METHODE ELECTRONICS INC (MEI)
SIC breadcrumb: Manufacturing > Electronic And Other Electrical Equipment And Components, Except Computer Equipment > SIC 3678 Electronic Connectors
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=65270. Latest filing source: 0000065270-26-000031.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read MEI's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read MEI's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,019,200,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-06-24 |
| Net income | -35,700,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-06-24 |
| Assets | 1,306,100,000 | USD | 2026 | 2026-06-24 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-06-24. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000065270.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2013 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 816,500,000 | 908,300,000 | 1,000,300,000 | 1,023,900,000 | 1,088,000,000 | 1,163,600,000 | 1,179,600,000 | 1,114,500,000 | 1,048,100,000 | 1,019,200,000 | ||
| Net income | 92,900,000 | 57,200,000 | 91,600,000 | 123,400,000 | 122,300,000 | 102,200,000 | 77,100,000 | -123,300,000 | -62,600,000 | -35,700,000 | ||
| Operating income | 110,800,000 | 118,300,000 | 106,800,000 | 147,100,000 | 127,900,000 | 111,700,000 | 90,400,000 | -112,000,000 | -23,900,000 | 8,800,000 | ||
| Gross profit | 218,300,000 | 239,600,000 | 265,800,000 | 282,900,000 | 274,100,000 | 264,900,000 | 264,100,000 | 178,800,000 | 163,400,000 | 202,200,000 | ||
| Diluted EPS | 1.08 | 1.52 | 2.43 | 3.26 | 3.19 | 2.70 | 2.10 | -3.48 | -1.77 | -1.01 | ||
| Operating cash flow | 145,200,000 | 117,800,000 | 102,000,000 | 140,600,000 | 179,800,000 | 98,800,000 | 132,800,000 | 47,500,000 | 26,400,000 | 38,000,000 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 22,400,000 | 47,700,000 | 49,800,000 | 45,100,000 | 24,900,000 | 38,000,000 | 42,000,000 | 50,200,000 | 41,600,000 | 22,400,000 | ||
| Dividends paid | 13,700,000 | 14,700,000 | 16,300,000 | 16,300,000 | 17,400,000 | 20,400,000 | 19,800,000 | 19,900,000 | 20,400,000 | 8,300,000 | ||
| Share buybacks | 62,300,000 | 9,800,000 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6,700,000 | 64,500,000 | 48,100,000 | 13,700,000 | 1,600,000 | 0.00 | ||
| Assets | 704,000,000 | 915,900,000 | 1,231,700,000 | 1,370,600,000 | 1,467,000,000 | 1,389,100,000 | 1,579,100,000 | 1,403,500,000 | 1,305,800,000 | 1,306,100,000 | ||
| Liabilities | 285,900,000 | 542,000,000 | 587,200,000 | 549,000,000 | 475,300,000 | 626,200,000 | 637,500,000 | 612,500,000 | 628,600,000 | |||
| Stockholders' equity | 541,100,000 | 630,000,000 | 689,700,000 | 783,400,000 | 918,000,000 | 913,800,000 | 941,800,000 | 766,000,000 | 693,300,000 | 677,500,000 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 294,000,000 | 246,100,000 | 83,200,000 | 217,300,000 | 233,200,000 | 172,000,000 | 157,000,000 | 161,500,000 | 103,600,000 | 139,600,000 | ||
| Free cash flow | 122,800,000 | 70,100,000 | 52,200,000 | 95,500,000 | 154,900,000 | 60,800,000 | 90,800,000 | -2,700,000 | -15,200,000 | 15,600,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2013 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 11.38% | 6.30% | 9.16% | 12.05% | 11.24% | 8.78% | 6.54% | -11.06% | -5.97% | -3.50% | ||
| Operating margin | 13.57% | 13.02% | 10.68% | 14.37% | 11.76% | 9.60% | 7.66% | -10.05% | -2.28% | 0.86% | ||
| Return on equity | 17.17% | 9.08% | 13.28% | 15.75% | 13.32% | 11.18% | 8.19% | -16.10% | -9.03% | -5.27% | ||
| Return on assets | 13.20% | 6.25% | 7.44% | 9.00% | 8.34% | 7.36% | 4.88% | -8.79% | -4.79% | -2.73% | ||
| Liabilities / equity | 0.45 | 0.79 | 0.75 | 0.60 | 0.52 | 0.66 | 0.83 | 0.88 | 0.93 | |||
| Current ratio | 4.26 | 3.50 | 2.51 | 3.93 | 3.03 | 3.34 | 2.91 | 2.76 | 2.40 | 2.37 |
Financial Bridges
Income statement bridge from reported figures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Revenue: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax; source concepts us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax | Gross profit: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept GrossProfit; source concepts us-gaap:GrossProfit | Operating income: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept OperatingIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss | Net income: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept NetIncomeLoss; source concepts us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2026. Operating cash flow: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0000065270-26-000031; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: OperatingIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: GrossProfit. Source concepts: us-gaap:GrossProfit.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue. Source concepts: us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-06-24. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000065270.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-Q3 | 2021-01-30 | 0.83 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-01-29 | 0.78 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2022-10-29 | 0.75 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-01-28 | 280,100,000 | 19,900,000 | 0.54 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-04-29 | 301,200,000 | 8,100,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-07-29 | 0.02 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2024-Q2 | 2023-10-28 | 288,000,000 | -55,300,000 | -1.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-01-27 | 259,500,000 | -11,600,000 | -0.33 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-04-27 | 277,300,000 | -57,300,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2024-07-27 | 258,500,000 | -18,300,000 | -0.52 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-02-01 | 239,900,000 | -14,400,000 | -0.41 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-05-03 | 257,100,000 | -28,300,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2025-08-02 | 240,500,000 | -10,300,000 | -0.29 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q2 | 2025-11-01 | 246,900,000 | -9,900,000 | -0.28 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q3 | 2026-01-31 | 233,700,000 | -15,900,000 | -0.45 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2026-Q4 | 2026-05-02 | 298,100,000 | 400,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax. Source concepts: us-gaap:RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-05-02; accession 0000065270-26-000031; filed 2026-06-24. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-01-31; accession 0000065270-26-000007; filed 2026-03-05. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0000065270-26-000007.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect, when made, our current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, which may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or our strategies or expectations are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “outlook” or “continue,” and other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Dependence on the automotive, commercial vehicle, and construction industries;
• Timing, quality and cost of new program launches;
• Changes in electric vehicle (“EV”) demand;
• Investment in programs prior to the recognition of revenue;
• Production delays or cancelled orders;
• Changes in global trade policies, including tariffs;
• Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel;
• Inflation;
• Dependence on the availability and price of materials;
• Dependence on a small number of large customers;
• Dependence on our supply chain;
• Risks related to conducting global operations;
• Effects of potential catastrophic events or other business interruptions;
• Ability to withstand pricing pressures, including price reductions;
• Ability to compete effectively;
• Our lengthy sales cycle;
• Risks relating to our use of requirements contracts;
• Potential work stoppages;
• Ability to successfully benefit from acquisitions and divestitures;
• Ability to manage our debt levels;
• Ability to comply with restrictions and covenants under our credit agreement;
• Interest rate changes and variable rate instruments;
• Timing and magnitude of costs associated with restructuring activities;
• Recognition of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges;
• Risks associated with inventory;
• Ability to remediate a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting;
• Currency fluctuations;
• Income tax rate fluctuations;
• Judgments related to accounting for tax positions;
• Risks associated with litigation and government inquiries;
• Risks associated with warranty claims;
• Changing government regulations;
• Changing requirements by stakeholders on environmental or social matters;
• Effects of IT disruptions or cybersecurity incidents;
• Ability to innovate and keep pace with technological changes; and
• Ability to protect our intellectual property.
Additional details and factors are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2025 and in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. Any forward-looking statements made by us speak only as of the date on which they are made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.
25
Table of Contents
Overview
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. We design, engineer, and produce mechatronic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting system, power distribution, and sensor applications.
Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, and consumer appliances.
Macroeconomic Conditions
There is continued uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries with respect to tariffs, trade policies, government regulations, treaties and trade agreements. We are exposed to market risk with respect to increased and volatile duties assessed on raw materials (including copper, steel and aluminum), component parts (including semiconductors), and finished goods we import into the U.S. from our various manufacturing sites, including those in Mexico, China, Egypt, Europe and Canada. Should any of these tariffs or other trade barriers expand, raw materials and finished goods that we import will face higher prices, which could lead to reduced margins or increased prices that could, in turn, cause decreased customer demand. To the extent that we are unable to obtain price increases or there is a significant decrease in customer demand, new or higher tariffs could have a material effect on our results of operations.
The US-Israeli strikes in Iran and the Iranian retaliatory strikes in the Middle East have affected the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. This conflict in the Middle East may cause additional disruption in the supply chains, including logistics issues and inflationary challenges, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, certain of our customers and suppliers may be negatively affect by these events, which in turn may negatively affect the markets where we do business.
The global economy continues to experience volatile disruptions including to the commodity, labor, and transportation markets, arising from a combination of geopolitical events and various economic and financial factors. These disruptions have affected our operations and may continue to affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. As a result of continued inflation, we have implemented measures to mitigate certain adverse effects of higher costs. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our costs to our customers, which will likely continue in the future.
Our business in the future will be affected by the broad trend of electrification. The adoption of EVs has been slower than anticipated, which may affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Certain of our customers have recently announced shifts to their EV strategies and we are pursuing these customers for price adjustments and other commercial recoveries. If we are not successful in obtaining these recoveries, we may experience production inefficiencies, including underutilized capacity and workforce disruptions, which could affect our profitability and estimates of future cash flows.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
We continue to face a variety of supply chain challenges in fiscal 2026, including the procurement of automotive-grade semiconductors. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. Changes in government regulations in areas including, but not limited to, trade and tariff regulations as noted above, could also increase our costs. We continue to work closely with suppliers and customers to mitigate and minimize the potential adverse effect from global supply chain disruptions. However, if we are not able to mitigate any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions, this may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Recent Events
Sale of a Business
On March 5, 2026, we entered into and closed on an asset purchase agreement with a third party (the “Buyer”) pursuant to which we sold substantially all of the assets of our dataMate business (the “Transaction”). The aggregate consideration for the Transaction consists of a purchase price of approximately $16.4 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. The Transaction also includes customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. Due to the proximity of the closing date of the Transaction with the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the initial accounting for the Transaction, including the determination of the final purchase price adjustment and the allocation of the consideration, is not yet completed. Based on preliminary estimates, we expect to record a gain on the sale in the range of $9.0 million to $10.5 million. Proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including debt reduction and working capital needs.
The dataMate business is included in the Interface segment, and represents less than 2% of our consolidated net sales for both the nine months ended January 31, 2026 and fiscal year ended May 3, 2025.
26
Table of Contents
Sale of Assets
We finalized a purchase and sale agreement to sell one of our locations to a third party for a purchase price of $4.7 million, which is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions and the relocation of the dataMate business. Accordingly, the property has not been classified as held for sale as of January 31, 2026. The net book value of this location as of January 31, 2026 was $3.5 million. The Buyer is expected to relocate the dataMate business on or before April 19, 2026, and the sale of assets is expected to close no later than May 10, 2026. Proceeds from the sale of assets are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including debt reduction and working capital needs.
27
Table of Contents
Consolidated Results of Operations
We maintain our financial records on the basis of a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2026 is a 52-week year and fiscal 2025 was a 53-week year. The three months ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025 were each 13-week periods, while the nine months ended January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025, were 39 and 40-week periods, respectively. The following discussions of comparative results among periods should be reviewed in this context.
The table below compares our results of operations between the three and nine months ended January 31, 2026 and the three and nine months ended February 1, 2025:
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","","Three Months Ended","","","Nine Months Ended"],["","","January 31, 2026","","","February 1, 2025","","","January 31, 2026","","","February 1, 2025"],["(in millions)","","(13 Weeks)","","","(13 Weeks)","","","(39 Weeks)","","","(40 Weeks)"],["Net sales","","$","233.7","","","$","239.9","","","$","721.1","","","$","791.0"],["Cost of products sold","","","194.9","","","","198.6","","","","591.1","","","","647.2"],["Gross profit","","","38.8","","","","41.3","","","","130.0","","","","143.8"],["Selling and administrative expenses","","","39.1","","","","37.7","","","","114.7","","","","126.5"],["Amortization of intangibles","","","5.8","","","","5.8","","","","17.4","","","","17.6"],["Interest expense, net","","","5.4","","","","5.5","","","","17.0","","","","16.5"],["Other expense, net","","","1.6","","","","0.5","","","","4.3","","","","2.9"],["Income tax expense (benefit)","","","2.8","",""
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Executive Overview
Our Business
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering, and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We design, engineer, and manufacture mechatronic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) and tiered suppliers across mobility, industrial, and commercial markets. Our capabilities include power distribution, including busbars, smart connect systems, battery disconnect units, and integrated circuit boards; as well as user interface components, specialized light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting solutions, and sensor applications.
Our products are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing and data center infrastructure, and construction equipment. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial and Interface. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we divested our dataMate business and the consumer appliance business is winding down as programs roll-off, both of which are included in our Interface segment. We reported a fourth segment, Medical, through fiscal 2024. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1, “Business” of this Annual Report.
Trends Affecting Our Business
The following trends have significantly affected and may continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See the risk factors identified under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report for more information.
Trade Policy/Tariffs
We are exposed to market risk from duties assessed on raw materials, component parts, and finished goods imported into the U.S. Beginning in 2025, the U.S. implemented new tariffs across multiple jurisdictions in which we operate, including broad country-level measures and product-specific tariffs affecting light and commercial vehicles, component parts, steel and aluminum, and other key inputs we source to manufacture our parts. These actions prompted retaliatory measures by certain trading partners and the long-term state of global trade policy remains unsettled.
Given our manufacturing operations across multiple jurisdictions, including Canada, China, Egypt, Europe, and Mexico, the continuation or expansion of tariffs and other trade barriers could increase input costs, pressure margins or affect customer demand. During fiscal 2026, we mitigated these effects through a variety of strategies, including negotiated price adjustments and ongoing cost recovery arrangements with our customers, as well as supply chain optimization initiatives. To the extent similar mitigation efforts are insufficient, new or expanded tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
Macroeconomic Conditions
The global economy continues to experience volatile disruptions including to the commodity, labor and transportation markets, arising from a combination of geopolitical events and various economic and financial factors. These disruptions have affected our operations and may continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of continued inflation, we have implemented measures to mitigate certain adverse effects of higher costs. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our costs to our customers, which will likely continue in the future.
Electrification
Our business in the future will be affected by the broad trend of electrification. The adoption of EVs has been slower than anticipated, in light of recent U.S. government policy changes, including the termination of certain consumer tax incentives for EV purchases and certain of our customers have announced shifts to their EV strategies. As a result of these changes in EV consumer demand, we may experience production inefficiencies, including underutilized capacity and workforce disruptions, particularly if we are unable to redeploy excess capacity, which could affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in the future.
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Although we saw improvements in our supply chain in fiscal 2026, including easing of the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage, new supply chain disruptions may occur in the future. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. Changes in government regulations in areas including, but not limited to, trade and tariff regulations as noted above, could also increase our costs.
The US-Israeli strikes in Iran and the Iranian retaliatory strikes in the Middle East have also affected the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. This conflict in the Middle East may cause additional disruption in the supply chains, including logistics issues and inflationary challenges, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, certain of our customers and suppliers may be negatively affected by these events, which in turn may negatively affect the markets where we do business.
We continue to work closely with suppliers and customers to minimize the potential adverse effects from global supply chain disruptions. However, if we are not able to mitigate any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions, this may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to April 30 of the following year, typically resulting in a 52-week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a 53-week year. The fiscal year ended May 2, 2026 was a 52-week fiscal year. The fiscal year ended May 3, 2025 was a 53-week fiscal year. The fiscal year ended April 27, 2024 was a 52-week fiscal year. A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 9, 2025.
The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025:
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (52 Weeks) | (53 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,019.2 | $ | 1,048.1 | ||||
| Cost of products sold | 817.0 | 884.7 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 202.2 | 163.4 | ||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 170.3 | 163.9 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 23.1 | 23.4 | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 23.3 | 22.0 | ||||||
| Other expense (income), net | (3.8 | ) | 4.2 | |||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 25.0 | 12.5 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (35.7 | ) | $ | (62.6 | ) |
Net sales
Net sales decreased $28.9 million, or 2.8%, to $1,019.2 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $1,048.1 million in fiscal 2025. Foreign currency translation increased sales by $36.3 million. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, net sales decreased $65.2 million. The decrease was driven by program roll-offs in the Automotive and Interface segments, partially offset by customer recoveries of $22.5 million in the Automotive segment and higher sales volume in the Industrial segment. Additionally, there was one less week within fiscal 2026 as compared to fiscal 2025.
Cost of products sold
Cost of products sold decreased $67.7 million, or 7.7%, to $817.0 million (80.2% of net sales) in fiscal 2026, compared to $884.7 million (84.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2025. Foreign currency translation increased cost of products sold by $26.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold decreased $94.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volume and product mix, improved operational efficiencies, including material, scrap, and freight, and lower inventory adjustments. Restructuring and impairment charges included within cost of products sold were $0.8 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $1.1 million in fiscal 2025.
Gross profit margin
Gross profit margin was 19.8% of net sales in fiscal 2026, compared to 15.6% of net sales in fiscal 2025. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily a result of customer recoveries and improved operational efficiencies in fiscal 2026.
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Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $6.4 million, or 3.9%, to $170.3 million (16.7% of net sales) in fiscal 2026, compared to $163.9 million (15.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2025. Foreign currency translation increased selling and administrative expenses by $3.1 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses increased $3.3 million. The increase was primarily the result of higher employee compensation costs and restructuring charges, partially offset by lower professional fees.
Restructuring and impairment charges included within selling and administrative expenses were $4.2 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $1.6 million in fiscal 2025. For fiscal 2026, restructuring and asset impairment charges included $1.1 million in asset impairments associated with the relocation of our corporate headquarters. Additionally, there was $2.8 million of expenses incurred for transaction costs and other strategic initiatives.
Professional fees in fiscal 2025 included $9.8 million for consulting and interim executive services provided by AlixPartners.
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.3 million, or 1.3%, to $23.1 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $23.4 million in fiscal 2025. The decrease was a result of certain intangible assets being fully amortized in fiscal 2026.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $23.3 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $22.0 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was primarily due to the unfavorable effects of foreign exchange rates on the euro denominated interest.
Other expense (income), net
Other income, net was $3.8 million in fiscal 2026, compared to other expense, net of $4.2 million in fiscal 2025. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we divested our dataMate business and recognized a gain on the sale of $11.2 million. Net foreign exchange loss was $7.7 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $5.5 million in fiscal 2025. In addition, other income, net includes non-cash charges for unamortized debt issuance costs which were $0.6 million for fiscal 2026 compared to $1.2 million for fiscal 2025.
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense was $25.0 million in fiscal 2026, compared to an income tax expense of $12.5 million in fiscal 2025. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2026 differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to an increase in a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, an unfavorable effect from global intangible low-tax income, and Pillar 2 top-up tax. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2025 differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to an increase in a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and an unfavorable impact from global intangible low-tax income, partially offset by a decrease in tax reserves.
Net loss
Net loss was $35.7 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $62.6 million in fiscal 2025. The net loss was attributable to the aforementioned items.
Operating Segments
Automotive
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (52 Weeks) | (53 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 188.1 | $ | 237.1 | ||||
| Europe, the Middle East & Africa (“EMEA”) | 246.5 | 239.5 | ||||||
| Asia | 33.1 | 32.3 | ||||||
| Net sales | 467.7 | 508.9 | ||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 27.8 | $ | 4.7 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 5.9 | % | 0.9 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations | $ | (30.1 | ) | $ | (47.7 | ) | ||
| As a percent of net sales | (6.4 | )% | (9.4 | )% |
Net sales
Automotive segment net sales decreased $41.2 million, or 8.1%, to $467.7 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $508.9 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales decreased $59.3 million. There was one less week within fiscal 2026 as compared to fiscal 2025.
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Net sales in North America decreased $49.0 million to $188.1 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $237.1 million in fiscal 2025. The decrease was due to program roll-offs, partially offset by customer recoveries of $22.5 million and new program launches. Net sales in EMEA increased $7.0 million to $246.5 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $239.5 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales in EMEA decreased $10.4 million primarily due to lower sales volumes of sensor products. Net sales in Asia increased $0.8 million, or 2.5%, to $33.1 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $32.3 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales in Asia increased $0.1 million.
Gross profit
Automotive segment gross profit increased $23.1 million to $27.8 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $4.7 million in fiscal 2025. Gross profit margins increased to 5.9% in fiscal 2026, from 0.9% in fiscal 2025. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $18.9 million. The increase in gross profit was due to customer recoveries of $22.5 million, lower adjustments to inventory, and improved operational efficiencies, which was offset by program roll-offs.
Loss from operations
Automotive segment loss from operations was $30.1 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $47.7 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, loss from operations decreased $15.3 million. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses.
Industrial
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (52 Weeks) | (53 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 524.3 | $ | 487.4 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 167.4 | $ | 144.2 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 31.9 | % | 29.6 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations | $ | 114.6 | $ | 90.0 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 21.9 | % | 18.5 | % |
Net sales
Industrial segment net sales increased $36.9 million, or 7.6%, to $524.3 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $487.4 million in fiscal 2025. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales increased $18.7 million. The increase was due to higher sales volumes for power distribution products and higher volumes for lighting products in the off-highway market, partially offset by lower sales volumes for lighting products in the commercial vehicle market.
Gross profit
Industrial segment gross profit increased $23.2 million to $167.4 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $144.2 million in fiscal 2025. Gross profit margins increased to 31.9% in fiscal 2026, compared to 29.6% in fiscal 2025. Excluding foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $17.3 million. Gross profit improved due to higher sales volumes and improved operational efficiencies, including material, scrap, and freight.
Income from operations
Industrial segment income from operations increased $24.6 million to $114.6 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $90.0 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses.
Interface
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (52 Weeks) | (53 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 27.2 | $ | 51.8 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 6.5 | $ | 12.7 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 23.9 | % | 24.5 | % | ||||
| Income (loss) from operations | $ | 5.0 | $ | 10.3 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 18.4 | % | 19.9 | % |
Net sales
Interface segment net sales decreased $24.6 million, or 47.5%, to $27.2 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $51.8 million in fiscal 2025. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower sales volumes due from program roll-off as the consumer appliance business winds down. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we divested our dataMate business.
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Gross profit
Interface segment gross profit decreased $6.2 million to $6.5 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $12.7 million in fiscal 2025. Gross profit margin decreased to 23.9% in fiscal 2026, from 24.5% in fiscal 2025. The decrease in gross profit margins was primarily due to lower sales volumes and product mix.
Income from operations
Interface segment income from operations decreased $5.3 million, or 51.5%, to $5.0 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2025. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements and dividends approved by our board. We continue to evaluate opportunities to refine our portfolio and/or geographic footprint. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior secured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, our ability to do so depends upon a number of operational and economic factors, many of which are beyond our control. If economic conditions remain affected for longer than we expect due to supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressure or other geopolitical risks, or if we are unable to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, our liquidity position could be severely affected.
Our revolving credit facility matures on October 31, 2027. While we currently intend to refinance or extend our obligations under this revolving credit agreement, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so on favorable terms. Any refinancing or extension may result in higher interest expense, more restrictive covenants or the requirement to pledge additional collateral. If we are unable to refinance or extend these maturities, or if refinancing is only available on unfavorable terms, our liquidity position could be materially weakened, which could limit our ability to fund operations, execute our business strategy, or meet other obligations as they come due.
At May 2, 2026, we had $139.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $56.6 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense. Subsequent to May 2, 2026, we elected to make a non-mandatory prepayment of $20.0 million on our outstanding borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement using cash on hand.
Repurchases of Common Stock
On March 31, 2021, as subsequently amended on June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 14, 2024 (the “2021 Buyback Authorization”). On June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new share buyback authorization, commencing on June 17, 2024, for the purchase of up to $200.0 million (the “2024 Buyback Authorization”) of our outstanding common stock through June 17, 2026. Purchases could have been made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of May 2, 2026, a total of 3,553,961 shares had been purchased under the 2021 Buyback Authorization at a total cost of $134.6 million since the commencement of that authorization. As of May 2, 2026, $200.0 million remained available under the 2024 Buyback Authorization to repurchase shares. The 2024 Buyback Authorization expired on June 17, 2026.
Amended Credit Agreement
On October 31, 2022, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. On March 6, 2024, the Company entered into a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) and on July 9, 2024, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Guaranty (the “Second Amendment”) among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto.
Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) reduced the revolving credit commitments from $750 million to $500 million (which commitments were subsequently further reduced, as discussed below), (ii) granted a security interest in substantially all of the personal property of the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries that are guarantors, including 100% of the equity interests of their respective U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests of their respective foreign subsidiaries (or such greater amount to the extent such pledge could not reasonably cause adverse tax consequences), (iii) amended the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for each quarter in fiscal 2025 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (iv) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ending July 27, 2024 and each subsequent fiscal quarter to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (v) amended certain interest rate provisions, (vi) added a requirement to provide monthly financial statements to the lenders through the period ending August 2, 2025, (vii) decreased the general basket exceptions to certain covenants
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restricting certain investments by, liens on and indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries for specified periods of time, (viii) increased, for fiscal 2025, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain dispositions of property by the Company and its subsidiaries, (ix) added an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, applicable during the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the earlier to occur of (a) the delivery of financial statements and a compliance certificate for the fiscal quarter ending August 2, 2025 and (b) the delivery of compliance certificates for two consecutive fiscal quarters demonstrating that our consolidated leverage ratio as of the last day of such fiscal quarters was less than 3.00:1.00, that if we have cash on hand in the U.S. (subject to certain exceptions) of more than $65 million for 10 consecutive business days, we shall prepay the indebtedness under the credit facility by the amount of such excess and (x) made certain other changes to the investment, restricted payment and indebtedness baskets.
On July 7, 2025, the Company entered into a Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto. Among other things, the Third Amendment (i) reduced the revolving credit commitments from $500 million to $400 million, (ii) eliminated the Company’s option to increase the revolving credit commitments and/or add one or more tranches of term loans under the credit facility from time to time subject to certain limitations and conditions including approval of certain lenders, (iii) amended the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for the quarters ending August 2, 2025, November 1, 2025, January 31, 2026 and May 2, 2026 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (iv) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarters ending August 2, 2025, November 1, 2025, January 31, 2026, May 2, 2026 and August 1, 2026 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (v) amended the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA,” to include an add back for a portion of the inventory write-down taken in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, (vi) increased the interest rate during the period from July 7, 2025 to the date that financial statements and a compliance certificate are delivered for the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2026 (such period, the “Third Amendment Period”), (vii) changed the commitment fee payment during the Third Amendment Period, (viii) extended, through the maturity date, the requirement to provide monthly financial statements to the lenders, (ix) restricted or decreased, during the Third Amendment Period, the amount of certain exceptions to covenants restricting liens on, investments by and indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, (x) limited to $2.5 million, in any fiscal quarter during the Third Amendment Period, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries, while allowing under that general basket exceptions up to an aggregate of $25 million of restricted payments during any other period, (xi) extended, through the maturity date, an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement contained in the Second Amendment such that if we have cash on hand in the U.S. (subject to certain exceptions) of more than $65 million for 10 consecutive business days, we will be required to prepay the indebtedness under the credit facility by the amount of such excess, (xii) eliminated, during the Third Amendment Period, the investment, restricted payment and indebtedness baskets that had allowed for unlimited investments, restricted payments and indebtedness, as applicable, so long as (among other requirements) the Company met certain pro forma consolidated leverage ratio tests and (xiii) waived any default or event of default that may have occurred due to non-compliance with the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant and the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2025 as calculated using the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” that was in effect before giving effect to the Third Amendment.
As of August 2, 2025, the Company was not in compliance with a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries contained in the Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment) for the quarter ended August 2, 2025. On September 8, 2025, the Company entered into a Waiver Letter (the “Waiver Letter”) among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto. Among other things, the Waiver Letter (i) acknowledged that an event of default under the Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment) occurred as the result of the Company making approximately $2.8 million of restricted payments during the quarter ended August 2, 2025, which was in excess of the $2.5 million general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries during the quarter ended August 2, 2025, (ii) reduced, for the quarter ending November 1, 2025, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries by the amount of excess restricted payments made during the quarter ended August 2, 2025 (which change reduced such basket exception from $2.5 million to approximately $2.2 million for the quarter ending November 1, 2025), and (iii) waived the acknowledged event of default.
The Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, the Third Amendment and the Waiver Letter is referred to herein as the “Amended Credit Agreement.”
The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a secured multicurrency revolving credit facility of $400 million and matures on October 31, 2027.
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The Second Amendment was accounted for as a debt modification, which resulted in a non-cash loss of $1.2 million in fiscal 2025 related to the partial write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs as a result of the reduction in the credit facility size from $750 million to $500 million in the Second Amendment (subsequently reduced further in the Third Amendment). The non-cash loss was recognized in other expense, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $1.8 million associated with the Second Amendment which were capitalized and, along with the current unamortized debt issuance costs, are being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over remaining term of the Amended Credit Agreement.
The Third Amendment was accounted for as a debt modification, which resulted in a non-cash loss of $0.6 million in fiscal 2026 related to the partial write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs as a result of the reduction in the credit facility size. The non-cash loss was recognized in other expense, net in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the Company incurred debt issuance costs of $1.6 million associated with the Third Amendment which were capitalized and, along with the current unamortized debt issuance costs, are being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over remaining term of the Amended Credit Agreement.
Loans denominated in U.S. dollars under the Amended Credit Agreement bear interest at either (a) an adjusted base rate or (b) an adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) rate or term SOFR daily floating rate (in each case, as determined in accordance with the provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement) in each case plus an additional applicable rate (the “Applicable Rate”) ranging (subject to the last sentence of this paragraph) between 0.375% and 2.00%, in the case of adjusted base rate loans, and between 1.375% and 3.00%, in the case of adjusted term SOFR rate loans and term SOFR daily floating rate loans. Loans denominated (a) in euros will bear interest at the Euro Interbank Offered Rate, (b) in pounds sterling will bear interest at the Sterling Overnight Index Average Reference Rate, (c) in Singapore dollars will bear interest at the Singapore Interbank Offered Rate, (d) in Canadian dollars will bear interest at the forward-looking term rate based on the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average and (e) in Hong Kong dollars will bear interest at the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate (in each case, as determined in accordance with the provisions of the Amended Credit Agreement), in each case plus an Applicable Rate ranging (subject to the last sentence of this paragraph) between 1.375% and 3.00%. The Applicable Rate is set based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, except that during the Third Amendment Period, the Applicable Rate shall be (x) 3.50% in the case of adjusted term SOFR rate loans, term SOFR daily floating rate loans and any loans denominated in a foreign currency and (y) 2.50% in the case of adjusted base rate loans, in each case regardless of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio.
As of May 2, 2026, the outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility was $326.4 million, which included $299.4 million (€255.3 million) of euro-denominated borrowings and $27 million of U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties, financial covenants (including covenants requiring us to maintain compliance with a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, in each case as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company), restrictive and other covenants, and events of default. The covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement include an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, as discussed above.
For further information about the Amended Credit Agreement, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. As of May 2, 2026, we were in compliance with all the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement.
Although we currently anticipate, based on our current projections and analyses, that we will be in compliance with the amended financial covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, no assurance can be given that we will be and remain in compliance with such covenants in the future. Factors that could increase our risk of future non-compliance include those identified in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2026 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (52 Weeks) | (53 Weeks) | ||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (35.7 | ) | $ | (62.6 | ) | ||
| Non-cash items | 67.9 | 85.3 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 5.8 | 3.7 | ||||||
| Net cash provided (used) by operating activities | 38.0 | 26.4 | ||||||
| Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | 1.3 | (32.9 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | (14.2 | ) | (58.9 | ) | ||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 10.9 | 7.5 | ||||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 36.0 | (57.9 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 103.6 | 161.5 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 139.6 | $ | 103.6 |
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Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $11.6 million to $38.0 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $26.4 million in fiscal 2025. The increase was due to higher cash inflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities and lower net loss adjusted for non-cash items.
Investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities was $1.3 million in fiscal 2026, compared to net cash used by investing activities of $32.9 million in fiscal 2025. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2026 were $22.4 million, compared to $41.6 million in fiscal 2025. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we divested the dataMate business and received cash proceeds of $15.2 million. Additionally, we received $5.3 million of cash proceeds from the sale of non-core assets in fiscal 2026 compared to $5.6 million in fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2025, we received proceeds of $3.1 million from the settlement of a net investment hedge.
Financing activities
Net cash used by financing activities was $14.2 million in fiscal 2026, compared to $58.9 million in fiscal 2025. Cash dividends of $8.3 million were paid in fiscal 2026, compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2026, there were net repayments of borrowings of $2.7 million, compared to net repayments of borrowings of $30.6 million in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2026, taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards was $1.4 million, compared to $4.3 million in fiscal 2025. In fiscal 2026, debt issuance costs paid were $1.6 million, compared to $1.8 million in fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2025, cash paid for share repurchases was $1.6 million.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant known contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of May 2, 2026:
| Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 0.4 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.1 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 25.0 | 9.3 | 10.4 | 3.5 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (1) | 325.0 | 0.2 | 324.2 | 0.6 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest on debt (2) | 34.6 | 23.8 | 10.8 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 8.8 | 8.8 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 393.8 | $ | 42.3 | $ | 345.5 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 1.8 |
(1) Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in October 2027.
(2) Based on interest rates in effect as of May 2, 2026 (including the interest rate swap).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect reported amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in developing estimates, actual results in future periods could differ from the original estimates. We believe that of the significant accounting policies described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, the following involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty.
Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment during the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate goodwill might be impaired. The assessment of impairment may first consider qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior quantitative tests performed, changes in the carrying amount of the reporting unit, recent and projected financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount.
For the quantitative assessment, we utilize either, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method, and the market approach uses valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The most significant inputs in estimating the fair value of a reporting unit under the income approach are (i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margin, (ii) revenue growth rates, and (iii) the discount rate. Management’s estimates of EBITDA margins and revenue growth rates take into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. The discount rate is based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. Projected EBITDA margins and revenue growth rates, especially in the outer years of a forecast, involve a greater degree of uncertainty. Further, a future change in the discount rate, as a result of a change in economic conditions or otherwise, could result in the carrying values of the reporting units exceeding their respective fair values.
While we believe the assumptions and estimates used to determine the estimated fair values are reasonable, due to the many variables inherent in estimating fair value and the relative size of the goodwill, differences in assumptions could have a material effect on the results of our analysis.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for our Grakon Industrial and Nordic Lights reporting units. Based on this analysis, we determined that the fair value of both of these reporting units was in excess of their carrying values. The fair value of the Nordic Lights reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 10%, whereas the Grakon Industrial reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%. Refer to Note 7, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets”, in our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We monitor our long-lived and definite-lived intangible assets for impairment indicators on an on-going basis. If an impairment indicator exists, we test the long-lived asset group for recoverability by comparing the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the long-lived asset group to its net carrying value. If the net carrying value of the asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the asset group is written down to its fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. Even if an impairment charge is not recognized, a reassessment of the useful lives over which depreciation or amortization is being recognized may be appropriate based on our assessment of the recoverability of these assets.
The basis of a recoverability test is our annual budget and long-range plan. This includes a projection of future cash flows based on new products, awarded business, customer commitments, and independent market data, which requires us to make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows and revenue growth rates. The key factors that affect our estimates are (i) future production estimates; (ii) customer preferences and decisions; (iii) product pricing; (iv) manufacturing and material cost estimates; and (v) product life / business retention. These estimates and assumptions are subject to a high degree of uncertainty affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts.
While we believe the projections of anticipated future cash flows and related assumptions are reasonable, differences in assumptions could have a material effect on the results of our analysis.
Income taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results.
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The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of May 2, 2026, we had a valuation allowance of $21.1 million. In the event our operating performance improves or deteriorates in a filing jurisdiction or entity, future assessments could conclude a smaller or larger valuation allowance will be needed. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may be materially different from the current estimate.
Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2025 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-25-094822.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Overview
Our Business
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.
Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment and consumer appliance. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial and Interface. We reported a fourth segment, Medical, through fiscal 2024. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1, “Business” of this Annual Report.
Trends Affecting Our Business
The following trends significantly have and may continue to impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. See the risk factors identified under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report for more information.
Trade Policy/Tariffs
We are exposed to market risk with respect to duties currently assessed on raw materials, component parts and finished goods we import into the U.S. Since February 1, 2025 and up to the date of this Annual Report, the U.S. has announced and implemented various tariffs, including:
•
25% tariff on imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts into the U.S. from all countries. Automobile parts that meet specific rules of origin under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) are currently exempt, however it is possible that this exemption may be modified to only include the portion of U.S. content in the automobile part.
•
50% tariff on imports of steel and certain steel derivatives into the U.S.
•
25% tariff on imports of aluminum and certain aluminum derivatives into the U.S.
•
Reciprocal tariffs on most imports (currently 10% for most countries).
•
Incremental 20% tariff on all imports from China into the U.S.
Although the U.S. tariffs did not have a material impact on our operating performance in fiscal 2025, the current situation is dynamic and we are continuing to assess the full implications of the changing international trade environment. Given our sizable manufacturing operations in Mexico, China, Europe and Canada, should these tariffs persist or expand, raw materials and finished goods that we import will face higher prices, which could lead to reduced margins or increased prices that could, in turn, cause decreased customer demand. We continue to monitor similar actions by other countries with which we do business. Other countries have and may continue to impose retaliatory tariffs on goods imported into their countries from the U.S. We will seek price increases from our customers to offset these incremental costs. To the extent that we are unable to obtain price increases, the impact of new or higher tariffs could have a material impact on our results of operations.
Macroeconomic Conditions
The global economy continues to experience volatile disruptions including to the commodity, labor and transportation markets, arising from a combination of geopolitical events and various economic and financial factors. These disruptions have affected our operations and may continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of continued inflation, we have implemented measures to mitigate certain adverse effects of higher costs. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our costs to our customers, which will likely continue in the future.
Our business in the future will be impacted by the broad trend of electrification. The adoption of EVs has been slower than anticipated, which may impact our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, there are various government policies, subsidies, and economic incentives designed to increase EV adoption. There is no guarantee these incentive programs will be available in the future.
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Although we saw improvements in our supply chain in fiscal 2025, including easing of the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage, new supply chain disruptions may occur in the future. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. Changes in government regulations in areas including, but not limited to, trade and tariff regulations as noted above, could also increase our costs. We continue to work closely with suppliers and customers to minimize the potential adverse impact from global supply chain disruptions. However, if we are not able to mitigate any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions, this may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Consolidated Results of Operations
A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on July 11, 2024
The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024:
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,048.1 | $ | 1,114.5 | ||||
| Cost of products sold | 884.7 | 935.7 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 163.4 | 178.8 | ||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 163.9 | 160.9 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | — | 105.9 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 23.4 | 24.0 | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 22.0 | 16.7 | ||||||
| Other expense (income), net | 4.2 | (0.6 | ) | |||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 12.5 | (4.8 | ) | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (62.6 | ) | $ | (123.3 | ) |
Net sales
Net sales decreased $66.4 million, or 6.0%, to $1,048.1 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $1,114.5 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales in the Automotive segment and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $0.7 million, partially offset by higher sales in the Industrial segment. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales decreased $65.7 million, or 5.9%.
Cost of products sold
Cost of products sold decreased $51.0 million, or 5.5%, to $884.7 million (84.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2025, compared to $935.7 million (84.0% of net sales) in fiscal 2024. Foreign currency translation decreased cost of products sold by $0.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold decreased $51.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower material and freight costs as a result of a decrease in sales volumes, lower premium freight and lower restructuring costs, partially offset by higher inventory obsolescence expense of $10.0 million. Restructuring and impairment charges included within cost of products sold were $1.1 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $1.7 million in fiscal 2024.
Gross profit margin
Gross profit margin was 15.6% of net sales in fiscal 2025, compared to 16.0% of net sales in fiscal 2024. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily a result of higher inventory obsolescence expense, partially offset by favorable product mix from higher sales in the Industrial segment.
Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $3.0 million, or 1.9%, to $163.9 million (15.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2025, compared to $160.9 million (14.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses increased $3.1 million. The increase was primarily due to higher professional fees and stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by lower cash incentive compensation and salary expense and lower restructuring costs. Professional fees in fiscal 2025 include $9.8 million for consulting and interim executive services provided by AlixPartners. Stock-based compensation expense was higher due to a $3.6 million reversal of expense due to forfeitures in fiscal 2024 as well as new awards in fiscal 2025. Restructuring and impairment charges included within selling and administrative expenses were $1.6 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $2.0 million in fiscal 2024.
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Goodwill impairment
In fiscal 2024, we recognized goodwill impairment of $105.9 million in the Automotive segment. For further information, see Note 6, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.6 million, or 2.5%, to $23.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $24.0 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was a result of fully amortizing a portion of intangible assets.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $22.0 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $16.7 million in fiscal 2024. The increase was due to higher borrowing rates.
Other expense (income), net
Other expense, net was $4.2 million in fiscal 2025, compared to other income, net of $0.6 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was due to higher foreign exchange losses and lower net gains on sale of assets, partially offset by higher international government assistance.
Net foreign exchange loss was $5.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $2.2 million in fiscal 2024. Net foreign exchange losses were higher in fiscal 2025 due to lower efficiency in our foreign currency balance sheet remeasurement hedging program. Net gains on sale of assets was $0.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $2.6 million in fiscal 2024. The net gain on sale of assets in fiscal 2024 included a $2.4 million gain on the sale of the company aircraft.
In fiscal 2025, we received $2.2 million of international government assistance, compared to $0.5 million in fiscal 2024. In addition, other expense, net in fiscal 2025 includes a non-cash write-off of $1.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs.
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income tax expense was $12.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared to income tax benefit of $4.8 million in fiscal 2024. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2025 differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to an increase in a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and an unfavorable impact from global intangible low-tax income, partially offset by a decrease in tax reserves. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2024 differs from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to income derived from foreign operations with lower statutory tax rates and research deductions claimed in foreign jurisdictions, partially offset by non-deductible goodwill impairment, withholding taxes and global intangible low-tax income.
Net loss
Net loss was $62.6 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $123.3 million in fiscal 2024. The net loss was a result of the reasons described above.
Operating Segments
Automotive
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 237.1 | $ | 265.6 | ||||
| Europe, the Middle East & Africa (“EMEA”) | 239.5 | 216.2 | ||||||
| Asia | 32.3 | 116.4 | ||||||
| Net sales | 508.9 | 598.2 | ||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 4.7 | $ | 30.4 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 0.9 | % | 5.1 | % | ||||
| Loss from operations | $ | (47.7 | ) | $ | (140.2 | ) | ||
| As a percent of net sales | (9.4 | )% | (23.4 | )% |
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Net sales
Automotive segment net sales decreased $89.3 million, or 14.9%, to $508.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $598.2 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales decreased $88.9 million, or 14.8%.
Net sales in North America decreased $28.5 million, or 10.7%, to $237.1 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $265.6 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was due to the roll-off of legacy programs, partially offset by new program launches. Net sales in EMEA increased $23.3 million, or 10.8%, to $239.5 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $216.2 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales in EMEA increased $23.5 million primarily due to new program launches, partially offset by lower sales volumes of sensor products. Net sales in Asia decreased $84.1 million, or 72.3%, to $32.3 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $116.4 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales in Asia decreased $83.9 million primarily due to a program roll-off and lower sales volumes of lead frame products.
Gross profit
Automotive segment gross profit decreased $25.7 million, or 84.5%, to $4.7 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $30.4 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $25.0 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 0.9% in fiscal 2025, from 5.1% in fiscal 2024. The decrease in gross profit was due to lower sales volumes in North America and Asia, higher inventory obsolescence expense, higher salary expense and higher warranty expense, partially offset by lower freight costs.
Loss from operations
Automotive segment loss from operations was $47.7 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $140.2 million in fiscal 2024. Loss from operations in fiscal 2024 included goodwill impairment of $105.9 million. Excluding goodwill impairment and the impact of foreign currency translation, loss from operations increased $12.7 million. The increase was primarily due to lower gross profit, partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to lower compensation expense, outbound freight and travel and entertainment expense.
Industrial
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 487.4 | $ | 460.1 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 144.2 | $ | 137.7 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 29.6 | % | 29.9 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 90.0 | $ | 88.8 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 18.5 | % | 19.3 | % |
Net sales
Industrial segment net sales increased $27.3 million, or 5.9%, to $487.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $460.1 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales increased $27.6 million, or 6.0%. The increase was due to higher sales volumes of power distribution products for data centers, partially offset by lower sales volumes for lighting products in the commercial vehicle and off-road equipment markets.
Gross profit
Industrial segment gross profit increased $6.5 million, or 4.7%, to $144.2 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $137.7 million in fiscal 2024. Excluding foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $6.8 million. Gross profit improved due to higher sales volumes and lower salary and freight expense. Gross profit margins slightly decreased to 29.6% in fiscal 2025, compared to 29.9% in fiscal 2024 due to product mix.
Income from operations
Industrial segment income from operations increased $1.2 million, or 1.4%, to $90.0 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $88.8 million in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher selling and administrative expenses. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher legal fees and compensation expense.
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Interface
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 51.8 | $ | 53.8 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 12.7 | $ | 10.3 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 24.5 | % | 19.1 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 10.3 | $ | 6.9 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 19.9 | % | 12.8 | % |
Net sales
Interface segment net sales decreased $2.0 million, or 3.7%, to $51.8 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $53.8 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes of transceivers for servers.
Gross profit
Interface segment gross profit increased $2.4 million, or 23.3%, to $12.7 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2024. Gross profit margin increased to 24.5% in fiscal 2025, from 19.1% in fiscal 2024. The improvement was primarily due to higher gross margins from touch panels for appliances.
Income from operations
Interface segment income from operations increased $3.4 million, or 49.3%, to $10.3 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $6.9 million in fiscal 2024. The increase was due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses, primarily salary expense.
Medical
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | — | $ | 2.4 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | — | $ | (0.2 | ) | |||
| Loss from operations | $ | — | $ | (3.0 | ) |
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we made the decision to initiate the discontinuation of the Dabir Surfaces business (which accounts for all of the Medical segment’s financial results). Towards the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we sold certain assets of the Dabir Surfaces business and have now exited this business, which accounts for the variances in the table above.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior secured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressure or other geopolitical risks, or if we are unable to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.
At May 3, 2025, we had $103.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $78.2 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.
Repurchases of Common Stock
On March 31, 2021, as subsequently amended on June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 14, 2024 (the “2021 Buyback Authorization”). On June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new share buyback authorization, commencing on June 17, 2024, for the purchase of up to $200.0 million (the “2024 Buyback Authorization”) of our outstanding common stock through June 17, 2026. Purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of May 3, 2025, a total of 3,553,961 shares had been purchased under the 2021 Buyback Authorization at a total cost of $134.6 million since the commencement of that authorization. As of May 3, 2025, $200.0 million remained available under the 2024 Buyback Authorization to repurchase shares. Upon adoption of the 2024 Buyback Authorization, no further repurchases can be made under the 2021 Buyback Authorization.
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Amended Credit Agreement
On October 31, 2022, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. On March 6, 2024, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) and on July 9, 2024, we entered into a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Guaranty (the “Second Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto.
Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) reduced the revolving credit commitments from $750 million to $500 million (which commitments were subsequently further reduced, as discussed below), (ii) granted a security interest in substantially all of the personal property of the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries that are guarantors, including 100% of the equity interests of their respective U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests of their respective foreign subsidiaries (or such greater amount to the extent such pledge could not reasonably cause adverse tax consequences), (iii) amended the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for each quarter in fiscal 2025 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (iv) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ending July 27, 2024 and each subsequent fiscal quarter to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (v) amended certain interest rate provisions, (vi) added a requirement to provide monthly financial statements to the lenders through the period ending August 2, 2025, (vii) decreased the general basket exceptions to certain covenants restricting certain investments by, liens on and indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries for specified periods of time, (viii) increased, for fiscal 2025, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain dispositions of property by the Company and its subsidiaries, (ix) added an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, applicable during the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the earlier to occur of (a) the delivery of financial statements and a compliance certificate for the fiscal quarter ending August 2, 2025 and (b) the delivery of compliance certificates for two consecutive fiscal quarters demonstrating that the our consolidated leverage ratio as of the last day of such fiscal quarters was less than 3.00:1.00, that if we have cash on hand in the U.S. (subject to certain exceptions) of more than $65 million for 10 consecutive business days, we shall prepay the indebtedness under the credit facility by the amount of such excess and (x) made certain other changes to the investment, restricted payment and indebtedness baskets.
As of May 3, 2025, we were not in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio covenants contained in the Credit Agreement (as amended by the First Amendment and Second Amendment) for the quarter ended May 3, 2025. On July 7, 2025, we entered into a Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto. Among other things, the Third Amendment (i) reduced the revolving credit commitments from $500 million to $400 million, (ii) eliminated our option to increase the revolving credit commitments and/or add one or more tranches of term loans under the credit facility from time to time subject to certain limitations and conditions including approval of certain lenders, (iii) amended the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for the quarters ending August 2, 2025, November 1, 2025, January 31, 2026 and May 2, 2026 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (iv) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarters ending August 2, 2025, November 1, 2025, January 31, 2026, May 2, 2026 and August 1, 2026 to relax that covenant to some extent for each of those quarters, (v) amended the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA,” to include an add back for a portion of the inventory write-down taken in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, (vi) increased the interest rate during the period from July 7, 2025 to the date that financial statements and a compliance certificate are delivered for the fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2026 (such period, the “Third Amendment Period”), (vii) changed the commitment fee payment during the Third Amendment Period, (viii) extended, through the maturity date, the requirement to provide monthly financial statements to the lenders, (ix) restricted or decreased, during the Third Amendment Period, the amount of certain exceptions to covenants restricting liens on, investments by and indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries, (x) limited to $2.5 million, in any fiscal quarter during the Third Amendment Period, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries, while allowing under that general basket exceptions up to an aggregate of $25 million of restricted payments during any other period, (xi) extended, through the maturity date, the “anti-cash hoarding” requirement (described above), (xii) eliminated, during the Third Amendment Period, the investment, restricted payment and indebtedness baskets that had allowed for unlimited investments, restricted payments and indebtedness, as applicable, so long as (among other requirements) we met certain pro forma consolidated leverage ratio tests and (xiii) waived any default or event of default that may have occurred due to non-compliance with the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant and the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended May 3, 2025 as calculated using the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA” that was in effect before giving effect to the Third Amendment. Following the effectiveness of the Third Amendment, we were in compliance with our consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant and our consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended May 3, 2025.
The Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment is referred to herein as the “Amended Credit Agreement.” The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a secured multicurrency revolving credit facility of $400 million. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on October 31, 2027.
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As of May 3, 2025, the outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility was $319.4 million, which included $226.4 million (€200.3 million) of euro-denominated borrowings and $93.0 million of U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties, financial covenants (including covenants requiring us to maintain compliance with a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, in each case as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company), restrictive and other covenants, and events of default. The covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement include an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, as discussed above.
For further information about the Amended Credit Agreement, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. As of May 3, 2025, after giving effect to the Third Amendment, we were in compliance with all the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement.
Although we currently anticipate, based on our current projections and analyses, that we will be in compliance with the amended financial covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, no assurance can be given that we will be and remain in compliance with such covenants in the future. Factors that could increase our risk of future non-compliance include those identified in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | April 27, 2024 | |||||||
| (in millions) | (53 Weeks) | (52 Weeks) | ||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (62.6 | ) | $ | (123.3 | ) | ||
| Non-cash items | 85.3 | 157.4 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 3.7 | 13.4 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 26.4 | 47.5 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (32.9 | ) | (17.5 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (58.9 | ) | (18.9 | ) | ||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 7.5 | (6.6 | ) | |||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (57.9 | ) | 4.5 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 161.5 | 157.0 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 103.6 | $ | 161.5 |
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $21.1 million to $26.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $47.5 million in fiscal 2024. The decrease was due to lower cash inflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities and lower net income adjusted for non-cash items. The $3.7 million of cash inflows for operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to lower accounts receivable, partially offset by higher inventory.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $32.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $17.5 million in fiscal 2024. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2025 were $41.6 million, compared to $50.2 million in fiscal 2024. We received $5.6 million of cash from the sale of assets in fiscal 2025 compared to $21.3 million in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, we received proceeds of $3.1 million from the settlement of a net investment hedge, compared to $0.6 million fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2024, we redeemed life insurance policies and received cash proceeds of $10.8 million.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $58.9 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $18.9 million in fiscal 2024. We paid cash dividends of $20.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $19.9 million in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, we had net repayments of borrowings of $30.6 million, compared to net proceeds from borrowings of $30.7 million in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2025, we paid $1.8 million of debt issuance costs, compared to $1.1 million in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2024, we paid $10.9 million to redeem a noncontrolling interest. In fiscal 2025, we paid $1.6 million of cash for share repurchases, compared to $13.7 million in fiscal 2024.
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Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant known contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of May 3, 2025:
| Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.3 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 28.6 | 8.3 | 13.1 | 4.2 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (1) | 320.7 | 0.2 | 319.8 | 0.4 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest on debt (2) | 51.9 | 20.8 | 20.9 | 10.2 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 9.4 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 411.1 | $ | 31.0 | $ | 356.0 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 8.4 |
(1) Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in October 2027.
(2) Based on interest rates in effect as of May 3, 2025 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. To the extent that there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. We believe that of the significant accounting policies described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, the following involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty.
Goodwill. As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more frequently if a triggering event indicates that an impairment may exist. The assessment of impairment may first consider qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior quantitative tests performed, changes in the carrying amount of the reporting unit, recent and projected financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount.
For the quantitative assessment, we utilize either, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margin, taking into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. We calculate the discount rate based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. Revenue growth rates and EBITDA margin, especially in the outer years of a forecast, involve a greater degree of uncertainty. Further, a future change in the discount rate, as a result of a change in economic conditions or otherwise, could result in the carrying values of the reporting units exceeding their respective fair values.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, we performed a quantitative goodwill impairment analysis for our Grakon Industrial and Nordic Lights reporting units. Based on this analysis, we determined that the fair value of both of these reporting units was in excess of its carrying value. However, as noted in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, the fair value of the Nordic Lights reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%. We performed a sensitivity analysis for the significant assumptions used in the goodwill impairment testing analysis for the Nordic Lights reporting unit as follows:
•
A hypothetical increase in the discount rate of 100 basis points would result in goodwill impairment of approximately $7.3 million;
•
A hypothetical decrease in revenues of approximately 6% from fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2028 would result in goodwill impairment of approximately $5.3 million; and
•
A hypothetical decrease of forecasted EBITDA margins of 100 basis points over the entire forecast period would result in goodwill impairment of approximately $3.3 million.
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The sensitivities above were calculated in isolation using the income approach and keeping all other assumptions constant. The cash flow sensitivities do not consider the offsetting impact of a lower discount rate assumption to reflect the reduced risk in estimated future cash flow growth used under the income approach or the related impacts on pricing multiples used under the market approach.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated future undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over its fair value. Assumptions and estimates about future values and the remaining useful lives are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts.
Income taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of May 3, 2025, we had a valuation allowance of $20.7 million. In the event our operating performance improves or deteriorates in a filing jurisdiction or entity, future assessments could conclude a smaller or larger valuation allowance will be needed. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may be materially different from the current estimate.
Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-24-082852.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Overview
Our Business
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.
Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment and consumer appliance. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1, “Business” of this Annual Report.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we made the decision to initiate the discontinuation of the Dabir Surfaces business in the Medical segment. In October 2023, we sold certain assets of the Dabir Surfaces business, and no longer operate this business. For further information, see Note 3, “Acquisition and Disposition” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
On April 20, 2023, we acquired 92.2% of the outstanding shares of Nordic Lights. We acquired the remaining 7.8% of the outstanding shares of Nordic Lights in fiscal 2024. Accordingly, as of April 27, 2024, we own 100% of Nordic Lights. The results of operations of Nordic Lights are reported within the Industrial segment from the date of acquisition and were immaterial for fiscal 2023. See Note 3, “Acquisition and Disposition” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.
On June 25, 2024, we announced the appointment of Jon DeGaynor as our new President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning July 15, 2024. Mr. DeGaynor, age 58, currently serves as non-employee Executive Chairman of Racing and Performance, Inc., an automotive performance systems supplier in the aftermarket space. He previously served as President and CEO of Stoneridge, Inc., a publicly traded global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic systems, components, and modules for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets, from 2015 to 2023.
Trends Affecting Our Business
The following trends significantly impact the indicators discussed above, as well as our business and operating results. See the risk factors identified under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report for more information.
Macroeconomic Conditions
The global economy continues to experience volatile disruptions including to the commodity, labor and transportation markets, arising from a combination of geopolitical events and various economic and financial factors. These disruptions have affected our operations and may continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of continued inflation, we have implemented measures to mitigate certain adverse effects of higher costs. However, we have been unable to fully mitigate or pass through the increases in our costs to our customers, which will likely continue in the future.
Geopolitical Conditions
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting economic sanctions imposed by the international community impacted the global economy and gave rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. Given our manufacturing operations in the Middle East and Asia, the continuation of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the escalation or expansion of the Israel-Hamas war, or renewed terrorist attacks on Red Sea shipping, such as those by the Houthi, could lead to other supply chain disruptions, increased inflationary pressures, and volatility in global markets and industries that could negatively impact our operations. The full impact of the conflicts on our business operations and financial performance remains uncertain and will depend on future developments, including the severity and duration of the conflicts and their impact on regional and global economic conditions. We will continue to monitor the conflicts and assess the related restrictions and other effects on our employees, customers, suppliers and business.
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Although we saw improvements in our supply chain in fiscal 2024, including easing of the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage, new supply chain disruptions may occur in the future. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. We continue to work closely with suppliers and customers to minimize the potential adverse impact from global supply chain disruptions. However, if we are not able to mitigate any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions, this may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Consolidated Results of Operations
A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 27, 2023.
The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023:
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,114.5 | $ | 1,179.6 | ||||
| Cost of products sold | 935.7 | 915.5 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 178.8 | 264.1 | ||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 160.9 | 154.9 | ||||||
| Goodwill impairment | 105.9 | — | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 24.0 | 18.8 | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 16.7 | 2.7 | ||||||
| Other income, net | (0.6 | ) | (2.4 | ) | ||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (4.8 | ) | 13.0 | |||||
| Net (loss) income | (123.3 | ) | 77.1 | |||||
| Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | ||||||
| Net (loss) income attributable to Methode | $ | (123.3 | ) | $ | 77.1 |
Net sales
Net sales decreased $65.1 million, or 5.5%, to $1,114.5 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $1,179.6 million in fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales in the Automotive segment, partially offset by the acquisition of Nordic Lights, which contributed $85.1 million of net sales to the Industrial segment, and favorable foreign currency translation of $4.3 million. Net sales included customer cost recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $2.2 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $20.9 million in in fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of Nordic Lights, foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $135.8 million, or 11.7%.
Cost of products sold
Cost of products sold increased $20.2 million, or 2.2%, to $935.7 million (84.0% of net sales) in fiscal 2024, compared to $915.5 million (77.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2023. The acquisition of Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation accounted for $62.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of the increase. Excluding Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation, cost of products sold decreased $45.4 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower material costs as a result of a decrease in sales volumes, partially offset by higher wages, product launch costs, freight and restructuring and impairment charges. Restructuring and impairment charges included within cost of products sold were $1.7 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2023.
Gross profit margin
Gross profit margin was 16.0% of net sales in fiscal 2024, compared to 22.4% of net sales in fiscal 2023. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily a result of lower sales and operational inefficiencies in the Automotive segment. The operational inefficiencies were caused mainly by planning deficiencies, inventory shortages, unrecoverable spot purchases and premium freight, and delayed shipments.
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Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $6.0 million, or 3.9%, to $160.9 million (14.4% of net sales) in fiscal 2024, compared to $154.9 million (13.1% of net sales) in fiscal 2023. The acquisition of Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation accounted for $9.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of the increase. Excluding Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses decreased $5.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower acquisition costs related to Nordic Lights and lower stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by higher professional fees and restructuring and impairment charges. In fiscal 2024, acquisition costs for Nordic Lights were $0.5 million, compared to $6.8 million in fiscal 2023. Stock-based compensation expense was lower due to a $3.6 million reversal of expense due to forfeitures in fiscal 2024 and a reduction in the number of restricted stock units subject to expense in fiscal 2024. The increase in professional fees was due to higher audit and consulting fees. Restructuring and impairment charges included within selling and administrative expenses were $2.0 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $0.5 million in fiscal 2023.
Goodwill impairment
In fiscal 2024, we recognized goodwill impairment of $105.9 million in the Automotive segment. For further information, see Note 6, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of intangibles increased $5.2 million, or 27.7%, to $24.0 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $18.8 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was due to the recognition of amortization expense associated with the acquisition of Nordic Lights.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $16.7 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $2.7 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was due to higher borrowings and increased interest rates.
Other income, net
Other income, net was $0.6 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $2.4 million in fiscal 2023. The decrease was due to lower international government assistance, partially offset by net gains on sale of assets and lower foreign exchange losses.
In fiscal 2024, we received $0.5 million of international government assistance, compared to $9.7 million in fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2023 international government assistance includes $6.3 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic and $3.4 million related to maintaining certain employment levels.
The net gain on sale of assets included a $2.4 million gain on sale of the company aircraft and a $0.6 million loss on the sale of certain assets of Dabir Surfaces.
Net foreign exchange loss was $2.2 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $7.1 million in fiscal 2023. Net foreign exchange losses were lower in fiscal 2024 due to higher efficiency in our foreign currency balance sheet remeasurement hedging program. In addition, net foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2023 included the recognition of $2.1 million of a foreign exchange loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as the result of a reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary.
Income tax (benefit) expense
Income tax benefit was $4.8 million in fiscal 2024, compared to income tax expense of $13.0 million in fiscal 2023. Our effective tax rate decreased to 3.7% in fiscal 2024, compared to 14.4% in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, the effective tax rate was favorably impacted by pre-tax losses in operations, the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates of $5.1 million and research and development expenditures of $1.5 million. These were partially offset by non-deductible goodwill impairments of $22.7 million, withholding taxes of $3.2 million, and U.S. tax on foreign income of $3.5 million of which global intangible low-tax income is the main component. In fiscal 2023, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates and a tax benefit of $7.3 million associated with the reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary, partially offset by a reduction in foreign investment tax credits of $5.0 million and non-deductible acquisition costs of $1.4 million.
Net (loss) income
Net loss was $123.3 million in fiscal 2024, compared to net income of $77.1 million in fiscal 2023. The acquisition of Nordic Lights contributed $3.9 million of net income and the impact of foreign currency translation increased net income by $0.3 million. Excluding Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation, net income decreased $204.3 million as a result of the reasons described above.
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Operating Segments
Automotive
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 265.6 | $ | 349.0 | ||||
| Europe, the Middle East & Africa (“EMEA”) | 216.2 | 231.2 | ||||||
| Asia | 116.4 | 156.0 | ||||||
| Net sales | 598.2 | 736.2 | ||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 30.4 | $ | 126.2 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 5.1 | % | 17.1 | % | ||||
| (Loss) income from operations | $ | (140.2 | ) | $ | 67.0 | |||
| As a percent of net sales | (23.4 | )% | 9.1 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries: | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 0.1 | $ | 9.7 | ||||
| EMEA | 0.9 | 3.7 | ||||||
| Asia | — | 0.6 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 1.0 | $ | 14.0 |
Net sales
Automotive segment net sales decreased $138.0 million, or 18.7%, to $598.2 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $736.2 million in fiscal 2023. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $127.7 million, or 17.7%.
Net sales in North America decreased $83.4 million, or 23.9%, to $265.6 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $349.0 million in fiscal 2023. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $73.8 million primarily due to lower sales volumes from program roll-offs, including a major center console program. Net sales in EMEA decreased $15.0 million, or 6.5%, to $216.2 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $231.2 million in fiscal 2023. The stronger euro, relative to the U.S. dollar, increased net sales in EMEA by $7.6 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in EMEA decreased $19.8 million primarily due to lower sales volumes of sensor products. Net sales in Asia decreased $39.6 million, or 25.4%, to $116.4 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $156.0 million in fiscal 2023. The weaker Chinese renminbi, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in Asia by $4.9 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in Asia decreased $34.1 million primarily due to a program roll-off and lower overhead console sales volumes.
Gross profit
Automotive segment gross profit decreased $95.8 million, or 75.9%, to $30.4 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $126.2 million in fiscal 2023. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $96.7 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 5.1% in fiscal 2024, from 17.1% in fiscal 2023. The decrease in gross profit margins was due to lower sales volumes, increased costs for product launches, and operational inefficiencies in North America which led to planning deficiencies, inventory shortages, unrecoverable spot purchases and premium freight.
(Loss) income from operations
Automotive segment loss from operations was $140.2 million in fiscal 2024, compared to income from operations of $67.0 million in fiscal 2023. Loss from operations in fiscal 2024 includes goodwill impairment of $105.9 million. Excluding goodwill impairment and the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations decreased $101.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and slightly higher selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased due to higher salary and incentive compensation expense, and outbound freight expense.
Industrial
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 460.1 | $ | 384.9 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 137.7 | $ | 127.8 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 29.9 | % | 33.2 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 88.8 | $ | 93.1 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 19.3 | % | 24.2 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries | $ | 0.8 | $ | 4.7 |
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Net sales
Industrial segment net sales increased $75.2 million, or 19.5%, to $460.1 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $384.9 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Nordic Lights, which contributed $85.1 million of net sales, and favorable foreign currency translation of $1.6 million, partially offset by lower customer cost recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $3.9 million. Excluding the impact of Nordic Lights, foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $7.6 million, or 2.0%, primarily due to lower demand for power distribution products in the electric vehicle and data center markets and lower sales volumes of commercial vehicle lighting solutions products.
Gross profit
Industrial segment gross profit increased $9.9 million, or 7.7%, to $137.7 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $127.8 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was due to the acquisition of Nordic Lights, which contributed $22.5 million of gross profit, and $0.4 million of favorable foreign currency translation. Excluding the impact of Nordic Lights and foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $13.0 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 29.9% in fiscal 2024, compared to 33.2% in fiscal 2023. Gross profit margins were impacted by lower sales volumes and higher operating expenses.
Income from operations
Industrial segment income from operations decreased $4.3 million, or 4.6%, to $88.8 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $93.1 million in fiscal 2023. The acquisition of Nordic Lights and favorable foreign currency translation accounted for $7.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of income from operations. Excluding Nordic Lights and the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations decreased $11.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit, partially offset by slightly lower selling and administrative expenses. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower legal fees.
Interface
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 53.8 | $ | 54.9 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 10.3 | $ | 9.3 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 19.1 | % | 16.9 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 6.9 | $ | 5.5 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 12.8 | % | 10.0 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries | $ | 0.4 | $ | 2.2 |
Net sales
Interface segment net sales decreased $1.1 million, or 2.0%, to $53.8 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $54.9 million in fiscal 2023. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $0.7 million, or 1.3%. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes of appliance products, partially offset by lower sales volumes of data solutions products.
Gross profit
Interface segment gross profit increased $1.0 million, or 10.8%, to $10.3 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $9.3 million in fiscal 2023. Gross profit margin increased to 19.1% in fiscal 2024, from 16.9% in fiscal 2023. The increase in gross profit margins was primarily due to higher sales volumes of appliance products.
Income from operations
Interface segment income from operations increased $1.4 million, or 25.5%, to $6.9 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $5.5 million in fiscal 2023. The increase was due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses, primarily professional fees.
Medical
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 2.4 | $ | 3.6 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | (0.2 | ) | $ | (0.5 | ) | ||
| Loss from operations | $ | (3.0 | ) | $ | (6.1 | ) |
In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, we made the decision to initiate the discontinuation of the Dabir Surfaces business (which accounts for all of the Medical segment’s financial results). Towards the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we sold certain assets of the Dabir Surfaces business and have now exited this business, which accounts for the variances in the table above.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior secured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressure or other geopolitical risks, or if we are unable to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.
At April 27, 2024, we had $161.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $53.4 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.
Share Buyback Programs
On March 31, 2021, as subsequently amended on June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 14, 2024 (the “2021 Buyback Program”). On June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new share buyback program, commencing on June 17, 2024, for the purchase of up to $200.0 million (the “2024 Buyback Program”) of our outstanding common stock through June 17, 2026. Purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of April 27, 2024, a total of 3,417,961 shares had been purchased under the 2021 Buyback Program at a total cost of $133.1 million since the commencement of that program. As of April 27, 2024, $66.9 million remained available under the 2021 Buyback Program to repurchase shares. Upon adoption of the 2024 Buyback Program, no further repurchases will be made under the 2021 Buyback Program.
Amended Credit Agreement
On October 31, 2022, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. The Credit Agreement amended and restated the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2018 and as previously amended (the “Prior Credit Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. Among other things, the Credit Agreement (i) increased the multicurrency revolving credit commitments under the Prior Credit Agreement to $750 million (which commitments were subsequently reduced, as discussed below), (ii) refinanced in full and terminated the term loan facility under the Prior Credit Agreement, and (iii) made certain other changes to the covenants, terms, and conditions under the Prior Credit Agreement.
As of January 27, 2024, we were not in compliance with the original consolidated leverage ratio covenant contained in the Credit Agreement for the quarter ended January 27, 2024. On March 6, 2024, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto. Among other things, the First Amendment (i) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended January 27, 2024 and each subsequent fiscal quarter through the quarter ending October 26, 2024, (ii) amended certain interest rate provisions and (iii) waived any default or event of default that may have occurred due to the non-compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended January 27, 2024 that was in effect prior to the First Amendment. Following the effectiveness of the First Amendment, we were in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended January 27, 2024.
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On July 9, 2024, we entered into a Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Guaranty (the “Second Amendment”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and other parties thereto. Among other things, the Second Amendment (i) reduced the revolving credit commitments from $750 million to $500 million, (ii) granted a security interest in substantially all of the personal property of the Company and our U.S. subsidiaries that are guarantors, including 100% of the equity interests of their respective U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests of their respective foreign subsidiaries (or such greater amount to the extent such pledge could not reasonably cause adverse tax consequences), (iii) amended the consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for the quarters ending July 27, 2024, October 26, 2024, January 25, 2025 and April 26, 2025, (iv) amended the consolidated leverage ratio covenant for the quarter ending July 27, 2024 and each subsequent fiscal quarter, (v) amended certain interest rate provisions, (vi) added a requirement to provide monthly financial statements to the lenders through the period ending July 25, 2025, (vii) decreased the general basket exceptions to certain covenants restricting certain Company investments, liens and indebtedness for specified periods of time, (viii) increased, for fiscal year 2025, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain Company dispositions of property, (ix) added an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, applicable during the period from the effective date of the Second Amendment until the earlier to occur of (a) the delivery of financial statements and a compliance certificate for the fiscal quarter ending July 25, 2025 and (b) the delivery of compliance certificates for two consecutive fiscal quarters demonstrating that the our consolidated leverage ratio as of the last day of such fiscal quarters was less than 3.00:1.00, that if we have cash on hand (subject to certain exceptions) of more than $65 million for 10 consecutive business days, we shall prepay the indebtedness under the credit facility by the amount of such excess and (x) made certain other changes to the investment, restricted payment and indebtedness baskets. We were in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio covenant and consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant for the quarter ended April 27, 2024, both prior to and after giving effect to the Second Amendment.
The Credit Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment and the Second Amendment, is referred to herein as the “Amended Credit Agreement.”
The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a secured multicurrency revolving credit facility of $500 million. In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement permits us to increase the revolving commitments and/or add one or more tranches of term loans under the Amended Credit Agreement from time to time by up to an amount equal to (i) $250 million plus (ii) an additional amount so long as the consolidated leverage ratio would not exceed 3.00:1.00 on a pro forma basis, subject to, among other things, the receipt of additional commitments from existing and/or new lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on October 31, 2027.
As of April 27, 2024, the outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility was $333.0 million, which included $294.0 million (€275.0 million) of euro-denominated borrowings. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various representations and warranties, financial covenants (including covenants requiring us to maintain compliance with a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, in each case as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company), restrictive and other covenants, and events of default. The covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement include an “anti-cash hoarding” requirement, as discussed above. As of April 27, 2024, we were in compliance with all the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement, both prior to and after giving effect to the Second Amendment. For further information, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Although we currently anticipate, based on our current projections and analyses, that we will be in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, no assurance can be given that we will be and remain in compliance with such covenants in the future. Factors that could increase our risk of future non-compliance include those identified in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
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Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 27, 2024 | April 29, 2023 | ||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (123.3 | ) | $ | 77.1 | |||
| Non-cash items | 147.0 | 59.2 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | 23.8 | (3.5 | ) | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 47.5 | 132.8 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (17.5 | ) | (153.1 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (18.9 | ) | 3.2 | |||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (6.6 | ) | 2.1 | |||||
| Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 4.5 | (15.0 | ) | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 157.0 | 172.0 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 161.5 | $ | 157.0 |
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $85.3 million to $47.5 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $132.8 million in fiscal 2023. The decrease was due to lower net income adjusted for non-cash items, partially offset by higher cash inflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The $23.8 million of cash inflows for operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to lower accounts receivable, partially offset by higher inventory.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $17.5 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $153.1 million in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2023, we paid $114.6 million of cash, net of cash acquired, for the acquisition of Nordic Lights. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2024 were $50.2 million, compared to $42.0 million in fiscal 2023. We received $21.3 million of cash from the sale of assets in fiscal 2024 compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, we redeemed life insurance policies and received cash proceeds of $10.8 million.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $18.9 million in fiscal 2024, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $3.2 million in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, we paid $13.7 million of cash for share repurchases, compared to $48.1 million in fiscal 2023. We paid cash dividends of $19.9 million in fiscal 2024, compared to $19.8 million in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, we had net borrowings of $30.7 million, compared to $73.7 million in fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2023 net borrowings were primarily to fund the acquisition of Nordic Lights. In fiscal 2024, we paid $10.9 million to redeem a noncontrolling interest.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant known contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of April 27, 2024:
| Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.3 | $ | - | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 31.0 | 7.7 | 13.0 | 6.2 | 4.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (1) | 334.5 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 333.5 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest on debt (2) | 43.1 | 17.3 | 17.2 | 8.6 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 9.7 | 2.3 | 5.4 | 1.4 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 418.8 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 36.3 | $ | 349.7 | $ | 5.1 |
(1) Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in October 2027.
(2) Based on interest rates in effect as of April 27, 2024 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.
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Legal Matters
For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties.
A trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the District Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic’s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the District Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the appeal of the final judgment were consolidated into a single appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. On August 24, 2021, the Tenth Circuit issued a decision affirming the lower court’s ruling with the exception that it instructed the District Court to modify the injunction from the entire world to all of the countries in which Hetronic sells its products. On April 20 and 21, 2022, the District Court held a hearing related to modifying the injunction pursuant to the Tenth Circuit’s opinion, and the parties filed post-hearing briefs. The defendants also filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court seeking to further appeal the extraterritorial application of the Lanham Act in this case. The Company opposed that petition. The Supreme Court requested the views of the Solicitor General on the petition for certiorari, and the Solicitor General recommended granting the petition. On November 4, 2022, the Supreme Court granted the petition. The Supreme Court heard arguments in this matter on March 21, 2023. On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court vacated the Tenth Circuit’s August 2021 decision and remanded the matter back to the Tenth Circuit for further proceedings. On September 1, 2023, the Tenth Circuit requested supplemental briefing from the parties regarding the effect of the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal and the proper course of further proceedings. That briefing was thereafter submitted, and the Tenth Circuit heard argument in this matter on January 24, 2024. On April 23, 2024, the Tenth Circuit issued an opinion affirming the District Court’s final judgment on the state law breach of contract and tort claims (this affirmed final judgment amount represents only approximately $22.5 million of the vacated original $113 million final judgment that had been entered in 2020) and remanding for further non-trial proceedings with respect to the appropriate remedies for the Lanham Act claims in light of the Supreme’s Court ruling that the Lanham Act does not apply extraterritorially. On May 17, 2024, the District Court held a status conference and requested further briefing from the parties about the appropriate remedies for the Lanham Act claims.
Like any judgment, particularly a judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to collect all or any portion of the judgment. Furthermore, defendants Abitron Germany and Hetronic Germany filed for insolvency in German court in September and October 2023 respectively, and the Germany insolvency court then appointed a receiver. These insolvency proceedings could potentially adversely impact our ability to enforce or collect upon the judgment or portions of the judgment or otherwise pursue or enforce claims or rights against those defendants.
We incurred legal fees of $2.5 million, $3.9 million and $3.3 million in fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively, related to the lawsuits. These amounts are included in the selling and administrative expenses and as part of the Industrial segment.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. To the extent that there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. We believe that of the significant accounting policies described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, the following involve a significant level of estimation uncertainty.
Goodwill. As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, goodwill is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more frequently if a triggering event indicates that an impairment may exist. In qualitatively assessing impairment, the primary qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, changes in our market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount.
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For the quantitative assessment, we utilize either of, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows are based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margin, taking into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. We calculate the discount rate based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. Revenue growth rates and EBITDA margin, especially in the outer years of a forecast, involve a greater degree of uncertainty. Further, a future change in the discount rate, as a result of a change in economic conditions or otherwise, could result in the carrying values of the reporting units exceeding their respective fair values.
We performed our annual goodwill impairment analysis for each of our reporting units at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. Based on this analysis, we determined that the fair value of each of our reporting units was in excess of its carrying value. However, as noted in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, the fair value of the Nordic Lights and North American Automotive (“NAA”) reporting units exceeded their carrying value by less than 10%. As discussed below, the NAA reporting unit goodwill was fully impaired as of April 27, 2024. We performed a sensitivity analysis for the significant assumptions used in the goodwill impairment testing analysis for the Nordic Lights reporting unit. The sensitivities were calculated in isolation using the income approach and keeping all other assumptions constant. The cash flow sensitivities do not consider the offsetting impact of a lower discount rate assumption to reflect the reduced risk in estimated future cash flow growth used under the income approach or the related impacts on pricing multiples used under the market approach.
•
A hypothetical increase in the discount rate of 50 basis points would result in goodwill impairment of approximately $6.0 million; and
•
A hypothetical decrease in cash flows of 10% over the entire forecast period would result in goodwill impairment of approximately $14.0 million.
In addition to our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we identified impairment triggering events at interim evaluation dates in fiscal 2024, which were associated with a sustained decrease in our publicly quoted share price, market capitalization and lower than expected operating results. We quantitatively assessed certain reporting units which performed substantially below the forecast used in our last quantitative impairment test. The reporting units that were quantitatively assessed were NAA and European Automotive (“EA”), and we determined the carrying value of these reporting units exceeded their fair value. As a result, in fiscal 2024, we recognized a total non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $105.9 million ($99.8 million for NAA and $6.1 million for EA) that reflected a full impairment of the related goodwill balances.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on the lowest level of identifiable estimated future undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying value of the asset group over its fair value. Assumptions and estimates about future values and the remaining useful lives are complex and subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts.
Income taxes. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. In calculating our effective income tax rate, we make judgments regarding certain tax positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions. When determining whether we will be able to realize deferred tax assets, judgment is used to evaluate the positive and negative evidence, including forecasting taxable income using historical and future operating results.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of April 27, 2024, we had a valuation allowance of $5.8 million. In the event our operating performance improves or deteriorates in a filing jurisdiction or entity, future assessments could conclude a smaller or larger valuation allowance will be needed. Due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may be materially different from the current estimate.
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Some or all of management’s judgments are subject to review by the taxing authorities. If one or more of the taxing authorities were to successfully challenge our right to realize some or all of the tax benefit we have recorded, and we were unable to realize this benefit, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and cash flows. Further, if we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates, a change to the time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, or if the tax laws change unfavorably, then we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase in income tax expense and the effective tax rate.
Business combinations. As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, we account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business, as well as any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date that we obtain control of the acquired business. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows and discount rates, among other items.
We determine the fair values of intangible assets acquired generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors. The fair value determination requires a number of judgments, particularly around forecasted revenue growth rates, customer attrition, and discount rates. For example and as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report, we recorded a customer relationships intangible asset in connection with the Nordic Lights acquisition of $77.3 million. We performed a sensitivity analysis for the significant assumptions used in the measurement of the customer relationships intangible asset. The sensitivities were calculated in isolation using the income approach and keeping all other assumptions constant. The sensitivity for the customer attrition rate does not consider the offsetting impact of a lower discount rate assumption to reflect the reduced risk in estimated future cash flow growth used under the income approach.
•
A hypothetical increase in the discount rate of 100 basis points would result in a decrease in the valuation of approximately $6.3 million; and
•
A hypothetical increase in the expected customer attrition rate over the entire forecast period of approximately 250 basis points would result in a decrease in the valuation of approximately $15.7 million.
If actual results are materially different than the assumptions we used to determine fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired through a business combination, it is possible that adjustments to the carrying values of such assets and liabilities will have an impact on net income.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-23-030121.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Overview
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.
Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with our four segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1. “Business” of this Annual Report.
Impacts of Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conditions
Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to inflation, slower growth or recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, higher interest rates, wage and commodity inflation, currency fluctuations and new or increased tariffs, could adversely affect demand for our products. In addition, the Russia/Ukraine conflict has resulted in, among other things, economic sanctions imposed by the international community which have impacted the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. Although we have no operations in Russia or Ukraine, certain of our customers and suppliers have been negatively impacted by these events, which in turn has impacted markets where we do business, including Europe and Asia. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia have further increased existing global supply chain, logistics, and inflationary challenges.
Update on the Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 has continued to evolve since it was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. We continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on our business, operations, and financial results. Beginning late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and continuing into fiscal 2023, various regions in China, including regions where we and our customers have operations, were subjected to lockdowns imposed by governmental authorities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in those areas. The resulting industry-wide production interruptions adversely impacted our results of operations in fiscal 2023.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
Certain direct and indirect adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have continued to date and are expected to continue in fiscal 2024, including the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage and global supply chain disruptions. In addition, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs and labor shortages. The semiconductor supply shortage is due, in part, to increased demand across multiple industries, including the automotive industry, resulting in a slowdown in their production schedules. The semiconductor supply shortage is also impacting our supply chain and our ability to meet demand at some of our non-automotive customers. We expect this semiconductor shortage to have a continued impact on our operating results and financial condition in fiscal 2024.
Acquisition of Nordic Lights
As noted in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report, we acquired 92.2% of the outstanding shares of Nordic Lights on April 20, 2023. The results of operations of Nordic Lights are reported within the Industrial segment from the date of acquisition and were immaterial for fiscal 2023. See Note 3, “Acquisition” to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.
Restructuring Actions
In fiscal 2023, we incurred restructuring costs of $1.0 million primarily related to asset impairment charges and severance. In fiscal 2022, we initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate one of our operations within the Industrial segment in response to logistics issues and tariffs. This action resulted in a facility shutdown and consolidation of activities into an existing location and the recognition of $3.6 million of restructuring costs. We may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.
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Outlook
Our current expectations for fiscal 2024 are for net sales to be relatively flat compared to fiscal 2023 and lower net income. Fiscal 2024 sales estimates reflect the full-year inclusion of Nordic Lights and the roll-off of significant programs in the Automotive segment. We expect fiscal 2024 net income to be impacted by additional costs to support new program launches, market headwinds in the higher-margin Industrial segment, higher interest expense and less government assistance.
Consolidated Results of Operations
A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 23, 2022.
The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022:
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,179.6 | $ | 1,163.6 | ||||
| Cost of products sold | 915.5 | 898.7 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 264.1 | 264.9 | ||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 154.9 | 134.1 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 18.8 | 19.1 | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 2.7 | 3.5 | ||||||
| Other income, net | (2.4 | ) | (10.3 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense | 13.0 | 16.3 | ||||||
| Net income | $ | 77.1 | $ | 102.2 |
Net sales
Net sales increased $16.0 million, or 1.4%, to $1,179.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1,163.6 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the Industrial segment, partially offset by lower sales in the Automotive segment. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $57.3 million, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the euro and Chinese renminbi. Net sales included customer cost recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $20.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $22.1 million in in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $74.5 million, or 6.5%.
Cost of products sold
Cost of products sold increased $16.8 million, or 1.9%, to $915.5 million (77.6% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $898.7 million (77.2% of net sales) in fiscal 2022. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold increased $59.4 million. The increase was primarily due to higher material costs, as a result of an increase in sales volumes and material cost inflation, and higher salary and operating expenses, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. Restructuring costs included within cost of products sold were $0.4 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.3 million in fiscal 2022.
Gross profit margin
Gross profit margin was 22.4% of net sales in fiscal 2023, compared to 22.8% of net sales in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to inflationary pressures on material and other manufacturing costs, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $20.8 million, or 15.5%, to $154.9 million (13.1% of net sales) in fiscal 2023, compared to $134.1 million (11.5% of net sales) in fiscal 2022. Excluding foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses increased $24.6 million. The increase was primarily due to $6.8 million of acquisition costs related to Nordic Lights, higher compensation expense, professional fees and travel expense, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. Restructuring costs included within selling and administrative expenses were $0.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $2.3 million in fiscal 2022.
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.3 million, or 1.6%, to $18.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $19.1 million in fiscal 2022.
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Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $2.7 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $3.5 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to higher interest income of $3.2 million, partially offset by higher interest expense of $2.4 million. Interest income and interest expense increased due to higher interest rates.
Other income, net
Other income, net decreased $7.9 million to $2.4 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2022. Net foreign exchange losses were $7.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $1.9 million in fiscal 2022. Net foreign exchange losses were higher in fiscal 2023 due to lower efficiency in our foreign currency balance sheet remeasurement hedging program. In addition, net foreign exchange loss in fiscal 2023 included the recognition of $2.1 million of foreign exchange loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as the result of a reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary.
In fiscal 2023, we received $9.7 million of government grants at certain of our international locations, compared to $11.1 million in fiscal 2022. Fiscal 2023 government grants include $6.3 million related to the COVID-19 pandemic and $3.4 million related to maintaining certain employment levels. Fiscal 2022 government grants primarily related to COVID-19 assistance.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense decreased $3.3 million, or 20.2%, to $13.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $16.3 million in fiscal 2022. Our effective tax rate increased to 14.4% in fiscal 2023, compared to 13.8% in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates and a tax benefit of $7.3 million associated with the reorganization of a foreign owned subsidiary, partially offset by a reduction in foreign investment tax credits of $5.0 million and non-deductible acquisition costs of $1.4 million. In fiscal 2022, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, the release of a valuation allowance of approximately $2.0 million due to a tax law change, and less U.S. tax on foreign income of $1.7 million attributable to lower earnings in non-U.S. jurisdictions, partially offset with non-deductible compensation of $2.1 million.
Net income
Net income decreased $25.1 million, or 24.6%, to $77.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $102.2 million in fiscal 2022. The impact of foreign currency translation decreased net income in fiscal 2023 by $10.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net income decreased $14.8 million as a result of the reasons described above.
Operating Segments
Automotive
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 349.0 | $ | 400.9 | ||||
| Europe, the Middle East & Africa ("EMEA") | 231.2 | 216.5 | ||||||
| Asia | 156.0 | 164.1 | ||||||
| Net sales | 736.2 | 781.5 | ||||||
| Gross profit | $ | 126.2 | $ | 150.0 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 17.1 | % | 19.2 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 67.0 | $ | 92.6 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 9.1 | % | 11.8 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries: | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 9.7 | $ | 10.1 | ||||
| EMEA | 3.7 | 2.6 | ||||||
| Asia | 0.6 | 0.5 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 14.0 | $ | 13.2 |
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Net sales
Automotive segment net sales decreased $45.3 million, or 5.8%, to $736.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $781.5 million in fiscal 2022. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $35.4 million and the roll-off of a major program in North America. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $10.7 million, or 1.4%.
Net sales in North America decreased $51.9 million, or 12.9%, to $349.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $400.9 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $51.5 million primarily due to lower sales volumes from a major program roll-off. Net sales in EMEA increased $14.7 million, or 6.8%, to $231.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $216.5 million in fiscal 2022. The weaker euro, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in EMEA by $23.3 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in EMEA increased $36.9 million primarily due to higher sales volumes of user interface and switch products. Net sales in Asia decreased $8.1 million, or 4.9%, to $156.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $164.1 million in fiscal 2022. The weaker Chinese renminbi, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in Asia by $12.1 million. Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales in Asia increased $3.9 million primarily due to higher electric vehicle product sales volumes, partially offset by lower overhead console sales volumes.
Gross profit
Automotive segment gross profit decreased $23.8 million, or 15.9%, to $126.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $150.0 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $16.4 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 17.1% in fiscal 2023, from 19.2% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit margins was due to lower sales volumes and inflationary pressures on material and other manufacturing costs.
Income from operations
Automotive segment income from operations decreased $25.6 million, or 27.6%, to $67.0 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $92.6 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations decreased $21.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and higher selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased due to higher compensation expense, professional fees and travel expense.
Industrial
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 384.9 | $ | 318.1 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 127.8 | $ | 101.5 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 33.2 | % | 31.9 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 93.1 | $ | 67.1 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 24.2 | % | 21.1 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries | $ | 4.7 | $ | 7.6 |
Net sales
Industrial segment net sales increased $66.8 million, or 21.0%, to $384.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $318.1 million in fiscal 2022. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $21.9 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $91.6 million, or 29.5%, primarily due to higher sales volumes of power distribution solutions for data centers and of commercial vehicle lighting solutions products.
Gross profit
Industrial segment gross profit increased $26.3 million, or 25.9%, to $127.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $101.5 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $33.6 million. Gross profit margin increased to 33.2% in fiscal 2023, from 31.9% in fiscal 2022. The increase in gross profit margins was due to higher sales volumes and lower restructuring costs. Gross profit in fiscal 2022 included restructuring costs of $1.2 million, compared to $0.1 million in fiscal 2023.
Income from operations
Industrial segment income from operations increased $26.0 million, or 38.7%, to $93.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $67.1 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations increased $32.1 million. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by an increase in selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2022 included restructuring costs of $2.2 million, compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2023.
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Interface
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 54.9 | $ | 59.8 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 9.3 | $ | 12.6 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 16.9 | % | 21.1 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 5.5 | $ | 9.9 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 10.0 | % | 16.6 | % | ||||
| Customer cost recoveries | $ | 2.2 | $ | 1.3 |
Net sales
Interface segment net sales decreased $4.9 million, or 8.2%, to $54.9 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $59.8 million in fiscal 2022. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $5.8 million, or 9.9%. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products which were negatively impacted by consumer demand, partially offset by higher sales volumes of digital data products.
Gross profit
Interface segment gross profit decreased $3.3 million, or 26.2%, to $9.3 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $12.6 million in fiscal 2022. Gross profit margin decreased to 16.9% in fiscal 2023, from 21.1% in fiscal 2022. The decrease in gross profit margins was primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products.
Income from operations
Interface segment income from operations decreased $4.4 million, or 44.4%, to $5.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $9.9 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to lower gross profit and higher selling and administrative expenses, primarily compensation expense and professional fees.
Medical
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 3.6 | $ | 4.2 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | (0.5 | ) | $ | (0.4 | ) | ||
| Loss from operations | $ | (6.1 | ) | $ | (5.5 | ) |
Net sales
Medical segment net sales decreased $0.6 million, or 14.3%, to $3.6 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $4.2 million in fiscal 2022. The decrease was due to lower product demand.
Gross profit
Medical segment gross profit was a loss of $0.5 million in fiscal 2023, compared to a loss of $0.4 million in fiscal 2022. Gross profit decreased due to lower net sales.
Loss from operations
Medical segment loss from operations increased $0.6 million, or 10.9%, to $6.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $5.5 million in fiscal 2022. The increase in the loss was due to higher selling and administrative expenses, primarily higher marketing expenses.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, the COVID-19 pandemic, or other geopolitical risks, including the Russia-Ukraine war, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.
At April 29, 2023, we had $157.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $146.3 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.
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Share Buyback Program
On March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of our common stock. On June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in the existing share buyback program of an additional $100.0 million, and extended the expiration of the program to June 14, 2024. Purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of April 29, 2023, a total of 2,790,375 shares had been purchased at a total cost of $119.3 million since the commencement of the share buyback program. As of April 29, 2023, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under this share buyback program was approximately $80.7 million.
Credit Agreement
On October 31, 2022, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and the Lenders and other parties named therein. The Credit Agreement amends and restates the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 12, 2018 and as previously amended (the “Prior Credit Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and the Lenders named therein. Among other things, the Credit Agreement (i) increased the multicurrency revolving credit commitments under the Prior Credit Agreement to $750,000,000, (ii) refinanced in full and terminated the term loan facility under the Prior Credit Agreement, and (iii) made certain other changes to the covenants, terms, and conditions under the Prior Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreement permits us to increase the revolving commitments and/or add one or more tranches of term loans under the Credit Agreement from time to time by up to an amount equal to (i) $250,000,000 plus (ii) an additional amount so long as the leverage ratio would not exceed 3.00:1.00 on a pro forma basis, subject to, among other things, the receipt of additional commitments from existing and/or new lenders. The Credit Agreement matures on October 31, 2027.
As of April 29, 2023, $305.4 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of April 29, 2023. For further information, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 29, 2023 | April 30, 2022 | ||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 77.1 | $ | 102.2 | ||||
| Non-cash items | 59.2 | 66.4 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | (3.5 | ) | (69.8 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 132.8 | 98.8 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (153.1 | ) | (37.4 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 3.2 | (114.6 | ) | |||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2.1 | (8.0 | ) | |||||
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (15.0 | ) | (61.2 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 172.0 | 233.2 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 157.0 | $ | 172.0 |
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $34.0 million to $132.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $98.8 million in fiscal 2022. The increase was due to lower cash outflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by lower net income adjusted for non-cash items. The $3.5 million of cash outflows for operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2023 was primarily due to higher accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, partially offset by lower inventory, and higher accounts payable and other liabilities.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $153.1 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $37.4 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we paid $114.6 million of cash, net of cash acquired, for the acquisition of Nordic Lights. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2023 were $42.0 million, compared to $38.0 million in fiscal 2022. We received $3.5 million of cash from the sale of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2023.
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Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.2 million in fiscal 2023, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $114.6 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we paid $48.1 million of cash for the repurchase of our shares under our share buyback program, compared to $64.5 million in fiscal 2022. We paid cash dividends of $19.8 million in fiscal 2023, compared to $20.4 million in fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2023, we had net borrowings of $73.7 million primarily to fund the acquisition of Nordic Lights. In fiscal 2022, we had net repayments on our borrowings of $29.2 million. In connection with our Credit Agreement, we paid debt issuance costs of $3.2 million.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant known contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments as of April 29, 2023:
| Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 0.6 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 33.1 | 7.8 | 11.2 | 8.3 | 5.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (1) | 310.1 | 3.2 | 0.4 | 305.8 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest on debt (2) | 73.4 | 15.1 | 33.3 | 25.0 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 9.5 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 2.4 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 426.7 | $ | 28.3 | $ | 48.0 | $ | 341.6 | $ | 8.8 |
(1) Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in October 2027.
(2) Based on interest rates in effect as of April 29, 2023 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.
Legal Matters
For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties.
A trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic’s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the appeal of the final judgment were consolidated into a single appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. On August 24, 2021, the Tenth Circuit issued a decision affirming the lower court’s ruling with the exception that it instructed the District Court to modify the injunction from the entire world to all of the countries in which Hetronic sells its products. On April 20 and 21, 2022, the District Court held a hearing related to modifying the injunction pursuant to the Tenth Circuit’s opinion, and the parties have filed post-hearing briefs. The defendants also filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court seeking to further appeal the extraterritorial application of the Lanham Act in this case. We opposed that petition. The Supreme Court requested the views of the Solicitor General on the petition for certiorari, and the Solicitor General recommended granting the petition. On November 4, 2022, the Supreme Court granted the petition. The Supreme Court heard arguments in this matter on March 21, 2023. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Supreme Court took the matter under advisement. Like any judgment, particularly a judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that we will be able to collect all or any portion of the judgment.
We incurred legal fees of $3.9 million, $3.3 million and $5.7 million in fiscal 2023, fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021, respectively, related to the lawsuits. These amounts are included in the selling and administrative expenses and as part of the Industrial segment.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. To the extent that there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. Below are the estimates that we believe are critical to the understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. Other accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
Revenue recognition. Most of our revenue is recognized at a point in time. We have determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where we transfer products to a customer location but retain ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage.
Revenue associated with products which we believe have no alternative use, and where we have an enforceable right to payment, are recognized on an over time basis. Revenue is recognized based on progress to date, which is typically even over the production process through transfer of control to the customer.
In addition, from time to time, customers may negotiate annual price downs. Management has evaluated these price downs and determined that in some instances, these price downs give rise to a material right. In instances that a material right exists, a portion of the transaction price is allocated to the material right and recognized over the life of the contract.
Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount including goodwill. An impairment of goodwill exists if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In performing the goodwill impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. We may also elect to proceed directly to the quantitative assessment without considering such qualitative factors.
For the quantitative assessment, we utilize either, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses appropriate valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows are based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins, taking into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. We calculate the discount rate based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Revenue growth rates and profitability assumptions, especially in the outer years, involve a greater degree of uncertainty.
Impairment of long-lived assets. We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist, we perform an impairment analysis by comparing the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.
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Income taxes. Our income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax provision and in evaluating income tax uncertainties.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We report tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We adjust these amounts to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The realization of tax benefits is evaluated by jurisdiction and the realizability of these assets can vary based on the character of the tax attribute and the carryforward periods specific to each jurisdiction. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income tax expense in the period a determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be recorded to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.
We provide for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings that we consider to be permanently reinvested. Future sales of foreign subsidiaries are not exempt from capital gains tax in the U.S. We have no plans to dispose of any of our foreign subsidiaries and are not recording deferred taxes on outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries for the sale of a foreign subsidiary.
Business combinations. We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting whereby the identifiable assets and liabilities of the acquired business, as well as any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date that we obtain control of the acquired business. Any purchase consideration in excess of the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses are expensed as incurred.
Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management's judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, and market multiples, among other items. We determine the fair values of intangible assets acquired generally in consultation with third-party valuation advisors. The valuation of assets acquired, and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair values becomes available. We recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date in which the adjustments are determined. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.
Contingencies. We are subject to various investigations, claims and legal and administrative proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. For those matters that we can estimate a range of loss, we have established reserves at levels within that range to provide for the most likely scenario based upon available information. The valuation of reserves for contingencies is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure that we are properly reserved. Reserve balances are adjusted to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing issues and the establishment of additional reserves for emerging issues. While we believe that the current level of reserves is adequate, changes in the future could impact these determinations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0000950170-22-011989.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.
Overview
We are a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.
Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with our four segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and Medical. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see Item 1. “Business” of this Annual Report.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing measures to reduce its spread have negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer and customer demand and global supply chains, and resulted in manufacturing inefficiencies and increased freight costs due to global capacity constraints. We expect that the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to negatively impact our business and results of operations for the foreseeable future. The extent of the impact will depend on a number of evolving and uncertain factors, including the duration and spread of COVID-19 (and its variants), the rate of vaccinations, actions taken by governmental authorities to further restrict business operations and social activity and impose travel restrictions, shifting consumer demand, the ability of our supply chain to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner, the ability of our employees and manufacturing facilities to operate efficiently and effectively, the continued viability and financial stability of our customers and suppliers and future access to capital.
We continue to focus on effectively managing the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic on a global basis. Management has prioritized the health and safety of our employees and their families. We adopted numerous safety procedures at our global facilities, including hygiene and disinfection protocols, testing and contact tracing, social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment. We share best practices throughout our global facilities, resulting in effective and standardized safety guidelines and procedures, updated on a regular basis, promoting the health and safety of our employees.
Global Supply Chain Disruptions
We continue to experience business interruptions, including customer shutdowns and increased material and logistics costs, labor shortages, and most significantly, impacts from the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage. The semiconductor supply shortage is due, in part, to increased demand across multiple industries, including the automotive industry, resulting in a slowdown in their production schedules. The semiconductor supply shortage is also impacting our supply chain and our ability to meet demand at some of our non-automotive customers. We expect this semiconductor shortage to have a continued impact on our operating results and financial condition in fiscal 2023.
Restructuring Actions
In fiscal 2022, we initiated a restructuring plan to consolidate one of our operations within the Industrial segment in response to logistics issues and tariffs. This action resulted in a facility shutdown and consolidation of activities into an existing location. In fiscal 2022, we recognized $3.6 million of restructuring costs. We may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we initiated certain restructuring actions in fiscal 2021 to rationalize our operations, lower our costs and improve financial performance and long-term cash flow generation. These actions included plant consolidations and workforce reductions in the Automotive, Industrial and Interface segments. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $8.2 million of restructuring costs.
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Impacts of Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conditions
Adverse macroeconomic conditions, including but not limited to inflation, slower growth or recession, new or increased tariffs, changes to fiscal and monetary policy, higher interest rates and currency fluctuations could adversely affect demand for our products. In addition, in February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine resulting in, among other things, economic sanctions imposed by the international community which have impacted the global economy and given rise to potential global security issues that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. Although we have no operations in Russia or Ukraine, certain of our customers and suppliers have been negatively impacted by these events, which in turn has impacted markets where we do business, including Europe and Asia. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia has further increased existing global supply chain, logistics, and inflationary challenges.
Consolidated Results of Operations
We maintain our financial records on the basis of a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2022 ended on April 30, 2022 and fiscal 2021 ended on May 1, 2021, which represented 52 weeks of results for each year. Fiscal 2020 ended on May 2, 2020, which represented 53 weeks of results. The following discussions of comparative results among periods should be reviewed in this context.
A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 24, 2021.
The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2021:
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,163.6 | $ | 1,088.0 | ||||
| Cost of products sold | 898.7 | 813.9 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 264.9 | 274.1 | ||||||
| Selling and administrative expenses | 134.1 | 126.9 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 19.1 | 19.3 | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | 3.5 | 5.2 | ||||||
| Other income, net | (10.3 | ) | (12.2 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense | 16.3 | 12.6 | ||||||
| Net income | $ | 102.2 | $ | 122.3 |
Net sales
Net sales increased $75.6 million, or 6.9%, to $1,163.6 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $1,088.0 million in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher sales in the Automotive and Industrial segments. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Net sales were favorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $5.5 million, primarily due to the strengthening of the Chinese renminbi relative to the U.S. dollar in fiscal 2022. Net sales were also favorably impacted by customer recoveries for spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $22.1 million. Without the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $48.0 million, or 4.4%.
Cost of products sold
Cost of products sold increased $84.8 million, or 10.4%, to $898.7 million (77.2% of net sales) in fiscal 2022, compared to $813.9 million (74.8% of net sales) in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher material, logistics and other operating costs of $88.3 million as a result of higher sales volumes and the impact of global supply chain disruptions and factory inefficiencies. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold increased $81.4 million. Labor costs were higher in fiscal 2022 as fiscal 2021 included the impact of temporary salary reductions and four-day work weeks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was partially offset by lower restructuring costs of $3.5 million. Restructuring costs included within cost of products sold were $1.3 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $4.8 million in fiscal 2021. Material costs were also impacted by product sales mix.
Gross profit margin
Gross profit margin was 22.8% of net sales in fiscal 2022, compared to 25.2% of net sales in fiscal 2021. The decrease was due to higher material, logistics and other operating costs associated with global supply chain disruptions and factory inefficiencies, higher labor costs and product mix, partially offset by higher sales volumes.
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Selling and administrative expenses
Selling and administrative expenses increased $7.2 million, or 5.7%, to $134.1 million (11.5% of net sales) in fiscal 2022, compared to $126.9 million (11.7% of net sales) in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation expense, salary expense and travel expense, partially offset by lower restructuring costs and professional fees.
Stock-based compensation expense increased $5.0 million as our long-term incentive plan was not introduced until the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Salary and travel expense was lower in fiscal 2021 as a result of actions we took in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which included temporary salary reductions and four-day work weeks (which ended in the second quarter of fiscal 2021) and the elimination of most business travel. Restructuring costs included within selling and administrative expenses were $2.3 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $3.4 million in fiscal 2021. Professional fees decreased $1.8 million mainly due to lower Hetronic-related legal fees.
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.2 million, or 1.0%, to $19.1 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $19.3 million in fiscal 2021.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $3.5 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $5.2 million in fiscal 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower average borrowings. Average borrowings were higher in fiscal 2021 due to the precautionary $100.0 million draw-down under our revolving credit facility in March 2020, which was fully repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.
Other income, net
Other income, net decreased $1.9 million to $10.3 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $12.2 million in fiscal 2021. Net foreign exchange losses were $1.9 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $0.3 million in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, we received $10.0 million of government assistance at certain of our international locations with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to $11.1 million in fiscal 2021. In addition, we received an international government grant of $1.1 million in fiscal 2022.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense increased $3.7 million, or 29.4%, to $16.3 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $12.6 million in fiscal 2021. Our effective tax rate increased to 13.8% in fiscal 2022, compared to 9.3% in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, the release of a valuation allowance of approximately $2.0 million due to a tax law change, and less U.S. tax on foreign income of $1.7 million attributable to lower earnings in non-U.S. jurisdictions, partially offset with non-deductible compensation of $2.1 million. In fiscal 2021, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, tax credits and various deductions allowed in foreign jurisdictions. In addition, the Company received a benefit of approximately $7.2 million related to a favorable tax ruling in a foreign jurisdiction.
Net income
Net income decreased $20.1 million, or 16.4%, to $102.2 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $122.3 million in fiscal 2021. The impact of foreign currency translation increased net income by $1.1 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net income decreased $21.2 million as a result of the reasons described above.
Operating Segments
Automotive
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Net sales | ||||||||
| North America | $ | 400.9 | $ | 406.4 | ||||
| EMEA | $ | 216.5 | $ | 212.3 | ||||
| Asia | $ | 164.1 | $ | 137.0 | ||||
| Net sales | $ | 781.5 | $ | 755.7 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 150.0 | $ | 163.4 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 19.2 | % | 21.6 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 92.6 | $ | 107.6 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 11.8 | % | 14.2 | % |
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Net sales
Automotive segment net sales increased $25.8 million, or 3.4%, to $781.5 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $755.7 million in fiscal 2021. Sales volumes in fiscal 2021 were negatively impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiscal 2022 net sales benefitted from customer recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $13.2 million (primarily in North America). Excluding foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $9.4 million, or 1.2%.
Net sales in North America decreased $5.5 million, or 1.4%, to $400.9 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $406.4 million in fiscal 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower lighting product sales volumes. Net sales in EMEA increased $4.2 million, or 2.0%, to $216.5 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $212.3 million in fiscal 2021. The weaker euro, relative to the U.S. dollar, decreased net sales in EMEA by $4.5 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in EMEA increased $8.7 million primarily due to higher sensor product sales. Net sales in Asia increased $27.1 million, or 19.8%, to $164.1 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $137.0 million in fiscal 2021. The stronger Chinese renminbi, relative to the U.S. dollar, increased net sales in Asia by $7.6 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in Asia increased $19.5 million primarily due to higher electric vehicle product sales volumes, partially offset by lower touchscreen sales volumes.
Gross profit
Automotive segment gross profit decreased $13.4 million, or 8.2%, to $150.0 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $163.4 million in fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased $14.3 million. Gross profit margins decreased to 19.2% in fiscal 2022, from 21.6% in fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross profit margins was primarily due to higher material and other costs associated with supply chain disruptions and product mix, partially offset by higher sales volumes and lower restructuring costs. In fiscal 2022, we recognized $0.1 million of restructuring costs in this segment, compared to $4.8 million in fiscal 2021.
Income from operations
Automotive segment income from operations decreased $15.0 million, or 13.9%, to $92.6 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $107.6 million in fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations decreased $16.2 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower gross profit and higher selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased due to higher salary expense, partially offset by lower restructuring costs. Salary expense was lower in fiscal 2021 due to the impact of salary reductions and other cost saving measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restructuring costs in this segment's selling and administrative expenses were $0.1 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $1.4 million in fiscal 2021.
Industrial
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 318.1 | $ | 267.9 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 101.5 | $ | 98.1 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 31.9 | % | 36.6 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 67.1 | $ | 64.3 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 21.1 | % | 24.0 | % |
Net sales
Industrial segment net sales increased $50.2 million, or 18.7%, to $318.1 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $267.9 million in fiscal 2021. Fiscal 2022 net sales included $7.6 million of customer cost recoveries of premium freight costs. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and customer cost recoveries, net sales increased $40.3 million, or 15.0%, due to higher sales volumes of all product categories in the Industrial segment. Sales volumes in fiscal 2021 were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gross profit
Industrial segment gross profit increased $3.4 million, or 3.5%, to $101.5 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $98.1 million in fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, gross profit increased $2.3 million. Gross profit margin decreased to 31.9% in fiscal 2022, from 36.6% in fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross profit margins was due to lower gross profit margins from busbar products and commercial vehicle products and the recognition of $1.2 million of restructuring costs in this segment in fiscal 2022.
Income from operations
Industrial segment income from operations increased $2.8 million, or 4.4%, to $67.1 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $64.3 million in fiscal 2021. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, income from operations increased $2.0 million. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit, partially offset by higher selling and administrative costs. Selling and administrative expenses were higher primarily due to $2.2 million of restructuring costs in this segment in fiscal 2022, compared to $1.0 million in fiscal 2021.
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Interface
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 59.8 | $ | 61.6 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | 12.6 | $ | 12.3 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 21.1 | % | 20.0 | % | ||||
| Income from operations | $ | 9.9 | $ | 8.9 | ||||
| As a percent of net sales | 16.6 | % | 14.4 | % |
Net sales
Interface segment net sales decreased $1.8 million, or 2.9%, to $59.8 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $61.6 million in fiscal 2021. Fiscal 2022 net sales benefitted from customer recoveries from spot buys of materials and premium freight costs of $1.3 million. Excluding customer cost recoveries, net sales decreased $3.1 million, or 5.0%. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products which were negatively impacted by a shortage of semiconductor chips, partially offset by higher sales volumes of legacy data solutions products.
Gross profit
Interface segment gross profit increased $0.3 million, or 2.4%, to $12.6 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $12.3 million in fiscal 2021. Gross profit margin increased to 21.1% in fiscal 2022, from 20.0% in fiscal 2021. The increase was due to higher sales volumes of legacy data solutions products.
Income from operations
Interface segment income from operations increased $1.0 million, or 11.2%, to $9.9 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $8.9 million in fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses were lower due to restructuring costs of $0.7 million recognized in this segment in fiscal 2021.
Medical
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Net sales | $ | 4.2 | $ | 2.8 | ||||
| Gross profit | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (0.3 | ) | ||
| Loss from operations | $ | (5.5 | ) | $ | (4.6 | ) |
Net sales
Medical segment net sales increased $1.4 million, or 50.0%, to $4.2 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $2.8 million in fiscal 2021. The increase was due to higher product demand.
Gross profit
Medical segment gross profit was a loss of $0.4 million in fiscal 2022, compared to a loss of $0.3 million in fiscal 2021. Gross profit was impacted by higher material costs and unfavorable sales mix, which offset the increase in net sales.
Loss from operations
Medical segment loss from operations increased $0.9 million, or 19.6%, to $5.5 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $4.6 million in fiscal 2021. The increase in the loss was due to higher selling and administrative expenses, primarily higher advertising expenses and professional fees.
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as to fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other geopolitical risks, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the lockdowns in China, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.
At April 30, 2022, we had $172.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $107.0 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and can be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and the repayment of intercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.
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Share Buyback Program
On March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of our common stock. Such purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of April 30, 2022, a total of 1,593,139 shares have been purchased at a total cost of $71.2 million since the commencement of the share buyback program. As of April 30, 2022, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under this share buyback program was approximately $28.8 million.
On June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized an increase in our existing share buyback program under which we may purchase up to an additional $100.0 million of our outstanding common stock, and also extended the expiration from March 31, 2023 to June 14, 2024.
Credit Agreement
Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million term loan. As of April 30, 2022, no principal was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and we have $199.9 million of availability under the revolving credit facility. As of April 30, 2022, $206.3 million in principal was outstanding under the term loan. The term loan matures in September 2023 and requires quarterly principal payments of $3.1 million over the five-year term, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement as of April 30, 2022. For further information, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
On December 10, 2021, we entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (“First Amendment”). The First Amendment amended and restated the Credit Agreement to provide, among other things, that upon the occurrence of certain events, the interest rate calculation method will generally transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to an alternate reference rate, including the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for U.S. dollar denominated borrowings. The consequences of the discontinuance of LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted but could result in an increase in our cost of borrowing.
Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides an option to increase the size of our revolving credit facility and term loan by an additional $200.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lenders providing the new commitments. There can be no assurance that lenders will approve additional commitments under current circumstances. We may seek to raise additional capital and our access to, and cost of, financing will depend on, among other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, and our future prospects.
Cash Flows
| Fiscal Year Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | April 30, 2022 | May 1, 2021 | ||||||
| Operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 102.2 | $ | 122.3 | ||||
| Non-cash items | 66.4 | 50.7 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | (69.8 | ) | 6.8 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 98.8 | 179.8 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (37.4 | ) | (24.8 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (114.6 | ) | (142.9 | ) | ||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (8.0 | ) | 3.8 | |||||
| (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | (61.2 | ) | 15.9 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 233.2 | 217.3 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | $ | 172.0 | $ | 233.2 |
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $81.0 million to $98.8 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $179.8 million in fiscal 2021. The decrease was due to higher cash outflows related to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The $69.8 million of cash outflows for operating assets and liabilities in fiscal 2022 was primarily due to higher inventory (as a result of global supply chain and logistics disruptions) and lower accounts payable and other liabilities.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $37.4 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $24.8 million in fiscal 2021. The activity primarily represents capital expenditures in both fiscal years. We received $0.6 million of cash from the sale of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2022.
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Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $114.6 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $142.9 million in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, we used $64.5 million of cash for the purchase of shares under our share buyback program, compared to $6.7 million in fiscal 2021. We paid cash dividends of $20.4 million in fiscal 2022, compared to $17.4 million in fiscal 2021. We increased our quarterly dividend from $0.11 per share to $0.14 per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. In fiscal 2022, we paid $0.3 million in taxes related to the net share settlement of equity awards compared to $3.9 million in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2022, we had net repayments on our borrowings of $29.2 million. In fiscal 2021, we had net repayments on our borrowings of $115.2 million, which included the repayment of the $100.0 million precautionary draw-down on our revolving credit facility from March 2020.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of April 30, 2022:
| Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | ||||||||||||||
| Finance leases | $ | 0.8 | $ | 0.4 | $ | 0.3 | $ | 0.1 | $ | — | |||||||||
| Operating leases | 24.0 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 3.2 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||||
| Debt (1) | 211.4 | 13.0 | 197.1 | 0.4 | 0.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest on debt (2) | 5.6 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred compensation | 8.0 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 249.8 | $ | 25.2 | $ | 208.3 | $ | 5.6 | $ | 10.7 |
(1)
Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in September 2023.
(2)
Based on interest rates in effect as of April 30, 2022 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.
Legal Matters
For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties.
A trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic’s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the appeal of the final judgment were consolidated into a single appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. On August 24, 2021, the Tenth Circuit issued a decision affirming the lower court’s ruling with the exception that it instructed the District Court to modify the injunction from the entire world to all of the countries in which Hetronic sells its products. On April 20 and 21, 2022, the District Court held a hearing related to modifying the injunction pursuant to the Tenth Circuit’s opinion, and the parties currently are preparing post-hearing briefs. The defendants also filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court seeking to further appeal the extraterritorial application of the Lanham Act in this case. Hetronic has opposed that petition. The Supreme Court has requested the views of the Solicitor General on the petition for certiorari. Like any judgment, particularly any judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that we will be able to collect all or any portion of the judgment.
We incurred legal fees of $3.3 million, $5.7 million and $5.4 million in fiscal 2022, fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively, related to the lawsuits. These amounts are included in the selling and administrative expenses and as part of the Industrial segment.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that can affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. To the extent that there are differences between these estimates and actual results, our consolidated financial statements may be materially affected. Below are the estimates that we believe are critical to the understanding of our results of operations and financial condition. Other accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated for these key estimates and assumptions. However, we made appropriate accounting estimates based on the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date.
Revenue recognition. Most of our revenue is recognized at a point in time. We have determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where we transfer products to a customer location but retain ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage.
Revenue associated with products which we believe have no alternative use, and where we have an enforceable right to payment, are recognized on an over time basis. Revenue is recognized based on progress to date, which is typically even over the production process through transfer of control to the customer.
In addition, from time to time, customers may negotiate annual price downs. Management has evaluated these price downs and determined that in some instances, these price downs give rise to a material right. In instances that a material right exists, a portion of the transaction price is allocated to the material right and recognized over the life of the contract.
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value and have been reduced by allowances for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowances are based on our review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales, using assumptions about future product life cycles, product demand and market conditions. If actual product life cycles, product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by us, inventory write-downs may be required.
Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount including goodwill. An impairment of goodwill exists if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In performing the goodwill impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
Qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then a quantitative assessment is performed. We may also elect to proceed directly to the quantitative assessment without considering such qualitative factors.
For the quantitative assessment, we utilize either, or a combination of, the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses appropriate valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on our long-range forecasts and requires assumptions related to revenue and operating income growth, asset-related expenditures, working capital levels, and other market participant assumptions. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts are our best estimates based on current and anticipated market conditions, and the profitability assumptions are projected based on current and anticipated cost structures. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Key assumptions, such as revenue growth rates and profitability, especially in the outer years, involve a greater degree of uncertainty.
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Impairment of long-lived assets. We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist, we perform an impairment analysis by comparing the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.
Income taxes. Our income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax provision and in evaluating income tax uncertainties.
The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. We report tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.
Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We adjust these amounts to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The realization of tax benefits is evaluated by jurisdiction and the realizability of these assets can vary based on the character of the tax attribute and the carryforward periods specific to each jurisdiction. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income tax expense in the period a determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be recorded to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.
We provide for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings that we consider to be permanently reinvested. Future sales of foreign subsidiaries are not exempt from capital gains tax in the U.S. We have no plans to dispose of any of our foreign subsidiaries and are not recording deferred taxes on outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries for the sale of a foreign subsidiary.
Contingencies. We are subject to various investigations, claims and legal and administrative proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. For those matters that we can estimate a range of loss, we have established reserves at levels within that range to provide for the most likely scenario based upon available information. The valuation of reserves for contingencies is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure that we are properly reserved. Reserve balances are adjusted to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing issues and the establishment of additional reserves for emerging issues. While we believe that the current level of reserves is adequate, changes in the future could impact these determinations.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.
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