificates to individuals purchasing Company merchandise on behalf of their employers as a way to increase their commissions and prices paid by customers. All of the cases involve commissioned sales agents of the Company. To date, six of the seven indicted former sales agents have entered guilty pleas to federal criminal charges. Although the Company was not charged in connection with these indictments, the U.S. Attorney has announced that its investigation is continuing.
 
The Company’s internal investigation regarding these matters has consisted of a review of the Company’s records and interviews with Company employees and independent agents and is not complete. In conjunction with the Company’s internal investigation, several customer loyalty programs were terminated because the Company believes that these programs provided or had the potential of providing promotional considerations, such as gifts and awards, to purchasing agents that the Company has deemed inappropriate. The Company has modified another customer loyalty program to limit the amount and nature of customer gifts distributed under the program. In addition, twenty-three independent agents have been terminated or have resigned and the Company has terminated four employees. The Company is cooperating with the ongoing investigation of the U.S. Attorney; however, the Company cannot predict when the investigation will be completed or what the outcome or the effect of the investigation will be. The outcome of the investigation could result in criminal sanctions or civil remedies against the Company, including material fines, injunctions or the loss of the Company’s ability to conduct business with governmental entities.
 
The Company presently estimates that it will incur substantial legal fees in 2008 related to this matter.
 
Note O — Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
Income:
  2007     2006     2005  
 
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 11,332     $ 13,702     $ 21,944  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (703 )     (729 )     4,794  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
          (361 )      
                         
Net income
  $ 10,629     $ 12,612     $ 26,738  
                         
 
                                                 
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted     Basic     Diluted  
 
Weighted average shares:
                                               
Weighted average shares
    8,522       8,522       8,878       8,878       9,082       9,082  
Dilutive stock options
          2             2             17  
                                                 
Total weighted average shares
    8,522       8,524       8,878       8,880       9,082       9,099  
                                                 
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
                                               
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 1.33     $ 1.33     $ 1.54     $ 1.54     $ 2.42     $ 2.41  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
    (0.08 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )     (0.08 )     0.53       0.53  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
                (0.04 )     (0.04 )            
                                                 
Net income
  $ 1.25     $ 1.25     $ 1.42     $ 1.42     $ 2.94     $ 2.94  
                                                 


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Note P — Segment Reporting
 
The Company has two reportable segments: maintenance, repair and operations distribution in North America (MRO), and original equipment manufacturer distribution and manufacturing in North America (OEM). The operations of the Company’s MRO distribution segment distributes a wide range of MRO parts to repair and maintenance organizations by the Company’s force of independent sales agents and distributors. The operations of the Company’s OEM segment manufactures and distributes component parts to OEM manufacturers both through a network of independent manufacturers’ representatives and Company employees.
 
The Company’s two reportable segments are distinguished by the nature of products distributed and sold, types of customers and manner of servicing them. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources to reportable segments primarily based on operating income. The accounting polices of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant policies except that the Company records its federal and state deferred tax assets and liabilities at corporate. Intersegment sales are not significant.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Financial information for the Company’s reportable segments from continuing operations consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Net sales
                       
MRO
  $ 426,660     $ 427,919     $ 368,615  
OEM
    83,035       83,458       75,014  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 509,695     $ 511,377     $ 443,629  
                         
Operating income
                       
MRO
  $ 16,585     $ 18,712     $ 31,159  
OEM
    3,856       4,251       4,681  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 20,441     $ 22,963     $ 35,840  
                         
Capital expenditures
                       
MRO
  $ 16,943     $ 4,711     $ 8,246  
OEM
    751       581       1,006  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 17,694     $ 5,292     $ 9,252  
                         
Depreciation and amortization
                       
MRO
  $ 6,692     $ 6,765     $ 5,235  
OEM
    743       762       789  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 7,435     $ 7,527     $ 6,024  
                         
Total assets
                       
MRO
  $ 221,274     $ 204,852     $ 208,333  
OEM
    52,955       50,408       48,336  
                         
Segment total
    274,229       255,260       256,669  
Corporate
    24,570       23,879       19,124  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 298,799     $ 279,139     $ 275,793  
                         
Goodwill
                       
MRO
  $ 25,748     $ 25,748     $ 25,748  
OEM
    2,251       2,251       2,251  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 27,999     $ 27,999     $ 27,999  
                         


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
The reconciliation of segment profit to consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Operating income
  $ 20,441     $ 22,963     $ 35,840  
Interest and dividend income
    255       513       374  
Interest expense
    (910 )     (150 )     (7 )
Other — net
    286       1,794       832  
                         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 20,072     $ 25,120     $ 37,039  
                         
 
Financial information related to the Company’s continuing operations by geographic area consisted of the following:
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Net sales
                       
United States
  $ 479,643     $ 482,695     $ 416,876  
Canada
    30,052       28,682       26,753  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 509,695     $ 511,377     $ 443,629  
                         
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Long-lived assets
                       
United States
  $ 72,708     $ 62,720     $ 65,472  
Canada
    8,322       7,943       8,158  
                         
Consolidated total
  $ 81,030     $ 70,663     $ 73,630  
                         
 
Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of customers. Long-lived assets consist of total property, plant and equipment and goodwill. See Note C to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
Note Q — Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations
 
Unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
2007
  Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales
  $ 129,669     $ 129,178     $ 127,913     $ 122,935  
Cost of goods sold
    53,842       52,481       51,456       50,935  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(1)(2)(3)
    8,166       (215 )     5,228       6,893  
Income tax expense
    3,440       (195 )     2,818       2,677  
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    4,726       (20 )     2,410       4,216  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (156 )     (329 )     (11 )     (207 )
Net income (loss)
    4,570       (349 )     2,399       4,009  
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock continuing operations
  $ 0.55     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.49  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     (0.04 )     (0.00 )     (0.02 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.54     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.47  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    8,521       8,522       8,522       8,522  
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock continuing operations
  $ 0.55     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.49  
Discontinued operations
    (0.02 )     (0.04 )     (0.00 )     (0.02 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 0.54     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.47  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    8,524       8,523       8,524       8,524  
 
In the second quarter of 2007 the Company began reporting its Mexico operations as discontinued operations. The first quarter of 2007 has been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
 
Included in the 2007 quarterly results above were the following items:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Severance and other charges(1)
    1,721       5,642       3,671       1,293  
Legal and other fees(2)
    1,086       2,689       1,172       846  
SPRs compensation expense(3)
    (664 )     489       (860 )     608  
 
 
(1) Reflects expenses for severance and other charges (see Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 
(2) Reflects expenses for legal fees related to the previously disclosed investigation.
 
(3) Reflects the expenses associated with the Stock Performance Plan (see Note K to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
 


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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
2006
  Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)  
 
Net sales(1)
  $ 130,166     $ 129,226     $ 127,335     $ 124,650  
Cost of goods sold
    53,787       52,401       50,786       50,573  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change(2)(3)(4)(5)
    8,965       5,494       6,069       4,592  
Income tax expense(6)
    3,546       2,273       2,768       2,831  
Income from continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
    5,419       3,221       3,301       1,761  
Loss from discontinued operations
    (70 )     (16 )     (226 )     (417 )
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change
    5,349       3,205       3,075       1,344  
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
    (361 )                  
Net income(7)
    4,988       3,205       3,075       1,344  
Basic income (loss) per share of common stock continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 0.60     $ 0.36     $ 0.37     $ 0.20  
Discontinued operations
    (0.01 )     (0.00 )     (0.03 )     (0.05 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (0.04 )                  
Net income
  $ 0.56     $ 0.36     $ 0.34     $ 0.16  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    8,974       8,989       8,998       8,635  
Diluted income (loss) per share of common stock continuing operations before cumulative effect of accounting change
  $ 0.60     $ 0.36     $ 0.37     $ 0.20  
Discontinued operations
    (0.01 )     (0.00 )     (0.03 )     (0.05 )
Cumulative effect of accounting change
    (0.04 )                  
Net income
  $ 0.55     $ 0.36     $ 0.34     $ 0.16  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    8,988       8,995       9,004       8,638  
 
In the second quarter of 2007 the Company began reporting its Mexico operations as discontinued operations. The 2006 quarterly information has been reclassified to conform to this presentation.
 
Included in the 2006 quarterly results above were the following items:
 
                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Rutland Tool & Supply Co. net sales(1)
  $ 14,670     $ 13,647     $ 13,395     $ 13,068  
Legal fees(2)
    1,056       969       528       672  
SPRs compensation expense(3)
    556       342       506       523  
Severance expense(4)
                    675       606  
Loss on sale of equipment(5)
          806              
Income tax expense(6)
                      1,939  
Rutland Tool & Supply Co. net income(7)
    612       410       248       168  
 
 
(1) Reflects the acquisition of Rutland Tool & Supply Co. in December 2005.
 
(2) Reflects expenses for legal fees related to the previously disclosed investigation.

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Lawson Products, Inc.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
 
 
(3) Reflects the expenses associated with the adoption of SFAS 123(R) as of January 1, 2006 (see Notes B and K to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information), excluding the cumulative effect of adoption.
 
(4) Reflects the expenses associated with severance charges. See Note D to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
 
(5) In the second quarter of 2006, the Company incurred a loss of $806 ($500, net of tax) on the sale of equipment related to the Company’s decision to outsource the manufacturing of a product line in the Company’s OEM business. Net book value for the disposed equipment totaled $1,000.
 
(6) The fourth quarter of 2006 includes income tax expense of $1,939 related to the elimination of tax deductions associated with the Company’s customer loyalty and promotions programs in its MRO business for tax years 2005, 2004 and 2003. Many of the customer loyalty and promotion programs in place for these years were terminated or replaced early in 2006.
 
(7) Reflects the impact of Rutland Tool & Supply Co. on net income.


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Lawson Products, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
                                 
    Balance at
    Charged to
          Balance at
 
    Beginning
    Costs and
          End of
 
Description
  of Period     Expenses     Deductions(A)     Period  
          (In thousands)        
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 1,332     $ 928     $ 884     $ 1,376  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2006
    1,483       605       756       1,332  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2005
    1,576       810       903       1,483  
                                 
 
Note A — Uncollected receivables written off, net of recoveries.
 
                                 
    Balance at
    Charged to
          Balance at
 
    Beginning
    Costs and
          End of
 
Description
  of Period     Expenses     Deductions(B)     Period  
          (In thousands)        
 
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 9,233     $ 2,455     $ 1,664     $ 10,024  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2006
    9,348       521       636       9,233  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2005
    7,757       2,599       1,008       9,348  
                                 
 
Note B — Disposal of excess and obsolete inventory.
 
                                 
    Balance at
    Charged to
          Balance at
 
    Beginning
    Costs and
          End of
 
Description
  of Period     Expenses     Deductions(C)     Period  
          (In thousands)        
 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
                               
Year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 1,318     $ 2,763     $ 744     $ 3,337  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2006
    1,318                   1,318  
                                 
Year ended December 31, 2005
    8,199             6,881       1,318  
                                 
 
Note C — Capital loss and net operating loss carryforwards utilized or expired.
 
ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) was effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 were recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding financial disclosures.


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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The report of management under Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The attestation report required under Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 9B.   OTHER INFORMATION.
 
Not applicable.
 
PART III
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
 
a.   Directors
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008, under the caption “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
b.   Executive Officers
 
The information required by this Item is set forth under the caption Item 1 — Business under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
 
c.   Audit Committee
 
Information on the Company’s Audit Committee is contained under the caption “Board of Directors Meetings and Committees” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
The Board of Directors has determined that Mitchell Saranow, member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K, and that Mr. Saranow is “independent” as the term is defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
 
d.   Code of Ethics
 
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all employees. This code is applicable to senior financial executives including the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Company. The Company’s Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.lawsonproducts.com. The Company intends to post on its website any amendments to, or waivers from its Code of Ethics applicable to senior financial executives. The Company will provide stockholders with a copy of its Code of Ethics without charge upon written request directed to the Company’s Secretary at the Company’s address.


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ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008, under the caption “Remuneration of Executive Officers,” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008 under the caption “Securities Beneficially Owned by Principal Stockholders and Management” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2007 regarding the number of shares of common stock that were available for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans.
 
                         
                Number of Securities
 
                Remaining Available for
 
                Future Issuance under
 
                Equity Compensation
 
    Number of Securities to
    Weighted-Average
    Plans (Excluding
 
    be Issued upon Exercise
    Exercise Price of
    Securities Reflected in
 
Plan Category
  of Outstanding Options     Outstanding Options     the First Column)  
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    5,000     $ 23.11        
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
                         
Total
    5,000     $ 23.11        
                         
 
ITEM 13.   CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008 under the caption “Election of Directors” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” which information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.
 
The information required under this Item is set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 13, 2008 under the caption “Fees Paid to Independent Auditors” which information is incorporated herein by reference.


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PART IV
 
ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
(a)(1) Financial Statements
 
The following information is presented in Item 8 of this report:
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedule
 
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Lawson Products, Inc. and subsidiaries is included in Item 8:
 
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not submitted because they are not applicable or are not required under Regulation S-X or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
(3) See Exhibit Index in Item 15(b) for the exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
(b) Exhibits.  The Exhibit Index below provides the list of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  3(1)     Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988.
  3(2)     Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
  10(1)*     Lawson Products, Inc. Incentive Stock Plan, incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 11, 1999.
  10(2)*     Salary Continuation Agreement between the Company and Mr. Sidney L. Port, dated January 7, 1980, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(2) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991.
  10(3)*     Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Jerome Shaffer, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(9) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1985.
  10(3.1)*     First Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Jerome Shaffer, dated as of August 1, 1996,incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(6.1) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
  10(4)*     Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey B. Belford dated March 1, 2005, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(4) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 2005.
  10(5)*     Amended and Restated Executive Deferral Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(7) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
  10(6)*     Employment Agreement dated March 1, 2005 between the Company and Roger F. Cannon, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(6) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 2005.
  10(7)*     Agreement between the Company and Bernard Kalish dated July 31, 1999, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(8) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
  10(8)*     Lawson Products, Inc. Stock Performance Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(8) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.
  10(9)*     Lawson Products, Inc. 2002 Stock Equivalents Plan for Non Employee Directors, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(9) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.
  10(10)*     Lawson Products, Inc. Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10(c)(10) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 21, 2004.
  10(11)*     Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2004 between the Company and Robert Washlow, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(10) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 28, 2004.
  10(12)*     Employment Agreement dated March 9, 2005 between the Company and Thomas J. Neri, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(12) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 14, 2005.
  10(13)*     Employment Agreement dated March 9, 2005 between the Company and Neil E. Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(13) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 14, 2005.
  10(14)*     Form of Shareholder Value Appreciation Rights Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(14) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
  10(15)*     Form of Restricted Stock Award and Acknowledgment, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(15) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.


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Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
  10(16)*     Form Letter regarding Stock Performance Rights, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(16) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.
  10(17)     Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2001 between Lawson Products, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated August 12, 2002 as amended by Second Modification to Loan Documents dated July 11, 2003, and as further amended by Third Modification to Credit Agreement dated as of June 15, 2005, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(17) to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
  10(18)*     Employment Agreement dated July 27, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Michael W. Ruprich, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(18) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 26, 2005.
  10(19)*     Employment Agreement dated September 14, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Kenneth E. Malik, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(19) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2005.
  10(20)     Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated October 24, 2005, by and between the City of Chicago and Superior and Sedgwick Associates, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(20) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2005.
  10(21)     Agreement of Limited Partnership of Superior and Sedgwick Associates, an Illinois Limited Partnership, dated November 1, 1984, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c)(21) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2005.
  10(22)*     Separation Agreement dated April 13, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Robert J. Washlow, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 19, 2007.
  10(23)*     Employment Agreement dated April 16, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Thomas Neri, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 2007.
  10(24)*     Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Scott Stephens, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 2007.
  10(25)*     Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2007 between the Company and Mr. Neil Jenkins, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 9, 2007.
  10(26)     Credit Agreement dated March 27, 2001 between Lawson Products, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, as amended by the Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement dated December 26, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 26, 2007.
  21     Subsidiaries of the Company.
  23     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
  31(1)     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31(2)     Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
* Indicates management employment contracts or compensatory * plans or arrangements.

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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
 
  By: 
/s/  Thomas J. Neri
Thomas J. Neri
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
Date: March 12, 2008
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below this 12th day of March, 2008, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
 
         
Signature
 
Title
 
     
/s/  Thomas J. Neri

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

Scott F. Stephens
  Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
     
/s/  Ronald B. Port, M.D

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

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

James S. Errant
  Director
     
/s/  Robert G. Rettig

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

Mitchell H. Saranow
  Director
     
/s/  Lee S. Hillman

Lee S. Hillman
  Director
     
/s/  Wilma J. Smelcer

Wilma J. Smelcer
  Director
     
/s/  Thomas S. Postek

Thomas S. Postek
  Director


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