Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x      Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the quarterly period ended October 30, 2010

 

or

 

o         Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 


 

Commission file number 0-2816

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter.)

 

Delaware

 

36-2090085

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

 

7401 West Wilson Avenue, Harwood Heights, Illinois

 

60706-4548

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (708) 867-6777

 

None

(Former name, former address, former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

At December 7, 2010, registrant had 36,803,574 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

October 30, 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of – October 30, 2010 (unaudited) and May 1, 2010

2

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) – Three and six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) – Six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009

4

 

 

 

 

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements – October 30, 2010

5

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

22

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

44

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

44

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

44

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

45

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

46

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

47

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1 - Financial Statements

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

As of

 

As of

 

 

 

October 30, 2010

 

May 1, 2010

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

77,192

 

$

63,821

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

80,599

 

68,649

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished products

 

6,971

 

5,487

 

Work in process

 

8,351

 

7,686

 

Materials

 

19,404

 

16,587

 

 

 

34,726

 

29,760

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,361

 

2,272

 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

 

13,998

 

13,956

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

6,700

 

6,138

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

215,576

 

184,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

291,074

 

280,750

 

Less allowances for depreciation

 

229,557

 

218,874

 

 

 

61,517

 

61,876

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOODWILL

 

12,096

 

12,096

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

17,672

 

18,811

 

PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS

 

9,833

 

11,984

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

23,670

 

21,460

 

 

 

63,271

 

64,351

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

340,364

 

$

310,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

36,265

 

$

29,743

 

Other current liabilities

 

27,896

 

29,002

 

Short-term debt

 

18,009

 

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

82,170

 

58,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER LIABILITIES

 

11,339

 

10,251

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

2,216

 

1,885

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,175,296 and 38,149,946 shares issued as of October 30, 2010 and May 1, 2010, respectively

 

19,088

 

19,075

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

66,533

 

65,991

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

21,762

 

16,247

 

Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of October 30, 2010 and May 1, 2010

 

(11,377

)

(11,377

)

Retained earnings

 

145,216

 

146,818

 

TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

241,222

 

236,754

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

3,417

 

3,188

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

244,639

 

239,942

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

340,364

 

$

310,823

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

106,614

 

$

98,496

 

$

204,899

 

$

188,272

 

Other

 

1,102

 

1,072

 

1,804

 

2,459

 

 

 

107,716

 

99,568

 

206,703

 

190,731

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

84,073

 

77,784

 

162,853

 

148,693

 

Restructuring

 

(21

)

3,156

 

(21

)

6,767

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

21,293

 

16,413

 

37,650

 

32,286

 

 

 

105,345

 

97,353

 

200,482

 

187,746

 

Income from operations

 

2,371

 

2,215

 

6,221

 

2,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

61

 

45

 

88

 

147

 

Other (income)/expense, net

 

2,032

 

(143

)

1,183

 

252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

278

 

2,313

 

4,950

 

2,586

 

Income tax expense

 

768

 

225

 

1,410

 

511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

(490

)

2,088

 

3,540

 

2,075

 

Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

23

 

36

 

(12

)

42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

 

$

(513

)

$

2,052

 

$

3,552

 

$

2,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts per common share attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.06

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.06

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.06

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

37,058

 

36,644

 

37,051

 

36,641

 

Diluted

 

37,058

 

36,868

 

37,282

 

36,823

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30, 2010

 

October 31, 2009

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,540

 

$

2,075

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for depreciation

 

6,647

 

10,118

 

Impairment of tangible assets

 

1,299

 

710

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

1,139

 

1,123

 

Amortization of stock awards and stock options

 

541

 

507

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(9,416

)

1,044

 

Other

 

77

 

48

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

3,827

 

15,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(5,605

)

(5,821

)

Purchase of investment

 

(750

)

 

Acquisition of technology licenses

 

 

(181

)

Proceeds from life insurance policies

 

1,515

 

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(4,840

)

(6,002

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

13

 

 

Cash dividends

 

(5,154

)

(5,233

)

Borrowings

 

18,000

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

12,859

 

(5,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash

 

1,525

 

1,854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

13,371

 

6,244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

63,821

 

54,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

77,192

 

$

60,274

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

October 30, 2010

 

1.             BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966.  As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  Our business is managed and our financial results are reported on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other.  The condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of October 30, 2010 and results of operations for the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 are unaudited, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The May 1, 2010 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  In our opinion, these financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim periods.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended May 1, 2010 filed with the SEC on July 1, 2010.  Results may vary from quarter to quarter for reasons other than seasonality.

 

2.             RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” ASU 2010-06 requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements, including transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2, and a higher level of disaggregation for the different types of financial instruments. For the reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurements, information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements are presented separately. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the exception of revised Level 3 disclosure requirements which are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Comparative disclosures are not required in the year of adoption. We adopted the provisions of the standard on May 2, 2010, which did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation”, regarding the consolidation of variable interest entities (formerly SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”). ASC 810 is intended to improve financial reporting by providing additional guidance to companies involved with variable interest entities and by requiring additional disclosures about a company’s involvement in variable interest entities. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. We adopted the provisions of the standard on May 2, 2010, which did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing” (formerly SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets”). ASC 860 requires more information about transfers of financial assets and where companies have continuing exposure to the risk related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosure. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. We adopted the provisions of the standard on May 2, 2010, which did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

3.             RESTRUCTURINGS

 

March 2009 Restructuring

 

In March 2009, we announced restructuring initiatives to consolidate our manufacturing facilities to reduce costs.  All of the March 2009 restructuring initiatives were complete as of the end of fiscal 2010.  At the

 

5



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

3.             RESTRUCTURINGS - Continued

 

end of fiscal 2010, we had an accrued restructuring liability of $420 reflected in our current liabilities section of our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  There were no payments made against this liability during the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010, however, we do expect this liability to be paid out by the end of fiscal 2011.

 

The table below reflects the activity related to the March 2009 restructuring for the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Costs

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued balance at May 1, 2010

 

$

420

 

 

 

 

 

Payments during the first and second quarter of fiscal 2011

 

 

Accrued balance at October 30, 2010

 

$

420

 

 

January 2008 Restructuring

 

In January 2008, we announced a restructuring of our U.S.-based automotive operations and a decision to discontinue producing certain legacy products in the Interconnect segment.  All of the January 2008 restructuring initiatives were complete as of the end of fiscal 2010.  At the end of fiscal 2010, we had an accrued restructuring liability of $155 reflected in our current liabilities section of our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  There were $134 of payments made against this liability during the three months ended July 31, 2010.  The remaining accrual balance of $21 was reversed out to the income statement during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The January 2008 accrued restructuring balance is zero at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

The table below reflects the activity related to the January 2008 restructuring for the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

 

One-Time
Employee
Severance

 

Other
Costs

 

Total

 

Accrued balance at May 1, 2010

 

$

117

 

$

38

 

$

155

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments during the first quarter of fiscal 2011

 

(96

)

(38

)

(134

)

Accrued balance at July 31, 2010

 

$

21

 

$

 

$

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual reversal during the second quarter of fiscal 2011

 

(21

)

 

(21

)

Accrued balance at October 30, 2010

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

4.             COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

 

The components of our comprehensive income/(loss) for the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 include net income/(loss) and adjustments to stockholders’ equity for foreign currency translations.  The foreign currency translation adjustment was due to exchange rate fluctuations in our foreign affiliates’ local currency versus the U.S. dollar.

 

The following table presents details of our comprehensive income/(loss):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 30, 2010

 

Six Months Ended October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$

(490

)

$

(513

)

$

23

 

$

3,540

 

$

3,552

 

$

(12

)

Translation adjustment

 

6,557

 

6,323

 

234

 

5,782

 

5,515

 

267

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

6,067

 

$

5,810

 

$

257

 

$

9,322

 

$

9,067

 

$

255

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

2,088

 

$

2,052

 

$

36

 

$

2,075

 

$

2,033

 

$

42

 

Translation adjustment

 

3,208

 

3,192

 

16

 

8,216

 

7,867

 

349

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

5,296

 

$

5,244

 

$

52

 

$

10,291

 

$

9,900

 

$

391

 

 

5.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

We review our goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable, and we also review our goodwill and indefinite-lived assets annually in accordance with the ASC No. 350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”.  The values assigned to goodwill and intangible assets are normally based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations for the success and life cycle of products and technologies acquired.  A severe decline in expectations could result in significant impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

5.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Continued

 

The following table shows the roll-forward of goodwill in the financial statements for the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.  There was no activity for either period presented.

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

Interconnect

 

Products

 

Total

 

Balance as of May 1, 2010

 

$

11,146

 

$

950

 

$

12,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to acquisitions

 

 

 

 

Adjustments due to earn-out

 

 

 

 

Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocation

 

 

 

 

Balance as of October 30, 2010

 

$

11,146

 

$

950

 

$

12,096

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

Interconnect

 

Products

 

Total

 

Balance as of May 2, 2009

 

$

11,146

 

$

625

 

$

11,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to acquisitions

 

 

 

 

Adjustments due to earn-out

 

 

 

 

Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocation

 

 

 

 

Balance as of October 31, 2009

 

$

11,146

 

$

625

 

$

11,771

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

5.             GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Continued

 

The following tables present details of the Company’s intangible assets:

 

 

 

As of October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amortization

 

 

 

Gross

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

Periods (Years)

 

Customer relationships and agreements

 

$

14,995

 

$

13,253

 

$

1,742

 

13.2

 

Trade names, patents and technology licenses

 

23,774

 

7,918

 

15,856

 

12.7

 

Covenants not to compete

 

480

 

406

 

74

 

1.3

 

Total

 

$

39,249

 

$

21,577

 

$

17,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of May 1, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amortization

 

 

 

Gross

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

Periods (Years)

 

Customer relationships and agreements

 

$

14,995

 

$

13,066

 

$

1,929

 

13.7

 

Trade names, patents and technology licenses

 

23,774

 

6,991

 

16,783

 

13.0

 

Covenants not to compete

 

480

 

381

 

99

 

1.8

 

Total

 

$

39,249

 

$

20,438

 

$

18,811

 

 

 

 

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the current fiscal year and each of the four succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

 

 

 

2011

 

$

2,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

1,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

1,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

1,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

1,243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of October 30, 2010 and May 1, 2010, the patents and technology licenses include $1,800 of trade names that are not subject to amortization.

 

6.             INCOME TAXES

 

At October 30, 2010 and May 1, 2010, we had valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets of $56,183 and $48,402, respectively.  In accordance with ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes,” a valuation allowance is required to be recorded when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Future realization depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry-forward period available under the tax laws.  Sources of future taxable income include future reversals of taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable differences, taxable income in carry-back years and tax planning strategies.  These sources of positive evidence of realizability must be weighed against negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years.

 

In forming a judgment about the future realization of our deferred tax assets, we considered both the positive and negative evidence of realizability and gave significant weight to the negative evidence from our recent cumulative loss.  We will continue to assess this situation and make appropriate adjustments to the valuation allowance based on our evaluation of the positive and negative evidence existing at the time.  We are currently

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

6.             INCOME TAXES - Continued

 

unable to forecast when there will be sufficient positive evidence for us to reverse the valuation allowances that we have recorded.

 

The valuation allowance is associated with the deferred tax assets for the differences between book and tax that result from net operating losses (NOLs), foreign investment tax credits with unlimited carryovers generated in the current and prior years and temporary differences which become deductible when the related asset is recovered or related liability is settled.

 

A reconciliation of the consolidated provisions for income taxes to amounts determined by applying the prevailing statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax earnings is as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Income tax at statutory rate

 

$

89

 

$

797

 

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

21

 

62

 

Foreign operations with lower statutory rates

 

(2,863

)

(1,848

)

Valuation allowance

 

3,749

 

1,366

 

Other, net

 

(228

)

(152

)

Income tax provision

 

$

768

 

$

225

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Income tax at statutory rate

 

$

1,737

 

$

891

 

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

47

 

124

 

Foreign operations with lower statutory rates

 

(5,699

)

(2,741

)

Valuation allowance

 

5,981

 

2,402

 

Other, net

 

(656

)

(165

)

Income tax provision

 

$

1,410

 

$

511

 

 

We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.  During the six months ended October 30, 2010, we recognized $64 in interest and zero in penalties.  We had approximately $758 accrued at October 30, 2010 for the payment of interest and penalties.  The total unrecognized tax benefit as of October 30, 2010 was $2,781.

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:

 

Balance at May 1, 2010

 

$

2,782

 

Increases for positions related to the current year

 

 

Decreases for positions related to the prior years

 

(1

)

Settlements

 

 

Lapsing of statutes of limitations

 

 

Balance at October 30, 2010

 

$

2,781

 

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

6.             INCOME TAXES - Continued

 

We believe that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next twelve months.  We have certain tax return years subject to statutes of limitation, which will close within twelve months of the end of the quarter.  Unless challenged by tax authorities, the closure of those statutes of limitation is expected to result in the recognition of uncertain tax positions in the range of between $300 and $2,600.

 

The Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states.  Our foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in certain foreign jurisdictions since they have operations outside the U.S.  The Company and its subsidiaries are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for all years except fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2006.

 

7.             COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the number of issued shares of common stock during the six-month periods presented:

 

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at the beginning of the period

 

38,149,946

 

38,290,776

 

Options exercised

 

1,350

 

 

Restricted stock awards vested

 

24,000

 

24,449

 

Balance at the end of the period

 

38,175,296

 

38,315,225

 

 

In fiscal 2011, we paid quarterly dividends of $2,576 and $2,578 on July 30, 2010 and October 29, 2010, respectively.

 

Our Board of Directors, on the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, adopted the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”).  The Stock Plan was approved by the shareholders at our annual meeting on October 14, 2010.

 

The Stock Plan permits a total of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock to be awarded to participants in the form of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and performance share units, any of which may be performance-based awards.  The Stock Plan is designed to allow for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.  As such, qualified awards payable pursuant to the Stock Plan should be deductible for federal income tax purposes under most circumstances.

 

Present and future directors, officers and key employees of our company or any subsidiary shall be eligible to participate in the Stock Plan, as selected by the Compensation Committee from time to time.  The Compensation Committee will determine the type and amount of each award, as well as the terms and conditions, including any performance criteria, performance goals and performance period.

 

As disclosed in our fiscal 2010 Proxy Statement, for the fiscal 2011 equity awards, the Compensation Committee intends to grant our executive officers awards composed of performance-based restricted stock (RSAs) to vest based on performance as of the end of fiscal 2015, stock options and time-based restricted stock units (RSUs).  In connection with the performance-based RSAs, the Compensation Committee also intends to make RSA tandem cash bonus awards for above target performance to the executive officers.  The Compensation Committee granted stock option awards during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and intends to grant the RSA, RSU and RSA tandem cash bonus awards in the near future.

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

7.             COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Continued

 

Stock Options Granted Under the 2000 and 2004 Stock Plans

 

Options to purchase 431,492 shares of our common stock were granted in previous years under the 2000 and 2004 stock plans and are outstanding and exercisable as of October 30, 2010.  There was no remaining compensation expense related to these options in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  Options to purchase 96,934 shares of our common stock expired during the first six months of fiscal 2011.

 

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2000 and 2004 stock plans for the six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Summary of Option Activity

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

Shares

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at May 1, 2010

 

529,776

 

$

10.10

 

Exercised

 

(1,350

)

9.57

 

Forfeited and Expired

 

(96,934

)

13.03

 

Outstanding at October 30, 2010

 

431,492

 

$

9.44

 

 

Options Outstanding and
Exercisable at October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

Avg.

 

Range of

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Remaining

 

Exercise Prices

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Life (Years)

 

$5.72 - $7.69

 

148,125

 

$

6.72

 

0.5

 

$8.53 - $11.44

 

283,367

 

10.87

 

2.1

 

 

 

431,492

 

$

9.44

 

 

 

 

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $390 at October 30, 2010.  The intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on October 30, 2010.

 

Stock Options Granted Under the 2007 Stock Plan

 

In July 2010, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of options to purchase 125,000 shares of our common stock to some members of the management team.  The stock options vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant.   The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

 

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2007 stock plan for the six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

7.             COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Continued

 

 

 

Summary of Option Activity

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

Shares

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at May 1, 2010

 

595,500

 

$

4.77

 

Granted

 

125,000

 

10.55

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

 

 

Outstanding at October 30, 2010

 

720,500

 

$

5.77

 

 

Options Outstanding
at October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

Exercise Price

 

Shares

 

Life (Years)

 

$

 2.72

 

285,000

 

8.4

 

$

 6.46

 

275,000

 

8.7

 

$

 8.13

 

35,500

 

9.1

 

$

 10.55

 

125,000

 

9.7

 

 

We estimated the fair value of our employee stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Fiscal 2009

 

Fiscal 2010

 

Fiscal 2011

 

 

 

Grants

 

Grants

 

Grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average expected volatility

 

69.58

%

86.88

%

85.59

%

Average risk-free interest rate

 

1.39

%

1.43

%

1.09

%

Dividend yield

 

2.26

%

2.77

%

3.63

%

Expected life of options

 

6.87 years

 

6.87 years

 

7.03 years

 

Weighted-average grant-date fair value

 

$

1.46

 

$

4.02

 

$

5.88

 

 

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $2,692 at October 30, 2010.

 

We recognized pre-tax compensation expense for stock options granted under the 2007 plan of $169 and $127 for the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  We recognized pre-tax compensation expense of $235 and $192 for the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  We record the compensation expense related to the stock options in the selling and administrative section of our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

Stock Options Granted Under the 2010 Stock Plan

 

In October 2010, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of options to purchase 128,000 shares of our common stock to our executive officers.  The stock options have a ten-year term and will vest 33.3% each year over a three-year period.   The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

7.             COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Continued

 

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2010 stock plan for the six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Summary of Option Activity

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

Shares

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at May 1, 2010

 

 

$

 

Granted

 

128,000

 

9.24

 

Exercised

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

 

 

Outstanding at October 30, 2010

 

128,000

 

$

9.24

 

 

Options Outstanding
at October 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

Exercise Price

 

Shares

 

Life (Years)

 

$

 9.24

 

128,000

 

10.0

 

 

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $6 at October 30, 2010.

 

We estimated the fair value of our employee stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Fiscal 2011

 

 

 

Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Average expected volatility

 

85.83

%

Average risk-free interest rate

 

0.60

%

Dividend yield

 

3.49

%

Expected life of options

 

7.03 years

 

Weighted-average grant-date fair value

 

$

5.19

 

 

We recognized pre-tax compensation expense for stock options granted under the 2010 plan of $8 for both the three months and six months ended October 30, 2010.  We record the compensation expense related to the stock options in the selling and administrative section of our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

 

In April 2007, 225,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) granted to our CEO in fiscal 2006 and 2007 were converted to Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).  The RSUs were subject to the same vesting schedule and other major provisions of the RSAs they replaced, except the shares for stock underlying the RSUs will not be issued and delivered until the earlier of: (1) thirty days after the CEO’s date of termination of employment with the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates; or (2) the last day of our fiscal year in which the payment of common stock in satisfaction of the RSUs becomes deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The RSUs are not entitled to voting rights or the payment of dividends.   The RSU’s are fully vested as of October 30, 2010.  As of October 30, 2010, no shares have been delivered pursuant to the RSUs.

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

7.             COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Continued

 

At May 2, 2010, the beginning of fiscal 2011, there were 25,350 shares of common stock subject to time-based RSAs outstanding.  The time-based RSAs vest in three equal annual installments from the grant date.  All of the unvested RSAs are entitled to voting rights and to payment of dividends.  During the six months ended October 30, 2010, the compensation committee awarded 24,000 restricted shares to our independent directors, all of which vested immediately upon grant.

 

We recognized pre-tax compensation expense for RSAs of $22 and $81 for the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  We recognized pre-tax compensation expense for RSAs of $298 and $316 for the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  We record the expense in the selling and administrative section of our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

The following table summarizes the RSA activity for the six months ended October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

RSA

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unvested and unissued at May 1, 2010

 

25,350

 

Awarded

 

24,000

 

Vested

 

(24,000

)

Forfeited and Cancelled

 

(1,548

)

Unvested and unissued at October 30, 2010

 

23,802

 

 

The table below shows the Company’s unvested and unissued RSAs at October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Probable

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned

 

Unearned

 

Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Compensation

 

Compensation

 

Fiscal

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Expense at

 

Expense at

 

Year

 

RSAs

 

Vesting Period

 

Value

 

October 30, 2010

 

October 30, 2010

 

2008

 

666

 

3-year equal annual installments

 

$

11.74

 

 

 

2009

 

23,136

 

3-year equal annual installments

 

10.64

 

45

 

45

 

 

At October 30, 2010, the aggregate unvested and unissued RSAs had a grant date weighted average fair value of $10.67 and a weighted average vesting period of approximately six months.

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

8.             NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER SHARE

 

Basic net income/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period.  Diluted income/(loss) per share is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic income/(loss) per share calculation for the effect of all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income/(loss) per share:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Numerator - net income/(loss) attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

$

(513

)

$

2,052

 

$

3,552

 

$

2,033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic loss per share-weighted average shares

 

37,058

 

36,644

 

37,051

 

36,641

 

Dilutive potential common shares-employee stock options

 

 

224

 

231

 

182

 

Denominator for diluted loss per share adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

 

37,058

 

36,868

 

37,282

 

36,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

(0.01

)

$

0.06

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.06

 

 

Potential common shares have not been included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.  As of October 30, 2010, options to purchase 395,867 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $10.84 per share were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of net income per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of $9.29 for our common stock for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, and, therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive.  As of October 31, 2009, options to purchase 445,784 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $11.72 per share were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of net income per share because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of $8.51 for our common stock for the second quarter of fiscal 2010, and, therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

9.             SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies.  Our components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, appliance, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other transportation industries; and the consumer and industrial equipment markets.

 

ASC No. 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC No. 280”), establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources.  The CODM, as defined by ASC No. 280, is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

 

The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electromechanical devices and related products to

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

9.             SEGMENT INFORMATION - Continued

 

automobile OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, including control switches for electrical power and signals, connectors for electrical devices, integrated control components, switches and sensors that monitor the operation or status of a component or system, and packaging of electrical components.

 

The Interconnect segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interconnect and interface solutions for the appliance, computer, networking, telecommunications, storage, medical, military, aerospace, commercial and consumer markets.  Solutions include solid-state field effect interface panels, PC and express card packaging, optical and copper transceivers, terminators, connectors, custom cable assemblies and conductive polymer and thick film inks.  Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems, and manufacture of active and passive optical components.

 

The Power Products segment manufactures current-carrying laminated bus devices, custom power-product assemblies; powder coated bus bars, braided flexible cables and high-current low voltage flexible power cabling systems that are used in various markets and applications, including telecommunications, computers, transportation, industrial and power conversion, insulated gate bipolar transistor solutions, aerospace and military.

 

The Other segment includes a designer and manufacturer of magnetic torque sensing products, and independent laboratories that provide services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components.

 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010.  We allocate resources to segments based on operating income. Transfers between segments are recorded using internal transfer prices set by us.  The following table represents information regarding our segments;

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

9.             SEGMENT INFORMATION - Continued

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 30, 2010

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Power
Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

54,793

 

$

36,813

 

$

12,091

 

$

3,284

 

$

367

 

$

106,614

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(284

)

(70

)

(13

)

(367

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

54,793

 

$

36,529

 

$

12,021

 

$

3,271

 

$

 

$

106,614

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss)

 

$

55

 

$

5,911

 

$

1,120

 

$

(430

)

$

 

$

6,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,378

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

278

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Power
Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

56,193

 

$

30,605

 

$

9,412

 

$

2,419

 

$

133

 

$

98,496

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(76

)

(30

)

(27

)

(133

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

56,193

 

$

30,529

 

$

9,382

 

$

2,392

 

$

 

$

98,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) before restructuring charge

 

$

7,953

 

$

1,616

 

$

611

 

$

(749

)

$

 

$

9,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

(2,339

)

(676

)

(141

)

 

 

(3,156

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) including restructuring charge

 

$

5,614

 

$

940

 

$

470

 

$

(749

)

$

 

$

6,275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,962

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,313

 

 

18



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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

9.             SEGMENT INFORMATION - Continued

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 30, 2010

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Power
Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

104,075

 

$

71,561

 

$

23,716

 

$

6,181

 

$

634

 

$

204,899

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(436

)

(147

)

(51

)

(634

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

104,075

 

$

71,125

 

$

23,569

 

$

6,130

 

$

 

$

204,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss)

 

$

2,971

 

$

9,527

 

$

1,626

 

$

(1,003

)

$

 

$

13,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,171

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,950

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Power
Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

107,392

 

$

55,345

 

$

20,827

 

$

5,126

 

$

418

 

$

188,272

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(127

)

(254

)

(37

)

(418

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

107,392

 

$

55,218

 

$

20,573

 

$

5,089

 

$

 

$

188,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) before restructuring charge

 

$

13,463

 

$

2,645

 

$

1,464

 

$

(1,329

)

$

 

$

16,243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

(4,958

)

(1,446

)

(363

)

 

 

(6,767

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) including restructuring charge

 

$

8,505

 

$

1,199

 

$

1,101

 

$

(1,329

)

$

 

$

9,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,890

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,586

 

 

19



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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

10.          CONTINGENCIES

 

Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending against us.  We are from time to time subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, breach of contracts, employment-related matters and environmental matters.  We consider insurance coverage and third-party indemnification when determining required accruals for pending litigation and claims.  Although the outcome of potential legal actions and claims cannot be determined, it is our opinion, based on the information available, that we have adequate reserves for these liabilities.

 

Delphi Related Litigation

 

On September 4, 2008, Methode and Delphi Automotive Systems LLC (“Delphi”) entered into a supply agreement pursuant to which Methode was to supply all of Delphi’s requirements for the seat bladders used in Delphi’s occupant restraint system from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2011.  On August 26, 2009, Delphi notified us that effective September 10, 2009, our supply arrangement was terminated.  We are contesting Delphi’s right to terminate this long-term supply arrangement and the parties are engaged in litigation regarding this supply agreement and our related intellectual property.

 

As described in more detail in Part I, Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010, in March 2010, DPH Holdings Corp., as successor to Delphi Corporation, served the Company with a complaint seeking to recover approximately $19,726 in alleged preference payments that Delphi made to the Company within the 90-day preference period preceding Delphi’s bankruptcy filing.  The Company is seeking to dismiss the Delphi preference complaint based on violations of due process and the Company possesses several other substantive defenses.

 

In June 2006, the Company sold certain unsecured claims it had against Delphi in Delphi’s bankruptcy proceeding to Credit Suisse for $3,137 pursuant to a Transfer Agreement. These claims were subsequently assigned by Credit Suisse to Blue Angel Claims LLC (“Blue Angel”). On July 20, 2010, Blue Angel delivered a demand letter to the Company contending that under the terms of the Transfer Agreement, the unsecured claims had been objected to by Delphi in the Delphi bankruptcy proceeding and therefore the Company owed Blue Angel $3,137 plus interest. The Company disagrees with Blue Angel’s position. On October 25, 2010, Blue Angel Claims, LLC filed a Complaint against Methode in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Index No. 651830/10, in connection with this dispute.  The Company has not yet answered the complaint.  While the Company has defenses to the complaint, a liability of $3,834, which represents the claim and accrued interest, was recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

11.          PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS RELATED TO LONG-TERM SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS

 

We incur pre-production tooling costs related to certain products produced for our customers under long-term supply agreements.  We had $9,833 and $11,984 as of October 30, 2010 and May 1, 2010, respectively, of pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the customer has provided a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.  Net revenues and costs on projects are deferred and recognized over the life of the related long-term supply agreement.

 

12.          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

ASC No. 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

 

ASC No. 820 also specifies a fair value hierarchy based upon the observation of inputs in valuation techniques.  Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions.  In accordance with ASC No. 820, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:

 

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Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

12.          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Continued

 

·               Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

·               Level 2 — Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

·               Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities.  This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

 

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are valued using quoted market prices or under a market approach using other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable instruments and included in a table below which summarizes the fair value of assets and liabilities as of October 30, 2010:

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Used

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted prices

 

Quoted prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in active

 

in active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

markets for

 

markets for

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

identical

 

similar

 

unobservable

 

 

 

Recorded

 

instruments

 

instruments

 

inputs

 

 

 

Value

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents (1)

 

$

77,192

 

$

77,192

 

$

 

$

 

Assets related to deferred compensation plan

 

$

3,870

 

$

 

$

3,870

 

$

 

Total assets at fair value

 

$

81,062

 

$

77,192

 

$

3,870

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities related to deferred compensation plan

 

$

3,216

 

$

3,216

 

$

 

$

 

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

3,216

 

$

3,216

 

$

 

$

 

 


(1) Includes cash, money-market investments and certificates of deposit.

 

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments. The carrying values of our short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

13.          DEBT

 

We have an agreement with our primary bank for a revolving credit facility to provide up to $75,000 of ready financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisition opportunities that may become available.  The bank credit agreement, which expires on January 31, 2011, requires maintenance of certain financial ratios and a minimum net worth level. At October 30, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net borrowings of $18,000 plus accrued interest of $9 against this credit facility.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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

 

Cautionary Statement

 

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.  Our business is highly dependent upon two large automotive customers and specific makes and models of automobiles.  Our results will be subject to many of the same risks that apply to the automotive, appliance, computer and telecommunications industries, such as general economic conditions, interest rates, consumer spending patterns and technological changes.   Other factors, which may result in materially different results for future periods, include the following risk factors.  These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report because these factors could cause our actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws and are made as of the date of this report.

 

·                  We depend on a small number of large customers, specifically two large automotive customers.  If we were to lose any of these customers or any of these customers significantly reduced their purchases, or if any of the customers declare bankruptcy, our future results could be materially adversely affected.

 

·                  Because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, we are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.

 

·                  Our business is cyclical and seasonal in nature and downturns in the automotive industry could reduce the sales and profitability of our business.

 

·                  We are dependent on the availability and price of components and raw materials as well as the risk of substituted or counterfeit components.

 

·                  Our technology-based businesses and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  If we are unable to compete effectively, our sales or profits could decline.

 

·                  We face risks relating to our international operations, including political and economic instability, expropriation, or the imposition of government controls.

 

·                  We may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes, which could adversely affect our business.

 

·                  Products we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services and liability claims against us.

 

·                  If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person’s intellectual property, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

·                  We may acquire businesses or divest of various business operations. These transactions may pose significant risks and may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

·                  A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating results.

 

·                  Unfavorable tax law changes may adversely affect results.

 

·                  The future trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors.

 

22



Table of Contents

 

·                  We are subject to the risks of owning real property, such as rising real estate taxes, adverse changes in the value of the properties and increased cash commitments for improving current buildings.

 

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those foreseen in such forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, press release, statement, document, webcast or oral discussion in which they are made.  We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the foregoing.  See Part I — Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010, for a further discussion regarding some of the reasons that actual results may be materially different from those we anticipate.

 

Overview

 

We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We are a global designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies.  Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other.   For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see “Item 1. Business.” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010.

 

Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, construction, consumer and industrial equipment markets, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), rail and other transportation industries.

 

Delphi Related Litigation

 

On September 4, 2008, Methode and Delphi Automotive Systems LLC (“Delphi”) entered into a supply agreement pursuant to which Methode was to supply all of Delphi’s requirements for the seat bladders used in Delphi’s occupant restraint system from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2011.  On August 26, 2009, Delphi notified us that effective September 10, 2009, our supply agreement was terminated.  We are contesting Delphi’s right to terminate this long-term supply agreement and the parties are engaged in litigation regarding this supply agreement and our related intellectual property.

 

As described in more detail in Part I, Item 3 “Legal Proceedings” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010, in March 2010, DPH Holdings Corp., as successor to Delphi Corporation, served the Company with a complaint seeking to recover approximately $19.7 million in alleged preference payments that Delphi made to the Company within the 90-day preference period preceding Delphi’s bankruptcy filing.  The Company is seeking to dismiss the Delphi preference complaint based on violations of due process and the Company possesses several other substantive defenses.

 

In June 2006, the Company sold certain unsecured claims it had against Delphi in Delphi’s bankruptcy proceeding to Credit Suisse for $3.1 million pursuant to a Transfer Agreement. These claims were subsequently assigned by Credit Suisse to Blue Angel Claims LLC (“Blue Angel”). On July 20, 2010, Blue Angel delivered a demand letter to the Company contending that under the terms of the Transfer Agreement, the unsecured claims had been objected to by Delphi in the Delphi bankruptcy proceeding and therefore the Company owed Blue Angel $3.1 million plus interest. The Company disagrees with Blue Angel’s position. On October 25, 2010, Blue Angel Claims, LLC filed a Complaint against Methode in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Index No. 651830/10, in connection with this dispute.  The Company has not yet answered the complaint.  While the Company has defenses to the complaint, a liability of $3.8 million, which represents the claim and accrued interest, was recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Business Outlook

 

Our overall outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2011 is positive. Production levels in China, Europe and North America in the first six months of fiscal 2011 were stronger than expected and demand appears to be based on fundamental improvements in those markets. The trends that have driven the recent sequential growth in all business segments are expected to continue.  Through our restructuring activities initiated in prior years we have been able to reduce our cost structure.  We expect increased sales volumes to result in improved operating margins.  During fiscal 2010 and 2011, we experienced component shortages in our supply base, which has negatively affected our results.   The Company maintains a positive long-term outlook for its global business and is committed to developing new product solutions for our customers and making strategic capital investments as it pursues its growth strategy.

 

Results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted.  See “Item 1A Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended May 1, 2010.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 30, 2010 as Compared to the Three Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

Consolidated Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

106.6

 

$

98.5

 

$

8.1

 

8.2

%

Other income

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

107.7

 

99.6

 

8.1

 

8.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

84.1

 

77.8

 

6.3

 

8.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

23.6

 

21.8

 

1.8

 

8.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

3.2

 

(3.2

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

21.2

 

16.4

 

4.8

 

29.3

%

Interest expense, net

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

N/M

 

Other, net - (income)/expense

 

2.0

 

(0.1

)

2.1

 

N/M

 

Income tax expense

 

0.8

 

0.2

 

0.6

 

300.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss) attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

$

(0.5

)

$

2.1

 

$

(2.6

)

N/M

 

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

1.0

%

1.1

%

Cost of products sold

 

78.9

%

79.0

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

22.1

%

22.1

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

3.2

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

19.9

%

16.6

%

Interest expense, net

 

0.1

%

0.0

%

Other, net - (income)/expense

 

1.9

%

-0.1

%

Income tax expense

 

0.8

%

0.2

%

Net income/(loss) attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

-0.5

%

2.1

%

 

24



Table of Contents

 

Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $8.1 million, or 8.2%, to $106.6 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from $98.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2009 benefitted by $1.7 million, related to a one-time reversal of pricing contingencies which were accrued over several years that were no longer required.  The Automotive segment net sales decreased $1.4 million, or 2.5%, to $54.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, from $56.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Interconnect segment net sales increased $6.0 million, or 19.7%, to $36.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $30.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $2.6 million, or 27.7%, to $12.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to $9.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.9 million, or 37.5%, to $3.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to $2.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the three months ended October 30, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $1.8 million or 1.7% due to average currency rates in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Income.  Other income was $1.1 million for both the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of earnings from engineering design fees and royalties.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $6.3 million, or 8.1%, to $84.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $77.8 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 78.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 79.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Included in the cost of products sold for the three months ended October 31, 2009 is $0.7 million of asset write-downs relating to the termination of the Delphi supply agreement.  Included in cost of products sold are additional provisions for environmental matters for three sites that are no longer used in operations.  We recorded $0.5 million and $0.2 million for environmental matters for the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively.  Also during the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded a negotiated program termination charge of $1.3 million for certain products manufactured in our Malta facility and $0.4 million for customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in our U.S. facility.  In addition, we incurred $0.6 million in additional costs due to vendor supply issues for new products that began ramping up production during the second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The increases were substantially offset by cost efficiencies achieved in our Asian businesses, higher sales volumes as well as a change in sales mix within the Interconnect segment in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Consolidated gross margins (including other income) increased $1.8 million, or 8.3%, to $23.6 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $21.8 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 22.1% for both the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) decreased due to the loss of the Delphi business, the one time pricing contingency reversal in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, additional costs related to environmental matters, the customer negotiated cancellation and other customer cancellation charges, additional cost due to vendor supply issues, which were offset by higher sales volumes, a favorable change in sales mix within the Interconnect segment and cost efficiencies from our Asian businesses, in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $3.2 million, which consisted of $1.8 million for employee severance, $0.1 million for accelerated depreciation and $1.3 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $4.8 million, or 29.3%, to $21.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $16.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $3.8 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC in June 2006, related to the Delphi bankruptcy.  See the Overview section for more information regarding this matter.  In addition, selling and marketing expenses increased in our North American and Asian automotive businesses, partially offset by lower legal expenses related to the Delphi patent and supply agreement litigation as well as lower commissions and professional fees in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The second quarter of fiscal 2011 included income of $0.5 million and the second quarter of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.4 million for grants

 

25



Table of Contents

 

received at one of our foreign facilities.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 19.9% for the three months ended October 30, 2010 from 16.6% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Expense, Net.  Interest expense, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to zero for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Interest income was $0.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The average cash balance was $63.2 million during the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $63.7 million during the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The average interest rate earned for the three months ended October 30, 2010 was 1.17%, compared to 0.48% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Interest expense was $0.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other (Income)/Expense, Net.  Other (income)/expense, net decreased $2.1 million to an expense of $2.0 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to income of $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The second quarter of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.3 million related to an enhanced cash fund.  All other amounts for both the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and the second quarter of fiscal 2010 relate to currency rate fluctuations.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Euro, Indian Rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense increased by $0.6 million to $0.8 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The three months ended October 30, 2010 relates to taxes on foreign profits.  The three months ended October 31, 2009 includes taxes on foreign profits of $0.1 million and $0.1 million related to non-Federal U.S. taxes.

 

Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.   Net income/(loss) attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. decreased $2.6 million to a loss of $0.5 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to income of $2.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The decrease is primarily due to the Blue Angel unsecured claims expense, higher currency exchange costs, the one time pricing contingency reversal in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, additional costs related to environmental matters, customer negotiated cancellation and other customer cancellation costs, vendor supply costs and higher sales and marketing expenses in North American and Asia, partially offset by no restructuring costs, higher net sales and gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Operating Segments

 

Automotive Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

54.8

 

$

56.2

 

$

(1.4

)

-2.5

%

Other income

 

1.1

 

1.0

 

0.1

 

10.0

%

 

 

55.9

 

57.2

 

(1.3

)

-2.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

45.1

 

44.2

 

0.9

 

2.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

10.8

 

13.0

 

(2.2

)

-16.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

2.3

 

(2.3

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

9.2

 

4.5

 

4.7

 

104.4

%

Interest income, net

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

N/M

 

Other expense, net

 

1.6

 

0.6

 

1.0

 

166.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

0.1

 

$

5.6

 

$

(5.5

)

-98.2

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

2.0

%

1.8

%

Cost of products sold

 

82.3

%

78.6

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

19.7

%

23.1

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

4.1

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

16.8

%

8.0

%

Interest income, net

 

-0.2

%

0.0

%

Other expense, net

 

2.9

%

1.1

%

Income before income taxes

 

0.2

%

10.0

%

 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales decreased $1.4 million, or 2.5%, to $54.8 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from $56.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales benefitted by $1.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009, related to a one-time reversal of pricing contingencies which were accrued for over several years that were no longer required.  There were no sales to Delphi Corporation in the second quarter of 2011, as compared to net sales of $6.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 due to the cancellation of the supply agreement on September 10, 2009.  Net sales increased in Asia and Europe by 175.4% and 1.5%, respectively, however, net sales from North America declined by 64.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Net sales also declined in North America by $5.4 million due to the planned transfer of production from our U.S. facility to our facility in Shanghai, China in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as well as by $3.9 million due to the termination of production of certain Ford legacy products at our Reynosa, Mexico facility at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the three months ended October 30, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $1.8 million, or 3.2%, due to average currency rates in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Other Income.  Other income increased $0.1 million, or 10.0%, to $1.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of earnings from engineering design fees and royalties.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $0.9 million, or 2.0%, to $45.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from $44.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Included in the cost of products sold for the three months ended October 31, 2009 is $0.7 million of asset write-downs, related to the termination of the Delphi supply agreement.  The second quarter of fiscal 2011 includes a charge of $1.3 million for negotiated program termination costs for certain products manufactured in our Malta facility.  In addition, we incurred $0.6 million in additional costs due to vendor supply issues for new products that began ramping up production in North America during second quarter of fiscal 2011.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 82.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 78.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were primarily due to the loss of the Delphi business, the program termination costs, costs related to vendor supply issues and increasing cost on the remaining North American business in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increasing costs as a percentage of sales in North America primarily relates to the development of new products which are expected to begin shipping in future periods.  The increase in costs of products sold as a percentage of sales is partially offset by significantly higher sales volumes and cost improvements in Asia.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) decreased $2.2 million, or 16.9%, to $10.8 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $13.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 19.7% for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to 23.1% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of sales decreased in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010, due to loss of the Delphi business, the one-time pricing contingency reversal in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the negotiated program termination costs, costs related to the vendor supply issues, and increased costs relating to new product development. The losses were partially offset by improved gross margins (including other income) due to higher net sales volumes and cost improvements in Asia.

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $2.3 million, which consisted of $1.7 million for employee severance, $0.1 million for accelerated depreciation and $0.5 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $4.7 million, or 104.4%, to $9.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $3.8 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC in June 2006, related to the Delphi bankruptcy.  See the Overview section for more information regarding this matter.  Selling and marketing expenses increased in our North American and Asian automotive businesses, partially offset by lower legal expenses related to the Delphi patent and supply agreement litigation in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The second quarter of fiscal 2011 included income of $0.5 million and the second quarter of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.4 million for grants received at one of our foreign facilities.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 16.8% for the three months ended October 30, 2010 and 8.0% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to zero for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net increased $1.0 million, to $1.6 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  All amounts for both the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and the second quarter of fiscal 2010 relate to currency rate fluctuations.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro and the Mexican peso.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Automotive segment income before income taxes decreased $5.5 million to $0.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 due to the Blue Angel unsecured claims charge, the one-time pricing contingency reversal in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, lower net sales and gross margins (including other income), increased costs for new product development, higher selling and marketing expenses, higher currency exchange rate expenses, negotiated program termination costs, partially offset by no restructuring charges and lower legal expenses related to the Delphi patent and supply agreement litigation in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Interconnect Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

36.5

 

$

30.5

 

$

6.0

 

19.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

25.2

 

23.4

 

1.8

 

7.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

11.3

 

7.1

 

4.2

 

59.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

0.7

 

(0.7

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

5.2

 

5.7

 

(0.5

)

-8.8

%

Interest income, net

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

 

0.0

%

Other (income)/expense, net

 

0.3

 

(0.1

)

0.4

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

5.9

 

$

0.9

 

$

5.0

 

555.6

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of products sold

 

69.0

%

76.7

%

Gross margins

 

31.0

%

23.3

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

2.3

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

14.2

%

18.7

%

Interest income, net

 

-0.3

%

-0.3

%

Other (income)/expense, net

 

0.8

%

-0.3

%

Income before income taxes

 

16.2

%

3.0

%

 

Net Sales.  Interconnect segment net sales increased $6.0 million, or 19.7%, to $36.5 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010 from $30.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase was primarily driven by strong sales in our interface solutions and data solutions businesses.  Net sales increased 17.8%, 41.3% and 3.0% in North America, Europe and Asia, respectively, in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold increased $1.8 million, or 7.7%, to $25.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $23.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 69.0% for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to 76.7% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The decrease is primarily due to sales mix within the segment as well as the overall increase in net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gross Margins.  Interconnect segment gross margins increased $4.2 million, or 59.2%, to $11.3 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $7.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 31.0% for the three months ended October 30, 2010 from 23.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily relates to higher sales volumes as well as a change in sales mix within the segment in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $0.7 million, which consisted of $0.2 million for employee severance, $0.1 million for accelerated depreciation and $0.4 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 8.8%, to $5.2 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $5.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to lower commissions in our Asian businesses in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 14.2% for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from 18.7% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net was $0.1 million for both the three months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.

 

Other (Income)/Expense, Net.  Other (income)/expense, net was an expense of $0.3 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to income of $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase is primarily due to the weakening U.S. dollar against the euro in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Czech koruna, Euro, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Interconnect segment income before income taxes increased $5.0 million to $5.9 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 due to increased net sales and gross margins, no restructuring expenses and lower commissions expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Power Products Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:

(in millions)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

12.0

 

$

9.4

 

$

2.6

 

27.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

9.5

 

7.3

 

2.2

 

30.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

2.5

 

2.1

 

0.4

 

19.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

0.1

 

(0.1

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

1.3

 

1.5

 

(0.2

)

-13.3

%

Other expense, net

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

1.1

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.6

 

120.0

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of products sold

 

79.2

%

77.7

%

Gross margins

 

20.8

%

22.3

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

1.1

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

10.8

%

16.0

%

Other expense, net

 

0.8

%

0.0

%

Income before income taxes

 

9.2

%

5.3

%

 

Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $2.6 million, or 27.7%, to $12.0 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $9.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010 by 4.8% in North America and by 77.5% in Asia.  The increase was driven by higher demand for our busbar products in Asia, as well as higher demand for our busbar, flexible cabling and heat sink products in North America.  We also began selling busbar products in Europe in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, which accounted for $0.6 million, compared to no sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $2.2 million, or 30.1%, to $9.5 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The second quarter of fiscal 2011 includes an inventory and equipment write-down charge of $0.4 million, relating to a customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in our U.S. facility.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 79.2% for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from 77.7% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is due to the customer cancellation charge and increased costs due to new product development, partially offset by lower costs in our Asian busbar business as well as our cabling business in the U.S. in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins.  Power Products segment gross margins increased $0.4 million, or 19.0%, to $2.5 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 20.8% for the three months ended October 30, 2010 from 22.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales is due to the customer cancellation charge and increased costs due to new product development, partially offset by lower costs in our Asian busbar business as well as our cabling business in the U.S. in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a restructuring charge of $0.1 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 13.3%, to $1.3 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to lower selling and professional fees in our U.S.-based busbar and heat sink businesses in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.8% for the three months ended October 30, 2010 from 16.0% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to zero for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Power Products income before income taxes increased $0.6 million, or 120.0%, to $1.1 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009, due to higher net sales and gross margins, lower selling and professional fees, no restructuring charges, partially offset by customer cancellation charges in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:

(in millions)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

3.3

 

$

2.4

 

$

0.9

 

37.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

3.0

 

2.3

 

0.7

 

30.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

0.3

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

200.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

(0.1

)

-12.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(0.4

)

$

(0.7

)

$

0.3

 

-42.9

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of products sold

 

90.9

%

95.8

%

Gross margins

 

9.1

%

4.2

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

21.2

%

33.3

%

Loss before income taxes

 

-12.1

%

-29.2

%

 

Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.9 million, or 37.5%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales from our torque-sensing business increased 109.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Net sales from our testing facilities were flat in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.7 million to $3.0 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 90.9% in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 95.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Gross Margins.  The Other segment gross margins increased $0.2 million to $0.3 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase is due to the increased net sales in our torque-sensing business in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 12.5%, to $0.7 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 21.2% for the three months ended October 30, 2010, from 33.3% for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Loss Before Income Taxes.  The Other segment loss before income taxes decreased $0.3 million, or 42.9%, to $0.4 million for the three months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  The loss decreased due to higher sales and gross profit from our torque sensing business as well as lower selling and administrative expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

33



Table of Contents

 

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended October 30, 2010 as Compared to the Six Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

Consolidated Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the six months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

204.9

 

$

188.3

 

$

16.6

 

8.8

%

Other income

 

1.8

 

2.5

 

(0.7

)

-28.0

%

 

 

206.7

 

190.8

 

15.9

 

8.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

162.9

 

148.7

 

14.2

 

9.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

43.8

 

42.1

 

1.7

 

4.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

6.8

 

(6.8

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

37.5

 

32.3

 

5.2

 

16.1

%

Interest expense, net

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

N/M

 

Other expense, net

 

1.2

 

0.3

 

0.9

 

N/M

 

Income tax expense

 

1.4

 

0.5

 

0.9

 

180.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

$

3.6

 

$

2.1

 

$

1.5

 

71.4

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

0.9

%

1.3

%

Cost of products sold

 

79.5

%

79.0

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

21.4

%

22.4

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

3.6

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

18.3

%

17.2

%

Interest expense, net

 

0.0

%

0.1

%

Other expense, net

 

0.6

%

0.2

%

Income tax expense

 

0.7

%

0.3

%

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

1.8

%

1.1

%

 

Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $16.6 million, or 8.8%, to $204.9 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from $188.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales benefitted by $1.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009, related to a one-time reversal of pricing contingencies which were accrued over several years and were no longer required.  The Automotive segment net sales decreased $3.3 million, or 3.1%, to $104.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2011, from $107.4 million for the first half of fiscal 2010.  The Interconnect segment net sales increased $15.9 million, or 28.8%, to $71.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to $55.2 million for the first half of fiscal 2010.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $3.0 million, or 14.6%, to $23.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to $20.6 million for the first half of fiscal 2010.  The Other segment net sales increased $1.0 million, or 19.6%, to $6.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to $5.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the six months ended October 30, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $3.6 million or 1.7% due to average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Income.  Other income decreased $0.7 million, or 28.0%, to $1.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from $2.5 million for six months ended October 31, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of

 

34



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earnings from engineering design fees and royalties.  The decrease relates to lower engineering design fees from our European automotive market.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $14.2 million, or 9.5%, to $162.9 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $148.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 79.5% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to 79.0% in the first half of fiscal 2010.  Included in the cost of products sold for the six months ended October 31, 2009 is $0.7 million of asset write-downs related to the termination of the Delphi supply agreement.  Included in cost of products sold are additional provisions for environmental matters for three sites that are no longer used in operations.  We recorded $0.8 million and $0.3 million for environmental matters for first half of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2010, respectively.  Also during the first half of fiscal 2011, we recorded a negotiated program termination charge of $1.3 million for certain products manufactured in our Malta facility and $0.4 million for customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in our U.S. facility.  In addition, we incurred $0.7 million in additional costs due to vendor supply issues for new products that began ramping up production during the first half of fiscal 2011.  The increases were partially offset by cost efficiencies experienced in our Asian businesses, higher sales volumes as well as a change in sales mix within the Interconnect segment in the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Consolidated gross margins (including other income) increased $1.7 million, or 4.0%, to $43.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $42.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 21.4% for the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to 22.4% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The decrease primarily relates to the loss of the Delphi business, the one-time reversal of pricing contingencies in the first half of fiscal 2010, the customer negotiated program cancellation and other customer cancellation charges, additional costs related to environmental matters and costs due to vendor supply issues, partially offset by higher sales volumes, a favorable change in sales in sales mix within the Interconnect segment and cost efficiencies from our Asian businesses, in the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first half of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $6.8 million, which consisted of $3.7 million for employee severance, $1.5 million for accelerated depreciation and $1.6 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $5.2 million, or 16.1%, to $37.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $32.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  During the first half of fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $3.8 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC in June 2006, related to the Delphi bankruptcy.  See the Overview section for more information regarding this matter.  Selling and marketing expenses increased in our North American and Asian automotive businesses, partially offset by lower commissions and professional fees in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  The first half of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for grants received at one of our foreign facilities.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 18.3% for the six months ended October 30, 2010 and 17.2% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Expense, Net.  Interest expense, net was $0.1 million for both the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.  Interest income was $0.3 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The average cash balance was $64.0 million during the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $62.4 million during the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The average interest rate earned for the six months ended October 30, 2010 was 2.15%, compared to 0.44% in the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Interest expense was $0.4 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net increased $0.9 million to a $1.2 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The first half of fiscal 2011 included income of $1.2 million for life insurance polices in connection with the deferred compensation plan.  The first half of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.6 million related to an enhanced cash fund.  All other amounts for

 

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both the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009, relate to currency rate fluctuations.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Euro, Indian Rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense increased by $0.9 million to $1.4 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.5 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The six months ended October 30, 2010 relates to taxes on foreign profits.  The six months ended October 31, 2009 includes taxes on foreign profits of $0.2 million and $0.3 million related to non-Federal U.S. taxes.

 

Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.   Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $1.5 million, or 71.4%, to $3.6 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $2.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase is primarily due higher net sales and gross margins, no restructuring expenses, gain from life insurance policy, partially offset by the Blue Angel unsecured claims charge, the one-time reversal of pricing contingencies in the first half of fiscal 2010, customer negotiated cancellation and other customer cancellation costs, additional costs related to environmental matters, vendor supply issue costs, higher development, selling and marketing expenses and higher tax expense in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

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Operating Segments

 

Automotive Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the six months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

104.1

 

$

107.4

 

$

(3.3

)

-3.1

%

Other income

 

1.7

 

2.3

 

(0.6

)

-26.1

%

 

 

105.8

 

109.7

 

(3.9

)

-3.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

85.5

 

86.0

 

(0.5

)

-0.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

20.3

 

23.7

 

(3.4

)

-14.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

5.0

 

(5.0

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.7

 

9.0

 

6.7

 

74.4

%

Interest income, net

 

(0.1

)

 

(0.1

)

N/M

 

Other expense, net

 

1.7

 

1.2

 

0.5

 

41.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

3.0

 

$

8.5

 

$

(5.5

)

-64.7

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

1.6

%

2.1

%

Cost of products sold

 

82.1

%

80.1

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

19.5

%

22.1

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

4.7

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.1

%

8.4

%

Interest income, net

 

-0.1

%

0.0

%

Other expense, net

 

1.6

%

1.1

%

Income before income taxes

 

2.9

%

7.9

%

 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales decreased $3.3 million, or 3.1%, to $104.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from $107.4 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales benefitted by $1.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009, related to a one-time reversal of pricing contingencies which were accrued over several years and were no longer required.  There were no sales to Delphi Corporation in the first half of 2011, as compared to net sales of $14.1 million in the first half of fiscal 2010 due to the cancellation of the supply agreement on September 10, 2009.  Net sales increased in Asia and Europe by 244.7% and 7.5%, respectively, however, net sales from North America declined by 72.7% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  Net sales also declined in North America by $10.3 million due to the planned transfer of production from our U.S. facility to our facility in Shanghai, China in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as well as by $10.2 million due to the termination of production of certain Ford legacy products at our Reynosa, Mexico facility at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales in the six months ended October 30, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $3.6 million, or 3.3%, due to average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Income.  Other income decreased $0.6 million, or 26.1%, to $1.7 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from $2.3 million for six months ended October 31, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of

 

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earnings from engineering design fees and royalties.  The decrease relates to lower engineering design fees in our European automotive business.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold decreased $0.5 million, or 0.6%, to $85.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from $86.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Included in the cost of products sold for the six months ended October 31, 2009 is $0.7 million of asset write-downs relating to the termination of the Delphi supply agreement.  The first half of fiscal 2011 includes a charge of $1.3 million for negotiated program termination costs for certain products manufactured in our Malta facility.  In addition, we incurred $0.7 million in additional costs due to vendor supply issues for new products that began ramping up production during the first half of fiscal 2011.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 82.1% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to 80.1% in the first half of fiscal 2010.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were primarily due to the loss of the Delphi business, increasing costs on the remaining North American business, customer program cancellation charges and vendor supply issue costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes and improvements in cost of products sold in Asia.  The increasing costs of products sold as a percentage of sales in North America primarily relates to the development of new products which are expected to begin shipping in future periods.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) decreased $3.4 million, or 14.3%, to $20.3 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $23.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 19.5% for the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to 22.1% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of sales decreased in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010, due to loss of the Delphi business, lower engineering design fees, the one-time reversal of pricing contingencies in the first half of fiscal 2010, increased costs relating to new product development, the negotiated program termination costs, and vendor supply issues. The losses were partially offset by improved gross margins (including other income) in our Asian businesses, due to higher sales volumes.

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first half of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $5.0 million, which consisted of $2.9 million for employee severance, $1.5 million for accelerated depreciation and $0.6 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $6.7 million, or 74.4%, to $15.7 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $9.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  During the first half of fiscal 2011, we recorded an expense of $3.8 million for litigation regarding unsecured claims sold to Blue Angel LLC in June 2006, related to the Delphi bankruptcy.  See the Overview section for more information regarding this matter.  Selling and marketing expenses increased in our North American and Asian automotive businesses in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  The first half of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2010 included income of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for grants received at one of our foreign facilities.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 15.1% for the six months ended October 30, 2010 and 8.4% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net was $0.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to zero for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net increased $0.5 million, or 41.7%, to $1.7 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  All amounts for both the first half of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2010 relate to currency rate fluctuations.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro and the Mexican peso.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Automotive segment income before income taxes decreased $5.5 million or 64.7%, to $3.0 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $8.5 million for the six months

 

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ended October 31, 2009 due to the Blue Angel unsecured claims charge, lower sales and gross margins (including other income), the one-time reversal of pricing contingencies in the first half of fiscal 2010, higher selling and marketing expenses, increased development cost in North American, negotiated program termination costs and increased currency exchange expense, partially offset by no restructuring charges in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Interconnect Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the six months ended:

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

71.1

 

$

55.2

 

$

15.9

 

28.8

%

Other income

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

71.2

 

55.3

 

15.9

 

28.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

50.5

 

41.9

 

8.6

 

20.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

20.7

 

13.4

 

7.3

 

54.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

1.4

 

(1.4

)

-100.0

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

10.8

 

10.9

 

(0.1

)

-0.9

%

Interest income

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

 

0.0

%

Other expense, net

 

0.5

 

 

0.5

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

9.5

 

$

1.2

 

$

8.3

 

691.7

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

0.1

%

0.2

%

Cost of products sold

 

71.0

%

75.9

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

29.1

%

24.3

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

2.5

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.2

%

19.7

%

Interest income

 

-0.1

%

-0.2

%

Other expense, net

 

0.7

%

0.0

%

Income before income taxes

 

13.4

%

2.2

%

 

Net Sales.  Interconnect segment net sales increased $15.9 million, or 28.8%, to $71.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010 from $55.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase was primarily driven by strong sales in our interface solutions and data solutions businesses.  Net sales increased 31.3%, 40.4% and 3.4% in North America, Europe and Asia, respectively, in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales in the six months ended October 30, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $0.1 million, or 0.1%, due to average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Income.  Other income was $0.1 million for both the six months ended October 30, 2010 and the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

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Cost of Products Sold.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold increased $8.6 million, or 20.5%, to $50.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $41.9 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 71.0% for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to 75.9% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The decrease is primarily due to sales mix within the segment as well as the overall increase in net sales in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Interconnect segment gross margins (including other income) increased $7.3 million, or 54.5%, to $20.7 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, as compared to $13.4 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 29.1% for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from 24.3% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily relates to higher sales volumes as well as a change in sales mix within the segment in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first half of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $1.4 million, which consisted of $0.4 million for employee severance, $0.1 million for accelerated depreciation and $0.9 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 0.9%, to $10.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $10.9 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses are slightly lower due to lower commissions in our Asian Interconnect businesses in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 15.2% in the six months ended October 30, 2010, from 19.7% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net was $0.1 million for both the six months ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net was $0.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to zero for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The increase is primarily due to the weakening U.S. dollar against the euro in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Czech koruna, Euro, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Interconnect segment income before income taxes increased $8.3 million to $9.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009, due to increased net sales and gross profit, no restructuring expenses, and lower commissions in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

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Power Products Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the six months ended:

(in millions)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

23.6

 

$

20.6

 

$

3.0

 

14.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

18.8

 

16.1

 

2.7

 

16.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

4.8

 

4.5

 

0.3

 

6.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

0.4

 

(0.4

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

3.1

 

3.0

 

0.1

 

3.3

%

Other expense, net

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

1.6

 

$

1.1

 

$

0.5

 

45.5

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

79.7

%

78.2

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

20.3

%

21.8

%

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

1.9

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

13.1

%

14.6

%

 

 

 

 

Other expense, net

 

0.4

%

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

6.8

%

5.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $3.0 million, or 14.6% to $23.6 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $20.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales have decreased in the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2010 by 8.0% in North America and net sales increased by 78.2% in Asia.  The increase was driven by higher demand for our busbar products in Asia, offset by lower demand for our busbar, flexible cabling and heat sink products in North America.  We also began selling busbar products in Europe in the first half of fiscal 2011, which accounted for $1.2 million in net sales, compared to no net sales in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $2.7 million, or 16.8%, to $18.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $16.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 79.7% for the six months ended October 30, 2010, from 78.2% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The first half of fiscal 2011 includes an inventory and equipment charge of $0.4 million, relating to the customer cancellation of certain products manufactured in our U.S. facility.  The increase in the cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to the customer cancellation charge as well as increased costs due to new product development, partially offset with lower costs in our Asian business.

 

Gross Margins.  Power Products segment gross margins increased $0.3 million, or 6.7%, to $4.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $4.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 20.3% for the six months ended October 30, 2010 from 21.8% for the six months ended August 1, 2009.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales is primarily due to the customer cancellation charge as well as increased costs due to new product development, partially offset with lower costs in our Asian business.

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first half of fiscal 2010, we recorded a restructuring  charge of $0.4 million, which consisted of $0.1 million for employee severance and $0.3 million relating to other costs.

 

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Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million, or 3.3%, to $3.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $3.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses increased slightly due to increased selling and professional fees in our U.S.-based busbar and heat sink businesses in the first half of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13.1% in the six months ended October 30, 2010, from 14.6% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net was $0.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to zero for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Czech koruna, Euro, Singapore dollar and Swiss Franc.  Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Power Products income before income taxes increased $0.5 million, or 45.5%, to $1.6 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009, due to higher net sales and gross profit, no restructuring charges, partially offset with customer cancellation charges and higher costs for our U.S. busbar products, higher selling and administrative expenses and higher currency exchange expenses in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Segment Results

 

Below is a table summarizing results for the six months ended:

(in millions)

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

6.1

 

$

5.1

 

$

1.0

 

19.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

5.7

 

4.9

 

0.8

 

16.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

1.4

 

1.5

 

(0.1

)

-6.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(1.0

)

$

(1.3

)

$

0.3

 

-23.1

%

 

 

 

October 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

93.4

%

96.1

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

6.6

%

3.9

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

23.0

%

29.4

%

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

-16.4

%

-25.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $1.0 million, or 19.6%, to $6.1 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $5.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Net sales from our torque-sensing business increased 89.3% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.  Net sales from our testing facilities decreased 12.8% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.8 million to $5.7 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $4.9 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Cost of

 

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products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 93.4% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to 96.1% in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins.  The Other segment gross margins increased $0.2 million to $0.4 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $0.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of sales increased to 6.6% in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to 3.9% in the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 6.7%, to $1.4 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.5 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 23.0% in the six months ended October 30, 2010 from 29.4% for the six months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Loss Before Income Taxes.  The Other segment loss before income taxes decreased $0.3 million, or 23.1%, to $1.0 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $1.3 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009, due to increased sales and gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have historically financed our cash requirements through cash flows from operations.  Our future capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including our future net sales and the timing and rate of expansion of our business.  We believe our current cash balances together with the cash flow expected to be generated from future domestic and foreign operations will be sufficient to support current operations.

 

We have an agreement with our primary bank for a revolving credit facility to provide up to $75.0 million of ready financing for general corporate purposes, including acquisition opportunities that may become available.  The bank credit agreement, which expires on January 31, 2011, requires maintenance of certain financial ratios and a minimum net worth level. At October 30, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants and had net borrowings of $18.0 million plus accrued interest against this credit facility.

 

Cash Flow Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $11.8 million to $3.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $15.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Our net income increased to $3.5 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $2.1 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  The non-cash add-back for depreciation and impairment of tangible assets decreased $2.9 million, to $7.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to $10.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2010.  The changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased by $10.0 million, to cash used of $9.0 million in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to cash provided of $1.0 million for the first half of fiscal 2010.  Accounts receivable was a use of cash of $11.3 million due to timing of sales, billings for pre-production tooling, as well as slower collections for some specific customers in the first half of fiscal 2011.  The additional use of cash for the changes in assets and liabilities relates to tax payments to foreign entities, offset by the Blue Angel unsecured claims accrual  in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Cash Flow Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $1.2 million to $4.8 million for the six months ended October 30, 2010, compared to $6.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 2009.  Purchases of property, plant and equipment was $5.6 million in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to $5.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2010.  We invested $0.8 million in a new business in the first half of fiscal 2011.  In the first half of fiscal 2011, we received $1.5 million for life insurance proceeds in connection with the deferred compensation plan.

 

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Cash Flow Financing Activities

 

Net cash (used)/provided for financing activities increased $18.1 million to cash provided of $12.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2011, compared to a cash use of $5.2 million for the first half of fiscal 2010.  In the first half of fiscal 2011, we had net borrowings against our credit line of $18.0 million, compared to no borrowings in the first half of fiscal 2010.  We paid dividends of $5.2 million for both the first half of fiscal 2011 and the first half of fiscal 2010.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases and purchase obligations entered into in the normal course of business.

 

Item 3.  Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Certain of our foreign operations enter into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency, primarily the U.S. dollar and the Euro.  A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our income before income taxes by $6.7 million as of October 30, 2010 and $4.7 million as of May 1, 2010.  We also have foreign currency exposure arising from the translation of our net equity investment in our foreign operations to U.S. dollars.  We generally view our investments in foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar as long-term.  The currencies to which we are exposed are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Euro, Indian Rupee, Mexican peso, and Singapore dollar.  A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our net foreign investments by $16.5 million at October 30, 2010 and $12.8 million at May 1, 2010.

 

Item 4.  Controls And Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s applicable rules and forms.  As a result of this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.         OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

See our fiscal 2010 Form 10-K filed on July 1, 2010 for a description of certain legal matters.  After the Form 10-K was filed, on September 7, 2010, the bankruptcy court dismissed the preference claim complaint against Methode without prejudice to Delphi’s filing a motion for leave to amend by September 7, 2010.  Delphi filed a motion for leave to amend its preference complaint against Methode on September 7, 2010.  (See Overview Section for more information regarding this matter).

 

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Item 6.          Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws (1)

10.1

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (2)

10.2

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (2)

10.3

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Form Award Agreement (2)

10.4

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Performance Based Restricted Stock Form Award Agreement (3)

10.5

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Form Award Agreement (3)

10.6

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. RSA Tandem Cash Award Form Agreement (3)

10.7

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Cash Bonus Form Award Agreement (3)

10.8

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (3)

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

32

 

Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 


(1)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K/A filed August 10, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed October 20, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

(3)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed November 12, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Douglas A. Koman

 

 

Douglas A. Koman

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(principal financial officer)

 

 

Dated:

December 9, 2010

 

 

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws (1)

10.1

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Cash Incentive Plan (2)

10.2

 

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (2)

10.3

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Form Award Agreement (2)

10.4

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Performance Based Restricted Stock Form Award Agreement (3)

10.5

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Form Award Agreement (3)

10.6

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. RSA Tandem Cash Award Form Agreement (3)

10.7

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Cash Bonus Form Award Agreement (3)

10.8

 

Methode Electronics, Inc. Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (3)

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

32

 

Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 


(1)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K/A filed August 10, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

(2)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed October 20, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

(3)

 

Previously filed with Registrant’s Form 8-K filed November 12, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

47