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

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 20152016

 

Commission file number: 001-13337

 

STONERIDGE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio 34-1598949
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio 44484
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

 (330) 856-2443 
 Registrant's telephone number, including area code 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

xYes¨No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

xYes¨No

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨Accelerated filer xNon-accelerated filer ¨Smaller reporting company ¨
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).¨YesxNo

 

The number of Common Shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 30, 201524, 2016 was 27,911,948.27,842,883.

 

 

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX   Page
PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1.Financial Statements  
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 20152016 (Unaudited) and December 31, 20142015 23
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20152016 and 20142015 34
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss) (Unaudited) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 20152016 and 20142015 45
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20152016 and 20142015 56
 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 67
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 2524
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 3835
Item 4.Controls and Procedures 3835
     
PART II–OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1.Legal Proceedings 3836
Item 1A.Risk Factors 3836
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 3836
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities 3936
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures 3936
Item 5.Other Information 3936
Item 6.Exhibits 3936
    
Signatures 3937
Index to Exhibits40

EX – 31.1

EX – 31.2

EX – 32.1

EX – 32.2

101XBRL Exhibits:  
101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentIndex to Exhibits 
101.SCHXBRL Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Labels Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document38

Forward-Looking Statements

Portions of this report contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, our directors or officers with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition or divestiture strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, and (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

·the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer;

·the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment activities, or similar actions;

·a significant change in automotive, commercial, motorcycle, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;

·competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;

·the impact on changes in foreign currency exchange rates on sales, costs and results, particularly the Brazilian real, euro, Argentinian peso, Swedish krona, Mexican peso and Chinese Renminbi;

·our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed certain customer-mandated selling price reductions;

·a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which we operate;

·labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;

·the ability of our suppliers to supply us with quality parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;

·the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our credit facility;

·customer acceptance of new products;

·capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;

·the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business; and

·those items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) of the Company's 2015 Form 10-K.

In addition, the forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
(in thousands) 2015  2014  2016  2015 
 (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)    
ASSETS                
                
Current assets:                
Cash and cash equivalents $29,289  $43,021  $50,560  $54,361 
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,057 and $2,017, respectively  112,595   105,102 
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,563 and $1,066, respectively  122,286   94,937 
Inventories, net  71,381   71,253   65,200   61,009 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  22,273   26,135   31,677   21,602 
Total current assets  235,538   245,511   269,723   231,909 
                
Long-term assets:                
Property, plant and equipment, net  83,258   85,311   90,746   85,264 
Other assets:        
Intangible assets, net  35,833   56,637 
Goodwill  1,000   1,078 
Intangible assets, net and goodwill  41,294   36,699 
Investments and other long-term assets, net  10,237   10,214   11,839   10,380 
Total long-term assets  130,328   153,240   143,879   132,343 
Total assets $365,866  $398,751  $413,602  $364,252 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                
                
Current liabilities:                
Current portion of debt $17,913  $19,655  $9,901  $13,905 
Accounts payable  59,012   58,593   66,596   55,225 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  39,372   42,066   50,032   38,920 
Total current liabilities  116,297   120,314   126,529   108,050 
                
Long-term liabilities:                
Revolving credit facility  100,000   100,000   87,000   100,000 
Long-term debt, net  4,982   10,651   8,264   4,458 
Deferred income taxes  41,261   50,006   43,290   41,332 
Other long-term liabilities  3,404   3,974   3,898   3,983 
Total long-term liabilities  149,647   164,631   142,452   149,773 
                
Shareholders' equity:                
Preferred Shares, without par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued  -   -   -   - 
Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,907 and 28,853 shares issued and 27,912 and 28,221 shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, with no stated value  -   - 
Common Shares, without par value, 60,000 shares authorized, 28,966 and 28,907 shares issued and 27,843 and 27,912 shares outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, with no stated value  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  198,090   192,892   203,976   199,254 
Common Shares held in treasury, 995 and 632 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, at cost  (4,208)  (1,284)
Common Shares held in treasury, 1,123 and 995 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, at cost  (5,592)  (4,208)
Accumulated deficit  (38,189)  (54,879)  (3,011)  (32,105)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (70,044)  (45,473)  (64,456)  (69,822)
Total Stoneridge, Inc. shareholders' equity  85,649   91,256   130,917   93,119 
Noncontrolling interest  14,273   22,550   13,704   13,310 
Total shareholders' equity  99,922   113,806   144,621   106,429 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $365,866  $398,751  $413,602  $364,252 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 Three months ended Nine months ended  Three months ended Nine months ended 
 September 30, September 30,  September 30, September 30, 
(in thousands, except per share data) 2015  2014  2015  2014  2016  2015  2016  2015 
                  
Net sales $162,057  $170,338  $490,171  $493,768  $173,846  $162,057  $523,365  $490,171 
                                
Costs and expenses:                                
Cost of goods sold  116,912   120,788   355,432   347,795   124,098   116,912   375,705   355,432 
Selling, general and administrative  26,331   31,204   85,555   93,587   27,817   26,331   82,836   85,555 
Design and development  9,867   10,389   29,696   31,916   10,151   9,867   30,912   29,696 
Goodwill impairment  -   (5,802)  -   23,498 
                                
Operating income (loss)  8,947   13,759   19,488   (3,028)
Operating income  11,780   8,947   33,912   19,488 
                                
Interest expense, net  1,747   5,057   4,683   15,059   1,684   1,747   5,038   4,683 
Equity in earnings of investee  (160)  (205)  (492)  (587)  (307)  (160)  (603)  (492)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  -   920   -   920 
Other (income) expense, net  (83)  23   (343)  2,268 
Other income, net  (497)  (83)  (722)  (343)
                                
Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations  7,443   7,964   15,640   (20,688)
Income before income taxes from continuing operations  10,900   7,443   30,199   15,640 
                                
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations  32   (1,174)  (202)  (790)
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations  919   32   3,114   (202)
                                
Income (loss) from continuing operations  7,411   9,138   15,842   (19,898)
                
Discontinued operations:                
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax  -   (1,560)  -   86 
Loss on disposal, net of tax  (113)  (6,548)  (226)  (7,781)
Income from continuing operations  9,981   7,411   27,085   15,842 
                                
Loss from discontinued operations  (113)  (8,108)  (226)  (7,695)  -   (113)  -   (226)
                                
Net income (loss)  7,298   1,030   15,616   (27,593)
Net income  9,981   7,298   27,085   15,616 
                                
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest  (69)  1,160   (1,074)  (7,039)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (303)  (69)  (2,009)  (1,074)
                                
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $7,367  $(130) $16,690  $(20,554)
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $10,284  $7,367  $29,094  $16,690 
                                
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Earnings per share from continuing operations attributable Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Basic $0.27  $0.30  $0.62  $(0.48) $0.37  $0.27  $1.05  $0.62 
Diluted $0.27  $0.29  $0.61  $(0.48) $0.36  $0.27  $1.03  $0.61 
                                
Loss per share attributable to discontinued operations:                                
Basic $(0.01) $(0.30) $(0.01) $(0.28) $0.00  $(0.01) $0.00  $(0.01)
Diluted $(0.01) $(0.29) $(0.01) $(0.28) $0.00  $(0.01) $0.00  $(0.01)
                                
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Earnings per share attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Basic $0.26  $0.00  $0.61  $(0.76) $0.37  $0.26  $1.05  $0.61 
Diluted $0.26  $0.00  $0.60  $(0.76) $0.36  $0.26  $1.03  $0.60 
                                
Weighted-average shares outstanding:                                
Basic  27,444   26,954   27,299   26,914   27,792   27,444   27,753   27,299 
Diluted  28,008   27,554   27,927   26,914   28,359   28,008   28,266   27,927 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSSINCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(in thousands) 2015  2014  2015  2014 
             
Net income (loss) $7,298  $1,030  $15,616  $(27,593)
Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest  (69)  1,160   (1,074)  (7,039)
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  7,367   (130)  16,690   (20,554)
                 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Foreign currency translation  (12,557)  (12,528)  (24,497)  (6,164)
Benefit plan liability tax adjustment  -   -   (45)  - 
Unrealized loss on derivatives  (236)  (144)  (29)  (49)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  (12,793)  (12,672)  (24,571)  (6,213)
                 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $(5,426) $(12,802) $(7,881) $(26,767)
  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
(in thousands) 2016  2015  2016  2015 
             
Net income $9,981  $7,298  $27,085  $15,616 
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (303)  (69)  (2,009)  (1,074)
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  10,284   7,367   29,094   16,690 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:                
Foreign currency translation  (638)  (12,557)  5,923   (24,497)
Benefit plan liability  (84)  -   (84)  (45)
Unrealized loss on derivatives  (64)  (236)  (473)  (29)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  (786)  (12,793)  5,366   (24,571)
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $9,498  $(5,426) $34,460  $(7,881)

 

The Company has combined comprehensive lossincome (loss) from continuing operations and comprehensive loss from discontinued operations herein.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2015  2014 
Nine months ended September 30 (in thousands) 2016  2015 
          
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net income (loss) $15,616  $(27,593)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:        
Net income $27,085  $15,616 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:        
Depreciation  14,843   19,106   14,717   14,843 
Amortization, including accretion of debt discount  3,000   4,484 
Amortization, including accretion of deferred financing costs  2,677   3,000 
Deferred income taxes  202   (1,003)  714   202 
Earnings of equity method investee  (492)  (587)  (603)  (492)
Loss on sale of fixed assets  55   15 
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets  (409)  55 
Share-based compensation expense  5,746   3,799   4,587   5,746 
Goodwill impairment  -   23,498 
Loss on disposal of Wiring business  226   7,781   -   226 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  -   920 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business acquisition:        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable, net  (17,768)  (21,563)  (25,486)  (17,768)
Inventories, net  (15,028)  (8,285)  281   (15,028)
Prepaid expenses and other  (703)  (1,615)
Prepaid expenses and other assets  (5,879)  (703)
Accounts payable  9,459   912   13,991   9,459 
Accrued expenses and other  1,977   (715)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities  17,133   (846)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities  5,342   1,977 
Net cash provided by operating activities  37,017   17,133 
                
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Capital expenditures  (23,521)  (19,772)  (18,484)  (23,521)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets  53   99   652   53 
Change in restricted cash  -   (52,692)
Payment for working capital adjustment related to Wiring sale  (1,230)  - 
Proceeds from sale of Wiring business  -   71,386 
Business acquisitions  (469)  (1,022)
Payments related to sale of Wiring business  -   (1,230)
Business acquisition  -   (469)
Net cash used for investing activities  (25,167)  (2,001)  (17,832)  (25,167)
                
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Extinguishment of senior notes  -   (17,500)
Premium related to early extinguishment of senior notes  -   (525)
Revolving credit facility payment  (13,000)  - 
Proceeds from issuance of debt  19,116   20,462   13,317   19,116 
Repayments of debt  (20,015)  (15,953)  (21,312)  (20,015)
Noncontrolling interest shareholder distribution  -   (1,083)
Other financing costs  (49)  (1,499)  (339)  (49)
Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding  (2,854)  (765)  (1,384)  (2,854)
Net cash used for financing activities  (3,802)  (16,863)  (22,718)  (3,802)
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (1,896)  (2,165)  (268)  (1,896)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (13,732)  (21,875)  (3,801)  (13,732)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  43,021   62,825   54,361   43,021 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $29,289  $40,950  $50,560  $29,289 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Cash paid for interest $4,539  $11,441  $4,573  $4,539 
Cash paid for income taxes, net $1,840  $2,285  $2,019  $1,840 
                
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating and financing activities:                
Change in fair value of interest rate swap $-  $(468)
Bank payment of vendor payables under short-term debt obligations $3,286  $3,617  $3,764  $3,286 

 

The Company has combined cash flows from continuing operations and cash flows from discontinued operations within the operating, investing and financing categories.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

(1) Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The information furnished in the condensed consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC's rules and regulations. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20152016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

 

While the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, it is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K.

The Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to divest its Wiring business including substantially all of its assets and liabilities during the second quarter of 2014. The sale was completed on August 1, 2014. The Wiring business has been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the Wiring business is excluded from both continuing operations and segment results for all periods presented. The Wiring business designed and manufactured wiring harness products and assembled instruments panels for sale principally to the commercial, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

(2)  Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

 

In September 2015,August 2016, the FASBissued ASU 2015 – 16, “Business Combinations,Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)” which simplifiesprovides guidance on the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice.  The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)” which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for measurement-period adjustments related to business combinations. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement periodshare-based payment award transactions including how excess tax benefits should be classified in the reporting period inCompany’s condensed consolidated financial statements.  The new standard also permits companies to recognize forfeitures as they occur as an alternative to utilizing estimated forfeitures rates which has been the adjustment amounts are determined.required practice.  The amendments innew accounting standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that year.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016 – 02, “Leases (Topic 842)” which will require that a lessee recognize assets and liabilities on the acquirer record, inbalance sheet for all leases with a lease term of more than twelve months, with the same period’s financial statements,result being the effect on earningsrecognition of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a resultright of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date.use asset and a lease liability.  The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that year.  The Company expects to adopt this standard as of January 1, 2019.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements, which will require right of use assets and lease liabilities be recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet for operating leases.  

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015 – 17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes.  Currently entities are required to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the balance sheet.  ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred income taxes be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within those fiscal years and is tomay be applied either prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this ASUor retrospectively with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued.early adoption permitted.  The Company willis currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” which requires that inventory be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Prior to the issuance of the new guidance, inventory was measured at the lower of cost or market. Replacing the concept of market with the single measurement of net realizable value is intended to reduce cost and complexity. The new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company expects to adopt this standard as of January 1, 2016,2017, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015 – 01 “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items,” that eliminates the concept of extraordinary items and their segregation from the results of ordinary operations and expands presentation and disclosure guidance to include items that are both unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015.  The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2016, which is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014 – 12 “Stock Compensation - Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period,” that requires performance targets that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as performance conditions that affect the vesting of the award.  The new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2016, which is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,”Customers” which is the new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.To achieve this principle, an entity identifies the contract with a customer, identifies the separate performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and recognizes revenue when each separate performance obligation is satisfied.This ASU allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption.  In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of the standard. As such,Therefore, the new standard will become effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption on the original effective date permitted.The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting Standards Adopted

In April 2015, the FASBissued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which amends the current presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset.  The recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. The guidance in ASU 2015-03 did not address the presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. Given the absence of authoritative guidance, in June 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements,” which states that the SEC will not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to revolving credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortizing them. These amendments are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for public companies for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. As permitted by the ASU, the Company adopted these standards in the third quarter of 2015, which had no impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected to continue to present deferred financing costs related to its revolving credit facility, which had balances of $1,525 and $1,767 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, within long-term assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(3) Discontinued Operations

 

Wiring Business

On May 26, 2014, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the former Wiring segment to Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd., an India-based manufacturer of diversified products for the global automotive industry and a limited company incorporated under the laws of the Republic of India, and MSSL (GB) LIMITED, a limited company incorporated under the laws of the United Kingdom (collectively, “Motherson”), for$65,700 in cash and the assumption of certain related liabilities of the Wiring business.

 

On August 1, 2014, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of its Wiring business to Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd., an India-based manufacturer of diversified products for the global automotive industry, and MSSL (GB) LIMITED (collectively, “Motherson”), for $71,386 in cash that consisted of the stated purchase price and estimated working capital on the closing date. The final purchase price was subject to post-closing working capital and other adjustments. Upon the final resolution of the working capital and other adjustments in the second quarter of 2015, the Company returned $1,230 in cash to Motherson.

 

The Company also entered into short-term transition services agreements with Motherson substantially all of which concluded in the second quarter of 2015 associated with information systems, accounting, administrative, occupancy and support services as well as contract manufacturing and production support in Estonia.

 

The Company had post-disposition sales to the Wiring business acquired by Motherson for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $4,627 and $15,378, respectively, and $7,299 and $21,574 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The Company had post-disposition purchases from the Wiring business acquired by Motherson of $121 and $315 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $242 and $583 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.


 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

The Company had post-disposition sales (for the period August 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014)There was no activity related to discontinued operations for the Wiring business acquired by Mothersonin the condensed consolidated statements of $5,244operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company had post-disposition purchases from the Wiring business acquired by Motherson of $587 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.2016.

 

The following tables displaytable displays summarized activity in ourthe condensed consolidated statements of operations for discontinued operations related to the Wiring business:

 

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Net sales $-  $21,142  $-  $167,434 
Cost of goods sold(B)  -   21,669   -   154,787 
Selling, general and administrative(B)  -   2,048   -   12,645 
Interest expense, net  -   43   -   69 
Other expense, net  -   (147)  -   (58)
Loss from operations of discontinuedoperations before income taxes(A) (B)  -   (2,471)  -   (9)
Income tax benefit on discontinued operations  -   911   -   95 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax(C)  -   (1,560)  -   86 
                 
Loss on disposal(C)  (118)  (4,263)  (230)  (6,160)
Income tax (provision) benefit on gain (loss) on disposal  5   (2,285)  4   (1,621)
Loss on disposal, net of tax  (113)  (6,548)  (226)  (7,781)
                 
Loss from discontinued operations $(113) $(8,108) $(226) $(7,695)
  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2015  2015 
       
Loss on disposal(A) $(118) $(230)
Income tax expense on loss on disposal  5   4 
Loss from discontinued operations $(113) $(226)

 

(A)The operations of the Wiring business were included only for the one and seven months ended July 31, 2014 as the sale was completed on August 1, 2014.

(B)The assets and liabilities of the Wiring business were reclassified to held for sale effective May 26, 2014. Accordingly, depreciation and amortization for the Wiring assets were not recorded after that date.

(C)Included in loss on disposal for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 were transaction costs of $94 and $377, respectively, and $192 and $1,274 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included transaction costs of $94 and 2014,$192, respectively. The loss on disposal also includesincluded a working capital and other adjustments of $24 and $38 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. In addition, the loss on disposal included $2,734 in previously deferred foreign currency translation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

  Three months  Nine months 
  ended September 30,  ended September 30, 
  2014  2014 
Depreciation and amortization $-  $2,111 
Capital expenditures  397   1,238 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

Pre-disposition intercompany sales to the Wiring business (for the period January 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014) were $2,158 and $17,448 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Pre-disposition intercompany purchases from the Wiring business were $481 and $4,025 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

(4) Goodwill

The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment test on October 1. During the second quarter of 2014, however, indicators of potential impairment for its majority owned subsidiary, PST Eletrônica Ltda. (“PST”) required the Company to conduct an interim impairment test. Those indicators included a decline in recent operating results and lower growth expectations primarily due to the weakening of the Brazilian economy and automotive market.

In accordance with ASC 350, the Company completed “step one” of the impairment analysis and concluded that, as of June 30, 2014, the fair value of the PST reportable segment was below its carrying value, including goodwill. In “step one” the Company used an income approach to estimate the fair value of PST. The income approach used a discounted cash flow valuation technique which incorporated the Company's projected future estimates of after-tax cash flows attributable to its future growth rates, terminal value amounts and the weighted average cost of capital. As a result, “step two” of the impairment test was initiated in accordance with ASC 350. Due to its time intensive nature, the “step two” analysis was not completed until the third quarter ended September 30, 2014. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company recorded its best estimate of $29,300 as a non-cash goodwill impairment charge (of which $6,436 was attributable to noncontrolling interest) as of June 30, 2014, which was included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Based on the Company’s completed “step two” analysis in the third quarter of 2014, the final goodwill impairment as of June 30, 2014 was $23,498 (of which $5,162 was attributable to noncontrolling interest). As such, the Company recorded an adjustment to reduce the goodwill impairment by $5,802 (of which $1,274 was attributable to noncontrolling interest) as of September 30, 2014 which was included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

The “step two” of the PST goodwill impairment test used the following methodologies in determining fair value. Buildings and machinery were valued at an estimated replacement cost for an asset of comparable age and condition. PST finite lived identified intangible assets are customer relationships, tradenames and technology. Customer relationships were valued using an excess earnings method, using various inputs such as the estimated customer attrition rate, future earnings forecast, the amount of contributory asset charges, and a discount rate. Tradenames and technology intangibles are valued using a relief from royalty method, which is based upon comparable market royalty rates for tradenames of similar value. Other working capital items are generally recorded at carrying value, unless there were known conditions that would impact the ultimate settlement amount of a particular item.

As a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2014, the remaining PST goodwill balance was written-off due to significantly lower sales and earnings growth expectations which were primarily a result of lower forecasted growth in the Brazilian economy and automotive market.

The fair value measurement of the reporting unit under the “step one” analysis and the “step two” analysis (a non-recurring fair value measure) in their entirety are classified as Level 3 inputs. The estimates and assumptions underlying the fair value calculations used in the Company's impairment test are uncertain by their nature and can vary significantly from actual results. Factors that management must estimate include, but are not limited to, industry and market conditions, sales volume and pricing, raw material costs, capital expenditures, working capital changes, cost of capital, debt-equity mix and tax rates. The estimates and assumptions that most significantly affect the fair value calculation are sales volume and the associated cash flow assumptions, market growth and weighted average cost of capital. The estimates and assumptions used in the estimate of fair value were consistent with those the Company uses in its internal planning.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

The carrying amount of goodwill related to our Electronics segment decreased by $78 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 to $1,000 due to foreign currency translation.

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was as follows:

  Electronics  PST  Total 
Balance at January 1, 2014 $604  $53,744  $54,348 
Acquisition of business  664   -   664 
Goodwill impairment charge  -   (23,498)  (23,498)
Currency translation  (124)  (69)  (193)
Balance at September 30, 2014 $1,144  $30,177  $31,321 

(5) Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (using either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods) or market. The Company evaluates and adjusts as necessary its excess and obsolescence reserve on a quarterly basis. Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period. The Company has guidelines for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on hand compared to anticipated sales or usage. Management uses its judgment to forecast sales or usage and to determine what constitutes a reasonable period. Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consisted of the following:

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2015  2014  2016  2015 
Raw materials $39,829  $41,767  $36,707  $36,021 
Work-in-progress  9,587   8,779   8,568   7,162 
Finished goods  21,965   20,707   19,925   17,826 
Total inventories, net $71,381  $71,253  $65,200  $61,009 

 

Inventory valued using the FIFO method was $41,532$41,452 and $34,636$35,378 at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. Inventory valued using the average cost method was $29,849$23,748 and $36,617$25,631 at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively.

 

(6)(5) Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

 

Financial Instruments

 

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

On September 30, 2015,2016, the Company had open foreign currency forward contracts which are used solely for hedging and not for speculative purposes. Management believes that its use of these instruments to reduce risk is in the Company's best interest.  The counterparties to these financial instruments are financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

The Company conducts business internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company uses derivative financial instruments as cash flow and fair value hedges to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions, inventory purchases and other foreign currency exposures. The currencies hedged by the Company during 2016 and 2015 included the euro and 2014 includeMexican peso. In addition, the Company hedged the U.S. dollar against the Swedish krona and euro on behalf of its European subsidiaries in 2016 and Mexican peso.2015.

 

These forward contracts were executed to hedge forecasted transactions and werehave been accounted for as cash flow hedges. As such, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss was deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The cash flow hedges were highly effective. The effectiveness of the transactions has been and will be measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis and forecasted future purchases of the U.S. dollar and Mexican peso.currency.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

In certain instances, the foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, and therefore are marked-to-market with gains and losses recognized in the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations as a component of other (income) expense,income, net.

 

The Company's foreign currency forward contracts offset a portion of the gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency denominated transactions as follows:

 

Euro-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contract

 

As ofAt September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, the Company held a foreign currency forward contract with underlying notional amounts of $1,694$1,711 and $3,523,$1,647, respectively, to reduce the exposure related to the Company's euro-denominated intercompany loans. This contract expires in December 2015.2016. The euro-denominated foreign currency forward contract was not designated as a hedging instrument. The Company recognized a gain of $1 and a loss of $9 and a gain of $1,064 for the three months ended September 30, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of other (income) expense,income, net related to the euro-denominated contracts. The Company recognized a gain of $307 and $1,089, respectively, related to this contract forcontract. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized a loss of $38 and 2014.a gain of $307, respectively, related to this contract.

   

U.S. dollar-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contracts – Cash Flow Hedges

 

The Company entered into on behalf of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Swedish krona, U.S. dollar-denominated currency contracts with a notional amount at September 30, 20152016 of $2,940$2,655 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 20152016 through December 2015,2016, compared to a notional amount of $11,718$10,007 at December 31, 2014.2015.

 

The Company entered into on behalf of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the euro, U.S. dollar-denominated currency contracts with a notional amount at September 30, 20152016 of $1,071$608 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 20152016 through December 2015,2016, compared to a notional amount of $4,266$2,421 at December 31, 2014.2015.

 

On October 15, 2015The Company evaluated the Company entered into on behalfeffectiveness of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Swedish krona, U.S. dollar-denominated foreign currency forward contracts with a notional amountheld as of $10,007 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from JanuarySeptember 30, 2016 throughand December 2016.  On31, 2015 and concluded that the same date the Company also entered into on behalf of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the euro, U.S. dollar-denominated currency contracts with a notional amount of $2,421 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from January 2016 through December 2016. 


hedges were effective.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

Mexican peso-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contracts – Cash Flow Hedge

 

The Company holds Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts at September 30, 20152016 of $9,674$2,417 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 20152016 through December 2016, compared to a notional amount of $10,282$9,780 at December 31, 2014.2015. 

 

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency forward contracts held as of June 30, 2014. As a result of the sale of the Wiring business, the Company forecasted that it would purchase Mexican pesos to fulfill only two of the five contracts for the period August 2014 through December 2014. As the purchase of Mexican pesos related to three of the five contracts was not probable, these three contracts attributed to the Wiring business were de-designated at June 30, 2014, and the associated unrecognized $320 gain at that date was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Commodity Price Risk - Cash Flow Hedge

To mitigate the risk of future price volatility2016 and consequently, fluctuations in gross margins, the Company sometimes enters into fixed price commodity contracts with financial institutions to fix the cost of a portion of the Company’s copper purchases. Copper is a raw material used in a number of the Company’s products.

The Company did not have any fixed price commodity contracts at September 30, 2015 compared to an aggregate notional amount of 317 pounds at December 31, 2014.

The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of2015 and concluded that the hedges were deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss while the ineffective portion, if any, was reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The effectiveness of the transactions is measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis and forecasted future copper purchases.

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the copper fixed price commodity contracts as of June 30, 2014. As a result of the sale of the Wiring business, the Company forecasted that it would not purchase the quantities of copper to fulfill the two contracts for the period August 2014 through March 2015. As the purchase of copper quantities related to these contracts was not probable, the contracts primarily associated with the Wiring segment not expected to be fulfilled were de-designated at June 30, 2014, and the associated unrecognized $77 gain at that date was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded in discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Interest Rate Risk - Fair Value Hedge

The Company had a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $45,000 to hedge its exposure to fair value fluctuations on a portion of its senior notes. The Swap was designated as a fair value hedge of the fixed interest rate obligation under the Company's $175,000 9.5% senior notes due October 15, 2017. Under the Swap, the Company paid a variable interest rate equal to the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.2% and it received a fixed interest rate of 9.5%.  The difference between amounts received and paid under the Swap was recognized as a component of interest expense, net on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In connection with the Company’s notice of redemption issued on September 15, 2014 to redeem all remaining outstanding senior notes, the interest rate fair value hedge was de-designated on that date. On October 23, 2014, the Company terminated the interest rate swap resulting in a gain of $371 recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The Swap reduced interest expense by $194 and $625 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.effective.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

        Prepaid expenses       
     Notional  and other current assets /  Accrued expenses and 
  amounts(A)  other long-term assets  other current liabilities 
  September 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31, 
  2015  2014  2015  2014  2015  2014 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments                        
Cash Flow Hedges:                        
Forward currency contracts $13,685  $26,266  $400  $479  $428  $478 
                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments                        
Forward currency contracts $1,694  $3,523   -   -  $8  $13 
Fixed price commodity contracts  -   317   -   -   -  $69 

     Notional  Prepaid expenses  Accrued expenses and 
  amounts (A)  and other current assets  other current liabilities 
  September 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31,  September 30,  December 31, 
  2016  2015  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                        
Cash flow hedges:                        
Forward currency contracts $5,680  $22,208  $163  $474  $246  $84 
                         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                        
Forward currency contracts $1,711  $1,647  $  $  $13  $9 

   

(A)Notional amounts represent the gross contract / notional amountin U.S. dollars of the derivatives outstanding. The fixed price commodity contract notional amounts are in pounds.

 

Amounts recorded for the cash flow hedges in other comprehensive lossincome (loss) and in net income for the three months ended September 30 are as follows: 

 

 Loss recorded Loss reclassified from 
 in other comprehensive other comprehensive income 
 Loss recorded in other
comprehensive loss
  Loss reclassified from
other comprehensive
loss into net income
  income (loss)  (loss) into net income 
 2015  2014  2015  2014  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:                                
Forward currency contracts $(578) $(457) $(342) $(290) $(129) $(578) $(65) $(342)
Fixed price commodity contracts  -   (20)  -   (43)
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $(578) $(477) $(342) $(333) $(129) $(578) $(65) $(342)

 

Amounts recorded for the cash flow hedges in other comprehensive lossincome (loss) and in net income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30 are as follows:

 

 Loss recorded Loss reclassified from 
 in other comprehensive other comprehensive income 
 Gain (loss) recorded in other
comprehensive loss
  Loss reclassified from
other comprehensive
loss into net income (loss)
   income (loss)   (loss) into net income 
 2015  2014  2015  2014   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:                                
Forward currency contracts $(681) $77  $(652) $(48) $(656) $(681) $(183) $(652)
Fixed price commodity contracts  -   (338)  -   (164)
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges $(681) $(261) $(652) $(212) $(656) $(681) $(183) $(652)

 

Gains and losses reclassified from other comprehensive lossincome (loss) into net income (loss) were recognized in cost of goods sold in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

The net deferred loss of $28$83 on the cash flow hedge derivatives will be reclassified from other comprehensive lossincome (loss) to the condensed consolidated statements of operations through December 2016.  The Company has measured the ineffectiveness of the forward currency and commodity contracts and any amounts recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

  

Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents ourCompany’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices, are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward currency contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange rates. Fair values estimated using Level 3 inputs consist of significant unobservable inputs.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2015  2014 
  Fair values estimated using    
     Level 1  Level 2  Level 3    
  Fair value  inputs (A)  inputs (B)  inputs (C)  Fair value 
                
Financial assets carried at fair value:                    
Forward currency contracts $400  $-  $400  $-  $479 
                     
Total financial assets carried at fair value $400  $-  $400  $-  $479 
                     
Financial liabilities carried at fair value:                    
Forward currency contracts $436  $-  $436  $-  $491 
Fixed price commodity contracts  -   -   -   -   69 
                     
Total financial liabilities carried at fair value $436  $-  $436  $-  $560 

(Unaudited)

(A)Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company did not have any recurring fair value estimates using Level 1 inputs at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
(B)Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward currency and fixed price commodity contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange rates and commodity indexes.

(C)

Fair values estimated using Level 3 inputs consist of significant unobservable inputs. The Company did not have any recurring fair value estimates using Level 3 inputs at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

 

The Company recorded a non-recurringdid not have any financial assets or liabilities fair value adjustment of $23,498 related to PST goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company utilizedvalued using Level 1 or Level 3 inputs to estimate theat September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015. The fair value adjustment for nonfinancial assets. For additional information, see the discussion of Goodwill in Note 4. No non-recurringfinancial assets using Level 2 inputs related to forward currency contracts were $163 and $474 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The fair value adjustmentsof financial liabilities using Level 2 inputs related to forward currency contracts were required for nonfinancial assets for the nine months ended$259 and $93 at September 30, 2015.2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

  

(7)(6) Share-Based Compensation

 

Compensation expense for share-based compensation arrangements, which is recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, was $1,264$1,699 and $1,499$1,264 for the three months ended September 30, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 20152016 total share-based compensation was $4,587 compared to $5,746 includingfor the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

The nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $545 related to the modification of the retirement notice provisions of certain awards. The nine months ended September 30, 2015 included $2,225 from the accelerated vesting in connection with the retirement of the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer, and $3,799 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. 


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)Officer.

 

(8)(7) Debt

 

Debt consisted of the following at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014:2015:

 

    Interest rates at     Interest rates at  
 September 30, December 31, September 30,  September 30, December 31, September 30,  
 2015  2014  2015 Maturity 2016  2015  2016  Maturity
Revolving Credit Facility                      
Credit facility $100,000  $100,000  2.12% September - 2019 $87,000  $100,000   1.80% September 2021
                      
Debt                      
PST short-term obligations  15,632   11,249  5.5% - 24.0% Various 2015 and 2016  7,401   11,556   4.27% - 20.37% 2016 - 2017
PST long-term notes  6,810   16,770  6.17% - 8.0% 2016 - 2021  10,573   6,428   6.20% - 18.00% 2017 - 2021
Suzhou note  -   1,450  N/A April 2015
Other  453   837     191   379       
Total debt  22,895   30,306    18,165   18,363      
Less: current portion  (17,913)  (19,655)   (9,901)  (13,905)     
Total long-term debt, net $4,982  $10,651   $8,264  $4,458      

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On November 2, 2007, the Company entered into an asset-based credit facility, which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100,000. The Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement and a Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement on September 20, 2010 and December 1, 2011, respectively.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

On September 12, 2014, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Agreement” or “Credit Facility”). The Amended Agreement provides for a $300,000 revolving credit facility, which replaced the Company’s existing $100,000 asset-based credit facility and includes a letter of credit subfacility, swing line subfacility and multicurrency subfacility. The Amended Agreement also has an accordion feature which allows the Company to increase the availability by up to $80,000 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.The Amended Agreement extended the termination date to September 12, 2019 from December 1, 2016. The Company capitalized $1,499 of deferred financing costs and recognized a $100 loss on extinguishment of previously deferred financing costs associated with the Amended Agreement. On March 26, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Amended Agreement which modified the definition of Consolidated EBITDA to allow for the add back of cash premiums and other non-cash charges related to the amendment and restatement of the Amended Agreement and the early extinguishment of the Company’s 9.5% Senior Secured Notes totaling $10,507 both of which occurred in second half of 2014.Notes. Consolidated EBITDA is used in computing the Company’s leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio which are covenants within the Amended Agreement. On February 23, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended Agreement which amended and waived any default or potential defaults with respect to the pledging as collateral additional shares issued by a wholly owned subsidiary and newly issued shares associated with the formation of a new subsidiary. On August 12, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Amendment”) to the Amended Agreement which extended of the expiration date of the Agreement by two years to September 12, 2021, increased the borrowing sub-limit for the Company’s foreign subsidiaries by $30,000 to $80,000, increased the basket of permitted loans and investments in foreign subsidiaries by $5,000 to $30,000, and provided additional flexibility to the Company for certain permitted corporate transactions involving its foreign subsidiaries as defined in the Agreement. As a result of Amendment No. 3, the Company capitalized deferred financing costs of $339, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility.

 

Borrowings under the Amended Agreement will bear interest at either the Base Rate, as defined, or the LIBOR Rate, at the Company’s option, plus the applicable margin as set forth in the Amended Agreement. The Company is also subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The agreement governing our Credit FacilityAmended Agreement requires the Company to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and places a maximum annual limit on capital expenditures. The Amended Agreement also contains other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for credit arrangements of this type including covenants which place restrictions and/or limitations on the Company’s ability to borrow money, make capital expenditures and pay dividends. Borrowings outstanding on the Credit Facility decreased from $100,000 at December 31, 2015 to $87,000 at September 30, 2016 as a result of an unplanned partial repayment made against the Credit Facility during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

 

The Company was in compliance with all credit facilityCredit Facility covenants at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

15 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

Debt

On October 4, 2010, the Company issued $175,000 of senior secured notes which bore interest at an annual rate of 9.5% and were scheduled to mature on October 15, 2017.  On September 2, 2014, the Company redeemed $17,500, or 10.0%, of its senior secured notes at a price of 103.0% of the principal amount. As a result of the redemption, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $820 in the third quarter of 2014, which included a premium of $525 and the acceleration of both the associated deferred financing costs and original issue discount totaling $295.

On October 15, 2014, the Company redeemed the remaining $157,500 of its senior secured notes at a price of 104.75% of the principal amount discharging the corresponding senior notes indenture. As a result of the redemption, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $9,687 in the fourth quarter of 2014, which included a premium of $7,481, the acceleration of the remaining deferred financing costs of $535 and original issue discount of $2,019 and de-designation date unrecognized gain on the interest rate swap of $348.

 

PST maintains several short-term obligations and long-term notes used for working capital purposes which have fixed annual interest rates. The weighted-average interest rates of short-term and long-term debt of PST at September 30, 20152016 were 16.8%11.1% and 7.4%13.2%, respectively.  Depending on the specific note, interest is payable either monthly or annually. Principal paymentsrepayments on PST debt at September 30, 20152016 are as follows: $17,460 from October 2015 through September 2016, $600$9,710 from October 2016 through September 2017, $963 from October 2017 through December 2016, $1,841 in 2017, $969$3,972 in 2018, $948$2,566 in 2019, $325$398 in 2020 and $299$365 in 2021.

On February 25, 2014, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary located in Suzhou, China entered into a term loan for 9,000 Chinese yuan (the “Suzhou note”) which matured in August 2014. On October 17, 2014, this subsidiary entered into a new term loan for 9,000 Chinese yuan (the "Suzhou note") which matured and was repaid in April 2015. The U.S. dollar equivalent outstanding loan balance was $1,450 at December 31, 2014 which was included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of current portion of long-term debt. Interest was payable quarterly at 120.0% of the one-year lending rate published by The People's Bank of China.

The Company PST was in compliance with all notedebt covenants at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014.2015.

 

The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary located in Stockholm, Sweden, has an overdraft credit line which allows overdrafts on the subsidiary's bank account up to a maximum level of 20,000 Swedish krona, or $2,390$2,333 and $2,562,$2,369, at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. At September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, there was no balance outstanding on this bank account.

 

(9)(8) Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share was calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive Common Shares that were outstanding during the periods presented. However, for all periods in which the Company recognized a loss from continuing operations, the Company did not recognize the effect of potentially dilutive securities as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share were as follows:

 

 Three months ended Nine months ended  Three months ended Nine months ended 
 September 30, September 30,  September 30, September 30, 
 2015  2014  2015  2014  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Basic weighted-average Common Shares outstanding  27,444,221   26,953,596   27,299,319   26,913,880   27,792,469   27,444,221   27,753,015   27,299,319 
Effect of dilutive shares  563,988   600,543   627,723   -   566,808   563,988   513,074   627,723 
Diluted weighted-average Common Shares outstanding  28,008,209   27,554,139   27,927,042   26,913,880   28,359,277   28,008,209   28,266,089   27,927,042 

 

There were no options outstanding at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

There were 134,250 and 466,650 performance-basedPerformance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 2015 were 0 and 2014,134,250, respectively. There were also 573,885843,140 and 374,400573,885 performance-based right to receive Common Shares outstanding at September 30, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. These performance-based restricted and right to receive Common Shares are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share based on the number of Common Shares that would be issuable if the end of the quarter were the end of the contingency period.

 

(10)(9) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 20152016 and 20142015 were as follows:

 

 Foreign Unrealized Benefit     Foreign Unrealized Benefit    
 currency gain (loss) plan     currency gain (loss) plan    
 translation  on derivatives  liability  Total  translation  on derivatives  liability  Total 
Balance at July 1, 2015 $(57,543) $208  $84  $(57,251)
Balance at July 1, 2016 $(63,735) $(19) $84  $(63,670)
                                
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications  (12,557)  (578)  -   (13,135)  (638)  (129)  -   (767)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  -   342   -   342   -   65   (84)  (19)
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (12,557)  (236)  -   (12,793)  (638)  (64)  (84)  (786)
                                
Balance at September 30, 2015 $(70,100) $(28) $84  $(70,044)
Balance at September 30, 2016 $(64,373) $(83) $-  $(64,456)
                                
Balance at July 1, 2014 $(23,971) $(16) $(12) $(23,999)
                
Balance at July 1, 2015 $(57,543) $208  $84  $(57,251)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications  (15,262)  (477)  -   (15,739)  (12,557)  (578)  -   (13,135)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  2,734   333   -   3,067   -   342   -   342 
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (12,528)  (144)  -   (12,672)  (12,557)  (236)  -   (12,793)
                                
Balance at September 30, 2014 $(36,499) $(160) $(12) $(36,671)
Balance at September 30, 2015 $(70,100) $(28) $84  $(70,044)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 20152016 and 20142015 were as follows:

 

 Foreign Unrealized Benefit     Foreign Unrealized Benefit    
 currency gain (loss) plan     currency gain (loss) plan    
 translation  on derivatives  liability  Total 
Balance at January 1, 2016 $(70,296) $390  $84  $(69,822)
                
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications  5,923   (656)  -   5,267 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  -   183   (84)  99 
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  5,923   (473)  (84)  5,366 
                
Balance at September 30, 2016 $(64,373) $(83) $-  $(64,456)
 translation  on derivatives  liability  Total                 
Balance at January 1, 2015 $(45,603) $1  $129  $(45,473) $(45,603) $1  $129  $(45,473)
                                
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications  (24,497)  (681)  (45)  (25,223)  (24,497)  (681)  (45)  (25,223)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  -   652   -   652   -   652   -   652 
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (24,497)  (29)  (45)  (24,571)  (24,497)  (29)  (45)  (24,571)
                                
Balance at September 30, 2015 $(70,100) $(28) $84  $(70,044) $(70,100) $(28) $84  $(70,044)
                
Balance at January 1, 2014 $(30,335) $(111) $(12) $(30,458)
                
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications  (8,898)  (261)  -   (9,159)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss  2,734   212   -   2,946 
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax  (6,164)  (49)  -   (6,213)
                
Balance at September 30, 2014 $(36,499) $(160) $(12) $(36,671)

 

(11)(10)  Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to a broad range of claims and legal proceedings that relate to contractual allegations, product liability, tax audits, patent infringement, employment-related matters and environmental matters. The Company establishes accruals for matters which it believes that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimable. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.

 

As a result of environmental studies performed at the Company’s former facility located in Sarasota, Florida, the Company became aware of soil and groundwater contamination at the site. The Company engaged an environmental engineering consultant to assess the level of contamination and to develop a remediation and monitoring plan for the site. Soil remediation at the site was completed during the year ended December 31, 2010. As the remedial action plan has been approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, ground watergroundwater remediation is expected to beginbegan in the fourth quarter of 2015 once all property access approvals have been received. Environmental remediation costs paid for2015. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, environmental remediation costs incurred were $155.immaterial. At September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, the Company accrued a remaining undiscounted liability of $715$488 and $876,$532, respectively, related to future remediation costs. At September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014, $6512015, $396 and $813,$469, respectively, was recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities onin the condensed consolidated balance sheets while the remaining amount was recorded as a component of other long-term liabilities. A majority of the costs associated with the recorded liability will be incurred at the start of the groundwater remediation which is expected to begin in November 2016, with the balance relating to monitoring costs to be incurred over multiple years. The recorded liability is based on assumptions in the remedial action plan. Although the Company sold the Sarasota facility and related property in December 2011, the liability to remediate the site contamination remains the responsibility of the Company. Due to the ongoing site remediation, the closing terms of the sale agreement included a requirement for the Company to maintain a $2,000 letter of credit for the benefit of the buyer.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

The Company has a legal proceeding,Verde v. Stoneridge, Inc. et al., currently pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Cause No. 6:14-cv-00225- KNM.  PlaintiffThe plaintiff filed this putative class action against the Company and others on March 26, 2014.  PlaintiffThe plaintiff alleges that the Company was involved in the vertical chain of manufacture, distribution, and sale of a control device (“CD”) that was incorporated into a Dodge Ram truck purchased by Plaintiff in 2006.  Plaintiff alleges that the Company breached express warranties and indemnification provisions by supplying a defective CD that was not capable of performing its intended function.  The putative class consists of all Texas residents who own manual transmission Chrysler vehicles model years 1994–1997–2007 equipped with the subject CD.  Plaintiff seeks recovery of economic loss damages incurred by him and the putative class members associated with inspecting and replacing the allegedly defective CD, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.  Plaintiff filed hisa motion for class certification seeking to certify a class of Texas residents who own or lease certain automobiles sold by Chrysler from 1998–1997–2007.  Plaintiff alleges this putative class would include approximately 120,000 people.  In the motion for class certification, the Plaintiff states that damages are no more than $1 per person.  A hearing on the Plaintiff’s motion for class certification is setwas held on November 16, 2015, and the United States District Court has not yet ruled on class certification.  On April 8, 2016, the Magistrate Judge granted the Company’s motion for November 12, 2015.  partial summary judgment dismissing the Plaintiff’s indemnification claim; that ruling was later adopted by the United States District Court.

Similarly,Royal v. Stoneridge, Inc. et al. is another legal proceeding currently pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, CauseCase No. 5:14-cv-01410-F.  Plaintiffs filed this putative class action against the Company, Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc., and others on December 19, 2014.  Plaintiffs allegesallege that the Company was involved in the vertical chain of manufacture, distribution, and sale of a CD that was incorporated into Dodge Ram trucks purchased by PlaintiffPlaintiffs between 1999 and 2006.  Plaintiffs allege that the Company and Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc. breached various express and implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability.  Plaintiffs also seek indemnity from the Company and Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.  The putative class consists of all owners of vehicles equipped with the subject CD, which includes various Dodge Ram trucks and other manual transmission vehicles manufactured from 1997–2007, which Plaintiffs allege is more than 1,000,000one million vehicles.  Plaintiffs seeksseek recovery of economic loss damages associated with inspecting and replacing the allegedly defective CD, diminished value of the subject CDs and the trucks in which they were installed, and attorneys’ fees and costs.  The amount of compensatory or other damages sought by Plaintiffs and the putative class members is unknown. On January 12, 2016, the United States District Court granted in part the Company’s and Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.’s motions to dismiss, and dismissed four of the Plaintiffs’ five claims against the Company and Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc. Plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of the United States District Court’s ruling, which was denied. The Company is vigorously defending itself against thesethe Plaintiffs’ allegations, and has and will continue to challenge the claims as well as class action certification. The Company believes the likelihood of loss is not probable or reasonably estimable, and therefore no liability has been recorded for these claims at September 30, 2015.2016.

 

In September 2013, two legal proceedings were initiated by Actia Automotive (“Actia”) in a French court (the tribunal de grande instance de Paris) alleging infringement of its patents by the Company’s Electronics segment. The euro (“€”) and U.S. dollar equivalent (“$”) that Actia iswas seeking has been €7,000 ($7,800)7,900) for each claim for injunctive relief and monetary damages resulting from such alleged infringement. The Company believesbelieved that its products did not infringe on any of the patents claimed by Actia, and the claims arewere without merit.  The Company is vigorously defendingdefended itself against these allegations, and it has challenged certain Actia patents in the European Patent Office.  In September 2015, the French court ruled in favor of the Company on one claim, which iswas subject to appeal by Actia.  There haveHowever, on July 28, 2016 the Company reached a settlement with Actia with regard to both claims.  Under the settlement the Company agreed to forego a payment by Actia of €50 ($56) that had been no significant changesordered by the French Court and Actia agreed (i) not to appeal the French court’s ruling against it on the first claim and (ii) to dismiss its infringement claims against the Company with respect to the factssecond claim.  Under the settlement Actia agreed not to enforce any of the patents in question against the Company, or the Company’s successors and circumstances related to the remaining claim for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company believes the likelihood of loss is not probable between its defensesassigns.  As a result this matter has been settled and challenges to Actia’s patents. As such, no liability has been recorded for these claims.claims at September 30, 2016.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

On May 24, 2013, the State Revenue Services of São Paulo issued a tax deficiency notice against PST claiming that the vehicle tracking and monitoring services it provides should be classified as communication services, and therefore subject to the State Value Added Tax – ICMS. The State Revenue Services assessment imposed the 25.0% ICMS tax on all revenues of PST related to the vehicle tracking and monitoring services rendered during the period from January 2009 through December 2010. The Brazilian real (“R$”) and U.S. dollar equivalent (“$”) of the aggregate tax assessment is approximately R$92,500 ($23,300)28,500) which is comprised of Value Added Tax – ICMS of R$13,200 ($3,300),4,100) interest of R$11,400 ($2,900)3,500) and penalties of R$67,900 ($17,100)20,900).

 

The Company believes that the vehicle tracking and monitoring services are non-communication services, as defined under Brazilian tax law, subject to the municipal ISS tax, not communication services subject to state ICMS tax as claimed by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo. PST has, and will continue to collect the municipal ISS tax on the vehicle tracking and monitoring services in compliance with Brazilian tax law and will defend its tax position. PST has received a legal opinion that the merits of the case are favorable to PST, determining among other things that the imposition on the subsidiary of the State ICMS by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo is not in accordance with the Brazilian tax code. In April 2015, the Tribunal of Taxes and Imposts of the State of São Paulo ruled in favor of PST that its tracking and monitoring services are not subject to state ICMS tax, which is subject to appeal by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo to a higher court. Management believes, based on the legal opinion of the Company’s Brazilian legal counsel the recent favorable legal ruling in favor of PST and the results of the Brazil Administrative Court's binding ruling in favor of another vehicle tracking and monitoring company related to the tax deficiency notice it received, the likelihood of loss is not probable although it may take years to resolve.  As a result of the above, as of September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, no accrual has been recorded with respect to the tax assessment.  An unfavorable judgment on this issue for the years assessed and for subsequent years could result in significant costs to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited) There have been no significant changes to the facts and circumstances related to this notice for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

In addition, PST has civil, labor and other tax contingencies for which the likelihood of loss is deemed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, by the Company’s legal advisors in Brazil. As a result, no provision has been recorded with respect to these contingencies, which amounted to R$21,71234,600 ($5,500)10,700) and R$37,23725,400 ($14,000)6,500) at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. An unfavorable outcome on these contingencies could result in significant cost to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

Product Warranty and Recall

 

Amounts accrued for product warranty and recall claims are established based on the Company's best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing and future claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates. These accruals are based on several factors including past experience, production changes, industry developments and various other considerations including insurance coverage. The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims or that it will not incur significant costs to defend or settle such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what the Company may recover from its suppliers. The current portion of product warranty and recall is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Product warranty and recall included $777$2,293 and $1,204$1,973 of a long-term liability at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively, which is included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

The following provides a reconciliation of changes in product warranty and recall liability:

 

Nine months ended September 30 2015  2014  2016  2015 
Product warranty and recall at beginning of period $7,601  $6,414  $6,419  $7,601 
Accruals for products shipped during period  2,716   3,329   3,010   2,716 
Aggregate changes in pre-existing liabilities due to claim developments  (122)  194   (272)  (122)
Settlements made during the period  (3,715)  (2,414)  (1,332)  (3,715)
Product warranty and recall at end of period $6,480  $7,523  $7,825  $6,480 

(11) Headquarter Relocation

In March 2016, the Company announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters from Warren, Ohio to Novi, Michigan which will primarily occur during the fourth quarter of 2016. As a result, the Company incurred relocation costs of $726 and $998 for the three and nine months ended September 2016, respectively. The relocation costs incurred included employee retention, relocation, severance, recruiting, duplicate wages and professional fees.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

In April 2016, the Company entered into a long-term lease agreement for its new corporate headquarters. The Company establishes assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred under build-to-suit lease arrangements to the extent the Company was involved in the construction of structural improvements or takes construction risk prior to the commencement of a lease. As of September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash build-to-suit lease asset under construction of $4,322 (within Prepaid and other currents assets) and a corresponding obligation (within accrued expenses and other current liabilities) in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Also, the Company concluded that the Warren, Ohio headquarter building, which had a net book value of $481 at September 30, 2016 and is actively marketed for sale, met the criteria for held for sale accounting treatment. As such, it was reclassified from Property, plant and equipment, net to Prepaid and other current assets at September 30, 2016.

 

(12) Business Realignment

The Company regularly evaluates the performance of its businesses and cost structures, including personnel, and makes necessary changes thereto in order to optimize its results.  The Company also evaluates the required skill sets of its personnel and periodically makes strategic changes.  As a consequence of these actions, the Company incurs severance related costs which are referred to as business realignment charges.

Business realignment charges by reportable segment were as follows:

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Electronics(A) $-  $317  $1,180  $317 
PST(B)  211   403   1,242   403 
Unallocated Corporate(C)  -   309   -   309 
Total business realignment charges $211  $1,029  $2,422  $1,029 

(A)Severance costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) and design and development (“D&D”) were $196 and $984, respectively. Severance costs for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to SG&A and D&D were $102 and $215, respectively.

(B)Severance costs for the three months ended September 30, 2016 related to cost of goods sold (“COGS”) and SG&A were $20 and $191, respectively. Severance costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 related to COGS, SG&A and D&D were $307, $819 and $116, respectively. Severance costs for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to COGS, SG&A and D&D were $172, $117 and $114, respectively.

(C)Severance costs for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 related to SG&A were $309.

Business realignment charges classified by statement of operations line item were as follows:

  Three months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Cost of goods sold $20  $171  $307  $171 
Selling, general and administrative  191   529   1,015   529 
Design and development  -   329   1,100   329 
Total business realignment charges $211  $1,029  $2,422  $1,029 

18

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

(13) Income Taxes

 

The Company computes its consolidated income tax provision each quarter based on a projected annual effective tax rate, as required. The Company is required to reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. The Company also records the income tax impact of certain discrete, unusual or infrequently occurring items including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur.

 

When a company maintains a valuation allowance in a particular jurisdiction, no net income tax provisionexpense or (benefit) will typically be provided on the income (loss) for that jurisdiction on an annual basis. Jurisdictions with projected income that maintain a valuation allowance typically will form part of the projected annual effective tax rate calculation discussed above. However, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year that maintain a valuation allowance are excluded from the projected annual effective income tax rate calculation. Instead, the income tax for these jurisdictions is computed separately.

 

The actual year to date income tax provisionexpense (benefit) is the product of the most current projected annual effective income tax rate and the actual year to date pre-tax income (loss) adjusted for any discrete tax items. The income tax provisionexpense (benefit) for a particular quarter is the difference between the year to date calculation of income tax provisionexpense (benefit) and the year to date calculation for the prior quarter.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

Therefore, the actual income tax provision (benefit) and the actual effective income tax rate forduring a particular quarter can vary significantly based upon the jurisdictional mix and timing of actual earnings the most currentcompared to projected annual earnings, compared to the projected annual earnings at the prior quarter, permanent items, earnings for those jurisdictions that maintain a valuation allowance, tax associated with jurisdictions excluded from the projected annual effective income tax rate calculation and discrete items.

 

Projected annual earnings as well as actual earnings were significantly different at September 30, 2014 compared to June 30, 2014 due to the anticipated debt refinancing, the adjustment to the non-tax deductible goodwill impairment and the significant reduction in forecasted results for our Brazilian operations due to the continued economic weakness in Brazil. These factors caused a significant change in the projected annual tax rate for the third quarter of 2014 compared to that used for the second quarter of 2014, which as discussed above, the cumulative impact of such change in projected annual effective tax rate yielded an unusual amount of tax benefit in the third quarter of 2014.

The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit)expense of $32$919 and $(1,174)$32 from continuing operations for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.  The increase in income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period for 2015 was primarily due to the increase in consolidated earnings. Also, income tax expense increased due to PST’s operating loss which generated a benefit for the third quarter of 2015, however, due to the valuation allowance position taken in the fourth quarter of 2015, no longer provides a tax benefit in 2016. The effective tax rate increased to 8.4% in the third quarter of 2016 from 0.4% in the third quarter of 2015 from (14.7)% inprimarily due to a full valuation allowance on PST’s loss that negatively impacted the third quartereffective tax rate. The impact of 2014. The increase in the income tax expense andPST on the effective tax rate forwas partially offset by the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period for 2014 was primarily attributable to the factors discussed in the preceding paragraph as well as the improved earnings related tocontinued strong performance of the U.S. operations reduced earnings ofwhich, due to a full valuation allowance, positively impacted the European operations and the smaller operating loss at PST.effective tax rate.

 

The Company recognized an income tax benefit for income taxesexpense (benefit) of $3,114 and $(202) and $(790)from continuing operations for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.  The increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period for 2015 was primarily due to the increase in consolidated earnings. In addition, income tax expense increased due to PST’s operating loss which generated a benefit for the first nine months of 2015, however, due to the valuation allowance position taken in the fourth quarter of 2015, no longer provides a tax benefit in 2016. The effective tax rate decreasedincreased to 10.3% in the first nine months of 2016 from (1.3)% in the first nine months of 2015 from (3.8)% inprimarily due to a full valuation allowance on PST’s loss that negatively impacted the first nine monthseffective tax rate. The impact of 2014. The decrease in the income tax benefit andPST on the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period for 2014 was primarily attributable to the impact of the non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge in 2014. Also, the decrease in the income tax benefit and effective tax rate was due to the improved earnings related to the U.S. operations, reduced earnings of the European operations and the smaller operating loss at PST. The decrease was partially offset by discretethe continued strong performance of the U.S. operations which, due to a full valuation allowance, positively impacted the effective tax expense related to certain foreign operations during the first nine months of 2014 which did not recur in the first nine months of 2015.rate.

 

(13)

19

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

(14) Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that are evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer.

During the third quarter of 2014 the Company sold its Wiring business segment, which designed and manufactured wiring harness products and assembled instrument panels for sale principally to the commercial, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. As such, for all periods presented the Company reported this business as discontinued operations in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and therefore excluded it from the segment disclosures herein. See Note 3 for additional details.

 

The Company has three reportable segments, Control Devices, Electronics and PST, which also represent its operating segments. The Control Devices reportable segment produces sensors, switches, valves and actuators. The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and driver information systems. The PST reportable segment designs and manufactures electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices.

 

The accounting policies of the Company's reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K. The Company's management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based primarily on revenues from external customers and operating income (loss). Inter-segment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

A summary of financial information by reportable segment is as follows:

 

 Three months ended Nine months ended  Three months ended Nine months ended 
 September 30, September 30,  September 30, September 30, 
 2015  2014  2015  2014  2016  2015  2016  2015 
Net Sales:                                
Control Devices $87,030  $78,358  $251,299  $232,095  $103,700  $87,030  $304,957  $251,299 
Inter-segment sales  482   640   1,814   2,133   430   482   1,448   1,814 
Control Devices net sales  87,512   78,998   253,113   234,228   104,130   87,512   306,405   253,113 
                                
Electronics  50,688   54,951   165,015   157,808   47,804   50,688   158,201   165,015 
Inter-segment sales  6,567   7,223   17,651   30,554   9,495   6,567   24,706   17,651 
Electronics net sales  57,255   62,174   182,666   188,362   57,299   57,255   182,907   182,666 
                                
PST  24,339   37,029   73,857   103,865   22,342   24,339   60,207   73,857 
Inter-segment sales  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
PST net sales  24,339   37,029   73,857   103,865   22,342   24,339   60,207   73,857 
                                
Eliminations  (7,049)  (7,863)  (19,465)  (32,687)  (9,925)  (7,049)  (26,154)  (19,465)
Total net sales $162,057  $170,338  $490,171  $493,768  $173,846  $162,057  $523,365  $490,171 
Operating Income (Loss):                                
Control Devices $12,197  $10,000  $33,787  $27,152  $15,319  $12,197  $47,133  $33,787 
Electronics  2,767   4,370   9,413   14,038   3,735   2,767   12,050   9,413 
PST  (640)  4,467   (5,881)  (30,057)  29   (640)  (4,179)  (5,881)
Unallocated Corporate(A)  (5,377)  (5,078)  (17,831)  (14,161)  (7,303)  (5,377)  (21,092)  (17,831)
Total operating income (loss) $8,947  $13,759  $19,488  $(3,028)
Total operating income $11,780  $8,947  $33,912  $19,488 
Depreciation and Amortization:                                
Control Devices $2,346  $2,412  $7,132  $7,165  $2,561  $2,346  $7,345  $7,132 
Electronics  949   1,064   2,860   3,302   996   949   3,076   2,860 
PST  2,282   3,501   7,421   10,123   2,307   2,282   6,388   7,421 
Corporate  69   47   139   126   115   69   309   139 
Total depreciation and amortization (B) $5,646  $7,024  $17,552  $20,716  $5,979  $5,646  $17,118  $17,552 
Interest Expense, net:                                
Control Devices $81  $83  $246  $216  $56  $81  $172  $246 
Electronics  38   199   124   632   33   38   196   124 
PST  839   731   2,063   2,191   934   839   2,686   2,063 
Corporate  789   4,044   2,250   12,020   661   789   1,984   2,250 
Total interest expense, net $1,747  $5,057  $4,683  $15,059  $1,684  $1,747  $5,038  $4,683 
Capital Expenditures:                                
Control Devices $3,953  $4,094  $11,835  $9,356  $3,229  $3,953  $9,260  $11,835 
Electronics  2,729   1,345   5,751   4,011   1,244   2,729   5,229   5,751 
PST  1,477   1,306   4,889   5,035   640   1,477   2,516   4,889 
Corporate  133   25   1,046   132   1,365   133   1,479   1,046 
Total capital expenditures $8,292  $6,770  $23,521  $18,534  $6,478  $8,292  $18,484  $23,521 


NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

 September 30, December 31,  September 30, December 31, 
 2015  2014  2016  2015 
Total Assets:                
Control Devices $135,461  $115,703  $157,208  $127,649 
Electronics  99,191   95,140   110,216   97,443 
PST  108,803   159,980   111,935   100,143 
Corporate(C)  272,061   279,013   284,869   288,806 
Eliminations  (249,650)  (251,085)  (250,626)  (249,789)
Total assets $365,866  $398,751  $413,602  $364,252 

 

(A)Unallocated Corporate expenses include, among other items, finance, legal, human resources and information technology costs as well as share-based compensation.

(B)These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets.

(C)Assets located at Corporate consist primarily of cash, intercompany loan receivables, equity investments and investments in subsidiaries.

(A)Unallocated Corporate expenses include, among other items, finance, legal, human resources and information technology costs as well as share-based compensation.
(B)These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment and certain intangible assets.
(C)Assets located at Corporate consist primarily of cash, intercompany loan receivables, equity investments and investments in subsidiaries.

 

The following table presents net sales and long-term assets for each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates: 

 

 Three months ended Nine months ended 
 September 30, September 30,  Three months ended Nine months ended 
 2015  2014  2015  2014  September 30, September 30, 
          2016  2015  2016  2015 
Net Sales:                                
North America $96,676  $86,744  $281,108  $246,260  $108,605  $96,676  $321,973  $281,108 
South America  24,339   37,029   73,857   103,865   22,342   24,339   60,207   73,857 
Europe and Other  41,042   46,565   135,206   143,643   42,899   41,042   141,185   135,206 
Total net sales $162,057  $170,338  $490,171  $493,768  $173,846  $162,057  $523,365  $490,171 

 

 September 30, December 31, 
 2015  2014  September 30, December 31, 
      2016  2015 
Long-term Assets:                
North America $58,648  $53,406  $63,934  $60,099 
South America  57,256   85,433   63,925   56,943 
Europe and Other  14,424   14,401   16,020   15,301 
Total long-term assets $130,328  $153,240  $143,879  $132,343 

 

(14)(15) Investments

 

Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.

 

The Company has a 49% interest in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”), a company based in India that manufactures electronics, instrumentation equipment and sensors primarily for the motorcycle and commercial vehicle market. The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's investment in Minda, recorded as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $6,872$7,846 and $6,653$6,929 at September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. Equity in earnings of Minda included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $160$307 and $205,$160, for the three months ended September 30, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.  Equity in earnings of Minda included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $492$603 and $587$492 for the nine months ended September 30, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.

 

23 22

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

(Unaudited)

 

PST Eletrônica Ltda.

 

The Company has a 74% controlling interest in PST. Noncontrolling interest in PST increased to $13,704 atSeptember 30, 2016 due to comprehensive income of $394 resulting from a favorable change in foreign currency translation of $2,403 partially offset by a proportionate share of its net loss of $2,009 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Noncontrolling interest in PST decreased to $14,273 at September 30, 2015 due to comprehensive loss of $8,277 resulting from a proportionate share of its net loss of $1,074 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and an unfavorable change in foreign currency translation of $7,203. Noncontrolling interest in PST decreased to $31,383 at September 30, 2014 due to comprehensive loss of $8,157 resulting from a proportionate share of its net loss of $7,039 including goodwill impairment$7,203 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and an unfavorable change in foreign currency translation of $1,118.2015. Comprehensive loss related to PST noncontrolling interest was $4,080$(467) and $2,294$(4,080) for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.

PST has dividends payable declared in previous years to noncontrolling interest of $10,842 Brazilian real ($3,340) at September 30, 2016.


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Background

 

We are a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the automotive, commercial, motorcycle, off-highway and agricultural vehicle markets.

 

Segments

 

We are primarily organized by products produced and markets served. Under this structure, our continuing operations have been reported utilizing the following segments:

 

Control Devices.This segment includes results of operations that manufacture sensors, switches, valves and actuators.

 

Electronics.This segment includes results of operations from the production of electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and driver information systems.

 

PST.This segment includes results of operations that design and manufacture electronic vehicle alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices.

 

During the second quarter of 2014 we entered into an asset purchase agreement to divest our Wiring business, which designed and manufactured wiring harness products and assembled instrument panels principally for the commercial, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. On August 1, 2014, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the Wiring business. As a result of the sale, this business is classified as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated financial statements and no discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is provided herein.

Third Quarter Overview

 

Income from continuing operations attributable to Stoneridge,Stoneridge. Inc. of $10.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased by $2.8 million, or $0.09 per diluted share from $7.5 million, or $0.27 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased by $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share from $8.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

2015. The decreaseincrease in income from continuing operations wasis primarily due to the fact thatan increase in the third quarter of 2014 our PST segment recorded an adjustment to reduce the goodwill impairment by $4.5 million based on the completion of the “step two” process to measure actual impairment amount, which was partially offset by a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.9 million resulting from the refinancing of our debt.  Excluding the impact of the PST goodwill impairment adjustment and loss on debt extinguishment, our income from continuing operations increased by $3.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, primarily due to lower interest expense of $3.3 million as a result of the debt refinancing which occurred in the late third and early fourth quarters of 2014.  Also, our gross profit decreased by $3.9of $4.6 million primarilyrelated to higher sales in our Control Devices segment and lower material costs in our Electronics and PST segments due to higher material costs and an unfavorableresulting from a favorable change in foreign currency translation, respectively,exchange rates. This was partially offset by a $1.5 million increase in selling, general and administrative costs primarily in our unallocated corporate segment (which included $0.7 million in costs associated with our headquarter relocation), and a $1.2$0.9 million increase in income tax expense. These were substantially offset by a decrease in our selling, general and administrative costs of $4.9 million (primarily due to foreign currency translation related to our PST and Electronics segments). 

 

Net sales decreasedincreased by $8.3$11.8 million, or 4.9%7.3%, fromcompared to the third quarter of 2015 as higher sales in our Control Devices segment were partially offset by lower sales in our PST and Electronics segments during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the third quarter of 2014, which were partially offset by highersegments. The increase in sales in our Control Devices segment. PST and Electronics segment sales declinedwas primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation while our Control Devices segmentnew product sales increased due to higherin the North American automotive market sales.

Loss from discontinued operations relatedwhile our PST segment sales decreased due to weakness in the Wiring business was $0.1 million, or $(0.01) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2015, an $8.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, decrease from loss from discontinued operations of $8.1 million, or $(0.29) per diluted share for the third quarter of 2014 primarily resulting from the after-tax loss on disposal of the Wiring business of $6.5 million.Brazilian economy and automotive market.


 

At September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, we had cash and cash equivalents balancebalances of $29.3$50.6 million and $43.0$54.4 million, respectively. The decrease during the first nine months of 2016 was primarily due to higher working capital, capital expenditures primarily related to the launch of new products, seasonal working capital increases and repaymentsrepayment of debt, in Brazil.which was partially offset by net income. At September 30, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015 we had $87.0 million and $100.0 million, respectively, in borrowings outstanding on our $300.0 million Credit Facility.

 

Outlook

 

TheWe expect our financial performance to improve in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to the fourth quarter of 2015 because of new product launches and savings from previously incurred business realignment activities.

We expect to continue to have significant growth in our North American automotive vehicle sales in 2016 related to new product launches primarily our shift by wire product in our Control Devices segment. Also, the North American automotive vehicle market production is forecastedexpected to be in the range of 17.0 millionincrease to 17.5approximately 17.9 million units in 2015 compared to 17.02016 (an increase from the 17.5 million units produced in 2014. The improvement in the North American automotive vehicle market and sales of new products had a favorable effect on our Control Devices segment’s results during the first nine months of 2015,2015), which we expect will continue for the remainder of 2015.

The North American commercial vehicle market is forecasted to improve for the remainder of 2015. We expect this to have a favorable effect on our Control Devices and Electronics segments.segment.

 


The North American commercial vehicle market is expected to decline for the remainder of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2016. The European commercial vehicle market is forecasted to have a modest improvement throughoutincrease for the remainder of 2015 which is expected2016 compared to have a favorable effect on our Electronics segment.the first nine months of 2016.

 

Our PST segment revenues and operating performance continue to be adversely impacted by weakness of the Brazilian economy and automotive market, and washas been negatively impacted by unfavorable foreign currency translation. In October 2015,2016, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its forecasts forforecasted the Brazil gross domestic product (“GDP”) to declines of 3.0%decline 3.3% in 20152016 and 1.0%increase 0.5% in 2016.2017. Based on the weakness in PST’s sales and operating performance in the first nine months of 2015 and lower forecasted negative GDP growth of the Brazilian economy in 2016, PST’s sales and earnings growth expectations for the remainder of 2015 continue to be moderated. SinceBecause there is significant uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of a recovery in the Brazilian economy and automotive market, PST will continuethe Company continues to realign itsPST’s cost structure to mitigate the effect on earnings and cash flows of possible continued weakened product demand and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

 

We regularly evaluate the performance of our businesses and their cost structures, including personnel, and make necessary changes thereto in order to optimize our results.  We also evaluate the required skill sets of our personnel and periodically make strategic changes.  As a consequence of these actions, we incur severance related costs which we refer to as business realignment charges.

 

A significant portion of our sales are outside of the United States. These sales are generated by our non-U.S. based operations, and therefore, movements in foreign currency exchange rates can have a significant effect on our results of operations, which are presented in U.S. dollars. A significant portion of our raw materials purchased by our non-U.S. based operations isElectronics and PST segments are denominated in U.S. dollars, and therefore movements in foreign currency exchange rates can also have a significant effect on our results of operations. While the U.S. dollar strengthened significantly against the Swedish krona, euro and Brazilian real in 2015 increasing our material costs and reducing our reported results, the U.S. dollar weakened against these currencies in the first nine months of 2016.

 

Because of the competitive nature of the markets we serve, we face pricing pressures from our customers in the ordinary course of business. In response to these pricing pressures we have been able to effectively manage our production costs by the combination of lowering certain costs and limiting the increase of others, the net impact of which has not been material. However, if we are unable to effectively manage production costs in the future to mitigate future pricing pressures, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

In March 2016, we announced the relocation of our corporate headquarters from Warren, Ohio to Novi, Michigan, which will occur primarily during the fourth quarter of 2016.  As a result, the Company will incur relocation costs of approximately $2.8 million to $3.4 million including employee retention, relocation, severance, recruiting, duplicate wages and professional fees.  The new headquarters will expand our presence in the Detroit metropolitan area and improve access to key customers, decision makers and influencers in the automotive and commercial vehicle markets that we serve.  In connection with the relocation, the Company is eligible for a Michigan Business Development Program grant of up to $1.4 million based upon the number of new jobs created in Michigan, along with talent services and training support from Oakland County Michigan Works!.


Three Months Ended September 30, 20152016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 20142015

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales are presented in the following table (in thousands):

 

          Dollar           Dollar 
          increase /           increase / 
Three months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease) 
Net sales $162,057   100.0% $170,338   100.0% $(8,281) $173,846   100.0% $162,057   100.0% $11,789 
Costs and expenses:                                        
Cost of goods sold  116,912   72.1   120,788   70.9   (3,876)  124,098   71.4   116,912   72.1   7,186 
Selling, general and administrative  26,331   16.2   31,204   18.3   (4,873)  27,817   16.0   26,331   16.2   1,486 
Design and development  9,867   6.1   10,389   6.1   (522)  10,151   5.8   9,867   6.1   284 
Goodwill impairment  -   -   (5,802)  (3.4)  5,802 
                                        
Operating income  8,947   5.6   13,759   8.1   (4,812)  11,780   6.8   8,947   5.6   2,833 
Interest expense, net  1,747   1.1   5,057   3.0   (3,310)  1,684   1.0   1,747   1.1   (63)
Equity in earnings of investee  (160)  (0.1)  (205)  (0.1)  45   (307)  (0.2)  (160)  (0.1)  (147)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  -   -   920   0.5   (920)
Other (income) expense, net  (83)  -   23   -   (106)
Other income, net  (497)  (0.3)  (83)  -   (414)
Income before income taxes from continuing operations  7,443   4.6   7,964   4.7   (521)  10,900   6.3   7,443   4.6   3,457 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations  32   -   (1,174)  (0.7)  1,206 
Income tax expense from continuing operations  919   0.5   32   -   887 
Income from continuing operations  7,411   4.6   9,138   5.4   (1,727)  9,981   5.8   7,411   4.6   2,570 
Discontinued operations:                    
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax  -   -   (1,560)  (0.9)  1,560 
Loss on disposal, net of tax  (113)  (0.1)  (6,548)  (3.9)  6,435 
Loss from discontinued operations  (113)  (0.1)  (8,108)  (4.8)  7,995   -   -   (113)  (0.1)  113 
                                        
Net income  7,298   4.5   1,030   0.6   6,268   9,981   5.8   7,298   4.5   2,683 
                    
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest  (69)  -   1,160   0.7   (1,229)
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $7,367   4.5% $(130)  (0.1)% $7,497 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (303)  (0.1)  (69)  -   (234)
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $10,284   5.9% $7,367   4.5% $2,917 

 

Net Sales.Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

    Dollar Percent     Dollar Percent 
          increase / increase /           increase / increase / 
Three months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease)  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
Control Devices $87,030   53.7% $78,358   46.0% $8,672   11.1% $103,700   59.7% $87,030   53.7% $16,670   19.2%
Electronics  50,688   31.3   54,951   32.3   (4,263)  (7.8)%  47,804   27.4   50,688   31.3   (2,884)  (5.7)
PST  24,339   15.0   37,029   21.7   (12,690)  (34.3)%  22,342   12.9   24,339   15.0   (1,997)  (8.2)
Total net sales $162,057   100.0% $170,338   100.0% $(8,281)  (4.9)% $173,846   100.0% $162,057   100.0% $11,789   7.3%

 

Our Control Devices segment net sales increased primarily due to new product sales and growth in the North American automotive market of $8.6 million. Also, our$18.3 million and new program sales and increased sales volume in the China automotive market of $1.4 million during the third quarter of 2016, which were offset by a decrease in commercial vehicle market sales volume increased, which was offset by lower agricultural sales volume.and various other markets of $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

Our Electronics segment net sales decreased primarily due todeclined as the increase in sales volume in our European commercial vehicle products of $3.0 million was more than offset by a decrease in sales volume of our North American commercial vehicle and European off-highway vehicle products of $3.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, and an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $6.6 million, which was partially offset by an increase in sales of our North American commercial vehicle products of $1.4 million (from higher post-disposition sales to the Wiring business acquired by Motherson of $2.1 million) and an increase in sales volume of our European off-road/construction products of $1.3$1.2 million.

 


Our PST segment net sales decreased primarily due to an unfavorablecontinued weakness in the Brazilian economy and automotive market which was partially offset by a favorable foreign currency translation which reducedthat increased sales by $13.2$2.0 million, or 35.7%, which8.2%. PST’s monitoring service sales modestly increased but was slightlymore than offset by higher monitoring service volume as audio/car alarma decline in product sales volume remained flat.volume.

 

Net sales by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

    Dollar Percent     Dollar Percent 
    increase / increase /     increase / increase / 
Three months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease)  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
North America $96,676   59.7% $86,744   50.9% $9,932   11.4% $108,605   62.5% $96,676   59.7% $11,929   12.3%
South America  24,339   15.0   37,029   21.7   (12,690)  (34.3)%  22,342   12.9   24,339   15.0   (1,997)  (8.2)
Europe and Other  41,042   25.3   46,565   27.4   (5,523)  (11.9)%  42,899   24.6   41,042   25.3   1,857   4.5 
Total net sales $162,057   100.0% $170,338   100.0% $(8,281)  (4.9)% $173,846   100.0% $162,057   100.0% $11,789   7.3%

 

The increase in North American net sales was primarily attributable to increasednew product sales and growth in our North American automotive market of $18.3 million, which was partially offset by decreased sales volume in our North American Control Devices segment automotive and Electronics segment commercial vehicle market and various other markets of $8.6$5.0 million and $1.4$0.8 million, respectively. OurThe decrease in net sales in South America was primarily due to a decrease in product sales volume as a result of continued weakness in the impact of an unfavorableBrazilian economy and automotive market which was partially offset by a favorable foreign currency translation. Our decreaseThe increase in net sales in Europe and Other was primarily due to an increase in sales volume of our European commercial vehicle products of $3.0 million and new program sales and increased sales volume in our China automotive market of $1.4 million, which were partially offset by a sales volume decrease of our European off-highway vehicle products of $1.2 million as well as an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $6.6 million, which was partially offset by increased sales of European off-road/construction products of $1.3$1.2 million.

 

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin. Cost of goods sold decreasedincreased by 3.2%6.1% primarily related to an increase in net sales in our Control Devices segment. Our gross margin improved by 0.7% to 28.6% for the decrease in sales, which was partially offset by higherthird quarter of 2016 compared to 27.9% for the third quarter of 2015 primarily due to lower material costs resulting from unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates.our Electronics and PST segments. Our material cost as a percentage of net sales increaseddecreased by 0.7% to 51.0%50.7% for the third quarter of 2016 compared to 51.4% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to 49.8% for the third quarterwhile our aggregated labor and overhead costs as a percentage of 2014. As a result, our gross margin decreased by 1.2% to 27.9% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to 29.1% for the third quarter of 2014.sales remained level. The higherlower direct material costs were primarily due to unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates in our Electronics segment, whichand PST segments were partially offset by lowerhigher direct material costs in our Control Devices segment.segment related to a change in product mix.

 

Our Control Devices segment gross margin increased due todecreased as the benefit of increased sales volume, lower commodity prices and a favorable mix of products sold, which were partiallywas more than offset by higher warranty related costs principally related to one product.and was negatively impacted by an unfavorable mix of products sold.

 

Our Electronics segment gross margin decreasedimproved primarily due to higherlower material costs resulting from an unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates, which was moderated by our foreign currency hedges.rates.

 

Our PST segment gross margin remained level as price increases, product redesign, new supplier sourcing,increased due to lower direct material costs related to a favorable sales mix and lower business realignment charges were offset by higher material costs resulting from an unfavorable changemovement in foreign currency exchange rates. PST incurred business realignment charges of $0.2 million and $0.4 millionrates, but was negatively impacted by a decrease in the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.sales volume.

 

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”).SG&A expenses decreasedincreased by $4.9$1.5 million compared to the third quarter of 2014 due to lower SG&A costs in our PST segment2015 primarily due to foreign currency translationhigher costs related to the corporate headquarter relocation (including employee retention, relocation, severance, recruiting and duplicate wages) totaling $0.7 million as well as higher wages, share-based compensation (partially resulting from movementthe modification of the retirement notice provisions of certain awards) and professional fees in foreign currency exchange rates, which wereour unallocated corporate segment. This increase was partially offset by highera slight decrease in SG&A expenses in our Control Devices, Electronics and unallocated corporate segments. SG&A expenses in our Control Devices segment increased primarily due to higher legal fees related to product litigation and lower bad debt recoveries. SG&A costs in our unallocated corporate segment increased duePST segments, a portion of which relates to business realignment costs ofcharges which decreased by $0.3 million incurred in the third quarter of 2015. Total SG&A business realignment costs were $0.5 million related to our Electronics, PST and unallocated corporate segments for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.4 million related to PST for the third quarter of 2014.million.


 

Design and Development (“D&D”).D&D costs decreasedincreased by $0.5$0.3 million primarily due to foreign currency translation resulting from movement in foreign currency exchange rates in our PST segment. An increase inhigher costs related to new product development costslaunches in our Control Devices segment and higher business realignment charges related to our Electronics and PST segments were substantially offset by lowerproduct development costs in our Electronics segment resulting from movementwhich were partially offset by lower employee costs in foreign currency exchange rates. Businessour PST segment as a result of business realignment charges were $0.3 million related to our Electronics and PST segments for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.1 million related to PST for the third quarter of 2014.actions.

 


Goodwill Impairment. In the second quarter of 2014, we recorded our best estimate of the “step two” goodwill impairment related to our PST segment. The impairment was the result of weakening of both the Brazilian economy and automotive market resulting in lower projected revenue growth. Based on completion of the Company’s “step two” analysis during the third quarter of 2014, the previously recorded goodwill impairment estimate of $29.3 million was reduced to the final amount of $23.5 million resulting in income of $5.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. This non-cash impairment charge is more fully described in Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Operating Income.Operating income (loss) is summarized in the following table by continuing reportable segment (in thousands):

 

        Dollar  Percent 
        increase /  increase / 
Three months ended September 30 2015  2014  (decrease)  (decrease) 
Control Devices $12,197  $10,000  $2,197   22.0%
Electronics  2,767   4,370   (1,603)  (36.7)%
PST  (640)  4,467   (5,107)  NM 
Unallocated corporate  (5,377)  (5,078)  (299)  (5.9)%
Operating income $8,947  $13,759  $(4,812)  (35.0)%

NM – not meaningful

        Dollar  Percent 
        increase /  increase / 
Three months ended September 30 2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
Control Devices $15,319  $12,197  $3,122   25.6%
Electronics  3,735   2,767   968   35.0 
PST  29   (640)  669   104.5 
Unallocated corporate  (7,303)  (5,377)  (1,926)  (35.8)
Operating income $11,780  $8,947  $2,833   31.7%

 

Our Control Devices segment operating income increased primarily due to an increase in sales lower commodity prices and a favorable change in product mix, which werewas partially offset by higher D&D and warranty SG&A and D&Drelated costs.

 

Our Electronics segment operating income decreasedincreased despite lower sales primarily due to a decrease in gross profit resulting from an increase inlower material and SG&A costs, as well as business realignment charges of $0.3 million, which were partially offset by lower SG&A andhigher D&D costs resulting from movement in foreign currency exchange rates.costs.

 

Our PST segment operating performance decreased due to the goodwill impairment benefit of $5.8 million that occurred in the third quarter of 2014. Excluding the benefit of the goodwill impairment adjustment, PST’s operating performance improved by $0.7 million primarily due to lower D&D costs resulting from business realignment charges of $0.5 million asactions and higher gross profit from lower material cost reductions achieved from product redesign, new supplier sourcingcosts and a favorable sales mix were substantially offset by an unfavorable movement$0.2 million decrease in foreign currency exchange rates. PST incurred business realignment charges of $0.4 million forcosts. PST’s improved operating performance is expected to continue in the thirdfourth quarter of 2015 compared to $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2014.2016.

 

Our unallocated corporate operating loss increased primarily due to business realignment charges of $0.3 million incosts related to the third quarter of 2015corporate headquarter relocation as slightlywell as higher employee related costs were offset by lowerwages, share-based compensation.compensation and professional fees.


 

Operating income (loss) by geographic location is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

      Dollar Percent       Dollar Percent 
      increase / increase /       increase / increase / 
Three months ended September 30 2015  2014  (decrease)  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
North America $7,714  $6,493  $1,221   18.8% $8,852  $7,714  $1,138   14.8%
South America  (640)  4,467   (5,107)  NM   29   (640)  669   104.5 
Europe and Other  1,873   2,799   (926)  (33.1)%  2,899   1,873   1,026   54.8 
Operating income $8,947  $13,759  $(4,812)  (35.0) $11,780  $8,947  $2,833   31.7%

 

Our North American operating results increasedimproved primarily due to increased sales in the North American automotive and commercial vehicle markets and lower material costs,market, which were partially offset by higher warranty, SG&Awages, share-based compensation, professional fees and D&D costs.costs related to the headquarter relocation. The decrease inimproved performance in South America was primarily due to lower D&D employee costs resulting from business realignment actions, higher gross profit resulting from lower material costs and a favorable goodwill impairment adjustment of $5.8$0.2 million recordeddecrease in the third quarter of 2014.business realignment costs. Our operating results in Europe and Other declinedimproved due primarily to higherlower material costs resulting from an unfavorablea favorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates and business realignment chargeshigher sales of $0.3 million related to our Electronics segment during the third quarter of 2015.European commercial vehicle and China automotive products.

 

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net decreased by $3.3$0.1 million when compared to the prior year third quarter primarily due to a lower average debt balance outstanding and a lower weighted-average interest rate. We redeemed our $175.0 million 9.5% senior secured notes in September and October 2014 using borrowings of $100.0 million onrate related to our Credit Facility (which bore annual interest of approximately 2.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2015), proceeds from the sale of the Wiring business and existing cash.Facility.

 

Equity in Earnings of Investee. Equity earnings for Minda were $0.2$0.3 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. We recognized debt extinguishment loss of $0.9$0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in Minda’s income from operations compared to the redemption of $17.5 million of our senior secured notes and modification of our Credit Facility.  The specific components of the debt extinguishment loss are describedprior period was partially offset by an unfavorable change in Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Other (Income) Expense,Income, net. We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract (gains) losses as a component of other (income) expense,income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Other (income) expense,income, net was $(0.1)increased by $0.4 million to $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared2016 primarily due to less than $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2014.an increase in foreign currency gains and several other items. The favorable change in certain foreign currency exchange rates in our unallocated corporate and Electronics segments were partially offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates in our PST segment.

 


Provision (Benefit)Expense for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations. We recognized an income tax provision (benefit)expense of $0.9 million and less than $0.1 million and $(1.2) million from continuing operations for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the third quarter of 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. The increase in income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period for 2015 was primarily due to the increase in consolidated earnings. Also, income tax expense increased due to the PST operating loss which generated a benefit for the third quarter of 2015, however, due to the valuation allowance position taken in the fourth quarter of 2015, no longer provides a tax benefit in 2016. The effective tax rate increased to 8.4% in the third quarter of 2016 from 0.4% in the third quarter of 2015 from (14.7)% in the third quarter of 2014. As discussed in more detail in Note 12primarily due to our condensed consolidated financial statements, the increase in the income tax provision anda full valuation allowance on PST’s loss that negatively impacted the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to therate. The impact on 2014 of the significant change during the third quarter of 2014 in forecasted and actual earnings related to our debt refinancing, non-tax deductible goodwill impairment and Brazilian economic weakness. In addition, the increase in the income tax provision andPST on the effective tax rate was also due topartially offset by the improved earnings related tocontinued strong performance of our U.S. operations reduced earnings of our European operations andwhich, due to a full valuation allowance, positively impacted the smaller operating loss of our PST segment.effective tax rate.

 

We will continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of this allowance. As a result of the sale of the Wiring business and debt refinancing during the second half of 2014 and actual and anticipated earnings of the U.S. operations, we believe that there is a reasonable possibility that additional positive evidence may continue to develop in the near term that may allow us to reach a conclusion that some or all of the valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets will no longer be needed. Reversal of some or all of the U.S. valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and an income tax benefit in the period the reversal is recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of a valuation allowance reversal will dependdepends upon the weightlevel of all positive and negative evidence considered at each reporting date.profitability that we are able to actually achieve.


Nine Months Ended September 30, 20152016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 20142015

Condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales are presented in the following table (in thousands):

              Dollar 
              increase / 
Nine months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease) 
Net sales $490,171   100.0% $493,768   100.0% $(3,597)
Costs and expenses:                    
Cost of goods sold  355,432   72.5   347,795   70.4   7,637 
Selling, general and administrative  85,555   17.5   93,587   19.0   (8,032)
Design and development  29,696   6.0   31,916   6.4   (2,220)
Goodwill impairment  -   -   23,498   4.8   (23,498)
                     
Operating income (loss)  19,488   4.0   (3,028)  (0.6)  22,516 
Interest expense, net  4,683   1.0   15,059   3.0   (10,376)
Equity in earnings of investee  (492)  (0.1)  (587)  (0.1)  95 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  -   -   920   0.2   (920)
Other (income) expense, net  (343)  (0.1)  2,268   0.5   (2,611)
Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations  15,640   3.2   (20,688)  (4.2)  36,328 
Benefit for income taxes from continuing operations  (202)  -   (790)  (0.2)  588 
Income (loss) from continuing operations  15,842   3.2   (19,898)  (4.0)  35,740 
Discontinued operations:                    
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax  -   -   86   -   (86)
Loss on disposal, net of tax  (226)  -   (7,781)  (1.6)  7,555 
Loss from discontinued operations  (226)  -   (7,695)  (1.6)  7,469 
                     
Net income (loss)  15,616   3.2   (27,593)  (5.6)  43,209 
                     
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (1,074)  (0.2)  (7,039)  (1.4)  5,965 
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $16,690   3.4% $(20,554)  (4.2)% $37,244 

 

              Dollar
 increase /
 
Nine months ended September 30    2016     2015  (decrease) 
Net sales $523,365   100.0% $490,171   100.0% $33,194 
Costs and expenses:                    
Cost of goods sold  375,705   71.8   355,432   72.5   20,273 
Selling, general and administrative  82,836   15.8   85,555   17.5   (2,719)
Design and development  30,912   5.9   29,696   6.0   1,216 
                     
Operating income  33,912   6.5   19,488   4.0   14,424 
Interest expense, net  5,038   0.9   4,683   1.0   355 
Equity in earnings of investee  (603)  (0.1)  (492)  (0.1)  (111)
Other income, net  (722)  (0.1)  (343)  (0.1)  (379)
Income before income taxes from continuing operations  30,199   5.8   15,640   3.2   14,559 
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations  3,114   0.6   (202)  -   3,316 
Income from continuing operations  27,085   5.2   15,842   3.2   11,243 
Loss from discontinued operations  -   -   (226)  -   226 
Net income  27,085   5.2   15,616   3.2   11,469 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest  (2,009)  (0.4)  (1,074)  (0.2)  (935)
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. $29,094   5.6% $16,690   3.4% $12,404 

31 

 

Net Sales.Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

    Dollar Percent     Dollar Percent 
          increase / increase /           increase / increase / 
Nine months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease)  (decrease)     2016     2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
Control Devices $251,299   51.2% $232,095   47.0% $19,204   8.3% $304,957   58.3% $251,299   51.2% $53,658   21.4%
Electronics  165,015   33.7   157,808   32.0   7,207   4.6%  158,201   30.2   165,015   33.7   (6,814)  (4.1)%
PST  73,857   15.1   103,865   21.0   (30,008)  (28.9)%  60,207   11.5   73,857   15.1   (13,650)  (18.5)%
Total net sales $490,171   100.0% $493,768   100.0% $(3,597)  (0.7)% $523,365   100.0% $490,171   100.0% $33,194   6.8%

 

Our Control Devices segment net sales increased primarily due to new product sales and growth in the North American automotive market of $54.8 million and highernew program sales and increased sales volume in ourthe China automotive market of $17.4$3.5 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, as well as slightly higher volume in our commercial vehicle market during 2015. Thesewhich were partially offset by a decrease in agricultural sales volumevarious other markets of $0.9 million.$2.1 million and our North American commercial vehicle market of $0.5 million during the first nine months of 2016.

 

Our Electronics segment net sales increaseddecreased primarily due to an increasea decrease in sales ofvolume in our North American commercial vehicle products of $18.4$9.6 million, (from higher volume related to an increaseunfavorable foreign currency translation of $1.7 million and a decrease in post-disposition sales to the Wiring business acquiredour European off-highway vehicle products of $0.9 million, which were partially offset by Motherson of $16.1 million) and an increase in sales volume ofin our European commercial vehicle products of $13.4$5.9 million. The sales volume growth in these markets were substantially offset by an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $24.0 million.


Our PST segment net sales decreased primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation which reduced sales by $27.4$7.9 million, or 26.4%10.7%, and lower product volume. PST’s audio/car alarm sales volume declined due to further weakeningas a result of continued weakness in the Brazilian economy and automotive market while monitoring service sales volume modestly increased.

 

Net sales by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

    Dollar Percent     Dollar Percent 
    increase / increase /     increase / increase / 
Nine months ended September 30    2015     2014  (decrease)  (decrease)     2016     2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
North America $281,108   57.3% $246,260   49.9% $34,848   14.2% $321,973   61.5% $281,108   57.3% $40,865   14.5%
South America  73,857   15.1   103,865   21.0   (30,008)  (28.9)%  60,207   11.5   73,857   15.1   (13,650)  (18.5)%
Europe and Other  135,206   27.6   143,643   29.1   (8,437)  (5.9)%  141,185   27.0   135,206   27.6   5,979   4.4%
Total net sales $490,171   100.0% $493,768   100.0% $(3,597)  (0.7)% $523,365   100.0% $490,171   100.0% $33,194   6.8%

 

The increase in North American net sales was primarily attributable to increasednew product sales volumeand growth in ourthe North American Electronics’ commercial vehicle and Control Devices’ automotive marketsmarket of $18.4$54.8 million, and $17.4 million, respectively, which werewas partially offset by decreased agriculturalsales volume in the North American commercial vehicle market of $0.9$9.6 million and decreased sales in various other markets of $2.1 million. The decrease in net sales in South America was primarily due to the impact of an unfavorable foreign currency translation as well as lower product sales volume. Our decreasevolume as a result of continued weakness in the Brazilian economy and automotive market. The increase in net sales in Europe and Other was primarily due to an increase in sales volume of our European commercial vehicle products of $5.9 million and new program sales and increased sales volume in our China automotive market of $3.5 million, which were partially offset by an unfavorable foreign currency translation of $24.0$1.7 million which was substantially offset by increasedand lower sales of European commercialoff-highway vehicle and Chinese automotive market products of $13.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively.$0.9 million.

 

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin. Cost of goods sold increased by 2.2%5.7% primarily related to higher material costs resulting from unfavorable changesan increase in foreign currency exchange rates.sales in our Control Devices segment. Our gross margin improved by 0.7% to 28.2% for the first nine months of 2016 compared to 27.5% for the first nine months of 2015. Our material cost as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.1% to 51.3%51.5% for the first nine months of 2016 compared to 51.4% for the first nine months of 2015 comparedwhile aggregated labor and overhead costs as a percentage of sales improved by 0.8% due to 48.7% for the first nine months of 2014. Asincreased sales and a result,change in product mix in our gross margin decreased by 2.1% to 27.5% for the first nine months of 2015 compared to 29.6% for the first nine months of 2014.Control Devices segment. The higherlower material costs werein our Electronics and PST segments due to unfavorable movementa favorable change in foreign currency exchange rates in our Electronics segment, which were partially offset by lowerhigher direct material costs as a percentage of sales in our Control Devices segment.segment due to a change in mix of products sold.

 

Our Control Devices segment gross margin increasedimproved slightly primarily due to the benefit of increased sales volume, lower commodity prices and a favorable mix of products sold,levels which werewas partially offset by higher warranty related costs principally related to one product.and was negatively impacted by an unfavorable change in mix of products sold.

32 

 

Our Electronics segment gross margin decreasedimproved primarily due to higherlower material costs resulting from an unfavorablea favorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates.

Our PST segment gross margin improved due to lower material costs resulting from a favorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates, which was moderatedpartially offset by our foreign currency hedges.

Our PST segment gross margin increased slightly aslower sales volume and a favorable sales mix, prices increases, product redesign, new supplier sourcing and lower$0.1 million increase in business realignment charges were substantially offset by higher material costs resulting from an unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates. PST business realignment charges decreased to $0.2 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.9 million for the same period in 2014.charges.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. SG&A expenses decreased by $8.0$2.7 million compared to the first nine months of 20142015 as lower SG&A costs in our PST and Electronics segments were partially offset by higher costs in our Control Devices and unallocated corporate segments. SG&A costs in our unallocated corporate segment.  PST and Electronics segmentsSG&A costs decreased primarily due to lower employee costs as a result of business realignment actions, lower selling related expenses and professional fees and from movement in foreign currency translation resultingexchange rates, which were partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in business realignment costs.  SG&A expenses in our Electronics segment decreased primarily due from movement in foreign currency exchange rates.  Unallocated corporate SG&A costs in Control Devices segment increased primarily due to higher legal fees related to product litigation,costs associated with the corporate headquarter relocation (including employee retention, relocation, severance, recruiting, other professional fees and performance-based compensation.duplicate wages) totaling $1.0 million as well as higher wages, incentive-based compensation (as a result of improved financial performance) and consulting fees.  These higher unallocated corporate SG&A costs in our unallocated corporate segment increased due to higher incentive-based compensation, business realignment charges of $0.3 million and higherwere partially offset by lower share-based compensation of $2.2 million in connection withexpense as the accelerated vesting associated withadditional expense related to modification of the retirement notice provisions of our former President and CEO in June 2015. SG&A business realignment charges related to our Electronics, PST and unallocated corporate segments werecertain share-based awards of $0.5 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.62016 were more than offset by $2.2 million related to PSTof expense for the acceleration of the vesting associated with the retirement of our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) during the first nine months of 2014.2015.


Design and Development.D&D costs decreasedincreased by $2.2$1.2 million primarily due to foreign currency translation resulting fromdevelopment costs related to new product launches in our Control Devices segment as well as higher product development costs and business realignment charges in our Electronics segment. Business realignment charges related to our Electronics segment increased by $0.8 million during the first nine months of 2016 compared to 2015. This increase in D&D costs in our Control Devices and Electronics segments was partially offset by lower employee costs as a result of business realignment actions, lower product design costs and movement in foreign currency exchange rates in our Electronics and PST segments while the Control Devices segment incurred lower product development costs. D&D business realignment charges related to our Electronics and PST segments were $0.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.2 million related to PST for the first nine months of 2014.segment.

 

Goodwill Impairment. The Company recorded a charge of $23.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to a portion of the PST goodwill.  The impairment was due to the weakening of both the Brazilian economy and automotive market resulting in lower projected revenue and earnings growth. This non-cash impairment charge is more fully described in Note 4 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Operating Income (Loss).Income.Operating income (loss) is summarized in the following table by continuing reportable segment (in thousands):

      Dollar Percent       Dollar Percent 
      increase / increase /       increase / increase / 
Nine months ended September 30 2015  2014  (decrease)  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
Control Devices $33,787  $27,152  $6,635   24.4% $47,133  $33,787  $13,346   39.5%
Electronics  9,413   14,038   (4,625)  (32.9)%  12,050   9,413   2,637   28.0%
PST  (5,881)  (30,057)  24,176   80.4%  (4,179)  (5,881)  1,702   28.9%
Unallocated corporate  (17,831)  (14,161)  (3,670)  (25.9)%  (21,092)  (17,831)  (3,261)  (18.3)%
Operating income (loss) $19,488  $(3,028) $22,516   NM 
Operating income $33,912  $19,488  $14,424   74.0%

 

Our Control Devices segment operating income increased primarily due to an increase in sales, lower commodity prices, a favorable change in product mix, product redesign and lower D&D costs, which werewas partially offset by higher D&D costs related to new product launches and higher warranty and SG&Arelated costs.

 

Our Electronics segment operating income decreasedincreased primarily due to a decline in sales, a decrease in gross profit aslower material costs, increased andwhich was partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in business realignment charges and lower sales during the first nine months of $0.3 million in the current period, which were partially offset by lower SG&A and design and development costs resulting from movement in foreign currency exchange rates.2016 compared to 2015.

 

Our PST segment operating loss decreasedperformance improved primarily due to a goodwill impairment chargelower SG&A and D&D expenses due to business realignment actions, lower selling expenses and professional fees. These were partially offset by lower gross profit resulting from lower product sales volume as well as an increase in business realignment charges of $23.5$0.8 million that was recorded infor the first nine months of 2014. Excluding the goodwill impairment, PST’s operating performance improved by $0.7 million due2016 compared to lower business realignment charges of $1.2 million (which were $0.4 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively) as price increases, significant material cost reductions achieved from product redesign and new supplier sourcing were more than offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates.2015.


 

Our unallocated corporate operating loss increased primarily due to higher costs associated with the corporate headquarter relocation as well as higher wages, incentive-based compensation and professional fees. These were partially offset by lower share-based compensation primarily as a resultexpense because the first nine months of 2015 included $2.2 million of expense for the acceleration of the vesting associated with the June 2015 retirement of our President and CEO of $2.2 million inwhile the first nine months of 2015, higher performance-based compensation and business realignment charges2016 had $0.5 million of $0.3 million inexpense related to the current period.modification of the retirement notice provisions of certain awards.

 

Operating income (loss) by geographic location is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

      Dollar Percent       Dollar Percent 
      increase / increase /       increase / increase / 
Nine months ended September 30 2015  2014  (decrease)  (decrease)  2016  2015  (decrease)  (decrease) 
North America $19,310  $17,956  $1,354   7.5% $27,303  $19,310  $7,993   41.4%
South America  (5,881)  (30,057)  24,176   80.4%  (4,179)  (5,881)  1,702   (28.9)%
Europe and Other  6,059   9,073   (3,014)  (33.2)%  10,788   6,059   4,729   78.0%
Operating income (loss) $19,488  $(3,028) $22,516   NM%
Operating income $33,912  $19,488  $14,424   74.0%

32

 

Our North American operating results increasedimproved primarily due to higherincreased sales in the North American commercial vehicle and automotive markets, lower material costs and a favorable change in product mix,market which was substantiallypartially offset by higher performance-based compensationSG&A expenses in our unallocated corporate segment and higher share-based compensation expense as a result of the acceleration of the vesting of share-based awardsD&D and warranty related costs in connection with the retirement of our former President and CEO during the first nine months of 2015.Control Devices segment. The increaseimprovement in performance in South America was primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge of $23.5lower SG&A and D&D employee expenses resulting from business realignment actions, lower selling costs and professional fees which was partially offset by lower gross profit resulting from lower product sales volume and a $0.8 million takenincrease in the first nine months of 2014.business realignment costs. Our results in Europe and Other declined primarily due toimproved as higher D&D costs, an increase in product development and business realignment charges were more than offset by higher gross profit benefiting from lower material costs and an unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates related to our Electronics segment.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt. The Company recognized debt extinguishment loss of $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to the redemption of $17.5 million of our senior secured notes and modification of our Credit Facility.  The specific components of the debt extinguishment loss are described in Note 8 to our condensed consolidated financial statements.as well as lower SG&A expenses.

 

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net decreasedincreased by $10.4$0.4 million compared to the same period in the prior year first nine months primarily due to a lower average debt balance outstanding and a lowerhigher weighted-average interest rate. We redeemedrate related to our $175.0 million 9.5% senior secured notes in September and October 2014 using borrowings of $100.0 million on our Credit Facility (which bore annual interest for the first nine months of 2015 of approximately 2.0%), proceeds from the sale of the Wiring business and existing cash.PST debt.

 

Equity in Earnings of Investee. Equity earnings for Minda was $0.5were $0.6 million and $0.6$0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. The increase in Minda’s income from operations compared to the prior period was partially offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Other (Income) Expense,Income, net. We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract gains and(gains) losses as a component of other (income) expense,income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Other (income) expense,income, net was ($0.3)increased by $0.4 million forcompared to the first nine months of 2015 compared to $2.3 million for the first nine months of 2014 due to less volatilityan increase in certain foreign currency gains and several other items. The favorable change in foreign currency exchange rates in the current period particularly related toour unallocated corporate and Electronics segments were partially offset by an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates in our PST segment. Our PST segment was unfavorably affected by a significant foreign currency translation loss related to the Argentinian peso for the first nine months of 2014.

 

BenefitExpense (Benefit) for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations. We recognized an income tax benefitexpense (benefit) of $(0.2)$3.1 million and $(0.8)$(0.2) million from continuing operations for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. The increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period for 2015 was primarily due to the increase in consolidated earnings. Also, income tax expense increased due to the PST operating loss which generated a benefit for the first nine months of 2015, however, due to the valuation allowance position taken in the fourth quarter of 2015, no longer provides a tax benefit in 2016. The effective tax rate increased to 10.3% in the first nine months of 2016 from (1.3)% in the first nine months of 2015 from (3.8)% inprimarily due to a full valuation allowance on PST’s loss that negatively impacted the first nine months of 2014. The decrease in the income tax benefit and effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily attributable to therate. The impact of PST on the non-tax deductible goodwill impairment charge in 2014. Also, the decrease in the income tax benefit and effective tax rate was due topartially offset by the improved earnings incontinued strong performance of our U.S. operations reduced earnings of our European operations andwhich, due to a full valuation allowance, positively impacted the smaller operating loss of our PST segment. The decrease was partially offset by discreteeffective tax expense related to certain foreign operations during the first nine months of 2014 which did not recur in the first nine months of 2015.rate.


We will continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of this allowance. As a result of the sale of the Wiring business and debt refinancing during the second half of 2014 and actual and anticipated earnings of the U.S. operations, we believe that there is a reasonable possibility that additional positive evidence may continue to develop in the near term that may allow us to reach a conclusion that some or all of the valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets will no longer be needed. Reversal of some or all of the U.S. valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and an income tax benefit in the period the reversal is recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of a valuation allowance reversal will dependdepends upon the weightlevel of all positive and negative evidence considered at each reporting date.profitability that we are able to actually achieve.

33

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Summary of Cash Flows (in thousands): 

 

      Dollar       Dollar 
    increase /     increase / 
Nine months ended September 30 2015  2014  (decrease) 
Nine months ended September 30 (in thousands) 2016  2015  (decrease) 
Net cash provided by (used for):                        
Operating activities $17,133  $(846) $17,979  $37,017  $17,133  $19,884 
Investing activities  (25,167)  (2,001)  (23,166)  (17,832)  (25,167)  7,335 
Financing activities  (3,802)  (16,863)  13,061   (22,718)  (3,802)  (18,916)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (1,896)  (2,165)  269   (268)  (1,896)  1,628 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $(13,732) $(21,875) $8,143  $(3,801) $(13,732) $9,931 

 

Cash provided by operating activities, which includes cash flows from the Wiring discontinued operations in 2015, increased primarily due to lower working capital required as a result of the sale of the Wiring business in August 2014movement and an increase in net income excluding the impacts of the non-cash PST goodwill impairment and the loss on sale of the Wiring business in 2014.income. Our receivable terms and collections rates have remained consistent between periods presented.

 

Net cash used for investing activities increaseddecreased primarily due to higherlower capital expenditures primarilyin the current period. Also, there were payments related to support the launch of new products as well as a refund of excess proceeds received from Motherson based on the resolution of the working capital and other adjustments associated with the sale of the Wiring business. Also, $71.4 million in cash was received from the sale of the Wiring business in 2014, ofthe prior period which $52.7 million was restricted for repayment of debt.did not recur in 2016.

 

Net cash used for financing activities decreasedincreased primarily due the fact that in 2014 we repurchased $17.5 million, or 10.0% of our outstanding senior secured notes and incurred refinancing costs associated with the modificationto an unplanned partial repayment of our Credit Facility which were offset byand lower net debtPST borrowings of $2.9 million and a $2.1 million increaseincurred in Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations.the current period.

 

As outlined in Note 87 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, our Credit Facility permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $300.0 million which includes an accordion feature which allows the Company to increase the availability by up to $80.0 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. This variable rate facility provides the flexibility to refinance other outstanding debt or finance acquisitions through September 2019.2021. The Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants that require the Company to maintain less than a maximum leverage ratio and more than a minimum interest coverage ratio. The Credit Facility also contains affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for credit arrangements of this type including covenants which place restrictions and/or limitations on the Company’s ability to borrow money, make capital expenditures and pay dividends. The Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $100.0$87.0 million at September 30, 2015.2016. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2015.2016. The covenants included in our Credit Facility to date have not and are not expected to limit our financing flexibility.


 

PST maintains several short-term obligations and long-term loans used for working capital purposes. At September 30, 2015,2016, there was $22.4$18.0 million outstanding on theof PST term loans.  Principal paymentsdebt outstanding.  Scheduled principal repayments on PST debt at September 30, 2015 are2016 were as follows: $17.5 million from October 2015 to September 2016, $0.6$9.7 million from October 2016 toDecember 2016, $1.8 million in September 2017, $1.0 million from October 2017 to December 2017, $4.0 million in 2018, $0.9$2.6 million in 2019, $0.4 million in 2020 and $0.3 million in both 2020 and 2021.

 

The Company's wholly owned subsidiary located in Stockholm, Sweden, has an overdraft credit line which allows overdrafts on the subsidiary's bank account up to a maximum level of 20.0 million Swedish krona, or $2.4$2.3 million, at September 30, 2015.2016. At September 30, 2015,2016, there were no overdrafts on the bank account.

Due to the deterioration of the Brazilian economy and automotive market in 2015 and first nine months of 2016, PST had lower earnings and cash flows.  Also, PST has experienced slower customer payments of receivables, which combined with lower earnings has made its liquidity more challenging.  As such, PST has and continues to evaluate and utilize several funding sources including factoring receivables and short-term loans from banks to provide necessary funding. 

 

Although the Company's notes and credit facilities contain various covenants, the violation of which would limit or preclude their use or accelerate the maturity, the Company has not experienced and does not expect these covenants to restrict our financing flexibility. The Company has been and expects to continue to remain in compliance with these covenants during the term of the notes and credit facilities.


Our future results could also be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We have significant foreign denominated transaction exposure in certain locations, especially in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Sweden, Estonia and China. We have entered into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our exposure related to certain foreign currency fluctuations. See Note 65 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details. Our future results could also be unfavorably affected by increased commodity prices as commodity fluctuations impact the cost of our raw material purchases.

 

At September 30, 2015,2016, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $29.3$50.6 million, of which $12.5$18.2 million was held in the United States and $16.8$32.4 million was held in foreign locations. The decrease from $43.0$54.4 million at December 31, 20142015 was due to repayment of debt, higher working capital and capital expenditures to supportwhich were offset by net income during the launchfirst nine months of new products, repayment of debt and the repurchase of common shares to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations.2016.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

See Note 1110 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for disclosures of the Company’s commitments and contingencies.

 

Seasonality

 

Our Control Devices and Electronics segments are not typically affected by seasonality, however the demand for our PST segment consumer products is typically higher in the second half of the year, the fourth quarter in particular.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company's critical accounting policies, which include management's best estimates and judgments, are included in Part II, Item 7, to the consolidated financial statements of the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K. These accounting policies are considered critical as disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K because of the potential for a significant impact on the financial statements due to the inherent uncertainty in such estimates.

 

Information regarding other significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of Part II of the Company’s 20142015 Form 10-K.


Inflation and International Presence

 

Given the current economic conditions of countries and recent fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, we believe that a negative change in such items could significantly affect our profitability.

Forward-Looking Statements

Portions of this report contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, our directors or officers with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition or divestiture strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, and (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer;

the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment activities, or similar actions;

a significant change in automotive, commercial, motorcycle, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;

competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;

the impact on changes in foreign currency exchange rates on sales, costs and results, particularly the Brazilian real, euro, Argentinian peso, Swedish krona, Mexican peso and Chinese Renminbi;

our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed certain customer-mandated selling price reductions;

a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which we operate;

labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;

the ability of our suppliers to supply us with quality parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;

the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our credit facility;

customer acceptance of new products;

capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;

the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business; and

those items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) of the Company's 2014 Form 10-K.

In addition, the forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in market risk presented within Part II, Item 7A of the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2015,2016, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the principal executive officer (“PEO”) and principal financial officer (“PFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's management, including the PEO and PFO, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2015.2016.


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 20152016 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II–OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims primarily arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, we do not believe that any of the litigation in which we are currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations. We are subject to a tax assessment in Brazil related to value added taxes on vehicle tracking and monitoring services for which the likelihood of loss is not probable although it may take years to resolve. In addition, we are subject to litigation regarding patent infringement. We are also subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products causes personal injury or death to users of our products as well as product warranty and recall claims. There can be no assurance that we will not experience any material losses related to product liability, warranty or recall claims. In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in a government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recall involving such products. See additional details of these matters in Note 1110 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes with respect to risk factors previously disclosed in the Company's 20142015 Form 10-K.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table presents information with respect to repurchases of Common Shares made by us during the three months ended September 30, 2015. These shares were delivered to us by employees as payment for the withholding taxes due upon vesting of restricted share awards:None.


           Maximum 
        Total number of  number of 
        shares purchased  shares that may 
  Total number     as part of publicly  yet be purchased 
  of shares  Average price  announced plans  under the plans 
Period purchased  paid per share  or programs  or programs 
7/1/15-7/31/15  -   -   N/A   N/A 
8/1/15-8/31/15  -   -   N/A   N/A 
9/1/15-9/30/15  6,448  $11.47   N/A   N/A 
Total  6,448             

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Reference is made to the separate, “Index to Exhibits,” filed herewith.


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 STONERIDGE, INC.
  
Date:  November 4, 2015October 28, 2016/s/ Jonathan B. DeGaynor
 

Jonathan B. DeGaynor

President and Chief Executive Officer

 (Principal Executive Officer)
  
Date:  November 4, 2015October 28, 2016/s/ George E. StricklerRobert R. Krakowiak
 George E. StricklerRobert R. Krakowiak
 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 


37

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
  
Number10.1 Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2016).
   
31.1 Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   

31.2

 Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   

32.1

 Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
   

32.2

 

Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.

  101XBRL Exhibits:
101.INS 101.INSXBRL Instance Document
  
101.SCHXBRL Schema Document
  
101.CALXBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEFXBRL Definition Linkbase Document
  
101.LABXBRL Labels Linkbase Document
  
101.PREXBRL Presentation Linkbase Document