Helios Technologies - 10-Q quarterly report FY2014 Q3

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

SUN HYDRAULICS CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registration as Specified in its Charter)

Item  1.

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)

(in thousands)

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)

(in thousands)

Sun Hydraulics Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF BUSINESS

Earnings per share

The following table represents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):

In March 2012, the Board reviewed its non-employee director compensation policy and determined that compensating Directors solely in Company stock would further align the interests of the Board and the shareholders. Accordingly, the Board of Directors adopted the Sun Hydraulics Corporation 2012 Nonemployee Director Fees Plan (the “2012 Directors Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders of the Company at its 2012 annual meeting.

The results of operations of WhiteOak have been included in the Company’s consolidated results since the date of acquisition. Supplemental pro forma information and disclosure of acquired assets and liabilities have not been provided as this acquisition did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements individually or in the aggregate.

Facility A or Facility B (if activated) is payable in full on August 1, 2016. Maturity may be accelerated by the Bank upon an Event of Default (as defined). Prepayment may be made without penalty or premium at any time upon the required notice to the Bank.

The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004 for the majority of tax jurisdictions.

Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty. It is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the Company will resolve some or all of the matters presently under consideration for 2004 through 2012 with the IRS and that there could be significant increases or decreases to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company has a single reportable segment in manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing its products worldwide. The individual subsidiaries comprising the Company operate predominantly in a single industry as manufacturers and distributors of hydraulic components. Given the similar nature of products offered for sale, the type of customers, the methods of distribution and how the Company is managed, the Company determined that it has only one operating and reporting segment for both internal and external reporting purposes.

Geographic Region Information:

Net sales are measured based on the geographic destination of sales. Total and long-lived assets are shown based on the physical location of the assets. Long-lived assets primarily include net property, plant and equipment:

The Company applies fair value accounting guidelines for all financial assets and liabilities and non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Under these guidelines, fair value is defined as the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e. an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, infrequent, or no market activity and reflect the Company’s own assumptions about inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company’s valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of marketable equity securities, mutual funds, and phantom stock units were derived from quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of all other financial instruments were valued based on quoted market prices or model driven valuations using significant inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will evaluate the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance on Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Company.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Sun is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds, which control force, speed and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. The Company sells its products globally through wholly owned subsidiaries and independent distributors. Sales outside the United States for the year ended December 28, 2013, were approximately 57% of total net sales.

Approximately two-thirds of product sales are used by the mobile market, which is characterized by applications where the equipment is not fixed in place, the operating environment is often unpredictable, and duty cycles are generally moderate to low. Some examples of the mobile market include equipment used in off-road construction, agriculture, fire and rescue, utilities, oil fields, and mining.

The remaining one-third of sales are used by industrial markets, which are characterized by equipment that is fixed in place, typically in a controlled environment, and which operates at higher pressures and duty cycles. Power units, automation machinery, metal cutting machine tools and plastics machinery are some examples of industrial equipment. The Company sells to both markets with a single product line.

In recent periods, the Company’s products have been used by emerging markets that have characteristics of both the mobile and industrial markets and do not conveniently fit either classification exclusively. These markets include alternative energy equipment including wind, wave and solar equipment, animatronics and staging for theater and cinema. The Company sells to these markets the same products used in its traditional markets.

Management and Operations Philosophy

Since its inception, Sun has operated as an entrepreneurial enterprise, with an emphasis on individual employee empowerment and a disinclination to create bureaucracy, a formal management structure or administrative impediments to innovation, efficiency and customer service. Accordingly, the Company’s organization, management structure, and reporting and decision-making systems are highly unified and unlayered.

In addition to representative and sales offices located throughout the world, Sun has three subsidiaries outside the United States (in the UK, Germany and Korea) and one U.S. subsidiary. These entity distinctions arose out of historical considerations or as the result of acquisitions. Nevertheless, and increasingly as it has developed into a global enterprise, the Company is operated and managed on a consolidated basis. Much of the Company’s primary financial and operations data is reported from Sun’s various legal entities, which are separate tax-payers and, in many cases, subject to statutory audits in the countries in which they are organized. This information from Sun locations around the world is then compiled and aggregated, with appropriate consolidating entries, on a monthly basis. However, we do not manage or make decisions based on the individual legal entity information. Instead, this is done on the basis of the consolidated information.

Sun has always employed a leadership model in which all management personnel have line responsibilities and participate across functional lines and in multiple areas, including geographical areas. Through a common vision, shared values and networks of informal, overlapping relationships, the Company has emphasized a unified approach. The CEO oversees the Company with a constant focus on consolidated results.

With oversight from its Board of Directors and an emphasis on transparent communication across the entire Company, Sun’s operating strategy and business is based upon the creation and manufacture of a comprehensive line of functional products which are sold, through distribution and directly, worldwide for use in a host of mobile and industrial applications. This unified focus places a premium on the delivery of Sun products for fluid power solutions anywhere in the world in the most efficient manner, with little regard for traditional geographic or entity differentiation. Instead, Sun’s management looks at where products are sold - the Americas, Europe (which includes the Middle East and Africa), and Asia/Pacific. Decisions as to resource allocation, expansion of facilities and personnel, and capital investment are all made based on information on “sales to” customers, not information about “sales from” Sun subsidiary entities. This reflects the fact that sales are routinely specified, originated or sold beyond and regardless of entity or geographic boundaries. In particular, many of the sales in Europe and Asia come directly from the US and never pass through one of Sun’s subsidiary entities in those regions.

Management’s focus is on overall Company performance and the evaluation of opportunities for additional “sales to” customers. Sun’s CEO truly acts as the chief executive for the entire business; he and the other management leaders oversee operations worldwide, without an intermediate reporting bureaucracy in each location in which Sun has a legal entity. Using “shared offices,” leadership responsibilities are disbursed throughout the Company, with minimal formal reporting relationships and maximum collaboration among employees worldwide. By focusing on total net orders and total net sales, not individual legal entity performance, Sun is able to better serve its customers. This philosophy permeates not only the management approach to decision-making, but also the Company’s compensation system, which is based on company-wide performance, and not individual or entity-level management-by-objective criteria.

Industry conditions

The Company’s order trend has historically tracked closely to the United States Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). When PMI is over 50, it indicates economic expansion in the manufacturing sector; when it is below 50, it indicates contraction. The index increased to 56.6 in September 2014 compared to 56.2 in September 2013. The U.S. PMI index registered 59.0 for October 2014, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 17th consecutive month. The index was supported by growth in new orders, production, and employment. Management believes this is a strong indicator for positive near-term business conditions for Sun.

(in millions except net income per share)

Sun's third quarter results were strong compared to last year. Demand was bolstered by all geographic end markets, with Europe up 15%, and North America and Asia/Pacific each up 10%. Earnings came in as expected and included ongoing investments in product development and marketing efforts.

Management believes that investing in the business for sustainable, profitable growth is key to operations. In 2014, these investments include physical capacity, product development, and marketing efforts in Asia. These investments benefit Sun and our stakeholders long-term, and help drive value for shareholders. In addition to investing in the business, the Company's financial performance and ability to generate cash allowed the return of cash to shareholders through a $1.00 per share special dividend, paid last month. The Company did this while maintaining a balance sheet that affords the ability to continue to invest in the business and take advantage of market opportunities for growth. Sun's focus remains on providing differentiated products and services to customers, and delivering further value to stakeholders.

For the year, revenues are expected to be approximately $228 million, up 11% from the prior year. Earnings per share are estimated to be $1.64 to $1.66 compared to earnings per share of $1.45 in the prior year.

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Selling, Engineering and Administrative Expenses

Operating Income

The Company derives its operating income based on the consolidated results of its legal entities. The Company has made the decision to consolidate engineering and manufacturing for the most part in the U.S. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries primarily act as part of our sales and distribution channel. This structure results in different operating margins among the legal entities due to the mix of products, channels to market, and industries present in different geographic regions.

Products manufactured in the U.S. are sold worldwide. Pricing, operations and cost structure are the primary reasons that operating income in the U.S. is higher than foreign subsidiary operating income, which we expect will continue. Our German

and UK entities act as value add distributors. These entities sell to both end use customers in their respective regions, as well as to third party distributors in certain parts of Europe. UK margins have historically been lower than Germany margins. This is due to the fact that, in the UK, we manufacture iron manifolds for the European market. This results in higher overhead costs primarily related to machinery and equipment, and the employment of nearly twice as many people as in Germany. Margins are lowest in our Korean entity. Korea, more than any other subsidiary, sells direct to large OEM customers where pricing pressure is most pronounced.

The U.S. legal entity contributed $11.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014, compared to $10.4 million in 2013, an increase of $1.2 million. The increase is primarily related to volume and pricing. Increased revenue volume was driven by sales to the United States. Increasingly, the US legal entity ships products directly to customers around the world. Third party export sales from the US were $13.8 million in 2014 compared to $12.3 million in 2013. As demand strengthens internationally, the US legal entity will benefit from these direct export sales.

Our Korean subsidiary contributed $0.3 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 and 2013, maintaining similar operating margins.

Our German subsidiary contributed $1.8 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $1.5 million during 2013, an increase of $0.3 million. Higher volume added approximately $0.2 million, with the remainder resulting from margin expansion. Operating margins were 24.4% and 22.9%, in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Our U.K. subsidiary contributed $0.9 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 and 2013. Increases from volume of $0.2 million offset increased labor and overhead costs.

Interest Income, Net

Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net

Income Taxes

Net Sales

Gross Profit

Selling, Engineering and Administrative Expenses

Operating Income

The Company derives its operating income based on the consolidated results of its legal entities. The Company has made the decision to consolidate engineering and manufacturing for the most part in the U.S. The Company’s foreign subsidiaries primarily act as part of our sales and distribution channel. This structure results in different operating margins between the legal entities due to the mix of products, channels to market, and industries present in different geographic regions.

Products manufactured in the U.S. are sold worldwide. Pricing, operations and cost structure are the primary reasons that operating income in the U.S. is higher than foreign subsidiary operating income, which we expect will continue. Our German and UK entities act as value add distributors. These entities sell to both end use customers in their respective regions, as well as to third party distributors in certain parts of Europe. UK margins have historically been lower than Germany margins. This is due to the fact that, in the UK, we manufacture iron manifolds for the European market. This results in higher overhead costs primarily related to machinery and equipment, and the employment of nearly twice as many people as in Germany. Margins are lowest in our Korean entity. Korea, more than any other subsidiary, sells direct to large OEM customers where pricing pressure is most pronounced.

The U.S. legal entity contributed $39.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014, compared to $34.9 million in 2013, an increase of $4.7 million. The increase was driven by higher volume and pricing, which offset increased input costs. Increased revenue volume was driven by sales to the United States. Increasingly, the US legal entity ships products directly to customers around the world. Third party export sales from the US were $45.2 million in 2014 compared to $40.9 million in 2013. As demand strengthens internationally, the US legal entity will benefit from these direct export sales.

Our Korean subsidiary contributed $1.4 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $1.5 million in 2013, a decrease of $0.1 million. The decrease was due to margin erosion, going from approximately 10.1% to 8.4% of sales. This decrease was primarily related to increased material, labor and overhead costs.

Our German subsidiary contributed $5.6 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $4.5 million during 2013, an increase of $1.1 million. Higher volume added approximately $0.4 million, with the remainder resulting from margin expansion. Operating margins were 24.2% and 22.5%, in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The margin growth was attributable to material cost decreases related to purchases of material in U.S. Dollars and a strengthening Euro.

Our U.K. subsidiary contributed $3.1 million to our consolidated operating income in 2014 compared to $2.9 million during 2013, an increase of $0.2 million. Higher volume contributed $0.6 million, which was partially offset by a decrease in margin from 21.3% to 19.4%.

Interest Income, Net

Miscellaneous (Income) Expense, Net

Income Taxes

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Historically, the Company’s primary source of capital has been cash generated from operations, although fluctuations in working capital requirements have from time to time been met through borrowings under revolving lines of credit. The Company’s principal uses of cash have been to pay operating expenses, make capital expenditures, pay dividends to shareholders, and service debt.

The Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share payable on October 15, 2014, to shareholders of record as of October 2, 2014. In addition to the regular quarterly dividend, the Company declared a special cash dividend of $1.00 per share payable on October 24, 2014, to shareholders of record on October 10, 2014. The declaration and payment of future dividends is subject to the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, and any determination as to the payment of future dividends will depend upon the Company’s profitability, financial condition, capital needs, future prospects and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board of Directors.

The Company believes that cash generated from operations and its borrowing availability under its revolving line of credit will be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s operating expenses and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future. In the event that economic conditions were to severely worsen for a protracted period of time, the Company would have several options available to ensure liquidity in addition to increased borrowing. Capital expenditures could be postponed since they primarily pertain to long-term improvements in operations. Additional operating expense reductions also could be made. Finally, the dividend to shareholders could be reduced or suspended.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not engage in any off balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, the Company does not have any material interest in variable interest entities, which include special purpose entities and structured finance entities.

Through the first quarter of the prior year, the Company used the equity method of accounting to account for its 40% equity investment in WhiteOak. The Company did not have a majority ownership in or exercise control over the entity. The

investment was not material to the financial statements of the Company at March 30, 2013. On April 1, 2013, Sun Hydraulics purchased the remaining 60% of WhiteOak (see note 7.)

Seasonality

The Company generally has experienced increased sales during the second quarter of the year, largely as a result of the order patterns of our customers. The Company’s second quarter net sales, income from operations and net income historically are the highest of any quarter during the year.

Inflation

The impact of inflation on the Company’s operating results has been moderate in recent years, reflecting generally lower rates of inflation in the economy. While inflation has not had, and the Company does not expect that it will have, a material impact upon operating results, there is no assurance that the Company’s business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain oral statements made by management from time to time and certain statements contained herein that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, including those in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, are statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations, estimates or projections of the Company, its Directors or its Officers about the Company and the industry in which it operates, and assumptions made by management, and include among other items, (i) the Company’s strategies regarding growth, including its intention to develop new products; (ii) the Company’s financing plans; (iii) trends affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations; (iv) the Company’s ability to continue to control costs and to meet its liquidity and other financing needs; (v) the declaration and payment of dividends; and (vi) the Company’s ability to respond to changes in customer demand domestically and internationally, including as a result of standardization. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the anticipated results will occur.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations relates primarily to the direct investment in its facilities in the United Kingdom, Germany and Korea. The Company does not use financial instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate changes.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

None.

For information regarding risk factors, please refer to Part I, Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.

Exhibits: