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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

ý

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
 
 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number 333-72343

 


 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

3949

 

52-2112620

(State of other jurisdiction of

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Classification Code Number)

 

Identification Number)

 

8275 Tournament Drive Suite 200

Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Telephone: (901) 746-2000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,

including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

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

 

Indicate by checkmark if disclosure by delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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.  ý

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act)  Yes  o  No  ý

 

As of June 27, 2004 the Registrant had 100 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding. All of the Registrant’s outstanding shares were held by True Temper Corporation, the Registrant’s parent company, as of June 27, 2004.

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference:

 

Part IV incorporates certain information by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on June 7, 1999.

 

 



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

INDEX

 

PART I

 

 

Item 1

Business

 

Item 2

Properties

 

Item 3

Legal Proceedings

 

Item 4

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 5

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Item 6

Selected Financial Data

 

Item 7

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Item 7A

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Item 9

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

 

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

 

Item 9B

Other Information

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

Item 10

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Item 11

Executive Compensation

 

Item 12

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

Item 13

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Item 14

Principal Accountants Fees and Services

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

Item 15

Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

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PART I

 

Item 1.  Business

 

Purchase Agreement for True Temper Corporation

 

On January 30, 2004, TTS Holdings LLC, a new company formed by Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. and its affiliated funds (“Gilbert Global”), entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company’s direct parent company, True Temper Corporation (“TTC”), pursuant to which TTS Holdings LLC and certain of the Company’s senior management purchased all of the outstanding shares of True Temper Corporation (“Gilbert Global Acquisition”). In connection with this acquisition, and effective on March 15, 2004, the Company repaid all of its outstanding 2002 senior credit facility, redeemed all of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, and made certain payments of the net remaining equity of the predecessor company to the selling shareholders. These payments were financed with the net proceeds of a new senior credit facility and new 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011.

 

The Gilbert Global Acquisition was accounted for by the Company’s parent company using the purchase method of accounting. As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation, the Company has “pushed down” the effect of the purchase method of accounting to these financial statements. The Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes, shown in Item 8 of this annual report, present the historical cost basis results of the Company as “predecessor” through March 14, 2004, and the results of the Company as “successor” from March 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004, accordingly, certain elements of the successor company presentation are not comparable to the predecessor company due to the different basis of accounting.

 

For purposes of the following discussion, contained in Item 1 and 5, regarding the Company’s results of operations and cash flow, the Company has combined the results of the predecessor and successor companies in order to compare the results to the prior year. Material variances caused by the different basis of accounting have been disclosed where applicable.

 

General

 

We are the world’s leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of golf shafts. Since the 1930s, we have manufactured golf shafts under the widely recognized True Temper brand. In 2004, over 70% of our revenue was generated through the sale of steel golf shafts. We believe that our share of the worldwide steel shaft market was approximately 68% in 2004 and that our share is more than three times greater than that of the next largest market participant. We are a leading supplier of premium steel shafts to top domestic golf club original equipment manufacturers and distributors, including Callaway, Cleveland, Golfsmith, Golf Works, Mizuno, Nike, PING, TaylorMade, Titleist and Wilson. From 1987 to 2004, our steel shafts were played by the winners of 58 of the PGA’s 72 major championships, including 16 of the last 18 Masters champions. We are also one of the world’s largest manufacturers of premium graphite (carbon fiber based composites) golf shafts, with an estimated share of approximately 8% of this highly fragmented market. In addition to golf shafts, through our Performance Sports business, we also design, manufacture and market products such as steel and titanium alloy bicycle frame components, composite bicycle components, such as forks and handlebars, and graphite hockey sticks.

 

Our golf shaft products include over 1,000 proprietary models (with our customers’ brand name, label or trademark affixed to the shaft) and 2,000 branded models (with the True Temper and/or Grafalloy brand name, label or trademark affixed to the shaft), including a full range of premium and commercial grade steel shafts and a full line of premium graphite shafts. We design, manufacture and market approximately 275 lines of steel shafts, including:

 

                  Dynamic Gold, which has been a leading steel shaft on the PGA Tour for nearly 25 years;

 

                  Dynamic Gold SL, which delivers the playing characteristics of Dynamic Gold with 20% less weight;

 

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                  Sensicore, which is equipped with patented vibration-damping technology that, when inserted into our steel shafts, can eliminate up to 70% of vibration at impact to combine the feel of graphite with the consistency of steel;

 

                  Dynalite Gold, which features a light-weight, soft tip design that promotes a higher ball flight to optimize trajectory for low-ball hitters;

 

                  TX-90, which at only 90 grams, is one of the lightest steel shafts available and was designed for players seeking consistent performance using a lighter alternative to traditional steel shafts;

 

                  TX Tour, a tour version of TX-90 which offers a Superlite steel iron shaft with playing characteristics targeted towards the low handicap golfer;

 

                  Crossfire, an ultra light alloy shaft which was developed specifically for hybrid clubs and fairway woods;

 

                  TT Lite, which was designed for the custom club builders and offers a standard weight and mid-flex design which allows for various trimming options for a truly custom fit; and

 

                  Numerous co-branded products, including Callaway’s Memphis 10, Nike’s Speedstep, Ping’s JZ and ZZ Lite and Wilson’s Fat Shaft.

 

We also design, manufacture and market approximately 75 lines of premium graphite shafts under the True Temper and Grafalloy brand names. Our graphite shafts have a strong presence at the professional level and have been played by winners on each of the professional tours, including the PGA, EPGA, LPGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours. Our most popular graphite shaft brands include:

 

                  Grafalloy Blue, which is a new breakthrough graphite shaft designed specifically for today’s oversized metal woods;

 

                  Grafalloy ProLaunch, a newly introduced graphite shaft designed with today’s high performance heads and low-spin balls to help players achieve optimal launch conditions to reduce ball spin and maximize distance;

 

                  Grafalloy Prototype Comp NT, which incorporates today’s nano technology for the most consistent carbon fiber alignment;

 

                  Grafalloy ProLite, which is one of the leading ultra light driver shafts on the professional level and accounts for more than 35% of all the ultra light driver shafts played on the PGA and Champions Tours; and

 

                  Grafalloy ProLogic, which is designed for use in irons as a graphite alternative to steel and is manufactured with tight tolerances to provide consistent feel and improved shot making.

 

We believe that we are the only golf shaft company in the world which is capable, within its own facilities, of manufacturing both steel and graphite golf shafts in large volumes. This unique competitive advantage allowed us to design, develop, manufacture and sell the first commercially viable multi-material golf shaft combining both steel and graphite into one shaft. Our BiMatrx RXi and BiMatrx Rocket shafts utilize a patented multi-material technology to combine the torsional stability and consistent performance benefits of steel with the light-weight flexible benefits of graphite into one shaft.

 

Through our Performance Sports business, we have utilized the capabilities developed in our golf shaft business to pursue other branded recreational sports equipment markets that have similar competitive dynamics and

 

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manufacturing requirements. We focus on the premium segment of the bicycle market where innovation, quality and branding are highly valued by the consumer, and products are often customized to suit the individual consumer’s specific requirements. Our value-added premium bicycle component products generally have higher margins than component parts made for bicycles sold in mass channel retail stores. In the hockey components market, we focus on the composite shafts used in a variety of original equipment manufacturers’ one-piece and composite sticks.

 

The Golf Club Shaft Industry

 

The golf equipment industry is estimated to be a $4.6 billion industry, with golf clubs making up the largest portion at approximately 61%, or $2.8 billion. Spending in the golf equipment industry is highly concentrated among avid golfers (golfers that play more than 25 rounds of golf per year) who account for approximately 57% of the total spending on golf equipment despite only accounting for approximately 23% of the golfing population.

 

There are three basic components needed to manufacture a golf club: the shaft, the club head and the grip. The shaft is critical to the performance of a golf club as it is critical in controlling the consistency and distance of a golf shot. While branded premium shafts are critical to the performance and marketing of golf clubs, these shafts represent a relatively small portion of the overall cost of a golf club, typically under 10% of the retail sales price.

 

The golf shaft market is comprised primarily of steel and graphite shafts. We believe that in 2004 the three largest participants in the worldwide steel shaft market comprised an aggregate market share of more than 80%. We believe that the concentration in the steel shaft market is due to the high barriers to entry created by the technical expertise and capital investment necessary to participate in the market as well as the customized manufacturing process required for the production of premium steel shafts. The production of graphite shafts is less capital intensive and requires less technical expertise. Although recently there has been some consolidation among graphite shaft manufacturers, the graphite shaft industry is fragmented, with the top five market participants representing approximately 50% of the worldwide market in 2004. We believe that the relatively lower barriers to entry account for this fragmentation.

 

We believe that from 1991 to 1995, graphite shafts gained share in the overall shaft market due to the light-weight, vibration-damping characteristics of graphite shafts, particularly for longer-shafted, larger-headed woods. Since 1995, however, the development of vibration damping materials for steel shafts such as our Sensicore insert, along with the introduction of lighter weight steel alloys in products such as our Dynamic Gold SL and TX-90 shafts, have resulted in steel shafts that have the vibration damping and light-weight characteristics of graphite shafts together with the consistent performance and distance control qualities of steel shafts. We believe that these design improvements contributed to the growth in share of steel shafts in the overall shaft market from approximately 50% in 1995 to approximately 65% in 2004.

 

Products

 

We design, manufacture and market steel and graphite golf shafts, as well as a variety of high strength, high tolerance components for the hockey, bicycle and other recreational sports markets. Our proprietary shafts, which accounted for approximately 37% of our net sales in 2004, are custom designed, and frequently co-branded in partnership with our customers, to accommodate specific golf club head designs. As an example our proprietary models include co-branded products such as Callaway’s Memphis 10, Nike’s Speedstep, Ping’s JZ and ZZ Lite and Wilson’s Fat Shaft. Our branded products with the True Temper and/or Grafalloy names and designs are typically sold to golf club original equipment manufacturers, distributors and various custom club assemblers, and are used to either assemble new clubs or to replace the shafts in existing clubs.

 

 Steel Golf Shafts.  We manufacture a wide range of steel golf shaft lines with unique design features and performance characteristics. Our steel golf shafts can be divided into the following two major product categories:

 

(1)                                  Premium steel shafts; and

 

(2)                                  Commercial grade steel shafts.

 

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Premium steel shafts, such as our Dynamic Gold, Dynamic Gold SL and TX-90 product lines, are high performance products with tighter design tolerances and quality specifications that sell for higher average selling prices and generate higher profit margins than commercial grade steel shafts. Our commercial grade steel shafts are manufactured to a different specification and sell for a lower average selling price to original equipment manufacturers who produce and sell opening price point golf club sets, typically to entry-level players who purchase their products through mass channel retail stores.

 

 Graphite Golf Shafts.  We manufacture a wide range of graphite golf shaft lines, which are offered in a variety of weights, torques and flexes. Our graphite golf shafts are currently being played by over 100 touring professionals on the PGA, EPGA, LPGA, Champions and Nationwide Tours. Our graphite shafts are sold under the Grafalloy and True Temper brands. Similar to steel, graphite shafts can be placed in several categories of performance, quality and price. Most of the graphite golf shafts that we produce and sell are higher quality and higher priced premium grade shafts that are sold to golf equipment distributors, and to original equipment manufacturers for their custom product offerings.

 

 Golf Shafts with Combined Materials.  During the last several years we have been working to develop golf shafts that combine multiple materials such as steel and graphite into one shaft. Late in 2000 we introduced a proprietary custom iron product for a customer that combines a steel shaft with a graphite tip section to produce a shaft that provides a new feel for irons.

 

We used similar patented technology to introduce the True Temper branded product known as BiMatrx in January 2001. The BiMatrx shaft consists of a graphite shaft with a steel tip section that is currently designed for use in driver and fairway wood applications.

 

 Performance Sports Products.  We also manufacture and sell a wide variety of high performance components for the bicycle, hockey and other recreational sports markets. In 2004, we sold our performance sports products to a broad range of original equipment manufacturers and distributors.

 

Customers

 

We maintain long-standing relationships with a highly diversified customer base. We are a leading supplier of shafts to the top domestic golf club original equipment manufacturers and distributors, including Callaway, Cleveland, Golfsmith, Golf Works, Mizuno, Nike, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist, and Wilson. In 2004, we had in excess of 600 customers, including approximately 540 golf club manufacturers/retailers and approximately 80 distributors.

 

For many years we have maintained a broad and diversified customer base in the golf equipment market. In 2004, our top ten customers represented approximately 68% of our net sales, and our top customer accounted for approximately 13% of our net sales.

 

We believe that our close customer relationships and responsive service have been significant elements to our success and that our engineering and manufacturing expertise provide us with a strong competitive advantage in truly partnering with our customer base. We have developed and co-branded many proprietary shafts with our customers, as an example we produce proprietary customized steel shafts for Callaway, under the Memphis 10 brand; for Ping, under the JZ and ZZ Lite brands; for Nike, using the Speedstep brand; and for Wilson to produce the Fat Shaft line of clubs.

 

Competition

 

We operate in a highly competitive environment. We believe that we compete principally on the basis of:

 

                  our ability to provide a broad range of high quality steel and graphite shafts at competitive prices;

 

                  our ability to deliver customized products in large quantities on a timely basis through distribution channels around the world;

 

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                  the acceptance of steel and graphite shafts in general, and our shafts in particular, by professional and amateur golfers alike; and

 

                  our ability to develop and produce innovative new products that provide performance features which benefit golfers of all skill levels.

 

We believe that our share of the worldwide steel shaft market was approximately 68% in 2004 and that our share is more than three times greater than the share of the next largest market participant. We believe that we compete primarily with four other steel golf shaft manufacturers: Royal Precision, Inc., a domestic based premium steel shaft manufacturer, Far East Machinery Co., Ltd., located in Taiwan which produces commercial grade products, Nippon Shaft Co., Ltd., a Japanese manufacturer of premium products, and Summit Sports World Wide Co., Ltd. which produces limited volumes of commercial grade steel shafts.

 

Unlike steel, the graphite shaft manufacturing industry is highly fragmented with a large number of suppliers selling to only a few customers. We believe there are over 50 graphite shaft manufacturers worldwide. A few of these companies reside in North America and many are located in Far East Asia. We do not believe that there are any graphite suppliers currently with a market share in graphite that is comparable to the market share we have in steel. We believe we are one of the five largest producers of branded premium grade graphite shafts in the world and we estimate that our market share is approximately 8%. Our major competitors in the premium grade branded graphite shaft market include Aldila, Inc., United Sports Technologies, Inc., Graphite Design International, and Fujikura Composites.

 

We believe that we are the only golf shaft company in the world which is capable, within its own facilities, of manufacturing both steel and graphite golf shafts in large volumes.

 

Design & Development

 

We design and develop products for both proprietary/co-branded market applications and for the True Temper/Grafalloy branded product names.

 

The larger golf club manufacturers often request exclusively designed proprietary or co-branded steel and graphite golf shafts for their club systems, which require golf shafts, heads and grips engineered to work together. We are committed to serving this market by maintaining our role as a leader in innovative shaft designs for both steel and graphite materials technology. Shaft designs and modifications are frequently the direct result of our combined efforts with that of our customers to develop an exclusive shaft specifically designed for that customer’s clubs. We use a computer aided design analysis program to evaluate a new shaft’s design with respect to weight, torque, flex point, tip and butt flexibility, swing weight and other critical shaft design criteria.

 

In addition to our proprietary/co-branded product applications, we are very active in designing and developing new products under the True Temper and Grafalloy brand names that meet the performance needs of golfers of all ages and skill levels. We develop these branded products based upon our internal research and evaluation of consumer needs and preferences.

 

The materials typically used in production of our designs include several different high strength steel alloys and advanced composite systems of graphite and glass fibers with thermosetting epoxy resin systems.

 

Using state of the art technology, we generate a design which is then analyzed by computer for stiffness and strength properties. Our research and development efforts focus on technology development and new materials as an essential precursor to successful new product development. Our design research focuses on improvements in shaft aesthetics since cosmetic appearance has become increasingly important to customers. To supplement our design and development we employ extensive testing that includes laboratory durability and stress tests, robotic testing, extensive ball flight/trajectory analysis and individual player evaluation.

 

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In 2003, we opened a 14 acre test facility that enables us to better evaluate our products. We have our own private driving range where we perform qualitative player testing and quantitative mechanical testing with a Miya 5 swing robot. Our facility is designed with an Accushot data system which allows us to measure the distance and dispersion of each shot to provide an accurate assessment of product performance. Our facility also utilizes the newest, state of the art, Doppler radar system to track all aspects of ball flight and trajectory.  We believe that we are the only shaft manufacturer with our own driving range that is capable of this type of product testing.

 

In addition, our pursuit of strategic vendor alliances complement our abilities and needs, an approach which allows us to exploit technical capabilities beyond our own while minimizing the risk and investment required to enter the market with new products.

 

Research and development costs for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

 

Manufacturing

 

We believe that our manufacturing expertise and production capabilities enable us to respond quickly to customers’ orders and provide sufficient quantities on a timely basis. We believe that our investment in capital equipment and personnel training has helped us to establish a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of steel and graphite shafts.

 

 Steel Shaft Manufacturing Process.  The process of manufacturing a steel shaft has many distinct phases. Generally, a large steel coil is unrolled and then formed lengthwise, welded and cut into cylinders. The tubing is then treated and fitted over a metal rod or “mandrel” that is used to determine the precise inside diameter of the cylinder as it is drawn. The tubing is stretched, cut into sections, and then weighed and balanced. Later, through a process that we pioneered, the sections are tapered to give each shaft model a particular flex and frequency. The shafts are cleaned, straightened, heat-treated and tempered. The shafts are straightened by machines designed and built by us. The shafts are plated with layers of nickel to prevent corrosion and then covered with a fine layer of chrome. Finally, shafts are dried, polished and inspected for cosmetic flaws before our name and logo is affixed to the shaft. It takes an average of 15 days to manufacture one of our True Temper steel shafts.

 

 Graphite Shaft Manufacturing Process.  There are two processes which are used to manufacture a graphite shaft: flag-wrapping and filament-winding. Most of our graphite shafts are produced using the flag-wrapping technique. The flag-wrapping method uses graphite fiber materials or “prepreg” in sheet form, which requires refrigeration until use. Each new roll of prepreg is allowed to reach room temperature before the material is cut into pennant-shaped patterns called flags for each particular shaft design. Layer by layer, various combinations of prepreg flags are wrapped around mandrels specified for each particular shaft design. The layered materials are then encased in thin layers of clear tape for compaction and heated at high temperatures to harden the material. At the end of the process, the shafts are painted and stylized using a variety of colors, patterns and designs. The filament-winding process, on the other hand, begins with a spool, rather than a sheet, of graphite fiber, which is fed onto the reel of a machine which then wraps the fiber around a mandrel by turning the mandrel and simultaneously moving the graphite fiber from one end of the mandrel to the other. Once the mandrel is wrapped, the process uses the same encasing and heating techniques as the flag wrapping process.

 

 Raw Materials.  We use several raw materials to produce steel golf shafts, including several steel alloys sourced from three primary vendors, nickel crowns and plating chemicals, Sensicore inserts and various sundry supplies, boxes and labels. Graphite shafts are produced with a variety of graphite fiber materials in both sheet and spool form that we source from several different vendors. In addition, graphite shafts are finished with a wide variety of paints, inks and heat transfer labels. We believe that there are adequate alternative suppliers of these materials and, therefore, we do not believe that we are dependent on any one supplier.

 

In addition to the raw materials discussed above, we also use a substantial amount of natural gas and electricity in our manufacturing processes. Suppliers for these types of energy sources are limited, and prices are subject to general market and industry conditions.

 

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Marketing & Promotion

 

Our marketing strategy is designed around new product development and targeted advertising and promotion programs. Through our ability to anticipate and address consumer trends in the golf equipment market, as well as the performance demands of professional golfers, we are able to successfully market our products to golf club manufacturers while strengthening brand awareness. During the last several years, our marketing efforts through the utilization of a wide variety of promotional channels, including mass media advertising, print and television, sponsorship of golf-related events, equipment endorsements from original equipment manufacturers and product demonstrations, have increased our overall exposure in the golf industry.

 

For example, we have maintained a strong presence among PGA Tour players, particularly since 1981, when we began sending our PGA Tour van to all major PGA events. The tour van functions as a golf club custom shop on wheels, visiting over 30 professional tour events during 2004. Typically, the van is located near the practice tee and lends technical support to the tour professionals while simultaneously promoting the True Temper and Grafalloy brands to representatives of original equipment manufacturers. In addition, we provide technical support to the players on the Champions, Nationwide and LPGA Tours as well as the European and Japanese PGA Tours.

 

Although we do not pay any professional golfer to endorse or play our shafts, we believe that the use of our products by professional golfers enhances our reputation for quality and performance while also promoting the use of our shafts. Due to our strong reputation and service, we estimate that nearly 75% of professional golfers around the world use our product in competition. We clearly recognize the influence that a professional golfer, or very low handicap golfer, can have on consumer preferences, so we also engage in special promotional efforts with local club and teaching professionals, and we contribute shafts to college athletic programs, to encourage the use of our product so they provide positive feedback on the True Temper and Grafalloy brands to their constituents.

 

Much of our advertising and promotional spending is dedicated to print and television advertising, including cooperative advertising with our customers. Additional advertising and promotional spending is allocated to promotional events such as trade shows, consumer golf shows, PGA Tour activities and retail golf shop advertising displays.

 

Advertising and promotional costs for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $3.5 million, $3.1 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

 

Distribution & Sales

 

We primarily sell our shafts to original equipment manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Typically, distributors resell our products to custom club assemblers, pro shops and individuals. Sales to golf club manufacturers/retailers accounted for approximately 85% of our net golf shaft sales in 2004, and sales to distributors represented approximately 15% of our 2004 net golf shaft sales.

 

We believe that we have one of the most experienced and respected sales staffs in the industry. Our sales and marketing department includes domestic sales managers, international sales managers, a customer service group and a team of design professionals who provide field support to our sales representatives. We believe that our international market presence, which comprised approximately 37% of our total 2004 net sales, provides an opportunity for future growth. We market our products in Japan, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia and maintain a distribution operation in each region. Financial information by geographic segment is contained in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had 649 full-time employees, including 16 in sales and marketing, 40 in research, development and manufacturing engineering, 511 in production and the balance in administrative and support roles.

 

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The hourly employees at our steel plant in Amory, Mississippi are represented by the United Steel Workers of America. In June 2003, the United Steel Workers union at our Amory, Mississippi facility voted to accept a new collective bargaining agreement that covers a four year period beginning in July 2003 and expiring on June 30, 2007. We believe that our relationships with the union and our employees are good.

 

Intellectual Property

 

As of December 31, 2004, we held 40 patents worldwide relating to various products and proprietary technologies, including the Sensicore technology, and had 14 patent applications pending. We also hold numerous trademarks related to, among other things, our True Temper, Grafalloy and Alpha Q branded products. We do not believe that our competitive position is dependent solely on patent or trademark protection, or that our operations are dependent on any individual patent or trademark.

 

Environmental, Health And Safety Matters

 

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental and workplace health and safety laws and regulations, including requirements governing discharges to the air and water, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. In December 2003, a review was conducted by independent environmental consultants and, based upon such report, we believe that we are currently in material compliance with environmental and workplace health and safety laws and regulations. Nevertheless, our manufacturing operations involve the use of hazardous substances and, as is the case with manufacturers in general, if a release of hazardous substances occurs or has occurred on or from our facilities, we may be held liable and may be required to pay the cost of remedying the condition. The amount of any such liability could be material.

 

We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with, and believe we are currently in material compliance with, our environmental obligations. Despite such efforts, the possibility exists that instances of noncompliance could occur or be identified, the penalties or corrective action costs associated with which could be material.

 

Like any manufacturer, we are subject to the possibility that we may receive notices of potential liability, pursuant to Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), commonly known as Superfund, or analogous state laws, for cleanup costs associated with onsite or offsite waste recycling or disposal facilities at which waste associated with our operations have allegedly come to be located. Liability under CERCLA is strict, retroactive and joint and several. To our knowledge, no notices involving any material liability are currently pending.

 

We have made, and will continue to make, capital expenditures to comply with current and future environmental obligations. Because environmental requirements are becoming increasingly stringent, our expenditures for environmental compliance may increase in the future.

 

Business Risks

 

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations.

 

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect the financial health of our company. For example, it could:

 

             make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011;

 

             increase our vulnerability to increases in interest rates because our secured credit facility, under which our indebtedness was $107.7 million as of December 31, 2004, is subject to a variable interest rate;

 

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             limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, research and development costs, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements;

 

             require a substantial amount of our annual cash flow from operations for debt service, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

             limit our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

             place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

 

             limit our ability to borrow additional funds.

 

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

 

We may not be able to generate the cash we need to service our indebtedness. Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund planned capital expenditures and research and development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. Based on our current level of operations, we believe our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our senior bank facilities will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs.

 

We cannot assure you, however, that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior bank facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We might not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

 

Our success depends on the continued popularity of golf and the growth of the market for golf clubs.

 

We generate a substantial portion of our net revenues from the sale of golf shafts. The demand for our golf shafts is directly related to the popularity of golf, the number of golf participants and the number of rounds of golf being played by these participants. If golf participation decreases, sales of our products would be adversely affected. In addition, the popularity of golf organizations, such as the PGA, also affects the sales of our golf shafts. We depend on the exposure of our brands to increase brand recognition and reinforce the quality of our products. Any significant reduction in television coverage of PGA or other golf tournaments, or any other significant decreases in either attendance at golf tournaments or viewership of golf tournaments, will reduce the visibility of our brand and could adversely affect our sales.

 

A reduction in discretionary consumer spending could reduce sales of our products.

 

Sales of golf clubs are dependent on discretionary consumer spending which may be affected by general economic conditions and could result in a decrease in consumer spending on golf equipment. In addition, our future results of operations could be affected adversely by a number of other factors that influence discretionary consumer spending, including consumer concerns over international and military conflicts around the world, unseasonal weather patterns, demand for our existing and future products, new product introductions by our competitors, an overall decline in participation in golf activities, shifting consumer preferences between graphite and steel golf shafts or other materials that we currently do not produce, and competitive pressures that otherwise result in lower than expected average selling prices. Any one or more of these factors could result in our failure to achieve our expectations as to future sales or earnings. Because most operating expenses are relatively fixed in the short-term, we may be unable to adjust spending to compensate for any unexpected sales shortfall, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

11



 

Our new product development efforts may not be successful.

 

We may not be able to continue to develop competitive products, develop or use technology on a timely or competitive basis or otherwise respond to emerging market trends. Because the introduction of new golf shafts using steel, graphite or other composite and combined materials is critical to our future success, our continued growth will depend, in large part, on our ability to successfully develop and introduce new products in the marketplace. Should golf consumers prefer to use golf clubs made from materials other than steel or graphite, there could be a material adverse effect on the results of our operations. In addition, the design of new golf clubs is also greatly influenced by the rules and interpretations of the U.S. Golf Association, or USGA, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, or St. Andrews. Although the golf equipment standards established by the USGA and St. Andrews generally apply to competitive events sanctioned by those organizations, we believe that it is critical for our future success that our new shafts comply with USGA and St. Andrews standards. New products that we introduce may not receive USGA or St. Andrews approval. In addition, existing USGA and St. Andrews standards may be changed in ways that adversely affect the sales of our current or future products.

 

We are subject to work stoppages at our facilities, which could seriously impact the profitability of our business.

 

If any labor disruption or work stoppages affect our employees, the results of our operation could be adversely affected. At December 31, 2004, we employed approximately 649 full-time individuals. Of these, approximately 335 hourly employees at our Amory, Mississippi facility are represented by the United Steel Workers of America. We recently entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers of America which became effective on July 1, 2003 and will expire on June 30, 2007. Nevertheless, we may be subject to work stoppages or other labor disruptions in the future. If such events were to occur, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

 

We face intense competition with other golf shaft designers and manufacturers, and our inability to compete effectively for any reason could adversely affect our business.

 

We operate in a highly competitive environment and compete against a number of established golf shaft designers, manufacturers and distributors. We also compete indirectly with manufacturers that produce shafts internally and face potential competition from golf club manufacturers that currently purchase golf shaft components from third parties but which may have, develop or acquire the ability to manufacture shafts internally. Unlike the steel shaft industry, the graphite shaft industry is highly fragmented. As a result, we compete with many competitors involved in the design and manufacture of graphite shafts. While we have had long-established relationships with most of our customers, we are not the exclusive supplier to most of them, and consistent with the industry practice, generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers. Although we believe that our relationships with our customers are good, the loss of a significant customer or a substantial decrease in sales to a significant customer could have a material adverse affect on our business and operating results. See “Business-Competition” for a description of the bases on which we compete and the number of competitors in our industry. These factors, as well as demographic trends and economic conditions, could result in increased competition and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Our profitability would be adversely affected if the operation of our Amory manufacturing plant were interrupted or shut down.

 

We operate a majority of our manufacturing processes at our facility in Amory, Mississippi. Any natural disaster or other serious disruption to this facility due to fire, tornado, flood or any other cause would substantially disrupt our sales and would damage a portion of our inventory, impairing our ability to adequately supply our customers. In addition, we could incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with fulfilling our direct-to-consumer orders and distributing our products to our customers during the time it takes for us to reopen or replace our Amory facility. As a result, disruption at our Amory facility would adversely affect our profitability.

 

12



 

Risks related to our operating facility in China could adversely affect our business.

 

In 2003, we opened a graphite manufacturing facility in southern China in order to be able to produce our graphite shafts at a lower cost. We have since transitioned a large portion of our composite manufacturing capacity from the United States to China. As a result, we will be subject to potential political instability in China and trade conflict between the United States and China.

 

Consolidation of our customer base could adversely affect our business.

 

If the industry and customer base continues to consolidate, then it is possible a consolidation of several of our existing customers into one company could represent a significant portion of our annual revenues. If this was to occur, and this customer selected an alternative shaft supplier, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. If this consolidated company were to remain our customer it could represent an increased credit risk due to its size in relation to our total accounts receivable.

 

Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials could adversely affect our business.

 

Since we are dependent upon certain suppliers for steel, nickel, graphite prepreg and other materials, we are subject to price increases and delays in receiving materials. Although we have several sources for most of the key raw materials we purchase, and we attempt to establish purchase price commitments for one-year periods, we are subject to price increases for raw materials used in the manufacture of golf shafts and to delays in receiving these materials. As key components to the manufacture of golf shafts, a substantial price increase to one or more of these raw materials or any extended delay in their delivery could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Fluctuations in the cost and availability of energy sources to us could adversely affect our business.

 

Our graphite shaft manufacturing operations in Southern California and China are dependent upon a consistent and affordable supply of electricity. If there is a prolonged shortage of electrical supply to these facilities and/or a significant increase in the cost of electrical power, we may need to temporarily or permanently close our graphite shaft operations, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, our steel shaft manufacturing plant located in Mississippi relies upon a consistent and affordable supply of both natural gas and electrical power in order to conduct normal operations. If our Mississippi facility should experience a shortage in supply of either power source or a significant increase in cost, it could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations.

 

Fluctuations in the availability of energy sources to our customers could adversely affect our business.

 

There are a significant number of golf equipment assemblers that are headquartered and conduct manufacturing operations in Southern California. In the aggregate, these companies account for a significant share of the golf equipment market and also account for a considerable portion of our sales revenue. With the disruption of electrical power to California and other Western states in recent years there is a risk that our customers’ manufacturing operations may be adversely affected by power shortages. If this were to occur they may reduce their purchases of shafts from us causing a significant adverse impact to our revenues and results of operations.

 

Fluctuations in cost of health insurance could adversely affect our business.

 

Health insurance coverage is a valuable benefit in retaining and attracting employees and has been subject to significant price increases by health industry providers. Since we do not plan to eliminate providing health benefits to our employees, the rising costs could have a material adverse affect on the results of our operations.

 

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business and prospects may be harmed.

 

The patents we hold relating to certain of our products and technologies may not offer complete protection against infringement of our proprietary rights by others. As of December 31, 2004 we held 40 patents worldwide

 

13



 

relating to various products and proprietary technologies, including the Sensicore technology, and had 14 patent applications pending. Patents may not be issued from the pending patent applications. Moreover, these patents may have limited commercial value or may not protect our products. Additionally, the U.S. patents that we hold do not preclude competitors from developing or marketing products similar to our products in international markets. We may infringe on others’ intellectual property rights. One or more adverse judgments with respect to these intellectual property rights could negatively impact our ability to compete and could adversely affect our business.

 

We are subject to various environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that govern, and impose liability, for our activities and operations. If we do not comply with these laws and regulations, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental and workplace health and safety laws, regulations and requirements which, if contravened, could result in significant costs to us. Our manufacturing operations involve the use of hazardous substances and should there be a release of such substances from our facilities, we may be held liable. The penalties or corrective action costs associated with noncompliance could be material. In addition, we may receive notices of potential liability pursuant to federal or state laws for cleanup costs associated with waste recycling or disposal facilities at which wastes associated with our operations have allegedly come to be located.

 

Fluctuations in certain general economic conditions could increase our minimum pension liability under our defined benefit pension plan.

 

We maintain an employer sponsored defined benefit pension plan for the hourly employees at our Amory, Mississippi steel golf shaft plant. We are subject to Financial Accounting Standards Board guidelines for recognition of our minimum pension liability, and subject to ERISA regulations with regard to our cash funding of the plan. As a result, certain U.S. economic conditions involving weak equity market performance and low general interest rates can both reduce the total value of the assets of the plan as well as increase our minimum pension liability under the plan. If these economic conditions are severe enough they could have a significant adverse effect on the funding status of our plan and our overall results of operations.

 

If we do not retain our key personnel and attract and retain other highly skilled employees our business will suffer.

 

If we fail to retain and recruit the necessary personnel, our business and our ability to obtain new customers, develop new products and provide acceptable levels of customer service could suffer. The success of our business is heavily dependent on the leadership of our key management personnel. If any of these persons were to leave our company it would be difficult to replace them, and our business would be harmed. See “Management.”

 

We are subject to risks relating to our international operations.

 

We are subject to risks customarily associated with foreign operations, including:

 

                  fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

                  import and export license requirements;

 

                  trade restrictions;

 

                  changes in tariffs and taxes;

 

                  restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of a country;

 

                  unfamiliarity with foreign laws and regulations;

 

                  difficulties in staffing and managing international operations;

 

                  general economic and political conditions; and

 

                  unexpected changes in regulatory requirements.

 

14



 

These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We are subject to product liability claims and other litigation.

 

From time to time, we are subject to product liability claims involving personal injuries allegedly relating to our products. Currently pending claims and any future claims are subject to the uncertainties related to litigation, and the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings or claims cannot be predicted.

 

We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, and even if we do, we may not be able to acquire those candidates or successfully integrate their operations with ours.

 

We continuously review acquisition prospects that would complement our current product offerings, increase our size and geographic scope of operations or otherwise offer growth and operating efficiency opportunities. Any future acquisition may not be successfully completed or that, if completed, any such acquisition may not be effectively integrated into our business. Acquisitions may entail numerous risks and impose costs on us, including, among others, difficulties associated with assimilating acquired operations or products, diversion of management’s attention and adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers. In addition, any future acquisitions could result in the incurrence of debt or contingent liabilities and other intangible assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, and other acts of violence or war, including the military action in Iraq, have and could negatively impact the U.S. and foreign economies, the financial markets, the industries in which we operate, our operations and our profitability.

 

Terrorist attacks may negatively affect our operations and your investment. There can be no assurance that there will not be further terrorist attacks worldwide. These attacks have contributed to economic instability in the United States and elsewhere, and further acts of terrorism, violence or war could further affect the industries in which we operate, our business and our results of operations. In addition, terrorist attacks or hostilities may directly impact our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers and could impact our sales, our supply chain, our production capability and our ability to deliver our products and services to our customers. The consequences of any terrorist attacks or hostilities are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our operations or your investment.

 

Risks Associated with Forward Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by our Company. This document contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, Item 1 of Part I, Business, and Item 7 of Part II, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect, plan, believe, hope, wish, forecast, predict, intend, or anticipate will occur in the future are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Act.

 

The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance. However there are many risk factors, including but not limited to, the general state of the economy, the Company’s ability to execute its plans, competitive factors, and other risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the estimates or predictions contained in our Company’s forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning the Company’s risk factors is contained from time to time in the Company’s public filings with the SEC; and most recently in the Business Risk section of Item 1 of Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company’s views, estimates, plans and outlook as described within this document may change subsequent to the release of this statement. The Company is under no obligation to modify or update any or all of the statements it has made herein despite any subsequent changes the Company may make in its views, estimates, plans or outlook for the future.

 

15



 

Item 2Properties

 

Our administrative offices and manufacturing facilities currently occupy approximately 500,000 square feet. Our shafts are manufactured at separate facilities, a steel shaft facility located in Amory, Mississippi and composite graphite shaft facilities located in El Cajon, California and Guangzhou, China. In addition, we have a multi-material shaft assembly facility located in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Our executive offices are located in a leased facility in Memphis, Tennessee. The following table sets forth certain information regarding significant facilities operated by us as of December 31, 2004:

 

Facility

 

Location

 

Approx.
Sq. Ft.

 

Owned/
Leased

 

Lease
Expiration
Date

 

Corporate Offices

 

Memphis, Tennessee

 

13,500

 

Leased

 

December 2005

 

Steel Shaft/Tubing Mfg.

 

Amory, Mississippi

 

335,000

 

Leased

 

January 2063(1)

 

Composite Shaft Mfg.

 

Guangzhou, China

 

59,000

 

Leased

 

March 2008

 

Composite Shaft Mfg.

 

El Cajon, California

 

45,907

 

Leased

 

October 2008

 

Building

 

Olive Branch, Mississippi

 

45,000

 

Owned

 

 

Test Facility

 

Robinsonville, Mississippi

 

1,000

(2)

Leased

 

March 2008

 

 


(1)          There are several leases covering the original land as well as the building at our Amory, Mississippi facility. The leases are structured with interim renewal periods of between 5 to 10 years, extending through January 2063. At the end of each of these renewal periods, we have the option to allow a lease to automatically renew or to not renew the lease.

 

(2)          Included with the leased space is 14 acres of land which we use as a driving range to assess various qualitative and quantitative tests on product performance.

 

In addition, we promote our products in international markets through sales and distribution offices in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, and we also distribute our product in Southeast Asia from our distribution warehouse in Hong Kong. To the extent that any such properties are leased, we expect to be able to renew such leases or to lease comparable facilities on terms commercially acceptable to us.

 

Item 3Legal Proceedings

 

Various claims and legal proceedings, generally incidental to the normal course of business, are pending or threatened against us. While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of management, any liability arising from these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 4Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during 2004.

 

16



 

PART II

 

Item 5Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

There is no public market for the Company’s equity securities. All of the Company’s capital stock is owned by True Temper Corporation.

 

The Company declared and paid dividends quarterly on its shares of common stock during fiscal 2003 and 2002 totaling $5.2 million and $27.1 million, respectfully.

 

Our various debt instruments impose restrictions on the payment of dividends by means of covenants. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2004.

 

Item 6Selected Financial Data

 

Set forth below are our selected historical financial data for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2004. The historical financial data were derived from our audited financial statements and the notes thereto (except ratio of earnings to fixed charges data), for which the December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002 financial statements are included herein. As more fully described in Note 3 to the financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report, the Company went through a business combination on March 15, 2004. Accordingly, the following selected financial data is presented for both the predecessor and successor companies.

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

78,120

 

$

20,247

 

$

116,206

 

$

107,401

 

$

111,083

 

$

110,636

 

Gross profit

 

18,016

 

8,376

 

46,736

 

42,240

 

43,348

 

45,254

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

9,520

 

3,635

 

14,747

 

13,578

 

14,963

 

16,899

 

Amortization of goodwill (1)

 

 

 

 

 

2,695

 

2,701

 

Amortization of intangible assets(2)

 

10,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment charge on long lived assets (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,053

 

Business development, start-up costs and transition costs(4)

 

738

 

100

 

869

 

312

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

Transaction and reorganization expenses(5)

 

25

 

5,381

 

 

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt(5)

 

 

9,217

 

 

777

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(3,251

)

(9,957

)

31,120

 

27,573

 

25,690

 

24,594

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

13,491

 

2,498

 

13,017

 

12,236

 

12,660

 

13,693

 

Income tax (benefit) expense (6)

 

(6,350

)

(2,845

)

7,113

 

5,992

 

(11,539

)

5,218

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(10,464

)

$

(9,608

)

$

10,858

 

$

9,252

 

$

24,571

 

$

5,627

 

BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working capital (7)

 

$

25,324

 

$

14,551

 

$

15,372

 

$

14,828

 

$

14,748

 

$

9,881

 

Total assets

 

355,422

 

178,057

 

179,616

 

183,380

 

189,330

 

175,888

 

Total debt (8)

 

232,725

 

106,030

 

113,730

 

124,730

 

116,522

 

118,448

 

Total stockholder’s equity

 

$

101,330

 

$

39,064

 

$

48,793

 

$

43,068

 

$

61,303

 

$

40,320

 

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash from operating activities

 

$

6,702

 

$

2,982

 

$

21,402

 

$

19,903

 

$

12,162

 

$

20,607

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

(1,182

)

(330

)

(3,460

)

(1,164

)

(2,291

)

(3,543

)

Cash used in financing activities

 

(5,019

)

(8,205

)

(16,623

)

(19,846

)

(5,862

)

(19,323

)

Depreciation and goodwill amortization(9)

 

2,420

 

671

 

2,906

 

3,252

 

6,208

 

6,236

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

1,232

 

$

330

 

$

3,460

 

$

1,164

 

$

2,001

 

$

3,621

 

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(10)

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

2.3x

 

2.2x

 

2.0x

 

1.8x

 

 

17



 


(1)          As of January 1, 2002 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This statement requires goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life not be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. In accordance with SFAS No. 142 the Company ceased amortizing goodwill as of January 1, 2002 and tested for impairment finding there was no impairment. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally between 20 and 40 years. See Note 2(g) to the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for further discussion.

 

(2)          As of January 1, 2002 the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. This statement requires the identification and valuation of intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Identifiable intangible assets determined to have definitive lives must be amortized over those expected useful lives. Certain intangible assets with definitive lives were identified, and the amortization expense during the period from March 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004 relates to the amortization of these intangibles. See Note 3 to the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for further discussion.

 

(3)          Impairment charge on long-lived assets reflects the 2000 write-down of the roller hearth oven at the Company’s Amory, Mississippi manufacturing facility.

 

(4)          Reflects various start-up business expenses related to the opening of the Company’s composite manufacturing operation in southern China, and the related down-sizing costs incurred at the Company’s El Cajon California facility. For a more complete discussion of business development and start-up costs see Note 2(j) to the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

(5)          On January 30, 2004, TTS Holdings LLC, a new company formed by Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. and its affiliated funds (“Gilbert Global”), entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company’s direct parent company, True Temper Corporation, pursuant to which TTS Holdings LLC and certain of the Company’s senior management purchased all of the outstanding shares of True Temper Corporation. In connection with this acquisition, and effective on March 15, 2004, the Company repaid all of its outstanding 2002 senior credit facility, redeemed all of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, and made certain payments of the net remaining equity of the predecessor company to the selling shareholders. These payments were financed with the net proceeds of a new senior credit facility and new 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011. As a result of this transaction, the Company incurred certain expenses for legal, investment banking and other matters; and also recognized a loss on early extinguishment of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008. See Note 3 to the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for further discussion.

 

(6)          The 2001 income tax benefit reflects the elimination of the $17,600 valuation allowance.

 

(7)          Working capital includes current assets less current liabilities, excluding cash and cash equivalents.

 

(8)          Total debt includes both the current and long-term portions of debt and capital lease obligations.

 

(9)          Depreciation and goodwill amortization (goodwill amortization for years prior to 2002) excludes amortization of intangible assets and amortization of deferred financing cost.

 

(10)    Earnings in 2004 were insufficient to cover fixed costs.

 

18



 

Item 7Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION IN THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, INCLUDING THE RELATED NOTES, APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K.

 

Company Overview

 

We are a wholly owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation (“TTC”) and a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of both steel and composite graphite golf shafts for original equipment manufacturers and distributors in the golf equipment industry. In addition, we produce and sell a variety of performance sports products that offer high strength and tight tolerance components produced with steel alloys and composite carbon fiber graphite materials for the bicycle, hockey and other recreational sports markets. In 2004, golf shaft net sales represented 94% of total net sales, and performance sports net sales represented 6%.

 

Purchase Agreement for True Temper Corporation

 

On January 30, 2004, TTS Holdings LLC, a new company formed by Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. and its affiliated funds (“Gilbert Global”), entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company’s direct parent company, True Temper Corporation (“TTC”), pursuant to which TTS Holdings LLC and certain of the Company’s senior management purchased all of the outstanding shares of TTC (“Gilbert Global Acquisition”). In connection with this acquisition, and effective on March 15, 2004, the Company repaid all of its outstanding 2002 senior credit facility, redeemed all of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, and made certain payments of the net remaining equity of the predecessor company to the selling shareholders. These payments were financed with the net proceeds of a new senior credit facility and new 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011.

 

The Gilbert Global Acquisition was accounted for by the Company’s parent company using the purchase method of accounting. As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation, the Company has “pushed down” the effect of the purchase method of accounting to these financial statements. The Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes, shown in Item 8 of this annual report, present the historical cost basis results of the Company as “predecessor” through March 14, 2004, and the results of the Company as “successor” from March 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004, accordingly, certain elements of the successor company presentation are not comparable to the predecessor company due to the different basis of accounting.

 

For purposes of the following discussion, contained in Item 7 and 7A, regarding the Company’s results of operations and cash flow, the Company has combined the results of the predecessor and successor companies in order to compare the results to the prior year. Material variances caused by the different basis of accounting have been disclosed where applicable.

 

Year in Review – 2004

 

The past year was a challenging one for the golf industry in general, and for True Temper specifically. Several factors contributed to an overall decline in our revenue of approximately 15%. These issues are addressed more specifically in the following paragraphs, but the key drivers during 2004 centered around a build up of inventory throughout the distribution channel, and a scale back of the anticipated new product launches by golf club manufacturers into the retail market. These factors, combined with an active hurricane season that had a detrimental effect on golf in the key southeastern region, provided a significant headwind for us throughout the mid to later part of the year.

 

As we saw this decline in revenue developing on the top line, we took the necessary cost control initiatives in all areas of the Company. Our actions enabled us to deliver profitability on the lower sales base that was relatively close to our historical averages as a percentage of sales, after adjusting for purchase accounting related transactions.

 

In addition, during 2004 we completed the transition of substantially all of our composite golf and performance sports production from our El Cajon, California plant to our recently opened manufacturing facility in

 

19



 

Guangzhou, China. The transition went according to plan, and we are now well positioned for growth in our composite businesses.

 

Outlook for 2005

 

In 2005, we plan to expand and enhance our position within the golf market and grow our presence in the performance sports markets for hockey sticks and high end bicycle components.

 

In keeping with this plan we have recently developed and launched several new products for 2005, including:

 

                  Dynamic Gold SL, a steel golf shaft with the same playing characteristics as our original Dynamic Gold, but with a 20% reduction in weight;

 

                  Prototype Comp NT, a graphite golf shaft which combines the new nano-technology with our Blue tip technology for a stronger, more consistent carbon fiber alignment;

 

                  ProLaunch Irons, an extension of our successful driver shaft program into the graphite iron category.

 

In addition, we continue to develop and introduce new carbon fiber hockey and bicycle components to drive revenue growth in this segment of our business. For 2005 we have also installed a complete titanium tube production line, capable of manufacturing double butted titanium bicycle frame sets.

 

As noted above, we opened our China golf shaft manufacturing facility in 2004, and we believe this lower cost base will enable us to more effectively penetrate the mid-level graphite shaft market in 2005. This is a market segment that has not been available to us in the past, and we feel that we can now profitably increase our marketshare in graphite golf by targeting customers and product lines in this segment.

 

In addition to these internal growth and profitability drivers, we believe that the overall industry’s inventory position is better now than during 2004, and we anticipate a higher number of new product launches from major original equipment manufacturers during 2005 when compared to the prior year. These industry factors should also provide a vehicle for growth at True Temper during 2005.

 

Although we expect that these internal and external factors will favorably benefit our business, such outcomes are subject to uncertainties and unforeseeable factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. For instance, the recent trend toward shorter lead times in our customers’ ordering patterns has continued, and has reduced our ability to predict future sales. Although we believe that our expectations are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. Our actual future results may vary materially as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, a reduction in discretionary consumer spending, risks relating to our international expansion, including our unfamiliarity with foreign laws and regulations and generally unfavorable political conditions in the international markets in which we seek to expand, and a general downturn in the economy. See Item 1 “Risks Associated with Forward Looking Statements.”

 

20



 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth the components of net income as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

Successor Company

 

Combined Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Year Ended December 31,
2004

 

Year Ended December 31,
2003

 

Year Ended December 31,
2002

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

58.6

 

76.9

 

73.2

 

59.8

 

60.7

 

Gross profit

 

41.4

 

23.1

 

26.8

 

40.2

 

39.3

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

18.0

 

12.2

 

13.4

 

12.7

 

12.6

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

 

14.1

 

11.2

 

 

 

Business development, start-up and transition costs

 

0.5

 

0.9

 

0.9

 

0.7

 

0.3

 

Transaction and reorganization expenses

 

26.6

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

45.5

 

 

9.4

 

 

0.7

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(49.2

)

(4.2

)

(13.4

)

26.8

 

25.7

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

12.3

 

17.3

 

16.3

 

11.2

 

11.4

 

Other expenses, net

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

(61.5

)

(21.5

)

(29.8

)

15.5

 

14.2

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(14.1

)

(8.1

)

(9.3

)

6.1

 

5.6

 

Net income (loss)

 

(47.5

)%

(13.4

)%

(20.4

)%

9.3

%

8.6

%

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

Net sales for 2004 decreased $17.8 million, or 15.4%, to $98.4 million from $116.2 million in 2003. Net sales of golf shafts decreased by $17.4 million to $92.3 million in 2004 from $109.8 million in 2003. This decline in sales is driven by several factors which include:

 

      An overall reduction of major new club introductions during 2004, as many original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) repositioned their launch plans for 2005 in light of the year’s market conditions;

      Continued declines in shipments of certain products into the retail market, and discounting programs intended to clear the excess inventory of existing products through the distribution channel;

      A temporary shift in product mix within the Company’s premium steel shaft category, which caused a modest decline in the Company’s average selling price; and

      A decline in the Company’s graphite unit volume driven by weaker retail sell-through and demand from some of the Company’s major OEM partners.

 

During the second half of 2004, it also became apparent that the inventory levels in the distribution channel were somewhat larger than once thought, as the extensive channel clearing continued through year-end. In addition, the OEM product launch delays the Company was experiencing in the first half of the year became even more extended. In some cases they were repositioned as spring 2005 launches. The golf industry was also impacted by severe weather related events across the United States.

 

The Company believes that these unfavorable market dynamics are not isolated to individual customers or distribution channels, as sales to top OEM and golf distributors are flat to down at the majority of the Company’s key accounts.

 

21



 

Performance sports net sales decreased by $0.5 million to $6.0 million in 2004 from $6.5 million in 2003. This decline was driven primarily by a sales reduction in our hockey category as we continued to develop our product line and customer base in this new market.

 

Net sales to our international customers remained relatively flat compared to 2003 at $36.5 million. Net sales to our international customers as a percentage of total net sales increased to 37.1% in 2004 compared to 31.5% in 2003. This increase was driven by improved foreign currency exchange rates in Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia, and an increase in units shipped into Southeast Asia as major OEM’s continue to locate a portion of their golf club assembly in that region. These positive factors were somewhat offset by a decline in the unit sales volume in the United Kingdom as they experienced similar market factors as described above for the Company’s overall golf sales.

 

Gross Profit for the year decreased $20.3 million, or 43.5%, to $26.4 million in 2004 from $46.7 million in 2003. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.8% from 40.2% the prior year.

 

As a result of the application of purchase accounting to record the Gilbert Global Acquisition the Company increased the value of inventory, to reflect its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition, by $11.7 million which was subsequently reflected in cost of sales corresponding with the related subsequent sales activity during 2004. This inventory fair value adjustment and related recognition in cost of sales is a non-cash transaction and affects only the 2004 results of operations. The following two paragraphs describe the gross profit results of the Company excluding the impact of this purchase accounting adjustment.

 

Gross Profit for the year decreased $8.7 million, or 18.6%, to $38.1 million in 2004 from $46.7 million in 2003. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 38.7% from 40.2% the prior year. The Company’s gross profit margin decreased as a result of several factors, including (i) an increase in the cost of raw materials and natural gas, (ii) continued escalation in the cost of employee healthcare benefits, (iii) the unfavorable impact of certain fixed costs in the Company’s manufacturing facilities spread over a reduced unit volume, and (iv) an unfavorable product mix shift in the Company’s premium steel shaft category. These factors were somewhat offset by the favorable impact of (i) improved foreign currency exchange rates, (ii) increased selling prices on branded and other products, (iii) favorable operating improvements from productivity programs at the Company’s manufacturing facilities, and (iv) the impact of cost control actions initiated during 2004 in response to the softness on the revenue line.

 

In the second quarter of 2003 the Company paid a ratification bonus of $0.7 million to the hourly employees represented by the United Steelworkers of America related to a new four year collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2003. Excluding the impact of this ratification bonus, gross profit as a percentage of net sales would have decreased to 38.7% in 2004 from 40.8% in 2003.

 

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses for the year decreased approximately $1.6 million, or 10.8%, to $13.2 million in 2004 from $14.7 million in 2003. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 13.4% in 2004 from 12.7% the prior year. The decrease in total SG&A spending during 2004 resulted primarily from cost control actions initiated in response to the softness on the revenue line.

 

Amortization of Intangible Assets in 2004 was $11.0 million. Intangible assets were acquired in connection with the Gilbert Global Acquisition. Intangible assets with definitive lives are being amortized using a straight-line method over periods from 2 to 59 years.

 

Business Development, Start-Up Costs and Transition Costs remained relatively flat compared to 2003. In 2003 and 2004 these costs represent various start-up business expenses related to the opening of the Company’s composite manufacturing operation in Southern China, and the related down-sizing costs incurred at the Company’s El Cajon, California facility.

 

Transaction and Reorganization Expenses for the year were $5.4 million, and were incurred in conjunction with the sale and purchase agreement for TTC which closed on March 15, 2004. These transaction related expenses include (i) investment banking merger and acquisition fees, (ii) legal fees, and (iii) other incidental costs and expenses related to the sale of TTC. No such transaction and reorganization expenses were incurred during 2003.

 

22



 

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Long-Term Debt for the year was $9.2 million.  The costs recorded as loss on the early extinguishment of long term debt include (i) the write-off of the remaining deferred financing costs related to the Company’s 108 7/8% senior subordinated notes and the Company’s 2002 senior credit facility, and (ii) the early extinguishment call premium and related interest the Company incurred when it redeemed the 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes on March 15, 2004.  No long-term debt was extinguished during 2003.

 

Operating Income in 2004 decreased by $44.3 million, to a loss of $13.2 million compared to income of $31.1 million in 2003.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to a loss of 13.4% in 2004 from income of 26.8% in 2003.  This decrease reflects the profit impact of the items described above.

 

Excluding the impact of the inventory purchase accounting adjustment, amortization of intangible assets, transaction and reorganization expenses and the loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt in 2004 as well as the 2003 ratification bonus, operating income would have decreased approximately $7.7 million, or 24.3%, to $24.1 million from $31.8 million in 2003.  Operating income as a percentage of net sales would have decreased to 24.5% in 2004 from 27.4% in 2003.

 

Interest Expense for the year increased by $3.0 million, to $16.0 million in 2004 from $13.0 million in 2003.  This increase was driven primarily by the increase in outstanding principal amounts of variable rate bank debt and fixed rate bonds, offset somewhat by a decrease in interest rates on both the variable and fixed rate debt between periods.

 

Income Tax expense decreased by $16.3 million, to a $9.2 million benefit in 2004 from $7.1 million expense in 2003.  This decrease was driven primarily by the pretax expenses recorded as a result of the transaction and reorganization on March 15, 2004.  The effective tax rate during these periods differs from a federal statutory rate of 34% due primarily to the incremental tax rate for state and foreign income tax purposes.  For the period from January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004 the effective tax rate also differs due to the nondeductible nature of a portion of transaction and reorganization expenses.

 

Net Income in 2004 decreased by approximately $30.9 million, to a loss of $20.1 million from income of $10.9 million in 2003, and reflects the impact of the changes described above.

 

Excluding the impact of the inventory purchase accounting adjustment, amortization of intangible assets, transaction and reorganization expenses and the loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt in 2004 as well as the 2003 ratification bonus, net income in 2004 would have decreased by approximately $6.4 million to $4.9 million from $11.3 million in 2003.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

Net sales for 2003 increased $8.8 million, or 8.2%, to $116.2 million from $107.4 million in 2002.  Net sales of golf shafts increased by $7.0 million to $109.8 million in 2003 from $102.8 million in 2002.  The consolidated change in golf shaft sales was generated by the following drivers in each of our three major product categories:

 

                  Sales for premium grade steel golf shafts increased as more original golf equipment manufacturers introduced light-weight steel shafts as the stock component shaft in their new product launches.  The light-weight steel products have received favorable acceptance from the marketplace as they combine the lighter weight benefits of graphite shafts with the consistent performance of steel material.  In addition, we believe we have gained market share in the premium steel category as one of our competitors struggled to satisfy their customer delivery and quality requirements;

 

                  In 2003, we introduced a new line of graphite shafts known as Grafalloy Blue.  This shaft is an ultra-light graphite shaft designed specifically for today’s oversized drivers and incorporates a patent pending micro-mesh tip technology to deliver the optimum combination of tip stability and energy transfer for the big heads on drivers sold by many of the major original golf equipment manufacturers.  The product performed well and was used by several winners on the professional tours, helping to grow our graphite golf shaft sales by double digit rates between 2002 and 2003; and

 

23



 

                  The revenue gains in both the premium steel and graphite shaft categories were somewhat offset by a decline in the sales of commercial grade steel shafts.  Commercial grade steel shafts are used in the assembly of opening price point golf club sets that are distributed through mass channel retail stores.  These products are sold to entry-level players or lower income consumers who we believe were particularly affected by the recent sluggish economy.

 

Performance sports net sales increased by $1.9 million to $6.5 million in 2003 from $4.6 million in 2002.  This growth was driven by the market penetration for both our hockey stick products and component bicycle parts in the high end bicycle market.  In addition, market demand drove increased net sales for certain niche products within this category.

 

Net sales to our international customers increased $6.4 million, or 21.0%, to $36.6 million in 2003 from $30.3 million in 2002.  During the last several years, many North American original equipment manufacturers have elected to outsource their golf club assembly to third party producers in China.  This trend continued in 2003 as our exports into China increased significantly to support the migration of club assembly into the region.  In addition, net sales from our international operations benefited from an improvement in foreign currency exchange rates between years, and from improved unit sales volumes in the United Kingdom as we shared in the improved market penetration of our existing original golf equipment manufacturing customers.

 

Gross Profit for the year increased $4.5 million, or 10.6%, to $46.7 million in 2003 from $42.2 million in 2002.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 40.2% from 39.3% the prior year.  The increase in gross profit margin was generated by several positive factors, including:

 

                  An improved sales mix towards higher margin products such as light-weight steel and Grafalloy Blue;

 

                  The favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia; and

 

                  Favorable leverage on fixed manufacturing costs from increased sales volumes and productivity improvements on maturing new products.

 

These positive contributors to margin enhancement were somewhat offset by:

 

                  Increased costs for natural gas;

 

                  Increased costs for employee healthcare benefits, and

 

                  The impact of a $683,000 ratification bonus paid to the hourly employees represented by the United Steelworkers of America relating to a new four year collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2003 and expiring on June 30, 2007.

 

Excluding the cost of the union ratification bonus, gross profit for 2003 would have increased by $5.2 million, or 12.3%, from 2002, and gross profit as a percentage of net sales would have increased to 40.8% from 39.3%.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses for the year increased approximately $1.2 million, or 8.6%, to $14.7 million in 2003 from $13.6 million in 2002.  As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 12.7% in 2002 from 12.6% the prior year.  Selling, general and administrative spending increased between years to fund additional personnel costs for sales and marketing efforts and to record increased performance based management programs.

 

Business Development, Start-Up Costs and Transition Costs in 2003 were $0.9 million.  This amount is comprised of travel, professional and legal fees, personnel recruiting and compensation, facility rent, shipping and installation of equipment, and other start up business costs relating to opening a composite manufacturing operation in

 

24



 

Southern China, which are expensed as incurred.  These costs increased compared to the prior year as we hired local personnel, initiated rental payments, and began incurring costs incidental to initial training and operations.

 

Operating Income in 2003 increased by $3.5 million, or 12.9%, to $31.1 million from $27.6 million in 2002.  Effective January 1, 2002 we adopted Statement 145, Rescission of FASB Statements Nos. 4 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections, and as such its loss on the early extinguishment of debt in 2002 was recorded as a component of operating income.  In 2002, we refinanced our existing 1998 bank credit facility with a new loan agreement, the 2002 bank credit facility.  As a result we wrote off the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the 1998 bank credit facility.  We did not extinguish debt in 2003.  Excluding the effects of the union ratification bonus in 2003, the loss on early extinguishment of debt in 2002 and business development and start-up costs in both 2003 and 2002, operating income for 2003 would have increased by $4.0 million, or 14.0% from 2002 and operating income as a percentage of net sales would have increased to 28.1% from 26.7%.  The remainder of the change in operating income reflects the changes described above in sales, gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Interest Expense for the year increased by $0.8 million, to $13.0 million in 2003 from $12.2 million in 2002.  The increase was generated from a higher average outstanding balance of our term bank debt between periods partially offset by the lower weighted average interest rates on our variable rate debt between years.  At the end of 2002, we restructured our consolidated debt for both us and our parent company, TTC, by entering a the 2002 bank credit facility loan agreement for us and using the proceeds to issue dividends to TTC, which TTC then used to retire principal amounts on TTC’s outstanding senior discount notes.

 

Income Tax expense increased by $1.1 million, to $7.1 million in 2003 from $6.0 million in 2002.  The effective tax rate during these periods differs from a federal statutory rate of 34% due primarily to the incremental tax rate for state and foreign income tax purposes.

 

Net Income for the year 2003 increased to $10.9 million from $9.3 million in 2002, and reflects the impact of the changes described above.

 

Liquidity & Capital Resources

 

The following table shows cash flow activity by source.  Discussion of cash flow activity is noted below.

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

9,684

 

$

21,945

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

$

(1,512

)

$

(3,460

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

$

(13,224

)

$

(16,623

)

 

General

 

At the beginning of 2003 the Company had a senior credit facility (the “2002 Senior Credit Facility”) which included a $15.0 million non-amortizing revolving credit facility and a $25.0 million term loan.  Amounts under the revolving credit facility were available on a revolving basis through December 31, 2007.  The term loan required quarterly cash interest and principal payments beginning in March 2003 and continuing through December 2007.

 

In addition, the Company had $99.7 million in 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2008 (the “108 7/8% Notes”).  The 10 7/8% Notes required cash interest payments each June 1 and December 1, beginning June 1, 1999.  The 10 7/8% Notes were redeemable at the Company’s option, under certain circumstances and at certain redemption prices, beginning December 1, 2003.

 

As part of the Gilbert Global Acquisition the Company entered into a new senior credit facility (the “2004 Senior Credit Facility”) which includes a $20.0 million non-amortizing revolving credit facility and a $110.0 million Term B loan (as amended from time to time).  The term loan requires cash interest payments and quarterly principal payments beginning June 30, 2004 and continuing through March 15, 2011.

 

25



 

Also in conjunction with the Gilbert Global Acquisition the Company issued new 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (the “8 3/8% Notes”).  The 8 3/8% Notes require cash interest payments each March 15th and September 15th commencing on September 15, 2004.  The 8 3/8% Notes are redeemable at the Company’s option, under certain circumstances and at certain redemption prices, beginning March 15, 2008.

 

The Company used the proceeds from the 2004 Senior Credit Facility and the 8 3/8% Notes to pay off the existing debt that was outstanding at closing on March 15, 2004.  Also, a portion of the proceeds were used to pay a dividend to TTC in order that TTC could repay the outstanding balance on its senior discount notes which carried a 13.25% PIK interest rate or a 12.25% cash interest rate.

 

Both the 2004 Senior Credit Facility and the 8 3/8% Notes contain covenants and events of default, including substantial restrictions and provisions which, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, make acquisitions and capital expenditures, sell assets, create liens or other encumbrances, make certain payments and dividends, or merge or consolidate.  The 2004 Senior Credit Facility also requires the Company to maintain certain specified financial ratios and tests including minimum interest coverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, and maximum leverage ratios.  Furthermore, the 2004 Senior Credit Facility requires certain mandatory prepayments including payments from the net proceeds of certain asset sales and a portion of the Company’s excess cash flow as defined within the credit agreement.

 

On September 24, 2004 the Company executed an amendment to its 2004 Senior credit Facility (the “Amendment”).  The Amendment was approved by the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston acting as administrative agent and collateral agent, and by a majority of the lenders who were party to the 2004 Senior Credit Facility on such date.  The Amendment provided adjustments to certain specified financial ratios and tests included in the 2004 Senior Credit Facility.  As part of the Amendment, the margin adder on LIBOR based loans was increased from 2.50% to between 2.75% and 3.00%, depending on financial ratios, beginning September 24, 2004 and continuing through December 31, 2005.  At December 31, 2004 the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants in both the 2004 Senior Credit Facility and the 8 3/8% Notes.

 

Discussion of Cash Flows for Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

Cash provided by operating activities declined $12.3 million between periods, as net income declined due to the lower net sales during 2004.  In addition, the Company built inventory to facilitate the transition of graphite golf shaft production from its El Cajon, California facility to its newly established plant in Guangzhou, China, as well as in anticipation of stronger sales in future periods.

 

We used $1.5 million of cash to invest in property, plant and equipment in 2004, compared to the $3.5 million spent in 2003.

 

The Company used $13.2 million of net cash for financing activities in 2004 as compared to $16.6 million in 2003.  The 2004 activity included the proceeds from issuing the 2004 Senior Credit Facility and the proceeds from issuing the 8 3/8% Notes.  These proceeds, plus cash generated from operations during the first quarter, and cash on hand at the beginning of 2004 were used to (i) repay the outstanding principal and interest on the Company’s 2002 Senior Credit Facility, (ii) to redeem and repay the 108 7/8% Notes including their accrued and unpaid interest and early redemption call premium, (iii) to pay for debt issuance costs on the 2004 Senior Credit Facility and the 8 3/8% Notes, (iv) to pay for transaction and reorganization expenses, and (v) to issue a dividend to the Company’s parent company, TTC.

 

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company repaid $2.3 million of principal on its 2004 Senior Credit Facility.  The $2.3 million principal repayment included $0.3 million of mandatory payments and $2.0 million of voluntary prepayments.  As a result of this voluntary prepayment, the Company has no mandatory quarterly principal payments for the twelve month period following the date of the voluntary prepayment on September 24, 2004.

 

26



 

Discussion of Cash Flows for Years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

 

Cash provided by operating activities increased by $1.5 million to $21.4 million in 2003 from $19.9 million in 2002.  This growth was generated by a $1.6 million increase in our net income, which was partially offset by a slight increase in working capital requirements.

 

We used $3.5 million to invest in property, plant and equipment in 2003 compared to the $1.2 million we spent in 2002.  The capital expenditures in 2003 included approximately $800,000 in leasehold improvements and supplemental equipment purchases for our new composite graphite manufacturing facility in China.

 

In 2003, we repaid $11.0 million of principal on our 2002 bank credit facility.  In 2002, we repaid the remaining $16.5 million principal balance of our 1998 bank credit facility.  Effective December 31, 2002, we refinanced our 1998 bank credit facility as more fully described in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report.  Under the terms of our 2002 bank credit facility, we are required to pay $4.5 million in scheduled principal payments during 2004.

 

In 2003, we declared and made four quarterly dividends to our parent company, TTC, totaling $5.2 million.  These funds were used by our parent company to make quarterly interest payments on its senior discount notes, and to voluntarily repay a portion of the principal totaling $4.0 million.  In 2002, we declared and paid dividends to our parent company of $27.1 million to make quarterly interest payments on its senior discount notes and to voluntarily repay a portion of the outstanding principal.

 

In addition, in the first quarter of 2002, we repurchased $0.3 million of our existing notes in an open market repurchase program.

 

The following table reflects the Company’s contractual cash obligations for long-term debt and capital and operating leases as of December 31, 2004.

 

 

 

Total

 

2005

 

2006
through
2007

 

2008
through
2009

 

Thereafter

 

Long-Term Debt(1)

 

$

232.7

 

$

0.5

 

$

2.2

 

$

2.2

 

$

227.8

 

Operating Leases

 

3.0

 

1.1

 

1.4

 

0.5

 

 

Purchase Commitments (2)

 

$

0.3

 

$

0.3

 

 

 

 

Total(3)

 

$

236.0

 

$

1.9

 

$

3.6

 

$

2.7

 

$

227.8

 

 


(1)                                  Our long-term debt agreements contain customary change of control provisions that could, under certain circumstances, cause accelerated debt repayment.

 

(2)                                  Amount represents the purchase commitments of natural gas and nickel used in the manufacture of steel golf shafts at our Amory, Mississippi facility.

 

(3)                                  This table does not include our future obligations related to the funding of our pension benefits.

 

In addition to the debt service obligations for principal and interest payments, our liquidity needs largely relate to working capital requirements and capital expenditures for machinery and equipment.  We intend to fund our current and long term working capital, capital expenditure and debt service requirements through cash flow generated from operations.  However, since there can be no assurance of future performance, as of December 31, 2004 we have the $20.0 million revolving credit facility available for future cash requirements.  The maximum amount we may use of the $20.0 million revolving credit facility is limited by the financial covenants contained within the 2004 Senior Credit Facility.  See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report for further discussion of the 2004 Senior Credit Facility issued on March 15, 2004.

 

27



 

In addition to the contractual cash obligations noted in the table above, we also have a management services agreement with the principle common stock holder in our parent company, which requires the payment of an annual advisory fee of $0.5 million.

 

Depending on the size, any future acquisitions, joint ventures, capital expenditures or similar transactions may require significant capital resources in excess of cash provided from operations, and potentially in excess of cash available under the revolving credit facility.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the necessary capital under acceptable terms, from creditors or other sources that will be sufficient to execute any such business investment or capital expenditure.

 

Seasonality

 

In general, the component supplier sales to golf equipment companies and distributors are seasonal, and tend to precede the warm weather golf season.  However, there are exceptions, especially for those suppliers that sell to the high volume opening price point golf club manufacturers who sell their product through mass channel retail stores and generate strong volumes during the holiday gift-giving season.  Our business does experience some seasonal fluctuations, based on a five year average, approximately 55% of our net sales are generated in the first half of the year, and the remaining 45% of our net sales are generated in the second half.

 

Inflation

 

As a general rule we do not believe inflation has had a material impact on our historical results of operations, as we experience inflation trends that are consistent with the national averages and probably similar to other domestic manufacturers.

 

Nonetheless, as noted in our earlier disclosure regarding the changes in gross profit, we have experienced an increase in the cost of natural gas used for our steel plant operations in Amory, Mississippi.  Based upon current market prices and purchases of natural gas contracts for 2005, we expect natural gas costs to be flat to up slightly in 2005.

 

In addition, during 2004, we recognized an increase in insurance premiums for our employee health benefits coverage.  The health insurance premiums for one of our plans, covering a majority of our employees, increased consistent with the overall national average or healthcare coverage.  We expect that our increases in health benefit costs will again equal the national average in 2005.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require our management to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with absolute certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from our management’s estimates.  Such differences may be material to the financial statements.

 

We believe that our application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable under the circumstances.  These accounting policies and estimates are constantly reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change.  Historically, we have found our application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates.

 

Our accounting policies are more fully described in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report.  We have identified certain critical accounting policies which are described below.

 

    Revenue Recognition.  We derive substantially all of our revenue from the sales of golf shafts and performance sports products.  Revenue is recognized when all of the following conditions exist: (i) persuasive evidence of an

 

28



 

arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the revenue amount is determinable and (iv) collection is reasonably assured.  Liabilities are established for estimated returns, allowances, and discounts at the time revenue is recognized.

 

    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill.  We account for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (Statement 144) and evaluates our goodwill for impairment under Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Statement 142).  We evaluate our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis.  We periodically evaluates our long-lived assets, including goodwill, for indicators that would suggest that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.  The judgments regarding the existence of such indicators are based on factors such as operating performance, market conditions, and legal factors.  The valuation of our long-lived assets, including goodwill requires us to use our judgment in evaluating these indicators.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.  The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.

 

Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested annually for impairment, and are tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value.

 

    Valuation for Deferred Income Taxes.  Our financial statements include an estimate of income taxes assessed in each legal jurisdiction in which we operate.  These income taxes include both a current payable amount, as well as a deferred portion which results from a variety of temporary book versus tax treatment differences.  These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our balance sheet.  Once established, any deferred tax asset must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize the full amount.  When facts and circumstances warrant, we establish, increase or reduce valuation allowances associated with deferred tax assets in order to reflect which assets meet the more likely than not realizability test.

 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements Nos. 4 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections, which will affect income statement classification of gains and losses from extinguishment of debt.  Statement 145 considers extinguishment of debt a risk management strategy by the reporting entity and the FASB does not believe it should be considered extraordinary under the criteria in APB Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions (APB 30), unless the debt extinguishment meets the unusual in nature and infrequency of occurrence criteria in APB 30. Statement 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002 with early adoption encouraged.  We elected to adopt Statement 145 as of January 1, 2002, and as such our loss on the early extinguishment of debt in 2002 was recorded as a component of operating income.  We did not extinguish debt in 2001.

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity.  FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was issued in January 2003.  The Company will be required to apply FIN 46R to variable interests in VIEs created after December 31, 2003.  For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the Interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1,

 

29



 

2005. The adoption of FIN 46R is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

In May 2003, the FASB Issued Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity (“Statement 150”).  Statement 150 requires issuers to classify as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) financial instruments within the scope of the statement that embody obligations for the issuer.  Statement 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  The impact of adopting Statement 150 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised December 2004), Share-Based Payment (“Statement 123(R)”).  Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  Statement 123(R) will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements.  With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or the liability instruments issued.  In addition, liability awards will be remeasured each reporting period.  Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award.  Statement 123(R) is effective as of the beginning of the first interim reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005.  The Company does not believe the adoption of Statement 123(R) will have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by our Company.  This document contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, Item 1 of Part I, Business, and Item 7 of Part II, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we expect, plan, believe, hope, wish, forecast, predict, intend, or anticipate will occur in the future are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Act.

 

The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance.  However there are many risk factors, including but not limited to, the general state of the economy, the Company’s ability to execute its plans, competitive factors, and other risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the estimates or predictions contained in our Company’s forward-looking statements.  Additional information concerning the Company’s risk factors is contained from time to time in the Company’s public filings with the SEC; and most recently in the Business Risk section of Item 1 of Part 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

The Company’s views, estimates, plans and outlook as described within this annual report may change subsequent to the release of this statement.  The Company is under no obligation to modify or update any or all of the statements it has made herein despite any subsequent changes the Company may make in its views, estimates, plans or outlook for the future.

 

30



 

Item 7AQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The table below provides information about our debt obligations as of December 31, 2004 that are sensitive to changes in interest rates.  The table presents cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates (dollars in millions).

 

 

 

Expected Maturity Date

 

 

 

 

 

LONG TERM DEBT

 

2005

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fixed Rate 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

125.0

 

$

125.0

 

Average Interest Rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.38

%

8.38

%

Variable Rate Senior Credit Facility

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.1

 

$

1.1

 

$

102.8

 

$

107.7

 

Average Interest Rate (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.43

%

 


(a)          Variable rate long-term debt is comprised of term loans under the 2004 Senior Credit Facility, which provides for interest at our option, at (1) the base rate of the bank acting as administrative agent plus a margin adder of 2.00%, or (2) under a LIBOR option with a borrowing spread of LIBOR plus 2.50% to 3.00%, depending on certain financial ratios.

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity

 

We use forward foreign exchange contracts (“Instruments” or “Derivative Instruments”) in our management of foreign currency exchange rate exposures.  Instruments used as hedges must be effective at reducing the risks associated with the underlying exposure and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract.  Accordingly, changes in the market value of the Instruments must have a high degree of inverse correlation with changes in the market value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item.

 

We use Derivative Instruments to hedge several components of its revenue and cash collection stream, including, (i) anticipated foreign currency sales, (ii) accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies, and (iii) cash balances maintained in foreign currencies.

 

The changes in the market value of Derivative Instruments hedging anticipated foreign currency sales are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholder’s equity.  To the extent an instrument is no longer effective as a hedge due to a change in the underlying exposure, gains and losses are recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of cost of sales.

 

The changes in the market value of Derivative Instruments hedging accounts receivable or cash denominated in foreign currency are recognized as a component of operating income during the period of the change, as they are marked to market on a monthly basis.

 

Assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse change in all foreign currencies, with the resulting functional currency gains and losses translated into U.S. dollars at the spot rate, the loss in fair value of exchange contracts held on December 31, 2004, would be $0.6 million.  Those losses would be offset, in part, by gains on the underlying receivables and cash being hedged.  See note 2(h) to our consolidated financial statements located elsewhere in this annual report for further discussion of foreign currencies.

 

Commodity Risk

 

We have some exposure to risks associated with fluctuations in prices for commodities such as nickel and natural gas which are used to manufacture our products.  Nickel is used in the plating of steel golf shafts, and natural gas is used as an energy source primarily in our steel manufacturing operations.  In some cases we will purchase contracts to lock in prices for both nickel and natural gas to be delivered anywhere from one to twenty-four months from the date the contract is consummated.  As of December 31, 2004 we held either under contract or have purchased approximately 10% of our expected 2005 usage of natural gas, and none of our expected 2005 usage of nickel.

 

31



 

Item 8Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors
True Temper Sports, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of True Temper Sports, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2004 and the related consolidated statement of operations, stockholder’s equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the period from March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004.  We have also audited the consolidated balance sheet of the predecessor of the Company (the Predecessor) as of December 31, 2003 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholder’s equity and comprehensive income for the period from January 1, 2004 to March 14, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.  In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also audited the accompanying financial statement schedule.  These consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the financial statement 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 also 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of True Temper Sports, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004 and the financial position of the Predecessor as of December 31, 2003 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2004 to March 14, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the effect of the purchase method of accounting, which is a different basis of accounting than the Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements, which are reflected on a historical cost basis.  Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements are not comparable to the Predecessor’s consolidated financial statements.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Memphis, Tennessee

March 23, 2005

 

32



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 To December 31,

 

Period from January 1 To March 14,

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

NET SALES

 

$

78,120

 

$

20,247

 

$

116,206

 

$

107,401

 

Cost of sales

 

60,104

 

11,871

 

69,470

 

65,161

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

18,016

 

8,376

 

46,736

 

42,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

9,520

 

3,635

 

14,747

 

13,578

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

10,984

 

 

 

 

Business development, start-up costs and transition costs

 

738

 

100

 

869

 

312

 

Transaction and reorganization expense

 

25

 

5,381

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt

 

 

9,217

 

 

777

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

(3,251

)

(9,957

)

31,120

 

27,573

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

13,491

 

2,498

 

13,017

 

12,236

 

Other expenses, net

 

72

 

(2

)

132

 

93

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

(16,814

)

(12,453

)

17,971

 

15,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(6,350

)

(2,845

)

7,113

 

5,992

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

(10,464

)

$

(9,608

)

$

10,858

 

$

9,252

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

33



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation)

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 31, 2003

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

3,337

 

$

8,389

 

Receivables, net

 

14,578

 

15,612

 

Inventories

 

21,910

 

15,656

 

Deferred financing costs

 

1,449

 

651

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,084

 

1,620

 

Total current assets

 

43,358

 

41,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

13,407

 

15,026

 

Goodwill, net

 

150,883

 

71,506

 

Intangible assets, net

 

146,266

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net

 

 

47,902

 

Deferred financing costs, net

 

6,504

 

2,348

 

Other assets

 

407

 

906

 

Total assets

 

$

360,825

 

$

179,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

545

 

$

4,500

 

Accounts payable

 

4,356

 

4,992

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

9,796

 

8,675

 

Total current liabilities

 

14,697

 

18,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability, net

 

5,403

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

232,180

 

109,230

 

Other liabilities

 

7,215

 

3,426

 

Total liabilities

 

259,495

 

130,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock — par value $0.01 per share; authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 100 shares

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

111,943

 

40,326

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

(10,464

)

8,796

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

(149

)

(329

)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

101,330

 

48,793

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

 

$

360,825

 

$

179,616

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

34



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

Predecessor Company

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Paid In Capital

 

Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit)

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Par Value

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2001

 

100

 

$

 

$

40,326

 

$

20,977

 

$

 

$

61,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

9,252

 

 

9,252

 

Minimum pension liability, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(403

)

(403

)

Comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,849

 

Dividends declared to parent company

 

 

 

 

(27,084

)

 

(27,084

)

Balance at December 31, 2002

 

100

 

$

 

$

40,326

 

$

3,145

 

$

(403

)

$

43,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

10,858

 

 

10,858

 

Minimum pension liability, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(118

)

(118

)

Mark to market adjustment on derivative instruments, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

192

 

192

 

Comprehensive income, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,932

 

Dividends declared to parent company

 

 

 

 

(5,207

)

 

(5,207

)

Balance at December 31, 2003

 

100

 

$

 

$

40,326

 

$

8,796

 

$

(329

)

$

48,793

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss for the period from January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004

 

 

 

 

(9,608

)

 

(9,608

)

Mark to market adjustment on derivative instruments, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(121

)

(121

)

Comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,729

)

Balance at March 14, 2004

 

100

 

$

 

$

40,326

 

$

(812

)

$

(450

)

$

39,064

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

35



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Paid In Capital

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Par Value

 

 

 

 

Total

 

Initial capitalization and acquisition of Predecessor Company at March 15, 2004

 

 

$

 

$

112,715

 

$

 

$

 

$

112,715

 

Subsequent adjustment to initial capitalization for final working capital amount

 

 

 

(772

)

 

 

(772

)

Net loss for the period from March 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

(10,464

)

 

(10,464

)

Minimum pension liability, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(164

)

(164

)

Mark to market adjustment on derivative instruments, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

15

 

15

 

Comprehensive loss, net of taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(10,613

)

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

100

 

$

 

$

111,943

 

$

(10,464

)

$

(149

)

$

101,330

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

36



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation)

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 To December 31,

 

Period from January 1 To March 14,

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(10,464

)

$

(9,608

)

$

10,858

 

$

9,252

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2,420

 

671

 

2,906

 

3,252

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

1,034

 

109

 

632

 

697

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

10,984

 

 

 

 

Inventory fair value adjustment recorded in cost of sales

 

11,663

 

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

 

40

 

 

89

 

80

 

Transaction and reorganization expenses

 

25

 

5,381

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt

 

 

9,217

 

 

777

 

Deferred taxes

 

(6,432

)

(2,898

)

6,883

 

5,770

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

(255

)

1,273

 

(529

)

(1,624

)

Inventories

 

(3,454

)

(2,800

)

(601

)

(1,614

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(463

)

(68

)

(422

)

(115

)

Accounts payable

 

(2,015

)

1,379

 

(1,007

)

1,609

 

Accrued interest

 

3,761

 

1,993

 

222

 

(25

)

Other liabilities

 

(142

)

(1,667

)

2,371

 

1,844

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

6,702

 

2,982

 

21,402

 

19,903

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

(1,232

)

(330

)

(3,460

)

(1,164

)

Proceeds from the sales of property, plant and equipment

 

50

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,182

)

(330

)

(3,460

)

(1,164

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of bank debt

 

110,000

 

 

 

25,000

 

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Subordinated Notes

 

125,000

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on bank debt

 

(2,275

)

(7,700

)

(11,000

)

(16,504

)

Repurchase of Senior Subordinated Notes

 

 

 

 

(270

)

Premium paid to repurchase Senior Subordinated Notes

 

 

 

 

(12

)

Principal payments on capital leases

 

 

 

 

(18

)

Repay bank debt, including accrued interest

 

(6,335

)

 

 

 

Call senior subordinated notes, including accrued interest and call premiums

 

(109,160

)

 

 

 

Payment of debt issuance costs

 

(8,678

)

 

(278

)

(844

)

Dividends paid

 

 

 

(5,207

)

(27,084

)

Distribution of net equity to selling shareholders

 

(102,518

)

 

 

 

Transaction and reorganization expenses, including cash payments for direct acquisition costs

 

(10,805

)

(463

)

 

 

Other financing activity

 

(248

)

(42

)

(138

)

(114

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(5,019

)

(8,205

)

(16,623

)

(19,846

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

501

 

(5,553

)

1,319

 

(1,107

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

2,836

 

8,389

 

7,070

 

8,177

 

Cash at end of year

 

$

3,337

 

$

2,836

 

$

8,389

 

$

7,070

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

37



 

TRUE TEMPER SPORTS, INC.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation)

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollars in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

 

(1)  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

True Temper Sports, Inc. (“True Temper” or the “Company”) is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of steel and composite golf shafts as well as a variety of other high strength, tight tolerance tubular components for the bicycle, automotive and recreational sports markets.  True Temper’s manufacturing plants and related facilities are located in Memphis, Tennessee, Amory and Olive Branch, Mississippi, El Cajon, California and Guangzhou, China.  The majority of True Temper’s sales are to golf club manufacturers and distributors primarily located in the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia.  True Temper operates as a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of True Temper Corporation.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of True Temper and its majority owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

On January 30, 2004, TTS Holdings LLC, a new company formed by Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. and its affiliated funds (“Gilbert Global”), entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company’s direct parent company, True Temper Corporation, pursuant to which TTS Holdings LLC and certain of the Company’s senior management purchased all of the outstanding shares of True Temper Corporation.  In connection with this acquisition, and effective on March 15, 2004, the Company repaid all of its outstanding 2002 senior credit facility, redeemed all of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, and made certain payments of the net remaining equity of the predecessor company to the selling shareholders.  These payments were financed with the net proceeds of a new senior credit facility and new 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011.

 

This transaction was accounted for by the Company’s parent company using the purchase method of accounting.  As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation, the Company has “pushed down” the effect of the purchase method of accounting to these financial statements.  These financial statements and accompanying notes present the historical cost basis results of the Company as “predecessor company” through March 14, 2004, and the results of the Company as “successor company” from March 15, 2004 through December 31, 2004, accordingly, the successor company presentation is not comparable to the predecessor company presentation due to the different basis of accounting.  The financial statements have also been separated by a vertical dashed line into predecessor company and successor company results.

 

(2)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)                                  Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is generally recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the revenue amount is determinable and collection is reasonably assured.  Valuation allowances are established for estimated returns, allowances and discounts at the time revenue is recognized.

 

(b)                                  Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment; valuation allowances for receivables, inventories and deferred income tax assets;

 

38



 

environmental liabilities; valuation of derivative instruments; and assets and obligations related to employee benefits.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(c)                                  Trade Accounts Receivable

 

Trade receivables are net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $915 and $832 as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

(d)                                  Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method.

 

(e)                                  Deferred Financing Costs

 

Costs associated with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized as a component of interest expense over the life of the related debt, using a method that approximates the interest method.

 

(f)                                    Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is stated on a historical cost basis, net of accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful life of each asset using the straight-line method.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life or the applicable lease term including option periods when appropriate.  In general the estimated useful lives for both predecessor and successor companies are as follows:

 

Asset Category

 

Life

 

Buildings

 

15–40 years

 

Furniture and office equipment

 

10–15 years

 

Machinery and equipment

 

8–15 years

 

Computers and related equipment

 

2–4 years

 

Leasehold improvements

 

6–15 years

 

Assets held for use — not currently used for production

 

8 years

 

 

(g)                                 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired.  The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002.  Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142.  SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

 

In connection with SFAS No. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Company performed an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption.  To accomplish this, the Company was required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units as of January 1, 2002.  The Company was required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit within six months of January 1, 2002.  To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would be required to perform the second step of the transitional impairment test, as this is an indication that

 

39



 

the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired.  The Company was not required to perform the second step for any reporting unit, as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.  The Company’s policy is to test its reporting amount of goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis in the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter or sooner if a goodwill impairment indicator is identified.  No goodwill impairment was identified during the Company’s 2004 testing.

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally between 20 and 40 years, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation.

 

(h)                                 Derivative Instruments and Foreign Currencies

 

The Company uses forward foreign exchange contracts (“Instruments” or “Derivative Instruments”) in its management of foreign currency exchange rate exposures.  Instruments used as hedges must be effective at reducing the risks associated with the underlying exposure and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract.  Accordingly, changes in the market value of the Instruments must have a high degree of inverse correlation with changes in the market value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item.

 

The Company uses Derivative Instruments to hedge several components of its revenue and cash collection stream, including, (i) anticipated foreign currency sales, (ii) accounts receivable denominated in foreign currencies, and (iii) cash balances maintained in foreign currencies.

 

The changes in the market value of Derivative Instruments hedging anticipated foreign currency sales are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in consolidated stockholder’s equity.  To the extent an instrument is no longer effective as a hedge due to a change in the underlying exposure, gains and losses are recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of cost of sales.

 

The changes in the market value of Derivative Instruments hedging accounts receivable or cash denominated in foreign currency are recognized as a component of operating income during the period of the change, as they are marked to market on a monthly basis.

 

True Temper recorded a gain in operations on foreign currency in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 of $39 and $215, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes the contractual notional amounts of True Temper’s forward exchange contracts as of December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Successor Company
2004

 

Predecessor Company
2003

 

Pound Sterling

 

$

3,405

 

$

2,937

 

Yen

 

1,761

 

5,951

 

Australian dollar

 

940

 

908

 

Total

 

$

6,106

 

$

9,796

 

 

(i)                                    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

SFAS No. 144 provides a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of.  SFAS No. 144 also changes the criteria for classifying an asset as held for sale; and broadens the scope of businesses to be disposed of that qualify for reporting as discontinued operations and changes the timing of recognizing losses on such operations.

 

40



 

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.  The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet.

 

(j)                                    Business development, start-up costs and transition costs

 

Costs associated with business development, start-up and transition costs are comprised, primarily, of costs related to opening a composite manufacturing operation in Guangzhou, China and the related down-sizing costs incurred at the Company’s El Cajon, California facility.  These costs include travel, consulting, legal and other professional services, personnel recruiting and compensation, facility rent and other start-up and related shutdown costs.  The costs are expensed as incurred and separately identified on the statement of operations as a component of operating income.

 

(k)                                Advertising and Promotional Costs

 

Advertising and promotional costs are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Position 93-7 “Reporting on Advertising Costs”, which requires that the cost of producing advertisements be expensed at the time of the first showing of the advertisement or as incurred.  True Temper’s policy is to expense costs associated with the production of advertising at the time of first showing of the advertisement.  Advertising and promotional costs primarily consist of trade show costs, media spots including print, radio and television, advertising production and agency fees, sponsorships, and product and promotional samples.  Advertising and promotional expense was $1,155 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $2,314 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $3,106 and $3,555 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  Certain of the Company’s customers participate in a cooperative advertising program where the Company agrees to reimburse these customers for a portion of their advertising costs that feature the Company’s product.  Cooperative advertising costs are shown as a reduction of sales.

 

(l)                                    Research and Development Costs

 

Costs associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses.  Research and development costs were $328 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $1,180 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $1,501 and $1,194 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

(m)                              Post-Retirement Benefits

 

True Temper’s hourly union employees at its Amory, Mississippi plant are covered by a non-contributory defined benefit plan.  The defined benefit plan is funded in conformity with funding requirements of applicable government regulations.  Benefits are based on a negotiated, fixed amount multiplied by the employee’s length of service.  In addition to the defined benefit plan, these same employees receive certain post-retirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits.

 

41



 

True Temper’s salaried employees are covered by a non-contributory defined contribution plan.  Company contributions to this plan are based on the employee’s age and are calculated as a percentage of compensation.  This plan is funded on a current basis.  In addition to the non-contributory defined contribution plan, certain post-retirement medical, dental and life insurance benefits are provided to those salaried employees who were employed by the Company prior to January 1, 2000.

 

All employees of True Temper are eligible to participate in a company sponsored 401(k) plan.  The Company’s contribution to this plan is calculated as a percentage of the employee’s compensation and the employee’s contribution.  All Company contributions to this plan are paid in cash.

 

(n)                                 Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

(o)                                  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of financial instruments represents the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than a forced sale or liquidation.  Significant differences can arise between the fair value and carrying amount of financial instruments that are recognized at historical cost amounts.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by True Temper in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

 

Cash, Trade Receivables and Payables — The amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value.

 

Long-Term Debt — The carrying values of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates fair value.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt is based upon interest rates available for the issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.  As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes had an estimated fair value of $116.3 million.

 

Foreign Currency Contracts — The fair value of forward exchange contracts is estimated using prices established by financial institutions for comparable instruments which was approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2004.

 

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on information available to management as of December 31, 2004.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

 

(p)                                  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting

 

42



 

rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity.  FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was issued in January 2003.  The Company will be required to apply FIN 46R to variable interests in VIEs created after December 31, 2003.  For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the Interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1, 2005.  The adoption of FIN 46R did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149, Amendment of Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“Statement 149”).  Statement 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.  Statement 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003.  The impact of adopting Statement 149 did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

In May 2003, the FASB Issued Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity (“Statement 150”).  Statement 150 requires issuers to classify as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances) financial instruments within the scope of the statement that embody obligations for the issuer.  Statement 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  The impact of adopting Statement 150 did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised December 2004), Share-Based Payment (“Statement 123(R)”).  Statement 123(R) replaces FASB Statement 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  Statement 123(R) will require compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions to be recognized in the financial statements.  With limited exceptions, the amount of compensation cost will be measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity or the liability instruments issued.  In addition, liability awards will be remeasured each reporting period.  Compensation cost will be recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award.  Statement 123(R) is effective as of the beginning of the first interim reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005.  The Company does not believe the adoption of Statement 123(R) will have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole.

 

(q)                                  Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

 

Cash payments for income taxes and interest are as follows:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Income taxes

 

$

89

 

$

174

 

$

162

 

$

120

 

Interest

 

$

8,789

 

$

348

 

$

12,265

 

$

11,728

 

 

 

43



 

(r)                                  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The accumulated balances for each classification within accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

 

 

 

Derivative Instruments Mark to Market Adjustment

 

Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

Predecessor Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

$

 

$

(403

)

$

(403

)

 

 

 

Current year change

 

192

 

(118

)

74

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

 

$

192

 

$

(521

)

$

(329

)

 

 

 

Current period change

 

(121

)

 

(121

)

 

 

 

March 14, 2004

 

$

71

 

$

(521

)

$

(450

)

 

 

 

Successor Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current period change

 

(56

)

357

 

301

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

$

15

 

$

(164

)

$

(149

)

 

 

 

 

(3)  ACQUISITIONS

 

On January 30, 2004, TTS Holdings LLC, a new company formed by Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. and its affiliated funds (“Gilbert Global”), entered into a stock purchase agreement with the Company’s direct parent company, True Temper Corporation, pursuant to which TTS Holdings LLC and certain of the Company’s senior management purchased all of the outstanding shares of True Temper Corporation.  In connection with this acquisition, and effective on March 15, 2004, the Company repaid all of its outstanding 2002 senior credit facility, redeemed all of its 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008, and made certain payments of the net remaining equity of the predecessor company to the selling shareholders.  These payments were financed with the net proceeds of a new senior credit facility and new 8 3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011.  These debt instruments are further described in Note 7 below.

 

The purchase price as stipulated in the January 30, 2004 stock purchase agreement totaled $342.0 million, plus direct acquisition costs and certain working capital adjustments of $18.4 million, less a purchase price adjustment for final working capital of $0.8 million.  Following is the allocation of the total consideration paid:

 

Current assets, excluding inventory

 

 

 

 

$

20,086

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

 

 

 

 

30,119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade name

 

$

19,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patented technology

 

 

11,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased customer relationships

 

 

121,524

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease contract

 

 

4,323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total identifiable intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

157,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

14,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net, existing at acquisition date

 

 

 

 

 

51,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets related to acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

10,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred financing costs

 

 

 

 

 

7,366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

150,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets

 

 

 

 

 

95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(12,475

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability related to intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

(59,680

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability related to fair value of inventory

 

 

 

 

 

(4,432

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(6,656

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

$

359,658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44



 

This transaction was accounted for by the Company’s parent company using the purchase method of accounting.  As the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of True Temper Corporation, the Company has “pushed down” the effect of the purchase method of accounting to these financial statements.

 

In connection with the acquisition, the Company conducted an assessment and valuation of all tangible and intangible assets acquired.  The results of this exercise are reflected in the allocation table above.  Of particular note was (i) the establishment of intangible assets in an aggregate amount of approximately $157.3 million based on both internal Company assessments and a thorough study conducted by an independent firm specializing in intangible asset valuation; and (ii) the write-up of inventory by approximately $11.7 million to reflect the estimated fair value of inventory at the date of acquisition.  Both of these adjustments were completed in compliance with the purchase accounting prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, which the Company adopted on January 1, 2002.

 

The establishment of the intangible assets results in certain non-cash amortization expense beginning in 2004, as these intangible assets are amortized over their expected economic lives.  The write-up of inventory to its estimated fair value results in a non-cash charge to cost of sales in 2004 totaling $11.7 million.

 

In addition, at the time of the transaction the predecessor company recorded certain transaction related expenses totaling $5.4 million.  These expenses consist primarily of investment banking merger and acquisition fees, legal fees and other incidental costs and expenses typically incurred in an acquisition of this nature.

 

Also, as a direct result of the early extinguishment of the predecessor company’s long term debt, expenses totaling $9.2 million were incurred consisting primarily of the write-off of the remaining deferred financing costs related to the 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2008 and the 2002 senior credit facility, and the early extinguishment call premium and related interest incurred when the Company redeemed the 10 7/8% senior subordinated notes on March 15, 2004.

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information is presented as if the aforementioned transaction, and all related purchase accounting adjustments, had occurred as of the beginning of each period presented.  The pro forma amounts contain certain adjustments, including, (i) an adjustment to interest expense to reflect the extinguishment of the 10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 and the 2002 senior credit facility, and the issuance of the 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and 2004 senior credit facility, (ii) the elimination of transaction and reorganization expenses, the loss on early extinguishment of long term debt, and the non-cash cost of sales charge related to the fair value of inventory write-up, which are all non-recurring, (iii) the additional charge to operating income for the amortization of intangible assets and (iv) the related tax effect of the adjustments described above.

 

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Net sales

 

$

98,367

 

$

116,206

 

$

107,401

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

(6,633

)

$

363

 

$

(3,145

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

(4,203

)

$

(59

)

$

(2,150

)

 

Intangible Asset Carrying Value

 

As described above, the Company established certain intangible assets as a result of the application of purchase accounting to the acquisition on March 15, 2004.  The following table sets forth the gross value and accumulated amortization for these intangible assets at December 31, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Value

 

Weighted Average Amortization Period

 

Accumulated Amortization

 

Trade name

 

$

19,455

 

 

 

$

 

Patented technology

 

11,686

 

8.0 yrs

 

1,158

 

Purchased customer relationships

 

121,524

 

10.0 yrs

 

9,664

 

Lease contract

 

4,323

 

59.0 yrs

 

58

 

Other

 

262

 

2.0 yrs

 

104

 

Total

 

$

157,250

 

 

 

 

$

10,984

 

 

45



 

The following table sets forth the estimated aggregate amortization expense for these intangible assets at December 31, 2004.

 

 

 

Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

$

13,817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

13,713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

13,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

13,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

13,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)  INVENTORIES

 

Inventories, as of December 31 of the year indicated, consist of the following:

 

 

 

Successor
Company
2004

 

Predecessor
Company
2003

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

4,601

 

$

2,287

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work in process

 

2,182

 

2,067

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

15,127

 

11,302

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

21,910

 

$

15,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Major classes of property, plant and equipment, as of December 31 of the year indicated, are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Successor
Company
2004

 

Predecessor
Company
2003

 

 

 

 

 

Land improvements

 

$

372

 

$

342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

 

7,329

 

7,123

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture and office equipment

 

870

 

815

 

 

 

 

 

Machinery and equipment

 

44,757

 

43,167

 

 

 

 

 

Computer equipment and capitalized software

 

2,762

 

2,439

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold improvements

 

2,498

 

2,233

 

 

 

 

 

Assets held for use — not currently used in production

 

1,265

 

1,265

 

 

 

 

 

Construction in progress

 

306

 

1,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

60,159

 

58,889

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

46,752

 

43,863

 

 

 

 

 

Net property, plant and equipment

 

$

13,407

 

$

15,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $671 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $2,420 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $2,906 and $3,252 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

(6)  OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

Other current liabilities, as of December 31 of the year indicated, consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

Successor
Company
2004

 

Predecessor
Company
2003

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued compensation, benefits and related payroll taxes

 

4,051

 

5,257

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest

 

3,769

 

1,161

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

1,976

 

2,257

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

9,796

 

$

8,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46



 

(7)  BORROWINGS

 

(a)                                  Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt at December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Successor
Company
2004

 

Predecessor
Company
2003

 

 

 

 

 

10 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008

 

$

 

$

99,730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 senior credit facility

 

 

14,000

 

 

 

 

 

3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011

 

125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004 senior credit facility

 

107,725

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

232,725

 

113,730

 

 

 

 

 

Less current maturities

 

545

 

4,500

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

232,180

 

$

109,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 8 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (the “Notes”) provide for semi-annual interest payments, in arrears, due on March 15 and September 15.  At the option of the Company, up to 35% of the Notes are redeemable prior to March 15, 2007, at 108.375%, with the net cash proceeds of one or more public equity offerings.  In addition, at any time prior to March 15, 2008, the Company may also redeem all or a part of the Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control.  On or after March 15, 2008 the Notes may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of 104.188% beginning March 15, 2008 and declining ratably thereafter to 100.000% on March 15, 2010.

 

The 2004 senior credit facility has a maturity date of March 15, 2011, and provides for interest on the term loan, at the Company’s option, at (i) the base rate of the bank acting as administrative agent plus a margin adder of 2.00%, or (ii) under a LIBOR option with a borrowing spread of LIBOR plus 2.50% to 3.00%, depending on financial ratios.  The Company’s weighted average rate at December 31, 2004 was 5.43%.

 

The loans under the 2004 senior credit facility are senior to the Notes, and are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.

 

The 2004 senior credit facility and the Notes contain provisions which, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) make acquisitions and capital expenditures, (iii) sell assets, (iv) create liens or other encumbrances, (v) make certain payments and dividends, or (vi) merge or consolidate.  In addition, both the senior credit facility and the Notes contain customary change of control provisions that could, under certain circumstances, cause accelerated debt repayment.  The 2004 senior credit facility also requires the Company to maintain certain specified financial ratios and tests including minimum interest coverage and fixed charge coverage ratios, and maximum leverage ratios.

 

On September 24, 2004 the Company executed an amendment to its 2004 senior credit facility (the “Amendment”).  The Amendment was approved by the Company, Credit Suisse First Boston acting as administrative agent and collateral agent, and by a majority of the lenders who were party to the 2004 senior credit facility on such date.  The Amendment provided adjustments to certain specified financial ratios and tests included in the 2004 senior credit facility.  As part of the Amendment, the margin adder on LIBOR based loans was increased from 2.50% to between 2.75% and 3.00%, depending on financial ratios, beginning September 24, 2004 and continuing through December 31, 2005.   At December 31, 2004 the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants in both the 2004 senior credit facility and the Notes.

 

47



 

At December 31, 2004, future minimum principal payments on long-term debt were as follows:

 

2005

 

545

 

2006

 

1,091

 

2007

 

1,091

 

2008

 

1,091

 

2009

 

1,091

 

Thereafter

 

227,816

 

Total

 

$

232,725

 

 

(b)                                  Line of Credit

 

The Company may borrow, through March 15, 2009, up to $20.0 million under a revolving credit agreement included in the 2004 senior credit facility.  Borrowings under the agreement are subject to the same provisions described in the long term debt section of this Note.  The Company had no outstanding borrowings under this line of credit as of December 31, 2004.

 

(8)  INCOME TAXES

 

Total income taxes for the periods indicated were allocated as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

For the year ended December 31,
2003

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

(6,350

)

$

(2,845

)

$

7,113

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional minimum pension expense

 

100

 

 

(72

)

 

 

Mark to market adjustment on derivative instruments

 

(9

)

(74

)

118

 

 

 

Total income taxes

 

$

(6,259

)

$

(2,919

)

$

7,159

 

 

 

 

 

The income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income for continuing operations, for the periods indicated, is as follows:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

State

 

30

 

10

 

40

 

40

 

Foreign

 

52

 

43

 

190

 

182

 

Total current

 

82

 

53

 

230

 

222

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(5,425

)

(2,439

)

5,795

 

4,858

 

State

 

(1,007

)

(459

)

1,088

 

912

 

Total deferred

 

(6,432

)

(2,898

)

6,883

 

5,770

 

Total

 

$

(6,350

)

$

(2,845

)

$

7,113

 

$

5,992

 

 

48



 

The actual income tax expense attributable to income for continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal tax rate of 34% to the pretax earnings as a result of the following:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Computed “expected” tax expense

 

$

(5,717

)

$

(4,235

)

$

6,110

 

$

5,183

 

State tax, net of federal benefit

 

(645

)

(296

)

744

 

628

 

Foreign taxes

 

52

 

43

 

190

 

182

 

Transaction Expenses

 

 

1,643

 

 

 

Other

 

(40

)

 

69

 

(1

)

Actual income tax expense (benefit)

 

$

(6,350

)

$

(2,845

)

$

7,113

 

$

5,992

 

 

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Successor
Company

 

Predecessor
Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

$

40,646

 

$

45,461

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

1,440

 

1,670

 

 

 

Asset impairment

 

 

 

704

 

704

 

 

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

 

7,129

 

889

 

 

 

Facility start-up costs

 

 

 

343

 

444

 

 

 

Pension liability

 

 

 

695

 

319

 

 

 

Post retirement benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

 

1,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uniform capitalization

 

 

 

140

 

161

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

 

 

 

52,479

 

49,648

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable intangible assets

 

 

 

 

$

(55,511

)

$

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

(2,275

)

(1,614

)

 

 

Mark to market adjustment on derivative instruments

 

 

(118

)

 

 

Other

 

 

 

(96

(14

)

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

 

 

 

$

(5,406

)

$

47,902

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $18,700 which expire between 2020 and 2024 and $150 alternative minimum tax credit carry forward which is carried forward indefinitely.

 

(9) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

True Temper Sports, Inc. has a qualified pension plan and a post-retirement benefit plan for the hourly union employees at its Amory, Mississippi plant. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligation, fair value of assets and a statement of the plans’ funded status for the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the qualified pension plan for the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

49



 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

Reconciliation of benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

16,547

 

$

15,687

 

$

12,383

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

406

 

180

 

460

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

764

 

203

 

832

 

 

 

Plan amendments

 

 

 

1,422

 

 

 

Actuarial losses

 

(91

)

543

 

966

 

 

 

Benefit payments

 

(253

)

(66

)

(376

)

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

17,373

 

$

16,547

 

$

15,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

13,374

 

$

13,145

 

$

11,628

 

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

266

 

295

 

1,893

 

 

 

Benefit payments

 

(253

)

(66

)

(376

)

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

13,387

 

$

13,374

 

$

13,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded status at December 31

 

$

(3,986

)

$

(3,173

)

$

(2,542

)

 

 

 

Unrecognized prior service costs

 

 

 

1,422

 

 

 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

505

 

 

1,067

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

(3,481

)

$

(3,173

)

$

(53

)

 

 

 

 

The following table provides the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position for the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

Prepaid benefit cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

 

 

Accrued benefit liability

 

(3,746

)

(2,923

)

(2,315

)

 

 

Intangible asset

 

 

 

1,422

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

265

 

(250

)

840

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

 

$

(3,481

)

$

(3,173

)

$

(53

)

 

 

 

 

The following table provides the components of net periodic expense (income) for the defined benefit pension plans for the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

50



 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Service cost of benefits earned during the year

 

$

406

 

$

180

 

$

460

 

$

337

 

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

 

764

 

203

 

832

 

765

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(862

)

(227

)

(964

)

(1,099

)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

30

 

 

 

Recognized net gains

 

 

 

 

(94

)

Net periodic pension income

 

$

308

 

$

186

 

$

328

 

$

(91

)

Purchase accounting recognition

 

 

2,987

 

 

 

Net periodic pension income

 

$

308

 

$

3,173

 

$

328

 

$

(91

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation

 

6.00

%

6.25

%

6.25

%

6.75

%

Expected return on plan assets

 

8.50

%

8.50

%

8.50

%

8.50

%

Rate of compensation increase

 

3.00

%

3.00

%

3.00

%

3.00

%

 

 

The following table provides information related to the Company’s pension plan in which accumulated benefit obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets as of the applicable year end:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation

 

$

17,373

 

$

16,547

 

$

15,687

 

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

 

 

15,460

 

 

 

Fair value of assets

 

13,387

 

13,374

 

13,145

 

 

 

 

Assets of the defined benefit plan for hourly union employees consist primarily of investments in equity securities, debt securities, and cash equivalents. The weighted-average asset allocations for the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003, by asset category, are as follows:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

Target

 

Equity securities

 

59.0

%

52.0

%

52.0

%

50-70

%

Debt securities

 

41.0

%

47.9

%

47.9

%

30-50

%

Cash and other

 

0.0

%

0.1

%

0.1

%

0

%

Total

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

In addition to the defined benefit pension plan for hourly employees, the Company also maintains a defined contribution plan which covers substantially all employees. Expenses for defined contribution plans amounted to $148 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $575 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $779 and $748 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The Company also participates in certain unfunded health care plans that provide post-retirement medical, dental, and life insurance to hourly union employees at its Amory, Mississippi plant and to salaried employees hired prior to January 1, 2000. The post-retirement plans are contributory, and include certain cost-sharing features, such as deductibles and co-payments.

 

51



 

The following table sets forth the benefit obligation of the unfunded post-retirement health plans or the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,
2004

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,
2004

 

December 31,
2003

 

 

 

Reconciliation of benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

3,575

 

$

3,515

 

$

3,314

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

78

 

20

 

85

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

162

 

44

 

217

 

 

 

Participant contributions

 

108

 

28

 

99

 

 

 

Plan amendments

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

81

 

86

 

164

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

(450

)

(118

)

(392

)

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

3,554

 

3,575

 

3,515

 

 

 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

 

 

228

 

 

 

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

 

(81

)

 

(1,208

)

 

 

Accrued benefit costs

 

$

3,473

 

$

3,575

 

$

2,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table provides the components of net periodic expense for the unfunded post retirement health plans or the periods January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Service cost

 

$

78

 

$

20

 

$

85

 

$

69

 

Interest cost

 

162

 

44

 

217

 

191

 

Amortization of prior service costs

 

 

(7

)

(37

)

(38

)

Recognized net losses

 

 

13

 

54

 

35

 

Net periodic cost

 

$

240

 

$

70

 

$

319

 

$

257

 

Purchase accounting recognition

 

 

1,060

 

 

 

Total amount recognized

 

$

240

 

$

1,130

 

$

319

 

$

257

 

Discount Rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation

 

6.00

%

6.00

%

6.25

%

6.75

%

 

The healthcare cost trend rate used to determine the post-retirement benefit obligation was 10.0% for 2004. This rate decreases gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% in 2014, and remains at that level thereafter. While the trend rate can be a significant factor in determining the amounts reported, for the year ended December 31, 2004 a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the trend rate will have only minimal impact due to the claims costs being close to the employer imposed cap.

 

 (10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

(a)                                  Lease Obligation

 

The Company is obligated under various non-cancelable leases for office facilities and equipment. These leases generally provide for renewal options and, in the case of facilities leases, for periodic rate increases based upon economic factors. All non-cancelable leases with an initial term greater than one year have been categorized as either capital or operating leases in conformity with FASB Statement No. 13, Accounting for Leases.

 

52



 

Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

2005

 

$

1,057

 

2006

 

738

 

2007

 

705

 

2008

 

483

 

2009

 

13

 

Total minimum lease payments

 

$

2,996

 

 

Rental expense on operating leases was $210 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $812 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $1,002 and $870 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

(b)                                  Product Warranties

 

The Company generally warrants its products against certain manufacturing and other defects. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time and/or usage of the product depending on the nature of the product, the geographic location of its sale and other factors. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has accrued $152 and $176, respectively, for estimated product warranty claims. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims as well as current information on product costs. Warranty claims expense was $129 for the period January 1, 2004 through March 14, 2004, $527 for the period March 15, 2004 to December 31, 2004, and $812 and $540 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively

 

The following table provides the changes in the Company’s product warranties:

 

Predecessor:

 

 

 

January 1, 2004

 

$

176

 

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

 

129

 

Warranty claims paid during the period

 

(91

)

March 15, 2004

 

$

214

 

Successor:

 

 

 

Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the period

 

527

 

Warranty claims paid during the period

 

(588

)

December 31, 2004

 

$

153

 

 

(c)                                  Legal Proceedings

 

The Company has certain contingent liabilities resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the probable resolution of such contingencies will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

 

(11) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

On March 15, 2004, True Temper entered into a management services agreement with an entity affiliated with Gilbert Global, which is a related party through its indirect management and ownership interest in True Temper Corporation.

 

In accordance with this agreement, Gilbert Global has agreed to provide:

 

(1)                                  general management services;

 

53



 

(2)                                  assistance with the identification, negotiation and analysis of acquisitions and dispositions;

 

(3)                                  assistance with the negotiation and analysis of financial alternatives; and

 

(4)                                  other services agreed upon by True Temper and Gilbert Global.

 

In exchange for such services, Gilbert Global or its nominee receives:

 

(1)                                  an annual advisory fee of $0.5 million payable quarterly, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses;

 

(2)                                  a transaction fee in an amount equal to 1.25% of the aggregate transaction value in connection with the consummation of any material acquisition, divestiture, financing or refinancing by True Temper or any of its subsidiaries.

 

The management services agreement has an initial term of five years, subject to automatic one-year extensions unless the Company or Gilbert Global provides written notice of termination. The annual advisory fee of $0.5 million is an obligation of the Company and is also contractually subordinated to the Notes and the bank credit facilities.

 

In addition to reimbursing Gilbert Global for out-of-pocket expenses, the Company paid Gilbert Global $2.8 million in 2004, in accordance with the agreement.

 

On March 15, 2004, the Company terminated it management services agreement with Cornerstone Equity Investors, LLC, which was a related party through its indirect management and ownership interest in the predecessor company.

 

(12) SEGMENT AND OTHER RELATED DISCLOSURES

 

(a)                                  Segment Reporting

 

The Company operates in two reportable business segments: golf shafts and performance sports. The Company’s reportable segments are based on the type of product manufactured and the application of that product in the marketplace. The golf shaft segment manufactures and sells steel and composite golf shafts for use exclusively in the golf industry. The performance sports segment manufactures and sells high strength, tight tolerance tubular components for bicycle, hockey and other recreational sports markets. The accounting policies for these segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates the performance of these segments based on segment sales and gross profit. The Company has no inter-segment sales. General corporate assets, that are not allocated down to segments, include: cash, non-trade receivables, deferred tax assets, deferred financing costs, goodwill and other intangible assets.

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf shafts

 

$

73,274

 

$

19,067

 

$

109,754

 

$

102,764

 

Performance sports

 

4,846

 

1,180

 

6,452

 

4,637

 

Total

 

$

78,120

 

$

20,247

 

$

116,206

 

$

107,401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf shafts

 

$

17,038

 

$

8,080

 

$

45,118

 

$

40,996

 

Performance sports

 

978

 

296

 

1,618

 

1,244

 

Total

 

$

18,016

 

$

8,376

 

$

46,736

 

$

42,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf shafts

 

$

2,098

 

$

582

 

$

2,486

 

$

2,802

 

Performance sports

 

322

 

89

 

420

 

450

 

Total

 

$

2,420

 

$

671

 

$

2,906

 

$

3,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jointly used assets

 

$

129

 

$

22

 

$

 

$

 

Golf shafts

 

810

 

286

 

3,112

 

700

 

Performance sports

 

293

 

22

 

348

 

464

 

Total

 

$

1,232

 

$

330

 

$

3,460

 

$

1,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jointly used assets

 

$

1,291

 

$

1,398

 

$

1,333

 

$

1,596

 

Golf shafts

 

44,237

 

42,019

 

41,087

 

39,759

 

Performance sports

 

3,333

 

2,920

 

2,997

 

3,057

 

Total

 

$

48,861

 

$

46,337

 

$

45,417

 

$

44,412

 

 

54



 

Revenues from two customers of True Temper’s golf shafts segment represented approximately $2,900 or 14.2% and $2,200 or 10.6% of the Company’s revenues for the period January 1 to March 14, 2004. Revenues from one customer of True Temper’s golf shafts segment represented approximately $11,000 or 14.1% of the Company’s revenues for the period March 15 to December 31, 2004. Revenues from two customers of True Temper’s golf shafts segment represented approximately $16,000 or 13.7%, and $13,500 or 11.6%, respectively, of the Company’s 2003 revenues. Revenues from two customers of True Temper’s golf shafts segment represented approximately $14,000 or 12.8%, and $11,000 or 10.1%, respectively, of the Company’s 2002 revenues.

 

Following are reconciliations of total reportable segment assets to total Company assets, and total reportable segment gross profit to total Company income before income taxes as of December 31 for the years indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

Total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total from reportable segments

 

 

 

 

$

48,861

 

$

45,417

 

 

 

 

General corporate and other unallocated assets

 

 

 

311,964

 

134,199

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

$

360,825

 

$

179,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

Total reportable segment gross profit

 

$

18,016

 

$

8,376

 

$

46,736

 

$

42,240

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

9,520

 

3,635

 

14,747

 

13,578

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

10,984

 

 

 

 

Business development, start-up costs and transition costs

 

738

 

100

 

869

 

312

 

Transaction and reorganization expense

 

25

 

5,381

 

 

 

Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt

 

 

9,217

 

 

777

 

Interest expense

 

13,491

 

2,498

 

13,017

 

12,236

 

Other expense (income), net

 

72

 

(2

)

132

 

93

 

Total Company income (loss) before income taxes

 

$

(16,814

)

$

(12,453

)

$

17,971

 

$

15,244

 

 

55



 

(b)                                  Sales by Geographic Region

 

The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, by location of customer, is summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

Period from March 15 to December 31,

 

Period from January 1 to March 14,

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

U.S.

 

$

49,700

 

$

12,140

 

$

79,652

 

$

77,137

 

International

 

28,420

 

8,107

 

36,554

 

30,264

 

Total

 

$

78,120

 

$

20,247

 

$

116,206

 

$

107,401

 

 

Revenues generated from sales to Southern China accounted for approximately $3,300 or 16.4% of True Temper’s total sales for the period January 1 to March 14, 2004, $14,200 or 18.2% of True Temper’s total sales for the period March 15 to December 31, 2004, and $16,200 or 14.0% and $11,200 or 10.4% for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The sales into Southern China are due primarily to our major U.S. based original equipment manufacturers shifting a portion of their assembly operations to that region.  Assets by location are not disclosed, as assets located outside the U.S. are immaterial.

 

(13) SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

Predecessor:

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

20,247

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

8,376

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

(9,608

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

31,601

 

$

32,491

 

$

24,667

 

$

27,447

 

Gross profit

 

11,848

 

13,292

 

10,847

 

10,749

 

Net income

 

2,584

 

3,751

 

2,299

 

2,224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor:

 

First
Quarter

 

Second
Quarter

 

Third
Quarter

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

9,964

 

$

25,333

 

$

21,308

 

$

21,515

 

Gross profit

 

3,976

 

10,210

 

8,379

 

(4,549

)

Net income

 

1,597

 

1,713

 

748

 

(14,522

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56



 

Item 9Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 9AControls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluations required by Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Report have been carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon such evaluations, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There have been no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this Report that were identified in connection with the evaluation referred to above that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Item 9BOther Information

 

None.

 

57



 

PART III

 

Item 10Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The directors and executive officers of True Temper as of December 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

Scott C. Hennessy

 

46

 

Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

Fred H. Geyer

 

44

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Adrian H. McCall

 

47

 

Senior Vice President of Global Distribution and Sales

Stephen M. Brown

 

39

 

Vice President of Human Resources

Graeme Horwood

 

60

 

Vice President Engineering, Research and Development

Jason A. Jenne

 

35

 

Vice President Finance

Gene Pierce

 

38

 

Vice President of Manufacturing

Steven J. Gilbert

 

57

 

Director and Co-Chairman

Steven Kotler

 

57

 

Director and Co-Chairman

Eric L. Bunting

 

38

 

Director

Richard W. Gaenzle, Jr.

 

40

 

Director

Jeffery W. Johnson

 

36

 

Director

William P. Lauder

 

44

 

Director

 

Scott C. Hennessy has been our President since 1996, and our Chief Executive Officer and Director since October 1998. Mr. Hennessy joined us in 1994 as Vice President-Sales and Marketing. From 1980 to 1994, Mr. Hennessy held various management positions at Black & Decker in sales, marketing and product development. Mr. Hennessy sits on the Board of Governors of the National Golf Foundation. Mr. Hennessy graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. from the University of Delaware.

 

Fred H. Geyer has been our Senior Vice President since August 2002 and our Chief Financial Officer since February 1998. From 1985 to 1998, Mr. Geyer held various positions at Emerson Electric Company, including Vice President-Finance in the Air Moving Motor Division. Prior to that, Mr. Geyer worked at Arthur Andersen LLP as a Senior Auditor. Mr. Geyer is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Geyer graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Missouri at St. Louis.

 

Adrian H. McCall has been our Senior Vice President of Global Distribution and Sales since August 2002. From March 1999 to July 2002, Mr. Mc Call served as our Vice President of International Sales and Marketing since March 1999. From September 1995 to March 1999, Mr. McCall served as our Director of International Sales and Marketing. From May 1992 to September 1995, Mr. McCall served as Director of International Operations of The Upper Deck Company, a manufacturer and distributor of baseball cards. Mr. McCall graduated cum laude with a B.S. from the University of Hartford.

 

Stephen R. Brown has been our Vice President of Human Resources since August 2002. From January 1998 to July 2002, Mr. Brown has served as our Director of Human Resources. From September 1996 to December 1997, Mr. Brown served as our Manager-Human Resources. Prior to that, since 1992, Mr. Brown served in various Human Resource management positions with Emerson Electric Company. Mr. Brown received a B.A. from the University of South Carolina.

 

Graeme Horwood has been our Vice President of Engineering, Research and Development since June 2001. From April 2000 to May 2001, Mr. Horwood served as our Senior Manager Technical Services. From 1986 to 2000, Mr. Horwood held various management positions at Apollo Sports Technologies. Mr. Horwood is a Chartered Engineer as well as a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers both in the United Kingdom. Mr. Horwood graduated first class honors with a B.S. from Coventry University.

 

Jason Jenne has been our Vice President of Finance since August 2003. From 1998 to August 2002, Mr. Jenne served as our Corporate Controller. From September 2002 to August 2003, Mr. Jenne served as our Director

 

58



 

of Corporate Finance. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Jenne served in various Finance and Accounting positions at Emerson Electric Company. Mr. Jenne graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. from Southern Illinois University.

 

Gene Pierce has been our Vice President of Manufacturing since June 2001. From January 1999 to June 2001, Mr. Pierce served as the Director of Steel Operations and Plant Manager of our steel facility. From May 1997 to January 1999, Mr. Pierce served as Business Operations Manager at Metalloy Corporation. Mr. Pierce received both a B.S. and M.B.A. from Mississippi State University.

 

Steven J. Gilbert became a member of and Co-Chairman of the board of directors upon consummation of the Gilbert Global Acquisitions.  He is a founder and has served as Chairman of the Board of Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. since 1997.  From 1992 to 1997, he was the founder and Managing General Partner of Soros Capital L.P., the principal venture capital and leveraged transaction entity of Quantum Group of Funds, and a principal Advisor to Quantum Industrial Holdings Ltd. From 1988 through 1992 he was the Managing Director of Commonwealth Capital Partners, L.P., a private equity investment firm.  From 1984 to 1988, Mr. Gilbert was the Managing General Partner of Chemical Venture Partners (now J.P. Morgan Partners), which he founded.  Mr. Gilbert is a Director of LCC International, Inc., Optical Capital Group, Inc., Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., Olympus Re Holdings Ltd., CPM Holdings, Inc., the Asian Infrastructure Fund and J O Hambro Investment Management, Ltd.  Previously, Mr. Gilbert has been a director of numerous public and private companies.  Mr Gilbert received a B.S. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

 

Steven Kotler became a member of and Co-Chairman of the board of directors upon consummation of the Gilbert Global Acquisition.  He has served as Vice Chairman of Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.L.C., the principal investment advisor to Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. since 2000.  Prior to joining Gilbert Global, Mr. Kotler was Co-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Schroder & Co. and it predecessor firm, Wertheim & Co.  Mr. Kotler is a member of the Board of Directors of Moore Medial Corp., and CPM Holdings, Inc.  Previously, Mr Kotler has served as a Governor of the American Stock Exchange and a director of numerous public and private companies.  Mr. Kotler is a graduate of city College of New York.

 

Eric L. Bunting became a member of the board of directors upon consummation of the Gilbert Global Acquisition. He is a founder and serves as Managing Director of Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. since 1997.  Mr. Bunting was previously with Soros Capital and Airport Group International, a Soros Capital portfolio company.  He is a director of CPM Holdings, Inc. and a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

 

Richard W. Gaenzle, Jr. became a member of the board of directors upon consummation of the Gilbert Global Acquisition. He is a founder and serves as Managing Director of Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. since 1997.  From 1992 to 1997, he was a principal of Soros Capital L.P., the principal venture capital and leveraged transaction entity of Quantum Group of Funds, and a principal Advisor to Quantum Industrial Holdings Ltd.  Prior to joining Soros Capital, Mr. Gaenzle held various positions in the investment banking industry.  Mr. Gaenzle is Vice Chairman of Optical Capital Group, LLC and a Director of CPM Holdings, Inc.  Previously, Mr. Gaenzle has been a director of numerous companies.  Mr. Gaenzle received a B.A. from Hartwick College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University.

 

Jeffrey W. Johnson became a member of the board of directors upon consummation of the Gilbert Global Acquisition. He is a founder and serves as Managing Director of Gilbert Global Equity Partners, L.P. since 1997.  Mr. Johnson was previously with Goldman, Sachs & Co. in its mergers and acquisitions department, Hallmark Cards, Inc. and Frank Russell Company.  Mr. Johnson received a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

 

William P. Lauder became a member of the board of directors in 2004. In July 2004 Mr. Lauder was named the President and Chief Executive Officer of Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.  He joined Estee Lauder Companies in 1986 and held numerous positions of increasing responsibility.  Mr. Lauder received a B.A. and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

 

59



 

Code of Ethics.

 

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, and other senior financial personnel. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.truetemper.com. The Company will disclose any amendments or waivers of the Code of Ethics on the same website.

 

Audit Committee.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that Steven Kotter is an "audit committee financial expert" as defined in the rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 11Executive Compensation

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation for services in all capacities to True Temper for 2004, 2003 and 2002 of those persons who served as (1) the Chief Executive Officer during 2004 and (2) the other four most highly compensated executive officers of True Temper for 2004 (the “Named Executive Officers”):

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Long-Term Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

 

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

 

Bonus Earned

 

Other Annual Compensation(1)

 

Restricted
Stocks(2)

 

All Other Compensation(3)

 

Scott C. Hennessy

 

2004

 

$

400,000

 

$

 

$

28,910

 

$

2,603,520

 

$

10,182

 

Chief Executive Officer,

 

2003

 

$

359,167

 

$

550,000

 

$

28,191

 

 

$

9,933

 

President and Director

 

2002

 

$

321,950

 

$

375,000

 

$

27,125

 

 

$

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred H. Geyer

 

2004

 

$

200,000

 

$

 

$

17,284

 

$

1,139,040

 

$

10,190

 

Senior Vice President,

 

2003

 

$

185,417

 

$

200,000

 

$

17,699

 

 

$

10,000

 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

2002

 

$

161,583

 

$

150,000

 

$

9,263

 

 

$

9,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian H. McCall

 

2004

 

$

175,000

 

$

 

$

17,917

 

813,600

 

$

10,250

 

Senior Vice President of

 

2003

 

$

166,255

 

$

160,000

 

$

17,765

 

 

$

10,000

 

International Sales and Marketing

 

2002

 

$

148,917

 

$

110,000

 

$

9,243

 

 

$

9,478

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graeme P. Horwood

 

2004

 

$

130,000

 

$

 

$

23,963

 

325,440

 

$

12,480

 

Vice President of Engineering &

 

2003

 

$

127,079

 

$

60,000

 

$

23,609

 

 

$

13,650

 

Research and Development

 

2002

 

$

120,917

 

$

55,000

 

$

23,569

 

 

$

10,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L. Gene Pierce

 

2004

 

$

154,000

 

$

 

$

154

 

325,440

 

$

10,250

 

Vice President of Operations

 

2003

 

$

150,505

 

$

90,000

 

$

28,259

(4)

 

$

10,032

 

 

 

2002

 

$

143,333

 

$

70,000

 

$

1,999

 

 

$

9,167

 

 


(1)          Includes certain life insurance benefits; and where applicable, country club dues and car allowance.

 

(2)          The amounts in the table represent the value of the restricted shares based on the price of $13.56 per share of common stock on the date of grant. Shares of True Temper Corporation are not traded on any public exchange, therefore information regarding the value of the restricted shares as of December 31, 2004 has been omitted. The restrictions on the shares are lifted, and the restricted stock vests, only with certain future performance goals being achieved. Depending on future performance, the restricted shares can have a value ranging from $0 to the value listed.

 

(3)          Includes company contributions under our 401(k) plan.

 

(4)          Amount includes moving and relocation benefits.

 

Pension Plan

 

True Temper Sports, Inc. sponsors a tax qualified defined benefit pension plan. Only the hourly employees at the Amory, Mississippi manufacturing plant, who are part of the collective bargaining unit of the United Steel Workers, are eligible to participate in the plan. Benefits are calculated based primarily on years of service, among other factors. As of December 31, 2004 none of True Temper Corporation’s named executive officers were eligible to participate in the plan.

 

Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Board of Directors has adopted an equity incentive plan which provides for the grant to certain key employees and/or directors of  (i) options to purchase common stock of TTC that are non-qualified options or

 

60



 

incentive stock options for federal income tax purposes, and/or (ii) shares of common stock of TTC restricted stock, restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights. The equity incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee has broad powers under the stock option plan, including exclusive authority to determine:

 

(1)          who will receive awards;

 

(2)          the type, size and terms of awards;

 

(3)          the time when awards will be granted; and

 

(4)          vesting criteria, if any, of the awards.

 

Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year

 

The following table sets forth all True Temper Corporation common stock options granted to Named Executive Officers during 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential 

 

 

 

 

 

% of

 

 

 

 

 

Realized Value of

 

 

 

Number of

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Assumed Anuual

 

 

 

Securities

 

Granted to

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Rates of Stock Price

 

 

 

Underling

 

Employees

 

or base

 

 

 

Appreciation

 

 

 

Options

 

in Fiscal

 

Price

 

Expiration

 

For Option Term

 

Name

 

Granted

 

Year

 

($/sh)

 

Date

 

5%

 

10%

 

Scott C. Hennessy

 

144,000

 

26.0%

 

$

13.56

 

March 15, 2014

 

$

1,228,005

 

$

3,112,005

 

Fred H. Geyer

 

72,000

 

13.0%

 

$

13.56

 

March 15, 2014

 

614,002

 

1,556,003

 

Adrian H. McCall

 

50,200

 

9.1%

 

$

13.56

 

March 15, 2014

 

428,096

 

1,084,880

 

Graeme Horwood

 

28,800

 

5.2%

 

$

13.56

 

March 15, 2014

 

245,601

 

622,401

 

Gene Pierce

 

28,800

 

5.2%

 

$

13.56

 

March 15, 2014

 

245,601

 

622,401

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The value of the options presented assumes that 100% of the options vest during the option term. A portion of the underlying options vest based on service, and a portion vest based on company performance. Based on future financial performance, the ultimate value of the options may be significantly less than presented in this table.

 

Aggregated options / SAR exercises and fiscal year-end option / SAR value table

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

 

Shares Acquired on Exercise

 

Value Realized

 

Number of securities underlying unexercised options/SARs at FY-end

 

Value of unexercised in-the-money options/SARs

 

Scott C. Hennessy

 

 

544,340

 

$

7,378,630

 

 

 

 

 

Fred H. Geyer

 

 

109,098

 

$

1,668,979

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian H. McCall

 

 

65,970

 

$

996,934

 

 

 

 

 

Graeme Horwood

 

 

16,055

 

$

257,630

 

 

 

 

 

Gene Pierce

 

 

27,293

 

$

444,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation of Directors

 

True Temper will reimburse directors for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with services provided in such capacity. In addition, we may compensate directors for services provided in such capacity.

 

Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation

 

As members of the Compensation Committee it is our duty to monitor the performance and compensation of executive officers and other key employees, and to make appropriate recommendations and reports to the Board of Directors concerning matters of executive compensation.

 

The Company maintains a compensation program designed to motivate, retain and attract management, with incentives linked to financial performance and enhanced shareholder value. The fundamental philosophy is to relate the amount of compensation for an executive directly to his or her contribution to the Company’s success in achieving superior performance objectives.

 

The Company’s executive compensation program consists of three components: 1) base salary; 2) potential for annual incentive compensation based on Company performance; and 3) the opportunity to earn long-term stock-based incentives which are intended to encourage achievement of superior long-term results and to align executive officer interests with those of the shareholders. The base salary element is developed based on the performance of the individual executives with reference to industry, peer group and national surveys, with the objective of having the Company’s executive officers receive a level of base salary similar to the average base salary of individuals at similarly sized companies, performing comparable duties.

 

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The annual incentive compensation element is based on the Company’s attainment of certain levels of profitability. The long-term stock-based element is developed by reference to competitive practices and trends of other companies which use stock options as a component of executive compensation. Long-term stock-based incentives are to incentivize executive officers to increase shareholder value. Accordingly, the Committee will take into account the amount and value of options held by each of the executive officers when considering new grants to assure that deserving executives have an equity participation in the Company. In determining the stock option grants for each year, the Committee considers the current stock holdings of each individual, their responsibilities and historical and anticipated future contributions to True Temper’s performance.

 

Because of the scope of his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer and President, and given the equity stake he has in the Company, the Compensation Committee separately considers the compensation of Mr. Hennessy. His salary, like that of the other officers, is determined by reference to published compensation surveys, and his salary level is in line with such published salary levels for comparable positions of responsibility. The Committee believes a portion of the total annual compensation of Mr. Hennessy should be directly tied to the Company’s performance. Accordingly, Mr. Hennessy also earns a cash bonus based on the True Temper’s operating performance during the current fiscal year.

 

The Compensation Committee is of the opinion that the compensation levels for the Named Executive Officers are reasonable when compared to similar positions of responsibility and scope in similar industries and that an appropriate amount of total compensation is based on the performance of the Company, and therefore provides sufficient incentive for these individuals to attain improved results in the future.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

Steven Gilbert – Chairman

Steven Kotler

Jeffrey Johnson

 

Item 12Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

All of the outstanding shares of our capital stock are owned by TTC. The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of TTC’s capital stock as of  March 30, 2005 by:

 

(1)          all stockholders of TTC that own more than 5% of any class of such voting securities,

 

(2)          each director and named executive officer, and

 

(3)          all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)

 

Number of Common Shares

 

Percentage of Outstanding Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

TTS Holdings LLC

 

8,778,919

 

96.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

c/o Gilbert Global Equity Capital, LLC.
590 Madison Avenue
40
th Floor
New York, New York 10022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott C. Hennessy

 

167,021

 

1.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred H. Geyer

 

29,509

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adrian H. McCall

 

29,509

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graeme Horwood

 

2,951

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gene Pierce

 

5,533

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)

 

245,589

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 


 *              Less than 1%.

 

(1)          Except as otherwise indicated, the address for all persons shown on this table is c/o True Temper Sports, Inc., 8275 Tournament Drive, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38125.

 

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Item 13Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Stock Purchase Agreement

 

In accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement by and among TTS Holdings LLC, True Temper Corporation, and True Temper Sports, LLC and others dated January 30, 2004 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), Sellers, as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement, have indemnified TTS Holdings, LLC, the purchaser, against any and all damages resulting from any misrepresentation or breach of warranty of Sellers contained in the Stock Purchase Agreement, for claims made within 18 months following the closing date, except that claims involving environmental matters, tax matters, or employee benefit matters shall survive for a period of 36 months following the closing date. The indemnification obligations of the Sellers under the Stock Purchase Agreement are generally subject to a $10.0 million basket amount and are limited to an aggregate payment of no more than the total amount held in escrow.

 

Stockholders Agreement

 

Upon the consummation of the Stock Purchase Agreement, TTC and all of its stockholders, including TTS Holdings, LLC, entered into a stockholders agreement. The stockholders agreement:

 

(1)          requires that each of the parties vote all of their voting securities of TTC and take all other necessary or desirable actions to cause the size of the board of directors of TTC to be established at the number of members determined by TTS Holdings, LLC and to cause designees of TTS Holdings, LLC representing a majority of the board of directors to be elected to the board of directors of TTC;

 

(2)          grants TTC and TTS Holdings, LLC a right of first refusal on any proposed transfer of shares of capital stock of TTC held by any of the stockholders;

 

(3)          grants tag-along rights on certain transfers of shares of capital stock of TTC;

 

(4)          requires the stockholders to consent to a sale of TTC to an independent third party if such sale is approved by certain holders of the then outstanding shares of the company’s voting common stock; and

 

Management Services Agreement

 

In connection with the stock purchase agreement, True Temper entered into a management services agreement with Gilbert Global. In accordance with this agreement, Gilbert Global has agreed to provide:

 

(1)          general management services;

 

(2)          assistance with the identification, negotiation and analysis of acquisitions and dispositions;

 

(3)          assistance with the negotiation and analysis of financial alternatives; and

 

(4)          other services agreed upon by True Temper and Gilbert Global.

 

In exchange for such services, Gilbert Global or its nominee receives:

 

(1)          an annual advisory fee of $0.5 million payable quarterly, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses;

 

(2)          a transaction fee in an amount equal to 1.25% of the aggregate transaction value in connection with the consummation of any material acquisition, divestiture, financing or refinancing by True Temper or any of its subsidiaries; and

 

63



 

(3)          a one-time transaction fee of $2.5 million upon the consummation of the recapitalization.

 

The management services agreement has an initial term of five years, subject to automatic one-year extensions unless we or Gilbert Global provide written notice of termination. The annual advisory fee of $0.5 million is an obligation of ours and is also contractually subordinated to the Notes and the senior credit facilities.  In addition to reimbursing Gilbert Global for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, the Company paid Gilbert Global $2.8 million in 2004, in accordance with the agreement.

 

Item 14Principal Accountants Fees and Services

 

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to the Company for fiscal years ended December 31 by KPMG LLP, the Company’s principal accounting firm.

 

 

 

Fiscal Years Ended

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Audit fees

 

$

159,000

 

$

112,000

 

Audit-related fees (1)

 

17,500

 

8,300

 

Tax Fees (2)

 

40,310

 

40,274

 

All other fees (3)

 

130,906

 

28,231

 

Total fees (4)

 

$

347,716

 

$

188,805

 

 


 

(1)          Primarily benefit plans audit services

(2)          Primarily tax returns, advice and planning

(3)          Primarily advisory services relating to compliance with reporting requirements

(4)          All fees have been approved by the Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee has considered whether performance of services other than audit services is compatible with maintaining the independence of KPMG LLP.

 

Auditor Fees Pre-approval Policy

 

In 2003, the Audit Committee adopted a policy concerning approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor to the Company.  The policy requires that all services KPMG LLP, the Company’s independent auditor, may provide to the Company, including audit services and permitted audit-related and non-audit services, excluding certain designated tax services, must be approved by the Audit Committee.  The Committee approved all audit and non-audit services provided by KPMG during fiscal 2004.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedule

 

1.         Financial Statements.  The following financial statements of True Temper Sports, Inc. have been included in part II, item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period ended March 14, 2004, the period ended December 31, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity and Comprehensive Income for the period ended March 14, 2004, the period ended December 31, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the period ended March 14, 2004, the period ended December 31, 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2.      Financial Statement Schedule.

 

SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

 

 

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at Beginning of Period

 

Charged to Costs and Expenses

 

Charged to Other Accounts

 

Deductions (1)

 

Balance at Ended of Period

 

 

 

Dollars in thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(debit)/credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

539

 

220

 

 

(106

)

653

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003

 

653

 

256

 

 

(77

)

832

 

Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

832

 

109

 

 

(26

)

915

 

 


 

(1)          Deductions represent uncollectible accounts charged against the allowance for doubtful.

 

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

3.  Exhibits.

 

     See the Index to Exhibits.

 

65



 

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.

 

Dated: March 30, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Temper Sports, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ SCOTT C. HENNESSY

 

 

Name:

Scott C. Hennessy

 

 

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on March 30, 2005.

 

 

By:

/s/   STEVEN J. GILBERT

 

 

Name:

Steven J. Gilbert

 

 

Title:

Director and Co-Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   STEVEN KOTLER

 

 

Name:

Steven Kotler

 

 

Title:

Director and Co-Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   ERIC L. BUNTING

 

 

Name:

Eric L. Bunting

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   RICHARD W GAENZLE, JR.

 

 

Name:

Richard W. Gaenzle, Jr.

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   JEFFREY W. JOHNSON

 

 

Name:

Jeffrey W. Johnson

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   WILLIAM P. LAUDER

 

 

Name:

William P. Lauder

 

 

Title:

Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   SCOTT C. HENNESSY

 

 

Name:

Scott C. Hennessy

 

 

Title:

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   FRED H. GEYER

 

 

Name:

Fred H. Geyer

 

 

Title:

Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/   JASON A. JENNE

 

 

Name:

Jason A. Jenne

 

 

Title:

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

66



 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

1.1

 

Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2004, among True Temper Sports, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

4.1

 

Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2004, among True Temper Sports, Inc., the Guarantors identified therein, and The Bank of New York (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

4.2

 

Form of Senior Subordinated Note due 2011 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

4.3

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, among True Temper Sports, Inc., El Cajon Equipment Corporation, True Temper Sports-PRC Holdings, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and Goldman, Sachs & Co (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.1

 

Management Services Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, between GGEP Management, L.L.C., GGEP Management (Bermuda) Ltd., and True Temper Sports, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.2

 

Shareholders Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, by and among True Temper Corporation, TTS Holdings LLC and the Other Investors identified therein (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.3

 

True Temper Corporation 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, dated as of March 15, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.4

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, by and among True Temper Corporation, True Temper Sports, Inc, the Lenders identified therein, Credit Suisse First Boston, Antares Capital Corporation, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and Merrill Lynch Capital (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.5

 

Tax Sharing and Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, by and among True Temper Corporation, True Temper Sports, Inc., El Cajon Equipment Corporation and True Temper Sports-PRC Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to True Temper Sports,

 

67



 

 

 

Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.6

 

Employment Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2004, by and between True Temper Sports, Inc. and Scott C. Hennessy (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2004).*

 

 

 

10.7

 

First Amendment, dated as of September 24, 2004, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2004, by and among True Temper Corporation, True Temper Sports, Inc, the Lenders identified therein, Credit Suisse First Boston, Antares Capital Corporation, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. and Merrill Lynch Capital (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to True Temper Sports, Inc.’s report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2004).*

 

 

 

12.1

 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings To Fixed Charges**

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002**

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 

 

 

32.2

 

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 


 

* Incorporated by reference

** Filed herewith

 

68