Littelfuse - 10-Q quarterly report FY2011 Q2

Washington, D.C. 20549

Commission file number 0-20388

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

As of July 29, 2011, 23,003,242 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of the registrant were outstanding.

(In thousands of USD, except share amounts)

(In thousands of USD, except per share data, unaudited)

(In thousands of USD, unaudited)

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Littelfuse, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in the statement of financial information, results of operations and cash flows prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, and accrued employee-related costs pursuant to contractual obligations, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended July 2, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011. For further information, refer to the company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011. The company evaluated subsequent events through the date of its financial statements as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Certain items in the company’s 2010 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the company’s 2011 presentation. During the first quarter of 2011, as previously reported, the company adjusted its business segment reporting methodology to report results by product line rather than by sales organization. The company’s total consolidated revenues and operating income did not change.

On December 17, 2010, the company acquired the Cole Hersee Company (“Cole Hersee”), a leading manufacturer of power management products and heavy duty electromechanical and solid-state switches, for approximately $50.0 million. The acquisition allows the company to further expand its off-road, truck and bus business. Cole Hersee is located in Boston, Massachusetts with manufacturing operations in Melchor Muzquiz, Mexico. The company funded the acquisition with available cash.

The following table sets forth the preliminary purchase price allocation for Cole Hersee’s net assets, as of July 2, 2011, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting with adjustments to record the acquired net assets at their estimated fair market or net realizable values.

As required by purchase accounting rules, the company recorded a $3.7 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date. During the first quarter of 2011, as this inventory was sold, the cost of goods sold included $3.7 million of non-cash charges for this step-up.

Pro forma financial information is not presented for Cole Hersee due to amounts not being materially different than actual results.

The components of inventories at July 2, 2011 and January 2, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

Included in the company’s investments are shares of Polytronics Technology Corporation Ltd. (“Polytronics”), a Taiwanese company whose shares are traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.  The Polytronics investment was acquired as part of the Littelfuse GmbH acquisition. The fair value of the Polytronics investment was €9.0 million (approximately $13.1 million) at July 2, 2011 and €8.8 million (approximately $11.7 million) at January 1, 2011, based on the quoted market price at the close of business corresponding to each date. Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) was an unrealized gain of $0.3 million, due to the increase in fair market value for the six months ended July 2, 2011.

The carrying amounts of long-term debt at July 2, 2011 and January 1, 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

On June 13, 2011, the company entered into a new credit agreement with certain commercial banks that provides an unsecured   revolving credit facility in an amount of up to $150 million, with a potential to increase up to $225 million. The credit agreement replaces the company’s previous credit agreement dated July 26, 2006 and loan agreement dated September 23, 2008, and, unless terminated earlier, will terminate on June 13, 2016. During the second quarter of 2011,  $0.2 million of non-cash previously capitalized debt issuance costs were written off and $0.7 million of new debt issuance costs incurred was capitalized and will  be amortized over the life of the new credit agreement.

During the second quarter of 2011, as part of the new refinancing arrangement discussed above, $47 million of indebtedness that was due on the previous term loan was settled and rolled-over into the revolving credit facility by the lender.

Occasionally, the company uses financial instruments to manage its exposures to movements in commodity prices, foreign exchange and interest rates. The use of these financial instruments modifies the company’s exposure to these risks with the goal of reducing the risk or cost to the company. The company does not use derivatives for trading purposes and is not a party to leveraged derivative contracts.

The company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value is based upon either market quotes for actively traded instruments or independent bids for non-exchange traded instruments. The company formally documents its hedge relationships, including identifying the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. This process includes linking derivatives that are designated as hedges of specific assets, liabilities, firm commitments or forecasted transactions to the hedged risk. On the date the derivative is entered into, the company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or a net investment hedge, and accounts for the derivative in accordance with its designation. The company also formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives are highly effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, or if the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur, the company discontinues hedge accounting, and any deferred gains or losses are recorded in the respective measurement period. At July 2, 2011, the company does not have any outstanding derivative instruments.

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 is designated as a cash flow hedge. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).” When the impact of the hedged item is recognized in the income statement, the gain or loss included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is reported on the same line in the Consolidated Statements of Income as the hedged item. The company’s cash flow hedges expired during the second quarter ended July 3, 2010.

The effect of cash flow hedge derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) is as follows (in thousands):

There were no unrealized gains or losses included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at July 2, 2011 and January 1, 2011, respectively.

In determining fair value, the company uses various valuation approaches within the fair value measurement framework.  Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Applicable accounting literature establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.  Applicable accounting literature defines levels within the hierarchy based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Equity securities listed on a national market or exchange are valued at the last sales price. Such securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

In June 2008, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.

Effective December 28, 2008, the company adopted the authoritative guidance. The company’s unvested share-based payment awards, such as certain performance shares, restricted shares and restricted share units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, meet the criteria of a participating security. The adoption changed the methodology of computing the company’s earnings per share to the two-class method from the treasury stock method. This change has not affected previously reported earnings per share, consolidated net earnings or net cash flows from operations. Under the two-class method, earnings are allocated between common stock and participating securities. The presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share is required only for each class of common stock and not for participating securities. As such, the company presents basic and diluted earnings per share for its one class of common stock.

The two-class method includes an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and undistributed earnings for the period. The company’s reported net earnings is reduced by the amount allocated to participating securities to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share.

The dilutive effect of participating securities is calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock or the two-class method. The company has determined the two-class method to be the more dilutive. As such, the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders in the basic earnings per share calculation is adjusted for the reallocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities, as prescribed by the guidance, to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for calculating the diluted earnings per share.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method:

During 2006, the company announced the closing of its Ireland facility, resulting in restructuring charges of $17.1 million, consisting of $20.0 million of accrued severance less a statutory rebate of $2.9 million recorded as a current asset, which were recorded as part of cost of sales. This restructuring, which impacted approximately 131 employees, is part of the company’s strategy to expand operations in Asia-Pacific region in order to be closer to current and potential customers and take advantage of lower manufacturing costs. The restructuring charges were based upon each employee’s salary and length of service with the company. The additions in 2009 and 2010 primarily relate to retention costs that were incurred during the transition period. All charges related to the closure of the Ireland facility were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The total cost expected to be incurred is $26.1 million. The company has incurred $26.1 million through April 2, 2011 with no further costs expected.  This restructuring has been fully paid as of April 2, 2011.

A summary of activity of this liability is as follows:

Ireland restructuring (in thousands)

During December 2006, the company announced the closure of its Irving, Texas facility and the transfer of its semiconductor wafer manufacturing from Irving, Texas to Wuxi, China in a phased transition from 2007 to 2010. A liability of $1.9 million was recorded related to redundancy costs for the manufacturing operation associated with this downsizing. This charge was recorded as part of cost of sales and included in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The additions in 2009 and 2010 primarily relate to retention costs that were incurred during the transition period. This restructuring impacted approximately 180 employees in various production and support related roles and will be paid over the period 2007 to 2011.

During March 2007, the company announced the closure of its Des Plaines and Elk Grove, Illinois, facilities and the transfer of its manufacturing from Des Plaines, Illinois to the Philippines and Mexico in a phased transition from 2007 to 2009. A liability of $3.5 million was recorded related to redundancy costs for the manufacturing and distribution operations associated with this restructuring. Manufacturing related charges of $3.0 million were recorded as part of cost of sales and non-manufacturing related charges of $0.5 million were recorded as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. All charges related to this downsizing were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The additions in 2008 and 2009 primarily relate to retention costs that were incurred during the transition period. This restructuring impacted approximately 307 employees in various production and support related roles and the costs relating to the restructuring were paid over the period 2007 to 2010.

During December 2008, the company announced a reduction in workforce at its Des Plaines, Illinois corporate headquarters in a phased transition from 2008 to 2010. A liability of $0.9 million was recorded associated with this downsizing. Manufacturing related charges of $0.3 million were recorded as part of cost of sales and non-manufacturing related charges of $0.6 million were recorded as part of selling, general and administrative expenses. All charges related to this downsizing were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment

reporting purposes. During 2009, an additional $1.1 million liability was recorded related to severance and retention costs at the Des Plaines facility. The remaining additions in 2009 and 2010 primarily relate to retention costs that will be incurred over the transition period. This restructuring impacted 39 employees in various production and support related roles and the costs relating to the restructuring will be paid over the period 2009 to 2011.

The total cost expected to be incurred for the Irving, Texas and Des Plaines and Elk Grove, Illinois related restructuring programs is $19.2 million. The company has incurred $19.2 million through July 2, 2011. A summary of activity of this liability is as follows:

Irving, Des Plaines and Elk Grove restructuring (in thousands)

During September 2008, the company announced the closure of its Swindon, U.K., facility, resulting in restructuring charges of $0.8 million, consisting of $0.3 million that was recorded as part of cost of sales and $0.5 million that was recorded as part of research and development expenses. These charges, which impact 10 employees, were primarily for redundancy costs and will be paid through 2011. Restructuring charges are based upon each employee’s current salary and length of service with the company. All charges related to the closure of the Swindon facility were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The total cost expected to be incurred is $1.3 million. The company has incurred $1.3 million through July 2, 2011. A summary of activity of this liability is as follows:

Swindon, U.K. restructuring (in thousands)

During May 2009, the company announced the restructuring of its European organization. The restructuring included the transfer of its manufacturing operations from Dünsen, Germany to Piedras Negras, Mexico and the closure of its distribution facility in Utrecht, Netherlands. The Dünsen closure will impact approximately 58 production employees.

The Utrecht closure impacted approximately 37 employees primarily in customer service and administrative roles. The restructuring for Utrecht was completed in the first quarter of 2010.  The Dünsen closure is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011.  The charges recorded for severance and retention and asset impairments were approximately $2.3 million in Utrecht, Netherlands (reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses) and approximately $3.2 million in Dünsen, Germany (reflected within cost of sales). All charges related to the closure of the Dünsen and Utrecht facilities were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The remaining additions in 2010 primarily relate to retention costs that were incurred during the transition period.

The total cost related to the European restructuring program expected to be incurred is $5.6 million. The company has incurred $5.6 million in costs, including asset impairment charges, through July 2, 2011 with no additional costs expected to be incurred. A summary of the activity of this liability is as follows:

European restructuring (in thousands)

During May 2009, the company also announced a restructuring of its Asian operations. The restructuring includes closure of a manufacturing facility in Taiwan and a consolidation of its Asian sales offices. The closure of the Taiwan facility and Asian sales offices will impact approximately 184 employees. The charge recorded for this restructuring totaled $0.9 million and was related to severance and retention costs with $0.4 million and $0.5 million included within cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.  All charges related to the closure and the consolidation of the Asian facilities were recorded in “Other Operating Income (Loss)” for business unit segment reporting purposes. The remaining additions in 2009 and 2010 primarily relate to retention costs that were incurred during the transition period. The total cost expected to be incurred is $1.6 million. The company has incurred $1.6 million through July 2, 2011 related to the Asian restructuring program. A summary of activity of this liability is as follows:

Asian restructuring (in thousands)

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2011 was 27.4% compared to an effective tax rate  of 29.0% in the second quarter of 2010. The current quarter effective tax rate was positively impacted by the mix of income earned in lower tax jurisdictions.

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and six months ended  July 2, 2011, compared with the three and six months ended July 3, 2010, were (in thousands):

The expected rates of return on US pension assets were 8.2% and 8.5% for 2011 and 2010, respectively. The expected rates of return on foreign pension assets were 4.5% and 1.5% for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The company and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and sell circuit protection devices throughout the world. The company reports its operations by the following business unit segments: Electronics, Automotive, and Electrical. Each operating segment is directly responsible for sales, marketing and research and development. Manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, customer service, finance, information technology and human resources are shared functions that are allocated back to the three operating segments. The CEO allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information about its revenue and operating income (loss) before interest and taxes, but does not evaluate the operating segments using discrete asset information.

Sales, marketing and research and development expenses are charged directly into each operating segment. All other functions are shared by the operating segments and expenses for these shared functions are allocated to the operating segments and included in the operating results reported below. The company does not report inter-segment revenue because the operating segments do not record it. The company does not allocate interest and other income, interest expense, or taxes to operating segments. Although the CEO uses operating income (loss) to evaluate the segments, operating costs included in one segment may benefit other segments. Except as discussed above, the accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as for the company as a whole.

An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM is the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

During the first quarter of 2011, as previously reported, the company adjusted its business segment reporting methodology to report results by product line rather than by sales organization. The company’s total consolidated revenues and operating income did not change.

Business unit segment information for the three and six months ended July 2, 2011 and July 3, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

(a) Included in “Other” operating income for the three months ended July 2, 2011 are acquisition related fees.  Included  in “Other” operating income for the six months ended July 2, 2011 is a non-cash charge of $3.7 million for the sale of inventory that had been stepped-up to fair value at the acquisition date of Cole Hersee in 2010 as required by purchase accounting rules. As the inventory was sold, the non-cash charge impacted operating income.

The company’s net sales by geographical area for the three and six months ended July 2, 2011 and July 3, 2010 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

The company’s long-lived assets (net property, plant and equipment) by geographical area as of July 2, 2011 and January 1, 2011are summarized as follows (in thousands):

The following table sets forth the computation of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended July 2, 2011 and July 3, 2010, respectively (in thousands):

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):

* net of tax of $118 and $3,718 for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

** net of tax of $0 and $0 for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

On July 8, 2011, the company invested $3.0 million in certain preferred stock of Shocking Technologies, Inc., a research and development company in the electronics industry  located in San Jose California. Shocking Technologies, Inc. is a developer of circuit protection products for the computer and telecommunication markets.

On August 3, 2011 the company acquired Selco A/S, a Danish company specializing in protection relays for the marine and other industrial markets, for approximately $11.1 million. Selco’s annual revenue is approximately $9.0 million.

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance that will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The guidance does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Because this guidance impacts presentation only, it will have no effect on the company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May, 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides a consistent definition of fair value and ensures that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The new guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The new guidance will be effective for the company as of January 1, 2012 and will be applied prospectively. The company  is evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance but currently believes there will be no significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Littelfuse, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “company”) design, manufacture, and sell circuit protection devices for use in the electronics, automotive and electrical markets throughout the world. The following table is a summary of the company’s operating segments’ net sales by business unit and geography:

Net sales increased $19.1 million or 12% to $176.6 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $157.5 million in the second quarter of 2010 due to growth in the automotive and electrical market segments and in the Americas region. Net sales in 2011 included an incremental $11.2 million related to Cole Hersee. Excluding Cole Hersee, net sales increased $7.9 million or 5% quarter over quarter. The company also experienced $5.3 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This favorable impact primarily resulted from sales denominated in euros.

Electronics sales decreased $0.6 million or 1% to $98.4 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $99.0 million in the second quarter of 2010.  In 2010, sales were positively impacted from strong demand and distributor inventory replenishment resulting from the global economic recovery. While end-market demand was strong in the second quarter of 2011, this demand was offset by inventory de-stocking at some distributors. The electronics segment also experienced $2.1 million in favorable foreign currency effects for the electronics segment in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This increase resulted primarily from sales denominated in euros.

Automotive sales increased $15.8 million or 46% to $50.4 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $34.6 million in the second quarter of 2010 due primarily to an incremental $11.2 million in sales related to Cole Hersee, further recovery in North America and Europe and continued strong growth in Asia. Excluding Cole Hersee, automotive net sales increased $4.6 million or 13% quarter over quarter. The automotive segment also experienced a net $2.4 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This increase resulted primarily from sales denominated in euros.

Electrical sales increased $3.9 million or 16% to $27.8 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $23.9 million in the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to continued strong growth for protection relays and custom mining products and steady improvement in the industrial fuse market. This was partially offset by a slowdown in the solar market. The electrical segment also experienced $0.8 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This increase resulted primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Revenues are also slightly impacted due to seasonal factors related to end user demand.

 

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $17.7 million or 31% to $75.7 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $58.0 million in the second quarter of 2010, primarily due to $11.2 million in incremental sales related to Cole Hersee. Sales in the Americas region also increased $4.7 million in the electrical business segment and $1.4 million in the electronics business segment. The Americas region also experienced $0.7 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This increase resulted primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars.

Europe sales increased $1.9 million or 6% to $31.1 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $29.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 mainly due to increased automotive and electronics sales. The Europe region also experienced $3.6 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010 reflecting a stronger euro.

Asia-Pacific sales decreased $0.5 million or 1% to $69.8 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $70.3 million in the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower demand in consumer electronics and automotive markets. The Asia-Pacific region also experienced $1.1 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the second quarter of 2011 as compared to the second quarter of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales denominated in Japanese yen and Korean won.

Gross profit was $70.0 million or 40% of net sales for the second quarter of 2011 compared to $59.4 million or 38% of net sales in the same quarter last year. The improvement in gross margin was attributable to improved operating leverage resulting from higher production volumes in the second quarter of 2011 as well as cost reductions realized from manufacturing transfers.

Total operating expense was $34.7 million or 20% of net sales for the second quarter of 2011 compared to $31.9 million or 20% of net sales for the same quarter in 2010. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflects incremental operating expenses of $2.6 million from the Cole Hersee acquisition. The impact of cost reduction plans initiated in 2008 continued to reflect in improved operating efficiencies across the company.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2011 was approximately $35.3 million compared to operating income of $27.5 million for the same quarter in 2010 due to the increase in sales and reduction in costs discussed above.

Interest expense was $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to $0.4 million for the second quarter of 2010. Interest expense increased in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same quarter last year due to debt issuance costs incurred related to the new credit agreement in the second quarter of 2011. Other (income) expense, net, consisting of interest income, royalties, non-operating income and foreign currency items was less than $0.1 million for the second quarter of 2011 compared to $1.4 million of expense in the second quarter of 2010. The results for 2011 and 2010 were primarily due to the impact from foreign exchange revaluation.

Income before income taxes was $34.8 million for the second quarter of 2011 compared to income before income taxes of $28.6 million for the second quarter of 2010. Income tax expense was $9.5 million with an effective tax rate of 27.4% for the second quarter of 2011 compared to income tax expense of $8.3 million with an effective tax rate of 29.0% in the second quarter of 2010. The 2011 effective tax rate was lower due to increased profitability in lower-tax-rate jurisdictions.

Net income for the second quarter of 2011 was $25.3 million or $1.11 per diluted share compared to net income of $20.3 million or $0.90 per diluted share for the same quarter of 2010.

Net sales increased $41.9 million or 14% to $343.8 million for the first six months of 2011 compared to $301.9 million in the first six months of 2010 due to growth in all market segments and geographies and $24.2 million related to Cole Hersee. The company estimates that the Japan disaster had an impact of approximately $3.0 million on sales to Japanese customers in the first six months of 2011. The company also experienced $6.2 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the prior year. This favorable impact primarily resulted from sales denominated in euros, Canadian dollars and the Japanese yen.

 

Electronics sales increased $2.3 million or 1% to $185.7 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $183.4 million in the first six months of 2010 reflecting increased end-market demand across all geographies partially offset by distributor inventory replenishment in the prior-year period. The electronics segment also experienced $2.4 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales denominated in Japanese yen and euros.

Automotive sales increased $32.7 million or 46% to $104.3 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $71.6 million in the first six months of 2010. $24.2 million of the increase is related to Cole Hersee. The automotive segment also experienced $2.5 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales denominated in euros.

Electrical sales increased $6.9 million or 15% to $53.8 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $46.9 million in the first six months of 2010 primarily due to continued strong growth for protection relays and custom mining products and steady improvement in the industrial fuse market. This was partially offset by a slowdown in the solar market. The electrical segment also experienced $1.3 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales in Canadian dollars.

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $35.2 million or 32% to $146.5 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $111.3 million in the first six months of 2010, primarily due to $24.2 million  related to Cole Hersee and increased sales in all three of the company’s business segments. The Americas region also experienced $1.2 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase resulted primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars.

Europe sales increased $4.6 million or 8% to $63.6 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $59.0 million in the first six months of 2010 mainly due to increased automotive and electronics sales. The Europe region  experienced $3.3 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales denominated in euros.

Asia-Pacific sales increased $2.1 million or 2% to $133.7 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $131.6 million in the first six months of 2010 primarily due to continued strong demand for electronic and automotive products partially offset by electronic distributor inventory replenishment in the prior-year period. The Asia-Pacific region also experienced $1.7 million in favorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2011 as compared to the first six months of 2010. This increase primarily resulted from sales denominated in Japanese yen and Korean won.

Gross profit was $134.7 million or 39% of net sales for the first six months of 2011 compared to $112.7 million or 37% of net sales in the first six months of last year. Gross profit for the first six months of 2011 was negatively impacted by $3.7 million which was the additional cost of goods sold for Cole Hersee inventory which had been stepped-up to fair value at the acquisition date as required by purchase accounting rules. Excluding the impact of this adjustment, gross profit was $138.4 million or 40% of net sales for the first six months of 2011. The improvement in gross margin was attributable to improved operating leverage resulting from higher production volumes in the first six months of 2011 as well as cost reductions related to manufacturing transfers.

Total operating expense was $68.5 million or 19% of net sales for the first six months of 2011 compared to $63.5 million or 21% of net sales for the first six months in 2010. The increase in operating expense primarily reflects incremental operating expenses of $5.7 million from the Cole Hersee acquisition.

Operating income for the first six months of 2011 was approximately $66.2 million compared to  $49.2 million for the first six months in 2010 due to the increase in sales and reduction in costs discussed above.

Interest expense was $0.9 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to $0.8 million for the first six months of 2010. Interest expense was higher in 2011 as compared to 2010 due to debt issuance costs incurred related to the new credit agreement in 2011. Other expense (income), net, consisting of interest income, royalties, non-operating income and foreign currency items was less than $0.1 million of expense for the first six months of 2011 compared to $1.3 million of income in the first six months of 2010. The year over year change resulted primarily from foreign exchange revaluation.

Income before income taxes was $65.4 million for the six months of 2011 compared to income before income taxes of $49.7 million for the first six months of 2010. Income tax expense was $18.5 million with an effective tax rate of 28.4% for the first six months of 2011 compared to  $13.9 million with an effective tax rate of 28.0% in the first six months of 2010. The change in effective tax rate is due to the mix of income (loss) by jurisdiction.

Net income for the first six months of 2011 was $46.8 million or $2.08 per diluted share compared to net income of $35.7 million or $1.59 per diluted share for the first six months of 2010.

The company historically has financed capital expenditures through cash flows from operations. Management expects that cash flows from operations and available lines of credit will be sufficient to support both the company’s operations and its debt obligations for the foreseeable future.

Term Loan

On September 29, 2008, the company entered into a Loan Agreement with various lenders that provides the company with a five-year term loan facility of up to $80.0 million for the purposes of (i) refinancing certain existing indebtedness; (ii) funding working capital needs; and (iii) funding capital expenditures and other lawful corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions. The company terminated this loan agreement on June 13, 2011 at which time any outstanding amounts were refinanced under the company’s new revolving credit facility effective June 13, 2011.

Revolving Credit Facilities

On June 13, 2011 the company entered into a domestic unsecured financing agreement, which expires on June 13, 2016, consisting of a credit agreement with certain commercial banks that provides a $150.0 million revolving credit facility, with a potential to increase up to $225.0 million upon request of the company and agreement with the lenders.  At July 2, 2011, the company had available $79.4 million of borrowing capacity under the revolver credit facility at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.250% (1.44% as of July 2, 2011).

This arrangement contains covenants that, among other matters, impose limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, future mergers, sales of assets, payment of dividends, and changes in control, as defined in the agreement. In addition, the company is required to satisfy certain financial covenants and tests relating to, among other matters, interest coverage, working capital, leverage and net worth. At July 2, 2011, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility.

On January 28, 2009, the company entered into an unsecured financing arrangement with a foreign bank that provided a 10.0 million Canadian dollar (equivalent to approximately $10.4 million at July 2, 2011) revolving credit facility, for capital expenditures and general working capital, which expired on July 21, 2011. This facility consisted of prime-based loans and overdrafts, banker’s acceptances and U.S. base rate loans and overdrafts. At July 2, 2011, the company had 10.0 million Canadian dollar (equivalent to approximately $10.4 million at July 2, 2011) available under the revolving credit facility.

This arrangement, which expired on July 21, 2011, contained covenants that, among other matters, impose limitations on future mergers, sales of assets, and changes in control, as defined in the agreement. In addition, the company is required to satisfy certain financial covenants and tests relating to, among other matters, interest coverage, working capital, leverage and net worth.

The company also has an unsecured domestic financing arrangement, which expires on July 21, 2011, consisting of a credit agreement with banks that provides a $75.0 million revolving credit facility, with a potential to increase up to $125.0 million upon request of the company and agreement with the lenders.  The company refinanced this loan agreement with a new revolving credit facility on June 13, 2011.

The company also had $0.8 million outstanding in letters of credit at July 2, 2011.  No amounts were drawn under these letters of credit at July 2, 2011.

 

 

Other Obligations

The company started 2011 with $109.7 million of cash and cash equivalents. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $46.1 million for the first six months of 2011 reflecting $46.9 million in net income and $18.4 million in non-cash adjustments (primarily $15.5 million in depreciation and amortization and $3.7 million for the inventory charge from the Cole Hersee acquisition as required by purchase accounting rules) offset by $19.2 million in net changes to various operating assets and liabilities. Changes in various operating assets and liabilities (including short-term and long-term items) that impacted cash flows negatively for the first six months of 2011 consisted of net increases in accounts receivables ($18.9 million), inventory ($1.5 million), prepaid and other assets ($0.7 million) and accrued payroll and severance ($7.4 million). Changes that had a positive impact on cash flows were increases in accounts payable ($5.9 million), increases in accrued expenses (including post retirement) ($0.6 million), and accrued income taxes ($2.9 million).

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $10.3 million and included $10.6 million in capital spending offset by $0.3 million in business acquisition settlements (Cole Hersee) and proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $13.0 million and included net payments of debt of $4.0 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options including tax benefits of $24.4 million offset by cash dividends paid of $6.6 million and debt issuance costs of $0.7 million. The effects of exchange rate changes increased cash and cash equivalents by approximately $5.4 million primarily as a result of cash balances held in euros and the impact of the euro weakening against the dollar in 2011. The net cash provided by operating activities combined with the effects of exchange rate changes less net cash used in investing and financing activities resulted in a $54.2 million increase in cash, which left the company with a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $163.9 million at July 2, 2011.

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.6 to 1 at the end of the second quarter of 2011 compared to 2.9 to 1 at year-end 2010 and 3.4 to 1 at the end of the second quarter of 2010. Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was approximately 61 days at the end of the second quarter of 2011 compared to 62 days at the second quarter of 2010 and 58 days at year-end 2010. Days inventory outstanding was approximately 68 days at the end of the second quarter of 2011 compared to 70 days at the year-end 2010 and 56 days at end of the second quarter of 2010.

Over the past three years the company has implemented a phased transition to consolidate its manufacturing into fewer and lower-cost facilities. Most of these transitions have been completed. The transitions have resulted in both a significantly improved cost structure and more efficient operations. The company believes these changes are a significant driver of its improved operating margin.

The overall improvement in the global economy also has caused increases to our commodity and transportation costs. These costs have had some effect on the manufacturing and operating results, but have been offset by the aforementioned efficiency improvements.

The company estimates that the Japan disaster had an impact of approximately $3 million on sales to Japanese customers in the first six months of 2011. It is expected that this will have a similar impact on the second half of 2011. The company is also evaluating potential indirect effects on its supply chain from shortages of Japanese components, but at this point there are no known situations that would have a material impact on the company’s financial results.

The company continues to invest in plant and infrastructure to further improve operating efficiency and increase capacity.  Capital spending for 2011 is expected to be approximately $25 to $28 million.

The statements in this section and the other sections of this report that are not historical facts are intended to constitute “forward-looking statements” entitled to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks relating to product demand and market acceptance, economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product quality problems or product recalls, capacity and supply difficulties or constraints, coal mining exposures reserves, failure of an indemnification for environmental liability, exchange rate fluctuations, commodity price fluctuations, the effect of the company’s accounting policies, labor disputes, restructuring costs in excess of expectations, pension plan asset returns less than assumed, integration of acquisitions and other risks which may be detailed in the company’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or implied in the forward-looking statements. This report should be read in conjunction with information provided in the financial statements appearing in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011. For a further discussion of the risk factors of the company, please see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011.

The company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodities.

The company had $70.0 million in debt outstanding under revolving credit facilities at July 2, 2011, at variable rates. While 100% of this debt has variable interest rates, the company’s interest expense is not materially sensitive to changes in interest rate levels since debt levels and potential interest expense increases are small relative to earnings.

The majority of the company’s operations consist of manufacturing and sales activities in foreign countries. The company has manufacturing facilities in Mexico, Canada, Germany, China, Taiwan and the Philippines. During the first six months of 2011, sales to customers outside the U.S. were 65.5% of total net sales. Substantially all sales in Europe are denominated in euros and substantially all sales in the Asia-Pacific region are denominated in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen, Korean won, Chinese yuan or Taiwanese dollars.

The company’s foreign exchange exposures result primarily from sale of products in foreign currencies, foreign currency denominated purchases, employee-related and other costs of running operations in foreign countries and translation of balance sheet accounts denominated in foreign currencies. The company’s most significant long exposure is to the euro, with lesser long exposures to the Canadian dollar, Japanese yen and Korean won. The company’s most significant short exposures are to the Mexican peso, Philippine peso and Chinese yuan. Changes in foreign exchange rates could affect the company’s sales, costs, balance sheet values and earnings. The company uses netting and offsetting intercompany account management techniques to reduce known foreign currency exposures where possible. From time to time, the company has utilized derivative instruments to hedge certain foreign currency exposures deemed to be material.

The company uses various metals in the manufacturing of its products, including copper, zinc, tin, gold and silver. Prices of these commodities can and do fluctuate significantly, which can impact the company’s earnings. The most significant of these exposures is to copper, zinc, gold, and silver where at current prices and volumes, a 10% price change would affect pre-tax profit by approximately $2.2 million for copper, $0.8 million for zinc, $0.7 million for gold, and $0.3 million for silver. During 2011, the increase in gold and silver prices caused these commodities to become major cost components. From time to time, the company has utilized derivative instruments to hedge certain commodity exposures deemed to be material

The cost of oil has increased during the first six months of 2011. There is a risk that a return to high prices for oil and electricity during the remainder of 2011 could continue to have an impact on the company’s transportation and utility expenses.

The cost of raw silicon has increased during the first six months of 2011, and further increases are expected in the second half of 2011. This is expected to add to the cost of the company’s semiconductor products for the remainder of 2011. However, the company believes these cost increases should be more than offset by savings from the consolidation of the company’s semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

As of July 2, 2011, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the company evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures of the company and concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries has been made known to them by the employees of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries during the period preceding the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and that such information is accurately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules. There were no significant changes in the company’s internal controls during the period covered by this Report that could materially affect these controls or could reasonably be expected to materially affect the company’s internal control reporting, disclosures and procedures subsequent to the last day they were evaluated by the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

A detailed description of risks that could have a negative impact on our business, revenues and performance results can be found under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2011.

The company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock under a program for the period May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012. The company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the first six months of fiscal 2011, and 1,000,000 shares may yet be purchased under the program as of July 2, 2011. The company withheld 16,512 shares of stock in lieu of withholding taxes on behalf of employees who became vested in restricted stock option grants during the first six months of 2011.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2011, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.