Plexus - 10-Q quarterly report FY2012 Q3

or

 

Commission File Number 001-14423

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

One Plexus Way

Neenah, Wisconsin 54956

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Telephone Number (920) 722-3451

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

PLEXUS CORP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

Unaudited

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

Unaudited

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

Unaudited

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited

NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations dealing with interim financial statements. However, the Company believes that the disclosures made in the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (or exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The input levels are:

Level 1: Quoted (observable) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for

substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market value. The stated cost is comprised of direct materials, labor, and overhead. The major classes of inventories, net of applicable lower of cost or market write-downs, were as follows (in thousands):

 

NOTE 4—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following categories (in thousands):

 

All derivatives are recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated fair value. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (a “fair value” hedge), a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (a “cash flow” hedge), or a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation. The Company currently has cash flow hedges related to variable rate debt and foreign currency obligations. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows.

The tables below present information regarding the fair values of derivative instruments (as defined in Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies) and the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

The fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts is determined using a market approach which includes obtaining directly or indirectly observable values from third parties active in the relevant markets. The primary input in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is the relevant LIBOR forward curve. Inputs in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts include prevailing forward and spot prices for currency and interest rate forward curves.

The following is a reconciliation of the amounts utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

NOTE 8—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company continues to use the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of stock options and stock-settled SARs. The Company uses the fair value at the date of grant to value RSUs and unrestricted stock awards. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the stock-based awards’ vesting period.

It is reasonably possible that a number of uncertain tax positions related to federal and state tax positions may be settled within the next 12 months. The Company is currently under examination by taxing authorities in the U.S. for fiscal years 2008 through 2010 and is not undergoing any tax examinations in any of its major foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. examination may be resolved within the next twelve months, but at this time it is not possible to estimate the amount of the effects of any changes to the Company's previously recorded uncertain tax positions.

Reportable segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or group, in assessing performance and allocating resources.

The Company uses an internal management reporting system, which provides important financial data to evaluate performance and allocate the Company’s resources on a regional basis. Net sales for segments are attributed to the region in which the product is manufactured or service is performed. The services provided, manufacturing processes used, class of customers serviced and order fulfillment processes used are similar and generally interchangeable across the segments. A segment’s performance is evaluated based upon its operating income (loss). A segment’s operating income (loss) includes its net sales less cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses, but excludes corporate and other costs, interest expense, other income (loss), and income taxes. Corporate and other costs primarily represent corporate selling and administrative expenses, and restructuring and impairment costs, if any. These costs are not allocated to the segments, as management excludes such costs when assessing the performance of the segments. Inter-segment transactions are generally recorded at amounts that approximate arm’s length transactions. The accounting policies for the regions are the same as for the Company taken as a whole.

The percentages of net sales to customers representing 10 percent or more of total net sales for the indicated periods were as follows:

 

No other customers accounted for 10 percent or more of net sales in either period.

NOTE 11—GUARANTEES

The Company offers certain indemnifications under its customer manufacturing agreements. In the normal course of business, the Company may from time to time be obligated to indemnify its customers or its customers’ customers against damages or liabilities arising out of the Company’s negligence, misconduct, breach of contract, or infringement of third party intellectual property rights. Certain agreements have extended broader indemnification, and while most agreements have contractual limits, some do not. However, the Company generally does not provide for such indemnities and seeks indemnification from its customers for damages or liabilities arising out of the Company’s adherence to customers’ specifications or designs or use of materials furnished, or directed to be used, by its customers. The Company does not believe its obligations under such indemnities are material.

The Company provides for an estimate of costs that may be incurred under its limited warranty at the time product revenue is recognized and establishes additional reserves for specifically identified product issues. These costs primarily include labor and materials, as necessary, associated with repair or replacement and are included in the Company’s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in other current accrued liabilities. The primary factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the value and the number of shipped units and historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims. As these factors are impacted by actual experience and future expectations, the Company assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

 

The Company is party to certain other lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 13—CONTINGENCIES

NOTE 14—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an amendment to disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. The amended standard requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to comprehensive income guidance, which eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and its components in the statement of shareholders’ equity. The Company can elect to report components of comprehensive income in either (1) a continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. Under the two-statement approach, the first statement would include the components of net income, and the second statement would include the components of OCI. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company identified prior period errors in its consolidated financial statements related to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows classification of upfront payments made for land use rights. Specifically, the Company had historically accounted for the upfront payments for the land use rights as capital leases within property, plant and equipment and as investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company has determined that the upfront payments made for land use rights should have been reflected as an operating lease within other long-term assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and as operating activities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. There was no impact of the error corrections on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In evaluating whether the Company’s previously issued consolidated financial statements were materially misstated, the Company considered the guidance in Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, ASC Topic 250-10-S99-1, Assessing Materiality, and ASC Topic 250-10-S99-2, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. The Company concluded these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the prior reporting periods. The impact of these corrections to the applicable prior periods are reflected in the financial information and notes herein and will be reflected in future filings containing affected financial information. The impact of these revisions on the financial statements included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and previously filed 2012 and 2011 Forms 10-Q is described below. In addition, footnotes impacted by the above error will also be revised in future filings.

“SAFE HARBOR” CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

The statements contained in this release which are guidance or which are not historical facts (such as statements in the future tense and statements including believe, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, goal, target and similar terms and concepts), including all discussions of periods which are not yet completed, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk of customer delays, changes, cancellations or forecast inaccuracies in both ongoing and new programs; the poor visibility of future orders, particularly in view of current economic conditions; the economic performance of the industries, sectors and customers we serve; the effects of the volume of revenue from certain sectors or programs on our margins in particular periods; the risk that our recent agreement with Kontron does not result in the revenues or margins anticipated by us; our ability to secure new customers, maintain our current customer base and deliver product on a timely basis; the risk that our revenue and/or profits associated with customers who are acquired by third parties will be negatively affected; the particular risks relative to new or recent customers or programs, which risks include customer and other delays, start-up costs, potential inability to execute, the establishment of appropriate terms of agreements, and the lack of a track record of order volume and timing; the risks of concentration of work for certain customers; our ability to manage successfully a complex business model characterized by high customer and product mix, low volumes and demanding quality, regulatory, and other requirements; the risk that new program wins and/or customer demand may not result in the expected revenue or profitability; the fact that customer orders may not lead to long-term relationships; the effects of shortages and delays in obtaining components as a result of economic cycles or natural disasters; raw materials and component cost fluctuations, particularly due to sudden increases in customer demand; the risks associated with excess and obsolete inventory, including the risk that inventory purchased on behalf of our customers may not be consumed or otherwise paid for by the customer, resulting in an inventory write-off; the weakness of the global economy and the continuing instability of the global financial markets and banking system, including the potential inability of our customers or suppliers to access credit facilities; the effect of changes in the pricing and margins of products; the effect of start-up costs of new programs and facilities, such as our announced plans to expand in Romania and the United States, and recent, planned and potential future expansions; the risk of unanticipated costs, unpaid duties and penalties related to an ongoing audit of our import compliance by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; increasing regulatory and compliance requirements; possible unexpected costs and operating disruption in transitioning programs; the potential effect of fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which we transact business; the potential effect of world or local events or other events outside our control (such as drug cartel-related violence in Mexico, changes in oil prices and terrorism); the impact of increased competition; and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings (particularly in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011).

The following information should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011 and our “Safe Harbor” Cautionary Statement included above.

Plexus Corp. and its subsidiaries (together “Plexus,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) deliver optimized Product Realization solutions in the Electronic Manufacturing Services (“EMS”) industry through a unique Product Realization Value Stream services model. This customer focused services model seamlessly integrates innovative product conceptualization, design, commercialization, manufacturing, fulfillment and sustaining services to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions for customers in the Americas (“AMER”), Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) and Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) regions. Customer service is provided to over 130 branded product companies in the Networking/Communications, Medical, Industrial/Commercial and Defense/Security/Aerospace market sectors. Our customers’ products typically require exceptional production and supply-chain flexibility, necessitating an optimized demand-driven manufacturing and supply chain solution across an integrated global platform. Many of our customers’ products require complex configuration management and direct order fulfillment to their customers across the globe. In such cases we provide global logistics management and after-market service and repair. Our customers’ products may have stringent requirements for quality, reliability and regulatory compliance. We offer our customers the ability to outsource all phases of product realization, including product specifications; development, design and design verification; regulatory compliance support; prototyping and new product introduction; manufacturing test equipment development; materials sourcing, procurement and supply-chain management; product assembly/manufacturing, configuration and test; order fulfillment, logistics and service/repair.

We provide most of our contract manufacturing services on a turnkey basis, procuring some or all of the materials required for product assembly. We also provide some services on a consignment basis. In these cases, the customers supply the necessary materials, and we provide the labor and other services required for product assembly. Turnkey services require material procurement and warehousing, in addition to manufacturing, and involve greater resource investments than consignment

services. Other than certain test equipment and software used for internal operations, we do not design or manufacture our own proprietary products.

As discussed in Results of Operations below, we are substantially dependent on our largest customers. Our revenue from these customers may vary from time to time depending on the size and timing of customer program commencements, terminations, delays, modifications and transitions. We generally do not obtain firm, long-term purchase commitments from our customers. Because customers’ forecasts can and do change as a result of changes in their end-market demand and other factors, including global economic conditions, they may, at any time, materially change the type and volume of manufacturing services required. In addition, as our percentage of net sales to customers in a specific sector becomes larger relative to other sectors, we will become increasingly dependent upon the economic and business conditions affecting that sector.

In response to the evolving markets and to better reflect our customers’ end markets, we decided to combine our Wireline/Networking and Wireless Infrastructure market sectors and rename them as our Networking/Communications market sector, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. As a result, we have conformed all prior period market sector presentations to be consistent with our current market sectors.

Consolidated Performance Summary

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data (dollars in millions, except per share data):

 

Our net sales by market sector for the indicated periods were as follows (in millions):

 

The percentages of net sales to customers representing 10 percent or more of net sales and net sales to our ten largest customers for the indicated periods were as follows:

 

No other customers accounted for 10 percent or more of net sales in either period.

The increase in the percentage of net sales from our top ten customers is primarily driven by the ramp of an industrial/commercial sector customer. Although we expect the majority of our top 10 customers to continue to grow in fiscal 2012, we also anticipate that the percentage of our overall sales to these customers will be slightly lower in full-year fiscal 2012, assuming our overall net sales increase. Because the majority of our net sales come from a relatively small number of

customers and a limited number of market sectors, if we lose any of these customers or if there are issues in those market sectors, our net sales and operating results could decline significantly.

 

The estimated annual effective tax rate for all of fiscal 2012 is expected to be 9 percent, a slight decrease from the prior quarter estimate due to the geographic shift in income described above.

We define ROIC as tax-effected annualized operating income divided by average invested capital over a rolling four-quarter period for the third quarter. Invested capital is defined as equity plus debt, less cash and cash equivalents. Other companies may not define or calculate ROIC in the same way. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure which should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Non-GAAP financial measures, including ROIC, are used for internal management assessments because such measures provide additional insight into ongoing financial performance. In particular, we provide ROIC because we believe it offers insight into the metrics that are driving management decisions. We view ROIC as an important measure in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our long-term capital requirements. We also use ROIC as a performance criteria in determining certain elements of compensation.

For a reconciliation of ROIC to our financial statements that were prepared using GAAP, see exhibit 99.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

A further discussion of financial performance by reportable segment is presented below (dollars in millions):

 

 

The following table shows a summary of cash cycle days for the periods indicated (in days):

 

We calculate days in accounts receivable as accounts receivable for the respective quarter divided by annualized sales for the respective quarter by day. We calculate days in inventory, accounts payable, and cash deposits as each balance sheet line item for the respective quarter divided by annualized cost of sales for the respective quarter by day.

Non-GAAP financial measures, including FCF, are used for internal management assessments because such measures provide additional insight into ongoing financial performance. In particular, we provide FCF because we believe it offers insight into the metrics that are driving management decisions. We view FCF as an important financial metric as it demonstrates our ability to generate cash and allows us to pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value. FCF is a non-GAAP financial measure which should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

For a reconciliation of FCF to our financial statements that were prepared using GAAP, see below (in millions):

 

The financial covenants (as defined under the New Credit Facility) require that the Company maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of June 30, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the New Credit Facility. Borrowings under the New Credit Facility, at the Company's option, bear interest at a defined base rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin based upon the Company's leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. Rates would increase upon negative changes in specified Company financial metrics and would decrease upon reduction in the current total leverage ratio, to no less than LIBOR plus 1.00% or the base rate plus 0%. We are also required to pay an annual commitment fee on the unused revolver credit commitment based on our leverage ratio; the fee was 0.20% as of June 30, 2012.

The New Credit Facility and Note Purchase Agreement allow for the future payment of cash dividends or the future repurchases of shares provided that no event of default (including any failure to comply with a financial covenant) exists at the time of, or would be caused by, the dividend payment or the share repurchases. We have not paid cash dividends in the past and do not currently anticipate paying them in the future. However, we evaluate from time to time potential uses of excess cash, which in the future may include share repurchases, a special dividend or recurring dividends.

Based on current expectations, we believe that our projected cash flows from operations, available cash and cash equivalents, the New Credit Facility, and our leasing capabilities should be sufficient to meet our working capital and fixed capital requirements for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future. Further, $160 million of committed credit is currently available under the New Credit Facility, with another $100 million potentially available pursuant to the increase option described above. If our future financing needs increase, we may need to arrange additional debt or equity financing. Accordingly, we evaluate and consider from time to time various financing alternatives to supplement our financial resources. However, particularly due to the current uncertainty of the credit and financial markets, we cannot be assured that we will be able to make any such arrangements on acceptable terms.

Our accounting policies are disclosed in our 2011 annual report on Form 10-K. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, there were no material changes to these policies.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange and interest rates. We selectively use financial instruments to reduce such risks.

We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Our policy is to selectively hedge our foreign currency denominated transactions in a manner that partially offsets the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We typically use foreign currency contracts to hedge only those currency exposures associated with certain assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies. Corresponding gains and losses on the underlying transaction generally offset the gains and losses on these foreign currency hedges. Our international operations create potential foreign exchange risk. Our percentages of transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar for the indicated periods were as follows:

 

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal, while maximizing yields without significantly increasing market risk. To achieve this, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents in a variety of highly rated securities, money market funds and certificates of deposit, and limit the amount of principal exposure to any one issuer.

Our only material interest rate risk is associated with our New Credit Facility under which we borrowed $90 million. Through the use of interest rate swaps, as described above, we have fixed the basis on which we pay interest, and the borrowings under the Note Purchase Agreement are based on a fixed interest rate, thus eliminating much of our interest rate risk.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on the effectiveness of controls, we have nonetheless reached the conclusion that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    Legal Proceedings

We were notified in April 2009 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) of its intention to conduct a customary Focused Assessment of our import activities during fiscal 2008 and of our processes and procedures to comply with U.S. Customs laws and regulations. During September 2010, the Company reported errors relating to import trade activity from July 2004 to the date of Plexus' report. CBP has indicated that on-site fieldwork for the audit was completed as of June 2011, and the Company is currently awaiting final determination of CBP duties and fees. Plexus has agreed that it will implement improved processes and procedures and review these corrective measures with CBP. We recorded an accrual in other current accrued liabilities in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 when the amount became estimable and probable, which was not material to the financial statements. At this time, we do not believe that any deficiencies in processes or controls or unanticipated costs, unpaid duties or penalties associated with this matter will have a material adverse effect on Plexus or the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is a party to certain other lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors

In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed herein, particularly those discussed in the “Safe Harbor” Cautionary Statement and the other sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part I, Item 2, see the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2011.

ITEM 6.    Exhibits