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8-K - METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC FORM 8-K FILED 8/29/13 - METHODE ELECTRONICS INCmethodeelectronicsinc8-k08.htm


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. REPORTS FISCAL 2014
FIRST-QUARTER EARNINGS PER SHARE IMPROVED
TO 36¢ FROM 10¢ YEAR OVER YEAR

Consolidated Sales Grow 40.9 Percent and Gross Margins Improve To 20.3 Percent
Increases Fiscal 2014 Sales and EPS Guidance


Chicago, IL -August 29, 2013 - Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI), a global developer of custom engineered and application specific products and solutions, today announced financial results for the Fiscal 2014 first quarter ended July 27, 2013.

First-Quarter Fiscal 2014
Methode's first-quarter Fiscal 2014 net sales grew $48.6 million, or 40.9 percent, to $167.3 million from $118.7 million in the same quarter of Fiscal 2013.

Net income increased $9.9 million to $13.8 million, or $0.36 per share, in the first quarter of Fiscal 2014 from $3.9 million, or $0.10 per share, in the same period of Fiscal 2013. Year over year, Fiscal 2014 first-quarter net income benefitted from:
higher sales volume in the Automotive, Interconnect and Power Products segments;
increased manufacturing efficiencies due to higher sales and vertical integration of painting and laser-etching capabilities in the Automotive segment; and
favorable raw material commodity pricing and product mix in the Power Products segment.

Year over year, Fiscal 2014 first-quarter net income was negatively affected by:
higher performance-based compensation expense of $1.7 million;
increased income tax expense of $0.9 million; and
higher marketing, depreciation and stock award amortization expenses of $0.6 million.

Consolidated gross margins as a percentage of sales improved to 20.3 percent in the Fiscal 2014 first quarter compared to 18.0 percent in the same period of Fiscal 2013 as a result of increased manufacturing efficiencies related to higher sales and vertical integration in the Automotive segment, as well as favorable raw material commodity pricing and product mix in the Power Products segment, partially offset by increased sales of products with a higher material content in the Interconnect segment.

Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or 9.9 percent, to $18.9 million in the Fiscal 2014 first quarter compared to $17.2 million in the prior-year first quarter due primarily to higher performance-based compensation, marketing, depreciation and stock award amortization expenses, partially offset by lower legal expense. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 11.3 percent for the Fiscal 2014 first quarter compared to 14.5 percent in the same period last year.







Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2014 First-Quarter Financial Results
Page 2


In the Fiscal 2014 first quarter, income tax expense increased $0.9 million, or 225.0 percent, to $1.3 million from $0.4 million for the Fiscal 2013 period. Because Methode has a domestic net operating loss carry-forward, income tax expense for both periods primarily relates to income taxes on foreign profits.

First-Quarter Fiscal 2014 Segment Comparisons
Comparing the Automotive segment's first quarter of Fiscal 2014 to the same period of Fiscal 2013,
Net sales increased 45.8 percent attributable to
an 86.1 percent sales improvement in North America due to sales of the General Motors' center console program, as well as higher demand for the Ford center console program and transmission lead frame assembly products;
a 26.1 percent sales increase in Europe primarily driven by new hidden switch product launches; and
a 22.3 percent sales improvement in Asia attributable to increased sales of steering angle sensors and transmission lead frame assembly products.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales improved to 18.3 percent from 13.2 percent due to increased manufacturing efficiencies due to higher sales and vertical integration.
Income from operations increased 359.3 percent due to higher sales, improved manufacturing efficiencies, vertical integration and lower selling and administrative expenses.

Comparing the Interconnect segment's first quarter of Fiscal 2014 to the same period of Fiscal 2013,
Net sales increased 37.9 percent attributable to
a 55.7 percent sales improvement in North America due to higher appliance and data solutions products sales; and
a 10.3 percent sales increase in Europe driven by higher radio remote control sales due to the acquisition off an Italian distributor in September 2012; partially offset by
a 20.0 percent sales decline in Asia attributable to lower demand for radio remote control products and reduced sales of legacy products due to the planned exit of a product line.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales decreased to 27.2 percent from 29.3 percent due primarily to increased sales of products with a higher material content.
Income from operations grew 51.0 percent due to improved sales volumes, partially offset by unfavorable sales mix and slightly higher selling and administrative expenses.

Comparing the Power Products segment's first quarter of Fiscal 2014 to the same period of Fiscal 2013,
Net sales improved 43.0 percent attributable to
a 19.0 percent sales increase in North America due to higher demand for cabling and busbar products, partially offset by lower heat sink demand;
a 625.0 percent sales improvement in Europe attributable to launches of a by-pass switch for a substation and electric vehicle busbars; and
a 31.6 percent sales increase in Asia driven by increased busbar and cabling products sales.
Gross margins as a percentage of sales improved to 22.5 percent from 16.5 percent due to favorable raw material commodity pricing and favorable product mix.
Income from operations increased 666.7 percent due to favorable raw material commodity pricing, favorable product mix and lower selling and administrative expenses.

Guidance
Methode has raised its full-year Fiscal 2014 sales guidance to a range of $670 to $700 million and earnings per share guidance to a range of $1.40 to $1.60. This replaces the Company's previous sales guidance of $630 to $660 million and earnings per share guidance of $0.91 to $1.11. The guidance ranges


Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2014 First-Quarter Financial Results
Page 3


for Fiscal 2014 are based upon management's expectations regarding a variety of factors and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the following significant factors considered by management in preparing this guidance:
the launch of significant awards previously announced and the corresponding sales volumes and timing thereof for certain makes and models of automobiles, trucks and SUVs for Fiscal 2014;
the uncertainty of the European economy;
foreign exchange translation rates;
an effective tax rate below ten percent, and no significant changes in tax valuation allowances;
compensation expense related to tandem cash awards; and
no unusual or one-time items.

Management Comments
President and Chief Executive Officer Donald W. Duda said, “Methode's first-quarter financial results reflect over 40 percent revenue growth coupled with strong margin improvement, which delivered record net income from operations for our shareholders. As these results demonstrate, we are beginning to reap the benefits of our efforts to significantly grow Methode's revenue stream by providing an unmatched combination of customer focus, differentiated technology, problem solving capabilities and world-class manufacturing.”

Conference Call
The Company will conduct a conference call and Webcast to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, and Chief Financial Officer, Douglas A. Koman, today 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 September 12 by dialing (877) 660-6853 (domestic) or (201) 612-7415 (international) and providing Conference ID number 419653. 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, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United 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


Methode Electronics, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2014 First-Quarter Financial Results
Page 4


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) customary risks related to conducting global operations; (4) timing, quality and cost of new program launches; (5) ability to avoid design or manufacturing defects; (6) ability to compete effectively; (7) dependence on the availability and price of raw materials; (8) dependence on our supply chain; (9) further downturns in the automotive industry or the bankruptcy of certain automotive customers; (10) ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes; (11) ability to protect our intellectual property; (12) ability to withstand price pressure; (13) location of a significant amount of cash outside of the U.S.; (14) the recognition of goodwill impairment and long-lived asset charges; (15) currency fluctuations; (16) ability to successfully benefit from acquisitions and divestitures; (17) ability to withstand business interruptions; (18) income tax rate fluctuations; (19) a breach of our information technology systems; and (20) the cost and implementation of SEC disclosure and reporting requirements regarding conflict minerals.


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
 
 
July 27,
2013
 
July 28,
2012
 
 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
167,266

 
$
118,737

 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
 
133,285

 
97,271

 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
33,981

 
21,466

 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
 
18,855

 
17,296

 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 
15,126

 
4,170

 
 
 
 
 
Interest (income)/expense, net
 
59

 
(46
)
Other (income)/expense, net
 
125

 
(41
)
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
14,942

 
4,257

 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
1,299

 
430

 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
13,643

 
3,827

 
 
 
 
 
Less: Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
32

 
(62
)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
 
$
13,611

 
$
3,889

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

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.10

Diluted
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.10

Cash dividends:
 
 

 
 

Common stock
 
$
0.07

 
$
0.07

Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding:
 
 

 
 

Basic
 
37,552,740

 
37,391,831

Diluted
 
38,251,312

 
37,893,873








METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)
 
 
As of
 
As of
 
 
July 27, 2013
 
April 27, 2013
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

CURRENT ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
73,412

 
$
65,811

Accounts receivable, net
 
135,585

 
119,816

Inventories:
 
 
 
 

Finished products
 
18,356

 
11,736

Work in process
 
10,695

 
10,220

Materials
 
39,961

 
37,973

 
 
69,012

 
59,929

Deferred income taxes
 
3,367

 
3,313

Prepaid and refundable income taxes
 
269

 
326

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
10,572

 
9,459

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
 
292,217

 
258,654

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
305,709

 
297,255

Less allowances for depreciation
 
205,391

 
198,897

 
 
100,318

 
98,358

GOODWILL
 
12,922

 
12,907

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
 
16,032

 
16,466

PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS
 
14,891

 
11,511

OTHER ASSETS
 
37,513

 
37,043

 
 
81,358

 
77,927

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
473,893

 
$
434,939

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 

 
 

CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
76,166

 
$
61,541

Other current liabilities
 
27,140

 
28,930

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
103,306

 
90,471

LONG-TERM DEBT
 
52,500

 
43,500

OTHER LIABILITIES
 
3,705

 
3,294

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
 
9,073

 
8,090

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,579,860 and 38,455,853 shares issued as of July 27, 2013 and April 27, 2013, respectively
 
19,290

 
19,228

Additional paid-in capital
 
83,650

 
81,472

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
18,123

 
15,680

Treasury stock, 1,342,188 shares as of July 27, 2013 and April 27, 2013
 
(11,377
)
 
(11,377
)
Retained earnings
 
195,374

 
184,368

TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
305,060

 
289,371

Noncontrolling interest
 
249

 
213

TOTAL EQUITY
 
305,309

 
289,584

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
473,893

 
$
434,939








METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
($ in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
July 27, 2013
 
July 28, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
13,643

 
$
3,827

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

 
 

Provision for depreciation
 
5,196

 
3,910

Amortization of intangibles
 
461

 
404

Amortization of stock awards and stock options
 
1,166

 
991

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
(11,988
)
 
(2,945
)
Other
 
236

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
8,714

 
6,187

 
 
 
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(9,345
)
 
(11,415
)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(9,345
)
 
(11,415
)
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
1,075

 

Cash dividends
 
(2,605
)
 
(2,592
)
Proceeds from borrowings
 
14,500

 
8,500

Repayment of borrowings
 
(5,500
)
 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
7,470

 
5,908

 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash
 
762

 
(2,330
)
 
 
 
 
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
7,601

 
(1,650
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
65,811

 
86,797

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
73,412

 
$
85,147