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 July 31, 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 August 31, 2010, registrant had 36,803,990 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

July 31, 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of

 

 

 

– July 31, 2010 (unaudited) and May 1, 2010

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited)

 

 

 

– Three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited)

 

 

 

– Three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements – July 31, 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

 

35

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

35

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

35

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

36

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

37

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

38

 


 


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

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

May 1, 2010

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

56,449

 

$

63,821

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

75,617

 

68,649

 

Inventories:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished products

 

8,175

 

5,487

 

Work in process

 

6,642

 

7,686

 

Materials

 

19,255

 

16,587

 

 

 

34,072

 

29,760

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,249

 

2,272

 

Prepaid and refundable income taxes

 

13,886

 

13,956

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

5,554

 

6,138

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

187,827

 

184,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

280,300

 

280,750

 

Less allowances for depreciation

 

220,780

 

218,874

 

 

 

59,520

 

61,876

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOODWILL

 

12,096

 

12,096

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

18,256

 

18,811

 

PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS

 

12,402

 

11,984

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

23,227

 

21,460

 

 

 

65,981

 

64,351

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

313,328

 

$

310,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

36,098

 

$

29,743

 

Other current liabilities

 

23,560

 

29,002

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

59,658

 

58,745

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER LIABILITIES

 

10,613

 

10,251

 

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

2,045

 

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 July 31, 2010 and May 1, 2010, respectively

 

19,088

 

19,075

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

66,333

 

65,991

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

15,439

 

16,247

 

Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of July 31, 2010 and May 1, 2010

 

(11,377

)

(11,377

)

Retained earnings

 

148,307

 

146,818

 

TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

237,790

 

236,754

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

3,222

 

3,188

 

TOTAL EQUITY

 

241,012

 

239,942

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

$

313,328

 

$

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

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

98,285

 

$

89,776

 

Other

 

688

 

1,387

 

 

 

98,973

 

91,163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

79,529

 

70,909

 

Restructuring

 

 

3,611

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15,595

 

15,874

 

 

 

95,124

 

90,394

 

Income from operations

 

3,849

 

769

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

(26

)

(102

)

Other income/(expense), net

 

849

 

(394

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

4,672

 

273

 

Income tax expense

 

642

 

286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income/(loss)

 

4,030

 

(13

)

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

 

(35

)

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

$

4,065

 

$

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.11

 

$

 

Diluted

 

$

0.11

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

37,046

 

36,863

 

Diluted

 

37,290

 

36,863

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31, 2010

 

August 1, 2009

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$

4,030

 

$

(13

)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for depreciation

 

3,356

 

5,038

 

Impairment of tangible assets

 

 

710

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

556

 

565

 

Amortization of stock awards and stock options

 

342

 

299

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(10,518

)

1,070

 

Other

 

22

 

19

 

NET CASH (USED)/PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,212

)

7,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

(1,956

)

(3,266

)

Purchase of investment

 

(750

)

 

Acquisition of technology licenses

 

 

(87

)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,706

)

(3,353

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

13

 

 

Cash dividends

 

(2,576

)

(2,616

)

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(2,563

)

(2,616

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash

 

109

 

1,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(7,372

)

3,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

63,821

 

54,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

56,449

 

$

57,052

 

 

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)

 

July 31, 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 July 31, 2010 and results of operations for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 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.

 

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

 

March 2009 Restructuring

 

In March 2009, we announced additional 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 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 ended July 31, 2010, however, we do expect this liability to be paid out during fiscal 2011.

 

The table below reflects the activity related to the March 2009 restructuring for the three months ended July 31, 2010;

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Costs

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued balance at May 1, 2010

 

$

420

 

 

 

 

 

Payments during the first quarter of fiscal 2011

 

 

Accrued balance at July 31, 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.  We expect the remaining liability to be paid out during fiscal 2011.

 

6



Table of Contents

 

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

The table below reflects the activity related to the January 2008 restructuring for the three months ended July 31, 2010;

 

 

 

One-Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Severance

 

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

 

 

7



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 ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 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) (unaudited):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$

4,030

 

$

4,065

 

$

(35

)

Translation adjustment

 

(775

)

(808

)

33

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

 

$

3,255

 

$

3,257

 

$

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended August 1, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

Methode

 

Noncontrolling

 

 

 

Total

 

Shareholders

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

$

(13

)

$

(19

)

$

6

 

Translation adjustment

 

5,341

 

5,008

 

333

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

5,328

 

$

4,989

 

$

339

 

 

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 annually in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification  No. 350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other” (“ASC No. 350”).  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 three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009.  There was no activity for either period presented.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended July 31, 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 July 31, 2010

 

$

11,146

 

$

950

 

$

12,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended August 1, 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 August 1, 2009

 

$

11,146

 

$

625

 

$

11,771

 

 

9



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 July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amortization

 

 

 

Gross

 

Amortization

 

Net

 

Periods (Years)

 

Customer relationships and agreements

 

$

14,995

 

$

13,154

 

$

1,841

 

13.4

 

Patents and technology licenses

 

23,774

 

7,445

 

16,329

 

12.9

 

Covenants not to compete

 

480

 

394

 

86

 

1.6

 

Total

 

$

39,249

 

$

20,993

 

$

18,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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 each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

$

2,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

 

1,701

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

1,324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

1,212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

1,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of July 31, 2010 and May 1, 2010, the patents and technology licenses include $2,400 of trade names that are not subject to amortization.

 

6.                                     INCOME TAXES

 

At July 31, 2010 and May 1, 2010, we had valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets of $50,455 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 unable to forecast when there will be sufficient positive evidence for us to reverse the valuation allowances that we have recorded.

 

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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)

 

6.                                     INCOME TAXES - Continued

 

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

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

 

2009

 

 

 

Income tax at statutory rate

 

$

1,648

 

35.0

%

$

94

 

35.0

%

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

26

 

0.6

 

62

 

23.1

 

Foreign operations with lower statutory rates

 

(2,836

)

(60.3

)

(893

)

(334.2

)

Foreign losses with no tax benefit

 

179

 

3.8

 

115

 

43.0

 

Valuation allowance

 

2,053

 

43.6

 

921

 

344.8

 

Other, net

 

(428

)

(9.1

)

(13

)

(6.9

)

Income tax provision

 

$

642

 

13.6

%

$

286

 

104.8

%

 

We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.  During the three months ended July 31, 2010, we recognized $30 in interest and zero in penalties.  We had approximately $736 accrued at July 31, 2010 for the payment of interest and penalties.  The total unrecognized tax benefit as of July 31, 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 July 31, 2010

 

$

2,781

 

 

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.

 

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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

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

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

 

 

We paid a quarterly dividend of $2,576 on July 31, 2010.

 

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 July 31, 2010.  Options to purchase 96,934 shares of our common stock expired during the first three months of fiscal 2011.  There was no remaining compensation expense relating to these options in the first quarter 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 three months ended July 31, 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 July 31, 2010

 

431,492

 

$

9.44

 

 

Options Outstanding and

 

Exercisable at July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Wtd. Avg.

 

Avg.

 

Range of

 

 

 

Exercise

 

Remaining

 

Exercise Prices

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Life (Years)

 

$5.72 - $7.69

 

148,125

 

$

6.72

 

0.8

 

$8.53 - $11.44

 

283,367

 

10.87

 

2.3

 

 

 

431,492

 

$

9.44

 

 

 

 

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $637 at July 31, 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 first 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 July 31, 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.

 

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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 2007 stock plan for the three months ended July 31, 2010:

 

 

 

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 July 31, 2010

 

720,500

 

$

5.77

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

at July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining

 

Exercise Price

 

Shares

 

Life (Years)

 

$

2.72

 

285,000

 

8.6

 

$

6.46

 

275,000

 

8.9

 

$

8.13

 

35,500

 

9.4

 

$

10.55

 

125,000

 

10.0

 

 

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 $3,536 at July 31, 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 first 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 July 31, 2010.

 

We recognized pre-tax compensation expense for stock options granted under the 2007 plan of $66 and $65 in the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 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.

 

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

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

were subject to the same vesting schedule and other major provisions of the RSAs they replaced, except the RSUs are not payable 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 but not issued as of July 31, 2010.

 

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 three months ended July 31, 2010, we 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 $276 and $237 for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009, respectively.  We record the expense in the selling and administrative section of our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

The following table summarizes the RSA activity for the three months ended July 31, 2010:

 

 

 

RSA

 

 

 

Shares

 

Unvested and unissued at May 1, 2010

 

25,350

 

Awarded

 

24,000

 

Vested

 

(24,000

)

Forfeited and Cancelled

 

(882

)

Unvested and unissued at July 31, 2010

 

24,468

 

 

The table below shows the Company’s unvested and unissued RSAs at July 31, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Probable

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unearned

 

Unearned

 

Grant

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Compensation

 

Compensation

 

Fiscal

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Expense at

 

Expense at

 

Year

 

RSAs

 

Vesting Period

 

Value

 

July 31, 2010

 

July 31, 2010

 

2008

 

666

 

3-year equal annual installments

 

$

11.74

 

 

 

2009

 

23,802

 

3-year equal annual installments

 

10.61

 

67

 

67

 

 

At July 31, 2010, the aggregate unvested and unissued RSAs had a grant date weighted average fair value of  $10.33 and a weighted average vesting period of approximately nine 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 numerator and 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

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Numerator - net income/(loss) attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

$

4,065

 

$

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic net income/(loss) per share-weighted average shares

 

37,046

 

36,863

 

Dilutive potential common shares-employee stock options

 

244

 

 

Denominator for diluted net income/(loss) per share adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions

 

37,290

 

36,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

0.11

 

$

 

 

As of July 31, 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 $10.37 for our common stock for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, and, therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive.  As of August 1, 2009, options to purchase shares of common stock have not been included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as 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 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.

 

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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

 

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 table below 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 July 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

49,282

 

$

34,748

 

$

11,625

 

$

2,897

 

$

267

 

$

98,285

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(152

)

(77

)

(38

)

(267

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

49,282

 

$

34,596

 

$

11,548

 

$

2,859

 

$

 

$

98,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss)

 

$

2,822

 

$

3,681

 

$

506

 

$

(573

)

$

 

$

6,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,764

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended August 1, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automotive

 

Interconnect

 

Products

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

51,199

 

$

24,741

 

$

11,414

 

$

2,707

 

$

285

 

$

89,776

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(51

)

(224

)

(10

)

(285

)

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

51,199

 

$

24,690

 

$

11,190

 

$

2,697

 

$

 

$

89,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) before restructuring charge

 

$

5,509

 

$

1,031

 

$

852

 

$

(580

)

$

 

$

6,812

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

(2,618

)

(771

)

(222

)

 

 

(3,611

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment income (loss) including restructuring charge

 

$

2,891

 

$

260

 

$

630

 

$

(580

)

$

 

$

3,201

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,928

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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 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 filed 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 as to Delphi’s actions regarding the Company’s unsecured claims and the interpretation of the Transfer Agreement.

 

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 $12,402 and $11,984 as of July 31, 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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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 that summarizes the fair value of assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2010:

 

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METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

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)

 

$

56,449

 

$

56,449

 

$

 

$

 

Assets related to deferred compensation plan

 

$

3,806

 

$

 

$

3,806

 

$

 

Total assets at fair value

 

$

60,255

 

$

56,449

 

$

3,806

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities related to deferred compensation plan

 

$

3,018

 

$

3,018

 

$

 

$

 

Total liabilities at fair value

 

$

3,018

 

$

3,018

 

$

 

$

 

 


(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 and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

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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 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 further downturns in the automotive industry could reduce the sales and profitability of our business.

 

·                  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 are dependent on the availability and price of components and raw materials.

 

·                  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.

 

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·                  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.

 

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 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 filed 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 as to Delphi’s actions regarding the Company’s unsecured claims and the interpretation of the Transfer Agreement.

 

Business Outlook

 

Due to the loss of the Delphi business and the exit of legacy Ford products in fiscal 2010, we expect a decline in our Automotive segment sales in fiscal 2011.  Even though our European automotive business was strong in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we are unable to determine the impact of the phase out of the government sponsored “scrappage” incentive programs, which paid

 

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owners to trade in old cars and purchase new models.  It is also unclear what impact the current European debt crisis will have on our European businesses.  For our other segments, if the economic conditions continue to stabilize, with no significant further deterioration, we expect modest sales growth during fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010.  The restructuring actions undertaken by us over the past three fiscal years, targeted at reducing our cost structure are expected to positively impact our future earnings and cash flows.

 

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.

 

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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended July 31, 2010 as Compared to the Three Months Ended August 1, 2009

 

Consolidated Results

 

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

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

98.3

 

$

89.8

 

$

8.5

 

9.5

%

Other income

 

0.7

 

1.4

 

(0.7

)

-50.0

%

 

 

99.0

 

91.2

 

7.8

 

8.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

79.5

 

70.9

 

8.6

 

12.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

19.5

 

20.3

 

(0.8

)

-3.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

3.6

 

(3.6

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.6

 

15.9

 

(0.3

)

-1.9

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

(0.1

)

0.1

 

N/M

 

Other, net - income/(expense)

 

0.8

 

(0.4

)

1.2

 

N/M

 

Income tax expense

 

0.6

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

$

4.1

 

$

 

$

4.1

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

0.7

%

1.6

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

80.9

%

79.0

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

19.8

%

22.6

%

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

4.0

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.9

%

17.7

%

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

0.0

%

-0.1

%

 

 

 

 

Other, net - income/(expense)

 

0.8

%

-0.4

%

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

0.6

%

0.3

%

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.

 

4.2

%

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $8.5 million, or 9.5%, to $98.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from $89.8 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The Automotive segment net sales decreased $1.9 million, or 3.7%, to $49.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 from $51.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Interconnect segment net sales increased $9.9 million, or 40.1%, to $34.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to $24.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $0.3 million, or 2.7%, to $11.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to $11.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.1 million, or 3.7%, to $2.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to $2.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $1.8 million or 2.0% due to average currency rates in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Other Income.  Other income decreased $0.7 million, or 50.0%, to $0.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from $1.4 million for three months ended August 1, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of 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 $8.6 million, or 12.1%, to $79.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $70.9 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 80.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 79.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase relates primarily to the Automotive segment’s development of new products in North America, which are expected to begin shipping in future periods, as well as higher manufacturing costs due to lower sales volumes in our U.S-based Power Products businesses. The increases were partially offset by lower cost of products sold as a percentage of sales in our Interconnect segment due to a variation in sales mix within the segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the sales mix in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Consolidated gross margins (including other income) decreased $0.8 million, or 3.9%, to $19.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to $20.3 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 19.8% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to 22.6% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The decrease primarily relates to the loss of the Delphi business, higher design and overhead costs in our U.S.-based Automotive and Power Products businesses, as well as lower engineering design fees in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $3.6 million, which consisted of $1.9 for employee severance, $1.4 for accelerated depreciation and $0.3 million for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 1.9%, to $15.6 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $15.9 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The decrease is primarily due to lower bonus, legal fees unrelated to the Delphi litigation, and other professional fees in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  This was partially offset by higher legal expenses related to the Delphi supply agreement and patent dispute.  The Delphi related legal fees in first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $1.5 million, compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 15.9% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 17.7% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

Interest Expense, Net.  Interest expense, net was zero for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Interest income was $0.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The average cash balance was $63.4 million during the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to $61.1 million during the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The average interest rate earned for the three months ended July 31, 2010 was 1.01%, compared to 0.39% in the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Interest expense was $0.2 million for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009.

 

Other Income/(Expense), Net.  Other income/(expense), net increased $1.2 million to income of $0.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to an expense of $0.4 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The income of $0.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 included income of $1.2 million for life insurance polices in connection with an employee deferred compensation plan.  The loss of $0.4 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009 included income of $0.3 million related to an enhanced cash fund.  All other amounts for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 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 $0.3 million to $0.6 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The three months ended

 

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July 31, 2010 includes taxes on foreign profits of $0.5 million and $0.1 million related to Non-Federal U.S. taxes.  The three months ended August 1, 2009 includes taxes on foreign profits of $0.2 million and $0.1 million related to non-Federal U.S. taxes.

 

Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.   Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. was $4.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to break-even for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase is primarily due to the absence of any restructuring expenses, gain from life insurance policy, and favorable selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower engineering design fees and higher tax expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Operating Segments

 

Automotive Segment Results

 

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

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

49.3

 

$

51.2

 

$

(1.9

)

-3.7

%

Other income

 

0.7

 

1.2

 

(0.5

)

-41.7

%

 

 

50.0

 

52.4

 

(2.4

)

-4.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

39.9

 

40.9

 

(1.0

)

-2.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins (including other income)

 

10.1

 

11.5

 

(1.4

)

-12.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

2.6

 

(2.6

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

7.2

 

5.5

 

1.7

 

30.9

%

Other expense, net

 

(0.1

)

(0.6

)

0.5

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.8

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Other income

 

1.4

%

2.3

%

Cost of products sold

 

80.9

%

79.9

%

Gross margins (including other income)

 

20.5

%

22.5

%

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

5.1

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

14.6

%

10.7

%

Other expense, net

 

-0.2

%

-1.2

%

Income before income taxes

 

5.7

%

5.5

%

 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales decreased $1.9 million, or 3.7%, to $49.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from $51.2 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  There were no net sales to Delphi Corporation in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to net sales of $7.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 due to the cancellation of the supply agreement on September 10, 2009.  Offsetting the Delphi sales loss, sales from our European and Asian markets were stronger in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Net sales declined by 79.8% in North America.  Excluding the loss of the Delphi business and the business transferred to China, net sales declined by 60.1% in North America.  However, net sales increased by 15.3% in Europe and 358.2% in Asia in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  A portion of Asia’s growth benefited from the planned transfer of production from our U.S. facility to our

 

27



Table of Contents

 

facility in Shanghai, China in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  Excluding the transferred business, the growth in China was 161.4%.  Translation of foreign operations net sales in the three months ended July 31, 2010 decreased reported net sales by $1.7 million, or 3.4%, due to average currency rates in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the average currency rates in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Income.  Other income decreased $0.5 million, or 41.7%, to $0.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, from $1.2 million for three months ended August 1, 2009.  Other income consisted primarily of 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 $1.0 million, or 2.4%, to $39.9 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from $40.9 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales were 80.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 79.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales were primarily due to the loss of the Delphi business and increasing cost on the remaining North American business, partially offset by higher sales volumes and improvements in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales in Europe and Asia.  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.

 

Gross Margins (including other income).  Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) decreased $1.4 million, or 12.2%, to $10.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The Automotive segment gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of net sales were 20.5% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to 22.5% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Gross margins (including other income) as a percentage of sales decreased in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, due to loss of the Delphi business, lower engineering design fees, and increased costs relating to new product development. The losses were partially offset by improved gross margins (including other income) in our European and Asian businesses, due to higher sales volumes.

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $2.6 million, which consisted of $1.2 for employee severance and $1.4 for accelerated depreciation.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or 30.9%, to $7.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $5.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase is primarily due to increased legal fees associated with the Delphi supply agreement termination and patent dispute.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, there were $1.5 million of legal fees, compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  In addition, selling and marketing expenses increased in our North American automotive businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 14.6% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 10.7% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 as compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  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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Income Before Income Taxes.  Automotive segment income before income taxes was $2.8 million for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009 due to lower sales and gross margins (including other income), higher legal expenses, offset by no restructuring charges and lower currency exchange rate expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Interconnect Segment Results

 

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

(in millions)

(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

34.6

 

$

24.7

 

$

9.9

 

40.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

25.4

 

18.5

 

6.9

 

37.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

9.2

 

6.2

 

3.0

 

48.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

0.8

 

(0.8

)

N/M

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

5.4

 

5.1

 

0.3

 

5.9

%

Interest income

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

N/M

 

Other expense, net

 

(0.2

)

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

N/M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

3.7

 

$

0.2

 

$

3.5

 

N/M

 

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

73.4

%

74.9

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

26.6

%

25.1

%

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

3.2

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.6

%

20.6

%

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

0.3

%

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

Other expense, net

 

-0.6

%

-0.4

%

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

10.7

%

0.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  Interconnect segment net sales increased $9.9 million, or 40.1%, to $34.6 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from $24.7 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase was primarily driven by strong sales in our interface solutions and data solutions businesses.  Net sales increased 48.9%, 39.5% and 3.9% in North American, Europe and Asia, respectively, in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold increased $6.9 million, or 37.3%, to $25.4 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $18.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Interconnect segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 73.4% for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to 74.9% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The decrease is primarily due to sales mix within the segment as well as the overall increase in net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins.  Interconnect segment gross margins increased $3.0 million, or 48.4%, to $9.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, as compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009, primarily due to higher sales volumes.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.6% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 25.1% for the three months ended August 1, 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 quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Restructuring.  During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a total restructuring charge of $0.8 million, which consisted of $0.7 for employee severance and $0.1 for other costs.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million, or 5.9%, to $5.4 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $5.1 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses are higher due to higher commissions, patent maintenance fees and advertising expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 15.6% in the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 20.6% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net was $0.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to zero for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

Other Expense, Net.  Other expense, net was $0.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.1 million for the three months ended August 1, 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.  Interconnect segment income before income taxes increased $3.5 million to $3.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009 due to increased net sales and gross profit, and no restructuring expenses, partially offset by higher commission, advertising and patent legal fees in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

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Power Products Segment Results

 

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

(in millions)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

11.5

 

$

11.2

 

$

0.3

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

9.2

 

8.9

 

0.3

 

3.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

2.3

 

2.3

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

 

0.2

 

(0.2

)

-100.0

%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

1.8

 

1.5

 

0.3

 

20.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

$

0.5

 

$

0.6

 

$

(0.1

)

-16.7

%

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

80.0

%

79.5

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

20.0

%

20.5

%

 

 

 

 

Restructuring

 

0.0

%

1.8

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

15.7

%

13.4

%

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

4.3

%

5.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $0.3 million, or 2.7% to $11.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $11.2 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Net sales have decreased in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010 by 17.9% in North America and increased by 79.1% 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.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $0.3 million, or 3.4%, to $9.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $8.9 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 80.0% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 79.5% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is due to lower sales volumes in our U.S.-based busbar and heat sink businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins.  Power Products segment gross margins were $2.3 million for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 20.0% for the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 20.5% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales is due to lower sales volumes in our U.S.-based busbar and heat sink businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Restructuring.   During fiscal 2010, we completed all of our planned restructuring initiatives.  During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded a restructuring charge of $0.2 million, which consisted of $0.1 million for employee severance and $0.1 million relating to professional fees.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million, or 20.0%, to $1.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses increased due to increased selling and professional fees in our U.S.-based busbar and heat sink businesses in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, as compared to the first quarter

 

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of fiscal 2010.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 15.7% in the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 13.4% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

Income Before Income Taxes.  Power Products income before income taxes decreased $0.1 million, or 16.7%, to $0.5 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009, due to higher selling and professional fess, slightly offset with no restructuring charges in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Other Segment Results

 

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

(in millions)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net Change

 

Net Change

 

Net sales

 

$

2.8

 

$

2.7

 

$

0.1

 

3.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

2.7

 

2.5

 

0.2

 

8.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

0.1

 

0.2

 

(0.1

)

-50.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

(0.1

)

-12.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

$

(0.6

)

$

(0.6

)

$

 

0.0

%

 

 

 

July 31,

 

August 1,

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of sales:

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

96.4

%

92.6

%

 

 

 

 

Gross margins

 

3.6

%

7.4

%

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

25.0

%

29.6

%

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

-21.4

%

-22.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.1 million, or 3.7%, to $2.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Net sales from our torque-sensing business increased 68.9% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Net sales from our testing facilities decreased 22.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.2 million to $2.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase is due to an increase in prototypes in our torque-sensing business in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 96.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to 92.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Margins.  The Other segment gross margins decreased $0.1 million to $0.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The increase in net sales were offset by an increase in prototypes in our torque-sensing business in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to the first 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 July 31, 2010, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 25.0% in the three months ended July 31, 2010 from 29.6% for the three months ended August 1, 2009.

 

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Loss Before Income Taxes.  The Other segment loss before income taxes was $0.6 million for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009.  The first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, increased sales and lower selling and administrative expenses were offset by higher prototype expenses in our torque-sensing business.

 

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 July 31, 2010, we were in compliance with these covenants and had no borrowings against this credit facility.

 

Cash Flow Operating Activities

 

Net cash used/provided by operating activities decreased $9.9 million to a cash use of $2.2 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to cash provided of $7.7 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Our net income increased to $4.0 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to break-even for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  The non-cash add-back for depreciation and impairment of tangible assets decreased $2.4 million, to $3.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $5.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The changes in operating assets and liabilities decreased by $11.6 million, to cash used of $10.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to cash provided of $1.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  Accounts receivable was a use of cash of $6.9 million due to timing of sales, billings for pre-production tooling, as well as slower collections for some specific customers in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.  The additional use of cash for the changes in assets and liabilities relates to bonus payments of $2.7 million and tax payments for a foreign entity of $1.9 million, offset partially by cash provided of $0.8 million for accounts payable and $0.2 million for other items.

 

Cash Flow Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $0.7 million to $2.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2010, compared to $3.4 million for the three months ended August 1, 2009.  Purchases of property, plant and equipment was $2.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $3.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  We invested $0.8 million in a new business in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Cash Flow Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $2.6 million relating to cash dividends paid for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and August 1, 2009.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 $4.7 million for both the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 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 $15.2 million at July 31, 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 July 31, 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 current legal matters.  There have been no material developments since the Form 10-K was filed.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit 
Number

 


Description

3.1

 

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

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.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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: September 2, 2010

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit 
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

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

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.

 

38