Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003                                                         Commission file number 001-13337

 


 

STONERIDGE, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


 

Ohio   34-1598949

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio   44484
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(330) 856-2443

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class


 

Exchange on Which Registered


Common Shares, without par value   New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    x

 

The aggregate market value of the Common Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing price as of June 30, 2003, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $218.7 million.

 

The number of Common Shares, without par value, outstanding as of March 9, 2004 was 22,591,919.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004, into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

 



Table of Contents

INDEX

 

STONERIDGE, INC. – FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

          Page No.

Part I.

         

    Item 1.

  

Business

   2

    Item 2.

  

Properties

   7

    Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   7

    Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   8

Part II.

         

    Item 5.

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters

   9

    Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   10

    Item 7.

  

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

   11

    Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   16

    Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   17

    Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   50

    Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   50

Part III.

         

    Item 10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   51

    Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   51

    Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   51

    Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   51

    Item 14.

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   51

Part IV.

         

    Item 15.

  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

   52

Signatures

        53

 

1


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Portions of this report may contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, the Company’s (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, and (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

 

  the loss of a major customer;

 

  a significant change in automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck or agricultural and off-highway vehicle production;

 

  a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which the Company operates;

 

  labor disruptions at the Company’s facilities or at any of the Company’s significant customers or suppliers;

 

  the ability of the Company’s suppliers to supply it with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;

 

  the amount of debt and the restrictive covenants contained in the Company’s credit facility;

 

  customer acceptance of new products;

 

  capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions of the Company;

 

  changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles or policies;

 

  the impact of laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations; and

 

  the occurrence or non-occurrence of circumstances beyond the Company’s control.

 

PART I.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

The Company

 

Founded in 1965, the Company is a leading, technology driven, independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. Our custom-engineered products are predominantly sold on a sole-source basis and consist of application-specific control devices, sensors, vehicle management electronics and power and signal distribution systems. These products comprise the elements of every vehicle’s electrical system, and individually interface with a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems to (i) activate equipment and accessories, (ii) display and monitor vehicle performance and (iii) control and distribute electrical power and signals. Our products improve the performance, safety, convenience and environmental monitoring capabilities of our customers’ vehicles. As such, the growth in many of the product areas in which we compete is driven by the increasing consumer desire for safety, security and convenience coupled with the need for original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) to meet safety requirements in addition to the general trend of increased electrical and electronic content per vehicle. Our technology and our partnership-oriented approach to product design and development enables us to develop next-generation products and be a leader in the transition from mechanical-based components and systems to electrical and electronic components, modules and systems.

 

2


Table of Contents

Products

 

The Company conducts its business in two operating segments: Vehicle Management & Power Distribution and Control Devices. The core products of the Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment include vehicle electrical power and distribution systems and electronic instrumentation and information display products. The core products of the Control Devices operating segment include electronic and electrical switch products, actuator products and sensor products. The Company designs and manufactures the following vehicle parts:

 

Vehicle Management & Power Distribution. The Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems, and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution. These products collect, store and display vehicle information such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled and driver messages related to vehicle performance. In addition, power distribution systems regulate, coordinate and direct the operation of the entire electrical system within a vehicle compartment. These products use state-of-the-art hardware, software and multiplexing technology and are sold principally to the medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

Control Devices. The Control Devices operating segment produces products that monitor, measure or activate a specific function within the vehicle. Product lines included within the Control Devices segment are sensors, switches, actuators as well as other electronic products. Sensor products are employed in most major vehicle systems, including the emissions, safety, powertrain, braking, climate control, steering and suspension systems. Switches transmit a signal that activates specific functions. Hidden switches are not typically seen by vehicle passengers, but are used to activate or deactivate selected functions. Customer activated switches are used by a vehicle’s operator or passengers to manually activate headlights, rear defrosters and other accessories. In addition, the Company designs and manufactures electromechanical actuator products that enable users to deploy power functions in a vehicle and can be designed to integrate switching and control functions. The Company sells these products principally to the automotive market.

 

The following table presents the Company’s core product lines, as a percentage of net sales:

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Vehicle Management & Power Distribution:

                  

Vehicle electrical power and distribution systems

   25 %   22 %   21 %

Electronic instrumentation and information display products

   20     19     20  
    

 

 

     45 %   41 %   41 %
    

 

 

Control Devices:

                  

Electronic and electrical switch and actuator products

   32 %   35 %   34 %

Sensor products

   23     24     25  
    

 

 

     55 %   59 %   59 %
    

 

 

 

See Note 11 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s operating segments and financial information about geographic areas.

 

Production Materials

 

The principal production materials used in both operating segments of the Company’s manufacturing processes include: wire, cable, plastics, printed circuit boards, metal stamping and certain electrical components such as microprocessors, memories, resistors, capacitors, fuses, relays and connectors. The Company typically purchases such materials pursuant to annual contracts. Such materials are readily available from multiple sources, but the Company generally establishes collaborative relationships with a qualified supplier for each of its key production materials in order to lower costs and enhance service and quality.

 

Patents and Intellectual Property

 

Both of the Company’s operating segments maintain and have pending various U.S. and foreign patents and other rights to intellectual property relating to its business, which the Company believes are appropriate to protect the Company’s interests in existing products, new inventions, manufacturing processes and product developments. The Company does not believe any single patent is material to its business, nor would the expiration or invalidity of any patent have a material adverse effect on its business or its ability to compete. The Company is not currently engaged in any material infringement litigation, nor are there any material infringement claims pending by or against the Company.

 

3


Table of Contents

Industry Cyclicality and Seasonality

 

The markets for both operating segments of the Company’s products have historically been cyclical. Because the Company’s products are used principally in the production of vehicles for the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets, its sales, and therefore its results of operations, are significantly dependent on the general state of the economy and other factors, which affect these markets. A decline in automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle production of the Company’s principal customers could adversely impact the Company. Approximately 53%, 57% and 58% of the Company’s net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were made to the automotive market. Approximately 47%, 43% and 42% of the Company’s net sales in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were derived from the medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

The Company typically experiences decreased sales during the third calendar quarter of each year due to the impact of scheduled OEM plant shutdowns in July for vacations and new model changeovers. The fourth quarter is similarly impacted by plant shutdowns for the holidays.

 

Reliance on Major Customers

 

The Company is dependent on a small number of principal customers for a significant percentage of its sales. The loss of any significant portion of its sales to these customers or the loss of a significant customer would have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The Company supplies numerous different parts to each of its principal customers. The contracts the Company has entered into with many of its customers provide for supplying the customers’ requirements for a particular model, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. Therefore, the loss of a contract for a major model or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or group of related models sold by any of the Company’s major customers could have a material adverse impact on the Company. The Company may also enter into contracts to supply parts, the introduction of which may then be delayed or not used at all. The Company also competes to supply products for successor models and is subject to the risk that the customer will not select the Company to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

The following table presents the Company’s major customers, as a percentage of net sales:

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Customer:

                  

Navistar

   17 %   13 %   12 %

DaimlerChrysler

   11     13     14  

Ford

   9     10     12  

General Motors

   9     10     13  

Volvo

   7     6     6  

Deere

   5     6     5  

Other

   42     42     38  
    

 

 

Total

   100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

 

Backlog

 

The majority of the Company’s products are not on a backlog status. They are produced from readily available materials and have a relatively short manufacturing cycle. Each production facility of the Company maintains its own inventories and production schedules. Production capacity is adequate to handle current requirements and will be expanded to handle increased growth when needed.

 

4


Table of Contents

Competition

 

Markets for the Company’s products in both operating segments are highly competitive. The Company competes on the basis of quality, service, price, timely delivery and technological innovation. The Company competes for new business both at the beginning of the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models. New model development generally begins two to five years before the marketing of such models to the public. Once a supplier has been selected to provide parts for a new program, an OEM usually will continue to purchase those parts from the selected supplier for the life of the program, although not necessarily for any model redesigns.

 

Our diversity in products creates a wide range of competitors, which vary depending on both market and geographic location. The Company competes successfully based on its strong customer relations and a fast and flexible organization that develops technically effective solutions at or below target price.

 

Product Development

 

Research and development within the Company is largely product development oriented and consists primarily of applying known technologies to customer generated problems and situations. The Company works closely with its customers to creatively solve problems using innovative technologies. The vast majority of the Company’s development expenses are related to customer-sponsored programs where the Company is involved in designing custom-engineered solutions for specific applications or for next generation technology. To further the Company’s vehicle platform penetration, it has also developed collaborative relationships with the design and engineering departments of its key customers. These collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of new and complimentary products and the enhancement of existing products.

 

Development work at the Company is largely performed on a decentralized basis. The Company has engineering and product development departments located at a majority of its manufacturing facilities. To ensure knowledge sharing among decentralized development efforts, the Company has instituted a number of mechanisms and practices whereby innovation and best practices are shared. The decentralized product development operations are complimented by larger technology groups in Canton, Massachusetts and Stockholm, Sweden.

 

The Company uses efficient and quality oriented work processes to address its customers’ high standards. The Company’s product development technical resources include a full compliment of computer-aided design and engineering (“CAD/CAE”) software systems, including (i) virtual three-dimensional modeling, (ii) functional simulation and analyses capabilities and (iii) data links for rapid prototyping. These CAD/CAE systems enable the Company to expedite product design and the manufacturing process to shorten the development time and ultimately time to market.

 

The Company is further strengthening its electrical engineering competencies through investment in equipment such as (i) automotive Electro-Magnetic Compliance test chambers, (ii) programmable automotive and commercial vehicle transient generators, (iii) circuit simulators and (iv) other environmental test equipment. Additional investment in product machining equipment has allowed the Company to fabricate new product samples in a fraction of the time required historically. The Company’s product development and validation efforts are supported by full service, on-site test labs at most manufacturing facilities, thus enabling its cross-functional engineering teams to optimize the product, process and system performance before tooling initiation.

 

The Company has invested, and will continue to invest in technology to develop new products for its customers. Research and development costs incurred in connection with the development of new products and manufacturing methods, to the extent not recoverable from the customer, are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses, as incurred. Such costs amounted to approximately $28.7 million, $25.3 million and $27.0 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, or 4.7%, 4.0% and 4.6% of net sales for these periods.

 

Environmental and Other Regulations

 

The Company’s operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to waters and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment

 

5


Table of Contents

and disposal of waste and other materials. The Company believes that its business, operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Company had approximately 5,300 employees, approximately 1,600 of whom were salaried and the balance of whom were paid on an hourly basis. The Company’s employees are not represented by a union except for certain employees located in Mexico, Sweden, and Scotland. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are good.

 

Available Information

 

The Company makes available, free of charge through its web site (www.stoneridge.com), its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC. On or before the Company’s 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and the charters of the Board’s Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees will be posted on the Company’s website. Written copies of these documents will be available to any shareholder upon request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations.

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The executive officers of the Company are as follows:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position


D.M. Draime

   70    Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Assistant Secretary

Kevin P. Bagby

   52    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Gerald V. Pisani

   63    Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Thomas A. Beaver

   50    Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Michael J. Bagby

   61    Vice President and General Manager of Alphabet Group

Avery S. Cohen

   67    Secretary and Director

 

D.M. Draime, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Assistant Secretary. Mr. Draime, founder of the Company, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and its predecessors since 1965. Mr. Draime has been serving as the Company’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since the resignation of Cloyd J. Abruzzo on December 31, 2003.

 

Kevin P. Bagby, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Bagby has served as Vice President of the Company, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since joining the Company in July 1995.

 

Gerald V. Pisani, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Pisani has served as Vice President of the Company since 1989 and President of the Stoneridge Engineered Products Group since 1985. Mr. Pisani became the Company’s Chief Operating Officer in December 2003.

 

Thomas A. Beaver, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Beaver has served as Vice President of Sales and Systems Engineering of the Stoneridge Engineered Products Group from February 1995 to December 1999 and Vice President of Sales and Marketing since January 2000.

 

6


Table of Contents

Michael J. Bagby, Vice President and General Manager of Alphabet Group. Mr. Bagby has served as Vice President of the Alphabet Group since March 1990 and Vice President and General Manager of the Alphabet Group since January 2000.

 

Avery S. Cohen, Secretary and Director. Mr. Cohen has served as Secretary and a Director of the Company since 1988. Mr. Cohen is a partner in Baker & Hostetler LLP, a law firm, which has served as general outside counsel for the Company since 1993 and is expected to continue to do so in the future.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

The Company currently owns or leases 16 manufacturing facilities, which together contain approximately 1.6 million square feet of manufacturing space. Of these manufacturing facilities, nine are owned or leased by the Company’s Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment and seven are owned or leased by the Company’s Control Devices operating segment. The following table provides information regarding the Company’s facilities:

 

Location


  

Use


  

Owned/

Leased Status


  

Square

Footage


Boston, Massachusetts

   Manufacturing / Division Office    Owned    133,000

Canton, Massachusetts

   Manufacturing / Division Office    Owned    130,000

El Paso, Texas

   Manufacturing / Warehouse    Leased    93,000

El Paso, Texas

   Warehouse    Leased    10,000

Lexington, Ohio

   Manufacturing / Division Office    Owned    155,000

Lexington, Ohio

Novi, Michigan

  

Fabrication Facility

Sales / Engineering Office

   Owned
Leased
   39,300
9,400

Orwell, Ohio

   Manufacturing    Owned    62,000

Portland, Indiana

   Manufacturing    Owned    182,000

Sarasota, Florida

   Manufacturing / Division Office    Owned    125,000

Sarasota, Florida

   Warehouse    Owned    9,000

Warren, Ohio

   Corporate Office    Owned    7,500

Warren, Ohio

   Division Office    Leased    24,570

Cheltenham, England

   Manufacturing    Leased    51,336

Cheltenham, England

   Manufacturing    Leased    39,983

Dundee, Scotland

   Manufacturing    Leased    30,000

Frankfurt, Germany

   Sales / Engineering Office    Leased    100

Madrid, Spain

   Sales / Warehouse    Leased    1,560

Munich, Germany

   Sales / Engineering Office    Leased    1,000

Northampton, England

   Manufacturing    Owned    40,667

Orebro, Sweden

   Manufacturing    Leased    77,472

Paris, France

   Sales Office    Leased    4,573

Stockholm, Sweden

   Engineering / Division Office    Leased    16,100

Stuttgart, Germany

   Sales / Engineering Office    Leased    1,000

Tallinn, Estonia

   Manufacturing / Warehouse    Leased    50,561

Chihuahua, Mexico

   Manufacturing / Warehouse    Owned    184,697

Juarez, Mexico

   Manufacturing / Division Office    Owned    178,000

Monclova, Mexico

   Manufacturing    Leased    68,312

Sao Paulo, Brazil

   Sales / Engineering Office    Leased    200

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company, however, does not believe that any of the litigation in which it is currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company is subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of its products causes personal injury or death to users of the Company’s products and there can be no assurance that the

 

7


Table of Contents

Company will not experience any material product liability losses in the future. In addition, if any of the Company’s products prove to be defective, the Company may be required to participate in a government-imposed or OEM-instituted recall involving such products. The Company maintains insurance against such liability claims.

 

On January 15, 2004, a judgment was entered against the Company in the District Court (365th Judicial District) in Maverick County, Texas. The plaintiffs alleged in their complaint that a Stoneridge fuel valve installed as a replacement part on a truck caused a fire after an accident resulting in a death. The plaintiffs are the parents of the decedent. The final judgment entered against the Company was approximately $36.5 million. The Company denies its fuel valve contributed to the fire. A motion for a new trial and other relief is pending before the trial court. A vigorous appeal of this judgment will be undertaken if the court denies relief. The Company believes that there are valid grounds to reverse the judgment on appeal. If successful, the appeal may alter or eliminate the amount of the existing judgment. While legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainty, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that this award will be substantially altered or eliminated by the appellate court. Consequently, in the opinion of management and counsel, it is not possible to estimate the outcome of such uncertainty at this time. The Company will record a provision for any liability in this case, if and at the time that management and counsel conclude a loss is probable.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

8


Table of Contents

PART II.

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

 

On March 9, 2004, the Company had 22,593,919 Common Shares without par value, issued and outstanding, which were owned by approximately 130 shareholders of record, including Common Shares held in “streetname” by nominees who are record holders and approximately 1,200 beneficial owners.

 

The Company has not historically paid or declared dividends, which are restricted under both the senior notes and the credit agreement, on its Common Shares. The Company may only pay cash dividends in the future if immediately prior to and immediately after the payment is made no event of default has occurred, the Company remains in compliance with certain leverage ratio requirements, and the amount paid does not exceed 5% of the Company’s excess cash flow for the preceding fiscal year. The Company currently intends to retain earnings for acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes and reduction in outstanding indebtedness. Accordingly, the Company does not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

High and low sales prices (as reported on the New York Stock Exchange “NYSE” composite tape) for the Company’s Common Shares for each quarter during 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

 

    

Quarter Ended


   High

   Low

2003

  

March 31

   $ 15.55    $ 8.84
    

June 30

   $ 14.07    $ 9.50
    

September 30

   $ 17.29    $ 13.45
    

December 31

   $ 15.73    $ 12.28

2002

  

March 31

   $ 11.40    $ 7.51
    

June 30

   $ 19.30    $ 9.85
    

September 30

   $ 19.02    $ 15.15
    

December 31

   $ 17.15    $ 7.05

 

The Company’s Common Shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol SRI.

 

In October 1997, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan for its employees and in May 2002, the Company adopted a Director Share Option Plan for its directors. Both plans were approved by the Company’s shareholders. Equity compensation plan information, as of December 31, 2003, is as follows:

 

     Number of securities to
be issued upon the
exercise of outstanding
share options


   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding share options


   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans


Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders

   1,470,100    $ 11.00    1,468,500

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

   —      $ —      —  

 

9


Table of Contents

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data for the Company and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto and other financial information included elsewhere herein. The selected historical data was derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Statement of Operations Data:

                                        

Net sales:

                                        

Vehicle Management & Power Distribution

   $ 289,652     $ 273,804     $ 245,881     $ 263,022     $ 285,381  

Control Devices

     333,176       376,896       349,510       413,830       399,066  

Eliminations

     (16,163 )     (14,193 )     (10,923 )     (9,660 )     (9,226 )
    


 


 


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 606,665     $ 636,507     $ 584,468     $ 667,192     $ 675,221  

Gross profit (A)

     156,030       165,319       135,082       171,112       187,872  

Operating income

     58,370       74,320       35,725       76,506       97,305  

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

     31,020       32,318       3,896       46,794       67,022  

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     21,379       21,056       2,946       32,709       41,172  

Net income (loss): (B)

                                        

Vehicle Management & Power Distribution

   $ 5,409     $ (29,470 )   $ (11,879 )   $ (5,889 )   $ 5,572  

Control Devices

     15,970       (19,308 )     14,825       38,598       35,600  
    


 


 


 


 


Consolidated

   $ 21,379     $ (48,778 )   $ 2,946     $ 32,709     $ 41,172  
    


 


 


 


 


Basic income before cumulative effect of accounting change per share

   $ 0.95     $ 0.94     $ 0.13     $ 1.46     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted income before cumulative effect of accounting change per share

   $ 0.94     $ 0.93     $ 0.13     $ 1.46     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


 


 


Basic net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.95     $ (2.18 )   $ 0.13     $ 1.46     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


 


 


Diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.94     $ (2.16 )   $ 0.13     $ 1.46     $ 1.84  
    


 


 


 


 


Other Data:

                                        

Product development expenses

   $ 28,714     $ 25,332     $ 26,996     $ 26,750     $ 21,976  

Capital expenditures

     26,382       14,656       23,968       28,720       17,589  

Depreciation and amortization (C)

     22,188       21,900       28,844       28,026       27,850  

Balance Sheet Data:

                                        

Working capital

   $ 71,046     $ 85,462     $ 46,399     $ 80,069     $ 77,112  

Total assets

     579,667       571,127       670,933       696,995       698,309  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     200,245       248,918       249,720       296,079       331,898  

Shareholders’ equity

     243,406       215,902       259,607       262,186       231,628  

 


(A) Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold.
(B) In accordance with the transition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company determined during 2002 that the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill exceeded its fair value. Effective January 1, 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash, after-tax impairment charge of $69,834 as a cumulative effect of accounting change. See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information. During the second quarter of 2002, the Company recognized a non-cash, pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $5,771, as the result of an early extinguishment of debt.
(C) These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on fixed and certain intangible assets.

 

10


Table of Contents

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates estimates and assumptions used in its financial statements. The Company bases its estimates used on historical experience and on various other factors that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

The Company believes the following are its “critical accounting policies” – those most important to the financial presentation and those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

 

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments – The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns of products sold based on authorized returns and historical trends in sales returns, at the point of passage of title, which is generally at the time of shipment. The Company often enters into agreements with its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s life. Once such agreements are entered into, it is the Company’s obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle. These agreements generally may be terminated by our customers at any time, but usually are not.

 

Warranty Reserves – The Company’s warranty reserve is established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. This estimate is based on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with the Company’s current understanding of the status of existing claims. Estimating the warranty reserve requires the Company to forecast the resolution of existing claims as well as expected future claims on products previously sold. While the Company believes that its warranty reserve is adequate and that the judgment applied is appropriate, such amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future. The Company’s customers are increasingly seeking to hold suppliers responsible for product warranties, which could impact the Company’s exposure to these costs.

 

Bad Debts – The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. Additionally, the Company reviews historical trends for collectibility in determining an estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts. If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount.

 

Inventory – Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for U.S. inventories and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for non-U.S. inventories. Where appropriate, standard cost systems are utilized for purposes of determining cost and the standards are adjusted as necessary to ensure they approximate actual costs. Estimates of the lower of cost or market value of inventory are determined based upon current economic conditions, historical sales quantities and patterns and, in some cases, the specific risk of loss on specifically identified inventories.

 

Goodwill – In connection with the adoption of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company discontinued its amortization of goodwill on January 1, 2002. In lieu of amortization, this standard requires that goodwill be tested for impairment as of the date of adoption, at least annually thereafter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s application of this accounting standard, including the valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of goodwill.

 

Share-Based Compensation – Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provision of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS

 

11


Table of Contents

148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of SFAS 123.” In accordance with SFAS 148, the Company has adopted the fair value recognition provisions on a prospective basis for awards granted, modified and settled subsequent to January 1, 2003. The option awards cliff-vest at the end of the vesting period, and compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for assumptions used to determine fair value.

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased $29.8 million, or 4.7%, to $606.7 million from $636.5 million in 2002. The reduction in sales was primarily the result of reduced sales from an exited product line and lower North American light vehicle production, offset by favorable foreign exchange rates.

 

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 for North America decreased by $42.2 million to $492.6 million from $534.8 million in 2002. North American sales accounted for 81.2% of total sales in 2003 compared with 84.0% in 2002. The decrease in North American sales was primarily due to the exited product line and lower North American light vehicle production. Sales in 2003 outside North America increased by $12.4 million to $114.1 million from $101.7 million in 2002. Sales outside North America accounted for 18.8% of total sales in 2003 compared with 16.0% in 2002. Favorable foreign exchange accounted for the increase in sales outside of North America in 2003.

 

Net sales for the Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment were $289.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to $273.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002. This increase was predominately due to favorable currency exchange rates and increased content within the commercial vehicle market. Net sales for the Control Devices operating segment were $333.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to $376.9 million for the corresponding period in 2002. This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced sales from an exited product line and lower North American light vehicle production.

 

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $20.6 million, or 4.4%, to $450.6 million from $471.2 million in 2002. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold increased slightly to 74.3% in 2003 from 74.0% in 2002. The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was primarily the result of reduced volumes, partially offset by ongoing cost reduction initiatives.

 

The Company maintains a strong focus on ensuring its cost competitiveness in the marketplace. In light of this focus, the Company established a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The Company will continue to evaluate its cost structure on a product-by-product basis to determine the most competitive manufacturing locations for its products. In addition, the Company continues to pursue cost reduction initiatives, including Six Sigma, lean manufacturing and improved productivity. These initiatives are partially offset by a reduction in product selling prices.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, including product development, increased by $6.7 million to $97.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $91.0 million in 2002. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 16.1% in 2003 from 14.3 % in 2002.

 

This increase reflects increased investment in the Company’s design and development activities and increased sales and marketing efforts for solid state sensing, seat track position sensing, remote electronic displays and various other products. The increase is also attributable to the Company’s decision to adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock options. Under SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” compensation expense is measured at the date the option is granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and is then recognized ratably over the option’s vesting period on a straight-line basis. As a result of the adoption of the fair value method, the Company recognized $1.3 million of pre-tax, non-cash compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2003. This adoption was the result of the Company’s desire to increase financial reporting transparency to its shareholders as well as to pursue best practices for corporate governance.

 

Interest Expense, net. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2003 decreased by $7.0 million to $27.7 million from $34.6 million for the same period in 2002. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower debt levels. Average outstanding indebtedness was $230.8 million and $286.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

12


Table of Contents

Other (Income) Expense. Other income, which consisted of equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and other non-operating expenses, was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Other expense, which consisted of equity losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries and other non-operating expenses, was $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change decreased by $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 to $31.0 million from $32.3 million in 2002.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Company recognized provisions for income taxes of $9.6 million, or 31.1% of pre-tax income, and $11.3 million, or 34.8% of pre-tax income, for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to tax refunds related to the completion of several strategic tax initiatives and to the higher proportion of non-U.S. pre-tax income, which is taxed at a lower rate than U.S. pre-tax income. The effective tax rate is expected to increase in future years pending certain proposed tax legislation.

 

Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. As a result of the foregoing, income before cumulative effect of accounting change increased by $0.3 million to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $21.1 million in 2002.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, net of tax. In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS 142, the Company completed the two-step transitional goodwill impairment analysis in 2002. As a result, the Company recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change, a non-cash, after-tax charge of $69.8 million, to write off a portion of the carrying value of goodwill. The Company performed an annual impairment test on goodwill during 2003 and no additional impairment was recognized. See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s application of this accounting standard.

 

Net Income (Loss). As a result of the foregoing, the Company recognized net income of $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, and a net loss of $48.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002.

 

Net income for the Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a net loss of $29.5 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Net income for the Control Devices operating segment was $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a net loss of $19.3 million for the corresponding period in 2002.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 increased $52.0 million, or 8.9%, to $636.5 million from $584.5 million in 2001. Sales revenues in 2002 were favorably impacted by increased North American light and commercial vehicle builds as well as new product launches.

 

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 for North America increased by $36.8 million to $534.8 million from $498.0 million in 2001. North American sales accounted for 84.0% of total sales in 2002 compared with 85.2% in 2001. Sales in 2002 outside North America increased by $15.2 million to $101.7 million from $86.5 million in 2001. Sales outside North America accounted for 16.0% of total sales in 2002 compared with 14.8% in 2001.

 

Net sales for the Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment were $273.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $245.9 million for the corresponding period in 2001. Increased production volumes on existing programs and increased content per vehicle accounted for the change in sales. Net sales for the Control Devices operating segment were $376.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $349.5 million for the corresponding period in 2001, reflecting higher production volumes in the Company’s end markets and an incremental increase in revenue due to new product launches.

 

13


Table of Contents

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2002 increased by $21.8 million, or 4.9%, to $471.2 million from $449.4 million in 2001. As a percentage of sales, cost of goods sold decreased to 74.0% in 2002 from 76.9% in 2001. The improvement as a percent of sales was primarily attributable to increased production volumes and improved operating leverage as a result of cost reduction initiatives, including Six Sigma, lean manufacturing and improved productivity, partially offset by pricing pressures.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses, including product development, decreased by $8.4 million to $91.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $99.4 million in 2001. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 14.3% in 2002 from 17.0% in 2001. The decrease was primarily attributable to the Company’s adoption of the non-amortization of goodwill provisions of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002. Goodwill amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $9.8 million. Excluding the impact of goodwill amortization expense, SG&A increased $1.4 million, or 1.6%, in 2002 compared to the corresponding period in 2001. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses declined to 14.3% from 15.3%, excluding the impact of goodwill amortization expense.

 

Interest Expense, net. Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002 increased by $3.3 million to $34.6 million from $31.3 million for the same period in 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to the termination of existing interest rate swap agreements as a result of the Company’s debt refinancing, offset by lower interest rates. These swaps, which are being amortized to interest expense, were fully amortized by the end of 2003. Average outstanding indebtedness was $286.1 million and $317.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt. The Company recognized a loss of $5.8 million during 2002 in connection with the early extinguishment of debt related to the Company’s debt refinancing. See Note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s debt refinancing.

 

Other Expense. Other expense, which primarily consisted of equity losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries and other non-operating expenses, was $1.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change increased by $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to $32.3 million from $3.9 million in 2001.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. The Company recognized provisions for income taxes of $11.3 million and $1.0 million for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate to 34.8% in 2002 from 24.4% in 2001 was a result of non-recurring tax refunds in 2001, coupled with the fact that tax initiatives resulted in less of a relative benefit on higher 2002 operating income, compared to lower operating income in 2001. The effective tax rate is expected to increase in future years pending certain proposed tax legislation.

 

Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change. As a result of the foregoing, income before cumulative effect of accounting change increased by $18.1 million to $21.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from $2.9 million in 2001.

 

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change, net of tax. In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS 142, the Company completed the two-step transitional goodwill impairment analysis in 2002. As a result, the Company recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change, a non-cash, after-tax charge of $69.8 million, to write off a portion of the carrying value of goodwill. The Company performed an annual impairment test on goodwill and no additional impairment was recognized. See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for more information on the Company’s application of this accounting standard.

 

Net (Loss) Income. As a result of the foregoing, the Company recognized a net loss of $48.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, and net income of $2.9 million for the corresponding period in 2001.

 

Net loss for the Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment was $29.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to $11.9 million for the corresponding period in 2001. Net loss for the Control Devices operating segment was $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 as compared to net income of $14.8 million for the corresponding period in 2001.

 

14


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $72.4 million and $95.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in net cash from operating activities of $23.2 million was primarily attributable to a reduction in contribution from lower levels of operating assets and liabilities, the loss on extinguishment of debt in 2002, and a lower contribution from deferred income tax. These items represented $12.3 million, $5.8 million, and $3.6 million, respectively. The decrease in deferred income taxes was primarily attributable to tax credits recognized in 2003 as assets to be used in future periods.

 

Net cash used by investing activities was $25.2 million and $14.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This increase primarily related to an increase in capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for 2003 included, among other things, expenditures for solid state sensing, seat track position sensing, instrument clusters and investments in lower cost manufacturing locations.

 

Net cash used by financing activities was $51.7 million and $59.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and primarily related to the reduction of the Company’s debt obligations in both periods. See Note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for information on the Company’s senior notes and credit agreement, including availability on the Company’s revolving facility.

 

The Company has entered into foreign currency forward purchase contracts with a notional value of 22.6 million of Swedish krona to reduce exposure related to the Company’s krona denominated debt obligations. The estimated fair value of these forward contracts at December 31, 2003, per quoted market sources, was $(0.3) million. These forward contracts are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company’s foreign exchange contracts substantially offset losses and gains on the underlying foreign denominated debt obligations and receivables. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or profit-motivated purposes.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s future cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments, as of December 31, 2003:

 

Contractual Obligations:


   Total

  

Less than

1 year


   1 – 3
years


  

4 – 5

years


   After 5
years


Long-term debt

   $ 200,662    $ 417    $ 245    $ —      $ 200,000

Operating leases

     13,835      4,378      5,233      3,078      1,146
    

  

  

  

  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 214,497    $ 4,795    $ 5,478    $ 3,078    $ 201,146
    

  

  

  

  

 

Future capital expenditures are expected to be consistent with recent levels and future organic growth is expected to be funded through cash flows from operations. Management will continue to focus on reducing its weighted average cost of capital and believes that cash flows from operations and the availability of funds from the Company’s credit facilities will provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s future growth and operating needs.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

See Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Inflation and International Presence

 

Management believes that the Company’s operations have not been adversely affected by inflation. By operating internationally, the Company is affected by the economic conditions of certain countries. Based on the current economic conditions in these countries, management believes the Company is not significantly exposed to adverse economic conditions.

 

15


Table of Contents

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

From time to time, the Company is exposed to certain market risks, primarily resulting from the effects of changes in interest rates. To reduce exposures to market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates, the Company uses a combination of variable and fixed rate debt. During 2003 the Company repaid the entire remaining balance of its variable term debt. This, coupled with the fact that the Company’s revolving facility remains undrawn, resulted in all of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2003 being fixed rate debt.

 

The Company’s risks related to commodity price and foreign currency exchange risks have historically not been material. The Company does not expect the effects of these risks to be material in the future based on current operating and economic conditions in the countries and markets in which it operates. Therefore, a 10.0% change in the value of the U.S. dollar would not significantly affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

16


Table of Contents

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

     Page

Consolidated Financial Statements:

    

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

   18

Report of Independent Public Accountants for the Year Ended December 31, 2001

   20

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002

   21

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   22

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   23

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   25

Financial Statement Schedule:

    

Report of Independent Public Accountants for the Years Ended December 31, 2001 and 2000

   48

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   49

 

17


Table of Contents

REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Stoneridge, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stoneridge, Inc. (an Ohio Corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and for the year then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated January 22, 2002, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and schedule before the restatement adjustments and disclosures described below and in Notes 2, 8 and 12.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

As explained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” under the prospective transition method in Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure; an Amendment to Statement No. 123.” Also explained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

 

As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2001 were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. However, the Company made certain adjustments to and disclosures in the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation or to comply with adoption requirements of new accounting pronouncements, as follows:

 

(i) As described in Note 2, the 2001 consolidated financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement No. 142, which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2002. Our audit procedures with respect to the 2001 disclosures in Note 2 included (a) agreeing the previously reported net income (in total and the related net income per share amounts) to the previously issued consolidated financial statements and the adjustments to reported amounts representing amortization expense (including any related tax effects) recognized in those periods related to goodwill as a result of initially applying Statement No. 142 to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of adjusted net income to reported net income, and the related net income per share amounts.

 

(ii) In Note 8, the Company added 2001 disclosures relating to its defined benefit pension plan to conform to the 2002 presentation. We audited the information added for the 2001 disclosures. Our procedures included (a) agreeing the 2001 defined benefit pension plan amounts and information contained in Note 8 to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliations of 2001 defined benefit pension plan amounts to the consolidated financial statements.

 

18


Table of Contents

(iii) As presented in Note 12, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments in 2002 from one reportable segment to two reportable segments, and the amounts in the 2001 consolidated financial statements relating to reportable segments have been restated to conform to the 2002 composition of reportable segments. We audited the adjustments that were applied to restate the disclosures for reportable segments reflected in the 2001 consolidated financial statements. Our procedures included (a) agreeing the adjusted amounts of 2001 reportable segment information contained in Note 12 to the Company’s underlying records obtained from management, and (b) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliations of 2001 reportable segment amounts to the consolidated financial statements.

 

In our opinion, the adjustments and disclosures described in (i), (ii) and (iii) above are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such disclosures and adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

 

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

Cleveland, Ohio

January 21, 2004

 

19


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

THIS REPORT IS A COPY AND HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP.

 

THIS REPORT REFERENCES THE COMPANY’S BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2000 AND ITS RELATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY AND CASH FLOWS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 1999, WHICH ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN.

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Stoneridge, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stoneridge, Inc. (an Ohio corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

As explained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2001, the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments.

 

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 

Cleveland, Ohio,

January 22, 2002.

 

20


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

   2002

 

ASSETS

               

Current Assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 24,142    $ 27,235  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,904 and $3,020, for 2003 and 2002, respectively

     89,161      79,342  

Inventories, net

     48,642      51,139  

Prepaid expenses and other

     9,825      12,055  

Deferred income taxes

     7,856      5,904  
    

  


Total current assets

     179,626      175,675  
    

  


Property, Plant and Equipment, net

     116,262      111,838  

Other Assets:

               

Goodwill

     255,292      255,292  

Investments and other, net

     28,487      28,322  
    

  


Total Assets

   $ 579,667    $ 571,127  
    

  


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Current Liabilities:

               

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 417    $ 1,992  

Accounts payable

     53,594      43,151  

Accrued expenses and other

     54,569      45,070  
    

  


Total current liabilities

     108,580      90,213  
    

  


Long-Term Liabilities:

               

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     200,245      248,918  

Deferred income taxes

     25,288      15,278  

Other liabilities

     2,148      816  
    

  


Total long-term liabilities

     227,681      265,012  
    

  


Shareholders’ Equity:

               

Preferred shares, without par value, 5,000 authorized, none issued

     —        —    

Common shares, without par value, 60,000 authorized, 22,459 and 22,399 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with no stated value

     —        —    

Additional paid-in capital

     143,535      141,516  

Retained earnings

     98,758      77,379  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,113      (2,993 )
    

  


Total shareholders’ equity

     243,406      215,902  
    

  


Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 579,667    $ 571,127  
    

  


 

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

 

21


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2003

    2002

    2001

Net Sales

   $ 606,665     $ 636,507     $ 584,468

Costs and Expenses:

                      

Cost of goods sold

     450,635       471,188       449,386

Selling, general and administrative

     97,660       90,999       99,357
    


 


 

Operating Income

     58,370       74,320       35,725

Interest expense, net

     27,651       34,616       31,308

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         5,771       —  

Other (income) expense, net

     (301 )     1,615       521
    


 


 

Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     31,020       32,318       3,896

Provision for income taxes

     9,641       11,262       950
    


 


 

Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     21,379       21,056       2,946

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —         (69,834 )     —  
    


 


 

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 21,379     $ (48,778 )   $ 2,946
    


 


 

Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share:

                      

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.95     $ 0.94     $ 0.13

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —         (3.12 )     —  
    


 


 

Basic net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.95     $ (2.18 )   $ 0.13
    


 


 

Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share:

                      

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.94     $ 0.93     $ 0.13

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —         (3.09 )     —  
    


 


 

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.94     $ (2.16 )   $ 0.13
    


 


 

Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

     22,415       22,399       22,397
    


 


 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

     22,683       22,627       22,467
    


 


 

 

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

 

22


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Net income (loss)

   $ 21,379     $ (48,778 )   $ 2,946  

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

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     25,079       26,413       29,568  

Deferred income taxes

     8,799       12,408       7,052  

Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets

     482       (136 )     84  

Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (1,276 )     1,188       (506 )

Share based compensation

     1,300       —         —    

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     —         5,771       —    

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —         69,834       —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities —

                        

Accounts receivable, net

     (6,698 )     14,845       (960 )

Inventories

     4,876       5,223       14,462  

Prepaid expenses and other

     707       9,508       (3,807 )

Other assets

     (556 )     1,951       3,293  

Accounts payable

     8,274       (9,193 )     6,548  

Accrued expenses and other

     9,988       6,591       3,465  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     72,354       95,625       62,145  
    


 


 


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Capital expenditures

     (26,382 )     (14,656 )     (23,968 )

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     1,212       311       —    

Other

     (3 )     2       550  
    


 


 


Net cash used by investing activities

     (25,173 )     (14,343 )     (23,418 )
    


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                        

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

     —         200,000       —    

Extinguishment of revolving facility

     —         (37,641 )     —    

Extinguishment of term debt

     —         (226,139 )     —    

Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving credit facilities

     —         (14,397 )     1,408  

Proceeds from long-term debt

     —         100,000       —    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (52,095 )     (65,030 )     (38,197 )

Proceeds from exercise of share options

     444       —         —    

Debt issuance costs

     —         (10,694 )     (3,053 )

Interest rate swap termination costs

     —         (5,274 )     —    
    


 


 


Net cash used by financing activities

     (51,651 )     (59,175 )     (39,842 )
    


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     1,377       759       (110 )
    


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,093 )     22,866       (1,225 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     27,235       4,369       5,594  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 24,142     $ 27,235     $ 4,369  
    


 


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                        

Cash paid for interest

   $ 25,675     $ 26,277     $ 29,534  
    


 


 


Cash received for income taxes

   $ (5,322 )   $ (5,313 )   $ (9,229 )
    


 


 


 

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

 

23


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

     Number
of
shares


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


    Total
Shareholders’
Equity


    Comprehensive
Income (Loss)


 

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2001

   22,397    $ 141,506    $ 123,211     $ (2,531 )   $ 262,186          

Net income

   —        —        2,946       —         2,946     $ 2,946  

Other comprehensive loss:

                                            

Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivatives

   —        —        —         (268 )     (268 )     (268 )

Change in fair value of derivatives

   —        —        —         (4,042 )     (4,042 )     (4,042 )

Currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         (1,215 )     (1,215 )     (1,215 )
    
  

  


 


 


 


Comprehensive loss

                                       $ (2,579 )
                                        


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2001

   22,397      141,506      126,157       (8,056 )     259,607          

Net loss

   —        —        (48,778 )     —         (48,778 )   $ (48,778 )

Exercise of share options

   2      10      —         —         10       —    

Other comprehensive loss:

                                            

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   —        —        —         (821 )     (821 )     (821 )

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

   —        —        —         (202 )     (202 )     (202 )

Change in fair value of derivatives

   —        —        —         1,014       1,014       1,014  

Amortization of terminated derivatives

   —        —        —         2,677       2,677       2,677  

Currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         2,395       2,395       2,395  
    
  

  


 


 


 


Comprehensive loss

                                       $ (43,715 )
                                        


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2002

   22,399      141,516      77,379       (2,993 )     215,902          

Net income

   —        —        21,379       —         21,379     $ 21,379  

Exercise of share options

   60      719      —         —         719       —    

Share based compensation expense

   —        1,300      —         —         1,300       —    

Other comprehensive income:

                                            

Minimum pension liability adjustments

   —        —        —         (443 )     (443 )     (443 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities

   —        —        —         121       121       121  

Amortization of terminated derivatives

   —        —        —         620       620       620  

Currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         3,808       3,808       3,808  
    
  

  


 


 


 


Comprehensive income

                                       $ 25,485  
                                        


BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2003

   22,459    $ 143,535    $ 98,758     $ 1,113     $ 243,406          
    
  

  


 


 


       

 

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

 

24


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

1. Organization and Nature of Business

 

Stoneridge, Inc. (Stoneridge) and its subsidiaries are independent designers and manufacturers of engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stoneridge and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the Company). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Accounts Receivable Concentrations

 

Revenues are principally generated from the automotive, medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. Due to the nature of these industries, a significant portion of sales and related accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively small number of customers. In 2003, the Company’s top four customers individually accounted for approximately 17%, 11%, 9% and 9% of net sales, while the top five customers accounted for 53% of net sales. In 2002, the Company’s top four customers individually accounted for approximately 13%, 13%, 10% and 10% of net sales, while the top five customers accounted for approximately 52% of net sales. In 2001, the Company’s top four customers individually accounted for 14%, 13%, 12% and 12% of net sales, while the top five customers accounted for 57% of net sales. Accounts receivable from the Company’s five largest customers aggregated approximately $51,240 and $30,363 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for approximately 68% and 73% of the Company’s inventories at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for all other inventories. Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consist of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Raw materials

   $ 25,035     $ 28,157  

Work in progress

     10,414       10,229  

Finished goods

     13,903       13,313  
    


 


       49,352       51,699  

Less: LIFO reserve

     (710 )     (560 )
    


 


Total

   $ 48,642     $ 51,139  
    


 


 

25


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Land and land improvements

   $ 5,677     $ 5,583  

Buildings and improvements

     42,456       45,003  

Machinery and equipment

     117,153       99,711  

Office furniture and fixtures

     27,986       26,205  

Tooling

     57,602       50,436  

Vehicles

     589       668  

Leasehold improvements

     1,237       1,249  
    


 


       252,700       228,855  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (136,438 )     (117,017 )
    


 


     $ 116,262     $ 111,838  
    


 


 

Depreciation is provided by both the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $21,904, $21,083 and $18,664, respectively. Depreciable lives within each property classification are as follows:

 

Buildings and improvements

   10–40 years

Machinery and equipment

   5–20 years

Office furniture and fixtures

   3–10 years

Tooling

   2–5 years

Vehicles

   3–5 years

Leasehold improvements

   3–8 years

 

Maintenance and repair expenditures that are not considered improvements and do not extend the useful life of property are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for improvements and major renewals are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss on the disposition is credited or charged to income.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

 

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. In accordance with the transition provisions of SFAS 142, the Company completed the two-step transitional goodwill impairment analysis for both reporting units of the Company as of January 1, 2002. The initial impairment test indicated that the carrying values of the reporting units exceeded the corresponding fair values of the reporting units, which were determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the guideline company method, the transaction method and the discounted cash flow method. The implied fair value of goodwill in these reporting units was then determined through the allocation of the fair values to the underlying assets and liabilities. The January 1, 2002 carrying value of the goodwill in these reporting units exceeded their implied fair value by $90.1 million. The $69.8 million write-down of goodwill to its fair value, which is net of $20.3 million of related tax benefits, was reported as a cumulative effect of accounting change in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2002. The Company performed an annual impairment test of goodwill as of October 1, 2002 and 2003 and no additional impairment was recognized.

 

26


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

The change in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment during 2002 was as follows:

 

     Vehicle
Management
& Power
Distribution


    Control
Devices


    Total

 

Balance at January 1, 2002

   $ 31,800     $ 313,592     $ 345,392  

Cumulative effect of accounting change

     (31,800 )     (58,300 )     (90,100 )
    


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

   $ —       $ 255,292     $ 255,292  
    


 


 


 

There was no change in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable operating segment during 2003.

 

The pro forma consolidated net income (loss) as if SFAS 142 had been in effect at the beginning of fiscal 2001 is as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

    2001

Reported income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 21,379    $ 21,056     $ 2,946

Add back: Goodwill amortization, net of tax

     —        —         6,867
    

  


 

Pro forma income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     21,379      21,056       9,813

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —        (69,834 )     —  
    

  


 

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 21,379    $ (48,778 )   $ 9,813
    

  


 

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


     2003

   2002

    2001

Basic net income (loss) per share:

                     

Reported income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.95    $ 0.94     $ 0.13

Add back: Goodwill amortization, net of tax

     —        —         0.31
    

  


 

Pro forma income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     0.95      0.94       0.44

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —        (3.12 )     —  
    

  


 

Pro forma net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.95    $ (2.18 )   $ 0.44
    

  


 

 

     For the years ended
December 31,


     2003

   2002

    2001

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

                     

Reported income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   $ 0.94    $ 0.93     $ 0.13

Add back: Goodwill amortization, net of tax

     —        —         0.31
    

  


 

Pro forma income before cumulative effect of accounting change

     0.94      0.93       0.44

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     —        (3.09 )     —  
    

  


 

Pro forma net income (loss) per share

   $ 0.94    $ (2.16 )   $ 0.44
    

  


 

 

The Company had the following intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Patents:

                

Gross carrying amount

   $ 2,779     $ 2,779  

Less: Accumulated amortization

     (1,522 )     (1,243 )
    


 


Net carrying amount

   $ 1,257     $ 1,536  
    


 


 

Aggregate amortization expense on patents was $279 and $817 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense is $279 for 2004-2006 and $210 for 2007-2008.

 

27


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

   2002

Compensation-related obligations

   $ 16,173    $ 14,899

Insurance-related obligations

     6,796      7,443

Income tax-related obligations

     9,945      2,740

Warranty-related obligations

     5,515      4,248

Other

     16,140      15,740
    

  

     $ 54,569    $ 45,070
    

  

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the provisions of SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not.

 

Currency Translation

 

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for the results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Foreign currency transactions are remeasured into the functional currency using translation rates in effect at the time of the transaction, with the resulting adjustments included in the results of operations.

 

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments

 

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns of products sold based on authorized returns and historical trends in sales returns, at the point of passage of title, which is generally at the time of shipment. The Company often enters into agreements with its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life. Once such agreements are entered into, it is the Company’s obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle. These agreements generally may be terminated by the Company’s customers at any time, but usually are not.

 

Bad Debts

 

The Company evaluates the collectibility of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. Additionally, the Company reviews historical trends for collectibility in determining an estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts. If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount.

 

Warranty Reserves

 

The Company’s warranty reserve is established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet date. While the Company believes that its warranty reserve is adequate and that the judgments applied are appropriate, such amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future.

 

28


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

The Company’s warranty reserve at December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $5,515 and $4,248, respectively. These warranty reserve balances included payments made of $3,388 and $3,474, costs recognized for warranties issued during the period of $4,644 and $4,443 and changes in estimates for preexisting warranties of $11 and $104, for the periods ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Product Development Expenses

 

Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred. These costs amounted to $28,714, $25,332 and $26,996 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

At December 31, 2003, the Company had two share-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 7. Prior to 2003, the Company accounted for employee share options granted under these plans using the intrinsic value method provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. (APB) 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. No share-based employee compensation cost was recognized in 2002 and 2001, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” prospectively to all employee awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2003, under the disclosure provisions of SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of SFAS 123.” Awards under the Company’s plans cliff-vest over periods ranging from one to five years, and compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis. Therefore, the cost related to share-based employee compensation recognized in 2003 is less than that which would have been recognized if the fair value based method had been applied to all awards granted since the original effective date of SFAS 123. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each period.

 

     For the year’s ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ 21,379     $ (48,778 )   $ 2,946  

Add: Share-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

     810       —         —    

Deduct: Total share-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

     (1,306 )     (1,347 )     (812 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 20,883     $ (50,125 )   $ 2,134  
    


 


 


Net income (loss) per share:

                        

Basic – as reported

   $ 0.95     $ (2.18 )   $ 0.13  

Basic – pro forma

   $ 0.93     $ (2.24 )   $ 0.10  

Diluted – as reported

   $ 0.94     $ (2.16 )   $ 0.13  

Diluted – pro forma

   $ 0.92     $ (2.22 )   $ 0.10  

 

29


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

Risk-free interest rate

   1.75% - 2.05%    4.71%    5.19% – 5.26%

Expected dividend yield

   0.00%    0.00%    0.00%

Expected lives

   3.0 years    7.5 years    7.5 years

Expected volatility

   46.52% - 46.59%    59.47%    40.40% – 41.00%

 

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including expected share price volatility and expected option lives.

 

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt and forward currency contracts. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates its fair value. Refer to Note 9 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fair value disclosures of the Company’s fixed rate debt, and foreign currency forward contracts.

 

Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including certain self-insured risks and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because actual results could differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

 

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Net income (loss) per share amounts for all periods are presented in accordance with SFAS 128, “Earnings per Share,” which requires the presentation of basic net income (loss) per share and diluted net income (loss) per share. Basic net income (loss) per share was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted net income (loss) per share was calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the periods presented. Actual weighted-average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share were as follows:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

   22,415    22,399    22,397

Effect of dilutive securities

   268    228    70
    
  
  

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

   22,683    22,627    22,467
    
  
  

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

SFAS 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes foreign currency translation adjustments and gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, the effective portion of gains and losses on certain hedging activities, minimum pension liability adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities.

 

30


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Balances of each after-tax component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as reported in the Statement of Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity as of December 31, are as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Currency translation adjustments

   $ 2,458     $ (1,350 )   $ (3,746 )

Change in fair value of derivatives

     —         (620 )     (4,310 )

Minimum pension liability adjustments

     (1,264 )     (821 )     —    

Unrealized loss on marketable securities

     (81 )     (202 )     —    
    


 


 


     $ 1,113     $ (2,993 )   $ (8,056 )
    


 


 


 

Impairment of Assets

 

The Company reviews its long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. No significant impairment charges were recorded in 2003, 2002 and 2001. Impairment would be recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recovered. Measurement of the amount of impairment may be based on appraisal, market values of similar assets or estimated discounted future cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.

 

Accounting Standards

 

In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections.” Among other things, SFAS 145 requires gains and losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as income or loss from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary items as previously required under SFAS 4, “Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt – an amendment of APB Opinion No. 30.” Any gain or loss on extinguishment of debt that was classified as an extraordinary item in prior periods presented that does not meet the criteria in APB 30, “Reporting the Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions,” for classification as an extraordinary item, shall be reclassified. The Company adopted this Statement effective January 1, 2003, and accordingly, the extraordinary loss of $3.6 million, net of tax, recorded in the second quarter of 2002 as a result of the early extinguishment of debt was reclassified as a component of income from continuing operations in 2003. Therefore, income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change as well as the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2002 were restated as follows:

 

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change, as originally reported

   $ 38,089  

Loss on extinguishment of debt, pre-tax

     (5,771 )
    


Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change, as restated

   $ 32,318  
    


Provision for income taxes, as originally reported

   $ 13,426  

Tax benefit from loss on extinguishment of debt

     (2,164 )
    


Provision for income taxes, as restated

   $ 11,262  
    


 

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” SFAS 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit and disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS 146 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

31


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS 150 establishes standards for how public companies classify and measure in their statement of financial position certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. This Statement became effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise was effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued interpretation (FIN) 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” FIN 46 requires unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse the risks and rewards of ownership among their owners and other parties involved. The provisions of FIN 46 were applicable immediately to all variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of ARB No. 51 (revised December 2003),” which includes significant amendments to previously issued FIN 46. Among other things, FIN 46R includes revised transition dates for public entities. The Company is now required to adopt the provisions of FIN 46R no later than the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004. The adoption of this interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or results of operations.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to their 2003 presentation in the consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Investments

 

The Company has a 50% interest in PST Industria Eletronica da Amazonia Ltda. (PST), a Brazilian electronic components business that specializes in electronic vehicle security devices. The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in PST was $13,309 and $11,814 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company has loaned PST $5,843, which includes accrued interest.

 

4. Long-Term Debt

 

On May 1, 2002, the Company issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes. The $200.0 million notes bear interest at an annual rate of 11.50% and mature on May 1, 2012. Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. On July 1, 2002, the Company completed an exchange offer of the senior notes for substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

 

In conjunction with the issuance of the senior notes, the Company also entered into a new $200.0 million credit agreement with a bank group. The credit agreement has two components: a $100.0 million revolving facility (of which $95.9 million was available at December 31, 2003), which includes a $10.0 million swing line facility, and a $100.0 million term facility. The revolving facility expires on April 30, 2007 and requires a commitment fee of 0.375% to 0.500% on the unused balance as well as a utilization fee of 0.125% to 0.250% when the unutilized balance equals or exceeds 50.0% of the total revolving commitment. The revolving facility permits the Company to borrow up to half its borrowings in specified foreign currencies. Interest is payable quarterly at either (i) the prime rate plus a margin of 0.50% to 1.50% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% to 3.00%, depending upon the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined. Interest on the swing line facility is payable monthly at the quoted overnight borrowing rate plus a margin of 2.00% to 3.00%, depending upon the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA. The term facility was due to expire on April 30, 2008 and had interest payable quarterly at either (i) the prime rate plus 1.75% or (ii) LIBOR plus 3.25%. The Company has the right to prepay any of the above-mentioned loans in whole or in part, without premium or penalty. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company prepaid $20.0 million of the term facility and during the fourth quarter of 2003, prepaid the entire remaining balance outstanding under the term facility of $28.5 million.

 

32


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

The weighted average interest rate in effect for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was approximately 10.24%, 9.53% and 9.39%, respectively, including the effects of the interest rate swap agreements.

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

   2002

11 1/2% Senior notes, due 2012

   $ 200,000    $ 200,000

Borrowings under credit agreement

     —        49,250

Borrowings payable to foreign banks

     —        1,108

Other

     662      552
    

  

       200,662      250,910

Less: Current portion

     417      1,992
    

  

     $ 200,245    $ 248,918
    

  

 

The credit agreement contains various covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of certain minimum amounts of consolidated net worth and consolidated EBITDA and certain specified ratios of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA, interest coverage and fixed charge coverage. Restrictions also include limits on capital expenditures, operating leases and dividends. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2003.

 

Future maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

2004

   $ 417

2005

     197

2006

     48

2007

     —  

2008

     —  

Thereafter

     200,000
    

     $ 200,662
    

 

5. Income Taxes

 

The provisions for income taxes on income before cumulative effect of accounting change included in the accompanying financial statements represent federal, state and foreign income taxes. The components of income (loss) before income taxes and the provision for income taxes before cumulative effect of accounting change consists of the following:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2003

   2002

   2001

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change

                      

Domestic

   $ 21,305    $ 30,137    $ 6,676  

Foreign

     9,715      2,181      (2,780 )
    

  

  


     $ 31,020    $ 32,318    $ 3,896  
    

  

  


 

33


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

                        

Current:

                        

Federal

   $ (2,082 )   $ (2,339 )   $ (9,347 )

State and foreign

     3,430       2,820       712  
    


 


 


       1,348       481       (8,635 )
    


 


 


Deferred:

                        

Federal

     7,130       10,186       8,387  

State and foreign

     1,163       595       1,198  
    


 


 


       8,293       10,781       9,585  
    


 


 


Total

   $ 9,641     $ 11,262     $ 950  
    


 


 


 

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate for is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

   1.2     2.8     14.6  

Tax credits

   (2.6 )   (2.3 )   (23.1 )

Goodwill amortization

   —       —       7.6  

Tax benefit for export sales

   (3.1 )   (6.0 )   (56.0 )

Foreign rate differential

   (2.6 )   1.0     28.6  

Other

   3.2     4.3     17.7  
    

 

 

Effective income tax rate

   31.1 %   34.8 %   24.4 %
    

 

 

 

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries were $11,062, $12,046 and $10,978 as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Because these earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations, no provision has been made for U.S. income taxes. It is impracticable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred taxes with respect to these earnings; however, foreign tax credits should be available to reduce U.S. income taxes in the event of a distribution.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Inventories

   $ 1,878     $ 2,113  

Employee benefits

     2,281       923  

Insurance

     1,877       1,885  

Other nondeductible reserves

     10,133       8,400  
    


 


Gross deferred tax assets

     16,169       13,321  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     (32,907 )     (19,931 )

Other

     (694 )     (2,764 )
    


 


Gross deferred tax liabilities

     (33,601 )     (22,695 )
    


 


Net deferred tax liability

   $ (17,432 )   $ (9,374 )
    


 


 

6. Operating Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases equipment, vehicles and buildings from third parties under operating lease agreements.

 

D.M. Draime, Chairman of the Company, is a 50% owner of Hunters Square, Inc. (“HSI”), an Ohio corporation, which owns Hunters Square, an office complex and shopping mall located in Warren, Ohio. The Company leases office space

 

34


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

in Hunters Square. The Company pays all maintenance, tax and insurance costs related to the operation of the office. Lease payments made by the Company to HSI were $301 in 2003 and $357 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The lease terminates in December 2009. The Company believes the terms of the lease are no less favorable to it than would be the terms of a third-party lease.

 

Earl Linehan, a director of the Company, and D.M. Draime, Chairman of the Company, as limited partners, own 11.81% and 10.00%, respectively, of Industrial Development Associates (“IDA”), a Maryland limited partnership real estate development company in which the Company is a 30% general partner. The Company has a lease agreement with IDA pursuant to which the Company leases a facility located in Mebane, North Carolina. The lease expires on March 31, 2004. The Company is responsible for all maintenance, taxes and insurance costs related to the operations of the facility. The Company made lease payments to IDA of $115, $152 and $181 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company believes the terms of the lease are no less favorable to it than would be the terms of a third-party lease.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, lease expense totaled $6,278, $6,604 and $5,713, including related party lease expense of $451, $509 and $538, respectively.

 

Future minimum operating lease commitments at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

     Third
Party


   Related
Party


2004

   $ 4,067    $ 311

2005

     2,553      301

2006

     2,078      301

2007

     1,462      301

2008

     1,014      301

Thereafter

     845      301
    

  

     $ 12,019    $ 1,816
    

  

 

7. Share Option Plans

 

In October 1997, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan). The Company has reserved 2,500,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Incentive Plan. Under the Incentive Plan, the Company has granted cumulative options to purchase 1,594,500 Common Shares to management with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of grant. The options cliff-vest from one to five years after the date of grant.

 

In May 2002, the Company adopted a Director Share Option Plan (Director Plan). The Company has reserved 500,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Director Plan. Under the Director Plan, the Company has granted cumulative options to purchase 86,000 Common Shares to directors of the Company with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of grant. The options cliff-vest one year after the date of grant.

 

35


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Information relating to the Company’s outstanding options is as follows:

 

     Share
Options


    Exercise
Prices


   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price


Outstanding at December 31, 2000

   576,000     7.82-17.50    16.05

Granted in 2001

   364,500     5.13-8.40    5.66

Forfeited in 2001

   (4,000 )   5.13-14.72    12.32
    

        

Outstanding at December 31, 2001

   936,500     5.13-17.50    12.03

Granted in 2002

   317,000     7.93    7.93

Forfeited in 2002

   (21,500 )   5.13-17.50    13.51

Exercised in 2002

   (2,000 )   5.13    5.13
    

        

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   1,230,000     5.13-17.50    10.96

Granted in 2003

   338,000     10.39-11.64    10.48

Forfeited in 2003

   (38,500 )   5.13-17.50    10.60

Exercised in 2003

   (59,400 )   5.13-14.72    7.47
    

        

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

   1,470,100          11.00
    

        

 

Of the options issued and outstanding under both the Incentive Plan and the Director Plan, 813,100, 587,000, and 488,000 were exercisable as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The weighted-average exercise price of options exercisable at the end of the year was $12.24, $15.40 and $17.14 per share at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year was $3.51, $5.17 and $3.06 per share at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

     Options Outstanding

   Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices


  

Share Options

Outstanding


   Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life


  

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price


   Shares
Exercisable


  

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price


$5.13

   267,100    7 years    $ 5.13    267,100    $ 5.13

$7.82 - $8.40

   395,500    7 years    $ 7.96    90,000    $ 8.08

$10.39 - $11.64

   326,500    9 years    $ 10.48    —        —  

$14.72

   66,000    5 years    $ 14.72    41,000    $ 14.72

$16.44 - $17.50

   415,000    4 years    $ 17.48    415,000    $ 17.48
    
  
  

  
  

     1,470,100    7 years    $ 11.00    813,100    $ 12.24
    
  
  

  
  

 

8. Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company has certain defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plans covering substantially all of its employees. Company contributions are generally discretionary; however, a portion of these contributions is based upon a percentage of employee compensation, as defined in the plans. The Company’s policy is to fund all benefit costs accrued. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, expenses related to these plans amounted to $3,757, $345 and $3,301, respectively.

 

36


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

The Company has a single defined benefit pension plan that covers certain employees in Europe. The following table sets forth the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the Company’s plan; amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements; and the principal weighted average assumptions used:

 

     2003

    2002

 

Change in benefit obligation:

                

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 13,120     $ 11,226  

Service cost

     490       630  

Interest cost

     800       735  

Participant contributions

     180       195  

Curtailment

     (1,945 )     —    

Actuarial gain

     1,634       (525 )

Benefits paid

     (751 )     (390 )

Translation adjustments

     1,642       1,249  
    


 


Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 15,170     $ 13,120  
    


 


Change in plan assets:

                

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 10,882     $ 11,488  

Actual return on plan assets

     1,699       (1,515 )

Employer contributions

     245       —    

Participant contributions

     180       195  

Benefits paid

     (751 )     (390 )

Translation adjustments

     1,309       1,104  
    


 


Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 13,564     $ 10,882  
    


 


Funded status

   $ (1,606 )   $ (2,238 )

Unrecognized actuarial loss

     2,106       3,123  
    


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 500     $ 885  
    


 


Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:

                

Accrued (liability) benefit

   $ (1,606 )   $ (483 )

Other comprehensive income

     2,106       1,368  
    


 


Net amount recognized

   $ 500     $ 885  
    


 


Weighted average assumptions as of December 31:

                

Discount rate

     5.75 %     6.00 %

Expected return on plan assets

     7.25 %     7.25 %

Rate of increase to compensation levels

     N/A       3.25 %

Rate of increase to pensions in payments

     3.00 %     3.00 %

Rate of future price inflation

     2.75 %     2.25 %

 

Components of net periodic pension cost are as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Service cost

   $ 490     $ 630     $ 821  

Interest cost

     800       735       648  

Expected return on plan assets

     (784 )     (825 )     (849 )

Amortization of actuarial loss

     180       —         —    
    


 


 


Net periodic pension cost

   $ 686     $ 540     $ 620  
    


 


 


 

The provisions of SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” required the Company to record an additional minimum liability of $738 with a corresponding charge recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income of $443, net of tax of $295, at December 31, 2003. The additional minimum pension liability was $1,368 with a corresponding charge recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss of $821, net of tax of $547, at December 31, 2002. This liability represents the amount by which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the sum of the fair market value of plan assets and accrued amounts previously recorded.

 

37


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

On December 31, 2003 the Company amended the defined benefit plan to eliminate the linkage between future service and salary derived plan benefits. The defined benefit plan will continue to provide certain life insurance and disability benefits to participants. Affected members of the plan, which number 159, have been offered membership in the Company’s defined contribution plan. As a result of the curtailment, the projected benefit obligation of the plan was reduced by $1,945.

 

The Company does not provide any other significant retirement, post-retirement or post-employment benefits to its employees.

 

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt approximates book value, as under the terms of the borrowing arrangements, a portion of the obligations are subject to fluctuating market rates of interest. The estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt at December 31, 2003, per quoted market sources, was $235.8 million and the carrying value was $200.0 million.

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to market risks resulting from fluctuations in interest rates (swaps) and currency rates (forward contracts). The Company does not enter into financial instruments for speculative or profit motivated purposes. Management believes that its use of these instruments to reduce risk is in the Company’s best interest.

 

In order to manage the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s previous debt portfolio, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements. These agreements required the Company to pay a fixed interest rate to counterparties while receiving a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The counterparties to each of the interest rate swap agreements were major commercial banks. These agreements were due to mature on or before December 31, 2003 and qualified as cash flow hedges; however, as a result of the Company’s debt refinancing, these agreements were terminated on May 1, 2002. Hedging activities recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

 

    

For the years ended

December 31,


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Amortization of terminated swap agreements, pre-tax

   $ 991     $ 4,283     $ —    

Tax effect

     (372 )     (1,606 )     —    
    


 


 


Amortization of terminated swap agreements, net of tax

   $ 620     $ 2,677     $ —    
    


 


 


Change in fair value of swap agreements, pre-tax

   $ —       $ 1,408     $ (6,267 )

Tax effect

     —         (394 )     2,225  
    


 


 


Change in fair value of swap agreements, net of tax

   $ —       $ 1,014     $ (4,042 )
    


 


 


Cumulative effect of change in accounting for swap agreements, pre-tax

   $ —       $ —       $ (416 )

Tax effect

     —         —         148  
    


 


 


Cumulative effect of change in accounting for swap agreements, net of tax

   $ —       $ —       $ (268 )
    


 


 


 

As of December 31, 2003 these terminated swap agreements were fully amortized into income.

 

The Company has entered into foreign currency forward purchase contracts with a notional value of 22.6 million of Swedish krona to reduce exposure related to the Company’s krona denominated debt obligations. The estimated fair value of these forward contracts at December 31, 2003, per quoted market sources, was $(0.3) million. These forward contracts are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company’s foreign currency forward purchase contracts substantially offset losses and gains on the underlying foreign denominated debt obligations and receivables.

 

38


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings, workers’ compensation and product liability disputes. Management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company.

 

On January 15, 2004, a judgment was entered against the Company in the District Court (365th Judicial District) in Maverick County, Texas. The plaintiffs alleged in their complaint that a Stoneridge fuel valve installed as a replacement part on a truck caused a fire after an accident resulting in a death. The plaintiffs are the parents of the decedent. The final judgment entered against the Company was approximately $36.5 million. The Company denies its fuel valve contributed to the fire. A motion for a new trial and other relief is pending before the trial court. A vigorous appeal of this judgment will be undertaken if the trial court denies relief. The Company believes that there are valid grounds to reverse the judgment on appeal. If successful, the appeal may alter or eliminate the amount of the existing judgment. While legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainty, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that this award will be substantially altered or eliminated by the appellate court. Consequently, in the opinion of management and counsel, it is not possible to estimate the outcome of such uncertainty at this time. The Company will record a provision for any liability in this case, if and at the time that management and counsel conclude a loss is probable.

 

11. Related Party Transactions

 

Avery Cohen, a director of the Company, is a partner in Baker & Hostetler LLP, a law firm, which has served as general outside counsel for the Company since 1993 and is expected to continue to do so in the future. The Company paid $940, $1,082 and $721 in legal fees to Baker & Hostetler during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

See Note 6 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for information on the Company’s related party transactions involving operating leases.

 

12. Segment Reporting

 

SFAS 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: Vehicle Management & Power Distribution and Control Devices. These reportable operating segments were determined based on the differences in the nature of the products offered. The Vehicle Management & Power Distribution operating segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution. The Control Devices operating segment produces electronic and electromechanical switches, control actuation devices and sensors.

 

The accounting policies of the Company’s operating segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based primarily on revenues from external customers, net income and capital expenditures. Intersegment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

39


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

A summary of financial information by reportable operating segment is as follows:

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2003

 
     Vehicle
Management
& Power
Distribution


    Control
Devices


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Sales from external customers

   $ 275,569     $ 331,096     $ —       $ 606,665  

Intersegment sales

     14,083       2,080       (16,163 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total net sales

   $ 289,652     $ 333,176     $ (16,163 )   $ 606,665  

Net income

   $ 5,409     $ 15,970     $ —       $ 21,379  

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 8,377     $ 13,811     $ —       $ 22,188  

Interest expense, net

   $ 3,534     $ 24,117     $ —       $ 27,651  

Provision for income taxes

   $ 2,439     $ 7,202     $ —       $ 9,641  

Capital expenditures

   $ 10,478     $ 15,904     $ —       $ 26,382  

Total assets

   $ 144,641     $ 435,026     $ —       $ 579,667  
     For the year ended December 31, 2002

 
     Vehicle
Management
& Power
Distribution


    Control
Devices


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Sales from external customers

   $ 260,932     $ 375,575     $ —       $ 636,507  

Intersegment sales

     12,872       1,321       (14,193 )     —    
    


 


 


 


Total net sales

   $ 273,804     $ 376,896     $ (14,193 )   $ 636,507  

Net loss

   $ (29,470 )   $ (19,308 )   $ —       $ (48,778 )

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 8,037     $ 13,863     $ —       $ 21,900  

Interest expense, net

   $ 5,145     $ 29,471     $ —       $ 34,616  

Provision for income taxes

   $ 839     $ 10,423     $ —       $ 11,262  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

   $ (31,800 )   $ (38,034 )   $ —       $ (69,834 )

Capital expenditures

   $ 4,272     $ 10,384     $ —       $ 14,656  

Total assets

   $ 135,714     $ 435,413     $ —       $ 571,127  

 

40


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2001

     Vehicle
Management
& Power
Distribution


    Control
Devices


   Eliminations

    Consolidated

Sales from external customers

   $ 236,968     $ 347,500    $ —       $ 584,468

Intersegment sales

     8,913       2,010      (10,923 )     —  
    


 

  


 

Total net sales

   $ 245,881     $ 349,510    $ (10,923 )   $ 584,468

Net (loss) income

   $ (11,879 )   $ 14,825    $ —       $ 2,946

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 8,104     $ 20,740    $ —       $ 28,844

Interest expense, net

   $ 5,008     $ 26,300    $ —       $ 31,308

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

   $ (3,831 )   $ 4,781    $ —       $ 950

Capital expenditures

   $ 5,959     $ 18,009    $ —       $ 23,968

Total assets

   $ 181,784     $ 489,149    $ —       $ 670,933

 

The following table presents the Company’s core product lines, as a percentage of net sales:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Vehicle Management & Power Distribution:

                  

Vehicle electrical power and distribution systems

   25 %   22 %   21 %

Electronic instrumentation and information display products

   20     19     20  
    

 

 

     45 %   41 %   41 %
    

 

 

Control Devices:

                  

Electronic and electrical switch and actuator products

   32 %   35 %   34 %

Sensor products

   23     24     25  
    

 

 

     55 %   59 %   59 %
    

 

 

 

The following table presents net sales and non-current assets for each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates:

 

     For the years ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Net Sales:

                    

North America

   $ 492,565    $ 534,807    $ 498,011

Europe and other

     114,100      101,700      86,457
    

  

  

Total

   $ 606,665    $ 636,507    $ 584,468
    

  

  

Non-Current Assets:

                    

North America

   $ 346,994    $ 344,450    $ 440,915

Europe and other

     53,047      51,002      53,183
    

  

  

Total

   $ 400,041    $ 395,452    $ 494,098
    

  

  

 

41


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

13. Guarantor Financial Information

 

The senior notes and the credit facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (Guarantor Subsidiaries). The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries did not guarantee the senior notes and the credit facility (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries).

 

Presented below are summarized condensed consolidating financial statements of the Parent (which include certain of the Company’s operating units), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Company on a consolidated basis, as of December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 and for the years then ended.

 

These summarized condensed consolidating financial statements are prepared on the equity method. Separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented based on management’s determination that they do not provide additional information that is material to investors. Therefore, the Guarantor Subsidiaries are combined in the presentation below.

 

     December 31, 2003

     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

ASSETS

                                     

Current Assets:

                                     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,660     $ 26    $ 9,456     $ —       $ 24,142

Accounts receivable, net

     42,585       28,595      21,324       (3,343 )     89,161

Inventories, net

     22,193       11,027      15,422       —         48,642

Prepaid expenses, intercompany and other

     (234,958 )     215,387      29,396       —         9,825

Deferred income taxes

     4,659       2,620      577       —         7,856
    


 

  


 


 

Total current assets

     (150,861 )     257,655      76,175       (3,343 )     179,626
    


 

  


 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

     61,042       31,390      23,830       —         116,262

Other Assets:

                                     

Goodwill

     234,701       20,591      —         —         255,292

Investments and other, net

     34,628       548      1,128       (7,817 )     28,487

Investment in subsidiaries

     333,606       —        —         (333,606 )     —  
    


 

  


 


 

Total Assets

   $ 513,116     $ 310,184    $ 101,133     $ (344,766 )   $ 579,667
    


 

  


 


 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                     

Current Liabilities:

                                     

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ —       $ —      $ 417     $ —       $ 417

Accounts payable

     24,920       16,194      15,779       (3,299 )     53,594

Accrued expenses and other

     13,735       20,930      19,948       (44 )     54,569
    


 

  


 


 

Total current liabilities

     38,655       37,124      36,144       (3,343 )     108,580
    


 

  


 


 

Long-Term Liabilities:

                                     

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     207,301       —        761       (7,817 )     200,245

Deferred income taxes

     23,393       3,082      (1,187 )     —         25,288

Other liabilities

     361       —        1,787       —         2,148
    


 

  


 


 

Total long-term liabilities

     231,055       3,082      1,361       (7,817 )     227,681
    


 

  


 


 

Shareholders’ Equity

     243,406       269,978      63,628       (333,606 )     243,406
    


 

  


 


 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 513,116     $ 310,184    $ 101,133     $ (344,766 )   $ 579,667
    


 

  


 


 

 

42


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

 

     December 31, 2002

     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


  

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

ASSETS

                                     

Current Assets:

                                     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 18,698     $ 167    $ 8,370     $ —       $ 27,235

Accounts receivable, net

     35,941       30,295      16,137       (3,031 )     79,342

Inventories, net

     23,940       13,346      13,853       —         51,139

Prepaid expenses, intercompany and other

     (175,807 )     168,489      19,373       —         12,055

Deferred income taxes

     3,051       3,043      (190 )     —         5,904
    


 

  


 


 

Total current assets

     (94,177 )     215,340      57,543       (3,031 )     175,675
    


 

  


 


 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

     55,714       33,875      22,249       —         111,838

Other Assets:

                                     

Goodwill

     234,701       20,591      —         —         255,292

Investments and other, net

     40,514       507      914       (13,613 )     28,322

Investment in subsidiaries

     287,092       —        —         (287,092 )     —  
    


 

  


 


 

Total Assets

   $ 523,844     $ 270,313    $ 80,706     $ (303,736 )   $ 571,127
    


 

  


 


 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                                     

Current Liabilities:

                                     

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 1,000     $ —      $ 992     $ —       $ 1,992

Accounts payable

     19,025       16,864      10,219       (2,957 )     43,151

Accrued expenses and other

     24,523       5,423      15,200       (76 )     45,070
    


 

  


 


 

Total current liabilities

     44,548       22,287      26,411       (3,033 )     90,213
    


 

  


 


 

Long-Term Liabilities:

                                     

Long-term debt, net of current portion

     247,563       —        14,966       (13,611 )     248,918

Deferred income taxes

     15,498       3,879      (4,099 )     —         15,278

Other liabilities

     333       —        483       —         816
    


 

  


 


 

Total long-term liabilities

     263,394       3,879      11,350       (13,611 )     265,012
    


 

  


 


 

Shareholders’ Equity

     215,902       244,147      42,945       (287,092 )     215,902
    


 

  


 


 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 523,844     $ 270,313    $ 80,706     $ (303,736 )   $ 571,127
    


 

  


 


 

 

43


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2003

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net Sales

   $ 273,412     $ 205,649     $ 150,774     $ (23,170 )   $ 606,665  

Costs and Expenses:

                                        

Cost of goods sold

     212,911       145,205       115,689       (23,170 )     450,635  

Selling, general and administrative

     40,070       31,227       26,363       —         97,660  
    


 


 


 


 


Operating Income

     20,431       29,217       8,722       —         58,370  

Interest expense, net

     27,675       —         (24 )     —         27,651  

Other (income) expense, net

     (2,673 )     3,341       (969 )     —         (301 )

Equity earnings from subsidiaries

     (26,225 )     —         —         26,225       —    
    


 


 


 


 


Income Before Income Taxes

     21,654       25,876       9,715       (26,225 )     31,020  

Provision for income taxes

     275       8,280       1,086       —         9,641  
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income

   $ 21,379     $ 17,596     $ 8,629     $ (26,225 )   $ 21,379  
    


 


 


 


 


     For the year ended December 31, 2002

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net Sales

   $ 280,221     $ 254,389     $ 141,125     $ (39,228 )   $ 636,507  

Costs and Expenses:

                                        

Cost of goods sold

     211,939       184,745       113,732       (39,228 )     471,188  

Selling, general and administrative

     36,723       31,422       22,854       —         90,999  
    


 


 


 


 


Operating Income

     31,559       38,222       4,539       —         74,320  

Interest expense, net

     33,542       —         1,074       —         34,616  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     5,771       —         —         —         5,771  

Other (income) expense, net

     (1,842 )     2,173       1,284       —         1,615  

Equity earnings from subsidiaries

     12,929       —         —         (12,929 )     —    
    


 


 


 


 


(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     (18,841 )     36,049       2,181       12,929       32,318  

(Benefit) Provision for income taxes

     (3,421 )     12,617       2,066       —         11,262  
    


 


 


 


 


Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

     (15,420 )     23,432       115       12,929       21,056  

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

     (33,358 )     (4,701 )     (31,775 )     —         (69,834 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net (Loss) Income

   $ (48,778 )   $ 18,731     $ (31,660 )   $ 12,929     $ (48,778 )
    


 


 


 


 


 

44


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2001

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net Sales

   $ 257,180     $ 225,205     $ 126,707     $ (24,624 )   $ 584,468  

Costs and Expenses:

                                        

Cost of goods sold

     201,628       165,226       107,156       (24,624 )     449,386  

Selling, general and administrative

     46,425       31,907       21,025       —         99,357  
    


 


 


 


 


Operating Income (Loss)

     9,127       28,072       (1,474 )     —         35,725  

Interest expense, net

     30,269       —         1,039       —         31,308  

Other (income) expense, net

     (2,368 )     2,622       267       —         521  

Equity earnings from subsidiaries

     (12,896 )     —         —         12,896       —    
    


 


 


 


 


(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes

     (5,878 )     25,450       (2,780 )     (12,896 )     3,896  

(Benefit) Provision for income taxes

     (8,824 )     8,908       866       —         950  
    


 


 


 


 


Net Income (Loss)

   $ 2,946     $ 16,542     $ (3,646 )   $ (12,896 )   $ 2,946  
    


 


 


 


 


     For the year ended December 31, 2003

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 53,211     $ 4,755     $ 20,180     $ (5,792 )   $ 72,354  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Capital expenditures

     (16,047 )     (4,959 )     (5,376 )     —         (26,382 )

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     386       —         826       —         1,212  

Other

     (15 )     —         12       —         (3 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (15,676 )     (4,959 )     (4,538 )     —         (25,173 )
    


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Repayments of long-term debt

     (41,940 )     —         (15,947 )     5,792       (52,095 )

Proceeds from exercise of share options

     368       63       13       —         444  
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for financing activities

     (41,572 )     63       (15,934 )     5,792       (51,651 )
    


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (1 )     —         1,378       —         1,377  
    


 


 


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (4,038 )     (141 )     1,086       —         (3,093 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     18,698       167       8,370       —         27,235  
    


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 14,660     $ 26     $ 9,456     $ —       $ 24,142  
    


 


 


 


 


 

45


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2002

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 33,971     $ 48,076     $ 14,488     $ (910 )   $ 95,625  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Capital expenditures

     (7,505 )     (4,972 )     (2,179 )     —         (14,656 )

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     221       —         90       —         311  

Other

     (39 )     —         (393 )     434       2  
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (7,323 )     (4,972 )     (2,482 )     434       (14,343 )
    


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

     200,000       —         —         —         200,000  

Extinguishment of revolving facility

     (37,641 )     —         —         —         (37,641 )

Extinguishment of term debt

     (226,139 )     —         —         —         (226,139 )

Net repayments under revolving facilities

     (13,019 )     —         (1,378 )     —         (14,397 )

Proceeds from long-term debt

     100,000       —         —         —         100,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (15,897 )     (42,966 )     (6,643 )     476       (65,030 )

Debt issuance costs

     (10,694 )     —         —         —         (10,694 )

Interest rate swap termination costs

     (5,274 )     —         —         —         (5,274 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for financing activities

     (8,664 )     (42,966 )     (8,021 )     476       (59,175 )
    


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —         —         759       —         759  
    


 


 


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     17,984       138       4,744       —         22,866  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     714       29       3,626       —         4,369  
    


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 18,698     $ 167     $ 8,370     $ —       $ 27,235  
    


 


 


 


 


     For the year ended December 31, 2001

 
     Parent

    Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries


    Eliminations

    Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 17,454     $ 40,828     $ 5,650     $ (1,787 )   $ 62,145  

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Capital expenditures

     (9,578 )     (10,600 )     (3,790 )     —         (23,968 )

Other

     43       —         (5,557 )     6,064       550  
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for investing activities

     (9,535 )     (10,600 )     (9,347 )     6,064       (23,418 )
    


 


 


 


 


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                                        

Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving facilities

     1,774       —         (366 )     —         1,408  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (6,098 )     (30,308 )     2,486       (4,277 )     (38,197 )

Debt issuance costs

     (3,053 )     —         —         —         (3,053 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net cash used for financing activities

     (7,377 )     (30,308 )     2,120       (4,277 )     (39,842 )
    


 


 


 


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —         —         (110 )     —         (110 )
    


 


 


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     542       (80 )     (1,687 )     —         (1,225 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     172       109       5,313       —         5,594  
    


 


 


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 714     $ 29     $ 3,626     $ —       $ 4,369  
    


 


 


 


 


 

46


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

 

14. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

 

The following is a condensed summary of actual quarterly results of operations for 2003 and 2002:

 

     Quarter Ended

 
     Dec. 31

   Sep. 30

   June 30

   Mar. 31

 
     (in millions, except per share data)  

2003

                             

Net sales

   $ 151.3    $ 140.8    $ 155.0    $ 159.6  

Gross profit (A)

     40.4      34.4      40.3      40.9  

Operating income (B)

     14.0      11.1      16.2      17.1  

Net income (B)

   $ 5.1    $ 3.1    $ 6.2    $ 7.0  
    

  

  

  


Basic net income per share (D)

   $ 0.23    $ 0.14    $ 0.28    $ 0.31  
    

  

  

  


Diluted net income per share (D)

   $ 0.22    $ 0.14    $ 0.27    $ 0.31  
    

  

  

  


2002

                             

Net sales

   $ 148.3    $ 158.4    $ 172.0    $ 157.8  

Gross profit (A)

     38.2      39.6      48.2      39.3  

Operating income

     15.1      16.3      25.3      17.6  

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change (C)

     4.5      4.2      6.8      5.5  
    

  

  

  


Net income (loss) (C)

   $ 4.5    $ 4.2    $ 6.8    $ (64.3 )
    

  

  

  


Basic income before cumulative effect of accounting change per share (D)

   $ 0.20    $ 0.19    $ 0.30    $ 0.25  
    

  

  

  


Diluted income before cumulative effect of accounting change per share (D)

   $ 0.20    $ 0.19    $ 0.30    $ 0.25  
    

  

  

  



(A) Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold.

 

(B) During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company adopted the fair value provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” effective January 1, 2003, prospectively to all employee awards granted, modified or settled after January 1, 2003. Therefore, the Company’s first, second and third quarter operating income and net income are restated as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended

     Sep. 30

    June 30

   Mar. 31

Operating income as originally reported

   $ 11.3     $ 16.3    $ 17.6

Share-based compensation expense

     0.2       0.1      —  

Other

     —         —        0.5
    


 

  

Operating income as restated

   $ 11.1     $ 16.2    $ 17.1
    


 

  

Net income as originally reported

   $ 3.2     $ 6.3    $ 7.0

Share-based compensation expense

     0.2       0.1      —  

Tax effect on share-based compensation

     (0.1 )     —        —  
    


 

  

Net income as restated

   $ 3.1     $ 6.2    $ 7.0
    


 

  

 

(C) During the second quarter of 2002, the Company completed the initial goodwill impairment analysis, as required by SFAS 142. As a result, the Company recognized a cumulative effect of accounting change adjustment of $69.8 million, net of tax, effective January 1, 2002.

 

(D) Earnings per share for the year may not equal the sum of the four fiscal quarters earnings per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.

 

47


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

THIS REPORT IS A COPY AND HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP.

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Stoneridge, Inc.:

 

We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated financial statements of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated January 22, 2002. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on those financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule on page 45 is the responsibility of the Company’s management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

 

/s/    ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

 

Cleveland, Ohio,

January 22, 2002.

 

48


Table of Contents

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

 

    

Balance at
Beginning

of Period


   Charged to
Costs and
Expenses


   Write-offs

  

Balance at
End

of Period


Allowance for doubtful accounts:

                           

Year ended December 31, 2001

   $ 2,142    $ 564    $ 964    $ 1,742

Year ended December 31, 2002

     1,742      1,773      495      3,020

Year ended December 31, 2003

     3,020      1,260      1,376      2,904

 

49


Table of Contents

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

There has been no disagreement between the management of the Company and its independent auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices of financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope or procedure.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of December 31, 2003, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2003.

 

50


Table of Contents

PART III.

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading or subheadings “Election of Directors,” “Audit Committee,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance” contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004, and the information under the heading “Executive Officers” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Executive Compensation” contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The information required by this Item 12 (other than the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K) is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004. The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is set forth in Item 5 of this report.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Other Matters” contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 10, 2004.

 

51


Table of Contents

PART IV.

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K.

 

     Page in
Form 10-K


1.      Consolidated Financial Statements:

    

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

   18

Report of Independent Public Accountants for the Year Ended December 31, 2001

   20

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002

   21

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   22

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   23

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

   24

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   25

2.      Financial Statement Schedule:

    

Report of Independent Public Accountants for the Years Ended December 31, 2001

   48

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   49

 

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

 

(b) The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December 31, 2003.

 

  1. On October 23, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K for a press release announcing third quarter 2003 earnings.

 

  2. On December 9, 2003, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K for a press release announcing the resignation of Cloyd J. Abruzzo as the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Director and the resignation of Sten Forseke as one of the Company’s Vice Presidents.

 

(c) The exhibits listed on the Index to Exhibits are filed with this Form 10-K or incorporated by reference as set forth below.

 

(d) Additional Financial Statement Schedules.

 

None.

 

52


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

STONERIDGE, INC.

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ KEVIN P. BAGBY


   

Kevin P. Bagby

    Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ D.M. DRAIME


   

D.M. Draime

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ AVERY S. COHEN


   

Avery S. Cohen

Secretary and Director

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ RICHARD E. CHENEY


   

Richard E. Cheney

Director

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ JOHN C. COREY


   

John C. Corey

Director

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ SHELDON J. EPSTEIN


   

Sheldon J. Epstein

Director

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ WILLIAM M. LASKY


   

William M. Lasky

Director

Date: March 15, 2004

 

/s/ EARL L. LINEHAN


   

Earl L. Linehan

Director

 

53


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


 

Exhibit


3.1   Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
3.2   Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
4.1   Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
4.2   Indenture dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge, Inc. as Issuer, Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc. and Stoneridge Electronics, Inc., as Guarantors, and Fifth Third Bank, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002).
10.1   Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
10.2   Lease Agreement between Industrial Development Associates and the Alphabet Division, with respect to the Company’s Mebane, North Carolina facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).
10.3   Lease Agreement between Stoneridge, Inc. and Hunters Square, Inc., with respect to the Company’s division headquarters for the Alphabet Division (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).
10.5   Joint Venture and Shareholders’ Agreements and Cooperation Agreement with Connecto AB (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
10.6   Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge, Inc., as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, a Joint Lead Arranger and Collateral Agent, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as a Joint Lead Arranger, Comerica Bank and PNC Bank, National Association, as the Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002).
10.7   Purchase Agreement dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge Inc., Stoneridge Control Devices Inc., Stoneridge Electronics Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and NatCity Investments Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002).
10.8   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge Inc., Stoneridge Control Devices Inc., Stoneridge Electronics Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and NatCity Investments Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002).
10.9   Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 31, 2003 to Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge, Inc. as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Bank, as Administrative Agent, a Joint Lead Arranger and Collateral Agent, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as a Joint Lead Arranger, Comerica Bank and PNC Bank, National Association, as the Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
10.12   Proposed Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
10.15   Form of Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998).


Table of Contents
Exhibit
Number


 

Exhibit


10.16   Amendment to Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003).
10.17   Severance and Consulting Agreement for Cloyd J. Abruzzo, dated November 28, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2003).
10.18   Consulting Agreement for Sten Forseke, dated November 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 9, 2003).
14.1   Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, filed herewith.
16.1   Letter from Arthur Andersen LLP to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding their dismissal as the Company’s independent accountant (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 16.1, as of May 21, 2002).
21.1   Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the Company, filed herewith.
23.1   Statement Regarding Lack of Consent from Arthur Andersen, LLP, Independent Public Accountants (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
23.2   Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP, filed herewith.
31.1   Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
31.2   Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
32.1   Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
32.2   Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.