Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is an international manufacturer and supplier of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, including power MOSFETs, power conversion and motor control integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, capacitors, inductors, strain gages, load cells, force measurement sensors, displacement sensors, and photoelastic sensors. Semiconductors and electronic components manufactured by Vishay are used in virtually all types of electronic products, including those in the computer, telecommunications, military/aerospace, instrument, automotive, medical, and consumer electronics industries.
Vishay operates in two segments, Semiconductors and Passive Components. Semiconductors segment products include transistors, diodes, rectifiers, certain types of integrated circuits, and optoelectronic products. Passive Components segment products include resistors, capacitors, and inductors. We include in the Passive Components segment our Measurements Group, which manufactures and markets strain gages, load cells, transducers, instruments, and weighing systems whose core components are resistors that are sensitive to various types of mechanical stress. While the passive components business had historically predominated at Vishay, following several acquisitions of semiconductor businesses, revenues from our Semiconductors and Passive Components segments were essentially split evenly from 2003 through the first quarter of 2007. On April 1, 2007, Vishay acquired the Power Control Systems (“PCS”) business of International Rectifier Corporation, which has been included in the Semiconductors segment. Going forward, revenues from our Semiconductors segment are expected to represent slightly more than half of our total revenues.
Net revenues for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2007 were $729.6 million, compared to $654.4 million for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006. Income from continuing operations for the fiscal quarter ended September 29, 2007 was $37.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared with net earnings for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2006 of $32.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share.
The Company intends to sell the automotive modules and subsystems business unit (“ASBU”) acquired on April 1, 2007 as part of the PCS business. The operations of the ASBU have been classified as discontinued operations. The loss from discontinued operations for the third quarter was $1.9 million, resulting in net earnings of $35.2 million, or $0.19 per diluted share.
Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2007 of $37.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, was impacted by a pretax charge for restructuring and severance costs of $9.9 million. Additionally, reported income tax expense is net of benefits totaling $0.9 million for changes in uncertain tax positions and a change in enacted tax rates. These items, net, had a negative $0.05 per share effect on income from continuing operations.
Net earnings for the third quarter of 2006 of $32.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, were impacted by pretax charges for restructuring and severance costs of $19.2 million, related asset write-downs of $2.7 million, inventory obsolescence charges for discontinued tantalum products of $1.4 million, losses resulting from adjustments to previously existing purchase commitments of $0.7 million, and charges totaling $2.9 million to settle past quality claims. These items and their tax-related consequences had a negative $0.10 effect on earnings per share.
Net revenues for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 were $2,103.7 million, compared to $1,946.0 million for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006. Income from continuing operations for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 was $129.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared with net earnings for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 of $113.5 million, or $0.59 per diluted share.
The loss from discontinued operations for nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 was $3.2 million, resulting in net earnings of $125.9 million, or $0.66 per diluted share.
Income from continuing operations for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 of $129.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, was impacted by pretax charges for restructuring and severance costs of $13.2 million and related asset write-downs of $2.7 million. These items and their tax-related consequences, plus additional tax expense for changes in uncertain tax positions net of benefits for a change in enacted tax rates totaling $2.5 million, had a negative $0.09 per share effect on income from continuing operations.
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Net earnings for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 of $113.5 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, were impacted by pretax charges for restructuring and severance costs of $28.1 million, related asset write-downs of $6.6 million, losses resulting from adjustments to previously existing purchase commitments of $4.8 million, write-downs and write-offs of tantalum inventories totaling $9.6 million, a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $2.9 million, an adjustment to increase the estimated cost of environmental remediation obligations associated with the 2001 General Semiconductor acquisition of $3.6 million, and charges totaling $2.9 million to settle past product quality issues. These items and their tax related consequences had a negative $0.21 effect on earnings per share.
The business environment during the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 continued to be relatively friendly, continuing the business climate enjoyed by the electronic components industry since the fourth quarter of 2005. We noted particular strength in Asia, beyond typical seasonality, although Europe was weaker due to expected seasonality. We experienced a strong upturn in sales of components for use in notebook computers. Sales to other sectors, particularly the industrial and automotive sectors, have remained stable at a relatively high level.
Financial Metrics
We utilize several financial measures and metrics to evaluate the performance and assess the future direction of our business. These key financial measures and metrics include sales, gross profit margin, end-of-period backlog, and the book-to-bill ratio. We also monitor changes in inventory turnover and average selling prices (“ASP”).
Gross profit margin is computed as gross profit as a percentage of sales. Gross profit is generally net revenues less costs of products sold, but also deducts certain other period costs, particularly losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs. Losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs have the impact of reducing gross profit margin in the period of the charge, but result in improved gross profit margins in subsequent periods by reducing costs of products sold as inventory is used. Gross profit margin is clearly a function of net revenues, but also reflects our cost cutting programs and our ability to contain fixed costs.
End-of-period backlog is one indicator of future sales. We include in our backlog only open orders that have been released by the customer for shipment in the next twelve months. If demand falls below customers’ forecasts, or if customers do not control their inventory effectively, they may cancel or reschedule the shipments that are included in our backlog, in many instances without the payment of any penalty. Therefore, the backlog is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
Another important indicator of demand in our industry is the book-to-bill ratio, which is the ratio of the amount of product ordered during a period as compared with the product that we ship during that period. A book-to-bill ratio that is greater than one indicates that our backlog is building and that we are likely to see increasing revenues in future periods. Conversely, a book-to-bill ratio that is less than one is an indicator of declining demand and may foretell declining sales.
We focus on our inventory turnover as a measure of how well we are managing our inventory. We define inventory turnover for a financial reporting period as our costs of products sold for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of the reporting period divided by our average inventory (computed using each quarter-end balance) for this same period. The inventory balance used for computation of this ratio includes tantalum inventories in excess of one year supply, which are classified as other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. A higher level of inventory turnover reflects more efficient use of our capital.
Pricing in our industry can be volatile. We analyze trends and changes in average selling prices to evaluate likely future pricing. The erosion of average selling prices of established products is typical of the industry. However, we attempt to offset this deterioration with on-going cost reduction activities and new product introductions, as newer products typically yield larger gross margins.
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The quarter-to-quarter trends in these financial metrics can also be an important indicator of the likely direction of our business. The following table shows net revenues, gross profit margin, end-of-period backlog, book-to-bill ratio, inventory turnover, and changes in ASP for our business as a whole during the five quarters beginning with the third quarter of 2006 through the third quarter of 2007(dollars in thousands):
| 3rd Quarter | | 4th Quarter | | 1st Quarter | | 2nd Quarter | | 3rd Quarter |
| 2006 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2007 | | 2007 |
Net revenues(1) | $ | 654,381 | | | $ | 635,487 | | | $ | 658,192 | | | $ | 715,861 | | | $ | 729,616 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit margin(2) | | 25.6 | % | | | 24.4 | % | | | 26.6 | % | | | 24.9 | % | | | 24.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
End-of-period backlog(3) | $ | 609,500 | | | $ | 582,500 | | | $ | 586,600 | | | $ | 677,300 | | | $ | 678,300 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Book-to-bill ratio | | 0.92 | | | | 0.94 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 0.98 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Inventory turnover | | 3.28 | | | | 3.21 | | | | 3.19 | | | | 3.40 | | | | 3.62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in ASP vs. prior quarter | | -0.1 | % | | | 0.9 | % | | | -0.7 | % | | | -0.6 | % | | | -1.3 | % |
____________________(1) Significant sequential increase in net revenues during the second quarter of 2007 is primarily attributable to $57.5 million of revenue from the PCS business and PM Group acquired during that quarter. For comparison, net revenues of these acquired businesses in the third quarter of 2007 were $65.0 million.
(2) Gross profit margin includes the impact of inventory write-downs and write-offs, gain (loss) on purchase commitments, and charges to settle past quality issues.
(3) Significant sequential increase in end-of-period backlog during the second quarter of 2007 is primarily attributable to $85.3 million of backlog of the PCS business and PM Group, as of their respective dates of acquisition.
See “Financial Metrics by Segment” below for net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, and gross profit margin broken out by segment.
We continued to experience favorable economic conditions during 2007. Revenues from the acquired PCS business grew to $59.0 million for the third quarter of 2007 (compared to $51.8 million in the second quarter of 2007), in line with our expectation to achieve a $240 million annualized run-rate for this business. Excluding the improvements in the acquired businesses and foreign currency effects, revenues for the third quarter of 2007 are slightly higher than the second quarter of 2007. The book-to-bill ratio decreased slightly to 0.98. For the third quarter of 2007, the book-to-bill ratios for distribution customers and original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) were 0.93 and 1.03, respectively, versus ratios of 1.00 and 0.99, respectively, during the second quarter of 2007. We expect revenues between $710 million and $730 million for the fourth quarter of 2007, with similar to slightly improved margins.
Continuing the trend experienced in 2006, we experienced relatively moderate pressure on pricing during the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007. We believe pricing will be stable to moderately lower for the remainder of 2007.
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Financial Metrics by Segment
The following table shows net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, and gross profit margin broken out by segment for the five quarters beginning with the third quarter of 2006 through the third quarter of 2007(dollars in thousands):
| 3rd Quarter | | 4th Quarter | | 1st Quarter | | 2nd Quarter | | 3rd Quarter |
| 2006 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2007 | | 2007 |
Semiconductors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues(1) | $ | 338,755 | | | $ | 323,449 | | | $ | 322,933 | | | $ | 379,687 | | | $ | 400,967 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Book-to-bill ratio | | 0.87 | | | | 0.89 | | | | 0.97 | | | | 1.01 | | | | 0.95 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit margin(2) | | 26.6 | % | | | 24.1 | % | | | 25.4 | % | | | 24.1 | % | | | 23.3 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Passive Components | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | $ | 315,626 | | | $ | 312,038 | | | $ | 335,259 | | | $ | 336,174 | | | $ | 328,649 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Book-to-bill ratio | | 0.98 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 1.00 | | | | 1.02 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit margin(3) | | 24.5 | % | | | 24.7 | % | | | 27.8 | % | | | 25.7 | % | | | 24.9 | % |
____________________
(1) Significant sequential increase in net revenues for the Semiconductors segment during the second quarter of 2007 is primarily attributable to $51.8 million of revenue from the PCS business acquired during that quarter. For comparison, net revenues of the PCS businesses in the third quarter of 2007 were $59.0 million.
(2) Gross profit margin for the Semiconductors segment includes the impact of charges to settle past quality issues.
(3) Gross profit margin for the Passive Components segment includes the impact of inventory write-downs and write-offs, gain (loss) on purchase commitments, and charges to settle past quality issues.
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Acquisition and Divestiture Activity
As part of our growth strategy, we seek to expand through the acquisition of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and technical expertise. This includes exploring opportunities to acquire smaller targets to gain market share, effectively penetrate different geographic markets, enhance new product development, round out our product lines, or grow our high margin niche market businesses. Also as part of this growth strategy, we seek to explore opportunities with privately held developers of electronic components, whether through acquisition, investment in non-controlling interests, or strategic alliances.
On April 1, 2007, we acquired the PCS business of International Rectifier Corporation for approximately $285.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired. The acquired product lines, which complement our existing product portfolio, consist of planar high-voltage MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, diode rectifiers, fast-recovery diodes, high-power diodes and thyristors, power modules (a combination of power diodes, thyristors, MOSFETs, and IGBTs), and automotive modules and subassemblies. The extension of Vishay’s product offerings in the high-voltage and high-power range for discrete semiconductors represents another step in Vishay’s successful strategy of being able to offer one-stop-shop service for discrete electronic components. On July 25, 2007, we formally announced our intent to sell the automotive modules and subsystems business unit acquired as part of the PCS acquisition.
The acquisition includes a wafer fab in Torino, Italy, as well as facilities in Mumbai, India and Xian, China. At this time, Vishay has no plans for extensive restructuring. Vishay and International Rectifier entered into several transition service agreements for information technology, logistics, and other functions, as well as for the supply of wafers for up to three years. In April, we successfully integrated the acquired product groups into Vishay’s existing organization.
We believe that the acquisition has the potential to materially improve our growth in revenues, return on investment, and profits. We believe the new product lines are a favorable complement to our existing product lines. The acquisition was accretive to net earnings for both the second and third quarters of 2007, and revenues for the third quarter of 2007 are in line with our expectation to achieve a $240 million annualized run-rate for this business.
On April 19, 2007, we declared our cash tender offer for all shares of PM Group PLC wholly unconditional, and assumed ownership of PM Group. PM Group is an advanced designer and manufacturer of systems used in the weighing and process control industries, located in the United Kingdom. The aggregate cash paid for all shares of PM Group was approximately $45.7 million. The transaction was funded using cash on-hand. We immediately sold PM Group’s electrical contracting subsidiary for approximately $16.1 million.
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Cost Management
We place a strong emphasis on reducing our costs. Since 2001, we have been implementing aggressive cost reduction programs to enhance our competitiveness, particularly in light of the erosion of average selling prices of established products that is typical of the industry.
One way we reduce costs is by moving production to the extent possible from high-labor-cost markets, such as the United States and Western Europe, to lower-labor-cost markets, such as the Czech Republic, Israel, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, and the Philippines. The percentage of our total headcount in lower-labor-cost countries is a measure of the extent to which we are successful in implementing this program. This percentage was 73.9% at the end of the third quarter of 2007 (which reflects the acquisition of the PCS business on April 1, 2007), compared to 73.0% at the end of the second quarter, 74.2% at the end of 2006 and 57% when this program began in 2001. Excluding the acquired PCS business, this percentage improved to 75.0% during the third quarter, as we continued to implement our on-going restructuring plans, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. Our long-term target is to have between 75% and 80% of our headcount in lower-labor-cost countries.
These production transfers and other long-term cost cutting measures require us to initially incur significant severance and other exit costs and to record losses on excess buildings and equipment. We anticipate that we will realize the benefits of our restructuring through lower labor costs and other operating expenses in future periods. Since 2001, we have recorded over $200 million of restructuring and severance costs and recorded related asset write-downs over $75 million in order to reduce our cost structure going forward. We have realized, and expect to continue to realize, annual net cost savings associated with these restructuring activities.
Our cost management efforts also include achieving synergies with our acquired businesses and realizing other cost reductions through plant closure, employee termination, and similar integration costs. Restructuring and severance costs, as presented on the consolidated statement of operations, are separate from plant closure, employee termination and similar integration costs we incur in connection with our acquisition activities. These acquisition-related amounts, which have not been significant in recent years, are included in the costs of our acquisitions and do not affect earnings or losses on our consolidated statement of operations. We do not anticipate significant restructuring activities associated with the acquisition of the PCS business. We will continue plans initiated by International Rectifier to transfer production activities from International Rectifier’s facilities in Mexico and California to our newly acquired facility in China and subcontractors, respectively.
During 2005 and the first quarter of 2006, we completed a broad-based fixed cost reduction program which will save Vishay approximately $50 million per year. In April 2005, we began evaluating additional restructuring initiatives to improve the results of underperforming divisions, which we expect will eventually generate additional annual cost savings of $50 million, of which approximately $20 million began to be realized in 2006, an additional $20 million will begin to be realized in 2007, and an additional $10 million will begin to be realized in 2008. Our cost savings initiatives are expected to include a combination of production transfers, plant closures, and overhead streamlining.
We believe that 2007 will represent the final phase of the major restructuring efforts that have been on-going since 2001. Our restructuring costs for the full year 2007 will be significantly less than the costs incurred in 2006. Our on-going restructuring projects for 2007 include moving certain back-end semiconductor production from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the People’s Republic of China; shifting of production for certain product lines from Belgium to India and the People’s Republic of China; completing the shift of production for a portion of our aluminum capacitor product lines from the Netherlands to Austria and/or sub-contractors; and other miscellaneous projects.
While streamlining and reducing fixed overhead, we are exercising caution so that we will not negatively impact our customer service or our ability to further develop products and processes. Our cost management plans also include expansion of certain critical capacities, which we hope will reduce average materials and processing costs.
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Results of Operations
Statement of operations captions as a percentage of net revenues and the effective tax rates were as follows:
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Cost of products sold | 76.0 | % | | 74.3 | % | | 74.9 | % | | 73.9 | % |
Gross profit | 24.0 | % | | 25.6 | % | | 25.1 | % | | 25.9 | % |
Selling, general & administrative expenses | 15.1 | % | | 15.1 | % | | 15.7 | % | | 15.4 | % |
Operating income | 7.5 | % | | 7.2 | % | | 8.6 | % | | 8.7 | % |
Income from continuing operations | | | | | | | | | | | |
before taxes and minority interest | 6.7 | % | | 6.8 | % | | 8.2 | % | | 8.0 | % |
Income from continuing operations | 5.1 | % | | 5.0 | % | | 6.1 | % | | 5.8 | % |
Net earnings | 4.8 | % | | 5.0 | % | | 6.0 | % | | 5.8 | % |
_________ | | | | | | | | | | | |
Effective tax rate | 23.6 | % | | 26.9 | % | | 24.7 | % | | 26.9 | % |
Net Revenues
Net revenues were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Net revenues | $ | 729,616 | | | $ | 654,381 | | $ | 2,103,669 | | | $ | 1,945,990 |
Change versus comparable prior year period | $ | 75,235 | | | | | | $ | 157,679 | | | | |
Percentage change versus | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
comparable prior year period | | 11.5 | % | | | | | | 8.1 | % | | | |
Changes in net revenues were attributable to the following:
| vs. Prior Year | | vs. Prior |
| Quarter | | Year-to-Date |
Change attributable to: | | | | | |
Increase in volume | 2.3 | % | | 0.5 | % |
Decrease in average selling prices | -2.7 | % | | -1.2 | % |
Foreign currency effects | 2.2 | % | | 2.4 | % |
Acquisitions | 9.9 | % | | 6.3 | % |
Other | -0.2 | % | | 0.1 | % |
Net change | 11.5 | % | | 8.1 | % |
The markets for our products continued to be stable during the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007, maintaining the trend from the prior year. During the third quarter of 2007, we noted strength in sales for end-uses in the laptop computer market. On a regional basis, we noted strength in Asia and some weakness in Europe during the third quarter of 2007, which we attribute to seasonality.
The overall increase in net revenues was principally driven by acquisitions. The weakening U.S. dollar also effectively increased the amount reported for revenues during the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007.
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We deduct, from the sales that we record to distributors, allowances for future credits that we expect to provide for returns, scrapped product, and price adjustments under various programs made available to the distributors. We make deductions corresponding to particular sales in the period in which the sales are made, although the corresponding credits may not be issued until future periods. We estimate the deductions based on sales levels to distributors, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. We recorded deductions from gross sales under our distributor incentive programs of $61 million and $46 million for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively, or 2.8% and 2.3% of gross sales, respectively. We also assumed $5 million of liabilities for distributor incentive programs as part of our acquisitions in 2007. Actual credits issued under the programs during the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 (accrued at the time of sale) were approximately $58 million and $43 million, respectively. Increases and decreases in these incentives are largely attributable to the then-current business climate.
As a result of a concentrated effort to defend our intellectual property and generate additional licensing income, we began receiving royalties in the fourth quarter of 2004. We expect royalty revenues to increase, and we continue to seek to expand our royalty streams. Royalty revenues, included in net revenues on the consolidated condensed statements of operations, were approximately $5.8 million and $5.4 million for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
Gross Profit and Margins
Gross profit margins for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 were 24.0% and 25.1%, respectively, versus 25.6% and 25.9% for the comparable prior year periods. These decreases in gross profit margin reflect lower average selling prices and higher precious metals and raw materials costs. Gross profit margins for the 2007 periods were also negatively impacted by the acquisition of the PCS business, which has lower gross profit margins than legacy Vishay products. These decreases in the 2007 periods are partially offset by the absence of certain charges recorded in the prior year. Gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2006 reflects losses on tantalum purchase commitments of $0.7 million, inventory write-offs of $1.4 million, and charges to resolve past quality issues of $2.9 million. Gross profit margin for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 reflects losses on tantalum purchase commitments of $4.8 million, inventory write-downs and write-offs of $9.6 million, and charges to resolve past quality issues of $2.9 million. The improvement in gross margin attributable to the absence of these charges is partially offset by lower average selling prices, higher precious metals and raw materials costs, and a less favorable product mix.
Segments
Analysis of revenues and gross profit margins for our Semiconductors and Passive Components segments is provided below.
Semiconductors
Business in our Semiconductors segment has continued to be stable, with orders increasing across several product lines. We continue to expand capacity and introduce new technologies and products. The acquired PCS business is included in our Semiconductors segment. The PCS business, acquired on April 1, 2007, contributed revenue of $59.0 million and $110.8 million during the third quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007, respectively.
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Net revenues of the Semiconductors segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Net revenues | $ | 400,967 | | | $ | 338,755 | | $ | 1,103,587 | | | $ | 967,983 |
Change versus comparable prior year period | $ | 62,212 | | | | | | $ | 135,604 | | | | |
Percentage change versus | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
comparable prior year period | | 18.4 | % | | | | | | 14.0 | % | | | |
Changes in Semiconductors segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
| vs. Prior Year | | vs. Prior |
| Quarter | | Year-to-Date |
Change attributable to: | | | | | |
Increase in volume | 4.4 | % | | 3.4 | % |
Decrease in average selling prices | -4.5 | % | | -2.4 | % |
Foreign currency effects | 1.4 | % | | 1.7 | % |
Acquisitions | 17.4 | % | | 11.4 | % |
Other | -0.3 | % | | -0.1 | % |
Net change | 18.4 | % | | 14.0 | % |
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Semiconductors segment was as follows:
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Gross margin percentage | 23.3 | % | | 26.6 | % | | 24.2 | % | | 27.0 | % |
The decreases in gross profit margin for the 2007 periods reflect higher precious metals and raw materials costs. Gross profit margin was also negatively impacted by the acquisition of the PCS business, which has lower gross profit margins than legacy Vishay products.
Passive Components
Our Passive Components segment has shown steady improvement over the past two years, due to cost reduction and a better pricing strategy. The profitability for this segment is expected to improve as a result of our on-going optimization and cost reduction efforts. Although we noted mostly seasonal decreases in sales volume, average selling prices have remained stable, due to selective price increases and a better product mix.
Net revenues of the Passive Components segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Net revenues | $ | 328,649 | | | $ | 315,626 | | $ | 1,000,082 | | | $ | 978,007 |
Change versus comparable prior year period | $ | 13,023 | | | | | | $ | 22,075 | | | | |
Percentage change versus | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
comparable prior year period | | 4.1 | % | | | | | | 2.3 | % | | | |
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Changes in Passive Components segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
| vs. Prior Year | | vs. Prior |
| Quarter | | Year-to-Date |
Change attributable to: | | | | | |
Decrease in volume | -0.1 | % | | -2.1 | % |
Decrease in average selling prices | -0.7 | % | | 0.0 | % |
Foreign currency effects | 2.9 | % | | 3.2 | % |
Acquisitions | 1.9 | % | | 1.2 | % |
Other | 0.1 | % | | 0.0 | % |
Net change | 4.1 | % | | 2.3 | % |
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Passive Components segment was as follows:
| Fiscal quarter ended | | Nine fiscal months ended |
| Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | Sept. 29, 2007 | | Sept. 30, 2006 |
Gross margin percentage | 24.9 | % | | 24.5 | % | | 26.1 | % | | 24.8 | % |
Gross profit margins for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 increased versus the comparable prior year periods, primarily due to the absence of certain charges. Gross profit margins for the third quarter of 2006 reflect losses on tantalum purchase commitments of $0.7 million, inventory write-offs of $1.4 million, and charges to resolve past quality issues of $1.8 million. Gross profit margins for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 reflect losses on tantalum purchase commitments of $4.8 million, inventory write-downs and write-offs of $9.6 million, and charges to resolve past quality issues of $1.8 million. The improvements in gross margin attributable to the absence of these charges is partially offset by lower sales volume, higher precious metals and raw materials costs, and a less favorable product mix.
Over the past several years, we have recognized improvements in the margins of our Passive Components product lines as a result of the significant cost reduction programs that we have initiated. These programs have included and will continue to include combining facilities and shifting production to lower cost regions.
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 were 15.1% and 15.7% of net revenues, respectively, as compared to 15.1% and 15.4% for the comparable prior year periods. The increased level of SG&A costs for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 reflects approximately $1.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of transition service costs related to the PCS business. The SG&A costs from transition services agreements with International Rectifier will gradually decrease over future quarters and expire in the first quarter of 2008. After the conclusion of the transition service agreements with International Rectifier, the acquisition of the PCS business is expected to have the impact of reducing SG&A costs as a percentage of net revenues. Amortization of intangible assets, included in SG&A expenses, was $4.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007, versus $3.0 million and $9.7 million for the comparable prior year periods. These increases in amortization expense were principally due to the acquisition of the PCS business, and to a lesser extent, PM Group. A weaker U.S. dollar and increases in salaries and wages versus the prior year also contributed to the increased level of SG&A costs.
SG&A expenses for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 include $3.6 million of adjustments to increase the estimated cost of environmental remediation obligations associated with the 2001 General Semiconductor acquisition.
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Restructuring and Severance Costs and Related Asset Write-Downs
Our restructuring programs have been on-going since 2001. Our restructuring activities have been designed to reduce both fixed and variable costs. These activities include the closing of facilities and the termination of employees. Because costs are recorded based upon estimates, actual expenditures for the restructuring activities may differ from the initially recorded costs. If the initial estimates are too low or too high, we could be required either to record additional expenses in future periods or to reverse previously recorded expenses. We anticipate that we will realize the benefits of our restructuring through lower labor costs and other operating expenses in future periods. Although restructuring costs are anticipated to be significantly lower in 2007 compared to prior years, we expect to continue to restructure our operations and incur restructuring and severance costs as explained in “Cost Management” above, in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and in Note 3 to our consolidated condensed financial statements included in Part I of this document.
We continued our restructuring activities during the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007, recording restructuring and severance costs of $13.2 million, and related asset write-downs of $2.7 million.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 decreased by $0.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively, versus the comparable prior year period. These decreases are primarily due to the repayment of our Liquid Yield Option™ Notes (“LYONs”) in June 2006 and decreases in the variable rate paid on the exchangeable notes due 2102.
On June 4, 2006, the holders of our LYONs had the option to require us to repurchase the notes for their accreted value on that date. All LYONs holders exercised their option. As a result of this repurchase, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt to write-off unamortized debt issuance costs of $2.9 million associated with the LYONs. This non-cash write-off is reported in a separate line item in the consolidated condensed statement of operations for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006.
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The following tables analyze the components of the line “Other” on the consolidated condensed statement of operations(in thousands):
| Fiscal quarter ended | | |
| Sept. 29, | | Sept. 30, | | |
| 2007 | | 2006 | | Change |
Foreign exchange loss | $ | (2,546 | ) | | $ | (1,073 | ) | | $ | (1,473 | ) |
Interest income | | 3,887 | | | | 5,561 | | | | (1,674 | ) |
Dividend income | | 148 | | | | - | | | | 148 | |
(Loss) gain on disposal of property | | | | | | | | | | | |
and equipment | | (640 | ) | | | 732 | | | | (1,372 | ) |
Other | | 790 | | | | 445 | | | | 345 | |
| $ | 1,639 | | | $ | 5,665 | | | $ | (4,026 | ) |
| |
| Nine fiscal months ended | | |
| Sept. 29, | | Sept. 30, | | |
| 2007 | | 2006 | | Change |
Foreign exchange loss | $ | (2,790 | ) | | $ | (5,551 | ) | | $ | 2,761 | |
Interest income | | 14,230 | | | | 15,601 | | | | (1,371 | ) |
Dividend income | | 368 | | | | 98 | | | | 270 | |
Gain on disposal of property | | | | | | | | | | | |
and equipment | | 740 | | | | 2,038 | | | | (1,298 | ) |
Other | | 384 | | | | 1,483 | | | | (1,099 | ) |
| $ | 12,932 | | | $ | 13,669 | | | $ | (737 | ) |
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate, based on income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest, for the quarter and the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 was 23.6% and 24.7%, respectively, compared to 26.9% and 26.9% for the comparable prior year periods. We recorded no tax benefit associated with the losses on tantalum purchase commitments in the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006, nor with the write-down of tantalum inventories to current market value in the first quarter of 2006. Additionally, income tax expense for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 includes approximately $2.5 million of tax expense for changes in uncertain tax positions, net of changes in enacted tax rates and deferred taxes.
We operate in an international environment with significant operations in various locations outside the U.S. Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting our earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various locations where we operate. Part of our strategy is to achieve cost savings through the transfer and expansion of manufacturing operations to countries where we can take advantage of lower labor costs and available tax and other government-sponsored incentives. Accordingly, our effective tax rate is generally less than the U.S. statutory tax rate. Changes in the effective tax rate are largely attributable to changes in the mix of pretax income among our various taxing jurisdictions.
Furthermore, as described in Note 4 to our consolidated condensed financial statements, Vishay adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) effective January 1, 2007, and recorded a cumulative charge to retained earnings of approximately $2.1 million. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate for the quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007.
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The effective tax rates reflect the fact that we could not recognize for accounting purposes the tax benefit of losses incurred in certain jurisdictions, although these losses are available to offset future taxable income. Under applicable accounting principles, we may not recognize deferred tax assets for loss carryforwards in jurisdictions where there is a recent history of cumulative losses, where there is no taxable income in the carryback period, where there is insufficient evidence of future earnings to overcome the loss history and where there is no other positive evidence, such as the likely reversal of taxable temporary differences, that would result in the utilization of loss carryforwards for tax purposes.
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
Cash and cash equivalents were $477.0 million as of September 29, 2007, as compared to $671.6 million as of December 31, 2006. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is principally due to cash utilized for the acquisitions of the PCS business of International Rectifier and PM Group in April 2007, which were funded with cash on-hand.
At September 29, 2007, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. At the present time, we expect the cash and profits generated by foreign subsidiaries will continue to be reinvested indefinitely. We were able to utilize cash held by our foreign subsidiaries to acquire a portion of the PCS business and PM Group.
Our financial condition as of September 29, 2007 continued to be strong, with a current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) of 3.0 to 1, as compared to a ratio of 3.2 to 1 at December 31, 2006. The decrease in this ratio is primarily due to the reduction in cash due to acquisitions. Our ratio of total debt (including current portion) to stockholders’ equity was 0.18 to 1 at September 29, 2007, as compared to 0.20 to 1 at December 31, 2006.
Cash provided by continuing operating activities were $210.4 million for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007, versus cash provided by operations of $228.4 million for the comparable prior year period. This decrease is largely attributable to increases in net working capital. Net working capital of the acquired PCS business increased by $68.8 million since acquisition, primarily because we acquired the business with very little net working capital. Net revenues from PCS business product lines since the date of acquisition have generated a significant increase in accounts receivable.
Cash used by discontinued operating activities of $19.9 million primarily reflects an increase in working capital of the ASBU business. Cash used by discontinued investing activities reflects capital spending for information technology systems.
Cash paid for property and equipment for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 was $107.8 million, compared to $115.4 million in the comparable prior year period. Our capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $190 million in 2007, principally to expand capacity in our Semiconductors segment businesses (including the acquired PCS business). Capital spending in 2007 for the PCS business is expected to be approximately $25 million, which includes spending to expand capacity and to integrate information technology systems.
Cash paid for acquisitions for the nine fiscal months ended September 29, 2007 was $331.8 million, representing the acquisitions of the PCS business and PM Group, net of cash acquired. Proceeds from sale of businesses of $18.7 million include approximately $16.1 million from the sale of PM Group’s electrical contracting business. Cash paid for acquisitions for the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2006 of $15.0 million reflect the acquisition of Phoenix do Brasil.
Our debt levels are essentially the same at September 29, 2007 as they were at December 31, 2006.
Pursuant to the terms of the convertible subordinated notes due 2023, the holders of these notes have the right to require us to repurchase these notes on August 1, 2008 (and other specified future dates) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes ($500 million). If these notes are put to us in August 2008, we intend to utilize our revolving credit facility or a replacement debt instrument to fund the purchase.
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Pursuant to the indenture governing the notes, we have the right to pay purchase price for the notes in cash, Vishay common stock, or a combination of both. In June 2007, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution pursuant to which we intend to waive our rights to settle the principal amount of the notes in shares of Vishay common stock. In accordance with the resolution of our Board, if notes are tendered for repurchase, we will pay the repurchase price in cash. (If notes are submitted for conversion, Vishay will value the shares issuable upon conversion and will pay in cash an amount equal to the principal amount of the converted notes and will issue shares in respect of the conversion value in excess of the principal amount.)
Our Board adopted this resolution because our liquidity has changed since entering into the indenture governing the notes in 2003. We have generated at least $200 million in cash flows from operations each year since 2003. We also have adequate borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility described below, if necessary, to make all principal payments on the notes in cash.
We maintain a secured revolving credit facility, which was amended and restated on April 20, 2007. This new revolving credit facility replaced our previous revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to expire on May 1, 2007.
The new revolving credit facility provides a commitment of up to $250 million through April 20, 2012. Furthermore, we are permitted to request an increase of the revolving credit facility by an additional $250 million, resulting in an aggregate commitment up to $500 million, provided that no default or event of default exists.
Interest on the new revolving credit facility is payable at prime or other variable interest rate options. We are required to pay facility commitment fees, which are less than the commitment fees that were required under the expired revolving credit facility.
Similar to the expired revolving credit facility, the new revolving credit facility also restricts us from paying cash dividends and requires us to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants at September 29, 2007.
Borrowings under the new revolving credit facility are secured by pledges of stock in certain significant subsidiaries and certain guarantees by significant subsidiaries. The subsidiaries would be required to perform under the guarantees in the event that Vishay failed to make principal or interest payments under the new revolving credit facility. Certain of our subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the new revolving credit facility. Any borrowings by these subsidiaries under the new revolving credit facility are guaranteed by Vishay.
The timing and location of scheduled payments has required us to draw on our revolving credit facilities from time to time over the past year. While the timing and location of scheduled payments for certain liabilities may require us to draw on our revolving credit facilities from time to time, for the next twelve months, management expects that cash on-hand and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our normal operating requirements, to meet our obligations under restructuring and acquisition integration programs, and to fund our research and development and capital expenditure plans. Additional acquisition activity or the repurchase of the convertible subordinated notes in August 2008 may require additional borrowing under our revolving credit facilities or may otherwise require us to incur additional debt.
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Safe Harbor Statement
From time to time, information provided by us, including but not limited to statements in this report, or other statements made by or on our behalf, may contain “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated.
Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include: general business and economic conditions, particularly in the markets that we serve; difficulties in integrating acquired companies, including International Rectifier’s PCS business and the PM Group onboard vehicle weighing business, the inability to realize anticipated synergies and expansion possibilities, and other unanticipated conditions adversely affecting the operation of these companies; difficulties in new product development;changes in competition and technology in the markets that we serve and the mix of our products required to address these changes; an inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, particularly in respect of our acquired businesses;difficulties in implementing our cost reduction strategies such as labor unrest or legal challenges to our layoff or termination plans, underutilization of production facilities in lower-labor-cost countries, operation of redundant facilities due to difficulties in transferring production to lower-labor-cost countries;and other factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services, and prices that are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Also, we can provide no assurance as to the timing of the disposition of the ASBU or whether we can dispose of ASBU on terms we consider attractive or at all.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk Disclosure
Our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an on-going basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates on our floating rate revolving credit facility. No amounts were outstanding under this facility at September 29, 2007 or at December 31, 2006. On a selective basis, we from time to time enter into interest rate swap or cap agreements to reduce the potential negative impact that increases in interest rates could have on our outstanding variable rate debt. As of September 29, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we did not have any outstanding interest rate swap or cap agreements.
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Commodity Price Risk
Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials. For example, the prices for tantalum and palladium, two raw materials that we use in our capacitors, are subject to fluctuation. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, because we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could have a material adverse effect on our net earnings. We recorded substantial write-downs of tantalum and palladium in the economic downturn from 2001 to 2003, and recorded more modest write-downs in 2004 and 2006.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks. Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Germany, Israel, and Asia. In most locations, we have introduced a “netting” policy where subsidiaries pay all intercompany balances within thirty days. As of September 29, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
In the normal course of business, our financial position is routinely subjected to a variety of risks, including market risks associated with interest rate movements, currency rate movements on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities, and collectibility of accounts receivable.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision, and with the participation of, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as described below, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
On April 1, 2007, Vishay acquired the Power Control Systems (“PCS”) business of International Rectifier Corporation. The acquisition of the PCS business added new information technology systems, processes, and personnel to our internal control environment.
On April 9, 2007, International Rectifier Corporation announced an internal investigation of accounting irregularities at a foreign subsidiary, indicating that material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting existed. While Vishay did not acquire this subsidiary, Vishay management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this on-going investigation on the internal control over financial reporting of the acquired PCS business.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
Not applicable.
Item 1A.Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2007.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
Item 5.Other Information
Not applicable.
Item 6.Exhibits
31.1 | Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Dr. Gerald Paul, Chief Executive Officer. |
|
31.2 | Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Richard N. Grubb, Chief Financial Officer. |
|
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Dr. Gerald Paul, Chief Executive Officer. |
|
32.2 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Richard N. Grubb, Chief Financial Officer. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. | |
| |
| |
| /s/ Richard N. Grubb | |
| Richard N. Grubb, Executive Vice President | |
| and Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |
| |
Date: November 6, 2007 | | |
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