UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

[X]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBERJUNE 27, 20142015

 

OR

 

 

[  ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM           TO           

 

Commission file number 0-20388

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

 

36-3795742

 
 

(State or other jurisdiction

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 
 

of incorporation or organization)

   
     
 

8755 W. Higgins Road, Suite 500

   
 

Chicago, Illinois

 

60631

 
 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

(773) 628-1000

(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. Yes [X]  No [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 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). Yes [X]  No [ ]

 

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

 

 Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]    

Smaller reporting company [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

 

As of OctoberJuly 24, 2014, 22,489,4322015, 22,647,323 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of the registrant were outstanding.

 

 
 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
  

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

Page

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 (unaudited) and December 28, 201327, 2014 

1

  

Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the periods ended SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 (unaudited) and SeptemberJune 28, 20132014 (unaudited)

2

  

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods ended SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 (unaudited) and SeptemberJune 28, 20132014 (unaudited)

3

  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods endedSeptemberendedJune 27, 20142015 (unaudited) and SeptemberJune 28, 20132014 (unaudited)

4

  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

  

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditionand Results of Operations.

1412

  

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

2018

  

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

2119

  

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

 22

  

Item 1A. Risk Factors1.

 22Legal Proceedings

 20

  

Item 1A.Risk Factors

20

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

2220

  

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

2220

  

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 2220

  

Item 5.Other Information

 2220

  

Item 6.

Exhibits

2321

  

Signatures

24   22

 

 
 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands of USD, except share amounts)

 

 

September 27, 2014

  

December 28, 2013

  

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 
 

(unaudited)

      

(unaudited)

     

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $378,276  $305,192  $311,915  $297,571 

Short-term investments

  38   6,886   3,954   4,302 

Accounts receivable, less allowances

  134,706   127,887   151,283   135,356 

Inventories

  99,822   92,591   97,735   97,391 

Deferred income taxes

  10,722   10,463   17,378   17,481 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  16,570   17,080   15,357   13,904 

Assets held for sale

  5,500   5,500   5,500   5,500 

Total current assets

  645,634   565,599   603,122   571,505 

Property, plant and equipment:

                

Land

  5,969   4,382   5,542   5,697 

Buildings

  66,780   59,699   63,546   64,609 

Equipment

  363,438   354,475   389,026   370,179 
  436,187   418,556   458,114   440,485 

Accumulated depreciation

  (278,927)  (268,383)  (291,735)  (281,845)

Net property, plant and equipment

  157,260   150,173   166,379   158,640 

Intangible assets, net of amortization:

                

Patents, licenses and software

  24,514   25,166   21,449   23,640 

Distribution network

  39,604   42,685   17,813   19,428 

Customer lists, trademarks and tradenames

  42,911   30,506   58,018   60,605 

Goodwill

  198,702   186,464   192,947   196,256 

Other investments

  13,115   12,286   14,503   12,056 

Deferred income taxes

  5,325   5,092   5,604   5,393 

Other assets

  6,750   6,402   19,456   23,303 
                

Total assets

 $1,133,815  $1,024,373  $1,099,291  $1,070,826 
                

Liabilities and Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

 $37,062  $33,872  $53,919  $50,793 

Accrued payroll

  28,022   29,437   25,501   30,511 

Accrued expenses

  13,342   13,087   19,668   13,059 

Accrued severance

  320   182   2,033   790 

Accrued income taxes

  15,059   5,931   8,547   9,045 

Deferred income taxes

  7   229 

Current portion of accrued post-retirement benefits

  11,768   11,768 

Current portion of long-term debt

  186,500   126,000   82,250   88,500 

Total current liabilities

  280,312   208,738   203,686   204,466 

Long-term debt, less current portion

  90,000   93,750   96,993   106,658 

Deferred income taxes

  10,821   11,585   11,173   11,076 

Accrued post-retirement benefits

  225   8,528   5,247   5,147 

Other long-term liabilities

  14,558   14,856   14,900   15,814 

Total equity

  737,899   686,916   767,292   727,665 
                

Total liabilities and equity

 $1,133,815  $1,024,373  $1,099,291  $1,070,826 
                

Common shares issued and outstanding of22,541,918 and 22,467,491, at September 27, 2014, and December 28, 2013, respectively.

        

Common shares issued and outstanding of22,725,882 and 22,585,529, at June 27, 2015, and December 27, 2014, respectively.

        

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Net Income

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

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
 

September 27,

2014

  

September 28,

2013

  

September 27,

2014

  

September 28,

2013

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 
                                

Net sales

 $217,608  $201,040  $645,375  $559,724  $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767 
                                

Cost of sales

  130,228   120,080   396,506   340,601   136,740   137,913   270,723   266,278 
                                

Gross profit

  87,380   80,960   248,869   219,123   85,281   82,995   161,611   161,489 
                                

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  36,647   34,437   109,146   98,091   38,772   38,328   75,117   72,499 

Research and development expenses

  7,449   6,217   22,833   17,725   7,361   7,810   14,745   15,384 

Amortization of intangibles

  3,154   2,747   9,451   6,249   2,977   3,138   6,030   6,297 
  47,250   43,401   141,430   122,065   49,110   49,276   95,892   94,180 
                                

Operating income

  40,130   37,559   107,439   97,058   36,171   33,719   65,719   67,309 
                                

Interest expense

  1,292   939   3,736   1,959   948   1,228   2,099   2,444 

Impairment and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate

           10,678 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (101)  1,476   2,022   (1,929)  (1,292)  2,375   1,825   2,123 

Other (income) expense, net

  (2,261)  (1,380)  (4,893)  (3,543)  (1,202)  (1,446)  (2,328)  (2,632)
                                

Income before income taxes

  41,200   36,524   106,574   89,893   37,717   31,562   64,123   65,374 
                                

Income taxes

  11,260   9,534   26,667   24,767   9,033   6,984   15,444   15,407 
                                

Net income

 $29,940  $26,990  $79,907  $65,126  $28,684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967 
                                

Net income per share (see Note 8):

                

Net income per share (see Note 7):

                

Basic

 $1.33  $1.20  $3.55  $2.92  $1.26  $1.09  $2.15  $2.22 

Diluted

 $1.32  $1.19  $3.52  $2.89  $1.26  $1.08  $2.13  $2.20 
                                

Weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

  22,536   22,428   22,536   22,274   22,691   22,579   22,645   22,536 

Diluted

  22,689   22,625   22,722   22,497   22,835   22,750   22,810   22,738 
                                

Cash dividends paid per common share

 $0.25  $0.22  $0.69  $0.62  $0.25  $0.22  $0.50  $0.44 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Consolidated Statementsof Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, unaudited)

 

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
  

September 27,

2014

  

September 28,

2013

  

September 27,

2014

  

September 28,

2013

 
                 

Net income

 $29,940  $26,990  $79,907  $65,126 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                

Pension liability adjustments (net of tax of $39 and $49, for the three months ended 2014 and 2013, and $178 and $233 for the nine months ended 2014 and 2013, respectively)

  4   (24)  (1)  (349)

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments

  (1,773)  (532)  1,811   546 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (14,962)  10,273   (15,273)  (2,998)

Comprehensive income

 $13,209  $36,707  $66,444  $62,325 

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 
                 

Net income

 $28,684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                

Pension liability adjustments (net of tax of $385 and $67, for the three months ended 2015 and 2014, and $416 and $160 for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively)

  (198)  39   (124)  (5)

Reclassification adjustments to expense, (net of tax of ($249) and $0, for the three months ended 2015 and 2014, and ($498) and $0 for the six months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively)

  985      1,971    

Unrealized gain on investments

  1,380   2,276   3,336   3,584 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  3,821   6,850   (10,153)  (311)

Comprehensive income

 $34,672  $33,743  $43,709  $53,235 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of USD, unaudited)

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
 

September 27, 2014

  

September 28, 2013

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 

Operating activities:

                

Net income

 $79,907  $65,126  $48,679  $49,967 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation

  21,736   19,603   14,761   14,459 

Amortization of intangibles

  9,451   6,249   6,030   6,297 

Stock-based compensation

  7,168   7,030   5,764   5,229 

Non-cash inventory charge

  2,769   2,069      2,769 

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

  (2,477)  (3,763)  (1,470)  (2,230)

Loss on sale of assets

  673   169   329   141 

Impairment and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate

     10,678 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

  (9,728)  (16,348)  (21,266)  (17,871)

Inventories

  (4,118)  (4,537)  (1,199)  410 

Accounts payable

�� 3,024   6,659   3,440   2,533 

Accrued expenses (including post-retirement)

  (7,080)  (11,743)  11,129   (7,578)

Accrued payroll and severance

  (1,198)  5,492   (3,652)  (7,323)

Accrued taxes

  5,756   (2,167)  (3,003)  (2,101)

Prepaid expenses and other

  (2,052)  1,294   2,422   (2,189)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  103,831   85,811   61,964   42,513 
                

Investing activities:

                

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

     (52,768)

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

  (19,422)  (25,328)  (26,388)  (13,132)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

  (52,768)  (145,000)

Purchase of short-term investments

     (8,478)

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments

  6,770    

Decrease in entrusted loan receivable

  3,519    

Proceeds from sale of assets

  72   158   48   37 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (65,348)  (178,648)  (22,821)  (65,863)
                

FINANCING activities:

                

Proceeds from term loan

     100,000 

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

  97,500   160,500   11,000   97,500 

Payments of revolving credit facility

  (21,000)  (19,500)

Payments of term loan

  (3,750)     (2,500)  (2,500)

Payments of revolving credit facility

  (37,000)  (116,000)

Debt issuance costs paid

  (108)  (809)

Payments of entrusted loan

  (3,519)   

Debt issuance costs

  (42)  (108)

Cash dividends paid

  (15,543)  (13,789)  (11,296)  (9,921)

Purchases of common stock

  (14,283)        (14,283)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  12,170   19,335   6,278   11,101 

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

  2,477   3,763   1,470   2,230 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  41,463   153,000 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (19,609)  64,519 
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  (6,862)  (2,631)  (5,190)  45 
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

  73,084   57,532   14,344   41,214 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  305,192   235,404   297,571   305,192 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $378,276  $292,936  $311,915  $346,406 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Littelfuse, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S.Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulations S-X. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in the consolidated balance sheet, statements of net income and comprehensive income and cash flows prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations.regulations, although the company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the period ended SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2014.January 2, 2016. For further information, refer to the company’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.27, 2014. The company evaluated subsequent events through the date of its financial statements when filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

2. Acquisition of Businesses

The company accounts for acquisitions using the purchase method in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The results of operations of each acquisition have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of the dates of the acquisition.

 

SymCom, Inc.

 

On January 3, 2014, the company acquired 100% of SymCom, Inc. (“SymCom”) for $52.8 million net of cash acquired. HeadquarteredLocated in Rapid City, South Dakota, SymCom provides overload relays and pump controllers primarily to the industrial market. The acquisition allows the company to strengthen its position in the relay products market by adding new products and new customers within its Electrical business unit segment. SymCom is based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The company funded the acquisition with available cash and proceeds from credit facilities.

 

The following table sets forth the preliminaryfinal purchase price allocation for SymCom acquisition-date net assets, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting with adjustments to record the acquired net assets at their estimated fair values.

 

SymCom preliminary purchase price allocation (in thousands):

 

SymCom final purchase price allocation (in thousands):

SymCom final purchase price allocation (in thousands):

 

Cash

 $325  $325 

Current assets, net

  9,154   9,154 

Property, plant and equipment

  11,193   11,193 

Goodwill

  15,063   15,018 

Trademarks

  17,020   17,020 

Patents

  1,500   1,500 

Other non-current assets

  20   20 

Current liabilities

  (1,182)  (1,137)
 $53,093  $53,093 

 

All SymCom goodwill and other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Electrical business unit segment and reflected in the Americas geographical area. The trademarks are being amortized over 15 to 20 years. The patents are being amortized over 16 to 17 years. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining SymCom’s products with the company’s existing electrical product offerings. Goodwill for the above acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

As required by purchase accounting rules, the company initially recorded a $2.6 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date based on the preliminary valuation. During the first quarter of 2014, as a portion of this inventory was sold, cost of goods sold included a $1.4 million non-cash charge for this step-up.

 


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

2. Acquisition of Businesses, continued

During the second quarter of 2014, the inventory step-up valuation was finalized at $2.8 million which resulted in an additional $1.4 million non-cash charge to cost of goods sold for the second quarter of 2014.

Pro forma financial information is not presented for the SymCom acquisition due to amounts not being materially different than actual results.

Hamlin, Inc.

On May 31, 2013, the company acquired 100% of Hamlin, Inc. (“Hamlin”) from Key Safety Systems, for $144.4 million (net of cash acquired). Hamlin is a manufacturer of sensor technology providing standard products and custom solutions for leading global manufacturers in the automotive and electronic industries. The acquisition allows the company to expand its automotive and electronics product offerings in the global sensor market in both the Automotive and Electronics business segments. Hamlin has manufacturing, engineering and sales offices in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. Hamlin operations are being integrated into the Electronics and Automotive segments of Littelfuse. The company funded the acquisition with available cash raised from borrowings on the company’s new credit arrangement. (See Note 6).

The following table sets forth the final purchase price allocation, as of May 31, 2014, for Hamlin acquisition-date net assets, in accordance with the purchase method of accounting with adjustments to record the acquired net assets at their estimated fair values.

Hamlin final purchase price allocation (in thousands):

 

Cash

 $15,984 

Current assets, net

  27,811 

Property, plant and equipment

  24,728 

Goodwill

  51,218 

Distribution network

  35,327 

Patents and licenses

  16,276 

Trademarks

  6,522 

Non-current assets

  2,452 

Current liabilities

  (7,734)

Non-current liabilities

  (12,217)
  $160,367 

All Hamlin goodwill and other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Automotive and Electronics business unit segments and reflected in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific geographical areas. The distribution network, trademarks and patents and licenses are all being amortized over 10 years. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining Hamlin’s products with the company’s existing product offerings. A portion of the goodwill for the acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

As required by purchase accounting rules, the company recorded a $2.1 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date. During the second quarter of 2013, as a portion of this inventory was sold, cost of goods sold included $1.7 million of non-cash charges for this step-up.

 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

2. Acquisition of Businesses, continued

The following unaudited pro forma results are provided below for the company’s acquisition of Hamlin and assume that the acquisition of Hamlin had been completed as of the beginning of fiscal year 2012.

  

(In thousands except for per share amounts)

 
  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
  

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

  

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

 
  

(Unaudited)

  

(Unaudited)

  

(Unaudited)

  

(As restated)

 
              

(Unaudited)

 

Revenues

 $217,608  $201,040  $645,375  $591,095 

Net income

 $29,940  $26,990  $79,907  $65,425 

Net income per share:

                

Basic

 $1.33  $1.20  $3.55  $2.94 

Diluted

 $1.32  $1.19  $3.52  $2.91 

Weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:

                

Basic

  22,536   22,428   22,536   22,274 

Diluted

  22,689   22,625   22,722   22,497 

 

3. Inventories

 

The components of inventories at SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 and December 28, 201327, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

September 27, 2014

  

December 28, 2013

  

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 

Raw material

 $31,549  $28,228  $33,193  $29,756 

Work in process

  16,810   17,576   16,404   15,164 

Finished goods

  51,463   46,787   48,138   52,471 

Total inventories

 $99,822  $92,591  $97,735  $97,391 

 

4.OtherInvestments

 

The company’s other investments represent shares of Polytronics Technology Corporation Ltd. (“Polytronics”), a Taiwanese company. The Polytronics investment was acquired as part of the Heinrich Companies acquisition in 2004. The fair value of the Polytronics investment was €10.2€12.9million (approximately $14.5 million) at June 27, 2015 and €9.9 million (approximately $13.1 million) at September 27, 2014 and €9.0 million (approximately $12.3$12.1 million) at December 28, 2013.27, 2014. Included in 20142015 other comprehensive income is an unrealized gain of $1.8$3.4 million, due to the increase in fair market value of the Polytronics investment. The remaining movement was due to the impact of changes in exchange rates.

 

5.Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

During the first quarter of 2013, the company fully impaired its investment in and loan receivable from Shocking Technologies, Inc. owing to their filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 12, 2013. The impairment charge of approximately $10.7 million consisted of the remaining equity method investment of $8.7 million and a $2.0 million loan receivable, and reduced the carrying value of both the investment and loan receivable to zero at March 30, 2013.

The loss was recorded as a component of impairment and equity loss of unconsolidated affiliate in the Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6.5. Debt

 

The carrying amounts of long-term debt at SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 and December 28, 201327, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

September 27, 2014

  

December 28, 2013

 
         

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 

Term loan

 $95,000  $98,750  $91,250  $93,750 

Revolving credit facility

  181,500   121,000   73,500   83,500 

Entrusted loan

  14,493   17,908 

Total debt

  276,500   219,750   179,243   195,158 

Less: Current maturities

  186,500   126,000   82,250   88,500 

Total long-term debt

 $90,000  $93,750  $96,993  $106,658 

 

On May 31, 2013, theThe company entered intocurrently has a new credit agreement with J.P Morgan Securities LLC for up to $325.0$375.0 million which consistedconsists of an unsecured revolving credit facility of $225.0$275.0 million and an unsecured term loan of $100.0 million. The new credit agreement, effective May 31, 2013, is for a five year period. On January 30, 2014, the company increased the unsecured revolving credit facility entered into on May 31, 2013, by $50.0 million thereby increasing the total revolver borrowing capacity from $225.0 million to $275.0 million. The company incurred debt issuance costs of $0.1 million which will be amortized over the life of the existing credit agreement. As of SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, the company had available $92.9$200.9 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50% (1.65%1.0% (1.19% as of SeptemberJune 27, 2014)2015). At SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility.

 

Entrusted Loan

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the company entered into an entrusted loan arrangement (“Entrusted Loan”) of RMB 110.0 million (approximately $17.9 million) between two of its China legal entities, Littelfuse Semiconductor (Wuxi) Company (the “Lender”) and Suzhou Littelfuse OVS Ltd. (the “Borrower”), utilizing Bank of America, N.A., Shanghai Branch as agent. Direct borrowing and lending between two commonly owned commercial entities is strictly forbidden under China’s regulations requiring the use of a third party agent to enable loans between Chinese legal entities. As a result, the Entrusted Loan is reflected as both a long-term asset and long-term debt on the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is reflected in the investing and financing activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Interest expense and interest income will be recorded between the lender and borrower with no net impact on the company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the amounts will be offsetting. The loan interest rate per annum is 5.25%. The Entrusted Loan is used to finance the operation and working capital needs of the borrower and matures in November 2019.


7Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

In determining fair value, the company uses various valuation approaches within the fair value measurement framework. Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

Applicable accounting literature establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Applicable accounting literature defines levels within the hierarchy based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

 

Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets, such as dealer or broker markets; and

Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, such as pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques not based on market, exchange, dealer or broker-traded transactions.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value and their classification in the valuation hierarchy.

Investment in Polytronics

 

The company holds an investment in the equity securities of Polytronics as described in Note 4. Equity securities listed on a national market or exchange are valued at the last sales price. Such securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

There were no changes during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 to the company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis. As of SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 and December 28, 201327, 2014 the company held no non-financial assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 


Notes to CONDENSED Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

7. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities, continued

The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

      

Fair Value Measurements Using

     
 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

  

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

  

Total

  

Quoted Pricesin

Active Marketsfor

IdenticalAssets
(Level 1)

  

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

  

Total

 
                                

Investment in Polytronics

 $13,115  $  $  $13,115  $14,503  $  $  $14,503 

Total

 $13,115  $  $  $13,115  $14,503  $  $  $14,503 


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities, continued

 

The following table presents assets measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of December 28, 201327, 2014 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

      

Fair Value Measurements Using

     
 

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

  

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

  

Total

  

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

  

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

  

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

  

Total

 
                                

Investment in Polytronics

 $12,286  $  $  $12,286  $12,056  $  $  $12,056 

Total

 $12,286  $  $  $12,286  $12,056  $  $  $12,056 

 

The company’s other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximate their fair values. The company’s debt fair value approximates book value at SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 and December 28, 2013,27, 2014, respectively, as the variable interest rates fluctuate along with market interest rates.

 

87.Earnings Perper Share

 

In 2013,The following table sets forth the company calculated its earnings per share using the two-class method which included an earnings allocation formula that determinedcomputation of basic and diluted earnings per share for each classthe periods ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 (in thousands except per share amounts).

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 
                 

Net income

 $28.684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967 
                 

Average shares outstanding - Basic

  22,691   22,579   22,645   22,536 
                 

Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted share units

  144   171   165   202 
                 

Average shares - Diluted

  22,835   22,750   22,810   22,738 
                 

Net income per share:

                

Basic

 $1.26  $1.09  $2.15  $2.22 

Diluted

 $1.26  $1.08  $2.13  $2.20 

Potential shares of common stock accordingrelating to dividends declared and undistributed earnings forstock options excluded from the period. Previously, the company’s reported net earnings were reduced by the amount allocated to participating securities to arrive at the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders for purposes of calculating earnings per share under the two-class method. As of January, 2014, the company no longer has “participating securities” as defined under ASC 260. As such, the company now calculates its earnings per share using the treasury method. All of the previous participating securities that resulted in the company using the two-class method have become fully vested or have otherwise expired.

Under the previous two-class method calculation, the dilutive effect of participating securities was calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock or the two-class method. The company previously determined the two-class method to be the more dilutive. As such, the earnings allocated to common stock shareholders in the basic earnings per share calculation was adjustedbecause their effect would be anti-dilutive were113,878 and 46,190 for the reallocationthree months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 and 90,875 and 22,708 for the six months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014, respectively.

8. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the second quarter of undistributed earnings2015 was 23.9% compared to participating securitiesan effective tax rate of 22.1% in the second quarter of 2014. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 27, 2015 was 24.1% as compared to arrive atan effective tax rate of 23.6% for the earnings allocatedsix months ended June 28, 2014. The effective tax rates for both the second quarter and six month periods of 2015 and 2014 are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to common stock shareholders for calculating the diluted earnings per share.result of more income earned in low tax jurisdictions.

 

 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

8. Earnings Per Share,8. Income Taxes, continued

 

The following table sets forthcompany has restructured the computationlegal ownership of basic and diluted earnings per share under the treasury share methodits Mexican manufacturing operations as of September 27, 2014 andJune 28, 2015. Although the two-class method as of September 28, 2013.

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 

(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

  

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

 
                 

Net income as reported

 $29,940  $26,990  $79,907  $65,126 

Less: Distributed earnings available to participating securities

     (3)     (21)

Less: Undistributed earnings available to participating securities

           (16)

Numerator for basic earnings per share —

                

Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders

 $29,940  $26,987  $79,907  $65,089 

Add: Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

           16 

Less: Undistributed earnings reallocated to participating securities

           (16)

Numerator for diluted earnings per share —

                

Undistributed and distributed earnings available to common shareholders

 $29,940  $26,987  $79,907  $65,089 

Denominator for basic earnings per share —

                

Weighted-average shares

  22,536   22,428   22,536   22,274 

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Common stock equivalents

  153   197   186   223 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share —

                

Adjusted for weighted-average shares & assumed conversions

  22,689   22,625   22,722   22,497 

Basic earnings per share

 $1.33  $1.20  $3.55  $2.92 

Diluted earnings per share

 $1.32  $1.19  $3.52  $2.89 

9. Income Taxes

Thetransaction was completed in the third quarter, the company considered the impact on the effective tax rate for the thirdsecond quarter of 2014and determined such impact was 27.3% compared to an effective tax rate of 26.1% in the third quarter of 2013 reflecting more income earned in higher tax jurisdictions in the third quarter of 2014. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 was 25.0% as compared to an effective tax rate of 27.6% for the nine months ended September 28, 2013. The higher tax rate for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 was primarily the result of certain non-recurring tax items.not material.

 


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10.9. Pensions

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, compared with the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 28, 2013,2014, were (in thousands):

 

 

U.S. Pension Benefits

  

Foreign Plans

  

U.S. Pension Benefits

  

Foreign Plans

 
 

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

 
 

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

  

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

  

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

  

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

 
                                                                

Service cost

 $150  $150  $450  $450  $311  $290  $933  $813  $250  $150  $500  $300  $315  $311  $630  $622 

Interest cost

  971   891   2,913   2,674   591   532   1,774   1,014   1,031   971   2,062   1,942   513   592   1,026   1,183 

Expected return on plan assetsassets

  (1,412)  (1,340)  (4,234)  (4,020)  (572)  (446)  (1,718)  (717)

Expected return on plan assets

  (916)  (1,411)  (1,832)  (2,822)  (601)  (573)  (1,201)  (1,146)

Amortization of net loss

  137   235   411   706   47   39   142   116   290   137   580   274   62   47   123   95 

Total (credit) cost of the plan

  (154)  (64)  (460)  (190)  377   415   1,131   1,226 

Expected plan participants’contribution

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 

Net periodic benefit(credit)cost

 $(154) $(64) $(460) $(190) $377  $415  $1,131  $1,226 
                                

Total cost (credit) of the plan

  655   (153)  1,310   (306)  289   377   578   754 

Expected plan participants’contribution

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

 $655  $(153) $1,310  $(306) $289  $377  $578  $754 

 

The expected rate of return assumption on domestic pension assets is approximately3.90% and 6.75% in 2015 and 2014, and 2013.respectively. The expected return on foreign pension assets is approximately5.39% and 5.14% in 2015 and 3.00% in 2014, and 2013, respectively.

 

On July 31, 2014,Plan Termination

The company received approval from the company terminatedIRS on April 14, 2015 on its Application for Determination for Terminating Plan to terminate the U.S. defined benefit pension plan, the Littelfuse Inc. Retirement Plan, (the “Pension Plan”), aeffective July 30, 2014. The current liability balance of $11.8 million at June 27, 2015, represents the projected cost to settle the plan’s liability in conjunction with the upcoming plan that was previously offeredtermination. Settlement is expected to all full-time Company employees but frozen as to new participants and benefit accruals asoccur during the third quarter of April 1, 2009. Distribution of plan assets resulting from the Pension Plan termination will not be made until the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation determine that the termination satisfies applicable regulatory requirements. As a result of the termination of the Pension Plan, each participant will become fully vested in his or her benefits under the Pension Plan without regard to age and years of service. All participants will have a choice of receiving a lump sum payment or an annuity in full payment of their benefits accrued under the Pension Plan.2015.

 

1110.Business Unit Segment Information

 

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

 

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

 


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10.Business Unit Segment Information, continued

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

Business unit segment information for the three and six months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 

Net sales

                

Electronics

 $105,553  $109,947  $204,933  $205,972 

Automotive

  85,918   82,042   169,989   164,444 

Electrical

  30,550   28,919   57,412   57,351 

Total net sales

 $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767 
                 

Depreciation and amortization

                

Electronics

 $5,775  $5,530  $11,573  $10,900 

Automotive

  3,303   3,646   6,639   7,174 

Electrical

  1,295   1,414   2,579   2,682 

Total depreciation and amortization

 $10,373  $10,590  $20,791  $20,756 
                 

Operating income (loss)

                

Electronics

 $22,167  $25,634  $40,832  $45,005 

Automotive

  12,699   11,049   23,870   22,931 

Electrical

  4,709   571   7,439   4,317 

Other(1)

  (3,404)  (3,535)  (6,422)  (4,944)

Total operating income

  36,171   33,719   65,719   67,309 

Interest expense

  948   1,228   2,099   2,444 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (1,292)  2,375   1,825   2,123 

Other (income) expense, net

  (1,202)  (1,446)  (2,328)  (2,632)

Income before income taxes

 $37,717  $31,562  $64,123  $65,374 

(1) For the three months ended June 27, 2015, “Other” consists of restructuring costs ($2.5 million), acquisition expenses ($0.2 million) and pension wind-up costs ($0.7 million). For the six months ended June 27, 2015, “Other” consist of restructuring costs ($4.8 million), acquisition expenses ($0.3 million) and pension wind-up costs ($1.3 million).

The company’s significant net sales by country for the three and six months ended June 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

  

For the Three Months Ended(a)

  

For the Six Months Ended(a)

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 
                 

United States

 $89,608  $80,492  $172,981  $152,366 

China

  49,920   39,987   94,349   77,200 

Other countries

  82,493   100,429   165,004   198,201 

Total

 $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767 

(a) Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.

 

 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

1110.Business Unit Segment Information, continued

 

Business unit segment information for the threeThe company’s significant long-lived assets and nine months ended Septemberadditions to long-lived assets by country as of June 27, 20142015 and September 28, 2013December 27, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
  

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

  

Sept. 27,

2014

  

Sept. 28,

2013

 

Net sales

                

Electronics

 $107,754  $101,013  $313,726  $271,878 

Automotive

  80,639   70,386   245,083   194,319 

Electrical

  29,215   29,641   86,566   93,527 

Total net sales

 $217,608  $201,040  $645,375  $559,724 
                 

Depreciation and amortization

                

Electronics

 $5,582  $5,784  $16,482  $15,776 

Automotive

  3,435   2,880   10,609   7,183 

Electrical

  1,414   937   4,096   2,893 

Total depreciation and amortization

 $10,431  $9,601  $31,187  $25,852 
                 

Operating income (loss)

                

Electronics

 $25,800  $20,362  $70,805  $52,284 

Automotive

  12,227   11,135   35,158   29,531 

Electrical

  3,224   6,687   7,541   18,801 

Other(1)

  (1,121)  (625)  (6,065)  (3,558)

Total operating income

  40,130   37,559   107,439   97,058 

Interest expense

  1,292   939   3,736   1,959 

Impairment, loan loss and equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliate(2)

           10,678 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (101)  1,476   2,022   (1,929)

Other (income) expense, net

  (2,261)  (1,380)  (4,893)  (3,543)

Income before income taxes

 $41,200  $36,524  $106,574  $89,893 
  

Long-lived assets(b)

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 
         

United States

 $34,129  $34,179 

Mexico

  46,052   47,936 

China

  40,416   40,981 

Other countries

  45,782   35,544 

Total

 $166,379  $158,640 

(1) “Other”(b) Long-lived assets consists of acquisition related costs, severance chargesnet property, plant and restructuring costs. (2) During the first quarter of 2013, the company recorded an impairment of its investment in Shocking Technologies. (See Note 5).equipment.

 

The company’s significant net sales by countryadditions to long-lived assets for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 27, 20142015 and SeptemberJune 28, 20132014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

  

For the Three Months Ended(a)

  

For the Nine Months Ended(a)

 
  

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

  

Sept. 27, 2014

  

Sept. 28, 2013

 
                 

United States

 $85,326  $76,183  $243,979  $202,731 

China

  45,905   43,644   134,166   114,952 

Other countries

  86,377   81,213   267,230   242,041 

Total

 $217,608  $201,040  $645,375  $559,724 

(a) Sales by country represent sales to customer or distributor locations.

The company’s significant long-lived assets by country as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

  

Long-lived assets(b)

 
  

September 27, 2014

  

December 28, 2013

 
         

United States

 $38,964  $27,294 

China

  40,015   45,843 

Canada

  13,621   14,429 

Other countries

  64,660   62,607 

Total

 $157,260  $150,173 

(b) Long-lived assets consist of net property, plant and equipment.


  

Additions to long-lived assets

 
  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

 
         

United States

 $6,615  $3,309 

Mexico

  4,190   4,694 

China

  4,080   2,506 

Other countries

  11,503   2,623 

Total

 $26,388  $13,132 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

12.11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI)

 

The following table sets forth the changes in the components of AOCI by component (in thousands):

AOCI component

 

Balance at

December 27, 2014

  

Other

comprehensive

income (loss) activity

  

Reclassification

adjustment for

expense included

in net income

  

Balance at

June 27, 2015

 
                 

Pension liability adjustment(a)

 $(29,615) $(124) $1,971  $(27,768)

Unrealized gain on investments(b)

  10,791   3,336      14,127 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  (2,302)  (10,153)     (12,455)

AOCI (loss) income

 $(21,126) $(6,941) $1,971  $(26,096)

 

AOCI component

 

Balance at

December 28, 2013

  

Other

comprehensive

income (loss)

activity

  

Reclassification

adjustment for

expense included

in net income

  

Balance at

September 27, 2014

 
                 

Pension liability adjustment(a)

 $(17,140) $(243) $242  $(17,141)

Unrealized gain on investments(b)

  9,393   1,811      11,204 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  28,164   (15,273)     12,891 

AOCI income (loss)

 $20,417  $(13,705) $242  $6,954 

(a) Balances are net of tax of $6,549$12,055 and $6,549$12,857 for 20142015 and 2013,2014, respectively.

(b) Balances are net of tax of $0 and $0 for 20142015 and 2013,2014, respectively.

 

 

 

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

 

Littelfuse Overview

Littelfuse, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “company” or “Littelfuse”) is the worldwide leader in circuit protection offering the industry's broadest and deepest portfolio of circuit protection products and solutions. The company’s devices protect products in virtually every market that uses electrical energy, from consumer electronics to automobiles to industrial equipment. The company’s worldwide revenue in 20132014 was $757.9$852.0 million and net earnings were $88.8$99.4 million. The company conducts its business through three reportable segments, which are defined by markets and consist of Electronics, Automotive, and Electrical. The company’s customer base includes original equipment manufacturers, tier one automotive suppliers and distributors.

 

In addition to protecting and growing its core circuit protection business, Littelfuse has been investing in power control and sensing technologies. These newer platforms combined with the company’s strong balance sheet and operating cash flow, provide opportunities for increased organic and acquisition growth. TheIn 2012, the company has set a targetfive-year strategic plan to grow annual sales at 15% per year,year; 5% organically and 10% through acquisitions.

 

To maximize shareholder value, the company’s primary strategic goals are to:

 

Grow organically faster than its markets;

 

Double the pace of acquisitions;

 

Sustain high-teens operating margins;

 

Improve return on investment; and

 

Return excess cash to shareholders.

 

The company serves markets that are directly impacted by global economic trends with significant exposures to the consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and mining end markets. The company’s results will be impacted positively or negatively by changes in these end markets.

 

Electronics Segment

The Electronics segment sells passive and semiconductor components and modules as well as sensors primarily into the global consumer electronics, general industrial and telecommunications markets. The core electronics markets are characterized by significant Asia competition and price erosion. As a result, the company is focusing additional efforts on higher growth, less price sensitive niche markets (such as LED lighting) and higher-power industrial applications. The Hamlin acquisition in 2013 expands the company’s product offering into reed switches which are used in a wide variety of electronic products and go through the same channels as the company’s core electronics products.

 

Automotive Segment

The Automotive segment is comprised of passenger vehicle circuit protection, commercial vehicle products and sensors.sensors for vehicle applications. The primary growth drivers for these businesses are increasing global demand for passenger and commercial vehicles and increasing content per vehicle for both circuit protection and sensing products. The move away from internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric drive systems that require more circuit protection is expected to be an additional growth driver. The Hamlin acquisition in 2013 significantly expands the company’s position in automotive sensors.

 

Electrical Segment

The Electrical segment derives its revenues from power fuses, protection relays and custom products selling primarily into the industrial, mining, solar and oil and gas markets. Custom products sales, after several years of strong growth, have declined due to the completion of several large Canadian potash mining projects nearing completion.projects. The company intends to expandhas expanded this business by moving into new markets such as non-potash mining and oil and gas. Protection relay sales have also slowed due to the general slowdown in the global mining market.

 

 

 

The following table is a summary of the company’s net sales by business unit and geography:

 

Net Sales by Business Unitand Geography(inthousands, unaudited)

 

 

Third Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

   

Second Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

 
 

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

  

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

   

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

 

Business Unit

                        

Business Unit

                        

Electronics

 $107,754  $101,013   7% $313,726  $271,878   15%  $105,553  $109,947   (4%) $204,933  $205,972   (1%)

Automotive

  80,639   70,386   15%  245,083   194,319   26%   85,918   82,042   5%  169,989   164,444   3%

Electrical

  29,215   29,641   (1%)  86,566   93,527   (7%)   30,550   28,919   6%  57,412   57,351   0%
                                                 

Total

 $217,608  $201,040   8% $645,375  $559,724   15%  $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1%
                                                 
 

Third Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

 
 

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

  

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

 

Geography(a)

                        

Geography(a)

                        

Americas

 $97,903  $89,682   9% $282,928  $254,037   11%  $103,033  $95,874   7% $200,087  $185,025   8%

Europe

  39,568   35,490   11%  127,791   100,360   27%   39,125   44,296   (12%)  78,093   88,223   (11%)

Asia-Pacific

  80,137   75,868   6%  234,656   205,327   14%   79,863   80,738   (1%)  154,154   154,519   (0%)
                                                 

Total

 $217,608  $201,040   8% $645,375  $559,724   15%  $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1%

(a) Sales by geography represent sales to customer or distributor locations.

 

Results of OperationsThirdSecond Quarter, 201415 compared to 20132014

The following table summarizes the company’s consolidated results of operations for the periods presented. The results include incremental activity fromDuring the company’s business acquisitions as described, where applicable, in the below analysis. Theresecond quarter of 2015, there was an additional $2.8approximately $3.4 million in 2014 year-to-date for the write-off of stepped-up inventory valuationspecial charges ($6.4 million year-to-date) consisting of $0.9 million ($1.9 million year-to-date) related to the SymComcompany’s transfer of its reed sensor manufacturing from the U.S. to the Philippines, $1.7 million ($2.9 million year-to-date) related to internal legal restructuring, $0.2 million ($0.3 million year-to-date) related to acquisition costs and $0.7 million ($1.3 million year-to-date) of expense related to the planned termination of the U.S. pension as described in Note 2. The company incurred $2.0 million of severance charges in 2014 year-to date resulting from restructuring at the Hamlin-Mexico plant. The company also incurred $1.1million of charges during the third quarter of 2014 related to its internal organization restructuring to optimize its ability to use cash. There was $0.1 million of foreign exchange gains during the third quarter of 2014 ($2.0 million of losses in 2014 year-to-date) due primarily to balance sheet remeasurement in the Philippines.9.

 

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

Third Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

  

Second Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

 
 

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

  

2014

  

2013

  

%

Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

 

Sales

 $217,608  $201,040   8% $645,375  $559,724   15% $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1%

Gross Profit

  87,380   80,960   8%  248,869   219,123   14%  85,281   82,995   3%  161,611   161,489   0%

Operating expense

  47,250   43,401   9%  141,430   122,065   16%  49,110   49,276   (0%)  95,892   94,180   2%

Operating income

  40,130   37,559   7%  107,439   97,058   11%  36,171   33,719   7%  65,719   67,309   (2%)

Other (income) expense, net

  (1,070)  1,035   (203%)  865   7,165   (88%)  (1,202)  (1,446)  (17%)  (2,328)  (2,632)  (12%)

Income before income taxes

  41,200   36,524   13%  106,574   89,893   19%  37,717   31,562   20%  64,123   65,374   (2%)

Net income

 $29,940  $26,990   11% $79,907  $65,126   23% $28,684  $24,578   17% $48,679  $49,967   (3%)

 

Net sales increased $16.6$1.1 million or 8%1% to $217.6$222.0 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $220.9 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $201.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to strong organic growth in automotive and electronics and an incremental $5.5 million from the SymCom acquisition, partiallyelectrical sales, offset by lower electricalelectronics sales. The company also experienced $0.3$11.3 million in favorableunfavorable foreign currency effects in the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2013.2014. The unfavorable foreign currency impact primarily resulted from sales denominated in the euro. Excluding incremental sales from SymCom and currency effects, net sales increased $10.8$12.4 million or 5%6% year-over-year.

 

Electronics sales increased $6.7decreased $4.4 million or 7%4% to $107.8$105.6 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $109.9 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $101.0 million in the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to strong growth for bothlower sales of semiconductor and passive components.sensor products. The electronics segment experienced $0.2$3.6 million in favorableunfavorable currency effects in the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 primarily from sales denominated in Korean won.euros. Excluding the impact of currency effects, net sales increased $6.6decreased $0.8 million or 6%1% year-over-year.

 

 

 

Automotive sales increased $10.3$3.9 million or 15%5% to $80.6$85.9 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $82.0 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $70.4 million in the third quarter of 2013 due to strong organic growth for passenger car fuses,sensors and commercial vehicle products and sensors.partially offset by lower fuse sales. The automotive segment experienced $0.2 million in favorable currency effects in the third quarter of 2014 primarily due to sales denominated in Korean won. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $10.1 million or 14% year-over-year.

Electrical sales decreased $0.4 million or 1% to $29.2 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $29.6 million in the third quarter of 2013 primarily from declines in custom and relay sales into the mining market and power fuses into the industrial market. These declines more than offset incremental sales of $5.5 million from the SymCom acquisition. The electrical segment experienced $0.1$6.6 million in unfavorable currency effects in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 primarily due to sales denominated in euros. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $10.5 million or 13% year-over-year.

Electrical sales increased $1.6 million or 6% to $30.6 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $28.9 million in the second quarter of 2014 as higher fuse and custom sales were offset by weaker relay sales. The electrical segment experienced $1.0 million in unfavorable currency effects in the second quarter of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars.dollars and the euro. Excluding incremental sales from SymCom and currency effects, net sales decreased $5.8increased $2.6 million or 20%9% year-over-year.

 

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $8.2$7.2 million or 9%7% to $97.9$103.0 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $95.9 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $89.7 million in the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to incrementalstrong growth in auto and electrical sales of $5.5 million from SymCom offset by $0.1$0.6 million in unfavorable currency effects from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Excluding incremental sales from acquisitions and currency effects, the Americas sales increased $2.9$7.8 million or 3% due to the increase in automotive and electronics sales partially offset by decreased electrical sales.8%.

 

Europe sales increased $4.1decreased $5.2 million or 11%12% to $39.6$39.1 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $44.3 million in the second quarter of 2014 compared to $35.5 million in the third quarter of 2013 mainly due to $10.3 million in unfavorable currency effects reflecting a decline in the euro during the current year quarter. Excluding currency effects, Europe sales increased $5.2 million or 12% reflecting strong demand for electronics and automotive products and $0.2 million in favorable currency effects.products.

 

Asia-Pacific sales increased $4.3decreased $0.9 million or 6%1% to $80.1$79.9 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2015 compared to $80.7 million in the second quarter of 2014 compareddue to $75.9a decline in electronics and electrical products and $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2013 primarily due tounfavorable currency effects offset by strong demand for automotive and electronics products and $0.2 million in favorable currency effects primarily from sales denominated in Korean won.products. Excluding currency effects, netAsia-Pacific sales increased $4.1$0.6 million or 5%1% year-over-year.

 

Gross profit was $87.4$85.3 million or 40%38% of net sales for the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 compared to $81.0$83.0 million or 40%38% of net sales in the same quarter last year. Gross profit for the thirdsecond quarter of 20132015 included $0.9 million of charges related to the transfer of the company’s reed switch production from the U.S. and China to the Philippines. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2014 included a $0.4$1.4 million non-cash charge to cost of goods sold for inventory that was stepped-upstepped up to fair value as a result of the Hamlin acquisition.SymCom acquisition and $2.0 million in severance charges resulting from restructuring at the Hamlin-Mexico plant. Excluding the impact of these charges, gross profit was 39% of net sales for both the second quarter of 2015 and 2014.

 

Total operating expense was $47.3$49.1 million or 22% of net sales for the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 compared to $43.4$49.3 million or 22% of net sales for the same quarter in 2013.2014. The increaseslight decrease in operating expenses primarily reflects incremental operating expenses of $2.3 million from the SymCom acquisitionlower research and $1.1 million of expenses to effect changes in the company’sdevelopment costs offset by higher internal legal structure that will enable the up-streaming of cashrestructuring costs and costs related to the wind-up of the U.S. pension plan.

 

Operating income for the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 was approximately $40.1$36.2 million compared to operating income of $37.6$33.7 million for the same quarter in 20132014 primarily due toas a result of higher sales partially offset by higherand slightly lower operating expenses as described above.

 

Interest expense was $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $0.9 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 20132015 and is primarily related to$1.2 million in the second quarter of 2014 and reflects interest incurred for borrowing on the company’s revolving credit facility.agreement.

 

Foreign exchange loss (gain), reflecting net gains and losses resulting from balance sheet revaluation,the effect of exchange rate changes on various foreign currency transactions worldwide, was approximately $0.1$1.3 million of income for the thirdsecond quarter of 2014 and $1.52015 as compared to $2.4 million of expense for the thirdsecond quarter of 20132014 and primarily reflects fluctuations in the euro and Philippine peso against the U.S. dollar.

 

Other (income) expense, net, consisting of interest income, royalties and non-operating income and expenseitems was approximately $2.3$1.2 million of income for second quarter of 2015 and $1.5 million of income for the thirdsecond quarter of 2014 compared to $1.4 million of income in the third quarter of 2013.

Income before income taxes was $41.2 million for the third quarter of 2014 compared to income before income taxes of $36.5 million for the third quarter of 2013. Income tax expense was $11.3 million with an effective tax rate of 27.3% for the third quarter of 2014 compared to income tax expense of $9.5 million with an effective tax rate of 26.1% in the third quarter of 2013. The higher effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2014 was primarily due to more income earned in high tax jurisdictions.2014.

 

 

 

Income before income taxes was $37.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $31.6 million for the second quarter of 2014. Income tax expense was $9.0 million with an effective tax rate of 23.9% for the second quarter of 2015 compared to income tax expense of $7.0 million with an effective tax rate of 22.1% in the second quarter of 2014. The effective tax rates for both the second quarter of 2015 and 2014 are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to more income earned in low tax jurisdictions.

Net income for the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 was $29.9$28.7 million or $1.32$1.26 per diluted share compared to net income of $27.0$24.6 million or $1.19$1.08 per diluted share for the same quarter of 2013.2014.

Results of OperationsOperations Six months, 2015 compNinea Months, 2014 comparedred to 20132014

 

Net sales increased $85.7$4.6 million or 15%1% to $645.4$432.3 million for the first six months of 2015 compared to $427.8 million in the first ninesix months of 2014 compared to $559.7 million in the first nine months of 2013 due primarily to an incremental $51.8 million from business acquisitions.strong growth in automotive products, partially offset by lower electronics sales. The company also experienced $4.0$21.2 million in favorableunfavorable foreign currency effects in the first ninesix months of 20142015 as compared to 2013. The favorable foreign currency impact2014 primarily resultedresulting from sales denominated in euros.the euro. Excluding incremental sales from acquisitions and currency effects, net sales increased $29.9$25.7 million or 5%6% year-over-year.

Electronics sales increased $41.8decreased $1.0 million or 15%1% to $313.7$204.9 million for the first six months of 2015 compared to $206.0 million in the first ninesix months of 2014 compared to $271.9 million in the first nine months of 2013 due primarily to negative currency effects offset by strong organic growth infor fuse products and incremental sales of $16.3 million from the Hamlin acquisition.products. The electronics segment experienced $1.5$6.6 million in favorableunfavorable currency effects in the first ninesix months of 20142015 primarily from sales denominated in euros.euro. Excluding incremental sales from Hamlin and currency effects, net sales increased $24.1$5.5 million or 9%3% year-over-year.

 

Automotive sales increased $50.8$5.5 million or 26%3% to $245.1$170.0 million in the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $194.3$164.4 million in the first ninesix months of 20132014 due primarily to incremental sales of $20.2 million from Hamlin and strong growth in all product categories.for sensors and commercial vehicle products offset by lower fuse sales. The automotive segment experienced $3.1$12.5 million in favorableunfavorable currency effects in the first ninesix months of 20142015 primarily due to sales denominated in euros. Excluding incremental sales from acquisitions and currency effects, net sales increased $27.5$18.1 million or 14%11% year-over-year.

 

Electrical sales, decreased $7.0 million or 7% to $86.6before currency effects, were flat year-over year at $57.4 million in the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $93.5$57.4 million in the first ninesix months of 2013 due primarily to slowing demand for2014 as higher custom and fuse sales were offset by weaker relay products as a result of a slow-down in the mining industry. This more than offset incremental sales of $15.3 million from the SymCom acquisition.sales. The electrical segment experienced $0.6$2.1 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first ninesix months of 20142015 primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars.dollars and the euro. Excluding incremental sales from SymCom and currency effects, net sales decreased $21.6increased $2.1 million or 23%4% year-over-year.

 

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $28.9$15.1 million or 11%8% to $282.9$200.1 million in the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $254.0$185.0 million in the first ninesix months of 20132014 due primarily to incrementalstrong growth in auto and electronics sales from business acquisitions of $32.0 million, offset by weaker custom and relay sales and $0.8$1.3 million in unfavorable currency effects from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Excluding incremental sales from acquisitions and currency effects, netthe Americas sales decreased $2.3increased $16.4 million or 1% year-over-year.9%.

 

Europe sales increased $27.4decreased $10.1 million or 27%11% to $127.8$78.1 million in the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $100.4$88.2 million in the first ninesix months of 20132014 mainly due to strong demand for both automotive and electronics products, incremental sales of $9.4 million from Hamlin and $4.3$19.2 million in favorableunfavorable currency effects.effects reflecting a decline in the euro during the first six months. Excluding incremental sales from acquisitions and currency effects, Europe sales increased $13.7$9.1 million or 14% year-over-year.10% reflecting strong demand for automotive products.

 

Asia-Pacific sales increased $29.3decreased $0.4 million or 14%less than 1% to $234.7$154.2 million in the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $205.3$154.5 million in the first ninesix months of 20132014 due primarily due to higherstrong demand for automotive products offset by lower electronics sales and electronics products, incremental sales from Hamlin of $10.4 million and $0.5 million in favorableunfavorable currency effects primarily from sales denominated in Korean won.of $0.6 million. Excluding incremental sales from Hamlin and currency effects, netAsia-Pacific sales increased $18.4$0.3 million or 9%less than 1% year-over-year.

 

Gross profit was $248.9$161.6 million or 39%37% of net sales infor the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $219.1$161.5 million or 39%38% of net sales infor the first ninesix months of 2013.2014. Gross profit for the ninefirst six months of 2015 included $1.9 million of charges related to the transfer of the company’s reed switch production from the U.S. and China to the Philippines. Gross profit for the first six months of 2014 included a $2.8 million non-cash charge to cost of goods sold for inventory that was stepped up to fair value as a result of the SymCom acquisition and $2.0 million ofin severance charges resulting from restructuring at the Hamlin-Mexico plant. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2013 included a $2.1 million non-cash charge to cost of goods sold for inventory that was stepped-up to fair value as a result of the Hamlin acquisition. Excluding the impact of these charges, gross profit was 38% of net sales for the first six months of 2015 as compared to 39% for the first ninesix months of 2014 and 40% for the first nine months of 2013.2014. The declinedecrease in gross profit margin iscompared to the prior year was primarily attributable to lower salesforeign exchange losses primarily due to the decline in the Electrical market.euro.

 

 

 

Total operating expense was $141.4$95.9 million or 22% of net sales for the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $122.1$94.2 million or 22% of net sales for the first ninesix months in 2013.of 2014. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflects incremental operating expenseshigher wage and benefit costs, internal legal restructuring costs and costs related to the wind-up of $12.0 million from business acquisitions.the U.S. pension plan offset by lower amortization of intangibles and research and development costs

 

Operating income for the first ninesix months of 20142015 was $107.4approximately $65.7 million compared to operating income of $97.1$67.3 million for the first ninesix months in 2013of 2014, primarily due to higheras a result of the negative impact of foreign exchange on sales partially offset by higher operating expensesand gross profit as describeddiscussed above.

 

Interest expense was $3.7$2.1 million for the first ninesix months of 2015 compared to $2.4 million for the first six months of 2014 and $2.0 millionreflects interest for the first nine months of 2013 and is primarily related toborrowing on the company’s revolving credit facility.agreement.

 

Foreign exchange loss (gain), reflecting net gains and losses resulting from the effect of exchange rate changes on various foreign currency transactions worldwide, was approximately $2.0$1.8 million of expense for the first ninesix months of 2014 and $1.92015 compared to $2.1 million of incomeexpense for the first ninesix months of 20132014 and primarily reflects fluctuations in the euro and Philippine peso against the U.S. dollar.

 

Other (income) expense, net, consisting of interest income, royalties and non-operating income and expenseitems was $4.9approximately $2.3 million of income for the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to $3.5$2.6 million of income for the first ninesix months of 2013.2014.

 

Income before income taxes was $106.6$64.1 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $65.4 million for the first ninesix months of 2014 compared to $89.9 million for the first nine months of 2013.2014. Income tax expense was $26.7$15.4 million with an effective tax rate of 25.0%24.1% for the first ninesix months of 20142015 compared to income tax expense of $24.8$15.4 million with an effective tax rate of 27.6% for23.6% in the first ninesix months of 2013.2014. The effective tax rates for both the first nine months of2015 and 2014 and 2013 are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to more income earned in countries with lowerlow tax rates than the U.S.jurisdictions.

 

Net income for the first ninesix months of 20142015 was $79.9$48.7 million or $3.52$2.13 per diluted share compared to net income of $65.1$50.0 million or $2.89$2.20 per diluted share for the same nine monthsperiod of 2013.2014.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of SeptemberJune 27, 2014, $365.32015, $302.1 million of the $378.3$311.9 million of the company’s cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Of the $365.3$302.1 million held by foreign subsidiaries, approximately $17.7 million could be repatriated with minimal tax consequences as of September 27, 2014.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, in conjunction with the post-merger integration of Hamlin, the company expects to repatriate over $90.0 million of cash to the U.S. from various overseas subsidiaries.consequences. The company expects to maintain its foreign cash balances (other than the aforementioned $90.0$17.7 million) for local operating requirements, to provide funds for future capital expenditures and for potential acquisitions. The company does not expect to repatriate these funds to the U.S. in the foreseeable future. The company is also in the process of reviewing and revising its internal legal structure to optimize its ability to use cash.

 

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

 


Revolving Credit Facilities

 

On May 31,In 2013, the company entered into a new credit agreement with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC for up to $325.0 million which consistedconsists of aan unsecured revolving credit facility of $225.0 million and an unsecured term loan of $100.0 million. The new credit agreement is for a five year period.

On January 30, 2014, the company increased the unsecured revolving credit facility entered into on May 31, 2013, by $50.0 million thereby increasing the total revolver borrowing capacity from $225.0 million to $275.0 million. At SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, the company had available $92.9$200.9 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50% (1.65%1.0% (1.19% as of SeptemberJune 27, 2014)2015). The credit agreement replaces the company’s previous credit agreement dated June 13, 2011 which was terminated on May 31, 2013.


 

This arrangement contains covenants that, among other matters, impose limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, future mergers, sales of assets, payment of dividends, and changes in control, as defined in the agreement. In addition, the company is required to satisfy certain financial covenants and tests relating to, among other matters, interest coverage and leverage. At SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility.

 

The company also had $0.8$0.6 million outstanding in letters of credit at SeptemberJune 27, 2014.2015. No amounts were drawn under these letters of credit at SeptemberJune 27, 2014.2015.

Entrusted Loan

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the company entered into an entrusted loan arrangement (“Entrusted Loan”) of RMB 110.0 million (approximately $17.9 million) between two of its China legal entities, Littelfuse Semiconductor (Wuxi) Company (the “Lender”) and Suzhou Littelfuse OVS Ltd. (the “Borrower”), utilizing Bank of America, N.A., Shanghai Branch as agent. Direct borrowing and lending between two commonly owned commercial entities is strictly forbidden under China’s regulations requiring the use of a third party agent to enable loans between Chinese legal entities. As a result, the Entrusted Loan is reflected as both a long-term asset and long-term debt on the company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and is reflected in the investing and financing activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Interest expense and interest income will be recorded between the lender and borrower with no net impact on the company’s Consolidated Statements of Net Income since the amounts will be offsetting. The loan interest rate per annum is 5.25%. The Entrusted Loan is used to finance the operation and working capital needs of the borrower and matures in November 2019. The balance of the Entrusted Loan was RMB 88.5 million (approximately $14.5 million) at June 27, 2015.

 

Cash Flow 

 

The company started 20142015 with $305.2$297.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $103.8$62.0 million for the first ninesix months of 20142015 reflecting $79.9$48.7 million in net income and $39.3$25.4 million in non-cash adjustments (primarily $31.2$20.8 million in depreciation and amortization) offset by $15.4$12.1 million in net changes to various operating assets and liabilities.

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities for the first ninesix months of 20142015 (including short-term and long-term items) that impacted cash flows negatively consisted of increases in accounts receivablesreceivable ($9.721.3 million) and inventory ($1.2 million), inventory ($4.1 million) and prepaid and other assets ($2.1 million), decreases in accrued expenses (including post-retirement) ($7.1 million) and accrued payroll and severance ($1.23.7 million) and accrued and deferred taxes ($3.0 million). The increase in accounts receivablesreceivable was due to increased sales in the first nine months. The increase in inventory resulted from higher stock levels to meet increased demand.six months of 2015. The decrease in accrued expensespayroll and severance was due primarily to $9.9 millionpayouts for the 2014 management incentive plan which occurred in pension contributions made during the first quarter. ChangesOther changes having a positive impact on cash flows were increases in prepaid and other assets ($2.4 million), accounts payable ($3.03.4 million) and accrued and deferred taxesexpenses ($5.811.1 million).

 

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $65.3 million and included $19.4 million in capital spending and $52.8$22.8 million for the acquisitionfirst six months of SymCom2015 and represented capital spending ($26.4 million) offset by $6.8 milliona reduction in proceeds from sales of short-term investments.the entrusted loan receivable ($3.5 million) (see Note 5) .

 

Net cash provided byused in financing activities was approximately $41.5$19.6 million and included $56.8$12.5 million in net proceedspayments on borrowings from borrowingthe company’s credit agreement, $3.5 million in payments on the entrusted loan (see Note 5) and $14.6dividends paid of $11.3 million offset by $7.7 million from the exercise of stock options including tax benefits, partially offset by debt issuance costs of $0.1 million, cash dividends paid of $15.5 million and the repurchase of common stock for $14.3 million.benefits. The effects of exchange rate changes decreased cash and cash equivalents by $6.9approximately $5.2 million. The net cash provided by operating activities combined with the effects of exchange rate changes less net cash used in investing and financing activities resulted in a $73.1$14.3 million increase in cash, which left the company with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $378.3$311.9 million at SeptemberJune 27, 2014.2015.

 

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.33.0 at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 compared to 2.52.8 at year-end 2014 and 2.2 at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of 2013 and 2.7 at year-end 2013.2014. Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was approximately 5662 days at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of 20142015 compared to 5860 days at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of 20132014 and 5960 days at year-end 2013.2014. Days inventory outstanding was approximately 7065 days at the end of the thirdsecond quarter of 2014 as well as2015 compared to 68 days at the year-end 2014 and 64 days at end of the thirdsecond quarter of 2013 and at year-end 2013.2014.

 

 

OutlookOutlook

 

Sales for the fourth quarter are expected to follow normal seasonal patterns which will call for slightly softer Automotive sales and a moderate declinebe flat sequentially in Electronics sales compared to the third quarter of 2014.2015 due to expected less-than-normal seasonal strength for electronics while the electrical business continues to improve and automotive trends remain solid despite slowing growth in global car production. The Electrical segmentmining sector is expected to remain weak due primarilyat least through the remainder of this year. Foreign currency effects are expected to continued softness in the mining market.remain volatile. The company issued the following guidance for the fourththird quarter of 2014:2015:

 

 

Sales for the fourththird quarter of 2015 are expected to be in the range of $201.0 million$211 to $211.0 million which represents$221 million. At the midpoint, this is flat with the prior year quarter or approximately 4% year-over-year growth aton a constant currency basis.

The full year effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 23.5%, although this assumes that Congress approves the midpoint.R&D credit and the “look-through” provision for 2015 as it did in 2014. Until such time, the rate is expected to be about 50 basis points higher.

 

Earnings for the fourththird quarter of 2015 are expected to be in the range of $1.05$1.24 to $1.19$1.36 per diluted share, excluding any special items.share. This includes negative currency effects of approximately $0.10 compared to the prior year.

 

CapitalAlthough capital expenditures through the first six months of the year are expected to increase to approximately $11.0$26.4 million, for the fourth quarter of 2014 due to spending on a new building at the company’s Philippines site and several large equipment purchases.

The company also made the following comments regarding 2015:

After a relatively strong first half of 2014, electronics market growth has slowed. We see a continuation of modest growth in 2015.

Global car build rates have moderated after several years of above-trend growth. We see this slower growth environment continuing through 2015. However, our program wins for fuses and sensors give us confidence that we can continue to grow our automotive sales faster that the market.

The overall electrical businessit is expected that spending will slow down in the second half resulting in full year capital expenditures of approximately $40 to have moderate growth in 2015 driven primarily by the beginnings of a recovery for custom products and the ramp up of new products at SymCom.$45 million.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”).

 

The statements in this section and the other sections of this report that are not historical facts are intended to constitute “forward-looking statements” entitled to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks relating to product demand and market acceptance, economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product quality problems or product recalls, capacity and supply difficulties or constraints, coal mining exposures reserves, failure of an indemnification for environmental liability, exchange rate fluctuations, commodity price fluctuations, the effect of the company’s accounting policies, labor disputes, restructuring costs in excess of expectations, pension plan asset returns less than assumed, integration of acquisitions and other risks which may be detailed in the company’s other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or implied in the forward-looking statements. This report should be read in conjunction with information provided in the financial statements appearing in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.27, 2014. For a further discussion of the risk factors of the company, please see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.27, 2014.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

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

 

Interest Rates

 

The company had $276.5$164.8 million in debt outstanding at SeptemberJune 27, 2014 at variable interest rates.2015 related to the unsecured revolving credit facility and term loan. While 100% of this debt has variable interest rates, the company’s interest expense is not materially sensitive to changes in interest rate levels since debt levels and potential interest expense increases are smallinsignificant relative to earnings.

 

Foreign Exchange Rates

 

The majority of the company’s operations consist of manufacturing and sales activities in foreign countries. The company has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Denmark, China, Lithuania and the Philippines. During the first ninesix months of 2014,2015, sales to customers outside the U.S. were 62.2%approximately 60% of total net sales. Substantially all sales in Europe are denominated in euros and substantially all sales in the Asia-Pacific region are denominated in U.S. dollars, Japanese yen, Korean won, Chinese yuanrenminbi or Taiwanese dollars.


 

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

 


Commodity Prices

 

The company uses various metals in the manufacturing of its products, including copper, zinc, tin, gold and silver. Prices of these commodities can and do fluctuate significantly, which can impact the company’s earnings. The most significant of these exposures is to copper, zinc, silver and gold where at current prices and volumes, a 10% price change would affect annual pre-tax profit by approximately $1.2$1.8 million for copper, $0.9$0.8 million for zinc, $0.8$0.7 million for silver and $0.3 million for gold. From time to time, the company has utilized derivative instruments to hedge certain commodity exposures deemed to be material.exposures.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

WithAs of June 27, 2015, the participationChief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our management, including the company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the company has evaluated the effectiveness of ourthe disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the endcompany and concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries has been made known to them by the employees of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries during the period preceding the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and that such information is accurately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules. There were no significant changes in the company’s internal controls during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation and the fact that the company is in the process of remediating the material weakness, which iscould materially affect these controls or could reasonably be expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2014, the company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period ended September 27, 2014.

The errors resulted from the 2013 year-end treatment of tax deductions related to the company’s write-off of its investment in Shocking Technologies, Inc. The tax deductions were determined to be a capital loss for tax purposes, instead of an ordinary loss as the company had previously determined in consultation with a third party expert.

Material Weakness and Related Remediation Initiatives

On February 4, 2014, the company concluded there was a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act as it relates to deferred tax valuation allowance accounting at March 30, 2013. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statement will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

The material weakness in internal control over financial reporting relates to the company’s evaluation of the income tax considerations, including deferred tax valuation allowances relating to the write-off of its investment in Shocking Technologies, Inc. during the first quarter of 2013. Management has commenced steps to remediate the material weakness associated with this misstatement and has begun the process of implementing an enhanced process to review and approve the income tax accounting treatment for any material items that are of an unusual or complex nature.In accordance withmaterially affect the company’s internal control over financial reporting, compliance program, however,disclosures and procedures subsequent to the material weakness designation cannot be remediated fully until the remediation processes have been operational for a period of time and successfully tested. Such remediation is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as has been described above, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period ended September 27, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Reference is made to Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 for the Certification statements issuedlast day they were evaluated by the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, regarding the company’s disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting, as of September 27, 2014.Officer.

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

A detailed description of risks that could have a negative impact on our business, revenues and performance results can be found under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2014.24, 2015. There have been no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 201327, 2014 in response to Item 1A to Part 1 of Form 10-K.

 

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

 

The company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock under a program for the period May 1, 20142015 to April 30, 2015.2016. The company repurchased 161,751did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the first ninesix months of fiscal 2014,2015 and 838,2491,000,000 shares may yet be purchased under the programprevious authorization as of SeptemberJune 27, 2014. No shares were repurchased during the third quarter of 2014. The company withheld 16,518 shares of stock in lieu of withholding taxes on behalf of employees who became vested in restricted stock units during the first nine months of 2014.2015.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

 

 

Item6. Exhibits.

 

 

Exhibit

Description

 

 3.1

10.1

Bylaws,

Amendment No. 3, dated as amendedof May 4, 2015, to dateCredit Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2013, by and among Littelfuse, Inc., as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Agent, and each of the banks, financial institutions listed on the respective signature pages thereof.

 

10.110.2

TerminationForm of Amendment toRestricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive) under the Littelfuse, Inc. RetirementLong-Term Incentive Plan.

10.3

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Tier II Management) under the Littelfuse, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

 

31.1

Certification of Gordon Hunter, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

31.2

Certification of Philip G. Franklin, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended SeptemberJune 27, 2014,2015, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Littelfuse, Inc. 

 

 

Date: OctoberJuly 31, 2014 2015

By

/s/ Philip G. Franklin

 

Philip G. Franklin

 

SeniorExecutive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(As duly authorized officer and as

theasthe principal financial and accounting
officer)accountingofficer)

 

 

 

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