GRIFFON CORP - FORM 10-Q - January 29, 2015

Attached files

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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - GRIFFON CORP	gff12-31x201410q32.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - GRIFFON CORP	gff12-31x201410q312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - GRIFFON CORP	gff12-31x201410q311.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - GRIFFON CORP	Financial_Report.xls

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014



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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 1-06620

GRIFFON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



DELAWARE		11-1893410
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)

712 Fifth Ave, 18th Floor, New York, New York		10019
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(212) 957-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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. ý Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ý Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):



Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer	ý
Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company	o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes ý No

The number of shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2014 was 52,432,620.

Griffon Corporation and Subsidiaries

Contents



	Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 – Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 (unaudited) and September 30, 2014	1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 (unaudited)	2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)	3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited)	4

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	5

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	41

Item 4 - Controls & Procedures	42

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings	43

Item 1A – Risk Factors	43

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	43

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities	43

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures	43

Item 5 – Other Information	43

Item 6 – Exhibits	44

Signatures	45

Exhibit Index	46

Table of Contents

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1 – Financial Statements

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)



	(Unaudited)
	December 31, 2014		September 30, 2014
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	46,566	$	92,405
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,506 and $7,336	237,177		258,436
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments of $16,985 at both December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014	102,465		109,930
Inventories, net	319,421		290,135
Prepaid and other current assets	58,347		62,569
Assets of discontinued operations	1,622		1,624
Total Current Assets	765,598		815,099
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	367,182		370,565
GOODWILL	367,091		371,846
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	227,834		233,623
OTHER ASSETS	25,849		27,102
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2,109		2,126
Total Assets	$	1,755,663	$	1,820,361

CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	6,615	$	7,886
Accounts payable	201,131		218,703
Accrued liabilities	83,120		101,292
Liabilities of discontinued operations	3,170		3,282
Total Current Liabilities	294,036		331,163
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discount of $8,622 and $9,584	802,855		805,101
OTHER LIABILITIES	143,365		148,240
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3,542		3,830
Total Liabilities	1,243,798		1,288,334
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - See Note 19
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Total Shareholders’ Equity	511,865		532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,755,663	$	1,820,361

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)



	COMMON STOCK			CAPITAL IN EXCESS OF PAR VALUE			RETAINED EARNINGS			TREASURY SHARES				ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)			DEFERRED COMPENSATION
(in thousands)	SHARES	PAR VALUE		CAPITAL IN EXCESS OF PAR VALUE			RETAINED EARNINGS			SHARES	COST			ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)			DEFERRED COMPENSATION			Total
Balance at September 30, 2014	78,484	$	19,621	$	506,090		$	427,913		25,335	$	(354,216	)	$	(30,064	)	$	(37,317	)	$	532,027
Net income	—	—		—			7,471			—	—			—			—			7,471
Dividend	—	—		—			(1,910		)	—	—			—			—			(1,910		)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	—	—		342			—			—	—			—			—			342
Amortization of deferred compensation	—	—		—			—			—	—			—			654			654
Common stock acquired	—	—		—			—			1,086	(13,170		)	—			—			(13,170		)
Stock grants and equity awards, net	370	93		(93		)	—			—	—			—			—			—
ESOP allocation of common stock	—	—		57			—			—	—			—			—			57
Stock-based compensation	—	—		2,577			—			—	—			—			—			2,577
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—	—		—			—			—	—			(16,183		)	—			(16,183		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	78,854	$	19,714	$	508,973		$	433,474		26,421	$	(367,386	)	$	(46,247	)	$	(36,663	)	$	511,865

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Revenue	$	502,160		$	453,458
Cost of goods and services	384,171			347,955
Gross profit	117,989			105,503

Selling, general and administrative expenses	93,896			87,680
Restructuring and other related charges	—			842
Total operating expenses	93,896			88,522

Income from operations	24,093			16,981

Other income (expense)
Interest expense	(11,754		)	(13,134		)
Interest income	117			33
Other, net	(451		)	906
Total other expense, net	(12,088		)	(12,195		)

Income before taxes	12,005			4,786
Provision for income taxes	4,534			1,550
Net income	$	7,471		$	3,236

Basic income per common share	$	0.16		$	0.06
Weighted-average shares outstanding	46,310			52,754

Diluted income per common share	$	0.16		$	0.06
Weighted-average shares outstanding	48,136			54,633

Dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.03

Net income	$	7,471		$	3,236
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,500		)	(3,137		)
Pension and other post retirement plans	353			316
Loss on cash flow hedge	(74		)	—
Loss on available-for-sale securities	(962		)	—
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(16,183		)	(2,821		)
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$	(8,712	)	$	415

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	7,471		$	3,236

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization	17,260			16,793
Stock-based compensation	2,577			1,675
Asset impairment charges - restructuring	—			109
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	156			185
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts	1,634			1,606
Deferred income taxes	1,501			(239		)
Loss on sale/disposal of assets	171			53
Change in assets and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:
Decrease in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed	24,824			12,835
Increase in inventories	(32,658		)	(33,915		)
Increase in prepaid and other assets	(2,177		)	(1,628		)
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes payable	(30,051		)	(27,532		)
Other changes, net	1,242			543
Net cash used in operating activities	(8,050		)	(26,279		)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(18,921		)	(17,916		)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(21,781		)
Proceeds from sale of assets	107			224
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,814		)	(39,473		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid	(1,910		)	(1,719		)
Purchase of shares for treasury	(13,170		)	(55,189		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	10,279			57,635
Payments of long-term debt	(11,295		)	(25,246		)
Change in short-term borrowings	(1,201		)	9,940
Financing costs	(29		)	(681		)
Purchase of ESOP shares	—			(1,591		)
Tax benefit from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	342			273
Other, net	102			31
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,882		)	(16,547		)

CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in operating activities	(380		)	(299		)
Net cash used in discontinued operations	(380		)	(299		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(1,713		)	(158		)

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(45,839		)	(82,756		)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	92,405			178,130
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	46,566		$	95,374

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

Table of Contents

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(US dollars and non US currencies in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

(Unless otherwise indicated, references to years or year-end refer to Griffon’s fiscal period ending September 30)

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

About Griffon Corporation

Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) is a diversified management and holding company that conducts business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Griffon oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. Griffon provides direction and assistance to its subsidiaries in connection with acquisition and growth opportunities as well as in connection with divestitures. Griffon, to further diversify, also seeks out, evaluates and, when appropriate, will acquire additional businesses that offer potentially attractive returns on capital.

Griffon currently conducts its operations through three reportable segments:


•	Home & Building Products (“HBP”) consists of two companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”) and Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”):

- AMES is a global provider of non-powered landscaping products that make work easier for homeowners and professionals.

- CBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains.


•	Telephonics Corporation (“Telephonics”) designs, develops and manufactures high-technology integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide.


•	Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. (“Plastics”) is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial applications.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. As such, they should be read with reference to Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, which provides a more complete explanation of Griffon’s accounting policies, financial position, operating results, business properties and other matters. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of interim results. Griffon’s HBP operations are seasonal; for this and other reasons, the financial results of the Company for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet information at September 30, 2014 was derived from the audited financial statements included in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Griffon and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These estimates may be adjusted due to changes in economic, industry or customer financial conditions, as well as changes in technology or demand. Significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts receivable and returns, net realizable value of inventories, restructuring reserves, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, percentage of completion method of accounting, pension assumptions, useful lives associated with depreciation and amortization of intangible and fixed assets, warranty reserves, sales incentive accruals, stock based

compensation assumptions, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, environmental reserves, legal reserves, insurance reserves and the valuation of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations, acquisition assumptions used and the accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions Griffon may undertake in the future. Actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates.

Certain amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

NOTE 2 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts and notes payable, and revolving credit debt approximate fair value due to either the short-term nature of such instruments or the fact that the interest rate of the revolving credit debt is based upon current market rates.

Applicable accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy requiring the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The accounting guidance establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:


•	Level 1 inputs are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

•

Level 2 inputs include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of assets or liabilities.


•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

The fair values of Griffon’s 2022 senior notes and 2017 4% convertible notes approximated $568,500 and $116,375, respectively, on December 31, 2014. Fair values were based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).

Insurance contracts with values of $3,392 at December 31, 2014, are measured and recorded at fair value based upon quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs) and are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

At December 31, 2014, available-for-sale securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for the underlying assets (level 1 inputs), and trading securities, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for similar assets (level 2 inputs), with values of $8,290 ($8,400 cost basis) and $1,320 ($1,000 cost basis), respectively, are included in Prepaid and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, on available-for-sale securities are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (‘‘AOCI’’). Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, and realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in Other income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

In the normal course of business, Griffon’s operations are exposed to the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. To manage these risks, Griffon may enter into various derivative contracts such as foreign currency exchange contracts, including forwards and options. During 2014, Griffon entered into several such contracts in order to lock into a foreign currency rate for planned settlements of trade and inter-company liabilities payable in US dollars. At inception, these hedges were all deemed effective as cash flow hedges with gains and losses related to changes in fair value deferred and recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) and Prepaid and other current assets until settlement. Upon settlement, gains and losses were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) as Other income. Griffon had $3,940 of Australian

dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.23, which qualified for hedge accounting at December 31, 2014. AOCI included deferred gains of $273 ($178, net of tax) at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2014, Griffon had $3,181 of Canadian dollar contracts at a weighted average rate of $1.17. The contracts, which protect Canada operations from currency fluctuations for U.S. dollar based purchases, do not qualify for hedge accounting and a fair value gain of $93 was recorded in Other assets and to Other income for the outstanding contracts, based on similar contract values (level 2 inputs), for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. All contracts expire in 16 to 286 days. A loss of $74 was recorded in Other Income during the quarter for all settled contracts.

NOTE 3 – ACQUISITIONS

On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired the Australian Garden and Tools business of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (“Cyclone”) for approximately $40,000, including a $4,000 working capital adjustment. Cyclone, which was integrated with AMES, offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses included $2,363 of related acquisition costs recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014.

On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote Pottery (“Northcote”), founded in 1897 and a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000. Northcote, which was integrated with AMES, complements Southern Patio, acquired in 2011, and, with Cyclone, adds to AMES’ existing lawn and garden operations in Australia. First quarter 2014 SG&A expenses included $798 of related acquisition costs.

The accounts of the acquired companies, after adjustment to reflect fair market values (level 3 inputs), have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition; in each instance, acquired inventory was not significant. Griffon is in the process of finalizing the initial purchase price allocation for Cyclone as of the date of these financial statements, primarily with respect to the finalization of tax accounts.

The following table summarizes the fair values of the Cyclone and Northcote assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition:



	Cyclone			Northcote			Total
Current Assets, net of cash acquired	$	21,116		$	7,398		$	28,514
PP&E	488			1,385			1,873
Goodwill	11,322			11,254			22,576
Amortizable intangible assets	11,608			6,098			17,706
Indefinite life intangible assets	3,548			3,121			6,669
Total assets acquired	48,082			29,256			77,338
Total liabilities assumed	(8,557		)	(7,475		)	(16,032		)
Net assets acquired	$	39,525		$	21,781		$	61,306

The amounts assigned to major intangible asset classifications, none of which are tax deductible, for the Cyclone and Northcote acquisitions are as follows:



	Cyclone		Northcote		Total	Amortization Period (Years)
Goodwill	$	11,322	$	11,254	22,576	N/A
Tradenames	3,548		3,121		6,669	Indefinite
Customer relationships	11,608		6,098		17,706	25
	$	26,478	$	20,473	46,951

NOTE 4 – INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out or average) or market.

The following table details the components of inventory:



	At December 31, 2014		At September 30, 2014
Raw materials and supplies	$	80,395	$	75,560
Work in process	76,461		67,866
Finished goods	162,565		146,709
Total	$	319,421	$	290,135

NOTE 5 – PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The following table details the components of property, plant and equipment, net:



	At December 31, 2014			At September 30, 2014
Land, building and building improvements	$	125,423		$	127,714
Machinery and equipment	723,593			720,417
Leasehold improvements	44,066			42,852
	893,082			890,983
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(525,900		)	(520,418		)
Total	$	367,182		$	370,565

Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment was $15,279 and $14,905 for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Depreciation included in SG&A expenses was $3,170 and $2,842 for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining components of depreciation, attributable to manufacturing operations, are included in Cost of goods and services.

No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, which would require additional impairment testing of property, plant and equipment.

NOTE 6 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

The following table provides changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment during the quarter ended December 31, 2014:



	At September 30, 2014		Other adjustments including currency translations			At December 31, 2014
Home & Building Products	$	288,396	$	(1,524	)	$	286,872
Telephonics	18,545		—			18,545
Plastics	64,905		(3,231		)	61,674
Total	$	371,846	$	(4,755	)	$	367,091

The following table provides the gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets:



	At December 31, 2014					At September 30, 2014
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Average Life (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Customer relationships	$	176,670	$	36,325	25	$	180,282	$	35,280
Unpatented technology	6,303		3,314		13	6,500		3,313
Total amortizable intangible assets	182,973		39,639			186,782		38,593
Trademarks	84,500		—			85,434		—
Total intangible assets	$	267,473	$	39,639		$	272,216	$	38,593

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1,981 and $1,888 for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

No event or indicator of impairment occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, which would require impairment testing of long-lived intangible assets including goodwill.

NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was 37.8% compared to 32.4% in the comparable prior year quarter. The current and prior year tax rates reflect the impact of permanent differences not deductible in determining taxable income, changes in earnings mix between domestic and non-domestic operations, and tax reserves.

The quarter ended December 31, 2014 included a net tax provision of $349 for discrete items resulting primarily from the provision for taxes on repatriation of foreign earnings, partially offset by the benefit of the retroactive extension of the federal R&D credit signed into law December 19, 2014, and release of a valuation allowance. The comparable prior year quarter included $289 of benefits from discrete items primarily resulting from release of previously established reserves for uncertain tax positions on conclusion of tax audits and benefits arising on the filing of tax returns in various jurisdictions.

Excluding discrete items, the effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was 34.9% compared to 38.4% in the comparable prior year quarter.

NOTE 8 – LONG-TERM DEBT



		At December 31, 2014													At September 30, 2014
		Outstanding Balance			Original Issuer Discount			Balance Sheet			Capitalized Fees & Expenses		Coupon Interest Rate (1)		Outstanding Balance			Original Issuer Discount			Balance Sheet			Capitalized Fees & Expenses		Coupon Interest Rate (1)
Senior notes due 2022	(a)	600,000			—			600,000			9,231		5.25	%	600,000			—			600,000			9,553		5.25	%
Revolver due 2019	(a)	25,000			—			25,000			1,851		n/a		25,000			—			25,000			2,009		n/a
Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	100,000			(8,622		)	91,378			923		4.00	%	100,000			(9,584		)	90,416			1,034		4.00	%
Real estate mortgages	(c)	16,173			—			16,173			540		n/a		16,388			—			16,388			576		n/a
ESOP Loans	(d)	38,396			—			38,396			275		n/a		38,946			—			38,946			262		n/a
Capital lease - real estate	(e)	8,299			—			8,299			174		5.00	%	8,551			—			8,551			181		5.00	%
Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	1,945			—			1,945			—		n/a		3,306			—			3,306			—		n/a
Non U.S. term loans	(f)	26,442			—			26,442			133		n/a		28,470			—			28,470			161		n/a
Other long term debt	(g)	1,837			—			1,837			30		n/a		1,910			—			1,910			24		n/a
Totals		818,092			(8,622		)	809,470			$	13,157			822,571			(9,584		)	812,987			$	13,800
less: Current portion		(6,615		)	—			(6,615		)					(7,886		)	—			(7,886		)
Long-term debt		$	811,477		$	(8,622	)	$	802,855						$	814,685		$	(9,584	)	$	805,101



		Three Months Ended December 31, 2014												Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
		Effective Interest Rate (1)		Cash Interest			Amort. Debt Discount		Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees		Total Interest Expense			Effective Interest Rate (1)		Cash Interest			Amort. Debt Discount		Amort. Deferred Cost & Other Fees		Total Interest Expense
Senior notes due 2018	(a)	n/a		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		7.4	%	$	9,797		$	—	$	406	$	10,203
Senior notes due 2022	(a)	5.4	%	7,875			—		322		8,197			n/a		—			—		—		—
Revolver due 2019	(a)	n/a		338			—		158		496			n/a		167			—		136		303
Convert. debt due 2017	(b)	9.0	%	1,000			962		111		2,073			9.0	%	1,000			883		111		1,994
Real estate mortgages	(c)	3.9	%	124			—		36		160			3.6	%	130			—		36		166
ESOP Loans	(d)	2.8	%	260			—		17		277			2.9	%	152			—		2		154
Capital lease - real estate	(e)	5.3	%	106			—		6		112			5.3	%	119			—		6		125
Non U.S. lines of credit	(f)	n/a		141			—		—		141			n/a		193			—		—		193
Non U.S. term loans	(f)	n/a		388			—		16		404			n/a		52			—		26		78
Other long term debt	(g)	n/a		31			—		—		31			n/a		11			—		—		11
Capitalized interest				(143		)	—		6		(137		)			(93		)	—		—		(93		)
Totals				$	10,120		$	962	$	672	$	11,754				$	11,528		$	883	$	723	$	13,134

(1) not applicable = n/a

(a)

On February 27, 2014, in an unregistered offering through a private placement under Rule 144A, Griffon issued, at par, $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 (“Senior Notes”); interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1, starting September 1, 2014. Proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018, to pay a call and tender offer premium of $31,530 and to make interest payments of $16,716, with the balance used to pay a portion of the related transaction fees and expenses. In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, all obligations under the $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018 were discharged.

The Senior Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Griffon guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries, and subject to certain covenants, limitations and restrictions. On June 18, 2014, Griffon exchanged all of the Senior Notes for substantially identical Senior Notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933 via an exchange offer. The fair value of the Senior Notes approximated $568,500 on September 30, 2014 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).

In connection with these transactions, Griffon capitalized $10,313 of underwriting fees and other expenses incurred related to the issuance and exchange of the Senior Notes, which will amortize over the term of such notes. Griffon recognized a loss on the early extinguishment of debt on the 7.125% senior notes aggregating $38,890, comprised of the $31,530 tender offer premium, the write-off of $6,574 of remaining deferred financing fees and $786 of prepaid interest on defeased notes.

On February 14, 2014, Griffon amended its $225,000 Revolving Credit Facility (“Credit Agreement”) to extend its maturity date from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2019, and to amend certain financial maintenance and negative covenants to improve Griffon's financial and operating flexibility. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $60,000, a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000 and a swing line sub-facility with a limit of $30,000. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.25% for base rate loans and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in each of Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the credit agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement; see footnote (d) below). At December 31, 2014, outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $25,000 and $19,285, respectively, under the Credit Agreement; $180,715 was available for borrowing at that date.

(b)

On December 21, 2009, Griffon issued $100,000 principal of 4% convertible subordinated notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”). The current conversion rate of the 2017 Notes is 68.6238 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, corresponding to a conversion price of $14.57 per share. When a cash dividend is declared that would result in an adjustment to the conversion ratio of less than 1%, any adjustment to the conversion ratio is deferred until the first to occur of (i) actual conversion; (ii) the 42nd trading day prior to maturity of the notes; and (iii) such time as the cumulative adjustment equals or exceeds 1%. As of December 31, 2014, aggregate dividends since the last conversion price adjustment of $0.10 per share would have resulted in an adjustment to the conversion ratio of approximately 0.84%. At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, the 2017 Notes had a capital in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. The fair value of the 2017 Notes approximated $116,375 on December 31, 2014 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).


(c)	On October 21, 2013, Griffon refinanced two real estate mortgages to secure loans totaling $17,175. The loans mature in October 2018, are collateralized by the related properties and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%.

(d)

open market. During 2014, the Line Notes were combined with the Term Loan to form one new Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.38% or the lender’s prime rate, at Griffon’s option. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $506, with a balloon payment of approximately $30,137 due at maturity on December 31, 2018. During 2014, 1,591,117 shares of Griffon common stock, for a total of $20,000 or $12.57 per share, were purchased with proceeds from the Line Notes. During the first quarter of 2015, no shares of Griffon's common stock were purchased. As of December 31, 2014, $38,396 was outstanding under the Term Loan. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.


(e)	In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon.

(f)

In November 2010, Clopay Europe GmbH (“Clopay Europe”) entered into a €10,000 revolving credit facility and a €20,000 term loan. The term loan was paid off in December 2013 and the revolver had no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2014. The revolving facility matures in November 2015 and is renewable upon mutual agreement with the bank. The revolving credit facility accrues interest at EURIBOR plus 2.20% per annum (2.28% at December 31, 2014). Clopay Europe is required to maintain a certain minimum equity to assets ratio and keep leverage below a certain level, defined as the ratio of total debt to EBITDA.

Clopay do Brazil maintains lines of credit of $4,800. Interest on borrowings accrues at a rate of Brazilian CDI plus 6.0% (16.80% at December 31, 2014). At December 31, 2014 there was $1,945 borrowed under the lines. Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc. guarantees the loan and lines.

In November 2012, Garant G.P. (“Garant”) entered into a CAD $15,000 revolving credit facility. The facility accrues interest at LIBOR (USD) or the Bankers Acceptance Rate (CDN) plus 1.3% per annum (1.55% LIBOR USD and 2.56% Bankers Acceptance Rate CDN as of December 31, 2014). The revolving facility matures in November 2015. Garant is required to maintain a certain minimum equity. At December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility with CAD $15,000 available.

(g)

In December 2013 and May 2014, Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd entered into two unsecured term loans in the outstanding amounts of AUD $12,500 and AUD $20,000, respectively. The AUD $12,500 term loan requires quarterly interest payments with principal due upon maturity in December 2016. The AUD $20,000 term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $625 beginning in August 2015, with a balloon payment due upon maturity in May 2017. The loans accrue interest at Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate “BBSY” plus 2.8% per annum (5.5% at December 31, 2014 for each loan). As of December 31, 2014, Griffon had an outstanding combined balance of $26,442 on the term loans.

Subsidiaries of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd also maintain two lines of credit of AUD $3,000 and AUD $5,000 which accrue interest at BBSY plus 2.25% per annum (5.00% at December 31, 2014) and 2.50% per annum (5.25% at December 31, 2014), respectively. At December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the lines. Griffon guarantees the term loans and the AUD $3,000 line of credit; the assets of a subsidiary of Northcote Holdings Pty Ltd secures the AUD $5,000 line of credit.


(h)	Other long-term debt primarily consists of capital leases.

At December 31, 2014, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of its credit and loan agreements.

NOTE 9 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

During the first quarter of 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, paid on December 23, 2014 to shareholders of record as of close of business on December 3, 2014. During 2014, the Board of Directors approved and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.03 per share, totaling $0.12 per share for the year. Dividends paid on allocated shares in the ESOP were used to pay down the ESOP loan and recorded as a reduction in expense. A dividend payable was established for the holders of restricted shares; such dividends will be released upon vesting of the underlying restricted shares.

On January 29, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, payable on March 26, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 26, 2015.

Compensation expense for restricted stock is recognized ratably over the required service period based on the fair value of the grant, calculated as the number of shares granted multiplied by the stock price on the date of grant and, for performance shares, the likelihood of achieving the performance criteria. Compensation cost related to stock-based awards with graded vesting, generally over a period of three to four years, is recognized using the straight-line attribution method and recorded within SG&A expenses.

In February 2011, shareholders approved the Griffon Corporation 2011 Equity Incentive Plan ("Incentive Plan") under which awards of performance shares, performance units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, deferred shares and other stock-based awards may be granted. On January 30, 2014, shareholders approved an amendment and restatement of the Incentive Plan, which, among other things, added 1,200,000 shares to the Incentive Plan. Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” or nonqualified stock options, generally expire ten years after the date of grant and are granted at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for award under the Incentive Plan is 4,200,000 (600,000 of which may be issued as incentive stock options), plus any shares underlying awards outstanding on the effective date of the Incentive Plan under the 2006 Incentive Plan that are subsequently canceled or forfeited. As of December 31, 2014, 615,644 shares were available for grant.

All grants outstanding under the Griffon Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan, 2006 Equity Incentive Plan and Outside Director Stock Award Plan will continue under their terms; no additional awards will be granted under such plans.

During the first quarter of 2015, Griffon granted 462,032 restricted stock awards with vesting periods of three years, 458,016 of which are also subject to certain performance conditions, with a total fair value of $5,775, or a weighted average fair value of $12.50 per share.

For the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,577 and $1,675, respectively.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, 61,399 shares, with a market value of $780 or $12.70 per share, were withheld to settle employee taxes due to the vesting of restricted stock and were added to treasury.

In May 2014, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under the program, the Company may purchase shares, depending upon market conditions, in open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or privately negotiated transactions. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Griffon purchased 1,025,041 shares of common stock under the May 2014 program, for a total of $12,286 or $11.99 per share. As of December 31, 2014, $26,574 remains under the May 2014 authorization.

Since August 2011, through the first quarter of 2015, Griffon has repurchased 8,019,903 shares of common stock, for a total of $84,483 or $10.53 per share, under Board authorized programs.

In addition to the Board authorized repurchase programs, on December 10, 2013, Griffon repurchased 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct, L.L.C. (“GS Direct”), an affiliate of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. The repurchase was effected in a private transaction at a per share price of $11.25, an approximate 9.2% discount to the stock’s closing price on November 12, 2013, the day before announcement of the transaction. After closing the transaction, GS Direct continued to hold approximately 5.56 million shares (approximately 10% of the shares outstanding at such time) of Griffon’s common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining shares of Griffon common stock at any time prior to December 31, 2015, it will first negotiate in good faith to sell such shares to the Company.

NOTE 10 – EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

Basic EPS (and diluted EPS in periods when a loss exists) was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS was calculated by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus additional common shares that could be issued in connection with stock based compensation. The 2017 Notes were anti-dilutive due to the conversion price being greater than the weighted-average stock price during the periods presented.

The following table is a reconciliation of the share amounts (in thousands) used in computing earnings per share:



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014	2013
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	46,310	52,754
Incremental shares from stock based compensation	1,826	1,879

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	48,136	54,633

Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted EPS computation	582	710

Griffon has the intent and ability to settle the principal amount of the 2017 Notes in cash, and as such, the potential issuance of shares related to the principal amount of the 2017 Notes does not affect diluted shares.

NOTE 11 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Griffon’s reportable segments are as follows:


•	HBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains, as well as a global provider of non-powered landscaping products that make work easier for homeowners and professionals.


•	Telephonics develops, designs and manufactures high-technology integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions to military and commercial markets worldwide.


•	Plastics is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial applications.

Information on Griffon’s reportable segments is as follows:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
REVENUE	2014		2013
Home & Building Products:
AMES	$	133,110	$	96,608
CBP	138,600		121,842
Home & Building Products	271,710		218,450
Telephonics	90,658		96,025
Plastics	139,792		138,983
Total consolidated net sales	$	502,160	$	453,458

The following table reconciles segment operating profit to income before taxes:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	2014			2013
Segment operating profit:
Home & Building Products	$	16,369		$	9,393
Telephonics	7,517			10,652
Plastics	8,020			5,825
Total segment operating profit	31,906			25,870
Net interest expense	(11,637		)	(13,101		)
Unallocated amounts	(8,264		)	(7,983		)
Income before taxes	$	12,005		$	4,786

Griffon evaluates performance and allocates resources based on each segment's operating results before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unallocated amounts (mainly corporate overhead), restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income before taxes:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Home & Building Products	$	24,470		$	19,067
Telephonics	10,032			12,396
Plastics	14,551			12,743
Total Segment adjusted EBITDA	49,053			44,206
Net interest expense	(11,637		)	(13,101		)
Segment depreciation and amortization	(17,147		)	(16,696		)
Unallocated amounts	(8,264		)	(7,983		)
Restructuring charges	—			(842		)
Acquisition costs	—			(798		)
Income before taxes	$	12,005		$	4,786

Unallocated amounts typically include general corporate expenses not attributable to a reportable segment.



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
DEPRECIATION and AMORTIZATION	2014		2013
Segment:
Home & Building Products	$	8,101	$	8,034
Telephonics	2,515		1,744
Plastics	6,531		6,918
Total segment depreciation and amortization	17,147		16,696
Corporate	113		97
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization	$	17,260	$	16,793

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Segment:
Home & Building Products	$	10,261	$	8,468
Telephonics	969		3,367
Plastics	7,679		5,760
Total segment	18,909		17,595
Corporate	12		321
Total consolidated capital expenditures	$	18,921	$	17,916



ASSETS	At December 31, 2014		At September 30, 2014
Segment assets:
Home & Building Products	$	1,054,456	$	1,030,005
Telephonics	291,818		319,327
Plastics	380,274		389,464
Total segment assets	1,726,548		1,738,796
Corporate	25,384		77,814
Total continuing assets	1,751,932		1,816,610
Assets of discontinued operations	3,731		3,751
Consolidated total	$	1,755,663	$	1,820,361

NOTE 12 – DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION EXPENSE

Defined benefit pension expense (income) was as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Service cost	$	—		$	45
Interest cost	2,207			2,500
Expected return on plan assets	(2,932		)	(2,885		)
Amortization:
Prior service cost	4			4
Recognized actuarial loss	541			489
Loss on pension settlement	—			—
Net periodic expense (income)	$	(180	)	$	153

NOTE 13 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss or tax credit carryforward, except for instances when the carryforward is not available to settle any additional income taxes and an entity does not intend to use the deferred tax benefit for these purposes. In these circumstances, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and accordingly, the Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2014. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance changing the requirements for reporting discontinued operations where a disposal of a component of an entity or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either classified as held for sale, or disposed of by sale or otherwise disposed. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures about the discontinued operation and disclosure information for other significant dispositions. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in 2015. The Company's adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved, in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. This guidance permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and is effective for the Company beginning in 2017; early adoption is not permitted. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the impact of the guidance on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and related disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and related footnote disclosures. Management will be required to evaluate, at each reporting period, whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. This guidance is effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning in 2017; implementation of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements, and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

NOTE 14 – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The following amounts related to the Installation Services segment, discontinued in 2008, and other businesses discontinued several years ago, which have been segregated from Griffon’s continuing operations, and are reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:



	At December 31, 2014		At September 30, 2014
Assets of discontinued operations:
Prepaid and other current assets	$	1,622	$	1,624
Other long-term assets	2,109		2,126
Total assets of discontinued operations	$	3,731	$	3,750

Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Accrued liabilities, current	$	3,170	$	3,282
Other long-term liabilities	3,542		3,830
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	6,712	$	7,112

There was no Installation Services revenue or income for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

NOTE 15 – RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES

In September 2014, Telephonics recognized $4,244 in restructuring costs in connection with the closure of its Swedish facility and restructuring of operations, a voluntary early retirement plan and a reduction in force aimed at improving efficiency by combining functions and responsibilities, resulting in the elimination of 80 positions.

In January 2013, AMES undertook to close certain of its U.S. manufacturing facilities and consolidate affected operations primarily into its Camp Hill and Carlisle, PA locations. These actions, completed this quarter, will improve manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, allow for in-sourcing of certain production currently performed by third party suppliers, and improve material flow and absorption of fixed costs. AMES incurred pre-tax restructuring and related exit costs approximating $7,941, comprised of cash charges of $4,016 and non-cash, asset-related charges of $3,925; the cash charges included $2,622 for one-time termination benefits and other personnel-related costs and $1,394 for facility exit costs and had $19,964 of capital expenditures.

HBP recognized $842 in restructuring and other related exit costs for the quarter ended December 31, 2013; such charges primarily related to one-time termination benefits, facility and other personnel costs, and asset impairment charges related to the AMES plant consolidation initiatives. There were no restructuring charges in the current quarter.

A summary of the restructuring and other related charges included in the line item “Restructuring and other related charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) were recognized as follows:



	Workforce Reduction		Facilities & Exit Costs		Other Related Costs		Non-cash Facility and Other		Total
Amounts incurred in:
Quarter ended December 31, 2013	$	638	$	95	$	109	$	—	$	842

The activity in the restructuring accrual recorded in accrued liabilities consisted of the following:



	Workforce Reduction
Accrued liability at September 30, 2014	$	5,228
Payments	(2,118		)
Accrued liability at December 31, 2014	$	3,110

NOTE 16 – OTHER EXPENSE

For the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Other income (expense) included $(540) and $242, respectively, of net currency exchange (losses) in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $46 and $112, respectively, of net investment income.

NOTE 17 – WARRANTY LIABILITY

Telephonics offers warranties against product defects for periods generally ranging from one to two years, depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. Typical warranties require Telephonics to repair or replace the defective products during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. At the time revenue is recognized, Griffon records a liability for warranty costs, estimated based on historical experience, and periodically assesses its warranty obligations and adjusts the liability as necessary. AMES offers an express limited warranty for a period of ninety days on all products from the date of original purchase unless otherwise stated on the product or packaging.

Changes in Griffon’s warranty liability, included in Accrued liabilities, were as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Balance, beginning of period	$	4,935		$	6,649
Warranties issued and changes in estimated pre-existing warranties	948			966
Actual warranty costs incurred	(975		)	(686		)
Balance, end of period	$	4,908		$	6,929

NOTE 18 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:



	Three Months Ended December 31, 2014									Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Tax			Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(15,500	)	$	—		$	(15,500	)	$	(3,137	)	$	—		$	(3,137	)
Pension and other defined benefit plans	545			(192		)	353			493			(177		)	316
Loss on cash flow hedge	(113		)	39			(74		)	—			—			—
Available-for-sale securities	$	(1,515	)	$	553		$	(962	)	$	—		$	—		$	—
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(16,583	)	$	400		$	(16,183	)	$	(2,644	)	$	(177	)	$	(2,821	)

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:



	December 31, 2014			September 30, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(19,320	)	$	(3,820	)
Pension and other defined benefit plans	(27,012		)	(27,366		)
Gain on cash flow hedge	178			252
Available-for-sale securities	(93		)	870
	$	(46,247	)	$	(30,064	)

Total comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Net income	$	7,471		$	3,236
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(16,183		)	(2,821		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(8,712	)	$	415

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to income (loss) were as follows:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Pension amortization	545			493
Tax	(192		)	(177		)
Net of tax	$	353		$	316

NOTE 19 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal and environmental

Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State (“DEC”), with ISC Properties, Inc. Lightron Corporation (“Lightron”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon, once conducted operations at a location in Peekskill in the Town of Cortlandt, New York (the “Peekskill Site”) owned by ISC Properties, Inc. (“ISC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon. ISC sold the Peekskill Site in November 1982.

Subsequently, Griffon was advised by the DEC that random sampling at the Peekskill Site and in a creek near the Peekskill Site indicated concentrations of solvents and other chemicals common to Lightron’s prior plating operations. ISC then entered into a consent order with the DEC in 1996 (the “Consent Order”) to perform a remedial investigation and prepare a feasibility study. After completing the initial remedial investigation pursuant to the Consent Order, ISC was required by the DEC, and did accordingly conduct over the next several years, supplemental remedial investigations, including soil vapor investigations, under the Consent Order.

In April 2009, the DEC advised ISC’s representatives that both the DEC and the New York State Department of Health had reviewed and accepted an August 2007 Remedial Investigation Report and an Additional Data Collection Summary Report dated January 30, 2009. With the acceptance of these reports, ISC completed the remedial investigation required under the Consent Order and was authorized, accordingly, by the DEC to conduct the Feasibility Study required by the Consent Order. Pursuant to the requirements of the Consent Order and its obligations thereunder, ISC, without acknowledging any responsibility to perform any remediation at the Site, submitted to the DEC in August 2009, a draft feasibility study which recommended for the soil, groundwater and sediment medias, remediation alternatives having a current net capital cost value, in the aggregate, of approximately $5,000. In February 2011, DEC advised ISC it has accepted and approved the feasibility study. Accordingly, ISC has no further obligations under the consent order.

Upon acceptance of the feasibility study, DEC issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (“PRAP”) that sets forth the proposed remedy for the site. The PRAP accepted the recommendation contained in the feasibility study for remediation of the soil and groundwater medias, but selected a different remediation alternative for the sediment medium. The approximate cost and the current net capital cost value of the remedy proposed by DEC in the PRAP is approximately $10,000. After receiving public comments on the PRAP, the DEC issued a Record of Decision (“ROD”) that set forth the specific remedies selected and responded to public comments. The remedies selected by the DEC in the ROD are the same remedies as those set forth in the PRAP.

It is now expected that DEC will enter into negotiations with potentially responsible parties to request they undertake performance of the remedies selected in the ROD, and if such parties do not agree to implement such remedies, then the State may use State Superfund money to remediate the Peekskill site and seek recovery of costs from such parties. Griffon does not acknowledge any responsibility to perform any remediation at the Peekskill Site.

Improper Advertisement Claim involving Union Tools® Products. Since December 2004, a customer of AMES has been named in various litigation matters relating to certain Union Tools products. The plaintiffs in those litigation matters have asserted causes of action against the customer of AMES for improper advertisement to end consumers. The allegations suggest that advertisements led the consumers to believe that Union Tools’ hand tools were wholly manufactured within boundaries of the United States. The complaints assert various causes of action against the customer of AMES under federal and state law, including common law fraud. At some point, likely once the litigation against the customer of AMES ends, the customer may seek indemnity (including recovery of its legal fees and costs) against AMES for an unspecified amount. Presently, AMES cannot estimate the amount of loss, if any, if the customer were to seek legal recourse against AMES.

Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State, regarding Frankfort, NY site. During fiscal 2009, an underground fuel tank with surrounding soil contamination was discovered at the Frankfort, N.Y. site, which is the result of historical facility

operations prior to AMES’ ownership. While AMES was actively working with the DEC and the New York State Department of Health to define remediation requirements relative to the underground fuel tank, the DEC took the position that AMES was responsible to remediate other types of contamination on the site. After negotiations with the DEC, on August 15, 2011, AMES executed an Order on Consent with the DEC. The Order is without admission or finding of liability or acknowledgment that there has been a release of hazardous substances at the site. Importantly, the Order does not waive any rights that AMES has under a 1991 Consent Judgment entered into between the DEC and a predecessor of AMES relating to the site. The Order requires that AMES identify areas of concern at the site, and formulate a strategy to investigate and remedy both on and off site conditions in compliance with applicable environmental law. At the conclusion of the remedy phase of the remediation to the satisfaction of the DEC, the DEC will issue a Certificate of Completion. On August 1, 2012, a fire occurred during the course of demolition of certain structures at the Frankfort, NY site, requiring cleanup and additional remediation under the oversight of the DEC, which work has been substantially completed. AMES has performed significant additional investigative and remedial activities in the last few years under work plans approved by the DEC and has submitted a remedial investigative report to the DEC, which the DEC accepted in draft form. In September 2014, AMES submitted an addendum to the remedial investigation report to the DEC and in December 2014 submitted a Final Remedial Investigation Report to DEC. DEC expects to schedule a Public Comment Meeting in late 2015.

U.S. Government investigations and claims

Defense contracts and subcontracts, including Griffon’s contracts and subcontracts, are subject to audit and review by various agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including among others, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (“DCAA”), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (“DCIS”), and the Department of Justice ("DOJ") which has responsibility for asserting claims on behalf of the U.S. government. In addition to ongoing audits, pursuant to an administrative subpoena Griffon is currently providing information to the U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General and the DOJ. No claim has been asserted against Griffon in connection with this matter, and Griffon is unaware of any material financial exposure in connection with the inquiry.

In general, departments and agencies of the U.S. Government have the authority to investigate various transactions and operations of Griffon, and the results of such investigations may lead to administrative, civil or criminal proceedings, the ultimate outcome of which could be fines, penalties, repayments or compensatory or treble damages. U.S. Government regulations provide that certain findings against a contractor may lead to suspension or debarment from future U.S. Government contracts or the loss of export privileges for a company or an operating division or subdivision. Suspension or debarment could have material adverse effect on Telephonics because of its reliance on government contracts.

General legal

Griffon is subject to various laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and is a party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes, based on facts presently known to it, that the resolution of the matters above and such other matters will not have a material adverse effect on Griffon’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 20 — CONSOLIDATING GUARANTOR AND NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Griffon’s Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by the domestic assets of Clopay Building Products Company, Inc., Clopay Plastic Products Company, Inc., Telephonics Corporation, The AMES Companies, Inc., AMES Southern, Inc. and Clopay Ames True Temper Holding, Corp., all of which are indirectly 100% owned by Griffon. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, presented below are condensed consolidating financial information as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2014 and for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations or financial position had the guarantor companies or non-guarantor companies operated as independent entities. The guarantor companies and the non-guarantor companies include the consolidated financial results of their wholly-owned subsidiaries accounted for under the equity method.

The indenture relating to the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) contains terms providing that, under certain limited circumstances, a guarantor will be released from its obligations to guarantee the Senior Notes. These circumstances include (i) a sale of at least a majority of the stock, or all or substantially all the assets, of the subsidiary guarantor as permitted by the Indenture; (ii) a public equity offering of a subsidiary guarantor that qualifies as a “Minority Business” as defined in the Indenture (generally, a business the EBITDA of which constitutes less than 50% of the segment adjusted EBITDA of the Company for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters), and that meets certain other specified conditions as set forth in the Indenture; (iii) the designation of a guarantor as an “unrestricted subsidiary” as defined in the Indenture, in compliance with the terms of the Indenture; (iv) Griffon exercising its right to defease the Senior Notes, or to otherwise discharge its obligations under the Indenture, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and (v) upon obtaining the requisite consent of the holders of the Senior Notes.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

At December 31, 2014



	Parent Company		Guarantor Companies		Non-Guarantor Companies		Elimination			Consolidation
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	3,288	$	6,519	$	36,759	$	—		$	46,566
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—		206,253		65,467		(34,543		)	237,177
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—		101,956		509		—			102,465
Inventories, net	—		255,361		64,060		—			319,421
Prepaid and other current assets	2,673		26,616		18,151		10,907			58,347
Assets of discontinued operations	—		—		1,622		—			1,622
Total Current Assets	5,961		596,705		186,568		(23,636		)	765,598
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,243		270,853		95,086		—			367,182
GOODWILL	—		284,875		82,216		—			367,091
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—		155,659		72,175		—			227,834
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	543,487		953,581		185,836		(1,682,904		)	—
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	767,088		660,465		1,771,532		(3,199,085		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	40,910		53,921		6,231		(75,213		)	25,849
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—		—		2,109		—			2,109
Total Assets	$	1,358,689	$	2,976,059	$	2,401,753	$	(4,980,838	)	$	1,755,663
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202	$	1,145	$	3,268	$	—		$	6,615
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,281		204,058		77,422		(28,510		)	284,251
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—		—		3,170		—			3,170
Total Current Liabilities	33,483		205,203		83,860		(28,510		)	294,036

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	752,572		7,372		42,911		—			802,855
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	21,700		905,636		707,633		(1,634,969		)	—
OTHER LIABILITIES	39,069		150,096		25,745		(71,545		)	143,365
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—		—		3,542		—			3,542
Total Liabilities	846,824		1,268,307		863,691		(1,735,024		)	1,243,798
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	511,865		1,707,752		1,538,062		(3,245,814		)	511,865
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,358,689	$	2,976,059	$	2,401,753	$	(4,980,838	)	$	1,755,663

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

At September 30, 2014



	Parent Company		Guarantor Companies		Non-Guarantor Companies		Elimination			Consolidation
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and equivalents	$	6,813	$	31,522	$	54,070	$	—		$	92,405
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	—		213,922		77,218		(32,704		)	258,436
Contract costs and recognized income not yet billed, net of progress payments	—		109,804		126		—			109,930
Inventories, net	—		219,326		70,537		272			290,135
Prepaid and other current assets	4,366		26,319		17,101		14,783			62,569
Assets of discontinued operations	—		—		1,624		—			1,624
Total Current Assets	11,179		600,893		220,676		(17,649		)	815,099

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net	1,327		270,519		98,643		76			370,565
GOODWILL	—		284,875		86,971		—			371,846
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	—		156,772		76,851		—			233,623
INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE	540,080		892,433		213,733		(1,646,246		)	—
EQUITY INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	780,600		662,403		1,782,406		(3,225,409		)	—
OTHER ASSETS	41,680		53,896		6,739		(75,213		)	27,102
ASSETS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—		—		2,126		—			2,126
Total Assets	$	1,374,866	$	2,921,791	$	2,488,145	$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,820,361
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	$	2,202	$	1,144	$	4,540	$	—		$	7,886
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,703		227,419		87,684		(20,811		)	319,995
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—		—		3,282		—			3,282
Total Current Liabilities	27,905		228,563		95,506		(20,811		)	331,163
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of debt discounts	752,160		7,806		45,135		—			805,101
INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES	21,573		815,094		762,192		(1,598,859		)	—
OTHER LIABILITIES	41,201		151,674		26,949		(71,584		)	148,240
LIABILITIES OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—		—		3,830		—			3,830
Total Liabilities	842,839		1,203,137		933,612		(1,691,254		)	1,288,334
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	532,027		1,718,654		1,554,533		(3,273,187		)	532,027
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	1,374,866	$	2,921,791	$	2,488,145	$	(4,964,441	)	$	1,820,361

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014



($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	378,114		$	138,881		$	(14,835	)	$	502,160
Cost of goods and services	—			289,370			108,274			(13,473		)	384,171
Gross profit	—			88,744			30,607			(1,362		)	117,989
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,520			69,557			20,099			(1,280		)	93,896
Total operating expenses	5,520			69,557			20,099			(1,280		)	93,896

Income (loss) from operations	(5,520		)	19,187			10,508			(82		)	24,093

Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(1,904		)	(7,427		)	(2,306		)	—			(11,637		)
Other, net	46			1,295			(1,874		)	82			(451		)
Total other income (expense)	(1,858		)	(6,132		)	(4,180		)	82			(12,088		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(7,378		)	13,055			6,328			—			12,005
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(3,481		)	7,737			278			—			4,534
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(3,897		)	5,318			6,050			—			7,471
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	11,368			6,036			5,318			(22,722		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	7,471		$	11,354		$	11,368		$	(22,722	)	$	7,471

Net Income (loss)	$	7,471		$	11,354		$	11,368		$	(22,722	)	$	7,471
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(16,183		)	(4,580		)	(10,831		)	15,411			(16,183		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(8,712	)	$	6,774		$	537		$	(7,311	)	$	(8,712	)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2013



($ in thousands)	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
Revenue	$	—		$	344,644		$	121,752		$	(12,938	)	$	453,458
Cost of goods and services	—			259,983			99,394			(11,422		)	347,955
Gross profit	—			84,661			22,358			(1,516		)	105,503
Selling, general and administrative expenses	6,331			68,381			14,574			(1,606		)	87,680
Restructuring and other related charges	—			764			78			—			842
Total operating expenses	6,331			69,145			14,652			(1,606		)	88,522
Income (loss) from operations	(6,331		)	15,516			7,706			90			16,981
Other income (expense)
Interest income (expense), net	(3,604		)	(7,250		)	(2,247		)	—			(13,101		)
Other, net	112			2,057			(1,173		)	(90		)	906
Total other income (expense)	(3,492		)	(5,193		)	(3,420		)	(90		)	(12,195		)
Income (loss) before taxes	(9,823		)	10,323			4,286			—			4,786
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(4,534		)	5,639			445			—			1,550
Income (loss) before equity in net income of subsidiaries	(5,289		)	4,684			3,841			—			3,236
Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries	8,525			3,766			4,685			(16,976		)	—
Net income (loss)	$	3,236		$	8,450		$	8,526		$	(16,976	)	$	3,236
Net Income (loss)	$	3,236		$	8,450		$	8,526		$	(16,976	)	$	3,236
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(2,821		)	1,789			(4,780		)	2,991			(2,821		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	415		$	10,239		$	3,746		$	(13,985	)	$	415

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2014



	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	7,471		$	11,354		$	11,368		$	(22,722	)	$	7,471
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,703			(19,874		)	10,121			—			(8,050		)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(12		)	(16,534		)	(2,375		)	—			(18,921		)
Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			5			102			—			107
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,988			(26,529		)	(2,273		)	—			(18,814		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of shares for treasury	(13,170		)	—			—			—			(13,170		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	10,000			—			279			—			10,279
Payments of long-term debt	(10,551		)	(432		)	(312		)	—			(11,295		)
Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			(1,201		)	—			(1,201		)
Financing costs	(29		)	—			—			—			(29		)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	342			—			—			—			342
Dividend	(1,910		)	—			—			—			(1,910		)
Other, net	102			21,832			(21,832		)	—			102
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(15,216		)	21,400			(23,066		)	—			(16,882		)
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(380		)	—			(380		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(1,713		)	—			(1,713		)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(3,525		)	(25,003		)	(17,311		)	—			(45,839		)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	6,813			31,522			54,070			—			92,405
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	3,288		$	6,519		$	36,759		$	—		$	46,566

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2013



	Parent Company			Guarantor Companies			Non-Guarantor Companies			Elimination			Consolidation
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	3,236		$	8,450		$	8,526		$	(16,976	)	$	3,236
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(4,422		)	(43,260		)	21,403			—			(26,279		)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment	(320		)	(16,334		)	(1,262		)	—			(17,916		)
Acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			(21,781		)	—			(21,781		)
Intercompany distributions	10,000			(10,000		)	—			—			—
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			202			22			—			224
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	9,680			(26,132		)	(23,021		)	—			(39,473		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of shares for treasury	(55,189		)	—			—			—			(55,189		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	42,689			(152		)	15,098			—			57,635
Payments of long-term debt	(21,603		)	(266		)	(3,377		)	—			(25,246		)
Change in short-term borrowings	—			—			9,940			—			9,940
Financing costs	(91		)	—			(590		)	—			(681		)
Purchase of ESOP shares	(1,591		)	—			—			—			(1,591		)
Tax effect from exercise/vesting of equity awards, net	273			—			—			—			273
Dividend	(6,719		)	5,000			—			—			(1,719		)
Other, net	32			61,139			(61,140		)	—			31
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(42,199		)	65,721			(40,069		)	—			(16,547		)
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Net cash used in discontinued operations	—			—			(299		)	—			(299		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	—			—			(158		)	—			(158		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS	(36,941		)	(3,671		)	(42,144		)	—			(82,756		)
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	68,994			25,343			83,793			—			178,130
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	32,053		$	21,672		$	41,649		$	—		$	95,374

Table of Contents

(Unless otherwise indicated, US dollars and non US currencies are in thousands, except per share data)

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

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) is a diversified management and holding company conducting business through wholly-owned subsidiaries. Griffon oversees the operations of its subsidiaries, allocates resources among them and manages their capital structures. Griffon provides direction and assistance to its subsidiaries in connection with acquisition and growth opportunities as well as in connection with divestitures. Griffon, to further diversify, also seeks out, evaluates and, when appropriate, will acquire additional businesses that offer potentially attractive returns on capital.

Griffon currently conducts its operations through three reportable segments: Home & Building Products (“HBP”), Telephonics Corporation (“Telephonics”) and Clopay Plastic Products Company (“Plastics”).


•	HBP consists of two companies, The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”) and Clopay Building Products Company, Inc. (“CBP”):

- AMES is a global provider of non-powered landscaping products that make work easier for homeowners and professionals.

- CBP is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential, commercial and industrial garage doors to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains.


•	Telephonics designs, develops and manufactures high-technology integrated information, communication and sensor system solutions for military and commercial markets worldwide.


•	Plastics is an international leader in the development and production of embossed, laminated and printed specialty plastic films used in a variety of hygienic, health-care and industrial applications.

As a result of the decline in the U.S. housing market and the subsequent global financial crisis, Griffon has been undergoing a strategic transformation. In May 2008, we announced the divestiture of our Installation Services business, which was consummated by September 2008. In September 2008, Griffon strengthened its balance sheet by raising $248,600 in equity through a common stock rights offering and a related investment by GS Direct L.L.C., an affiliate of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Over the past five years, Griffon has continued to refine and enhance the strategic direction and operating performance of its companies, while strengthening its balance sheet. During this period, Griffon has grown revenue and earnings through organic growth, cost containment and acquisitions, while returning capital to its shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks.

We are focused on acquiring, owning and operating businesses in a variety of industries. We are long-term investors that have substantial experience in a variety of industries. Our intent is to continue the growth of our existing segments and to diversify further through investments and acquisitions.

On September 30, 2010, Griffon purchased AMES for $542,000 in cash. Over the past three years, Griffon acquired three businesses complementary to AMES: the pots and planters business of Southern Sales & Marketing ("Southern Patio"), Northcote Pottery™ ("Northcote") and the Australian Garden and Tools division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc. ("Cyclone").

On October 17, 2011, AMES acquired Southern Patio for approximately $23,000. Southern Patio is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of landscape accessories. Southern Patio had revenue exceeding $40,000 in 2011.

In January 2013, AMES announced its intention to close certain U.S. manufacturing facilities and consolidate affected operations primarily into its Camp Hill and Carlisle, PA locations. These actions, which were completed at the end of the first quarter of 2015, improve manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, allow for in-sourcing of certain production currently performed by third party suppliers, and improve material flow and absorption of fixed costs. Management continues to estimate that these actions will result in annual cash savings exceeding $10,000, based on current operating levels.

On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote, founded in 1897 and a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000. Northcote is expected to generate approximately $28,000 of annualized revenue.

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On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired Cyclone for approximately $40,000, including a $4,000 working capital adjustment. Cyclone offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. Cyclone is expected to generate approximately $65,000 of annualized revenue. Northcote complements Southern Patio and, with Cyclone, adds to AMES' existing lawn and garden operations in Australia.

Since August 2011, through the first quarter of 2015, Griffon has repurchased 12,464,347 shares of its common stock, for a total of $134,483 or $10.79 per share. On May 1, 2014, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under this repurchase program, the Company may purchase shares, depending upon market conditions, in open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or privately negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2014, $26,574 remains under the current Board authorization.

Since September 2008, Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") purchased 4,013,459 shares of Griffon's common stock, for a total of $44,973 or $11.21 per share. At December 31, 2014, the ESOP holds allocated and unallocated shares totaling 5,641,213, or 11% of Griffon's outstanding shares, with a related loan balance of $38,396.

On November 17, 2011, the Company began declaring quarterly dividends. During the first quarter of 2015, and during 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company declared and paid dividends per share of $0.04, $0.12, $0.10 and $0.08, respectively, for a total of $18,751 dividends paid during the period.

During 2014, Griffon issued $600,000 of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2022 the proceeds of which were used to redeem $550,000 of 7.125% senior notes due 2018. In addition, Griffon amended its $225,000 Revolving Credit Facility to extend its maturity to 2019.

Griffon also has outstanding $100,000 principal amount of 4% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2017, with a current conversion rate of 68.4571 shares of Griffon’s common stock per $1 principal amount of notes, which corresponds to a conversion price of $14.61 per share.

OVERVIEW

Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was $502,160 compared to $453,458 in the prior year quarter, an increase of 11%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, revenue increased 13%. Net income was $7,471 or $0.16 per share, compared to $3,236 or $0.06 per share, in the prior year quarter.

The current quarter included:


•	Discrete tax provisions, net, of $349 or $0.01 per share.

The prior year quarter included:


•	Restructuring charges of $842 ($522, net of tax or $0.01 per share);


•	Acquisition costs of $798 ($495, net of tax or $0.01 per share); and


•	Discrete tax benefits, net, of $289 or $0.01 per share.

Excluding these items from the respective quarterly results, net income would have been $7,820 or $0.16 per share in the current quarter compared to $3,964 or $0.07 per share in the prior year quarter.

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Griffon evaluates performance based on Earnings per share and Net income excluding restructuring charges, acquisition-related expenses, gains (losses) from pension settlement and debt extinguishment and discrete tax items, as applicable. Griffon believes this information is useful to investors. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income to adjusted net income and Earnings per share to Adjusted earnings per share:

GRIFFON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME

(Unaudited)



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014		2013
Net income	$	7,471	$	3,236
Adjusting items, net of tax:
Restructuring charges	—		522
Acquisition costs	—		495
Discrete tax provisions (benefits)	349		(289		)
Adjusted net income	$	7,820	$	3,964
Diluted income per common share	$	0.16	$	0.06
Adjusting items, net of tax:
Restructuring charges	—		0.01
Acquisition costs	—		0.01
Discrete tax provisions (benefits)	0.01		(0.01		)
Adjusted earnings per common share	$	0.16	$	0.07
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands)	48,136		54,633

Note: Due to rounding, the sum of earnings per common share and adjusting items, net of tax, may not equal adjusted earnings per common share.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013

Griffon evaluates performance and allocates resources based on each segment's operating results before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, unallocated amounts (mainly corporate overhead), restructuring charges, and acquisition-related expenses, as applicable (“Segment adjusted EBITDA”). Griffon believes this information is useful to investors for the same reason. The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment operating profit to Income before taxes:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Segment operating profit:
Home & Building Products	$	16,369		$	9,393
Telephonics	7,517			10,652
Plastics	8,020			5,825
Total segment operating profit	31,906			25,870
Net interest expense	(11,637		)	(13,101		)
Unallocated amounts	(8,264		)	(7,983		)
Income before taxes	$	12,005		$	4,786

The following table provides a reconciliation of Segment adjusted EBITDA to Income before taxes:



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Segment adjusted EBITDA:
Home & Building Products	$	24,470		$	19,067
Telephonics	10,032			12,396
Plastics	14,551			12,743
Total Segment adjusted EBITDA	49,053			44,206
Net interest expense	(11,637		)	(13,101		)
Segment depreciation and amortization	(17,147		)	(16,696		)
Unallocated amounts	(8,264		)	(7,983		)
Restructuring charges	—			(842		)
Acquisition costs	—			(798		)
Income before taxes	$	12,005		$	4,786

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Home & Building Products



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014				2013
Revenue:
AMES	$	133,110			$	96,608
CBP	138,600				121,842
Home & Building Products	$	271,710			$	218,450
Segment operating profit	$	16,369	6.0	%	$	9,393	4.3	%
Depreciation and amortization	8,101				8,034
Restructuring charges	—				842
Acquisition costs	—				798
Segment adjusted EBITDA	$	24,470	9.0	%	$	19,067	8.7	%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, revenue increased $53,260 or 24%, compared to the prior year quarter; excluding the benefit from the inclusion of Northcote and Cyclone results, revenue increased 12%. AMES revenue increased 38% compared to the prior year quarter due to the inclusion of Northcote and Cyclone results (+27%) and improved U.S. and Canadian snow tool sales (+6%), with the balance primarily due to improved sales of North American pots and planters. CBP revenue increased 14%, due to increased volume (+9%) with the balance primarily due to favorable product mix. Segment revenue reflected the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation (-2%).

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Segment operating profit increased 74% to $16,369 compared to $9,393 in the prior year quarter. The prior year included $842 of restructuring charges related to the consolidation initiative at AMES and $798 of acquisition costs related to the Northcote transaction. Excluding restructuring charges and acquisition costs, prior year Segment operating profit was $11,033 compared to $16,369 in the current quarter, an increase of 48%. The quarter included an unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of 9%; the currency impact was more than offset by the contributions from Northcote and Cyclone acquisitions (+35%), with the balance of the profit increase attributable to organic revenue growth. In both periods, AMES experienced manufacturing inefficiencies in connection with its plant consolidation initiative; this initiative was completed at the end of the current quarter.

On May 21, 2014, AMES acquired Cyclone for approximately $40,000, including a $4,000 working capital adjustment. Cyclone offers a full range of quality garden and hand tool products sold under various leading brand names including Cyclone®, Nylex® and Trojan®, designed to meet the requirements of both the Do-it-Yourself and professional trade segments. Cyclone is expected to generate approximately $65,000 of annualized revenue. Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") expenses included $2,363 of related acquisition costs recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2014.

On December 31, 2013, AMES acquired Northcote, a leading brand in the Australian outdoor planter and decor market, for approximately $22,000. Northcote complements Southern Patio, acquired in 2011. Northcote is expected to generate approximately $28,000 of annualized revenue. First quarter 2014 SG&A expenses included $798 of related acquisition costs. Both Cyclone and Northcote add to AMES’ existing lawn and garden operations in Australia.

In January 2013, AMES undertook to close certain of its U.S. manufacturing facilities and consolidate affected operations primarily into its Camp Hill and Carlisle, PA locations. These actions, completed at the end of the current quarter, improve manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, allow for in-sourcing of certain production currently performed by third party suppliers, and improve material flow and absorption of fixed costs. Management continues to estimate that these actions will result in annual cash savings exceeding $10,000, based on current operating levels; savings will begin to be realized in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Since January 2013, AMES incurred pre-tax restructuring and related exit costs approximating $7,941, comprised of cash charges of $4,016 and non-cash, asset-related charges of $3,925; the cash charges included $2,622 for one-time termination benefits and other personnel-related costs and $1,394 for facility exit costs, and there were $19,964 of capital expenditures. The charges and capital expenditures are consistent with the amounts estimated at the onset of the initiative.

HBP recognized $842 in restructuring and related exit costs for the quarter ended December 31, 2013; such charges primarily related to one-time termination benefits, facility and other personnel costs, and asset impairment charges related to the AMES initiative. There were no such charges in the current quarter.

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Telephonics



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014				2013
Revenue	$	90,658			$	96,025
Segment operating profit	$	7,517	8.3	%	$	10,652	11.1	%
Depreciation and amortization	2,515				1,744
Segment adjusted EBITDA	$	10,032	11.1	%	$	12,396	12.9	%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, revenue decreased $5,367 or 6% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the timing of work performed on Multi-Mode Radars.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Segment operating profit decreased $3,135 or 29%, and operating profit margin decreased 280 basis points compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced revenue and product mix.

During the current quarter, Telephonics was awarded several new contracts and incremental funding on existing contracts approximating $93,300. Contract backlog was $496,000 at December 31, 2014, with 69% expected to be fulfilled in the next 12 months. Backlog was $494,000 at September 30, 2014 and $416,000 at December 31, 2013. Backlog is defined as unfilled firm orders for products and services for which funding has been both authorized and appropriated by the customer or Congress, in the case of the U.S. government agencies.

Plastics



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2014				2013
Revenue	$	139,792			$	138,983
Segment operating profit	$	8,020	5.7	%	$	5,825	4.2	%
Depreciation and amortization	6,531				6,918
Segment adjusted EBITDA	$	14,551	10.4	%	$	12,743	9.2	%

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, revenue increased $809, or 1%, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase reflected the benefit of increased volume (+3%) and the pass through of increased resin costs in customer selling prices (+2%), partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange translation (-4%). Plastics adjusts selling prices based on underlying resin costs on a delayed basis.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Segment operating profit increased $2,195 or 38% compared to the prior year quarter mainly due to a change in the impact of resin pricing pass through (+33%), partially offset by the impact of unfavorable foreign exchange (-7%) with the quarter also benefiting from improved operations and increased volume.

Unallocated

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, unallocated amounts totaled $8,264 compared to $7,983 in the prior year with the increase primarily related to compensation and incentive costs.

Segment Depreciation and Amortization

Segment depreciation and amortization increased $451 for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, primarily due to the inclusion of Northcote and Cyclone.

Other Expense

For the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Other income (expense) included ($540) and $242, respectively, of net currency exchange gains (losses) in connection with the translation of receivables and payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of Griffon and its subsidiaries as well as $46 and $112, respectively, of net investment income.

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Provision for income taxes

Excluding discrete items, the effective tax rate for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was 34.9% compared to 38.4% in the comparable prior year quarter.

Stock based compensation

For the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, stock based compensation expense totaled $2,577 and $1,675, respectively.

Comprehensive income (loss)

For the quarter ended December 31, 2014, total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, of $16,183, included a $15,500 loss from foreign currency translation adjustments primarily due to the weakening of the Euro, Canadian, Australian and Brazilian currencies, all in comparison to the U.S. Dollar, a $353 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses, a $74 loss on cash flow hedges and $962 loss on available-for-sale securities.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2013, total other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, of $2,821, included a $3,137 loss from foreign currency translation adjustments primarily due to the weakening of the Canadian, Australian and Brazilian currencies, partially offset by the strengthening of the Euro, all in comparison to the U.S. Dollar, a $316 benefit from pension amortization of actuarial losses.

Discontinued operations – Installation Services

There was no revenue or income from the Installation Services’ business for the quarters ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Management assesses Griffon’s liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing activities. Significant factors affecting liquidity include: cash flows from operating activities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, dispositions, bank lines of credit and the ability to attract long-term capital under satisfactory terms. Griffon believes it has sufficient liquidity available for reinvestment in existing businesses and strategic acquisitions while managing its capital structure on both a short-term and long-term basis.

The following table is derived from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:



Cash Flows from Continuing Operations	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2014			2013
Net Cash Flows Used In:
Operating activities	$	(8,050	)	$	(26,279	)
Investing activities	(18,814		)	(39,473		)
Financing activities	(16,882		)	(16,547		)

Cash used in continuing operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 was $8,050 compared to usage of $26,279 in the prior year quarter. Current assets net of current liabilities, excluding short-term debt and cash, increased to $431,611 at December 31, 2014 compared to $399,417 at September 30, 2014, primarily due to an increase in inventory and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and contract costs and recognized income not yet billed. Current year cash flow from operating activities benefitted $4,600 from the inclusion of Northcote and Cyclone results.

In connection with the refinancing of the Company's Senior Notes, the timing of related interest payments on debt shifted; the prior year quarter's operating cash flow included a semi-annual interest payment of $9,797; the current year quarter had no interest payment for the Senior Notes.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Griffon used cash for investing activities of $18,814 compared to $39,473 in the prior year quarter. Current quarter capital expenditures totaled $18,921, an increase of $1,005 from the prior year quarter. The prior year quarter included $23,666 related to the acquisition of Northcote.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, cash used in financing activities totaled $16,882 compared to $16,547 in the prior year. On May 1, 2014, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under this program, the Company may purchase shares, depending upon market conditions, in open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or privately negotiated transactions. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, Griffon purchased 1,025,041 shares of common stock under the May 2014 program, for a total of $12,286 or $11.99 per share. During the quarter, 61,399 shares, with a market value of $780, or $12.70 per share, were withheld to settle employee taxes due upon the vesting of restricted stock. During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, paid on December 23, 2014 to shareholders of record as of close of business on December 3, 2014.

Payments related to Telephonics revenue are received in accordance with the terms of development and production subcontracts; certain of such receipts are progress or performance based payments. Plastics' customers are generally substantial industrial companies whose payments have been steady, reliable and made in accordance with the terms governing such sales. Plastics' sales satisfy orders that are received in advance of production, and where payment terms are established in advance. With respect to HBP, there have been no material adverse impacts on payment for sales.

A small number of customers account for, and are expected to continue to account for, a substantial portion of Griffon’s consolidated revenue. For the quarter ended December 31, 2014:


•	The United States Government and its agencies, through either prime or subcontractor relationships, represented 12% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 67% of Telephonics’ revenue.


•	Procter & Gamble Co. represented 15% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 53% of Plastics’ revenue.


•	The Home Depot represented 10% of Griffon’s consolidated revenue and 19% of HBP’s revenue.

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No other customer exceeded 6% of consolidated revenue. Future operating results will continue to substantially depend on the success of Griffon’s largest customers and our ongoing relationships with them. Orders from these customers are subject to fluctuation and may be reduced materially. The loss of all or a portion of volume from any one of these customers could have a material adverse impact on Griffon’s liquidity and operations.



Cash and Equivalents and Debt	December 31,		September 30,
(in thousands)	2014		2013
Cash and equivalents	$	46,566	$	92,405
Notes payables and current portion of long-term debt	6,615		7,886
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	802,855		805,101
Debt discount	8,622		9,584
Total debt	818,092		822,571
Debt, net of cash and equivalents	$	771,526	$	730,166

On February 14, 2014, Griffon amended its $225,000 Revolving Credit Facility (“Credit Agreement”) to extend its maturity date from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2019, and to amend certain financial maintenance and negative covenants to improve Griffon's financial and operating flexibility. The facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility with a limit of $60,000, a multi-currency sub-facility of $50,000 and a swing line sub-facility with a limit of $30,000. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be repaid and re-borrowed at any time, subject to final maturity of the facility or the occurrence of a default or an event of default under the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable on borrowings at either a LIBOR or base rate benchmark rate, in each case without a floor, plus an applicable margin, which adjusts based on financial performance. Current margins are 1.25% for base rate loans and 2.25% for LIBOR loans. The Credit Agreement has certain financial maintenance tests including a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The negative covenants place limits on Griffon's ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens and make restricted payments and investments. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Griffon’s material domestic subsidiaries and are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all domestic assets of the Company and the guarantors and a pledge of not greater than 65% of the equity interest in each of Griffon’s material, first-tier foreign subsidiaries (except that a lien on the assets of Griffon's material domestic subsidiaries securing a limited amount of the debt under the credit agreement relating to Griffon's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement). At December 31, 2014, outstanding borrowings and standby letters of credit were $25,000 and $19,285, respectively, under the Credit Agreement; $180,715 was available for borrowing at that date.

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in excess of par component, net of tax, of $15,720. The fair value of the 2017 Notes approximated $116,375 on December 31, 2014 based upon quoted market prices (level 1 inputs).

On October 21, 2013, Griffon refinanced two real estate mortgages to secure loans totaling $17,175. The loans mature in October 2018, are collateralized by the related properties and are guaranteed by Griffon. The loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.75%. At December 31, 2014, $16,173 was outstanding.

In December 2013, Griffon’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) entered into an agreement that refinanced the two existing ESOP loans into one new Term Loan in the amount of $21,098 (the "Agreement"). The Agreement also provided for a Line Note with $10,000 available to purchase shares of Griffon common stock in the open market. In July 2014, Griffon's ESOP entered into an amendment to the existing Agreement which provided an additional $10,000 Line Note available to purchase shares in the open market. During 2014, the Line Notes were combined with the Term Loan to form one new Term Loan. The Term Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.38% or the lender’s prime rate, at Griffon’s option. The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $506, with a balloon payment of approximately $30,137 due at maturity on December 31, 2018. During 2014, 1,591,117 shares of Griffon common stock, for a total of $20,000 or $12.57 per share, were purchased with proceeds from the Line Notes. During the first quarter of 2015, no shares of Griffon's common stock were purchased. As of December 31, 2014, $38,396 was outstanding under the Term Loan. The Term Loan is secured by shares purchased with the proceeds of the loan and with a lien on a specific amount of Griffon assets (which lien ranks pari passu with the lien granted on such assets under the Credit Agreement) and is guaranteed by Griffon.

In October 2006, CBP entered into a capital lease totaling $14,290 for real estate in Troy, Ohio. The lease matures in 2022, bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.0%, is secured by a mortgage on the real estate and is guaranteed by Griffon. At December 31, 2014, $8,299 was outstanding.

At December 31, 2014, Griffon and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the terms and covenants of its credit and loan agreements.

In each of August 2011 and May 2014, Griffon’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon’s outstanding common stock. Under both programs, the Company may, from time to time, purchase shares of its common stock, depending upon market conditions, in open market, including pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan, or privately negotiated transactions. During 2014, Griffon purchased 1,906,631 shares of common stock under both repurchase programs, for a total of $23,167 or $12.15 per shares. During the first quarter of 2015, Griffon purchased 1,025,041 shares of common stock under the May 2014 program. Since August 2011, through December 31, 2014, Griffon has repurchased 12,464,347 shares of common stock, for a

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total of $134,483 or $10.79, inclusive of the December 10, 2013 repurchase of 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct. As of December 31, 2014, $26,574 remains under Griffon’s May 2014 Board authorized repurchase program.

On December 10, 2013, Griffon repurchased 4,444,444 shares of its common stock for $50,000 from GS Direct. The repurchase was effected in a private transaction at a per share price of $11.25, an approximate 9.2% discount to the stock’s closing price on November 12, 2013, the day before announcement of the transaction. The transaction was exclusive of the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs. After closing the transaction, GS Direct continued to hold approximately 5.56 million shares (approximately 10% of the shares outstanding at such time) of Griffon’s common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, if GS Direct intends to sell its remaining shares of Griffon common stock at any time prior to December 31, 2015, it will first negotiate in good faith to sell such shares to the Company.

On November 17, 2011, the Company began declaring quarterly cash dividends. During 2014, the Company declared and paid dividends totaling $0.12 per share. During the first quarter of 2015, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share, paid on December 23, 2014 to shareholders of record as of close of business on December 3, 2014. The Company currently intends to pay dividends each quarter; however, payment of dividends is determined by the Board of Directors at its discretion based on various factors, and no assurance can be provided as to the payment of future dividends.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Griffon used cash for discontinued operations of $380 and $299, respectively, primarily related to settling remaining Installation Services liabilities and environmental costs.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of Griffon’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires the use of estimates, assumptions, judgments and subjective interpretations of accounting principles that have an impact on assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates can also affect supplemental information contained in public disclosures of Griffon, including information regarding contingencies, risk and its financial condition. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are evaluated on an ongoing basis and based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions, and form the basis for estimating the carrying values of assets and liabilities, as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment for commitments and contingencies. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates. There have been no changes in Griffon’s critical accounting policies from September 30, 2014.

Griffon’s significant accounting policies and procedures are explained in the Management Discussion and Analysis section in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014. In the selection of the critical accounting policies, the objective is to properly reflect the financial position and results of operations for each reporting period in a consistent manner that can be understood by the reader of the financial statements. Griffon considers an estimate to be critical if it is subjective and if changes in the estimate using different assumptions would result in a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of Griffon.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issues, from time to time, new financial accounting standards, staff positions and emerging issues task force consensus. See the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of these matters.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, especially “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”, contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to, among other things, income (loss), earnings, cash flows, revenue, changes in operations, operating improvements, industries in which Griffon Corporation (the “Company” or “Griffon”) operates and the United States and global economies. Statements in this Form 10-Q that are not historical are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” and may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “supports,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “believes,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “hope,” “forecast,” “management is of the opinion,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “intends,” “explores,” “opportunities,” the negative of these expressions, use of the future tense and similar words or phrases. Such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: current economic conditions and uncertainties in the housing, credit and capital markets; Griffon’s ability to achieve expected savings from cost control, integration and disposal initiatives; the ability to identify and successfully consummate and integrate value-adding acquisition opportunities; increasing competition and pricing pressures in the markets served by Griffon’s operating companies; the ability of Griffon’s operating companies to expand into new geographic and product markets and to anticipate and meet customer demands for new products and product enhancements and innovations; reduced military spending by the government on projects for which Griffon’s Telephonics Corporation supplies products, including as a result of sequestration at such time as the budgetary cuts mandated by sequestration begin to take effect; the ability of the federal government to fund and conduct its operations; increases in the cost of raw materials such as resin and steel; changes in customer demand or loss of a material customer at one of Griffon’s operating companies; the potential impact of seasonal variations and uncertain weather patterns on certain of Griffon’s businesses; political events that could impact the worldwide economy; a downgrade in Griffon’s credit ratings; changes in international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange fluctuations; the reliance by certain of Griffon’s businesses on particular third party suppliers and manufacturers to meet customer demands; the relative mix of products and services offered by Griffon’s businesses, which impacts margins and operating efficiencies; short-term capacity constraints or prolonged excess capacity; unforeseen developments in contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters; unfavorable results of government agency contract audits of Telephonics Corporation; Griffon’s ability to adequately protect and maintain the validity of patent and other intellectual property rights; the cyclical nature of the businesses of certain of Griffon’s operating companies; and possible terrorist threats and actions and their impact on the global economy. Additional important factors that could cause the statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or the actual results of operations or financial condition of Griffon to differ are discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Special Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Griffon undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Griffon’s business’ activities necessitates the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and commodity prices.

Interest Rates

Griffon’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to variable interest rate debt and investments in cash and equivalents.

The revolving credit facility and certain other of Griffon’s credit facilities have a LIBOR-based variable interest rate. Due to the current and expected level of borrowings under these facilities, a 100 basis point change in LIBOR would not have a material impact on Griffon’s results of operations or liquidity.

Foreign Exchange

Griffon conducts business in various non-U.S. countries, primarily in Canada, Germany, Brazil, United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Sweden, Australia and Mexico; therefore, changes in the value of the currencies of these countries affect the financial position and cash flows when translated into U.S. Dollars. Griffon has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements relative to its non-U.S. operations. Griffon may, from time to time, hedge its currency risk exposures. A change of 10% or less in the value of all applicable foreign currencies would not have a material effect on Griffon’s financial position and cash flows.

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Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of Griffon’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), were evaluated as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, Griffon’s CEO and CFO concluded that Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in Griffon’s internal control over financial reporting which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Griffon’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Griffon believes that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all controls issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Griffon’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, carefully consider the factors discussed in Item 1A to Part I in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, which could materially affect Griffon’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in Griffon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Griffon. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Griffon or that Griffon currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect Griffon’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c)

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES



Period	(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased		(b) Average Price Paid Per Share (or Unit)		(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)	(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
October 1 - 31, 2014	484,041		$	11.32	484,041
November 1 - 30, 2014	273,884	(2)	12.44		260,000
December 1 - 31, 2014	328,515	(3)	12.71		281,000
Total	1,086,440		$	11.99	1,025,041	$	26,574


1.	On May 1, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50,000 of Griffon common stock ; as of December 31, 2014, $26,574 remained available for the purchase of Griffon common stock under the May 1, 2014 $50,000 board authorized program.


2.	Includes (a) 260,000 shares purchased by the Company in open market purchases pursuant to a stock buyback plan authorized by the Company's Board of Directors and (b) 13,884 shares acquired by the Company from holders of restricted stock upon vesting of the restricted stock, to satisfy tax-withholding obligations of the holders.


3.	Includes (a) 281,000 shares purchased by the Company in open market purchases pursuant to a stock buyback plan authorized by the Company's Board of Directors and (b) 47,515 shares acquired by the Company from holders of restricted stock upon vesting of the restricted stock, to satisfy tax-withholding obligations of the holders.

Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5 Other Information

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On January 29, 2015, Griffon Corporation ("Griffon") held its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Of the 52,716,487 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, 50,772,481 shares, or 96.3%, were represented at

the meeting in person or by proxy, and therefore a quorum was present. The final results for each of the matters submitted to a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting are as follows:

Item No. 1: All of the Board’s nominees for Class II directors were elected to serve until Griffon’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, by the votes set forth below:



Nominee	For	Withheld	Broker Non-Votes

Harvey R. Blau	45,395,022	3,626,649	1,750,810
Bradley J. Gross	47,398,490	1,623,181	1,750,810
General Donald J. Kutyna (USAF Ret.)	46,557,676	2,463,995	1,750,810
Kevin F. Sullivan	47,410,933	1,610,738	1,750,810

Item No. 2: The stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in Griffon’s proxy statement, by the votes set forth below:



For	Against	Abstain	Broker Non-votes
30,258,510	17,312,621	1,450,540	1,750,810

Item No. 3: The stockholders ratified the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as Griffon’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2015, by the votes set forth below:



For	Against	Abstain
50,122,268	424,461	225,752



Item 6	Exhibits

31.1	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32	Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document*

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document*

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document*

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentations Document*

*	In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed”.

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SIGNATURES

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



	GRIFFON CORPORATION

	/s/ Douglas J. Wetmore
	Douglas J. Wetmore
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

	/s/ Brian G. Harris
	Brian G. Harris
	Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
	(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: January 29, 2015

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EXHIBIT INDEX



31.1	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32	Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document*

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*

101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document*

101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document*

101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document*

101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentations Document*

*	In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed”.

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