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8-K - METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC FORM 8-K - METHODE ELECTRONICS INCa8-kpressreleaseq2fy12.htm

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. REPORTS
FISCAL 2012 SECOND-QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Results Include Higher Year-Over-Year Income Taxes
On Foreign Profits and Foreign Dividend

Chicago, IL - December 8, 2011 - Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions, today announced financial results for the Fiscal 2012 second quarter ended October 29, 2011.

Second-Quarter Fiscal 2012
Methode's second-quarter Fiscal 2012 net sales increased $8.2 million, or 7.6 percent, to $115.9 million from $107.7 million in the same quarter of Fiscal 2011. Translation of foreign currency increased net sales $1.0 million, or 0.8 percent, in the year-over-year comparison.

Net income increased $0.8 million to $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, in the second quarter of Fiscal 2012 from a loss of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per share, in the same period of Fiscal 2011. Year over year, Fiscal 2012 second-quarter net income was negatively affected by:
higher income tax expense of $1.4 million;
costs related to the design, development, engineering and launch of two large North American automotive programs due to launch in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013 of $1.0 million;
costs for new product development within the Power Products segment related to an on board charger for an electric truck of $0.6 million;
higher stock award amortization expense of $0.6 million;
the absence of Malta grant income compared to grant income of $0.5 million in the Fiscal 2011 period;
higher legal expense of $0.2 million; and
higher costs related to vendor production and delivery issues of $0.1 million.

Year over year, Fiscal 2012 second-quarter net income benefitted from:
the absence of expense for unsecured claims compared to $3.8 million of expense in the Fiscal 2011 period;
lower other expense of $1.8 million, primarily related to foreign currency rate fluctuations;
the absence of negotiated program termination charges compared to $1.3 million of charges in the Fiscal 2011 period; and
the absence of customer cancellation charges compared to $0.4 million of charges in the Fiscal 2011 period.

Consolidated gross margins as a percentage of sales were 18.0 percent in the Fiscal 2012 second quarter compared to 21.9 percent in the same period of Fiscal 2011. The decrease was





Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Second-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results
Page 2

due primarily to design, development and engineering costs for new automotive programs launching in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013, Power Products segment product launch costs, as well as increased sales of automotive product that has higher prime cost due to the current high percentage of purchased content, partially offset by the absence of customer cancellation charges and negotiated program termination charges.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $2.9 million, or 13.7 percent, to $18.3 million in the Fiscal 2012 second quarter compared to $21.2 million in the prior-year second quarter due primarily to the absence of expense for unsecured claims compared to $3.8 million of expense in the Fiscal 2011 period, partially offset by higher stock award amortization, higher legal expenses and the absence of a Malta grant. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 15.8 percent for the Fiscal 2012 second quarter compared to 19.7 percent in the same period last year.

In the Fiscal 2012 second quarter, income tax expense increased $1.4 million to $2.2 million compared to $0.8 million for the Fiscal 2011 period. For the Fiscal 2012 period, the income tax expense relates to income taxes on foreign profits of $1.1 million, $0.9 million for foreign taxes on a foreign dividend, and other taxes of $0.2 million. For the Fiscal 2011 period, the income tax expense relates to income taxes on foreign profits..

Second-Quarter Fiscal 2012 Segment Comparison
Comparing the Automotive segment's second quarter of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales increased 20.8 percent attributable to
a 95.8 percent sales improvement in North America due to increased sales for the Ford center console program, which represented 52.2 percent of the increase, and to sales from the Advanced Molding and Decoration acquisition;
a 6.6 percent sales increase in Europe primarily due to fluctuation in currency exchange rates; and
a 15.0 percent sales increase in Asia due to higher sales for transmission lead frame and steering angle sensor products.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased to 15.3 percent from 19.3 percent due to costs related to design, development and engineering costs for two North American automotive programs launching in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013, increased costs related to vendor production and delivery issues and the increased sales of automotive product that has higher prime cost due to the current high purchased content, partially offset by the absence of negotiated program termination charges.
Income from operations improved 100.0 percent to $3.2 million from $1.6 million due to increased sales and the absence of expense for unsecured claims, partially offset by expenses related to new programs and new product launches, as well as salary costs and higher costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, Delphi legal expenses and stock award amortization expense.

Comparing the Interconnect segment's second quarter of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales decreased 13.7 percent attributable to
lower North American sales of 14.5 percent due to reduced appliance and interface solutions sales partially offset by improved safety radio remote control device sales;
lower European sales of 15.3 percent due to the absence of optical sales because of the sale of the Czech Republic optical business in the Fiscal 2011 fourth quarter, partially offset by higher data and safety radio remote control device sales; and
lower Asian sales of 7.0 percent primarily due to lower legacy products sales from the planned exit of this business.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 25.7 percent from 31.0 percent due primarily to



Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Second-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results
Page 3

lower sales within the segment.
Income from operations decreased to $3.7 million from $6.1 million because of lower sales, partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses.

Comparing the Power Products segment's second quarter of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales improved 14.2 percent driven by
an 18.6 percent sales increase in North America due to higher busbar and heat sink demand, partially offset by lower demand for flexible cabling products;
a 10.5 percent rise in Asia due to growth in busbar demand;
partially offset by a 23.7 percent sales decrease in Europe due to lower busbar demand.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 19.7 percent from 20.8 percent due to higher costs related to new product development in North America, including $0.6 million for an on board charger for an electric truck, and the absence of customer cancellation charges.
Income from operations decreased to $0.8 million from $1.2 million due to increased expenses for new product development and stock award amortization.

Six-Month Period Fiscal 2012
Methode's six-month Fiscal 2012 net sales increased $20.0 million, or 9.7 percent, to $226.7 million from $206.7 million in the same period of Fiscal 2011. Translation of foreign currency increased net sales $3.7 million, or 1.7 percent, in the year-over-year comparison.

Net income decreased $1.8 million to $1.8 million, or $0.05 per share, in the six months of Fiscal 2012 compared to $3.6 million, or $0.10 per share, in the same period of Fiscal 2011. Year over year, Fiscal 2012 six-month net income was negatively affected by:
costs related to the design, development, engineering and launch of two large North American automotive programs due to launch in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013 of $1.9 million;
higher stock award amortization expense of $1.5 million;
costs for new product development within the Power Products segment related to an on board charger for an electric truck of $1.2 million;
higher income tax expense of $0.8 million;
higher costs related to vendor production and delivery issues of $0.7 million;
the absence of a Malta grant compared to a grant of $0.5 million in the Fiscal 2011 period;
costs related to the acquisitions of Eetrex and Advanced Molding and Design of $0.5 million; and
higher legal expense of $0.3 million.

Year over year, Fiscal 2012 six-month net income benefitted from:
the absence of expense for unsecured claims compared to $3.8 million of expense in the Fiscal 2011 period;
the absence of negotiated program termination charge compared to $1.3 million of charges in the Fiscal 2011 period;
lower other expense of $1.0 million, primarily related to foreign currency rate fluctuations; and
the absence of customer cancellation charges compared to $0.4 million of charges in the Fiscal 2011 period.

Consolidated gross margins as a percentage of sales were 18.0 percent in the Fiscal 2012 six-month period compared to 21.2 percent in the same period of Fiscal 2011. The decrease was due primarily to design, development and engineering costs for new automotive programs launching in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013, Power Products segment product launch costs, as well as increased sales of automotive product that has higher prime cost due to the current high percentage of purchased content, partially offset by the absence of costs related to environmental matters, customer cancellation charges and negotiated program



Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Second-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results
Page 4

termination charges.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.7 million, or 1.9 percent, to $36.8 million in the Fiscal 2012 six-month period compared to $37.5 million in the prior-year period due primarily to the absence of expense for unsecured claims compared to $3.8 million of expense in the Fiscal 2011 period, partially offset by higher stock award amortization, higher legal expense, costs associated with acquisitions and the absence of a Malta grant. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 16.2 percent for the Fiscal 2012 six months compared to 18.1 percent in the same period last year.

In the Fiscal 2012 six-month period, income tax expense increased $0.8 million to $2.2 million compared to $1.4 million for the Fiscal 2011 period. For the Fiscal 2012 period, the income tax expense relates to income taxes on foreign profits of $2.2 million, $0.9 million for taxes on a foreign dividend and other taxes of $0.2 million, partially offset by a benefit of $1.1 million relating to tax credits from Malta. For the Fiscal 2011 period, the income tax expense of $1.4 million relates to income taxes on foreign profits.

Six-Month Fiscal 2012 Segment Comparison
Comparing the Automotive segment's first six months of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales increased 23.1 percent attributable to
a 106.8 percent sales improvement in North America due to increased sales for the Ford center console program, which represented 76.6 percent of the increase, and to sales from the Advanced Molding and Decoration acquisition;
an 12.3 percent sales increase in Europe primarily due to fluctuation in currency exchange rates; and
an 11.5 percent sales increase in Asia due to higher sales for transmission lead frame and steering angle sensor products.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased to 15.1 percent from 19.2 percent due to costs related to design, development and engineering costs for two North American automotive programs launching in Fiscal years 2012 and 2013, increased costs related to vendor production and delivery issues and the increased sales of automotive product that has higher prime cost due to the current high purchased content, partially offset by the absence of negotiated program termination charges.
Income from operations improved 19.6 percent to $5.5 million from $4.6 million due to increased sales and the absence of expense for unsecured claims, partially offset by expenses related to new programs and new product launches, as well as ex-patriot salary costs and higher costs related to a vendor's production and delivery issues, Delphi legal expenses and stock award amortization expense.

Comparing the Interconnect segment's first six months of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales decreased 10.3 percent attributable to
lower North American sales of 14.5 percent due to reduced appliance and interface solutions sales partially offset by improved data and safety radio remote control device sales;
lower European sales of 5.5 percent due to the absence of optical sales because of the sale of the Czech Republic optical business in the Fiscal 2011 fourth quarter, partially offset by higher data and safety radio remote control device sales;
partially offset by higher Asian sales of 7.1 percent primarily due to higher safety radio remote control device sales.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 27.2 percent from 29.1 percent due primarily to lower sales within the segment.
Income from operations decreased to $8.0 million from $9.9 million because of lower sales,



Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Second-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results
Page 5

partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses.

Comparing the Power Products segment's first six months of Fiscal 2012 to the same period of Fiscal 2011,
Net sales improved 12.3 percent driven by
a 15.1 percent sales increase in North America due to higher busbar and heat sink demand, partially offset by lower demand for flexible cabling products; and
an 11.3 percent rise in Asia due to growth in busbar demand;
partially offset by a 15.9 percent sales decrease in Europe due to lower busbar demand.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales declined to 17.7 percent from 20.3 percent due to higher costs related to new product development in North America, including $1.2 million for an on board charger for an electric truck.
Income from operations decreased to $1.1 million from $1.7 million due to increased expenses for new product development and stock award amortization.

Management Comments
President and Chief Executive Officer Donald W. Duda said, “In the first half of Methode's Fiscal 2012, we experienced improved sales in our Automotive and Power Products segments, the direct result of our strategy to deliver innovative solutions that incorporate our broad range of field-proven technologies and manufacturing capabilities.”

Mr. Duda concluded, “We see a considerable opportunity for meaningful improvement in our earnings beginning in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2012, and in our revenues, which are projected to grow from Fiscal 2012 to Fiscal 2015 by nearly 16 percent compounded.”

Guidance
Methode reiterates its Fiscal 2012 guidance of $450 to $465 million in sales and earnings per share of $0.13 to $0.21, and Fiscal 2013 guidance of $495 to $525 million in sales and earnings per share of $0.52 to $0.67.

Conference Call
The Company will conduct a conference call and Webcast today to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, and Chief Financial Officer, Douglas A. Koman, at 10:00 a.m. Central time.

To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 407-8031 (domestic) or (201) 689-8031 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start of the event. A simultaneous Webcast can be accessed through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page, and then clicking on the “Webcast” icon.

A replay of the conference call, as well as an MP3 download, will be available shortly after the call through December 22 by dialing (877) 660-6853 (domestic) or (201) 612-7415 (international) and providing Account number 286 and Conference ID number 383861. On the Internet, a replay will be available for 30 days through the Company's Web site, www.methode.com, by selecting the Investor Relations page and then clicking on the “Webcast” icon.

About Methode Electronics, Inc.
Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Germany, India, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United



Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Second-Quarter and Year-to-Date Financial Results
Page 6

States. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, safety radio remote control, sensing and optical technologies to control and convey signals through sensors, interconnections and controls. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other. Our components are in the primary end markets of the automobile, computer, information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, appliances, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment industries. Further information can be found on Methode's Web site www.methode.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws. Methode undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in Methode's expectations on a quarterly basis or otherwise. The forward-looking statements in this press release involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are detailed in Methode's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our annual and quarterly reports. Such factors may include, without limitation, the following: (1) dependence on a small number of large customers, including two large automotive customers; (2) dependence on the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries; (3) further downturns in the automotive industry or the bankruptcy of certain automotive customers; (4) ability to compete effectively; (5) customary risks related to conducting global operations; (6) dependence on the availability and price of raw materials; (7) dependence on our supply chain; (8) ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes; (9) ability to avoid design or manufacturing defects; (10) ability to protect our intellectual property; (11) ability to withstand price pressure; (12) the usage of a significant amount of our cash and resources to launch new North American automotive programs; (13) location of a significant amount of cash outside of the U.S.; (14) currency fluctuations; (15) ability to successfully benefit from acquisitions and divestitures; (16) ability to withstand business interruptions; (17) unfavorable tax laws; (18) ability to implement and profit from newly acquired technology; and (19) the future trading price of our stock.

For Methode Electronics, Inc. - Investor Contacts:
Kristine Walczak, Dresner Corporate Services, 312-780-7205, kwalczak@dresnerco.com
Philip Kranz, Dresner Corporate Services, 312-780-7240, pkranz@dresnerco.com





METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 29,
2011
 
October 30,
2010
 
October 29,
2011
 
October 30,
2010
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
115,890

 
$
107,716

 
$
226,695

 
$
206,703

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
 
94,972

 
84,073

 
185,794

 
162,853

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
 
20,918

 
23,643

 
40,901

 
43,850

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring
 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Selling and administrative expenses
 
18,278

 
21,293

 
36,840

 
37,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 
2,640

 
2,371

 
4,061

 
6,221

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 
1

 
61

 
5

 
88

Other expense, net
 
194

 
2,032

 
152

 
1,183

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
2,445

 
278

 
3,904

 
4,950

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
2,221

 
768

 
2,243

 
1,410

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss)
 
224

 
(490
)
 
1,661

 
3,540

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(87
)
 
23

 
(145
)
 
(12
)
NET INCOME/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
 
$
311

 
(513
)
 
1,806

 
3,552

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

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.01

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.10

Diluted
 
$
0.01

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
0.10

Cash dividends:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.14

Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
 
37,309,890

 
37,058,108

 
37,293,598

 
37,051,058

Diluted
 
37,520,247

 
37,058,108

 
37,516,998

 
37,281,600








METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
October 29, 2011
 
April 30, 2011
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
75,548

 
$
57,445

Accounts receivable, net
 
96,092

 
88,036

Inventories:
 
 
 
 

Finished products
 
7,212

 
6,271

Work in process
 
12,097

 
10,981

Materials
 
21,268

 
21,305

 
 
40,577

 
38,557

Deferred income taxes
 
3,728

 
3,778

Prepaid and refundable income taxes
 
881

 
851

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
9,029

 
7,294

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
225,855

 
195,961

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
266,251

 
298,254

Less allowances for depreciation
 
199,263

 
236,743

 
 
66,988

 
61,511

GOODWILL
 
16,422

 
16,422

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
 
17,533

 
18,423

PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS
 
16,084

 
14,645

OTHER ASSETS
 
27,316

 
27,782

 
 
77,355

 
77,272

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
370,198

 
$
334,744

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
40,712

 
$
37,152

Other current liabilities
 
25,912

 
26,335

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
66,624

 
63,487

LONG-TERM DEBT
 
36,500

 

OTHER LIABILITIES
 
4,793

 
5,619

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
4,801

 
4,494

NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
 
422

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,363,078 and 38,312,243 shares issued as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011, respectively
 
19,182

 
19,156

Additional paid-in capital
 
75,588

 
72,113

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
20,849

 
23,152

Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of October 29, 2011 and April 30, 2011
 
(11,377
)
 
(11,377
)
Retained earnings
 
152,614

 
155,989

TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
256,856

 
259,033

Noncontrolling interest
 
202

 
2,111

TOTAL EQUITY
 
257,058

 
261,144

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
370,198

 
$
334,744







METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
October 29, 2011
 
October 30, 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
1,661

 
$
3,540

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

 
 

Provision for depreciation
 
7,047

 
6,647

Impairment of tangible assets
 

 
1,299

Amortization of intangibles
 
898

 
1,139

Amortization of stock awards and stock options
 
1,959

 
541

Gain on bargain purchase
 
(255
)
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
(10,112
)
 
(9,416
)
Other
 
539

 
77

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
1,737

 
3,827

 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(9,125
)
 
(5,605
)
Acquisition of businesses
 
(6,353
)
 
(750
)
Proceeds from life insurance policies
 

 
1,515

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(15,478
)
 
(4,840
)
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
198

 
13

Cash dividends
 
(5,181
)
 
(5,154
)
Net borrowings
 
36,500

 
18,000

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
31,517

 
12,859

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
 
327

 
1,525

 
 
 
 
 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
18,103

 
13,371

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
57,445

 
63,821

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
75,548

 
$
77,192