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 JUNE 27,SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

 

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

of incorporation or organization)

 

(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 [ ]

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 July 24,October 23, 2015, 22,647,32322,299,062 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 June 27, 2015 (unaudited)September26, 2015(unaudited) and December 27, 2014

1

  

 

Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the periods ended June 27, 2015 (unaudited)periodsended September26, 2015(unaudited) and June 28,September27, 2014 (unaudited)

2

  

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods ended June 27,September26, 2015 (unaudited) and June 28,September27, 2014 (unaudited)

3

  

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods endedJune 27,periodsendedSeptember26, 2015 (unaudited) and June 28,September27, 2014 (unaudited)

4

  

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

5

  

Item 2.

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

1213

  

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

1819

  

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

1920

  

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 2021

  

Item 1A.Risk Factors

20

21
  

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

2021

  

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

20

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

20

Item 5.Other Information

20

Item 6.Exhibits

21

  
Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

21

Item 5.

Other Information

21
Item 6.Exhibits22

Signatures

   2223

 

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands of USD, except share amounts)

 

 

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 
 

(unaudited)

      

(unaudited)

     

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

 $311,915  $297,571  $336,640  $297,571 

Short-term investments

  3,954   4,302   3,958   4,302 

Accounts receivable, less allowances

  151,283   135,356   145,655   135,356 

Inventories

  97,735   97,391   99,203   97,391 

Deferred income taxes

  17,378   17,481   14,139   17,481 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  15,357   13,904   14,179   13,904 

Assets held for sale

  5,500   5,500      5,500 

Total current assets

  603,122   571,505   613,774   571,505 

Property, plant and equipment:

                

Land

  5,542   5,697   5,292   5,697 

Buildings

  63,546   64,609   69,420   64,609 

Equipment

  389,026   370,179   378,716   370,179 
  458,114   440,485   453,428   440,485 

Accumulated depreciation

  (291,735)  (281,845)  (290,663)  (281,845)

Net property, plant and equipment

  166,379   158,640   162,765   158,640 

Intangible assets, net of amortization:

                

Patents, licenses and software

  21,449   23,640   20,180   23,640 

Distribution network

  17,813   19,428   17,175   19,428 

Customer lists, trademarks and tradenames

  58,018   60,605   55,366   60,605 

Goodwill

  192,947   196,256   190,016   196,256 

Other investments

  14,503   12,056   11,196   12,056 

Deferred income taxes

  5,604   5,393   5,189   5,393 

Other assets

  19,456   23,303   16,216   23,303 
                

Total assets

 $1,099,291  $1,070,826  $1,091,877  $1,070,826 
                

Liabilities and Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

 $53,919  $50,793  $53,308  $50,793 

Accrued payroll

  25,501   30,511   31,281   30,511 

Accrued expenses

  19,668   13,059   20,641   13,059 

Accrued severance

  2,033   790   2,619   790 

Accrued income taxes

  8,547   9,045   6,738   9,045 

Current portion of accrued post-retirement benefits

  11,768   11,768      11,768 

Current portion of long-term debt

  82,250   88,500   117,500   88,500 

Total current liabilities

  203,686   204,466   232,087   204,466 

Long-term debt, less current portion

  96,993   106,658   91,517   106,658 

Deferred income taxes

  11,173   11,076   18,565   11,076 

Accrued post-retirement benefits

  5,247   5,147   5,025   5,147 

Other long-term liabilities

  14,900   15,814   10,943   15,814 

Total equity

  767,292   727,665   733,740   727,665 
                

Total liabilities and equity

 $1,099,291  $1,070,826  $1,091,877  $1,070,826 
                

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

        

Common shares issued and outstanding of22,379,901 and 22,585,529, at September 26, 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 Six Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                                

Net sales

 $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767  $215,510  $217,608  $647,844  $645,375 
                                

Cost of sales

  136,740   137,913   270,723   266,278   129,328   130,228   400,051   396,506 
                                

Gross profit

  85,281   82,995   161,611   161,489   86,182   87,380   247,793   248,869 
                                

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  38,772   38,328   75,117   72,499   37,002   36,647   112,119   109,146 

Research and development expenses

  7,361   7,810   14,745   15,384   7,479   7,449   22,224   22,833 

Pension settlement expense

  30,194      30,194    

Amortization of intangibles

  2,977   3,138   6,030   6,297   2,923   3,154   8,953   9,451 
  49,110   49,276   95,892   94,180   77,598   47,250   173,490   141,430 
                                

Operating income

  36,171   33,719   65,719   67,309   8,584   40,130   74,303   107,439 
                                

Interest expense

  948   1,228   2,099   2,444   922   1,292   3,021   3,736 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (1,292)  2,375   1,825   2,123   (3,549)  (101)  (1,724)  2,022 

Other (income) expense, net

  (1,202)  (1,446)  (2,328)  (2,632)  (1,430)  (2,261)  (3,758)  (4,893)
                                

Income before income taxes

  37,717   31,562   64,123   65,374   12,641   41,200   76,764   106,574 
                                

Income taxes

  9,033   6,984   15,444   15,407   1,317   11,260   16,761   26,667 
                                

Net income

 $28,684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967  $11,324  $29,940  $60,003  $79,907 
                                

Net income per share (see Note 7):

                                

Basic

 $1.26  $1.09  $2.15  $2.22  $.50  $1.33  $2.65  $3.55 

Diluted

 $1.26  $1.08  $2.13  $2.20  $.50  $1.32  $2.64  $3.52 
                                

Weighted average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

  22,691   22,579   22,645   22,536   22,581   22,536   22,623   22,536 

Diluted

  22,835   22,750   22,810   22,738   22,693   22,689   22,771   22,722 
                                

Cash dividends paid per common share

 $0.25  $0.22  $0.50  $0.44  $0.29  $0.25  $0.79  $0.69 

 

See accompanying notes.

  

 

  

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Consolidated Statementsof Comprehensive Income

(In thousands of USD, unaudited)

  

 

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                                

Net income

 $28,684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967  $11,324  $29,940  $60,003  $79,907 

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 

Pension liability adjustments (net of tax of $7 and $39, for the three months ended 2015 and 2014, and $49 and $178 for the nine months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively)

  (16)  (63)  (140)  (243)

Reclassification adjustments to expense, (net of tax of $1,244 and $0, for the three months ended 2015 and 2014, and $746 and $0 for the nine months ended 2015 and 2014, respectively)

  (514)  67   1,457   242 

Reclassification of pension settlement costs to expense (net of tax of $11,742 for the three and nine months ended 2015)

  21,124      21,124    

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments

  (3,354)  (1,773)  (18)  1,811 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  3,821   6,850   (10,153)  (311)  (26,377)  (14,962)  (36,530)  (15,273)

Comprehensive income

 $34,672  $33,743  $43,709  $53,235  $2,187  $13,209  $45,896  $66,444 

 

See accompanying notes.

  

 

  

LITTELFUSE, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands of USD, unaudited)

 

 

For the Six Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 

Operating activities:

                

Net income

 $48,679  $49,967  $60,003  $79,907 

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

                

Depreciation

  14,761   14,459   22,154   21,736 

Amortization of intangibles

  6,030   6,297   8,952   9,451 

Stock-based compensation

  5,764   5,229   7,997   7,168 

Non-cash inventory charge

     2,769      2,769 

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

  (1,470)  (2,230)  (1,500)  (2,477)

Net loss on pension settlement, net of tax

  19,472    

Loss on sale of assets

  329   141   308   673 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

  (21,266)  (17,871)  (18,274)  (9,728)

Inventories

  (1,199)  410   (4,203)  (4,118)

Accounts payable

  3,440   2,533   4,216   3,024 

Accrued expenses (including post-retirement)

  11,129   (7,578)  6,577   (7,080)

Accrued payroll and severance

  (3,652)  (7,323)  3,598   (1,198)

Accrued taxes

  (3,003)  (2,101)  4,006   5,756 

Prepaid expenses and other

  2,422   (2,189)  277   (2,052)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  61,964   42,513   113,583   103,831 
                

Investing activities:

                

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

     (52,768)     (52,768)

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

  (26,388)  (13,132)  (35,016)  (19,422)

Decrease in entrusted loan receivable

  3,519      5,930    

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments

     6,770 

Proceeds from sale of assets

  48   37   38   72 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (22,821)  (65,863)  (29,048)  (65,348)
                

FINANCING activities:

                

Proceeds from revolving credit facility

  11,000   97,500   49,000   97,500 

Payments of revolving credit facility

  (21,000)  (19,500)  (25,000)  (37,000)

Payments of term loan

  (2,500)  (2,500)  (3,750)  (3,750)

Payments of entrusted loan

  (3,519)     (5,930)   

Debt issuance costs

  (42)  (108)  (42)  (108)

Cash dividends paid

  (11,296)  (9,921)  (17,864)  (15,543)

Purchases of common stock

     (14,283)  (31,252)  (14,283)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  6,278   11,101   6,186   12,170 

Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation

  1,470   2,230   1,500   2,477 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  (19,609)  64,519   (27,152)  41,463 
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  (5,190)  45   (18,314)  (6,862)
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

  14,344   41,214   39,069   73,084 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  297,571   305,192   297,571   305,192 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $311,915  $346,406  $336,640  $378,276 

 

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, 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 June 27,September 26, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending 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 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 Business

 

SymCom, Inc.

 

On January 3, 2014, the company acquired 100% of SymCom, Inc. (“SymCom”) for $52.8 million net of cash acquired. Located 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. The company funded the acquisition with available cash and proceeds from credit facilities.

 

The following table sets forth the final 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 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

  15,018   15,018 

Trademarks

  17,020   17,020 

Patents

  1,500   1,500 

Other non-current assets

  20   20 

Current liabilities

  (1,137)  (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$2.8 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date based on the preliminary valuation. During the first quartersix months of 2014, as a portion of this inventory was sold, cost of goods sold included a $1.4$2.8 million non-cash charge for this step-up.

 

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

 

 

  

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

3. Inventories

 

The components of inventories at June 27,September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 

Raw material

 $33,193  $29,756  $34,235  $29,756 

Work in process

  16,404   15,164   16,443   15,164 

Finished goods

  48,138   52,471   48,525   52,471 

Total inventories

 $97,735  $97,391  $99,203  $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 €12.9million€10.0 million (approximately $14.5$11.2 million) at June 27,September 26, 2015 and €9.9 million (approximately $12.1 million) at December 27, 2014. Included in 2015 other comprehensive income is an unrealized gainloss of $3.4less than $0.1 million, due to the increasedecrease in fair market value of the Polytronics investment. The remaining movement was due to the impact of changes in exchange rates.

 

5. Debt

 

The carrying amounts of debt at June 27,September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 

Term loan

 $91,250  $93,750  $90,000  $93,750 

Revolving credit facility

  73,500   83,500   107,500   83,500 

Entrusted loan

  14,493   17,908   11,517   17,908 

Total debt

  179,243   195,158   209,017   195,158 

Less: Current maturities

  82,250   88,500   117,500   88,500 

Total long-term debt

 $96,993  $106,658  $91,517  $106,658 

 

The company currently has a credit agreement with J.P Morgan Securities LLC for up to $375.0 million which consists of an unsecured revolving credit facility of $275.0 million and an unsecured term loan of $100.0 million. The credit agreement, effective May 31, 2013, is for a five year period. The company incurred debt issuance costs of $0.1 million which will be amortized over the life of the existing credit agreement. As of June 27,September 26, 2015, the company had available $200.9$167.4 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.0% (1.19% as of June 27,September 26, 2015). At June 27,September 26, 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.

 

 

  

Notes 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 sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 to the company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis. As of June 27,September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 the company held no non-financial assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

The following table presents assets measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of June 27,September 26, 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using

      

Fair Value Measurements Using

     
 

Quoted Pricesin

Active Marketsfor

IdenticalAssets
(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

 $14,503  $  $  $14,503  $11,196  $  $  $11,196 

Total

 $14,503  $  $  $14,503  $11,196  $  $  $11,196 

 

 

  

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 27, 2014 (in thousands):

 

  

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

 
                 

Investment in Polytronics

 $12,056  $  $  $12,056 

Total

 $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 and accounts payable and debt approximate their fair values. The company’s debt fair value approximates book value at June 27,September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, as the variable interest rates fluctuate along with market interest rates.

 

7.Earnings per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods ended June 27,September 26, 2015 and June 28,September 27, 2014 (in thousands except per share amounts).

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                                

Net income

 $28.684  $24,578  $48,679  $49,967  $11,324  $29,940  $60,003  $79,907 
                                

Average shares outstanding - Basic

  22,691   22,579   22,645   22,536   22,581   22,536   22,623   22,536 
                                

Net effect of dilutive stock options and restricted share units

  144   171   165   202   112   153   148   186 
                                

Average shares - Diluted

  22,835   22,750   22,810   22,738   22,693   22,689   22,771   22,722 
                                

Net income per share:

                                

Basic

 $1.26  $1.09  $2.15  $2.22  $.50  $1.33  $2.65  $3.55 

Diluted

 $1.26  $1.08  $2.13  $2.20  $.50  $1.32  $2.64  $3.52 

 

Potential shares of common stock relating to stock options excluded from the earnings per share calculation because their effect would be anti-dilutive were113,878were 144,031 and 46,19064,520 for the three months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 and June 28,September 27, 2014, respectively, and 90,875108,193 and 22,70836,698 for the sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 and June 28,September 27, 2014, respectively.

 

8. Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the secondthird quarter of 2015 was 23.9%10.4% compared to an effective tax rate of 22.1%27.3% in the secondthird quarter of 2014. The effective tax rate for the sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 was 24.1%21.8% as compared to an effective tax rate of 23.6%25.0% for the sixnine months ended June 28,September 27, 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 the result of more income earned in low tax jurisdictions.third

 

 

 

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

8. Income Taxes,taxes, continued

 

The company has restructuredquarter and nine month periods of 2015 and 2014 are lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the result of income earned in lower tax jurisdictions and, with respect to the 2015 periods, the impact of the pension settlement partially offset by the impact from the restructuring of the legal ownership of itsthe company’s Mexican manufacturing operations as of June 28, 2015. Although

The following tables set forth the transaction was completed in the third quarter, the company considered the impact oncomponents of pre-tax income/(expense) and the effective tax raterates for the second quarterthree and determined such impact was not material.nine months ended September 26, 2015 (in thousands).

  For the Three Months ended September 26, 2015 

Pre-tax income/(expense) category

 

Pre-tax income/(expense) amount

  

Income tax (expense)/benefit

  

Effective tax rate

 

Pension settlement

 $(30,194) $10,722   35.5%

Legal restructuring tax impact

     (1,949)   

All other income/(expense)

  42,835   (10,090)  23.6%

Total consolidated

 $12,641  $(1,317)  10.4%

  For the Nine Months ended September 26, 2015 

Pre-tax income/(expense) category

 

Pre-tax income/(expense) amount

  

Income tax (expense)/benefit

  

Effective tax rate

 

Pension settlement

 $(30,194) $10,722   35.5%

Legal restructuring tax impact

     (1,949)   

All other income/(expense)

  106,958   (25,534)  23.9%

Total consolidated

 $76,764  $(16,761)  21.8%

 

9. Pensions

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015, compared with the three and sixnine months ended June 28,September 27, 2014, were (in thousands):

 

 

U.S. Pension Benefits

  

Foreign Plans

  

U.S. Pension Benefits

  

Foreign Plans

 
 

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Six Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

  

Three Months Ended

  

Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

June 27,

2015

  

June 28,

2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                                                                

Service cost

 $250  $150  $500  $300  $315  $311  $630  $622  $250  $150  $750  $450  $314  $311  $944  $933 

Interest cost

  1,031   971   2,062   1,942   513   592   1,026   1,183   1,032   971   3,094   2,913   512   591   1,538   1,774 

Expected return on plan assets

  (916)  (1,411)  (1,832)  (2,822)  (601)  (573)  (1,201)  (1,146)  (917)  (1,412)  (2,749)  (4,234)  (599)  (572)  (1,800)  (1,718)

Amortization of net loss

  290   137   580   274   62   47   123   95   290   137   870   411   62   47   185   142 
                                

Total cost (credit) of the plan

  655   (153)  1,310   (306)  289   377   578   754   655   (154)  1,965   (460)  289   377   867   1,131 

Expected plan participants’contribution

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
                                

Expected plan participants’contribution

  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

 $655  $(153) $1,310  $(306) $289  $377  $578  $754   655   (154)  1,965   (460)  289   377   867   1,131 

Settlement charge

  30,194   -   30,194   -   -   -   -   - 

Total pension cost (credit)

 $30,849  $(154) $32,159  $(460) $289  $377  $867  $1,131 

 

The expected rate of return assumption on domestic pension assets is 3.90% and 6.75% in 2015 and 2014, respectively. The expected return on foreign pension assets is 5.39% and 5.14% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

9. Pensions, continued

U.S. Defined Benefit PensionPlan Termination

 

The company received approval from the IRS 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, effective July 30, 2014. All plan liabilities were settled (either via lump sum payout or purchase of a group annuity contract) in the third quarter of 2015. A cash contribution of $9.1 million was made by the company to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan’s trust in the third quarter of 2015 to fully fund the plan on a buyout basis. The current liability balancesettlement of $11.8 million at June 27, 2015, represents the projected cost to settle the plan’s liabilityliabilities resulted in conjunction with the upcoming plan termination. Settlement is expected to occur duringa pre-tax settlement charge of $30.2 million in the third quarter of 2015.

 

10.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”).


Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10.Business Unit Segment Information, continued

 

Business unit segment information for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 26, 2014 and September 27, 2015 and June 28, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Six Months Ended

  

For the Three Months Ended

  

For the Nine Months Ended

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26,2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 

Net sales

                                

Electronics

 $105,553  $109,947  $204,933  $205,972  $102,616  $107,754  $307,549  $313,726 

Automotive

  85,918   82,042   169,989   164,444   81,475   80,639   251,464   245,083 

Electrical

  30,550   28,919   57,412   57,351   31,419   29,215   88,831   86,566 

Total net sales

 $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767  $215,510  $217,608  $647,844  $645,375 
                                

Depreciation and amortization

                                

Electronics

 $5,775  $5,530  $11,573  $10,900  $5,811  $5,582  $17,384  $16,482 

Automotive

  3,303   3,646   6,639   7,174   3,244   3,435   9,883   10,609 

Electrical

  1,295   1,414   2,579   2,682   1,260   1,414   3,839   4,096 

Total depreciation and amortization

 $10,373  $10,590  $20,791  $20,756  $10,315  $10,431  $31,106  $31,187 
                                

Operating income (loss)

                                

Electronics

 $22,167  $25,634  $40,832  $45,005  $20,923  $25,800  $61,755  $70,805 

Automotive

  12,699   11,049   23,870   22,931   15,253   12,227   39,123   35,158 

Electrical

  4,709   571   7,439   4,317   5,781   3,224   13,220   7,541 

Other(1)

  (3,404)  (3,535)  (6,422)  (4,944)  (33,373)  (1,121)  (39,795)  (6,065)

Total operating income

  36,171   33,719   65,719   67,309   8,584   40,130   74,303   107,439 

Interest expense

  948   1,228   2,099   2,444   922   1,292   3,021   3,736 

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

  (1,292)  2,375   1,825   2,123   (3,549)  (101)  (1,724)  2,022 

Other (income) expense, net

  (1,202)  (1,446)  (2,328)  (2,632)  (1,430)  (2,261)  (3,758)  (4,893)

Income before income taxes

 $37,717  $31,562  $64,123  $65,374  $12,641  $41,200  $76,764  $106,574 

(1) For the three months ended June 27,September 26, 2015, “Other” consists of restructuring costs ($2.52.1 million), acquisition expenses ($0.20.3 million), pension settlement and pension wind-up costs ($0.730.9 million), and other ($0.1 million). For the sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015, “Other” consist of restructuring costs ($4.86.8 million), acquisition expenses ($0.30.7 million), pension settlement and wind-up costs ($32.2 million) and pension wind-up costsother ($1.30.1 million).

 

The company’s significant net sales by country for the three and sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 and June 28,September 27, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

For the Three Months Ended(a)

  

For the Six Months Ended(a)

  

For the Three Months Ended(a)

  

For the Nine Months Ended(a)

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

  

September 26,2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                                

United States

 $89,608  $80,492  $172,981  $152,366  $85,049  $85,326  $258,030  $243,979 

China

  49,920   39,987   94,349   77,200   49,345   45,905   143,694   134,166 

Other countries

  82,493   100,429   165,004   198,201   81,116   86,377   246,120   267,230 

Total

 $222,021  $220,908  $432,334  $427,767  $215,510  $217,608  $647,844  $645,375 

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

 

 

  

Notes toCONDENSEDConsolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

10.Business Unit Segment Information, continued

 

The company’s significant long-lived assets and additions to long-lived assets by country as of June 27,September 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Long-lived assets(b)

  

Long-lived assets(b)

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

December 27, 2014

 
                

United States

 $34,129  $34,179  $27,250  $34,179 

Mexico

  46,052   47,936   13,613   47,936 

China

  40,416   40,981   37,900   40,981 

Other countries

  45,782   35,544   84,002   35,544 

Total

 $166,379  $158,640  $162,765  $158,640 

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

 

The company’s additions to long-lived assets for the sixnine months ended June 27,September 26, 2015 and June 28,September 27, 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Additions to long-lived assets

  

Additions to long-lived assets

 
 

June 27, 2015

  

June 28, 2014

  

September 26, 2015

  

September 27, 2014

 
                

United States

 $6,615  $3,309  $8,367  $5,215 

Mexico

  4,190   4,694   6,518   5,784 

China

  4,080   2,506   5,159   3,461 

Other countries

  11,503   2,623   15,082   4,962 

Total

 $26,388  $13,132  $35,126  $19,422 

 

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

  

Balance at

December 27, 2014

  

Other comprehensive income (loss) activity

  

Reclassification adjustment for expense included in net income

  

Reclassification adjustment for pension settlement expense included in net income

  

Balance at

September 27, 2015

 
                                    

Pension liability adjustment(a)

 $(29,615) $(124) $1,971  $(27,768) $(29,615) $(140) $1,457  $21,124  $(7,174)

Unrealized gain on investments(b)

  10,791   3,336      14,127 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments(b)

  10,791   (18)        10,773 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  (2,302)  (10,153)     (12,455)  (2,302)  (36,530)        (38,832)

AOCI (loss) income

 $(21,126) $(6,941) $1,971  $(26,096) $(21,126) $(36,688) $1,457  $21,124  $(35,233)

 

(a) Balances are net of tax of $12,055$3,115 and $12,857$12,587 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(b) Balances are net of tax of $0 and $0 for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

12. Subsequent Event

On October 1, 2015, the company acquired Sigmar S.r.1. (“Sigmar”), an Italian company that produces sensors used in gas and diesel engine fuel systems, as well as urea level and quality sensors used in diesel emission reduction systems. Sigmar has annual revenues of approximately $6 million and will be reported in the Automotive business segment.

 

   

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 2014 was $852.0 million and net earnings were $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. In 2012, the company set a five-year strategic plan to grow annual sales at 15% per 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.

 

Automotive Segment

The Automotive segment is comprised of passenger vehicle circuit protection, commercial vehicle products and 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.

 

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. The company has 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)

 

 

Second Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

  

Third Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

 
 

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

 

Business Unit

Business Unit

                                                

Electronics

  $105,553  $109,947   (4%) $204,933  $205,972   (1%) $102,616  $107,754   (5%) $307,549  $313,726   (2%)

Automotive

   85,918   82,042   5%  169,989   164,444   3%  81,475   80,639   1%  251,464   245,083   3%

Electrical

   30,550   28,919   6%  57,412   57,351   0%  31,419   29,215   8%  88,831   86,566   3%
                                                

Total

  $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1% $215,510  $217,608   (1%) $647,844  $645,375   0%
                                                

Geography(a)

Geography(a)

                                                

Americas

  $103,033  $95,874   7% $200,087  $185,025   8% $98,974  $97,903   1% $299,061  $282,928   6%

Europe

   39,125   44,296   (12%)  78,093   88,223   (11%)  37,520   39,568   (5%)  115,613   127,791   (10%)

Asia-Pacific

   79,863   80,738   (1%)  154,154   154,519   (0%)  79,016   80,137   (1%)  233,170   234,656   (1%)
                                                

Total

  $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1% $215,510  $217,608   (1%) $647,844  $645,375   0%

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

 

Results of OperationsSecondThird Quarter, 2015 compared to 2014

 

The following table summarizes the company’s consolidated results of operations for the periods presented. During the secondthird quarter of 2015, there was approximately $3.4$33.4 million of special charges ($6.439.8 million year-to-date) primarily consisting of $0.9$1.2 million ($1.93.1 million year-to-date) related to the company’s transfer of its reed sensor manufacturing from the U.S. to the Philippines, $1.7$0.9 million ($2.93.8 million year-to-date) related to internal legal restructuring $0.2costs, $0.3 million ($0.30.7 million year-to-date) related to acquisition costs and $0.7$30.8 million ($1.332.2 million year-to-date) of expenseexpenses related to the planned terminationwind down and settlement of the U.S. pension as described in Note 9.

 

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

Second Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

  

Third Quarter

  

Year-to-Date

 
 

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

%Change

  

2015

  

2014

  

% Change

 

Sales

 $222,021  $220,908   1% $432,334  $427,767   1% $215,510  $217,608   (1%) $647,844  $645,375   0%

Gross Profit

  85,281   82,995   3%  161,611   161,489   0%  86,182   87,380   (1%)  247,793   248,869   (0%)

Operating expense

  49,110   49,276   (0%)  95,892   94,180   2%  77,598   47,250   64%  173,490   141,430   23%

Operating income

  36,171   33,719   7%  65,719   67,309   (2%)  8,584   40,130   (79%)  74,303   107,439   (31%)

Other (income) expense, net

  (1,202)  (1,446)  (17%)  (2,328)  (2,632)  (12%)  (4,057)  (1,070)  279%  (2,461)  865   (385%)

Income before income taxes

  37,717   31,562   20%  64,123   65,374   (2%)  12,641   41,200   (69%)  76,764   106,574   (28%)

Net income

 $28,684  $24,578   17% $48,679  $49,967   (3%) $11,324  $29,940   (62%) $60,003  $79,907   (25%)

 

Net sales increased $1.1decreased $2.1 million or 1% to $222.0$215.5 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $220.9$217.6 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 due primarily to growth in automotive and electrical sales, offset by lower electronics sales. The company also experienced $11.3$9.9 million in unfavorable foreign currency effects in the secondthird quarter of 2015 as compared to the secondthird quarter of 2014. The unfavorable foreign currency impact primarily resulted from sales denominated in the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $12.4$7.8 million or 6%4% year-over-year. This increase resulted from continued growth in automotive and improvement in the electrical business, offset by lower electronics sales.

 

Electronics sales decreased $4.4$5.1 million or 4%5% to $105.6$102.6 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $109.9$107.8 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 due primarily to lower sales of semiconductor andcapacity constraints for sensor products as they are being transferred to the Philippines as well as a slightly weaker-than-normal seasonal ramp up for core products. The electronics segment experienced $3.6$3.2 million in unfavorable currency effects in the secondthird quarter of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in euros. Excluding currency effects, net sales decreased $0.8$2.0 million or 1%2% year-over-year.

 

 

 

Automotive sales increased $3.9$0.8 million or 5%1% to $85.9$81.5 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $82.0$80.6 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 due to strong growth for sensors and commercial vehicle products partially offset by lower fuse sales.sales and a decline in commercial vehicle products, due to weak end markets. The automotive segment experienced $6.6$5.5 million in unfavorable currency effects in the secondthird quarter of 2015 primarily due to sales denominated in euros. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $10.5$6.3 million or 13%8% year-over-year.

 

Electrical sales increased $1.6$2.2 million or 6%8% to $30.6$31.4 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $28.9$29.2 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 as higherdue to solid growth in the core fuse business and continued recovery in custom sales were offset by weaker relay sales.products. The electrical segment experienced $1.0$1.3 million in unfavorable currency effects in the secondthird quarter of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars and the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $2.6$3.5 million or 9%12% year-over-year.

 

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $7.2$1.1 million or 7%1% to $103.0$99.0 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $95.9$97.9 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 due primarily to strong growth in autoautomotive and electrical sales offset by $0.6$1.3 million in unfavorable currency effects from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Excluding currency effects, the Americas sales increased $7.8$2.4 million or 8%2%.

 

Europe sales decreased $5.2$2.0 million or 12%5% to $39.1$37.5 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $44.3$39.6 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 mainly due to $10.3$7.4 million in unfavorable currency effects reflecting a decline in the euro during the current year quarter. Excluding currency effects, Europe sales increased $5.2$5.4 million or 12%14% reflecting strong demand for automotive products.

 

Asia-Pacific sales decreased $0.9$1.1 million or 1% to $79.9$79.0 million in the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $80.7$80.1 million in the secondthird quarter of 2014 due to a decline in electronics and electrical products and $0.3$1.1 million in unfavorable currency effects offset by strongcontinued demand for automotive products. Excluding currency effects, Asia-Pacific sales increased $0.6 million or 1%were flat year-over-year.

 

Gross profit was $85.3$86.2 million or 38%40% of net sales for the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to $83.0$87.4 million or 38%40% of net sales in the same quarter last year. Gross profit for the secondthird quarter of 2015 included $1.2 million of charges related to the transfer of the company’s reed switch production from the U.S. and China to the Philippines. Excluding the impact of these charges, gross profit was 41% of net sales for the third quarter of 2015.

Total operating expense was $77.6 million or 36% of net sales for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $47.3 million or 22% of net sales for the same quarter in 2014. Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2015 included $30.2 million related to the settlement of the company’s U.S. pension plan. Excluding the pension settlement expense of $30.2 million, operating expenses were $47.4 million or 22% of net sales for the third quarter of 2015.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2015 was $8.6 million compared to operating income of $40.1 million for the same quarter in 2014. Excluding the impact of the $30.2 million pension settlement in the third quarter of 2015 as described above, operating income for the third quarter of 2015 was $38.8 million. The lower operating earnings is primarily as a result of lower sales in the third quarter of 2015 as discussed above.

Interest expense was $0.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 and $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2014 and reflects interest incurred for borrowing on the company’s credit 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 $3.5 million of income for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to $0.1 million of income for the third quarter of 2014 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 items was approximately $1.4 million of income for third quarter of 2015 and $2.3 million of income for the third quarter of 2014.


Income before income taxes was $12.6 million for the third quarter of 2015 compared to $41.2 million for the third quarter of 2014. The lower income before income taxes for 2015 was primarily due to the pension settlement charge of $30.2 million as described above. Income tax expense was $1.3 million with an effective tax rate of 10.4% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to income tax expense of $11.3 million with an effective tax rate of 27.3% in the third quarter of 2014. The lower effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 resulted from income earned in lower tax jurisdictions and the impact of the pension settlement partially offset by the impact from the restructuring of the legal ownership of the company’s Mexican manufacturing operations during the third quarter of 2015. The effective tax rates for both the third quarter of 2015 and 2014 were lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the factors discussed above and more income earned in lower tax jurisdictions.

Net income for the third quarter of 2015 was $11.3 million or $0.50 per diluted share compared to net income of $29.9 million or $1.32 per diluted share for the same quarter of 2014.

Results of Operations –Nine months, 2015 compared to 2014

Net sales increased $2.5 million or less than 1% to $647.8 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $645.4 million in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to strong growth in automotive products and improvement in the electrical business partially offset by lower electronics sales. The company also experienced $31.1 million in unfavorable foreign currency effects in the first nine months of 2015 as compared to 2014 primarily resulting from sales denominated in the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $33.5 million or 5% year-over-year.

Electronics sales decreased $6.2 million or 2% to $307.5 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $313.7 million in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to negative currency effects offset by strong growth for fuse products earlier in the first half of the year. The electronics segment experienced $9.7 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first nine months of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $3.5 million or 1% year-over-year.

Automotive sales increased $6.4 million or 3% to $251.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $245.1 million in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to strong growth for sensors, fuses and commercial vehicle products. The automotive segment experienced $18.0 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first nine months of 2015 primarily due to sales denominated in euros. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $24.4 million or 10% year-over-year.

Electrical sales, increased $2.3 million or 3% to $88.8 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $86.6 million in the first nine months of 2014 as higher custom and fuse sales were offset by weaker relay sales. The electrical segment experienced $3.4 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first nine months of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars and the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $5.6 million or 6% year-over-year.

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $16.1 million or 6% to $299.1 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $282.9 million in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to strong growth in automotive offset by $3.6 million in unfavorable currency effects from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Excluding currency effects, the Americas sales increased $19.7 million or 7%.

Europe sales decreased $12.2 million or 10% to $115.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $127.8 million in the first nine months of 2014 mainly due to $25.3 million in unfavorable currency effects reflecting a decline in the euro during the first nine months. Excluding currency effects, Europe sales increased $13.2 million or 10% reflecting strong demand for automotive products.

Asia-Pacific sales decreased $1.5 million or 1% to $233.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $234.7 million in the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to strong demand for automotive products offset by lower electronics sales and unfavorable currency effects of $2.2 million. Excluding currency effects, Asia-Pacific sales increased $0.7 million or less than 1% year-over-year.

Gross profit was $247.8 million or 38% of net sales for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $248.9 million or 39% of net sales for the first nine months of 2014. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2015 included $3.1 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 quarterfirst nine months of 2014 included a $1.4$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 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 $49.1 million or 22% of net sales for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $49.3 million or 22% of net sales for the same quarter in 2014. The slight decrease in operating expenses primarily reflects lower research and development costs offset by higher internal legal restructuring costs and costs related to the wind-up of the U.S. pension plan.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2015 was approximately $36.2 million compared to operating income of $33.7 million for the same quarter in 2014 primarily as a result of higher sales and slightly lower operating expenses as described above.

Interest expense was $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2014 and reflects interest incurred for borrowing on the company’s credit 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 $1.3 million of income for the second quarter of 2015 as compared to $2.4 million of expense for the second quarter of 2014 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 items was approximately $1.2 million of income for second quarter of 2015 and $1.5 million of income for the second quarter of 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 quarterfirst nine months 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 second quarter of 2015 was $28.7 million or $1.26 per diluted share compared to net income of $24.6 million or $1.08 per diluted share for the same quarter of 2014.

Results of Operations – Six months, 2015 compared to 2014

Net sales increased $4.6 million or 1% to $432.3 million for the first six months of 2015 compared to $427.8 million in the first six months of 2014 due primarily to strong growth in automotive products, partially offset by lower electronics sales. The company also experienced $21.2 million in unfavorable foreign currency effects in the first six months of 2015 as compared to 2014 primarily resulting from sales denominated in the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $25.7 million or 6% year-over-year.

Electronics sales decreased $1.0 million or 1% to $204.9 million for the first six months of 2015 compared to $206.0 million in the first six months of 2014 due primarily to negative currency effects offset by strong growth for fuse products. The electronics segment experienced $6.6 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first six months of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $5.5 million or 3% year-over-year.

Automotive sales increased $5.5 million or 3% to $170.0 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $164.4 million in the first six months of 2014 due to strong growth for sensors and commercial vehicle products offset by lower fuse sales. The automotive segment experienced $12.5 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first six months of 2015 primarily due to sales denominated in euros. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $18.1 million or 11% year-over-year.

Electrical sales, before currency effects, were flat year-over year at $57.4 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $57.4 million in the first six months of 2014 as higher custom and fuse sales were offset by weaker relay sales. The electrical segment experienced $2.1 million in unfavorable currency effects in the first six months of 2015 primarily from sales denominated in Canadian dollars and the euro. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased $2.1 million or 4% year-over-year.

On a geographic basis, sales in the Americas increased $15.1 million or 8% to $200.1 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $185.0 million in the first six months of 2014 due primarily to strong growth in auto and electronics sales offset by $1.3 million in unfavorable currency effects from sales denominated in Canadian dollars. Excluding currency effects, the Americas sales increased $16.4 million or 9%.

Europe sales decreased $10.1 million or 11% to $78.1 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $88.2 million in the first six months of 2014 mainly due to $19.2 million in unfavorable currency effects reflecting a decline in the euro during the first six months. Excluding currency effects, Europe sales increased $9.1 million or 10% reflecting strong demand for automotive products.

Asia-Pacific sales decreased $0.4 million or less than 1% to $154.2 million in the first six months of 2015 compared to $154.5 million in the first six months of 2014 due primarily to strong demand for automotive products offset by lower electronics sales and unfavorable currency effects of $0.6 million. Excluding currency effects, Asia-Pacific sales increased $0.3 million or less than 1% year-over-year.

Gross profit was $161.6 million or 37% of net sales for the first six months of 2015 compared to $161.5 million or 38% of net sales for the first six months of 2014. Gross profit for the first 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 in severance charges resulting from restructuring at the Hamlin-Mexico plant. 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 six months of 2014. The decrease in gross profit margin compared to the prior year was primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses primarily due to the decline in the euro.respectively.

 

 

 

Total operating expense was $95.9$173.5 million or 27% of net sales for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $141.4 million or 22% of net sales for the first sixnine months of 2014. Operating expenses for the first nine months of 2015 comparedincluded $30.2 million related to $94.2the settlement of the company’s U.S. pension plan. Excluding the pension settlement expense, operating expenses were $143.3 million or 22% of net sales for the first sixnine months of 2014. The increase in operating expenses primarily reflects higher wage and benefit costs, internal legal restructuring costs and costs related to the wind-up of the U.S. pension plan offset by lower amortization of intangibles and research and development costs2015.

 

Operating income for the first sixnine months of 2015 was approximately $65.7$74.3 million compared to operating income of $67.3$107.4 million for the first sixnine months of 2014, primarily as a result of the negative impact of the pension settlement charge and the foreign exchange impact on sales and gross profit as discussed above.

 

Interest expense was $2.1$3.0 million for the first sixnine months of 2015 compared to $2.4$3.7 million for the first sixnine months of 2014 and reflects interest for borrowing on the company’s credit 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 $1.8$1.7 million of income for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $2.0 million of expense for the first six months of 2015 compared to $2.1 million of expense for the first sixnine months of 2014 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 items was approximately $2.3$3.8 million of income for the first sixnine months of 2015 compared to $2.6$4.9 million of income for the first sixnine months of 2014.

 

Income before income taxes was $64.1$76.8 million for the second quarterfirst nine months of 2015 compared to $65.4$106.6 million for the first sixnine months of 2014. The lower income before income taxes for 2015 was primarily due to the pension settlement charge of $30.2 million as described above. Income tax expense was $15.4$16.8 million with an effective tax rate of 24.1%21.8% for the first sixnine months of 2015 compared to income tax expense of $15.4$26.7 million with an effective tax rate of 23.6%25.0% in the first sixnine months of 2014. The lower effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 resulted from income earned in lower tax jurisdictions and the impact of the pension settlement partially offset by the impact from the restructuring of the legal ownership of the company’s Mexican manufacturing operations in the third quarter of 2015. The effective tax rates for both 2015 and 2014 arewere lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the factors discussed above as well as more income earned in lowlower tax jurisdictions.

 

Net income for the first sixnine months of 2015 was $48.7$60.0 million or $2.13$2.64 per diluted share compared to net income of $50.0$79.9 million or $2.20$3.52 per diluted share for the same period of 2014.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 27,September 26, 2015, $302.1$317.5 million of the $311.9$336.6 million of the company’s cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries. Of the $302.1$317.5 million held by foreign subsidiaries, approximately $17.7$19.2 million could be repatriated with minimal tax consequences. The company expects to maintain its foreign cash balances (other than the aforementioned $17.7$19.2 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.

 

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

 

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

 

On January 30, 2014, the company increased the unsecured revolving credit facility by $50.0 million thereby increasing the total revolver borrowing capacity from $225.0 million to $275.0 million. At June 27,September 26, 2015, the company had available $200.9$167.4 million of borrowing capacity under the revolving credit agreement at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.0% (1.19% as of June 27,September 26, 2015).


 

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 June 27,September 26, 2015, the company was in compliance with all covenants under the revolving credit facility.

 

The company also had $0.6$0.1 million outstanding in letters of credit at June 27,September 26, 2015. No amounts were drawn under these letters of credit at June 27,September 26, 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 88.573.5 million (approximately $14.5$11.5 million) at June 27,September 26, 2015.

 

Cash Flow 

 

The company started 2015 with $297.6 million of cash and cash equivalents. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $62.0$113.6 million for the first sixnine months of 2015 reflecting $48.7$60.0 million in net income and $25.4$57.4 million in non-cash adjustments (primarily $20.8$31.1 million in depreciation and amortization) offset by $12.1$3.8 million in net changes to various operating assets and liabilities.

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities for the first sixnine months of 2015 (including short-term and long-term items) that impacted cash flows negatively consisted of increases in accounts receivable ($21.318.3 million) and inventory ($1.2 million), and decreases in accrued payroll and severance ($3.7 million) and accrued and deferred taxes ($3.04.2 million). The increaseChanges in accounts receivable was due to increased sales in the first six months of 2015. The decrease in accrued payrolloperating assets and severance was due primarily to payouts for the 2014 management incentive plan which occurred in the first quarter. Other changesliabilities having a positive impact on cash flows were increasesdecreases in prepaid and other assets ($2.40.3 million), and increases in accrued payroll and severance ($3.6 million), accrued and deferred taxes ($4.0 million), accounts payable ($3.44.2 million) and accrued expenses ($11.1 million)6.6 million, including a $9.1 million payment for the pension settlement).

 

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $22.8$29.0 million for the first sixnine months of 2015 and primarily represented capital spendingadditions to property, plant and equipment ($26.435.0 million) offset by a reduction in the entrusted loan receivable ($3.55.9 million) (see Note 5) .

 

Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $19.6$27.2 million and was primarily driven by the purchase of treasury stock ($31.3 million) and dividends paid ($17.9 million). Also included $12.5 million in netwere payments on borrowingsthe entrusted loan ($5.9 million) (see Note 5). Offsetting net cash used in financing primarily were net proceeds from the company’s credit agreement $3.5 million in payments on the entrusted loan (see Note 5) and dividends paid of $11.3 million offset by $7.7 million from the exercise of stock options including tax benefits.($20.3 million). The effects of exchange rate changes decreased cash and cash equivalents by approximately $5.2$18.3 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 $14.3$39.1 million increase in cash, which left the company with a cash and cash equivalents balance of $311.9$336.6 million at June 27,September 26, 2015.


 

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 3.02.7 at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to 2.8 at year-end 2014 and 2.22.3 at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2014. Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable was approximately 62 days at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to 6056 days at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2014 and 60 days at year-end 2014. Days inventory outstanding was approximately 6570 days at the end of the secondthird quarter of 2015 compared to 68 days at the year-end 2014 and 6470 days at end of the secondthird quarter of 2014.


Outlook

 

SalesEconomic signals continue to be mixed and visibility continues to be limited. Although the company’s 0.95 book-to-bill for electronics is better than normal for the third quarter, order rates in the first few weeks of the fourth quarter have been relatively weak. At this point, the company expects normal sequential declines in both sales and margins in the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter of 2015 includes an extra week (14 weeks rather than 13). Taking into account that the extra week is during the holidays, it is expected to add approximately $10 million to sales for the fourth quarter. Including this extra week, sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 are expected to be flat sequentially in the third quarterrange of 2015 due$212 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 mining sector is expected to remain weak at least through the remainder of this year. Foreign currency effects are expected to remain volatile. The company issued the following guidance for the third quarter of 2015:$222 million.

 

Sales for the third quarter of 2015 are expected to be in the range of $211 to $221 million. At the midpoint, this is flat with the prior year quarter or approximately 4% growth on a constant currency basis.

The full year effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 23.5%, although this assumes that Congress approves the 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 third quarter of 2015 are expected to be in the range of $1.24 to $1.36 per diluted share. This includes negative currency effects of approximately $0.10 compared to the prior year.

Although capital expenditures through the first six months of the year are $26.4 million, it is expected that spending will slow down in the second half resulting in full year capital expenditures of approximately $40 to $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 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 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 $164.8$197.5 million in debt outstanding at June 27,September 26, 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 insignificant 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 sixnine months of 2015, sales to customers outside the U.S. were 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 renminbi 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, Chinese renminbi and Korean won. The company’s most significant short exposures are to the Chinese 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 $1.8$1.6 million for copper, $0.8$0.7 million for zinc, $0.7$0.6 million for silver and $0.3$0.2 million for gold. From time to time, the company has utilized derivative instruments to hedge certain commodity exposures.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

As of June 27,September 26, 2015, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the company evaluated the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures of the company and concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the company and its consolidated subsidiaries has been made known to them by the employees of the company and its consolidated subsidiaries during the period preceding the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and that such information is accurately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules. There were no significant changes in the company’s internal controls during the period covered by this Report that could materially affect these controls or could reasonably be expected to materially affect the company’s internal control reporting, disclosures and procedures subsequent to the last day they were evaluated by the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

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 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 27, 2014 in response to Item 1A to Part 1 of Form 10-K.

 

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

(c)

The table below provides information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of its common stock during each fiscal month of the third quarter of fiscal 2015:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per Share

  

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

  

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

 

June 28, 2015 to July 25, 2015

    $      1,000,000 

July 26, 2015 to August 22, 2015

  130,023   91.77   130,023   869,977 

August 23, 2015 to Sept. 26, 2015

  219,977   87.83   219,977   650,000 

Total

  350,000  $89.29   350,000   650,000 

  

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, 2015 to April 30, 2016. The company did not repurchase anyrepurchased 350,000 shares of its common stock during the first sixnine months of fiscal 2015, and 1,000,000650,000 shares may yet be purchased under the previous authorizationprogram as of June 27,September 26, 2015. The company withheld 27,817 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 2015.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

 

  

Item6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Description

10.1

Amendment No. 3, dated as of May 4, 2015, to Credit 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.

 

10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive) under10.1

Fourth Amendment to the Littelfuse, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan.

10.3

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Tier II Management) under the Littelfuse, Inc. Long-Term IncentiveSupplemental Retirement and Savings 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 June 27,September 26, 2015, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

Littelfuse, Inc. 

 

 

Date: July 31,October 30, 2015

By

By:

/s/ Philip G. Franklin

 

Philip G. Franklin

 

Executive Vice President and

andChief Financial Officer
 

 

Chief Financial Officer

(As duly authorized officer and asthe principal financial and accountingofficer)

 

 

 

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