UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

 

Commission file number: 001-13337

 

STONERIDGE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio   34-1598949
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)

 

9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio        44484    
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, without par value   New York Stock Exchange

 

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

¨ Yes x No

 

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.

x Yes o No

 

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

x Yes o No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

o

 

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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

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

o Yes x No

 

As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $299.5 million. The closing price of the Common Shares on June 30, 2013 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $11.64 per share. As of June 30, 2013, the number of Common Shares outstanding was 28,487,015.

 

The number of Common Shares outstanding as of February 28, 2014 was 28,329,697.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 6, 2014, into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

 

 
 

  

INDEX

 

    Page
PART I
Item 1.           Business 1
Item 1A.           Risk Factors 7
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 14
Item 2. Properties 15
Item 3.           Legal Proceedings 16
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure 16
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 16
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 18
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 20
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 36
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 37
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 72
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 72
Item 9B. Other Information 74
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 74
Item 11. Executive Compensation 74
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 74
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 75
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 75
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 75
     
Signatures   76

 

 
 

  

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

 

Overview

 

Founded in 1965, Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”) is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the commercial vehicle, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets. Our products and systems are critical elements in the management of mechanical and electrical systems to improve overall vehicle performance, convenience and monitoring in areas such as emissions control, fuel efficiency, safety, security and infotainment. Our extensive footprint encompasses more than 25 locations in 15 countries and enables us to supply global and regional commercial vehicle, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle manufacturers around the world.

 

Our custom-engineered products and systems are used to activate equipment and accessories, monitor and display vehicle performance and control, distribute electrical power and signals and provide vehicle security and convenience. Our product offerings consist of (i) vehicle instrumentation systems, (ii) vehicle management electronics, (iii) sensors, (iv) security alarms and vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services, (v) convenience accessories, (vi) power and signal distribution products and systems and (vii) application-specific switches and actuators. We supply the majority of our products, predominantly on a sole-source basis, to many of the world’s leading commercial vehicle and automotive original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), and select non-vehicle OEMs, as well as certain commercial vehicle and automotive tier one suppliers. These OEMs are increasingly utilizing electronic technology to comply with more stringent regulations (particularly emissions and safety) and to meet end-user demand for improved vehicle performance and greater convenience. As a result, per-vehicle electronic content has been increasing. Our technology and our partnership-oriented approach to product design and development enables us to develop next-generation products and to excel in the transition from mechanical-based components and systems to electrical and electronic components, modules and systems.

 

Segments and Products

 

We conduct our business in four reportable segments which are the same as our operating segments: Control Devices, Electronics, Wiring and PST.

 

Control Devices. Our Control Devices segment designs and manufactures products that monitor, measure or activate specific functions within a vehicle. This segment includes product lines such as sensors, switches, valves, and actuators, as well as other electronic products. Sensor products are employed in major vehicle systems such as the emissions, safety, powertrain, braking, climate control, steering and suspension systems. Switches transmit signals that activate specific functions. Our switch technology is principally used in two capacities, user-activated and hidden. User-activated switches are used by a vehicle’s operator or passengers to manually activate headlights, rear defrosters and other accessories. Hidden switches are not typically visible to vehicle operators or passengers and are engaged to activate or deactivate selected functions as part of normal vehicle operations, such as brake lights. In addition, our Control Devices segment designs and manufactures electromechanical actuator products that enable OEMs to deploy power functions in a vehicle and can be designed to integrate switching and control functions. We sell these products principally to the automotive market as well as the commercial vehicle and agricultural markets.

 

Electronics. Our Electronics segment designs and manufactures electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and driver information systems. These products collect, store and display vehicle information such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled and driver messages related to vehicle performance. In addition, power distribution modules and systems regulate, coordinate and direct the operation of the electrical system within a vehicle. These products use state-of-the-art hardware, software and multiplexing technology and are sold principally to the commercial vehicle market.

 

Wiring. Our Wiring segment designs and manufactures electrical power and signal distribution products and systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors. These products are sold principally to the commercial, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. We also assemble entire instrument panels for the commercial vehicle market that are configured specifically to the OEM customer’s specifications.

 

1
 

  

PST. Our PST segment, which primarily serves the South American market, specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices primarily for the automotive and motorcycle industry. This segment includes product lines such as alarms, convenience applications, vehicle monitoring and tracking devices and infotainment systems. These products improve the performance, safety and convenience features of our customers’ vehicles. PST sells its products through the aftermarket distribution channel, to factory authorized dealer installers, also referred to as original equipment services, direct to OEMs and through mass merchandisers.

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales attributable to our reportable segments and product categories for the years ended December 31:

 

Segment  Product Category  2013   2012   2011 
Control Devices  Sensors, switches, valves and actuators        31%   29%   33%
Electronics  Electronic instrumentation and information display products   20%   17%   24%
Wiring  Vehicle electrical power and distribution products and systems   30%   35%   43%
PST  Security alarms, vehicle tracking devices and  monitoring services and convenience accessories   19%   19%   - %

 

Our products and systems are sold to numerous OEM and tier one supplier customers, in addition to aftermarket distributors and mass merchandisers, for use on many different vehicle platforms. We supply multiple parts to many of our principal OEM and tier one customers under requirements contracts for a particular vehicle model. These contracts range in duration from one year to the production life of the model, which commonly extends for three to seven years. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the percentage of net sales derived from our principle end markets:

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
Commercial vehicle   39%   40%   53%
Automotive   24    22    27 
Agricultural and other   18    19    20 
Aftermarket distributors and mass merchandisers   19    19    - 
Total   100%   100%   100%

 

For further information related to our reportable segments and financial information about geographic areas, see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Production Materials

 

The principal production materials used in the manufacturing process for our reportable segments include: copper wire and cables, electrical connectors, molded plastic components and resins, instrumentation and certain electrical components such as printed circuit boards, semiconductors, microprocessors, memory devices, resistors, capacitors, fuses, relays and infotainment devices. We purchase such materials pursuant to both annual contract and spot purchasing methods. Such materials are available from multiple sources, but we generally establish collaborative relationships with a qualified supplier for each of our key production materials in order to lower costs and enhance service and quality. As global demand for our production materials increases, we may have difficulties obtaining adequate production materials from our suppliers to satisfy our customers. Any extended period of time for which we cannot obtain adequate production material or which we experience an increase in the price of production material could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Patents, Trademarks and Intellectual Property

 

We maintain and have pending various U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks and other rights to intellectual property relating to the reportable segments of our business, which we believe are appropriate to protect the Company's interests in existing products, new inventions, manufacturing processes and product developments. We do not believe any single patent is material to our business, nor would the expiration or invalidity of any patent have a material adverse effect on our business or ability to compete. We are not currently engaged in any material infringement litigation, nor are there any material infringement claims pending by or against the Company.

 

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Industry Cyclicality and Seasonality

 

The markets for products in our reportable segments have been cyclical. Because these products are used principally in the production of vehicles for the commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway markets, revenues, and therefore results of operations, are significantly dependent on the general state of the economy and other factors, like the impact of environmental regulations on our customers, which affect these markets. A decline in commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle production of our principal customers could adversely impact the Company. Seasonality has some impact on the operations of our Electronics, Wiring and Control Devices segments. The demand for our PST segment consumer products is typically higher in the second half of the year, the fourth quarter in particular.

 

Customers

 

We are dependent on several customers for a significant percentage of our sales. The loss of any significant portion of our sales to these customers, or the loss of a significant customer, would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We supply numerous different parts to each of our principal customers. Contracts with several of our customers provide for supplying their requirements for a particular model, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. These contracts are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing and generally may be terminated by our customers at any time. Therefore, the loss of a contract for a major model or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or group of related models sold by any of our major customers could have a material adverse impact on the Company. We may also enter into contracts to supply parts, the introduction of which may then be delayed or cancelled. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are therefore subject to the risk that the customer will not select the Company to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we sell products to other customers that are ultimately sold to our principal customers. Due to the competitive nature of the markets we serve, in the ordinary course of business we face pricing pressures from our customers. In response to these pricing pressures we have been able to effectively manage our production costs by the combination of lowering certain costs and limiting the increase of others, the net impact of which has not been material. However, if we are unable to effectively manage production costs in the future to mitigate future pricing pressures, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

The following table presents our principal customers, as a percentage of net sales:

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
Deere & Company   14%   13%   15%
Navistar International Corporation   13    18    24 
Ford Motor Company   7    5    6 
Scania Group   6    4    5 
Daimler   5    4    5 
General Motors Company   4    4    5 
Other   51    52    40 
Total   100%   100%   100%

 

Backlog

 

Our products are produced from readily available materials and have a relatively short manufacturing cycle; therefore our products are not on backlog status. Each of our production facilities maintains its own inventories and production schedules. Production capacity is adequate to handle current requirements and can be expanded to handle increased growth if needed.

 

Competition

 

The markets for our products in our reportable segments are highly competitive. The principal methods of competition are technological innovation, price, quality, performance, service and delivery. We compete for new business both at the beginning of the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models for OEM customers. New model development generally begins two to five years before the marketing of such models to the public. Once a supplier has been selected to provide parts for a new program, an OEM customer will usually continue to purchase those parts from the selected supplier for the life of the program, although not necessarily for any model redesigns. We compete for aftermarket and mass merchandiser sales based on price, product functionality, quality and service.

 

3
 

  

Our diversity in products creates a wide range of competitors, which vary depending on both market and geographic location. We compete based on strong customer relations and a fast and flexible organization that develops technically effective solutions at or below target price. We compete against the following primary competitors:

 

Control Devices. Our primary competitors include Bosch, Continental AG, Delphi Automotive PLC, Denso Corporation, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Methode Electronics, Inc., Preh GmbH, Sensata, TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and Visteon.

 

Electronics. Our primary competitors include Actia Group, Ametek, Inc., Bosch, Commercial Vehicle Group, Continental AG, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., Magneti Marelli S.p.A. and Yazaki Corporation.

 

Wiring. Our primary competitors include Commercial Vehicle Group, Delphi Automotive PLC, Leoni, Nexans SA and PKC Group.

 

PST. Our primary competitors include Autolift, Autotrac, Brose, Car System, Graber, Ituran, M. Magneti Marelli S.p.A., Quantum, Olimpus, Sascar, Segma, Sistec, Techcar and Tragial.

 

Product Development

 

Our research and development efforts for our reportable segments are largely product design and development oriented and consist primarily of applying known technologies to customer requests. We work closely with our customers to creatively solve customer requests using innovative approaches. The majority of our development expenses are related to customer-sponsored programs where we are involved in designing custom-engineered solutions for specific applications or for next generation technology. To further our vehicle platform penetration, we have also developed collaborative relationships with the design and engineering departments of key customers. These collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of new and complimentary products and the enhancement of existing products.

 

Our development work is largely performed on a decentralized basis. We have engineering and product development departments organized by market. To ensure knowledge sharing among decentralized development efforts, we have instituted a number of mechanisms and practices whereby innovation and best practices are shared. The decentralized product development operations are complimented by larger technology groups in Canton, Massachusetts; Lexington, Ohio; Stockholm, Sweden; Pune, India; Manaus, Brazil; and São Paulo, Brazil. In addition, during 2010 we opened a product development center in Shanghai, China, to focus on the developing Chinese market.

 

We use efficient and quality oriented work processes to address our customers’ high standards. Our product development technical resources include a full complement of computer-aided design and engineering (“CAD/CAE”) software systems, including (i) virtual three-dimensional modeling, (ii) functional simulation and analysis capabilities and (iii) data links for rapid prototyping. These CAD/CAE systems enable us to expedite product design and the manufacturing process to shorten the development time and ultimately time to market.

 

We have further strengthened our electrical engineering competencies through investment in equipment such as (i) automotive electro-magnetic compliance test chambers, (ii) programmable automotive and commercial vehicle transient generators, (iii) circuit simulators and (iv) other environmental test equipment. Additional investment in 3-D printing product machining equipment has allowed us to fabricate new product samples in a fraction of the time required historically. Our product development and validation efforts are supported by full service, on-site test labs at most manufacturing facilities, thus enabling cross-functional engineering teams to optimize the product, process and system performance before tooling initiation.

 

We have invested, and will continue to invest in technology to develop new products for our customers. Product development costs incurred in connection with the development of new products and manufacturing methods, to the extent not recoverable from the customer, are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses, as incurred. Such costs amounted to approximately $45.3 million, $44.8 million and $35.3 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, or 4.8%, 4.8% and 4.6% of net sales for these periods.

 

4
 

  

We will continue shifting our investment spending toward the design and development of new products rather than focusing on sustaining existing product programs for specific customers, which allows us to sell our products to multiple customers. The typical product development process takes three to five years to show tangible results. As part of our effort to shift our investment spending, we reviewed our current product portfolio and adjusted our spending to either accelerate or eliminate our investment in these products based on our position in the market and the potential of the market and product.

 

Environmental and Other Regulations

 

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to water and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. We believe that our business, operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 9,300 employees, approximately 3,400 of whom were salaried and the balance of whom were paid on an hourly basis. Although we have no collective bargaining agreements covering U.S. employees, certain employees located in Brazil, Estonia, France, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom either (i) are represented by a union and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement or (ii) are covered by works council or other employment arrangements required by law. We believe that relations with our employees are good.

 

Equity Investments and Joint Ventures

 

We make equity investments and form joint ventures in order to achieve several strategic objectives, including (i) diversifying our business by expanding in high-growth regions, (ii) employing complementary design processes, growth technologies and intellectual capital and (iii) realizing cost savings from combined sourcing. We had a joint venture in Brazil, PST Eletrônica Ltda. (“PST”), which is now a consolidated subsidiary, and have an equity investment in India, Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”), and continue to explore similar business opportunities in other global markets. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, our controlling interest in PST was 74% and our interest in Minda was 49%.

 

We entered into our PST joint venture in October 1997, acquiring a 50% interest. On December 31, 2011, we acquired an additional 24% interest. Prior to the acquisition of the additional interest, PST was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Subsequent to the acquisition of controlling interest, PST became a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. We entered into our Minda joint venture in August 2004, this investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

 

PST specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices. PST sells its products through the aftermarket distribution channel, to factory authorized dealer installers, also referred to as original equipment services, direct to OEMs and through mass merchandisers. PST’s sales are to customers in South America.

 

Minda manufactures electromechanical/electronic instrumentation equipment and sensors primarily for the automotive, motorcycle and commercial vehicle markets. We leverage our investment in Minda by sharing our knowledge and expertise in electrical components and systems and expanding Minda’s product offering through the joint development of our products designed for the market in India.

 

Our equity investments and joint ventures have contributed positively to our financial results in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Equity earnings are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
PST (A)  $-   $-   $8,805 
Minda   476    760    1,229 
Total equity earnings of investees  $476   $760   $10,034 

 

5
 

  

(A)We recognized no equity earnings in PST in 2013 or 2012 as its financial results were consolidated based on our acquisition of controlling interest on December 31, 2011.

 

Executive Officers of the Company

 

Each executive officer of the Company serves the Board of Directors at its pleasure. The Board of Directors appoints corporate officers annually. The executive officers for reporting purposes under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of the Company are as follows:

 

Name   Age   Position
John C. Corey   66   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
George E. Strickler   66   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Richard P. Adante   67   Vice President of Operations
Thomas A. Beaver   60   Vice President of the Company and President of Global Sales
Sergio de Cerqueira Leite   50   Director President of PST Eletrônica Ltda.
Charles A. Di Staulo   56   Vice President of Human Resources
Peter Kruk   45   President of the Electronics Division
Michael D. Sloan   57   Vice President of the Company and President of the Control Devices Division

 

John C. Corey, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Corey has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2006. Mr. Corey has served as a Director on the Board of Directors since January 2004. Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Corey served from October 2000, as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Safety Components International, a supplier of airbags and components, with worldwide operations. Mr. Corey has served as a Director and Chairman of the Board of Haynes International, Inc., a producer of metal alloys, since 2004.

 

George E. Strickler, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Strickler has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since joining the Company in January 2006. Mr. Strickler was appointed Treasurer of the Company in February 2007. Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Strickler served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Republic Engineered Products, Inc. (“Republic”), from February 2004 to January 2006. Before joining Republic, Mr. Strickler was BorgWarner, Inc.’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from February 2001 to November 2003.

 

Richard P. Adante, Vice President of Operations. Mr. Adante has served as Vice President of Operations since May 2011. From November 2009 until his appointment at Stoneridge, Mr. Adante was consulting through his personal consulting firm, RMA Management Consultants. From July 2006 to November 2009, Mr. Adante served as the President of Hawthorn Manufacturing, now known as Crowne Group.

 

Thomas A. Beaver, Vice President of the Company and President of Global Sales. Mr. Beaver has served as Vice President of the Company and President of Global Sales since May 2012. Prior to that, Mr. Beaver served as Vice President of the Company and Vice President of Global Sales and Systems Engineering from January 2005 to May 2012. From January 2000 to January 2005, Mr. Beaver served as Vice President of Stoneridge Sales and Marketing.

 

Sergio de Cerqueira Leite, Director President of PST Eletrônica Ltda. Mr. Leite is a founding partner of PST. He has held the Director President position since 1997. Prior to that, he worked in PST’s sales and marketing department.

 

Charles A. Di Staulo, Vice President of Human Resources. Mr. Di Staulo has served as Vice President of Human Resources since joining the Company in March 2013.  From November 2008 until his employment with the Company, Mr. Di Staulo served as Vice President of Human Resources for the North America Division of Tarkett.  Prior to joining Tarkett, Mr. Di Staulo served as Director of Human Resources for the Decorative Products Division of OMNOVA Solutions from October 2006.

 

Peter Kruk, President of the Electronics Division. Mr. Kruk has served as President of the Electronics Division since August 2012. Mr. Kruk joined the Company in October 2009 as the Managing Director of Stoneridge Electronics – Europe. Prior to that, he served as President of HEXPOL Wheels and Managing Director of Stellana AB from 2007 to 2009. From 1992-2007 Mr. Kruk served in various capacities with ABB.

 

6
 

  

Michael D. Sloan, Vice President of the Company and President of the Control Devices Division. Mr. Sloan has served as President of the Control Devices Division since July 2009 and Vice President of the Company since December 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Sloan served as Vice President and General Manager of Stoneridge Hi-Stat from February 2004 to July 2009.

 

Available Information

 

We make available, free of charge through our website (www.stoneridge.com), our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Whistleblower Policy and Procedures and the charters of the Board of Director’s Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are posted on our website as well. Copies of these documents will be available to any shareholder upon request. Requests should be directed in writing to Investor Relations at Stoneridge, Inc., 9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio 44484.

 

The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Our business is cyclical and seasonal in nature and downturns in the commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets could reduce the sales and profitability of our business.

 

The demand for products in our Control Devices, Electronics and Wiring segments are largely dependent on the domestic and foreign production of commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicles. The markets for our products have been cyclical, because new vehicle demand is dependent on, among other things, consumer spending and is tied closely to the overall strength of the economy. Because the majority of our products are used principally in the production of vehicles for the commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets, our net sales, and therefore our results of operations, are significantly dependent on the general state of the economy and other factors which affect these markets. A decline in commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle production, or a material decline in market share by one of our significant customers, could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Also, the demand for our PST segment products are significantly dependent on the general state of the Brazilian economy.

 

In 2013, approximately 57% of our net sales were derived from commercial, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets, approximately 24% were derived from the automotive market and approximately 19% were derived from mass merchandisers. Seasonality experienced by our served markets also impacts our operations.

 

We may not realize sales represented by awarded business.

 

We base our growth projections, in part, on business awards made by our customers. These business awards generally renew annually during a program life cycle. Failure of actual production orders from our customers to approximate these business awards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

The prices that we can charge some of our customers are predetermined and we bear the risk of costs in excess of our estimates, in addition to the risk of adverse effects resulting from general customer demands for cost reductions and quality improvements.

 

Our supply agreements with some of our customers require us to provide our products at predetermined prices. In some cases, these prices decline over the course of the contract and may require us to meet certain productivity and cost reduction targets. In addition, our customers may require us to share productivity savings in excess of our cost reduction targets. The costs that we incur in fulfilling these contracts may vary substantially from our initial estimates. Unanticipated cost increases or the inability to meet certain cost reduction targets may occur as a result of several factors, including increases in the costs of labor, components or materials. In some cases, we are permitted to pass on to our customers the cost increases associated with specific materials. Cost overruns that we cannot pass on to our customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

7
 

  

OEM customers have exerted considerable pressure on component suppliers to reduce costs, improve quality and provide additional design and engineering capabilities and continue to demand and receive price reductions and measurable increases in quality through their use of competitive selection processes, rating programs and various other arrangements. We may be unable to generate sufficient production cost savings in the future to offset required price reductions. Additionally, OEMs have generally required component suppliers to provide more design engineering input at earlier stages of the product development process, the costs of which have, in some cases, been absorbed by the suppliers. Future price reductions, increased quality standards and additional engineering capabilities required by OEMs may reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Our business is very competitive and increased competition could reduce our sales and profitability.

 

The markets for our products are highly competitive. We compete based on quality, service, price, performance, timely delivery and technological innovation. Many of our competitors are more diversified and have greater financial and other resources than we do. In addition, with respect to certain products, some of our competitors are divisions of our OEM customers. We cannot assure that our business will not be adversely affected by competition or that we will be able to maintain our profitability if the competitive environment changes.

 

The loss or insolvency of any of our major customers would adversely affect our future results.

 

We are dependent on several principal customers for a significant percentage of our net sales. In 2013, our top three customers were Deere & Company, Navistar International Corporation and Ford Motor Company, which comprised 14%, 13% and 7% of our net sales, respectively. In 2013, our top ten customers accounted for 58% of our net sales. The loss of any significant portion of our sales to these customers or any other customers would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The contracts we have entered into with many of our customers provide for supplying the customers’ requirements for a particular model, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. These contracts are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing and generally may be terminated by our customers at any time. Therefore, the loss of a contract for a major model or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or any group of related models sold by any of our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition by reducing cash flows and our ability to spread costs over a larger revenue base. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are subject to the risk that the customer will not select us to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, we have significant receivable balances related to these customers and other major customers that would be at risk in the event of their bankruptcy.

 

Consolidation among vehicle parts customers and suppliers could make it more difficult for us to compete successfully.

 

The vehicle part supply industry has undergone a significant consolidation as OEM customers have sought to lower costs, improve quality and increasingly purchase complete systems and modules rather than separate components. As a result of the cost focus of these major customers, we have been, and expect to continue to be, required to reduce prices. Because of these competitive pressures, we cannot assure you that we will be able to increase or maintain gross margins on product sales to our customers. The trend toward consolidation among vehicle parts suppliers is resulting in fewer, larger suppliers who benefit from purchasing and distribution economies of scale. If we cannot achieve cost savings and operational improvements sufficient to allow us to compete successfully in the future with these larger, consolidated companies, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

We rely on independent dealers and distributors to sell certain products in the aftermarket sales channel and a disruption to this channel would harm our business.

 

Because we sell certain products such as security accessories and driver information products to independent dealers and distributors, we are subject to many risks, including risks related to their inventory levels and support for our products. If dealers and distributors do not maintain sufficient inventory levels to meet customer demand, our sales could be negatively impacted.

 

8
 

 

Our dealer network also sells products offered by our competitors. If our competitors offer our dealers more favorable terms, those dealers may de-emphasize or decline to carry our products. In the future, we may not be able to retain or attract a sufficient number of qualified dealers and distributors. If we are unable to maintain successful relationships with dealers and distributors, or to expand our distribution channels, our business will suffer.

 

We are dependent on the availability and price of raw materials and other supplies.

 

We require substantial amounts of raw materials and other supplies, and substantially all such materials we require are purchased from outside sources. The availability and prices of raw materials and other supplies may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers and interruptions in production by suppliers, weather emergencies, commercial disputes, acts of terrorism or war, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. As demand for raw materials and other supplies increases as a result of a recovering economy, we may have difficulties obtaining adequate raw materials and other supplies from our suppliers to satisfy our customers. At times, we have experienced difficulty obtaining adequate supplies of semiconductors and memory chips for our Control Devices, Electronics and PST segments. In addition, there have been challenges at times in obtaining timely supply of nylon and resins for our Control Devices segment and audio component parts for our PST segment. If we cannot obtain adequate raw materials and other supplies, or if we experience an increase in the price of raw materials and other supplies, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

We use a variety of commodities, including copper, zinc, resins and certain other commodities. Increasing commodity costs could have a negative impact on our results. We have sought to alleviate the effect of increasing costs by including a material pass-through provision in our customer contracts whenever possible, and at times by selectively hedging a portion of our copper exposure. The inability to pass-through increasing commodity costs may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We must implement and sustain a competitive technological advantage in producing our products to compete effectively.

 

Our products are subject to changing technology, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to alternative products introduced by competitors. Our success will depend on our ability to continue to meet customers’ changing specifications with respect to quality, service, price, timely delivery and technological innovation by implementing and sustaining competitive technological advances. Our business may, therefore, require significant recurring additional capital expenditures and investment in product development and manufacturing and management information systems. We cannot assure that we will be able to achieve the technological advances or introduce new products that may be necessary to remain competitive. Our inability to continuously improve existing products, to develop new products and to achieve technological advances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

PST’s Global Positioning Systems (“GPS”) products depend upon satellites maintained by the United States Department of Defense. If a significant number of these satellites become inoperable, unavailable or are not replaced, or if the policies of the United States government for the use of the GPS without charge are changed, our business will suffer.

 

The GPS is a satellite-based navigation and positioning system consisting of a constellation of orbiting satellites. The satellites and their ground control and monitoring stations are maintained and operated by the United States Department of Defense. The Department of Defense does not currently charge users for access to the satellite signals. These satellites and their ground support systems are complex electronic systems subject to electronic and mechanical failures and possible sabotage. The satellites were originally designed to have lives of seven and a half years and are subject to damage by the hostile space environment in which they operate. However, of the current deployment of satellites in place, the average age is six years.

 

If a significant number of satellites were to become inoperable, unavailable or are not replaced, it would impair the current utility of our GPS products and the growth of market opportunities. In addition, there can be no assurance that the U.S. government will remain committed to the operation and maintenance of GPS satellites over a long period, or that the policies of the U.S. government that provide for the use of the GPS without charge and without accuracy degradation will remain unchanged. Because of the increasing commercial applications of the GPS, other U.S. government agencies may become involved in the administration or the regulation of the use of GPS signals. Any of the foregoing factors could affect the willingness of buyers of our products to select GPS-based products instead of products based on competing technologies, which could adversely affect our operational revenues and our financial condition.

 

9
 

  

We may incur material product liability costs.

 

We may be subject to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products results in personal injury or death and we cannot assure that we will not experience material product liability losses in the future. We cannot assure that our product liability insurance will be adequate for liabilities ultimately incurred or that it will continue to be available on terms acceptable to us. In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recalls involving such products. A successful claim brought against us that exceeds available insurance coverage or a requirement to participate in any product recall could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Increased or unexpected product warranty claims could adversely affect us.

 

We typically provide our customers a warranty covering workmanship, and in some cases materials, on products we manufacture. Our warranty generally provides that products will be free from defects and adhere to customer specifications. If a product fails to comply with the warranty, we may be obligated or compelled, at our expense, to correct any defect by repairing or replacing the defective product. We maintain warranty reserves in an amount based on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with our current understanding of the status of existing claims. To estimate the warranty reserves, we must forecast the resolution of existing claims, as well as expected future claims on products previously sold. The amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what we may ultimately be required to pay. An increase in the rate of warranty claims or the occurrence of unexpected warranty claims could have a material adverse effect on our customer relations and our financial condition or results of operations.

 

If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights or maintain our rights to use licensed intellectual property or are found liable for infringing the rights of others, our business could be adversely affected.

 

Our intellectual property, including our patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and license agreements, are important in the operation of our businesses, and we rely on the patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws of the United States and other countries, as well as nondisclosure agreements, to protect our intellectual property rights. We may not, however, be able to prevent third parties from infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating our intellectual property, breaching any nondisclosure agreements with us, or independently developing technology that is similar or superior to ours and not covered by our intellectual property. Any of the foregoing could reduce any competitive advantage we have developed, cause us to lose sales or otherwise harm our business. We cannot assure that any intellectual property will provide us with any competitive advantage or will not be challenged, rejected, cancelled, invalidated or declared unenforceable. In the case of pending patent applications, we may not be successful in securing issued patents, or securing patents that provide us with a competitive advantage for our businesses. In addition, our competitors may design products around our patents that avoid infringement and violation of our intellectual property rights.

 

We cannot be certain that we have rights to use all intellectual property used in the conduct of our businesses or that we have complied with the terms of agreements by which we acquire such rights, which could expose us to infringement, misappropriation or other claims alleging violations of third party intellectual property rights. Third parties have asserted and may assert or prosecute infringement claims against us in connection with the services and products that we offer, and we may or may not be able to successfully defend these claims. Litigation, either to enforce our intellectual property rights or to defend against claims regarding intellectual property rights of others, could result in substantial costs and in a diversion of our resources. Any such claims and resulting litigation could require us to enter into licensing agreements (if available on acceptable terms or at all), pay damages and cease making or selling certain products and could result in a loss of our intellectual property protection. Moreover, we may need to redesign some of our products to avoid future infringement liability. We also may be required to indemnify customers or other third parties at significant expense in connection with such claims and actions. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Disruptions in the financial markets could adversely impact the availability and cost of credit which could negatively affect our business.

 

Our asset-based credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) has a maximum borrowing level of $100.0 million and is scheduled to expire on December 1, 2016. The available borrowing capacity on this Credit Facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined. As of December 31, 2013, we had undrawn borrowing capacity of $71.1 million, based on eligible current assets. We will need to refinance the Credit Facility prior to its expiration. Disruptions in the financial markets, including the bankruptcy, insolvency or restructuring of certain financial institutions, and the general lack of liquidity may adversely impact the availability and cost of credit. We may be required to refinance the Credit Facility at terms and rates that are less favorable than our current terms and rates, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

10
 

  

Our debt obligations could limit our flexibility in managing our business and expose us to risks.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the outstanding principal amount of our senior secured notes was $175.0 million. In addition, we are permitted under our Credit Facility and the indenture governing our senior secured notes to incur additional debt, subject to specified limitations. Our high degree of leverage and the terms of our indebtedness may have important consequences including the following:

  

we may have difficulty satisfying our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and if we fail to comply with these requirements, an event of default could result;

 

we may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to required payments on indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities;

 

covenants relating to our debt may limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate activities;

 

covenants relating to our debt may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

we may be more vulnerable than our competitors to the impact of economic downturns and adverse developments in our business; and

 

we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage against any less leveraged competitors.

 

These and other consequences of our substantial leverage and the terms of our indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Covenants in our Credit Facility and our indenture governing the senior secured notes may limit our ability to pursue our business strategies.

 

Our Credit Facility and the indenture governing our senior secured notes limit our ability to, among other things:

 

incur additional debt and guarantees;

 

pay dividends and repurchase our shares;

 

make other restricted payments, including investments;

 

create liens;

 

sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital shares of subsidiaries;

 

enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries;

 

enter into transactions with our affiliates;

 

consolidate, merge or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and

 

substantially change the nature of our business.

 

The agreement governing our Credit Facility also requires us to maintain a ratio of (i) consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Facility, less specified items to (ii) consolidated fixed charges, as defined in the Credit Facility, of at least 1.10 to 1.00 whenever undrawn availability under the Credit Facility is less than $20.0 million. Our ability to comply with this fixed charge coverage ratio requirement, as well as the restrictive covenants under the terms of our indebtedness, may be affected by events beyond our control.

 

The restrictions contained in the indenture governing our senior secured notes and the agreement governing our Credit Facility could:

 

limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or otherwise restrict our activities or business plans; and

  

11
 

  

adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.

 

A breach of any of the restrictive covenants under our indebtedness or our inability to comply with the fixed charge coverage ratio requirement in the Credit Facility could result in a default under the agreement governing the Credit Facility and the indenture governing the senior secured notes. If a default occurs, holders of the senior secured notes could declare all principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the Credit Facility could elect to declare all outstanding borrowings, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and terminate any commitments they have to provide further borrowings, and holders of the senior secured notes and the Credit Facility lenders could pursue foreclosure and other remedies against us and our assets. The covenants included in our Credit Facility to date have not and are not expected to have an impact on our financing flexibility.

 

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to meet our debt service obligations.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our obligations with respect to our indebtedness will depend on our financial and operating performance, which in turn will be affected by general economic conditions and by financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future sources of capital will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds that may be realized from those sales, or that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all. The Credit Facility and the indenture governing our senior secured notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from the disposition. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and, as a result, holders of the senior secured notes could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under our Credit Facility could terminate their commitments to lend us money, holders of the senior secured notes and the lenders under the Credit Facility could foreclose on or exercise other remedies against the assets securing the senior secured notes and borrowings under our Credit Facility and we could be forced into bankruptcy, liquidation or other insolvency proceedings, which, in each case, could result in a loss in the investment of our Common Shares.

 

Our physical properties and information systems are subject to damage as a result of disasters, outages or similar events.

 

Our offices and facilities, including those used for design and development, material procurement, manufacturing, logistics and sales are located throughout the world and are subject to possible destruction, temporary stoppage or disruption as a result of any number of unexpected events. If any of these facilities or offices was to experience a significant loss as a result of any of the above events, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue, and result in large costs to repair or replace these facilities or offices.

 

In addition, network and information system shutdowns caused by unforeseen events such as power outages, disasters, hardware or software defects, computer viruses and computer security violations pose increasing risks. Such an event could also result in the disruption of our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue, and result in large expenditures necessary to repair or replace such network and information systems.

 

We may experience increased costs and other disruptions to our business associated with labor relations.

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 9,300 employees, approximately 3,400 of whom were salaried, and the balance of whom were paid on an hourly basis. Although we have no collective bargaining agreements covering U.S. employees, certain employees located in Brazil, Estonia, France, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom either (i) are represented by a union and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement or (ii) are covered by works council or other employment arrangements required by law. We cannot assure you that other employees will not be represented by a labor organization in the future or that any of our facilities will not experience a work stoppage or other labor disruption. Any work stoppage or other labor disruption involving our employees, employees of our customers (many of which customers have employees who are represented by unions), or employees of our suppliers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations by disrupting our ability to manufacture our products or reducing the demand for our products.

 

12
 

  

Compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations could be costly and require us to make significant expenditures.

 

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things:

 

the discharge of pollutants into the air and water;

 

the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste and other materials;

 

the cleanup of contaminated properties; and

 

the health and safety of our employees.

 

Our business, operations and facilities are subject to environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines for violations. The operation of our manufacturing facilities entails risks and we cannot assure you that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these operations. In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental, health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future. Changes in environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and requirements or other governmental regulations could increase our cost of doing business or adversely affect the demand for our products.

 

We also may be required to investigate or clean up contamination resulting from past or current uses of our properties. At our former Sarasota, Florida, facility, for example, groundwater and soil contamination caused by operations before we acquired the facility will require future cleanup. The costs of such remediation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Although no other environmental matters have been identified, other matters involving environmental contamination may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We are subject to risks related to our international operations.

 

Approximately 37.2% of our net sales in 2013 were derived from sales outside of North America. At December 31, 2013, significant concentrations of net assets outside of North America included $160.6 million assigned to South America and $66.3 million assigned to Europe and Other. Non-current assets outside of North America accounted for approximately 68.1% of our non-current assets as of December 31, 2013. International sales and operations are subject to significant risks, including, among others:

 

political and economic instability;

 

restrictive trade policies;

 

economic conditions in local markets;

 

currency exchange controls;

 

labor unrest;

  

difficulty in obtaining distribution support and potentially adverse tax consequences; and

 

the imposition of product tariffs and the burden of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export laws.

 

We have foreign currency translation and transaction risks that may materially adversely affect our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

 

The financial position and results of operations of many of our international subsidiaries are initially recorded in various foreign currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rate for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies ordinarily has a negative effect on our reported sales and operating margin (and conversely, the weakening of the U.S. dollar against these foreign currencies has a positive impact). The volatility of currency exchange rates may materially adversely affect our operating results.

 

13
 

  

Our annual effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in the mix of earnings and other factors.

 

Our overall effective tax rate is equal to our total tax expense as a percentage of our total earnings before tax. However, tax expense and benefits are not recognized on a global basis, but rather on a jurisdictional or legal entity basis. Losses in certain jurisdictions may not provide a current financial statement tax benefit. As a result, changes in the mix of earnings between jurisdictions, among other factors, could have a significant effect on our overall effective tax rate.

 

We may not be able to successfully integrate acquisitions into our business or may otherwise be unable to benefit from pursuing acquisitions.

 

Failure to successfully identify, complete and/or integrate acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on us. A portion of our growth in sales and earnings has been generated from acquisitions and subsequent improvements in the performance of the businesses acquired. We expect to continue a strategy of selectively identifying and acquiring businesses with complementary products. We cannot assure you that any business acquired by us will be successfully integrated with our operations or prove to be profitable. We could incur substantial indebtedness in connection with our acquisition strategy, which could significantly increase our interest expense. Covenant restrictions relating to such indebtedness could restrict our ability to pay dividends, fund capital expenditures and consummate additional acquisitions. We anticipate that acquisitions could occur in geographic markets, including foreign markets, in which we do not currently operate. As a result, the process of integrating acquired operations into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant financial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of existing operations. Any failure to successfully integrate such acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

14
 

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

The Company and its joint venture currently own or lease 20 manufacturing facilities that are in use, which together contain approximately 1.8 million square feet of manufacturing space. Of these manufacturing facilities, three are used by our Electronics reportable segment, seven are used by our Wiring reportable segment, seven are used by our Control Devices reportable segment, two are used by our PST reportable segment and one is used by our equity investment, Minda. The following table provides information regarding our facilities:

 

    Owned/       Square
Location   Leased   Use   Footage
Control Devices            
Lexington, Ohio   Owned   Manufacturing/Division Office   219,612
Juarez, Mexico (A)   Owned   Manufacturing   183,854
Canton, Massachusetts   Owned   Manufacturing   132,560
Suzhou, China (A)   Leased   Manufacturing/Warehouse   66,820
Lexington, Ohio   Leased   Warehouse   15,000
Suzhou, China   Leased   Manufacturing   17,216
Shanghai, China   Leased   Engineering Office/Sales Office   6,345
Suzhou, China   Leased   Manufacturing   5,032
Lexington, Ohio   Leased   Manufacturing   2,700
             
Electronics            
Tallinn, Estonia (B)   Leased   Manufacturing   85,911
Orebro, Sweden   Leased   Manufacturing   77,472
Stockholm, Sweden   Leased   Engineering Office/Division Office   43,847
Dundee, Scotland   Leased   Manufacturing/Sales Office/Engineering Office   32,753
Bayonne, France   Leased   Sales Office/Warehouse   9,655
Stockholm, Sweden   Owned   Sales Office/Warehouse   2,013
Madrid, Spain   Leased   Sales Office/Warehouse   1,560
Rome, Italy   Leased   Sales Office   1,216
             
Wiring            
Portland, Indiana   Owned   Manufacturing   182,000
Saltillo, Mexico   Leased   Manufacturing   144,929
Chihuahua, Mexico   Owned   Manufacturing   135,569
Monclova, Mexico   Leased   Manufacturing   114,140
Chihuahua, Mexico   Leased   Manufacturing   61,619
El Paso, Texas   Leased   Warehouse   50,000
Chihuahua, Mexico   Leased   Manufacturing   49,805
Portland, Indiana   Leased   Warehouse   25,000
Warren, Ohio   Leased   Engineering Office/Division Office   24,570
Chihuahua, Mexico   Leased   Engineering Office/Manufacturing   10,000
Eagle Pass, Texas   Leased   Warehouse   6,400
             
PST            
Manaus, Brazil   Owned   Manufacturing   102,247
São Paulo, Brazil   Owned   Manufacturing/Engineering Office/Division Office   45,467
Buenos Aires, Argentina   Leased   Sales Office   3,551
             
Corporate            
Novi, Michigan   Leased   Sales Office/Engineering Office   9,400
Warren, Ohio   Owned   Headquarters   7,500
Stuttgart, Germany   Leased   Sales Office/Engineering Office   1,000
Seoul, South Korea   Leased   Sales Office   330
             
Joint Venture            
Pune, India   Owned   Manufacturing/Engineering Office/Sales Office   80,000

 

15
 

  

(A) This facility is also used in the Electronics and Wiring reportable segments.

(B) This facility is also used in the Control Devices reportable segment.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. However, we do not believe that any of the litigation in which we are currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations. We are subject to a tax assessment in Brazil related to value added taxes on vehicle tracking and monitoring services for which the likelihood of loss is not probable although it may take years to resolve. See additional details in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements. We are also subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products causes personal injury or death to users of our products and there can be no assurance that we will not experience any material product liability losses in the future. We maintain insurance against such product liability claims. In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in a government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recall involving such products.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.

 

Not Applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “SRI.” As of February 28, 2014, we had 28,329,697 Common Shares, without par value, outstanding which were owned by approximately 300 registered holders, including Common Shares held in the names of brokers and banks (so-called “street name” holdings) who are record holders with approximately 2,500 beneficial owners.

 

The Company has not historically paid or declared dividends, which are restricted under both our senior secured notes and our asset-based credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), on our Common Shares. We may only pay cash dividends in the future if immediately prior to and immediately after the payment is made, no event of default shall have occurred and outstanding indebtedness under our Credit Facility is not greater than or equal to $20.0 million before and after the payment of the dividend. We currently intend to retain our earnings for acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes and reduction in outstanding indebtedness. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

16
 

  

High and low sales prices for our Common Shares for each quarter ended during 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

   Quarter Ended  High   Low 
2013  March 31  $8.05   $5.25 
   June 30  $12.27   $6.59 
   September 30  $13.63   $10.75 
   December 31  $13.51   $10.83 
2012  March 31  $10.89   $8.26 
   June 30  $10.15   $6.21 
   September 30  $7.03   $4.45 
   December 31  $5.36   $4.51 

 

There were no repurchases of Common Shares made by us during the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012, other than the repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholdings.

  

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total return of a hypothetical investment in our Common Shares with the cumulative total return of hypothetical investments in the Morningstar Auto Parts Industry Group Index and the NYSE Composite Index based on the respective market price of each investment as of December 31, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 assuming in each case an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2008, and reinvestment of dividends.

  

 

   2008   2009   2010   2011   2012   2013 
Stoneridge, Inc.  $100   $198   $346   $185   $112   $280 
Morningstar Auto Parts Index (A)  $100   $165   $249   $213   $253   $392 
NYSE Composite Index  $100   $129   $147   $141   $164   $208 

 

(A)The Morningstar Auto Parts Group Index was formerly known as the Hemscott Group – Industry Group 333 Index.

 

For information on “Related Stockholder Matters” required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, refer to Item 12 of this report.

 

17
 

  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto and other financial information included elsewhere herein. The selected historical data was derived from our consolidated financial statements.

  

Years ended December 31  2013 (A)   2012 (A)   2011 (A)   2010 (B)   2009 
   (in thousands, except per share data) 
Statement of Operations Data:                         
Net sales:                         
Control Devices  $294,020   $271,765   $262,935   $240,894   $176,815 
Electronics   230,946    216,053    238,537    179,895    139,182 
Wiring   295,937    329,831    328,374    260,965    195,452 
PST   178,532    180,410    -    -    - 
Eliminations   (51,605)   (59,546)   (64,473)   (46,528)   (36,297)
Total net sales  $947,830   $938,513   $765,373   $635,226   $475,152 
                          
Gross profit  $226,021   $224,644   $146,777   $145,556   $87,732 
                          
Operating income (loss)  $39,704   $28,729   $13,526   $23,524   $(18,496)
                          
Equity in earnings of investees  $476   $760   $10,034   $10,346   $7,775 
                          
Income (loss) before income taxes:                         
Control Devices  $26,914   $15,048   $17,145   $15,877   $(6,463)
Electronics   15,596    10,049    14,743    37,807    (15,732)
Wiring   (10,074)   (289)   (17,119)   4,177    1,821 
PST - consolidated (A)   5,395    (4,985)   -    -    - 
PST - equity in earnings of investee (A)   -    -    8,805    9,490    7,385 
Other corporate activities   (1,117)   635    63,461    (35,164)   1,192 
Corporate interest   (15,980)   (15,898)   (15,393)   (20,163)   (21,782)
Total income (loss) before income taxes  $20,734   $4,560   $71,642   $12,024   $(33,579)
                          
Net income (loss)  $16,508   $3,748   $45,537   $11,346   $(32,576)
                          
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,377    (1,613)   (3,820)   (184)   82 
                          
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $15,131   $5,361   $49,357   $11,530   $(32,658)
                          
Basic net income (loss) per share  $0.57   $0.20   $2.04   $0.48   $(1.38)
Diluted net income (loss) per share  $0.56   $0.20   $2.00   $0.47   $(1.38)
                          
Other Data:                         
Product development expenses  $45,261   $44,798   $35,263   $37,563   $32,993 
Capital expenditures  $25,344   $26,352   $26,290   $18,574   $11,998 
Depreciation and amortization (C)  $34,264   $34,459   $19,085   $19,285   $19,939 
                          
Balance Sheet Data (as of December 31):                         
Working capital  $186,514   $157,585   $131,534   $137,193   $145,306 
Total assets  $588,322   $592,691   $695,495   $386,736   $367,008 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  $185,045   $181,311   $183,711   $167,903   $183,431 
Shareholders' equity  $188,534   $193,834   $180,639   $91,219   $76,467 

 

18
 

  

(A)The acquisition of a controlling interest in PST occurred on December 31, 2011. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. PST’s balance sheet is reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company recognized a one-time non-cash pre-tax gain on previously held equity interest of $65,372 related to the PST acquisition in 2011.

 

(B)During the year ended December 31, 2010, Stoneridge Pollak Limited (“SPL”) was placed into administration. As a result, in 2010 a gain was recognized within the Electronics reportable segment of $32,512 and losses within other corporate activities and within the Control Devices reportable segment of $32,039 and $473, respectively.

 

(C)These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on fixed and certain finite-lived intangible assets.

 

19
 

  

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Background

 

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

 

Segments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Wiring. This segment includes results of operations that produce electrical power and signal distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors and that assemble instrument panels.

 

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

 

Overview

 

Stoneridge, Inc. had net income of $15.1 million, or $0.56 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $5.4 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The increase in 2013 earnings compared to 2012 was primarily due to increased sales in our diversified served markets, a favorable change in mix of products sold, decreased selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, lower interest expense and lower foreign currency losses, which were all partially offset by higher income taxes.

 

Net sales increased by $9.3 million primarily attributable to $25.2 million from increased production volumes and sales of new products in the North American automotive vehicle market and $25.3 million from higher sales to our European commercial vehicle customers. These net sales increases were partially offset by $37.5 million decreased sales volume to North American commercial vehicle customers and the negative effect of unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to PST revenues during the year ended December 31, 2013 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we maintained cash and cash equivalents balances of $62.8 million and $44.6 million, respectively. As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, we had no borrowings outstanding on our asset-based credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) at December 31, 2013 or 2012. We had undrawn borrowing capacity of $71.1 million and $74.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Outlook

 

The North American commercial vehicle market weakened in the second half of 2012, and the market continued to show weakness throughout 2013 which we expect will continue in 2014.

 

The improvement in the North American automotive vehicle market and sales of new products had a favorable effect on our Control Devices segment’s results in 2013. North American automotive vehicle production was 16.2 million units for 2013 compared to 15.4 million units in 2012. For 2014, this production volume is forecasted to be in the range of 16.2 million to 16.8 million units.

 

The European commercial vehicle market is expected to continue to improve in 2014. However, if actual production is lower than forecasted, it will negatively affect our Electronics segment.

 

20
 

  

Agricultural vehicle production decreased for the first half of of 2013 when compared to the first half of 2012 which unfavorably affected our Wiring segment. However, production increased in the second half of 2013.

 

For 2013, revenues of our PST segment increased in local Brazilian currency compared to 2012 due to increased market share in its audio products which we expect will continue to benefit from in 2014. However, any weakening of the Brazilian economy will have a negative effect on our results.

 

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

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2012

 

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

 

                   Dollar 
                   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2013   2012   (decrease) 
Net sales  $947,830    100.0%  $938,513    100.0%  $9,317 
Costs and expenses:                         
Cost of goods sold   721,809    76.2    713,869    76.1    7,940 
Selling, general and administrative   186,317    19.6    195,915    20.8    (9,598)
Operating income   39,704    4.2    28,729    3.1    10,975 
Interest expense, net   18,346    1.9    20,033    2.1    (1,687)
Equity in earnings of investees   (476)   -    (760)   (0.1)   284 
Other expense, net   1,100    0.1    4,896    0.6    (3,796)
Income before income taxes   20,734    2.2    4,560    0.5    16,174 
Provision for income taxes   4,226    0.5    812    0.1    3,414 
Net income   16,508    1.7    3,748    0.4    12,760 
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,377    0.1    (1,613)   (0.2)   2,990 
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $15,131    1.6%  $5,361    0.6%  $9,770 

 

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

 

       Dollar   Percent 
                   increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2013   2012   (decrease)   (decrease) 
Control Devices  $291,145    30.8%  $267,859    28.6%  $23,286    8.7%
Electronics   189,809    20.0    164,196    17.5    25,613    15.6%
Wiring   288,344    30.4    326,048    34.7    (37,704)   (11.6)%
PST   178,532    18.8    180,410    19.2    (1,878)   (1.0)%
Total net sales  $947,830    100.0%  $938,513    100.0%  $9,317    1.0%

 

21
 

  

Our Control Devices segment net sales increased due to higher volume and new products primarily in our North American automotive vehicle market of $23.9 million during 2013 when compared to 2012. This increase was partially offset by a volume decrease in commercial vehicle products of $0.3 million.

 

Our Electronics segment net sales increased primarily due to a $25.3 million increase in sales of our European commercial vehicle products resulting from higher volume and new product sales.

 

Our Wiring segment net sales decreased due to volume decreases in our commercial vehicle products of $37.5 million primarily related to a significant customer.

 

Our PST segment net sales decreased slightly from 2012 despite a 9.9% increase in net sales in local currency (Brazilian Real). However, due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $19.7 million, the U.S. dollar denominated net sales decreased by 10.9%.

 

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

  

       Dollar   Percent 
       increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2013   2012   (decrease)   (decrease) 
North America  $594,854    62.8%  $611,756    65.2%  $(16,902)   (2.8)%
South America   178,532    18.8    180,410    19.2    (1,878)   (1.0)%
Europe and Other   174,444    18.4    146,347    15.6    28,097    19.2%
Total net sales  $947,830    100.0%  $938,513    100.0%  $9,317    1.0%

 

The North American geographic location consists of the results of our operations in the United States and Mexico.

 

The decrease in North American net sales was primarily attributable to decreased sales in our North American commercial and agricultural vehicle markets of $37.0 million and $4.4 million, respectively, which were partially offset by higher North American automotive vehicle sales of $25.2 million. Our decrease in net sales in South America was primarily due to an unfavorable foreign currency translation which more than offset the sales volume increase. Our increase in net sales in Europe and Other was primarily due to increased sales of European commercial vehicle market products of $25.3 million and a favorable foreign currency fluctuation.

 

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin.  Cost of goods sold increased by 1.1% due to a 1.0% increase in sales and higher labor costs incurred in response to customer forecasted sales in the second half of 2013 which did not transpire. Costs of goods sold was unfavorably affected during 2012 as a result of a $3.2 million inventory purchase accounting fair value adjustment and $0.7 million in business realignment charges related to PST, neither of which recurred in 2013. As a result, our material cost as a percentage of net sales improved to 51.0% for 2013 compared to 52.5% for 2012. Our gross margin remained consistent at 23.9% for both 2013 and 2012.

 

Our Control Devices segment gross margin increased due to a 8.7% increase in net sales and a favorable change in mix of products sold. In addition, material costs were favorably impacted by lower component costs.

 

Our Electronics segment gross margin increased primarily due to a 15.6% increase in net sales and a favorable change in mix of products sold.

 

Our Wiring segment gross margin declined due to an 11.6% decrease in net sales, higher labor costs incurred in response to customer forecasted sales which did not transpire and other operating inefficiencies including premium freight, which were partially offset by lower raw material costs.

 

Our PST segment gross margin improved despite a 1.0% decrease in net sales due to cost savings realized from a business realignment initiative that occurred in the second quarter of 2012. PST gross margin also improved due to a $3.2 million inventory purchase accounting adjustment and $0.7 million of business realignment charges in 2012, neither of which recurred in 2013, but were offset by higher component costs in 2013 which were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

22
 

  

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses decreased by $9.6 million during 2013 due to decreases in sales, general and administrative costs of $10.1 million offset by higher product development expenses of $0.5 million. Sales, general and administrative costs decreased primarily as a result of lower employee benefit costs, commissions and professional fees. In 2012, the Company incurred professional fees associated with the acquisition of controlling interest in PST and integration thereof. Our PST segment benefited in 2013 from the business realignment activities described below.

 

In response to a change in customer demand, the PST segment incurred business realignment charges of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, of which $0.9 million was recorded in SG&A expenses with the remainder recorded in cost of goods sold. The charges consist primarily of severance costs related to workforce reductions.

 

There were no significant restructuring or business realignment charges related to the Control Devices, Electronics or Wiring reportable segments during the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.

 

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net decreased by $1.7 million during 2013 when compared to 2012 primarily from reduced interest on our PST term notes and revolving credit facilities due to lower average outstanding loan balances.

 

Equity in Earnings of Investees. Equity earnings for Minda decreased by $0.3 million to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 due to lower sales and an unfavorable change in foreign exchange rates.

 

Other Expense, net. Other expense, net was $1.1 million for 2013 compared to $4.9 million for 2012. We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract gains and losses as a component of other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Our results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were unfavorably affected by $1.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, due to the volatility in certain foreign exchange rates, primarily the Brazilian real. Most of the unfavorable foreign currency loss during 2012 was related to the translation of PST’s U.S. dollar-denominated debt, the balance of which has decreased in 2013. Also, our PST segment received $0.6 million of income in 2013 associated with deposits at a financial institution.

 

Income Before Income Taxes. Income (loss) before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):

 

           Dollar   Percent 
           increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2013   2012   (decrease)   (decrease) 
Control Devices  $26,914   $15,048   $11,866    78.9%
Electronics   15,596    10,049    5,547    55.2%
Wiring   (10,074)   (289)   (9,785)   NM 
PST   5,395    (4,985)   10,380    NM 
Other corporate activities   (1,117)   635    (1,752)   NM 
Corporate interest expense   (15,980)   (15,898)   (82)   (0.5)%
Income before income taxes  $20,734   $4,560   $16,174    354.7%

 

NM – not meaningful

 

Our Control Devices segment income before income taxes increased due to higher sales, a favorable change in mix of products sold and lower component costs.

 

Our Electronics segment income before income taxes increased due to higher sales and favorable change in mix of products sold.

 

Our Wiring segment increase in loss before income taxes was primarily due to lower sales combined with higher labor costs incurred in response to customer forecasted sales in the second half of 2013 which did not transpire and other operating inefficiencies including higher premium freight, which were partially offset by lower raw material costs.

 

23
 

 

Our PST segment income (loss) before income taxes increased despite the slight decline in sales in U.S. dollars due to lower operating costs, primarily SG&A expenses associated with the business realignment initiative that occurred in mid-2012 and lower interest expense of $1.2 million. PST income before income taxes was lower in 2012 due to a $3.2 million inventory purchase accounting adjustment and $1.6 million in business realignment charges, neither of which recurred in 2013 but were offset by higher component costs in 2013. In addition, PST was less unfavorably affected by the volatility in foreign exchange rates by $1.9 million in the current year primarily related to its U.S dollar-denominated debt, the impact of which was $1.3 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The decrease in income (loss) before income taxes from other corporate activities is primarily related to higher net corporate costs and lower equity earnings from Minda, partially offset by lower foreign currency losses.

 

Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands): 

 

                   Dollar   Percent 
                   increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2013   2012   (decrease)   (decrease) 
North America  $3,815    18.4%  $6,287    137.9%  $(2,472)   (39.3)%
South America   5,395    26.0    (4,985)   (109.3)   10,380    NM 
Europe and Other   11,524    55.6    3,258    71.4    8,266    253.7%
Income before income taxes  $20,734    100.0%  $4,560    100.0%  $16,174    354.7%

 

The North American geographic location consists of the results of our operations in the United States and Mexico.

 

North American income before income taxes includes interest expense, net of approximately $15.8 million and $15.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Our North American results declined primarily as a result of decreased sales to our North American commercial vehicle market customers and higher labor costs in response to higher labor costs incurred in response to customer forecasted sales which did not transpire. These negative effects on income before income taxes in North America were partially offset by higher sales in our North American automotive vehicle market and lower SG&A expenses during 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase in profitability in South America was primarily due to higher sales in local currency, lower operating costs associated with the business realignment initiative that occurred in mid-2012, lower interest expense and lower cost of sales related to an inventory purchase accounting adjustment and business realignment charges in 2012 and lower foreign currency losses. Our results in Europe and Other were favorably affected by our increased European commercial vehicle market sales during the current period.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $4.2 million, or 20.4% of our income before income taxes, and $0.8 million, or 17.8% of income before income taxes, for U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes for 2013 and 2012, respectively. We continue to assert that it is more-likely-than-not that our U.S. and certain foreign deferred tax assets will not be realized, and we provide a valuation allowance offsetting U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. The increase in tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the same period for 2012 was related to the improved financial performance of our Swedish and Brazilian operations. The results of our U.S. operations do not impact tax expense due to the valuation allowance. However, the income or loss of our U.S. operations does impact the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for 2013 increased primarily due to a decline in the financial performance of our U.S. operations.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2011

 

As of December 31, 2011, we completed the acquisition of an additional 24% controlling interest in PST. As a result, we own 74% of the outstanding equity of PST. In exchange for the controlling interest in PST, we paid the sellers $29.7 million in cash and issued 1.9 million Common Shares of the Company. Because a controlling interest in PST was not acquired until the close of business on December 31, 2011, the results for the year ended December 31, 2011 were accounted for as an unconsolidated joint venture under the equity method of accounting such that our 50% portion of PST’s after-tax earnings were included within equity in earnings of investees in the statements of operations.

 

PST’s results for the year ended December 31, 2012 were consolidated such that 100% of PST’s operations were included in each line from sales through net income in the Company’s statements of operations with the 26% noncontrolling interest deducted in the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest line and used to compute our portion of PST’s net income (loss). Due to the acquisition of controlling interest, the Company fair valued the assets and liabilities of PST as of December 31, 2011. The depreciation and amortization associated with these purchase accounting adjustments related to inventory, property, plant and equipment and finite lived intangibles have been included in the statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

24
 

 

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

 

                   Dollar 
                   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2012   2011   (decrease) 
Net sales  $938,513    100.0%  $765,373    100.0%  $173,140 
Costs and expenses:                         
Cost of goods sold   713,869    76.1    618,596    80.8    95,273 
Selling, general and administrative   195,915    20.8    128,306    16.8    67,609 
Goodwill impairment charge   -    -    4,945    0.6    (4,945)
Operating income   28,729    3.1    13,526    1.8    15,203 
Interest expense, net   20,033    2.1    17,234    2.3    2,799 
Equity in earnings of investees   (760)   (0.1)   (10,034)   (1.3)   9,274 
Gain on previously held equity interest   -    -    (65,372)   (8.5)   65,372 
Other expense, net   4,896    0.6    56    -    4,840 
Income before income taxes   4,560    0.5    71,642    9.3    (67,082)
Provision for income taxes   812    0.1    26,105    3.4    (25,293)
Net income   3,748    0.4    45,537    5.9    (41,789)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest   (1,613)   (0.2)   (3,820)   (0.5)   2,207 
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $5,361    0.6%  $49,357    6.4%  $(43,996)

 

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

 

       Dollar   Percent 
                   increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2012   2011   (decrease)   (decrease) 
Control Devices  $267,859    28.6%  $259,316    33.9%  $8,543    3.3%
Electronics   164,196    17.5    180,508    23.6    (16,312)   (9.0)%
Wiring   326,048    34.7    325,549    42.5    499    0.2%
PST   180,410    19.2    -    -    180,410    NM 
Total net sales  $938,513    100.0%  $765,373    100.0%  $173,140    22.6%

 

NM – Not meaningful

 

Our Control Devices segment sales increased due to higher volume in our served markets by approximately $6.4 million during 2012 when compared to the prior year. In particular, volume increases in the North American automotive vehicle and commercial vehicle markets were approximately $4.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

 

Our Electronics segment sales decreased primarily due to a decrease in our European automotive product sales and an unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $5.5 million related to our European operations during 2012 when compared to 2011.

 

Our Wiring segment sales were consistent with 2011 as volume increases in the North American agricultural vehicle market were offset by volume decreases in our commercial vehicle products primarily related to a significant customer.

 

Our PST segment had revenue of $180.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. PST revenues were negatively impacted by a weakened Brazilian economy and an unfavorable foreign currency translation.

 

25
 

 

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

 

       Dollar   Percent 
       increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2012   2011   (decrease)   (decrease) 
North America  $611,756    65.2%  $601,490    78.6%  $10,266    1.7%
South America   180,410    19.2    -    -    180,410    NM 
Europe and Other   146,347    15.6    163,883    21.4    (17,536)   (10.7)%
Total net sales  $938,513    100.0%  $765,373    100.0%  $173,140    22.6%

 

The North American geographic location consists of the results of our operations in the United States and Mexico.

 

The increase in North American net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily attributable to increased sales volume in our North American agricultural vehicle market of $23.5 million, partially offset by lower commercial vehicle sales volume of $17.4 million primarily related to a significant customer. Our net sales in South America were due to the acquisition of a controlling interest in PST such that its revenues were consolidated during 2012. Our decrease in net sales in Europe and Other was primarily due to decreased sales volume of European automotive vehicle market products and unfavorable foreign currency translation of approximately $5.3 million in comparison to the prior year.

 

Cost of Goods Sold. Cost of goods sold increased by $95.3 million primarily due to the consolidation of PST, which had cost of goods sold of $108.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 which included purchase accounting inventory costs of $3.2 million and business realignment charges of $0.7 million. Cost of goods sold was favorably impacted by improved productivity, lower overhead costs and favorable changes to foreign exchange rates and commodity prices in our Wiring segment, partially offset by an unfavorable change in mix of products sold in our Control Devices segment.

 

Our gross margin increased by 4.7% to 23.9% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 19.2% for the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the consolidation of PST in our 2012 results, which had a gross margin of 39.6%. In addition, improvements in labor productivity, lower overhead resulting from lower premium freight costs and favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates favorably affected our gross margin.

 

Our Control Devices segment gross margin declined despite higher sales primarily due to an unfavorable change in mix of products sold during 2012.

 

Our Electronics segment gross margin decreased from 2011 primarily due to lower sales.

 

Our Wiring segment gross margin increased from 2011 despite consistent sales due to improvements in labor productivity, lower overhead primarily related to lower premium freight and favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and certain commodity prices.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. SG&A expenses increased by $67.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to the consolidation of PST in our 2012 results which had SG&A expenses of $70.9 million which included purchase accounting amortization of $5.7 million and business realignment charges of $0.9 million. Product development expenses included within SG&A increased by $9.5 million to $44.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $35.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to PST’s product development expenses which were $8.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

In response to a change in customer demand, the PST segment incurred business realignment charges of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, of which $0.9 million was recorded in SG&A expenses with the remainder recorded in cost of goods sold. The charges consist primarily of severance costs related to workforce reductions.

 

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Costs incurred for the Electronics segment during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 related to restructuring initiatives for contract termination costs in connection with our cancelled lease in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom. The Company continued negotiations in regards to this lease and recorded additional amounts to reflect the expected costs to be paid until a settlement agreement was finalized to modify the terms of and the obligation associated with the property in the third quarter of 2012. The settlement and related obligation was consistent with previous estimates. Restructuring expenses that were general and administrative in nature were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as a component of SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. In connection with the restructuring initiative, the Company recorded restructuring charges related to a contract termination during the year ended December 31, 2012 of $0.3 million as part of SG&A expense. All restructuring charges result in cash outflows. Contract termination costs represent expenditures associated with long-term lease obligations that were cancelled as part of the restructuring initiatives and were $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Goodwill Impairment Charge. During the fourth quarter of 2011, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test. As a result, our goodwill related to Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”) was determined to be impaired and was partially written down. A goodwill impairment charge of $4.9 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2011. A portion of the goodwill impairment charge, $2.4 million, representing our minority partner’s ownership interest, was recognized as an increase in net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011. We recognized the goodwill impairment charge within our Wiring reportable segment. The goodwill impairment charge was due to a reduction in military and defense related spending by customers since the acquisition of BCS.

 

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net increased by $2.8 million during 2012 when compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to interest on PST’s debt, which was $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, and a higher Credit Facility average outstanding balance during 2012.

 

Equity in Earnings of Investees. Equity earnings of investees decreased by $9.3 million which was primarily due to the acquisition of the controlling interest in PST as of December 31, 2011. Prior to the acquisition, PST was an unconsolidated joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, PST is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. Equity earnings for PST were $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Equity earnings for Minda decreased by $0.4 million to $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rates in 2012 compared to 2011.

 

Gain on Previously Held Equity Interest. As a result of obtaining a controlling interest in PST on December 31, 2011, the Company’s previously held equity interest in PST of 50% was remeasured to an acquisition date fair value. As a result, we recognized a one-time non-cash gain of $65.4 million related to the acquisition.

 

Other Expense, net. Other expense, net was $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract gains and losses as a component of other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations. Our results for the year ended December 31, 2012 were unfavorably affected due to the volatility in certain foreign exchange rates between periods compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The majority of the increase in other expense, net relates to the foreign currency translation losses, predominantly for PST’s U.S. dollar denominated debt during 2012.

 

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Income Before Income Taxes. Income (loss) before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):

 

           Dollar   Percent 
           increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2012   2011   (decrease)   (decrease) 
Control Devices  $15,048   $17,145   $(2,097)   (12.2)%
Electronics   10,049    14,743    (4,694)   (31.8)%
Wiring   (289)   (17,119)   16,830    98.3%
PST   (4,985)   -    (4,985)   NM 
PST - equity in earnings of investee   -    8,805    (8,805)   NM 
Other corporate activities   635    63,461    (62,826)   NM 
Corporate interest expense   (15,898)   (15,393)   (505)   (3.3)%
Income before income taxes  $4,560   $71,642   $(67,082)   (93.6)%

 

NM – not meaningful

 

The decrease in income before income taxes in our Control Devices segment during the year ended December 31, 2012 when compared to the same period in the prior year was due to a change in mix of products sold, which more than offset the increase in sales.

 

The decrease in income before taxes in the Electronics reportable segment was primarily due to lower sales and was partially offset by lower SG&A expenses.

 

The lower loss before income taxes in the Wiring reportable segment was due to improvements in labor productivity, lower overhead including lower premium freight, favorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and certain commodity prices. The improvement in labor productivity and premium freight that positively affected our results for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $6.5 million. The decreases in foreign exchange rates and certain commodity prices also positively impacted our results by approximately $5.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

 

Loss before income taxes at PST for the year ended December 31, 2012 incorporates 100% of PST’s pre-tax losses which included depreciation and amortization of the purchase accounting adjustments related to inventory, property and equipment and finite lived intangibles of $9.2 million and business realignment charges of $1.6 million. PST’s performance was negatively impacted by lower sales as a result of a weakened Brazilian economy, an unfavorable mix of products sold and an unfavorable change in foreign currency translation, while benefiting from lower operating costs associated with the business realignment initiative that occurred in the second quarter of 2012. Income before income taxes at PST for the year ended December 31, 2011 included only our 50% portion of PST’s after-tax earnings within equity in earnings of investees.

 

The decrease in income before income taxes from other corporate activities was primarily due to the one-time non-cash gain on previously held equity interest of $65.4 million in 2011 related to the acquisition of controlling interest in PST which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

 

                   Dollar   Percent 
                   increase /   increase / 
Years ended December 31  2012   2011   (decrease)   (decrease) 
North America  $6,287    137.9%  $65,167    91.0%  $(58,880)   (90.4)%
South America   (4,985)   (109.3)   8,805    12.3    (13,790)   NM 
Europe and Other   3,258    71.4    (2,330)   (3.3)   5,588    NM 
Income before income taxes  $4,560    100.0%  $71,642    100.0%  $(67,082)   (93.6)%

 

The North American geographic location consists of the results of our operations in the United States and Mexico.

 

Our North American results declined as a result of the one-time non-cash gain of $65.4 million related to the acquisition of controlling interest in PST which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2011. Offsetting this decrease were lower operating costs related to improved labor productivity, lower overhead including lower premium freight and favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, primarily the Mexican peso and copper, during the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to 2011. North American income before income taxes includes interest expense, net of approximately $15.7 million and $15.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Our South American results are composed entirely of our PST segment. Our South American results include all of PST’s pre-tax losses for the year ended December 31, 2012 while only 50% of PST’s after-tax earnings are included for the year ended December 31, 2011 as PST was consolidated in the current period versus being an equity method investment in 2011. PST’s 2012 results were negatively impacted by depreciation and amortization of purchase accounting adjustments totaling $9.2 million and business realignment charges of $1.6 million.

 

Our European and other results improved from the same period in 2011 due lower SG&A expenses offset by lower sales in the European automotive vehicle market.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $0.8 million, or 17.8% of our income before income taxes, and $26.1 million, or 36.4% of income before income taxes, for U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes for 2012 and 2011, respectively. We continue to assert that it is more-likely-than-not that our U.S. and certain foreign deferred tax assets will not be realized and provides a valuation allowance offsetting U.S. federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. The decrease in tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period for 2011 was primarily attributable to the tax provided in 2011 related to the gain recognized on the write-up to fair market value of the historic investment in PST. In addition, the overall tax expense related to the investment in PST was lower in 2012 as compared to 2011 due to the consolidation of PST effective December 31, 2011. Finally, the decrease in tax expense was partially offset by providing a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets related to our European operations in 2012. The effective tax rate for 2012 declined primarily due to the improvement in U.S. results which do not attract tax due to the valuation allowance.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Summary of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

 

           Dollar 
       increase / 
   2013   2012   (decrease) 
Net cash provided by (used for):               
Operating activities  $43,684   $75,545   $(31,861)
Investing activities   (25,237)   (45,610)   20,373 
Financing activities   (503)   (65,475)   64,972 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   326    1,364    (1,038)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  $18,270   $(34,176)  $52,446 

 

The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 was primarily due to maintaining higher working capital levels at our PST and Wiring segments which were attributable to planned production increases which offset a $12.8 million increase in net income. Our receivable terms and collections rates have remained consistent between periods presented.  These uses of cash were partially offset by increases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $16.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, during 2013 compared to 2012.

 

The decrease in net cash used for investing activities for 2013 was due to a $19.8 million payment made in conjunction with the acquisition of a controlling interest in PST during 2012.

 

The decrease in net cash used for financing activities was primarily due to lower principal payments made on the Credit Facility and PST term loans.

 

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Summary of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

           Dollar 
       increase / 
   2012   2011   (decrease) 
Net cash provided by (used for):               
Operating activities  $75,545   $921   $74,624 
Investing activities   (45,610)   (29,783)   (15,827)
Financing activities   (65,475)   37,522    (102,997)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   1,364    (1,903)   3,267 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  $(34,176)  $6,757   $(40,933)

 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 from the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization charges in 2012 due to the consolidation of PST and a reduction in accounts receivable and inventory balances of $60.9 million. Our cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was negatively affected by higher accounts receivable and inventory balances.  Our receivable terms and collections rates have remained consistent between periods presented.

 

The increase in net cash used for investing activities relates to cash disbursements in conjunction with the acquisition of controlling interest in PST of $19.8 million in 2012 compared to $7.3 million in 2011. In 2011, we received proceeds of $3.9 million from the sale of our former Sarasota facility.

 

The increase in net cash used for financing activities was primarily due to payments made on the Credit Facility and the PST term notes during 2012 compared to Credit Facility borrowings to finance the acquisition of controlling interest in PST in 2011.

 

The following table summarizes our future cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments, as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

       Less than           After 
   Total   1 year   2-3 years   4-5 years   5 years 
Debt  $199,171   $12,187   $183,813   $2,114   $1,057 
Operating leases   14,098    5,815    5,215    2,988    80 
Total contractual obligations  $213,269   $18,002   $189,028   $5,102   $1,137 

 

Management will continue to focus on reducing its weighted-average cost of capital and believes that cash flows from operations and the availability of funds from our Credit Facility will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our future growth and operating needs.

 

On October 4, 2010, we issued $175.0 million of senior secured notes. These senior secured notes bear interest at an annual rate of 9.5% and mature on October 15, 2017. The senior secured notes are redeemable, at our option, beginning October 15, 2014 at 104.75%. Interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The senior secured notes indenture limits our restricted subsidiaries' amount of indebtedness, restricts certain payments and includes various other non-financial restrictive covenants, which to date have not been and are not expected to have an impact on our financing flexibility. The senior secured notes are guaranteed by all of our existing domestic restricted subsidiaries. All other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee any of our or our guarantors' indebtedness will also guarantee the senior secured notes.

 

On October 4, 2010, we entered into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement (the "Swap") with a notional amount of $45.0 million. The Swap was designated as a fair value hedge of the fixed interest rate obligation under our $175.0 million 9.5% senior secured notes due October 15, 2017. We pay variable interest equal to the six-month LIBOR plus 7.19% and we receive a fixed interest rate of 9.5% under the Swap. The critical terms of the Swap match the terms of the senior secured notes, including maturity of October 15, 2017, resulting in no hedge ineffectiveness.

 

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As outlined in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements, our Credit Facility permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100.0 million. This facility provides us with lower borrowing rates and allows us the flexibility to refinance other outstanding debt. At December 31, 2013 and 2012 there were no borrowings outstanding. The available borrowing capacity on our Credit Facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined. At December 31, 2013, we had undrawn borrowing capacity of $71.1 million based on eligible current assets. The Credit Facility contains financial performance covenants which would only constrain our borrowing capacity if our undrawn availability falls below $20.0 million. However, restrictions do include limits on capital expenditures, operating leases, dividends and investment activities in a negative covenant which limits investment activities to $15.0 million minus certain guarantees and obligations. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2013. The covenants included in our Credit Facility to date have not and are not expected to limit our financing flexibility.

 

PST maintains several term loans used for working capital purposes including a new term loan entered into in March 2013 for 25,000 Brazilian real whose U.S. dollar equivalent outstanding balance was $10.7 million at December 31, 2013. The new term loan matures on February 15, 2016 and interest is payable monthly at a fixed interest rate of 5.5%. At December 31, 2013, there was $21.7 million outstanding on these loans. Of the outstanding borrowings, $9.8 million is due in the next twelve months and is included on the December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheets as a component of current portion of debt. The balance of $11.9 million is included on the December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheets as a component of long-term debt and is comprised of $6.6 million that matures in 2015, $2.1 million in 2016 and annual maturities of approximately $1.1 million in 2017 through 2019. Depending on the specific loan, interest is payable either monthly or annually. The term loans due in the next twelve months have a fixed interest rate of 1.70% to 16.56%, while the long-term loans have a fixed interest rate of 4.0% to 5.5%. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, PST was in compliance with all note covenants.

 

The term loan for our Suzhou, China subsidiary is in the amount of 9.0 million Chinese yuan, which U.S. dollar equivalent outstanding balance was approximately $1.5 million at December 31, 2013, and is included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of current portion of debt. The term loan matures in February 2014. Interest is payable monthly at the one-year lending rate published by The People's Bank of China multiplied by 125.0%. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate on the term loan was 7.0%.

 

The Company's wholly owned subsidiary located in Stockholm, Sweden, has an overdraft credit line which allows overdrafts on the subsidiary's bank account up to a maximum level of 20.0 million Swedish krona, or $3.1 million, at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, there were no overdrafts on the bank account.

 

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

 

Our future results could be unfavorably affected by increased commodity prices, specifically copper. Copper prices fluctuated during 2011, 2012 and 2013. We entered into fixed price commodity contracts for a portion of our 2013 copper purchases and a portion of our 2014 sales are subject to copper surcharge billings which would mitigate a portion of raw material cost increases. Our 2014 results could also be adversely affected by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. We have significant foreign denominated transaction exposure in certain locations, especially in Brazil, Mexico and Sweden. We have entered into foreign currency forward contracts and maintain Mexican peso- and euro-denominated cash balances to reduce our exposure related to foreign currency fluctuations.

 

We have significant U.S. federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards and research credit carryforwards. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), imposes an annual limitation on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an "ownership change" to use its net operating loss and credit carryforwards to reduce its tax liability. During the fourth quarter of 2010 we undertook a secondary offering. As a result of the secondary offering a substantial change in our ownership occurred and we experienced an ownership change pursuant to Section 382 of the Code. There was no impact to current or deferred income taxes resulting from the ownership change.

 

At December 31, 2013, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $62.8 million, of which $30.0 million was held domestically and $32.8 million was held in foreign locations. Our cash balance was not restricted at December 31, 2013.

 

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Contingencies

 

On May 24, 2013, the State Revenue Services of São Paulo issued a tax deficiency notice against PST, our 74% owned consolidated subsidiary, claiming that the vehicle tracking and monitoring services it provides should be classified as communication services, and therefore subject to the State Value Added Tax – ICMS. The State Revenue Services assessment imposed the 25.0% ICMS tax on all revenues of PST related to the vehicle tracking and monitoring services during the period from January 2009 through December 2010. The Brazilian real (“R$”) and U.S. dollar equivalent (“$”) of the aggregate tax assessment is approximately R$92.5 million ($39.5 million) which is comprised of Value Added Tax – ICMS of R$13.2 million ($5.6 million), interest of R$11.4 million ($4.9 million) and penalties of R$67.9 million ($29.0 million).

 

The Company’s vehicle tracking and monitoring services are non-communication services, as defined under Brazilian tax law, subject to the municipal ISS tax, not communication services subject to state ICMS tax as claimed by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo. PST has, and will continue to collect the municipal ISS tax on the vehicle tracking and monitoring services in compliance with Brazilian tax law and will defend its tax position. PST has received a legal opinion that the merits of the case are favorable to PST, determining among other things that the imposition on the subsidiary of the State ICMS by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo is not in accordance with the Brazilian tax code. Management believes, based on the legal opinion of PST’s Brazilian legal counsel and the results of the Brazil Administrative Court's ruling in favor of another vehicle tracking and monitoring company related to the tax deficiency notice it received, the likelihood of loss is not probable although it may take years to resolve. As a result of the above, as of December 31, 2013, no accrual has been recorded with respect to the tax assessment. An unfavorable judgment on this issue for the years assessed and for subsequent years could result in significant costs to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

In addition, PST has civil, labor and other tax contingencies for which the likelihood of loss is deemed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, by its legal advisors, and, therefore, no accrual has been recorded. Such contingencies amounted to $11.5 million and $11.9 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. An unfavorable outcome on this issue could result in significant cost to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

Seasonality

 

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

 

Inflation and International Presence

 

Given the current economic climate and recent fluctuations in certain commodity prices, we believe that an increase in such items could significantly affect our profitability. Furthermore, by operating internationally, we are affected by foreign currency exchange rates and the economic conditions of certain countries.

 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At December 31, 2013, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are, in the opinion of management, reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and assumptions used in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

We believe the following are “critical accounting policies” – those most important to the financial presentation and those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

 

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Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments. We recognize revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns of products sold based on historical authorized returns, at the point of passage of title, which is either at the time of shipment or upon customer receipt based on the terms of the sale. We often enter into agreements with our customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life. Once such agreements are entered into, it is our obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle. These agreements are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing. In certain limited instances, we may be committed under existing agreements to supply products to our customers at selling prices which are not sufficient to cover the direct cost to produce such products. In such situations, we recognize losses immediately. There were no such significant instances of this in 2013, 2012 or 2011. These agreements generally may also be terminated by our customers at any time.

 

On an ongoing basis, we receive blanket purchase orders from our customers, which include pricing terms. Purchase orders do not always specify quantities. We recognize revenue based on the pricing terms included in our purchase orders as our products are shipped to our customers. In certain instances, we may be asked to provide our customers with annual cost reductions as part of certain agreements. In addition, we have ongoing adjustments to our pricing arrangements with our customers based on the related content, the cost of our products and other commercial factors. Such pricing adjustments are recognized as they are negotiated with our customers.

 

Warranties. Our warranty liability is established based on our best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates. This estimate is based on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with our current understanding of the status of existing claims. To estimate the warranty liability, we are required to forecast the resolution of existing claims as well as expected future claims on products previously sold. Although we believe that our warranty liability is adequate and that the judgment applied is appropriate, such amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future. Our customers are increasingly seeking to hold suppliers responsible for product warranties, which could negatively impact our exposure to these costs.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We have concentrations of sales and trade receivable balances with a few key customers. Therefore, it is critical that we evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet their financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. Additionally, we review historical trends for collectability in determining an estimate for our allowance for doubtful accounts. If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount. We do not have collateral requirements with our customers.

 

Contingencies. We are subject to legal proceedings and claims, including product liability claims, commercial or contractual disputes, environmental enforcement actions and other claims that arise in the normal course of business. We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, by consulting with internal personnel principally involved with such matters and with our outside legal counsel handling such matters.

 

We have accrued for estimated losses when it is probable that a liability or loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require the exercise of judgment both in assessing whether or not a liability or loss has been incurred and estimating that amount of probable loss. The liabilities may change in the future due to new developments or changes in circumstances. The inherent uncertainty related to the outcome of these matters can result in amounts materially different from any provisions made with respect to their resolution.

 

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO method for our Electronics, Wiring and Control Devices segments and average cost method for our PST segment. Where appropriate, standard cost systems are utilized for purposes of determining cost and the standards are adjusted as necessary to approximate actual costs. Estimates of the lower of cost or market value of inventory are determined based upon current economic conditions, historical sales quantities and patterns and, in some cases, the specific risk of loss on specifically identified inventories. We adjust our excess and obsolescence reserve at least on a quarterly basis.  Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period.  We have guidelines for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on hand compared to anticipated sales or usage.

 

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Long-Lived and Finite-Lived Assets. We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that we consider important that could trigger our testing of the related asset groups for an impairment include current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses, significant adverse changes in the business climate within a particular business or current expectations that a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. To test for impairment, the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use and disposal of the asset or asset group is compared to its carrying value. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the group of assets that are largely independent of cash flows of other assets. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify projected cash flows. If these undiscounted cash flows are less than their respective carrying values, an impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying values exceed estimated fair values. Although third-party estimates of fair value are utilized when available, the estimation of undiscounted cash flows and fair value requires us to make assumptions regarding future operating results. The results of the impairment testing are dependent on these estimates which require judgment. The occurrence of certain events, including changes in economic and competitive conditions, could impact cash flows eventually realized and management’s ability to accurately assess whether an asset is impaired.

 

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The valuation methodologies employed by the Company use subjective measures including forward looking financial information and discount rates that directly impact the resulting fair values used to test the Company’s reporting units for impairment. We acquired controlling interest in PST on December 31, 2011 and based on the purchase price in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired goodwill was recorded.

 

Our annual measurement date to test goodwill for impairment is October 1. At October 1, 2013 and 2012, PST’s calculated fair value exceeded its carrying value, and no indicators of impairment were identified. However, PST’s calculated fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 10% at October 1, 2013, which is a decrease from the prior year assessment due to changes in certain key projections and assumptions. Given the smaller margin of excess in 2013, the PST reporting unit is at risk of potentially failing step one of the goodwill impairment test in future periods which may require the recognition of an impairment charge. If we perform step two of the impairment analysis, up to $53.7 million of goodwill assigned to this reporting unit could be at risk for impairment.

 

At October 1, 2013, PST’s fair value was computed using the income approach (discounted cash flows), which considered the Company’s outlook for current and future market conditions. Within this analysis, the projections reflect management’s best estimate of the future sales mix between product and services and the impact of that sales mix on future margins. If PST does not achieve the forecasts used in the cash flow analysis used in our October 1, 2013 goodwill impairment assessment, it may fail step one of a goodwill impairment test in a future period.

 

The estimated fair value of our PST reporting unit is closely aligned with the ultimate amount of revenue and operating income that it achieves over the projected period. The discounted cash flows, for goodwill impairment testing purposes, assumed that, through fiscal 2018, this reportable segment would achieve a compounded annual revenue growth rate of approximately 16.0% from its actual fiscal 2013 revenue of $178.5 million. Beyond fiscal 2018, a long-term revenue growth rate of 4.0% was used in the terminal year, and a weighted-average cost of capital (“WACC”) of 19.5% was used to discount the cash flows. Given the current market conditions in Brazil, the moderate long-term growth rate and the WACC were deemed appropriate to use for future cash flow assumptions. Modest changes to these assumptions as well as other key assumptions used in our October 1, 2013 impairment analysis would result in the carrying value of the PST reporting unit exceeding its fair value.

 

During 2014, because our goodwill impairment analysis is sensitive to the ultimate spending decisions by the Brazilian consumer, we will continue to monitor key assumptions and other factors utilized in our October 1, 2013 annual goodwill impairment analysis. If the assumptions and related estimates change in the future, or if the reporting structure is changed or other events and circumstances change, an interim goodwill impairment analysis in advance of our annual October 1 assessment may be required to be performed.

 

Share-Based Compensation. The estimate for our share-based compensation expense involves a number of assumptions. We believe each assumption used in the valuation is reasonable because it takes into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations associated with performance and market based conditions. We estimate volatility and forfeitures based on historical data, future expectations and the expected term of the share-based compensation awards. The assumptions, however, involve inherent uncertainties. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, share-based compensation expense could have varied.

 

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Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws and regulations. Our deferred tax assets include, among other items, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits that can be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods. These deferred tax assets begin to expire after December 31, 2025 and 2021, respectively.

 

Accounting standards requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. This assessment requires significant judgment, and in making this evaluation, the Company considers available positive and negative evidence, including the potential to carryback net operating losses and credits, the future reversal of certain taxable temporary differences, actual and forecasted results, and tax planning strategies that are both prudent and feasible. Risk factors include the U.S. economic conditions affecting the U.S. automotive and commercial vehicle markets of which the Company has significant operations.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company concluded that it was no longer more-likely-than-not that we would realize our U.S. deferred tax assets. As a result we provided a full valuation allowance, net of certain future reversing taxable temporary differences, with respect to our U.S. deferred tax assets. This conclusion has not changed through 2013. To the extent that realization of a portion or all of the tax assets becomes more-likely-than-not to be realized based on changes in circumstances a reversal of that portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be recorded.

 

The Company does not provide deferred income taxes on unremitted earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are deemed permanently reinvested.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update requiring new disclosures about reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income. These disclosures may be presented on the face of the statements or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this standards update on January 1, 2013 and revised our disclosures, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring new disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset by or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this standards update on January 1, 2013 which had no impact on our disclosures.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Portions of this report on Form 10-K contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business and (v) operation expectations. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

 

·the reduced purchases, loss or bankruptcy of a major customer;
·the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment, or similar actions;
·a significant change in commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle or off-highway vehicle production;
·competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;
·the impact on changes in foreign currency exchange rates on sales, costs and results, particularly the Brazilian real, Argentinian peso, Mexican peso and euro.
·our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;
·a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which we operate;
·labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;

 

35
 

 

·the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;
·the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our Credit Facility and the senior secured notes;
·customer acceptance of new products;
·capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;
·the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business; and
·the items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”).

 

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

 

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

From time to time, we are exposed to certain market risks, primarily resulting from the effects of changes in interest rates. The face amount of our senior secured notes was $175.0 million at December 31, 2013. We currently have no borrowings outstanding on our asset-based Credit Facility at December 31, 2013. As discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we entered into a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $45.0 million to hedge our exposure to fair value fluctuations on a portion of our senior secured notes. The Swap was designated as a fair value hedge of the fixed interest rate obligation under our $175.0 million 9.5% senior secured notes due October 15, 2017. Under the Swap, we pay a variable interest rate equal to the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.19% and we receive a fixed interest rate of 9.5%. The Swap requires semi-annual settlements on April 15 and October 15, which began on April 15, 2011. The critical terms of the Swap are aligned with the terms of the senior secured notes, including maturity of October 15, 2017, resulting in no hedge ineffectiveness. A hypothetical 10.0% favorable or adverse change in the LIBOR would not significantly affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

Given the current economic climate and recent fluctuations in certain commodity costs, we currently are experiencing an increased risk, particularly with respect to the purchase of copper, zinc, resins and certain other commodities. In the past, we managed this risk through a combination of fixed price agreements, staggered short-term contract maturities and commercial negotiations with our suppliers and customers. In the future, if we believe that the terms of a fixed price agreement become beneficial to us, we will enter into another such instrument. We have sought to alleviate the effect of increasing commodity costs by including a material pass-through provision in our customer contracts whenever possible. We may also consider pursuing alternative commodities or alternative suppliers to mitigate this risk over a period of time. The recent volatility in certain commodity costs has negatively affected our operating results.

 

At December 31, 2013 we have several fixed price commodity contracts totaling 1.6 million pounds of copper. These contracts settle from January 2014 to December 2014. The purpose of these contracts is to reduce our price risk as it relates to copper prices. We estimate that a hypothetical pre-tax gain (loss) in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in the fair value of commodity prices would be approximately $0.4 million and $(0.6) million, respectively.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

We use derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward contracts, to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions and other foreign currency exposures. As discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we have entered into foreign currency forward contracts that had a notional value of $58.3 million as of December 31, 2013. The purpose of these foreign currency contracts is to reduce exposure related to the Company’s euro-denominated receivables as well as to reduce exposure to future Mexican peso-denominated purchases. The estimated fair value of these contracts at December 31, 2013, per quoted market sources, was a liability of approximately $0.3 million. These foreign currency contracts expire during 2014. We do not expect the effects of this risk to be material in the future based on the current operating and economic conditions in the countries in which we operate.

 

36
 

 

A hypothetical pre-tax gain (loss) in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted currency exchange rates would be approximately $1.2 million or $(1.5) million for our euro-denominated receivables, as of December 31, 2013. A hypothetical pre-tax gain (loss) in fair value from 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted currency exchange rates would be approximately $4.1 million or $(5.0) million for the Company’s Mexican peso-denominated payables as of December 31, 2013. It is important to note that gains and losses indicated in the sensitivity analysis would generally be offset by gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged. Therefore, a hypothetical pre-tax gain or loss in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted foreign currencies would not significantly affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

 

We have significant operations in foreign locations. As a result we are subject to the risk of price fluctuations due to the effects of exchange rates on net sales, operating costs, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, particularly the Mexican peso, euro, Swedish krona, British pound and Brazilian real. We estimate that a hypothetical 10.0% favorable or adverse change of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies in 2013 would have a pre-tax translation favorable (unfavorable) effect of $4.6 million or $(4.3) million as of December 31, 2013.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

Consolidated Financial Statements: Page
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 38
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 39
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 40
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 42
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 43
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 44
   
Financial Statement Schedule:
   
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 71

 

37
 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule included in Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 Framework) and our report dated March 7, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  
   
Cleveland, Ohio  
March 7, 2014  

 

38
 

  

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

As of December 31 (in thousands)  2013   2012 
         
ASSETS          
           
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $62,825   $44,555 
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $3,514 and $3,394, respectively   133,736    141,503 
Inventories, net   114,058    96,032 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   29,617    28,964 
Total current assets   340,236    311,054 
           
Long-term assets:          
Property, plant and equipment, net   110,872    119,147 
Other assets:          
Intangible assets, net   68,842    84,397 
Goodwill   58,521    66,381 
Investments and other long-term assets, net   9,851    11,712 
Total long-term assets   248,086    281,637 
Total assets  $588,322   $592,691 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of debt  $12,187   $18,925 
Revolving credit facilities   -    1,160 
Accounts payable   84,884    76,303 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   56,651    57,081 
Total current liabilities   153,722    153,469 
           
Long-term liabilities:          
Long-term debt, net   185,045    181,311 
Deferred income taxes   57,026    59,819 
Other long-term liabilities   3,995    4,258 
Total long-term liabilities   246,066    245,388 
           
Shareholders' equity:          
Preferred Shares, without par value, authorized 5,000 shares, none issued   -    - 
Common Shares, without par value, authorized 60,000 shares, issued 28,803 and 28,433 shares and outstanding 28,483 and 27,913 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with no stated value   -    - 
Additional paid-in capital   187,742    184,822 
Common Shares held in treasury, 320 and 520 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, at cost   (519)   (1,885)
Accumulated deficit   (7,771)   (22,902)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (30,458)   (10,282)
Total Stoneridge Inc. shareholders' equity   148,994    149,753 
Noncontrolling interest   39,540    44,081 
Total shareholders' equity   188,534    193,834 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $588,322   $592,691 

 

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

 

39
 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share data)  2013   2012   2011 
             
Net sales  $947,830   $938,513   $765,373 
                
Costs and expenses:               
Cost of goods sold   721,809    713,869    618,596 
Selling, general and administrative   186,317    195,915    128,306 
Goodwill impairment charge   -    -    4,945 
                
Operating income   39,704    28,729    13,526 
                
Interest expense, net   18,346    20,033    17,234 
Equity in earnings of investees   (476)   (760)   (10,034)
Gain on previously held equity interest   -    -    (65,372)
Other expense, net   1,100    4,896    56 
                
Income before income taxes   20,734    4,560    71,642 
                
Provision for income taxes   4,226    812    26,105 
                
Net income   16,508    3,748    45,537 
                
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,377    (1,613)   (3,820)
                
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $15,131   $5,361   $49,357 
                
Earnings per share attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.:               
Basic  $0.57   $0.20   $2.04 
Diluted  $0.56   $0.20   $2.00 
                
Weighted-average shares outstanding:               
Basic   26,671    26,377    24,181 
Diluted   27,193    27,032    24,645 

 

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

 

40
 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Years ended December 31 (in thousands)  2013   2012   2011 
             
Net income  $16,508   $3,748   $45,537 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:               
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (17,925)   (10,502)   (5,971)
Benefit plan liability adjustments   -    (27)   - 
Unrealized gain on marketable securities   -    -    16 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives   (2,251)   9,862    (7,722)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (20,176)   (667)   (13,677)
Consolidated comprehensive income (loss)   (3,668)   3,081    31,860 
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest   1,377    (1,613)   (3,820)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $(5,045)  $4,694   $35,680 

 

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

 

41
 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Years ended December 31 (in thousands)  2013   2012   2011 
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:               
Net income  $16,508   $3,748   $45,537 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation   28,989    28,519    18,847 
Amortization, including accretion of debt discount   6,236    6,802    1,113 
Deferred income taxes   (3,081)   (2,733)   23,938 
Earnings of equity method investees   (476)   (760)   (10,034)
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets   189    (268)   (88)
Share-based compensation expense   4,974    4,890    4,423 
Asset impairments   -    -    807 
Goodwill impairment   -    -    4,945 
Gain on previously held equity interest   -    -    (65,372)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:               
Accounts receivable, net   4,122    19,466    (11,658)
Inventories, net   (23,646)   20,995    (9,895)
Prepaid expenses and other   (2,585)   1,772    (4,783)
Accounts payable   9,485    (7,282)   (23,879)
Accrued expenses and other   2,969    396    27,020 
Net cash provided by operating activities   43,684    75,545    921 
                
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:               
Capital expenditures   (25,344)   (26,352)   (26,290)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets   107    521    3,863 
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest   -    -    397 
Payment for additional interest in PST   -    (19,779)   (7,753)
Net cash used for investing activities   (25,237)   (45,610)   (29,783)
                
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:               
Revolving credit facility borrowings   -    21,579    38,993 
Revolving credit facility payments   (1,160)   (59,600)   (554)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt   25,555    22,146    1,408 
Repayments of other debt   (24,382)   (48,327)   (968)
Other financing costs   -    -    (605)
Repurchase of Common Shares to satisfy employee tax withholding   (516)   (1,273)   (752)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities   (503)   (65,475)   37,522 
                
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   326    1,364    (1,903)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents   18,270    (34,176)   6,757 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   44,555    78,731    71,974 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $62,825   $44,555   $78,731 
                
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:               
Cash paid for interest  $18,634   $20,317   $17,494 
Cash paid for income taxes, net  $6,426   $4,345   $1,365 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:               
Change in fair value of interest rate swap  $(1,419)  $1,134   $4,095 
Issuance of Common Shares for acquisition of additional PST interest  $-   $10,197   $5,113 

 

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

 

42
 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

(in thousands)  Number of
Common
Shares
outstanding
   Number
of
treasury
shares
   Additional
paid-in
capital
   Common
Shares held
in treasury
   Accumulated
deficit
   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
   Noncontrolling
interest
   Total
shareholders'
equity
 
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2011   25,393    601   $161,587   $(1,118)  $(77,620)  $4,062   $4,308   $91,219 
                                         
Net income (loss)   -    -    -    -    49,357    -    (3,820)   45,537 
Unrealized gain on marketable securities   -    -    -    -    -    16    -    16 
Unrealized loss on derivatives   -    -    -    -    -    (7,722)   -    (7,722)
Currency translation adjustments   -    -    -    -    -    (5,971)   -    (5,971)
Business acquisition   647    -    5,113                   48,727    53,840 
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest   -    -    -    -    -    -    397    397 
Exercise of share options   19    -    194    -    -    -    -    194 
Issuance of restricted Common  Shares   437    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Forfeited restricted Common Shares   (223)   223    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury   (51)   51    -    (752)   -    -    -    (752)
Share-based compensation matters   -    -    3,881    -    -    -    -    3,881 
                                         
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2011   26,222    875    170,775    (1,870)   (28,263)   (9,615)   49,612    180,639 
                                         
Net income (loss)   -    -    -    -    5,361    -    (1,613)   3,748 
Benefit plan liability adjustments   -    -    -    -    -    (27)   -    (27)
Unrealized gain on derivatives   -    -    -    -    -    9,862    -    9,862 
Currency translation adjustments   -    -    -    -    -    (10,502)   (3,918)   (14,420)
Business acquisition   1,294    -    10,197    -    -    -    -    10,197 
Issuance of restricted Common Shares   653    (611)   (1,258)   1,258    -    -    -    - 
Forfeited restricted Common Shares   (142)   142    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury   (114)   114    -    (1,273)   -    -    -    (1,273)
Share-based compensation matters   -    -    5,108    -    -    -    -    5,108 
                                         
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2012   27,913    520    184,822    (1,885)   (22,902)   (10,282)   44,081    193,834 
                                         
Net income   -    -    -    -    15,131    -    1,377    16,508 
Unrealized loss on derivatives   -    -    -    -    -    (2,251)   -    (2,251)
Currency translation adjustments   -    -    -    -    -    (17,925)   (5,706)   (23,631)
PST dividends   -    -    -    -    -    -    (212)   (212)
Issuance of restricted Common Shares   883    (513)   (1,882)   1,882    -    -    -    - 
Forfeited restricted Common Shares   (233)   233    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury   (80)   80    -    (516)   -    -    -    (516)
Share-based compensation matters   -    -    4,802    -    -    -    -    4,802 
                                         
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2013   28,483    320   $187,742   $(519)  $(7,771)  $(30,458)  $39,540   $188,534 

 

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

 

43
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

1. Organization and Nature of Business

 

Stoneridge, Inc. and its subsidiaries are global designers and manufacturers of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stoneridge, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company analyzes its ownership interests in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification “ASC” Topic 810 to determine whether they are VIE’s and, if so, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary.  The Company’s investment in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”) at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was determined under the provisions of ASC Topic 810 to be an unconsolidated entity and was accounted for under the equity method of accounting based on our 49% noncontrolling interest.

 

On December 31, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of an additional 24% controlling interest in PST Eletrônica Ltda. (“PST”). As a result, the Company owns 74% of the outstanding equity of PST.

 

PST’s results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were consolidated such that 100% of PST’s operations were included in each line from net sales through net income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations with the 26% noncontrolling interest reduced (increased) in the net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest line.

 

PST’s results for the year ended December 31, 2011 were accounted for as an unconsolidated joint venture under the equity method of accounting such that our 50% portion of PST’s after-tax earnings were included within equity in earnings of investees in the consolidated statements of operations as a controlling interest in PST was not acquired until the close of business on December 31, 2011.

 

Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including certain self-insured risks and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because actual results could differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are actively traded money market funds with short-term investments in marketable securities, primarily U.S. government securities. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the highly liquid nature and short-term duration of the underlying securities.

 

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Revenues are principally generated from the commercial, automotive, agricultural, motorcycle and off-highway vehicle markets. The Company’s largest customers were Deere & Company (“Deere”) and Navistar International Corporation (“Navistar”), primarily related to the Wiring reportable segment, and accounted for the following percentages of consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:

  

   2013   2012   2011 
Deere   14%   13%   15%
Navistar   13%   18%   24%

 

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoice price net of an estimate of allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves.

 

44
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. Additionally, the Company reviews historical trends for collectability in determining an estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts. If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount. The Company does not have collateral requirements with its customers.

 

Inventories

 

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

 

As of December 31  2013   2012 
Raw materials  $71,631   $64,340 
Work-in-progress   16,168    13,621 
Finished goods   26,259    18,071 
Total inventories, net  $114,058   $96,032 

 

Inventory valued using the FIFO method was $67,750 and $57,004 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Inventory valued using the average cost method was $46,308 and $39,028 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Pre-production Costs Related to Long-term Supply Arrangements

 

Engineering, research and development and other design and development costs for products sold on long-term supply arrangements are expensed as incurred unless the Company has a contractual guarantee for reimbursement from the customer. Costs for molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold on long-term supply arrangements for which the Company either has title to the assets or has the noncancelable right to use the assets during the term of the supply arrangement are capitalized in property, plant and equipment and amortized to cost of sales over the shorter of the term of the arrangement or over the estimated useful lives of the assets, typically three to five years. Costs for molds, dies and other tools used to make products sold on long-term supply arrangements for which the Company has a contractual guarantee to a lump sum reimbursement from the customer are capitalized as a component of prepaid expenses and other current assets within the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts recorded related to these pre-production costs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $12,944 and $8,631, respectively.

 

45
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following:

  

As of December 31  2013   2012 
Land and land improvements  $4,861   $5,117 
Buildings and improvements   43,630    45,940 
Machinery and equipment   208,243    196,003 
Office furniture and fixtures   8,351    8,856 
Tooling   70,050    71,045 
Information technology   33,759    33,009 
Vehicles   426    1,456 
Leasehold improvements   3,447    3,560 
Construction in progress   14,336    17,656 
Total property, plant, and equipment   387,103    382,642 
Less: accumulated depreciation   (276,231)   (263,495)
Property, plant and equipment, net  $110,872   $119,147 

 

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $28,989, $28,519 and $18,847, respectively. Depreciable lives within each property classification are as follows:

 

Buildings and improvements  10-40 years
Machinery and equipment  3-10 years
Office furniture and fixtures  3-10 years
Tooling  2-5 years
Information technology  3-5 years
Vehicles  3-5 years
Leasehold improvements  shorter of lease term or 3-10 years

 

Maintenance and repair expenditures that are not considered improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property, plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for improvements and major renewals are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss on the disposition is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived or Finite-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors the Company considers important that could trigger testing of the related asset groups for an impairment include current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses, significant adverse changes in the business climate within a particular business or current expectations that a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. To test for impairment, the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use and disposal of the asset or asset group is compared to its carrying value. An asset group is established by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by the group of assets that are largely independent of cash flows of other assets. If cash flows cannot be separately and independently identified for a single asset, we will determine whether an impairment has occurred for the group of assets for which we can identify projected cash flows. If these undiscounted cash flows are less than their respective carrying values, an impairment charge would be recognized to the extent that the carrying values exceed estimated fair values. Although third-party estimates of fair value are utilized when available, the estimation of undiscounted cash flows and fair value requires us to make assumptions regarding future operating results. The results of the impairment testing are dependent on these estimates which require judgment. The occurrence of certain events, including changes in economic and competitive conditions, could impact cash flows eventually realized and management’s ability to accurately assess whether an asset is impaired.

 

46
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $807 in its Wiring reportable segment related to certain capitalized software costs that were determined to no longer represent a future realizable benefit. This charge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. No material impairment charges were recorded in 2013 or 2012 for long-lived or finite-lived intangible assets.

 

Acquisitions

 

PST Eletrônica Ltda.

 

On December 31, 2011, the Company acquired a controlling interest in PST, by increasing its interest from 50% to 74%. Prior to the acquisition of the additional interest, the PST joint venture was accounted for under the equity method of accounting. On the date of acquisition of controlling interest, PST became a consolidated subsidiary and a new reportable segment of the Company. PST’s results of operations were consolidated and included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2011, PST’s results of operations and cash flows were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and cash flows as equity in earnings of investees. PST’s financial position is included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

As a result of obtaining a controlling interest in PST, the Company’s previously held 50% equity interest in PST of $38,746 was remeasured to an acquisition date fair value of $104,118. The Company recognized a one-time non-cash pre-tax gain on previously held equity interest of $65,372 as a result of this remeasurment in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

The acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred consisted of the following:

  

Cash  $29,669 
Common Shares (1,940,413 shares)   15,310 
Fair value of consideration transferred   44,979 
Fair value of the Company's previously held equity interest   104,118 
Fair value of noncontrolling interest   48,727 
Total fair value of PST  $197,824 

 

Of the $44,979 consideration transferred for the additional 24% interest, $29,976 ($19,779 of cash and $10,197 of the fair value of 1,293,609 Company Common Shares) was transferred on January 5, 2012, in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement.

 

The fair value of the Common Shares transferred was based on the closing market price of the Company’s Common Shares on the acquisition date, less a discount for a lack of short-term marketability as the Common Shares transferred were issued through a private placement.

 

Goodwill of $67,118 was calculated as the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair market value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be separately recognized. Goodwill is reported in the Company’s PST segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes.

 

The Company identified $97,398 of intangible assets that include; $47,126 assigned to customer lists with a 15 year useful life; $31,400 assigned to trademarks with a 20 year useful life; and $18,872 assigned to technology with a 17 year weighted-average useful life. The fair value of the identifiable intangible assets was determined using an income approach.

 

47
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the Company’s consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that the Company would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning this period, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.

  

Years ended December 31  2011 
Net sales  $999,553 
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.  $10,608 

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the business combination and factually supportable. These tax affected adjustments include, but are not limited to depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets and inventory.

 

Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC

 

On October 13, 2009, the Company acquired a 51% controlling interest in Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”) for a purchase price of $5,967, net of cash acquired. BCS designs and manufactures a wide variety of electrical solutions for the military, automotive, marine and specialty vehicle markets. The Company purchased the remaining 49% noncontrolling interest in BCS in February 2013 for a nominal amount, which was treated as an equity transaction.

 

During the period from February 2013 through December 2013, 100% of BCS results of operations were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, 49% of BCS’s results were included within loss attributable to noncontrolling interest within the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The total purchase price associated with acquisitions is allocated to the acquisition date fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the excess purchase price assigned to goodwill.

 

In 2011, the Company recorded goodwill of $67,118 related to the acquisition of PST (see Acquisitions above). In 2009, the Company recorded goodwill of $9,118 within the Wiring segment related to the BCS acquisition. The goodwill related to these acquisitions is not deductible for income tax purposes. The remainder of the December 31, 2013 and 2012 goodwill balance relates to the 2008 acquisition of Magnum Trade AB, which is included within the Electronics segment.

 

Goodwill as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:

  

           Control         
   Electronics   Wiring   Devices   PST   Total 
Balance at January 1, 2012  $564   $4,173   $-   $67,118   $71,855 
Currency translation   34    -    -    (5,508)   (5,474)
Balance at December 31, 2012   598    4,173    -    61,610    66,381 
Currency translation   6    -    -    (7,866)   (7,860)
Balance at December 31, 2013  $604   $4,173   $-   $53,744   $58,521 

 

Goodwill is subject to an annual assessment for impairment (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) by applying a fair value-based test.

 

The Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill as of the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Company utilized an income approach (discounted cash flow method) valuation technique in determining the fair value of the Company’s applicable reporting units in the annual impairment test of goodwill. The discounted cash flow method utilizes a market-derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance.

 

The income approach methodology is applied to the reporting units’ projected future financial performance. The impairment review is highly judgmental and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions have a significant impact on the amount of impairment charge recorded, if any. The discounted cash flow method is dependent upon assumption of future sales trends, market conditions and cash flows of each reporting unit over several years. Actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those previously forecasted. Other significant assumptions include growth rates and the discount rate applicable to future cash flows.

 

48
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4,945 within the Wiring reportable segment. The goodwill impairment charge reduced the carrying value of BCS goodwill to $4,173 and was the result of a decline in business activity due to a reduction in military and defense related spending by customers since the Company’s acquisition of BCS. No impairment was identified in the Wiring segment for the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.

 

The Company’s accumulated goodwill impairment loss for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $253,570.

 

Intangible assets, net at December 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:

  

   Acquisition   Accumulated     
As of December 31, 2013  cost   amortization   Net 
Customer lists  $38,451   $(5,402)  $33,049 
Trademarks   25,572    (2,943)   22,629 
Technology   15,111    (1,947)   13,164 
Other   57    (57)   - 
Total  $79,191   $(10,349)  $68,842 

  

   Acquisition   Accumulated     
As of December 31, 2012  cost   amortization   Net 
Customer lists  $43,973   $(3,166)  $40,807 
Trademarks   29,252    (1,870)   27,382 
Technology   17,323    (1,115)   16,208 
Other   66    (66)   - 
Total  $90,614   $(6,217)  $84,397 

 

The Company recognized $5,275, $5,940 and $238 of amortization expense in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $5,000 for the years 2014 through 2019 and the weighted-average remaining amortization period is approximately 15 years.

 

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

  

As of December 31  2013   2012 
Compensation related liabilities  $24,631   $22,620 
Product warranty and recall obligations   5,462    5,613 
Other (A)   26,558    28,848 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities  $56,651   $57,081 

 

(A)“Other” is comprised of miscellaneous accruals, none of which contributed a significant portion of the total.

 

49
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur.

 

The Company's policy is to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  At December 31, 2013, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits (see Note 5).  To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

 

Currency Translation

 

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for the results of operations. Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transactions are remeasured into the functional currency using translation rates in effect at the time of the transaction, with the resulting adjustments included on the consolidated statements of operations within other expense, net. These foreign currency transaction losses, including the impact of hedging activities, were $1,752, $4,275 and $106 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments

 

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns, at the point of passage of title, which is either at the time of shipment or upon customer receipt based upon the terms of the sale. The Company collects certain taxes and fees on behalf of government agencies and remits such collections on a periodic basis. The taxes are collected from customers but are not included in net sales. Estimated returns are based on historical authorized returns. The Company often enters into agreements with its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life. Once such agreements are entered into, it is the Company’s obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle. These agreements are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing.

 

Shipping and Handling Costs

 

Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Product Warranty and Recall Reserves

 

Amounts accrued for product warranty and recall claims are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates. These accruals are based on several factors including past experience, production changes, industry developments and various other considerations. The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to defend or settle such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what the Company may recover from its suppliers. The current portion of the product warranty and recall reserve is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Product warranty and recall includes $1,019 and $494 of a long-term liability at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included as a component of other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

50
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

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

  

Years ended December 31  2013   2012 
Product warranty and recall at beginning of period  $6,107   $5,301 
Accruals for products shipped during period   4,793    3,288 
Aggregate changes in pre-existing liabilities due to claim developments   1,715    1,062 
Settlements made during the period (in cash or in kind)   (6,134)   (3,544)
Product warranty and recall at end of period  $6,481   $6,107 

 

Product Development Expenses

 

Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred and are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative. These product development costs amounted to $45,261, $44,798 and $35,263 in years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, or 4.8%, 4.8% and 4.6% of net sales for these respective periods.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

At December 31, 2013, the Company had three types of share-based compensation plans: (1) Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, (2) Directors’ Share Option Plan and (3) the Amended Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan. One plan is for employees and two plans are for non-employee directors. The Long-Term Incentive Plan is made up of the Long-Term Incentive Plan that was approved by the Company's shareholders on September 30, 1997, which expired on June 30, 2007, and the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, that was approved by shareholders on May 17, 2010, and expires on April 24, 2016. 

 

Total compensation expense recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $4,974, $4,890 and $4,423 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Of these amounts, $155, $47 and $375 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were related to the Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan “Phantom Shares” discussed in Note 8. There was no share-based compensation expense capitalized in inventory during 2013, 2012 or 2011.

 

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt, an interest rate swap, fixed price commodity contracts and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. See Note 9 for fair value disclosures of the Company’s financial instruments.

 

Common Shares Held in Treasury

 

The Company accounts for Common Shares held in treasury under the cost method and includes such shares as a reduction of total shareholders’ equity.

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic net income per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive Common Shares that were outstanding during the periods presented.

 

51
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Actual weighted-average Common Shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share were as follows:

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding   26,670,501    26,377,352    24,180,671 
Effect of dilutive securities   522,984    654,518    464,258 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding   27,193,485    27,031,870    24,644,929 

 

Options not included in the computation of diluted net income per share to purchase 20,000, 59,000 and 50,000 Common Shares at an average price of $15.73, $12.20 and $15.73 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These outstanding options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average closing market price of Company Common Shares.

 

There were 663,750, 635,850 and 419,100 performance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because all vesting conditions have not been and are not expected to be achieved as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. These shares may become dilutive based on the Company’s ability to meet or exceed future performance targets.

 

Deferred Finance Costs

 

Deferred finance costs are being amortized over the life of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The 2.5% discount to the initial purchasers of the Company’s senior secured notes is being accreted using the effective interest rate of 10.0% over the life of the senior secured notes. Deferred finance cost amortization and debt discount accretion for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $961, $862 and $875, respectively, and is included as a component of interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, deferred financing costs, net were $1,168 and $1,564, respectively and were included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net.

 

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

  

   Foreign       Benefit     
   currency       plan     
   translation   Derivatives   liability   Total 
Balance at January 1, 2013  $(12,410)  $2,140   $(12)  $(10,282)
                     
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications   (17,925)   (325)   -    (18,250)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss   -    (1,926)   -    (1,926)
Net other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (17,925)   (2,251)   -    (20,176)
                     
Balance at December 31, 2013  $(30,335)  $(111)  $(12)  $(30,458)
                     
Balance at January 1, 2012  $(1,908)  $(7,722)  $15   $(9,615)
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications   (10,502)   7,106    -    (3,396)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other  comprehensive loss   -    2,756    (27)   2,729 
Net other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (10,502)   9,862    (27)   (667)
                     
Balance at December 31, 2012  $(12,410)  $2,140   $(12)  $(10,282)

 

52
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update requiring new disclosures about reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income. These disclosures may be presented on the face of the statements or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this standards update on January 1, 2013 and revised our disclosures, see above.

 

In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update requiring new disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset by or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The standards update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this standards update on January 1, 2013 which had no impact on our disclosures.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to their 2013 presentation in the consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Investments

 

Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.

 

The Company has a 49% interest in Minda, a company based in India that manufactures electronics, instrumentation equipment and sensors for the motorcycle and commercial vehicle markets. The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in Minda, recorded as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets, was $5,981 and $6,215 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Equity in earnings of Minda included in the consolidated statements of operations was $476, $760 and $1,229 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

PST Eletrônica Ltda.

 

The Company has a 74% controlling interest in PST for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Noncontrolling interest in PST decreased by $4,537 to $39,540 at December 31, 2013 due to a change in foreign currency translation of $5,706 and a dividend of $212 partially offset by a proportionate share of its net income of $1,381 for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Noncontrolling interest in PST decreased by $4,651 to $44,076 at December 31, 2012 due to a change in foreign currency translation of $3,918 and a proportionate share of its net loss of $733 for the year ended December 31, 2012. Comprehensive loss related to the PST noncontrolling interest was $4,325 and $4,651 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Prior to the acquisition of controlling interest on December 31, 2011, PST was an unconsolidated joint venture accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Condensed financial information of PST for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 

Net sales  $234,160 
Cost of goods sold  $132,489 
      
Total income before income taxes  $20,995 
The Company's share of income before income taxes  $10,498 

 

Equity in earnings of PST included in the consolidated statements of operations was $8,805 for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

53
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

4. Debt

 

           Weighted     
   Principal Outstanding at   Average     
   December 31,   December 31,   Interest as of     
   2013   2012   December 31, 2013   Maturity 
Revolving Credit Facilities                    
Asset-based credit facility  $-   $-    N/A    Dec - 2016 
BCS revolver   -    1,160    N/A    Feb - 2013 
Total revolving credit facilities  $-   $1,160           
                     
Debt                    
Senior secured notes, net of discount                    
and swap fair value adjustment (A)  $173,061   $173,916    9.50%   Oct - 2017 
PST short-term notes   4,822    16,161    1.70% - 16.56%   Various 2014 
PST long-term notes   16,896    8,155    4.00% - 5.50%   2014 - 2019 
Suzhou note   1,487    1,445    7.00%   Feb - 2014 
Other   966    559           
Total debt   197,232    200,236           
Less: current portion   (12,187)   (18,925)          
Total long-term debt, net  $185,045   $181,311           

 

(A) Weighted-average interest rate excludes the impact of the Company’s interest rate swap and the accretion of debt discount.

 

Revolving Credit Facilities

 

On November 2, 2007, the Company entered into an asset-based credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100,000. The Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement and a Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Second Amended and Restated Agreement”) on September 20, 2010 and December 1, 2011, respectively. The Second Amended and Restated Agreement extended the termination date of the Credit Facility to December 1, 2016, increased the borrowing base by increasing the sublimit on eligible inventory located at Mexican facilities and made changes to certain covenants relating to, among other things, guarantees, investments, capital expenditures and permitted indebtedness. The Credit Facility requires a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused balance. Interest is payable quarterly at either (i) the higher of the prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin of 0.00% to 0.25% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.75%, depending upon the Company’s undrawn availability, as defined. 

 

The available borrowing capacity on the Credit Facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had undrawn borrowing capacity of approximately $71,072 and $74,060, respectively, based on eligible current assets. The Credit Facility contains financial performance covenants which would only constrain the Company’s borrowing capacity if our undrawn availability falls below $20,000. However, restrictions include limits on capital expenditures, operating leases, dividends and investment activities in a negative covenant which limits investment activities to $15,000 minus certain guarantees and obligations.

 

The Company was in compliance with all Credit Facility covenants at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

On October 13, 2009, BCS entered into a master revolving note (the "BCS Revolver"), subject to an annual renewal, which permitted borrowing up to a maximum level of $3,000. At December 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding borrowings under this facility of $1,160 and did not have any remaining borrowing capacity based on an advance formula, as defined. The BCS Revolver was paid off and the agreement was terminated in February 2013.

 

54
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Debt

 

On October 4, 2010, the Company issued $175,000 of senior secured notes which were included as a component of long-term debt, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The senior secured notes were issued at a 2.5% discount to the initial purchasers for which the remaining balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $2,732 and $3,296, respectively. The senior secured notes are redeemable in full, at the Company’s option, beginning October 15, 2014 at 104.75%. Interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The senior secured notes indenture limits the amount of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries’ indebtedness, restricts certain payments and includes various other non-financial restrictive covenants. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The senior secured notes are guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing domestic restricted subsidiaries. All other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee any indebtedness of the Company or the guarantors will also guarantee the senior secured notes.

 

Our consolidated subsidiary, PST ,maintains several term notes used for working capital purposes including a new term loan (the "PST note") entered into on March 19, 2013 for 25,000 Brazilian real which had a U.S. dollar equivalent outstanding balance of $10,697 at December 31, 2013. The PST note matures on February 15, 2016 with interest payable monthly at a fixed interest rate of 5.5%. PST's other short-term and long-term notes also have fixed interest rates. Depending on the specific note, interest is payable either monthly or annually. The noncurrent portion of the PST long-term notes at December 31, 2013 is $11,909 and mature as follows: $6,616 in 2015, $2,122 in 2016 and $1,057 annually in 2017 through 2019. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, PST was in compliance with all note covenants.

 

On August 29, 2012, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary located in Suzhou, China entered into a term loan for 9,000 Chinese yuan which matured in August 2013. On August 21, 2013, the subsidiary entered into a new term loan for 9,000 Chinese yuan (the "Suzhou note"). The U.S. dollar equivalent outstanding loan balance was $1,487 and $1,445 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under these term loan agreements. The Suzhou note is included on the consolidated balance sheets as a component of current portion of long-term debt. Interest is payable quarterly at 125.0% of the one-year lending rate published by The People's Bank of China.

 

The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary located in Stockholm, Sweden, has an overdraft credit line which allows overdrafts on the subsidiary's bank account up to a maximum level of 20,000 Swedish krona, or $3,107 and $3,075, at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no overdrafts on this bank account.

 

At December 31, 2013, the future maturities of long-term debt were as follows:

 

Year ended December 31   
2014  $12,187 
2015   6,691 
2016   177,122 
2017   1,057 
2018   1,057 
Thereafter   1,057 
Total  $199,171 

  

5. Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents federal, state and foreign income taxes. The components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

 

55
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
Income (loss) before income taxes:               
Domestic  $(1,118)  $3,411   $62,510 
Foreign   21,852    1,149    9,132 
Total income before income taxes  $20,734   $4,560   $71,642 
                
Provision for income taxes:               
Current:               
Federal  $-    -    - 
State and foreign   7,307    3,545    2,167 
Total current provision   7,307    3,545    2,167 
                
Deferred:               
Federal   -    98    23,443 
State and foreign   (3,081)   (2,831)   495 
Total deferred provision (benefit)   (3,081)   (2,733)   23,938 
Total provision for income taxes  $4,226   $812   $26,105 

 

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate is as follows:

 

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011 
Statutory U.S. deferal income tax rate   35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit   2.7    3.8    0.2 
Tax credits   (4.7)   -    (1.4)
Foreign tax rate differential   (16.5)   (16.1)   (1.4)
Reduction (increase) of income tax accruals   (1.3)   0.5    0.1 
Tax on foreign dividends, net of foreign tax credits   (3.2)   45.6    1.1 
Reduction of deferred taxes   3.6    6.4    0.3 
Valuation allowances   2.2    (78.3)   (1.4)
Loss of domestic flow-through entity not attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.   -    6.8    1.9 
Non-deductible compensation   3.4    12.8    0.3 
Other   (0.8)   1.3    1.7 
Effective income tax rate   20.4%   17.8%   36.4%

 

The Company recognized a provision for income taxes of $4,226 or 20.4%, $812 or 17.8% and $26,105 or 36.4% of income before income tax for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The increase in tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the same period for 2012 was related to the improved financial performance of our Swedish and Brazilian operations. The results of our U.S. operations do not impact tax expense due to the valuation allowance. However, the income or loss of the U.S. operations does impact the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate for 2013 increased primarily due to a decline in the financial performance of the U.S. operations.

A deferred tax liability of $456 has been recorded related to earnings that are not considered indefinitely reinvested related to Brazil. The Company has not recorded deferred income taxes on the remaining undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries because of management’s intent and ability to indefinitely reinvest such earnings. At December 31, 2013 the aggregate undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted to $27,509 The Company may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes if these earnings were distributed. It is not practical to estimate the amount of taxes, if any, that may be payable on these earnings as that estimate depends upon circumstances that would exist at the time a remittance occurs.

 

56
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

As of December 31  2013   2012 
Deferred tax assets:          
Inventories  $2,943   $3,200 
Employee salary and benefits   3,653    3,860 
Insurance   489    562 
Depreciation and amortization   2,359    10,029 
Net operating loss carryforwards   45,859    39,834 
General business credit carryforwards   12,900    11,897 
Reserves not currently deductible   8,883    9,643 
Gross deferred tax assets   77,086    79,025 
Less: Valuation allowance   (71,827)   (71,790)
Deferred tax assets less valuation allowance   5,259    7,235 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Depreciation and amortization   (23,718)   (29,615)
Basis difference - equity investee   (31,016)   (31,016)
Other   (1,764)   (4,315)
Gross deferred tax liabilities   (56,498)   (64,946)
           
Net deferred tax liability  $(51,239)  $(57,711)

 

The Company has concluded based on objective evidence that at December 31, 2013 and 2012 it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will not be generated to utilize the remaining U.S. federal, and certain state and foreign, deferred tax assets before they expire and as such a valuation allowance has been recorded. The valuation allowance represents the amount of tax benefit related to U.S. federal, state and foreign net operating losses, credits and other deferred tax assets.

 

The Company has net operating loss carry forwards of $106,637, $96,260 and $22,381 for U.S. federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions, respectively. The U.S. federal net operating losses, if unused, begin to expire in December 31, 2025, the state net operating losses expire at various times and the foreign net operating losses expire at various times or have indefinite expiration dates. The Company has general business and foreign tax credit carry forwards of $12,271, $2,005 and $1,908 for U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions respectively. The U.S. federal general business credits, if unused, begin to expire in December 31, 2021, and the state and foreign tax credits expire at various times. The Company is required to provide a deferred tax liability corresponding to the difference between the financial reporting basis (which was remeasured to fair value upon the acquisition of an additional 24% of PST in 2011) and the tax basis in the previously held 50% ownership interest in PST (the “outside” basis difference). This outside basis difference will generally remain fixed until (1) dividends from the subsidiary exceed the parent’s share of earnings subsequent to the date it became a subsidiary or (2) there is a transaction that affects the Company’s ownership of PST.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2010 we undertook a secondary offering. As a result of the secondary offering a substantial change in our ownership occurred and we experienced an ownership change pursuant to Section 382 of the Code. There was no impact to current or deferred income taxes resulting from the ownership change.

 

57
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits:

  

   2013   2012   2011 
Balance as of January 1  $3,416   $3,452   $3,101 
                
Tax positions related to the current year:               
Additions   217    93    381 
Tax positions related to the prior years:               
Additions   216    -    28 
Reductions   (71)   (58)   - 
Expirations of statutes of limitation   (154)   (71)   (58)
                
Balance as of December 31  $3,624   $3,416   $3,452 

 

At December 31, 2013 the Company has classified $639 as a noncurrent liability and $3,329 as a reduction to non-current deferred income tax assets. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is not expected to change significantly during the next 12 months. Management is currently unaware of issues under review that could result in a significant change or a material deviation in this estimate.

 

If the Company’s tax positions at December 31, 2013 are sustained by the taxing authorities in favor of the Company, approximately $3,547 would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.

 

Consistent with historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest expense and, if applicable, penalties which could be assessed related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized approximately $(82), $64 and $67 of gross interest and penalties, respectively. The Company has accrued approximately $624 and $706 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The following table summarizes the open tax years for each important jurisdiction:

 

Jurisdiction  Open Tax Years
U.S. Federal  2010-2013
Brazil  2008-2013
China  2010-2013
France  2009-2013
Mexico  2009-2013
Spain  2009-2013
Sweden  2008-2013
United Kingdom  2009-2013

  

6. Operating Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases equipment, vehicles and buildings from third parties under operating lease agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, lease expense totaled $8,447, $8,810 and $7,403, respectively.

 

58
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Future minimum operating lease commitments as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

Year ended December 31,    
2014  $5,815 
2015   3,146 
2016   2,069 
2017   1,882 
2018   1,106 
Thereafter   80 
Total  $14,098 

  

7. Share-Based Compensation Plans

 

In May 2002, the Company adopted the Director Share Option Plan (“Director Option Plan”). The Company reserved 500,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Director Option Plan. Under the Director Option Plan, the Company granted cumulative options to purchase 86,000 Common Shares to directors of the Company with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of grant. The options granted cliff-vested one year after the date of grant and have a contractual life of 10 years. The Director Option Plan expired in May 2012.

 

In April 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") and reserved 3,000,000 Common Shares of which the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued subject to incentive stock options is 500,000. In May 2013, shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan to increase the number of shares from 3,000,000 to 4,500,000. Under the 2006 Plan, as of December 31, 2013, the Company has issued 3,319,200 restricted Common Shares, of which 2,145,300 are time-based with cliff vesting using the straight-line method and 1,173,900 are performance-based. Restricted Common Shares awarded under the Incentive Plan entitle the shareholder to all the rights of Common Share ownership except that the shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period.

 

In 2008, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share and performance-based restricted Common Share awards. The time-based restricted Common Share awards cliff vest three years after the grant date. The performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from date of grant and upon achieving certain net income per share targets established by the Company.

 

In 2009, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share awards. These restricted Common Share awards cliff vest three years after the grant date.

 

In 2010 and 2013, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share and market-based restricted Common Share awards. The time-based restricted Common Share awards cliff vest three years after the date of grant. The performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from the date of grant and upon the Company attaining certain targets of performance measured against a peer group’s performance in terms of total return to shareholders.

 

In 2011 and 2012, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based, market-based and performance-based restricted Common Share awards. The time-based restricted Common Share awards cliff vest three years after the date of grant. The performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from the date of grant and, for one half of the annual awards, upon the Company attaining certain targets of performance measured against a peer group’s performance in terms of total shareholder return and, for the remaining half of the annual awards, upon achieving certain annual net income per share targets established by the Company during the performance period of the award.

 

59
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

In April 2005, the Company adopted the Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan (“Director Share Plan”) and reserved 500,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Director Share Plan. In May 2013, shareholders approved an amendment to the Director Share Plan to increase the number of shares for issuance from 500,000 to 700,000. Under the Director Share Plan, the Company has cumulatively issued 435,534 restricted Common Shares. Shares issued under the Director Share Plan during 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 cliff vest one year after the date of grant.

 

Options

 

A summary of option activity under the plans noted above as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended are presented below:

 

           Weighted- 
       Weighted-   average 
       average   remaining 
   Share   exercise   contractual 
   options   price   term 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2012   59,000   $12.20      
Expired   (39,000)  $10.39      
Exercised   -   $-      
Outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2013   20,000   $15.73    0.36 

 

There were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and all outstanding options have vested.

 

The intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable is the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the applicable date (“Measurement Value”) and the exercise price of those options that had an exercise price that was less than the Measurement Value. The intrinsic value of options exercised is the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price. There were no options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011 was $117.

 

As of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the aggregate intrinsic value of both outstanding and exercisable options was $0, $0, and $5, respectively.

 

Restricted Shares

 

The fair value of the non-vested time-based restricted Common Share awards was calculated using the market value of the shares on the date of issuance. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of time-based restricted Common Shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6.13, $9.95 and $15.79, respectively.

 

The fair value of the non-vested performance-based restricted Common Share awards with a performance condition requiring the Company to obtain certain earnings per share targets was estimated using the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The fair value of non-vested performance-based restricted Common Share awards with a market condition requiring the Company to obtain a total shareholder return target relative to a group of peer companies was estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model taking into consideration the probability of achievement using multiple simulations.

 

60
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted Common Shares as of December 31, 2013 and the changes during the year then ended, are presented below:

  

   Time-based awards   Performance-based awards 
       Weighted-       Weighted- 
   Common   average grant-   Common   average grant- 
   shares   date fair value   shares   date fair value 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2012   842,830   $10.31    635,850   $10.78 
Granted   633,470   $6.13    248,850   $7.52 
Vested   (337,369)  $7.42    -   $- 
Forfeited   (12,061)  $9.68    (220,950)  $6.92 
Non-vested as of December 31, 2013   1,126,870   $8.83    663,750   $11.45 

 

As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested time-based restricted Common Share awards granted was $3,330. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.93 years. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the total fair value of time-based restricted Common Share awards vested was $2,177, $4,413 and $3,743, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based restricted Common Share awards granted was $1,873. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.25 years dependent upon the achievement of performance conditions. As noted above, the Company has issued and outstanding performance-based restricted Common Share awards that use different performance targets. The awards that use earnings per share as the performance target will not be expensed until it is probable that the Company will meet the underlying performance condition.

 

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0, $0 and $168, respectively. There was no actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the vesting of restricted Common Shares and option exercises of the share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

8. Employee Benefit Plans

 

The Company has certain defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plans covering substantially all of its employees in the United States and United Kingdom. Company contributions are generally discretionary. The Company’s policy is to fund all benefit costs accrued. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, expenses related to these plans amounted to $1,469, $1,527 and $1,801, respectively.

 

The Company provides matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan covering substantially all of its employees in the United States.

 

Long-Term Cash Incentive Plans

 

In March 2009, the Company adopted the Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (“LTCIP”) and granted awards to certain officers and key employees. Awards under the LTCIP provided recipients with the right to receive cash three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for the defined performance period. If the participant voluntarily terminated employment or was discharged for cause, as defined in the LTCIP, the award would be forfeited. In May 2009, the LTCIP was approved by the Company’s shareholders. At December 31, 2011, the Company had a liability recorded of $2,173, which was paid in March 2012 based on achievement of the performance goal. As such, no liability remains for this award at December 31, 2012 or 2013.

 

For 2010, the awards under the LTCIP provided recipients with the right to receive an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of a specified number of Common Shares, without par value, of the Company (“Phantom Shares”) three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for each fiscal year of 2011, 2012 and 2013 within the performance period. The Company recorded an accrual based on the fair market value of the Phantom Shares for an award to be paid in the period earned based on anticipated achievement of the performance goals. If the participant voluntarily terminates employment or is discharged for cause, as defined in the LTCIP, the award will be forfeited. At December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a liability of $606 for the awards granted under the LTCIP which was included on the consolidated balance sheet as component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. In February 2013, the 2010 awards were paid based on achievement of the performance goal. As such, no liability remains for this award at December 31, 2013.

 

61
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

For 2013, the Company granted Phantom Share awards that vest three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for each fiscal year of 2013, 2014 and 2015 within the performance period. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has not recorded a liability as the 2013 performance goal was not achieved. There were no awards granted under the LTCIP during the year ended December 31, 2012 or 2011.

 

9. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

 

Financial Instruments

 

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior secured notes with a face value of $175,000 (fixed rate debt) at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $190,103 and $188,895, respectively, and was determined using market quotes classified as Level 2 input within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

On December 31, 2013, the Company had open foreign currency forward contracts, fixed price commodity contracts and an interest rate swap. These contracts are used solely for hedging and not for speculative purposes. Management believes that its use of these instruments to reduce risk is in the Company’s best interest. The counterparties to these financial instruments are financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

The Company conducts business internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company uses derivative financial instruments as cash flow and fair value hedges to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions and other foreign currency exposures. The currencies hedged by the Company during 2013 include the euro and Mexican peso.

 

In certain instances, the foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as a component of other expense, net.

 

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

 

Euro-denominated and Swedish krona-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

 

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held a foreign currency forward contract with an underlying notional amount of $13,335 and $12,643, respectively, to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s euro-denominated intercompany loans. This contract expires in March 2014. During 2012, the Company also held a foreign currency forward contract to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s Swedish krona-denominated intercompany loans. This contract expired on November 30, 2012. The euro-denominated and Swedish krona-denominated foreign currency forward contracts have not been designated as hedging instruments. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized a loss of $638 and $492, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of other expense, net related to the euro- and Swedish krona-denominated contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized a $225 gain related to foreign currency forward contracts.

 

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

 

The Company holds Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency contracts with notional amounts at December 31, 2013 totaling $45,000 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from January 2014 through December 2014. The Company held Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency contracts with notional amounts at December 31, 2012 of 36,500 which expired ratably on a monthly basis from January 2013 through December 2013.

 

62
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

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

 

Commodity Price Risk - Cash Flow Hedge

 

To mitigate the risk of future price volatility and, consequently, fluctuations in gross margins, the Company entered into fixed price commodity contracts with a financial institution to fix the cost of a portion of the Company’s copper purchases as copper is a significant raw material.

 

The Company has fixed price commodity contracts at December 31, 2013 with an aggregate notional amount of 1,582 pounds, which expire on a monthly basis over the period from January through December 2014, compared to an aggregate notional amount of 2,436 pounds at December 31, 2012.

 

All of these contracts represent a portion of the Company’s forecasted copper purchases. These contracts were executed to hedge a portion of forecasted transactions and the contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of the hedges is deferred and reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss while the ineffective portion, if any, is reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The effectiveness of the transactions is measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis and forecasted future copper purchases. Based upon the results of the regression analysis, the Company has concluded that these cash flow hedges are highly effective.

 

Interest Rate Risk - Fair Value Hedge

 

The Company has a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $45,000 to hedge its exposure to fair value fluctuations on a portion of its senior secured notes. The Swap was designated as a fair value hedge of the fixed interest rate obligation under the Company’s $175,000 9.5% senior secured notes due October 15, 2017. The critical terms of the Swap are aligned with the terms of the senior secured notes, including maturity of October 15, 2017, resulting in no hedge ineffectiveness. The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of the hedge is deferred and reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability, as applicable, with the offset to the carrying value of the senior secured notes.

 

Under the Swap, the Company pays a variable interest rate equal to the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.2% and it receives a fixed interest rate of 9.5%. The Swap requires semi-annual settlements on April 15 and October 15. The difference between amounts to be received and paid under the Swap is recognized as a component of interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Swap reduced interest expense by $810, $736 and $473 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

63
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

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

 

   Notional amounts (A)   Prepaid expenses and other current
assets / other long-term assets
   Accrued expenses and
other current liabilities
 
   December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 
   2013   2012   2013   2012   2013   2012 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                      
Cash Flow Hedges:                              
Forward currency contracts  $45,000   $36,500   $-   $1,800   $263   $- 
Fixed price commodity contracts   1,582    2,436    152    340    -    - 
                               
Fair Value Hedge:                              
Interest rate swap contract  $45,000   $45,000   $793   $2,212   $-   $- 
                               
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                          
Forward currency contracts  $13,335   $12,643   $-   $-   $18   $191 
                               

 

(A) Notional amounts represent the gross contract / notional amount of the derivatives outstanding.

 

Amounts recorded for the cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity and in net income for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

  

               Gain (loss) reclassified from 
   Gain (loss) recorded in other   other comprehensive income 
   comprehensive income (loss)   (loss) into net income 
   2013   2012   2011   2013   2012   2011 
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:                              
Forward currency contracts  $683   $5,717   $(7,118)  $2,746   $(241)  $(2,960)
Fixed price commodity contracts   (1,008)   1,389    (4,686)   (820)   (2,515)   (1,122)
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges  $(325)  $7,106   $(11,804)  $1,926   $(2,756)  $(4,082)

 

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

 

The net deferred losses of $111 on the cash flow hedge derivatives will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statements of operations in 2014.  The Company has measured the ineffectiveness of the forward currency and commodity contracts and any amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

64
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.

 

               December 31,   December 31, 
       2013   2012 
       Fair value estimated using     
   Fair value   Level 1 inputs (A)   Level 2 inputs (B)   Level 3 inputs (C)   Fair value 
Financial assets carried at fair value:                         
Interest rate swap contract  $793   $-   $793   $-   $2,212 
Forward currency contracts   -    -    -    -    1,800 
Fixed price commodity contracts   152    -    152    -    340 
                          
Total financial assets carried at fair value  $945   $-   $945   $-   $4,352 
                          
Financial liabilities carried at fair value:                         
Forward currency contracts  $281   $-   $281   $-   $191 
                          
Total financial liabilities carried at fair value  $281   $-   $281   $-   $191 

 

(A)Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The Company did not have any fair value estimates using Level 1 inputs at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

 

(B)Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward currency, fixed price commodity and interest rate swap contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange rates, commodity indexes and the six-month forward LIBOR.

 

(C)Fair values estimated using Level 3 inputs consist of significant unobservable inputs. The Company did not have any fair value estimates using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a fair value adjustment of $4,945 related to the BCS goodwill. The Company utilized Level 3 inputs to estimate the fair value adjustment for nonfinancial assets. For additional information, see the discussion of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in Note 2. No adjustments to fair value were required for nonfinancial assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012.

 

10. Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to various claims and legal proceedings, workers’ compensation and product liability disputes. The Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse affect on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company.

 

As a result of environmental studies performed at the Company’s former facility located in Sarasota, Florida, the Company became aware of soil and groundwater contamination at the Company site. The Company engaged an environmental engineering consultant to assess the level of contamination and to develop a remediation and monitoring plan for the site. Soil remediation at the site was completed during the year ended December 31, 2010. Ground water remediation will begin in the first quarter of 2014, in accordance with a remedial action plan approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, environmental remediation costs incurred were immaterial. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had accrued an undiscounted liability of $944 and $1,340, respectively, related to future remediation. The decrease in the accrual is related to changes in assumptions used in the remedial action plan. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $683 and $733, respectively, were recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets while the remaining amounts were recorded as a component of other long-term liabilities. A majority of the costs associated with the recorded liability will be incurred at the start of the groundwater remediation, with the balance relating to monitoring costs to be incurred over multiple years. The recorded liability is based on assumptions in the remedial action plan. In December 2011, the Company sold the Sarasota facility and related property. However, the liability to remediate the site contamination remains the responsibility of the Company. Due to the ongoing site remediation, the closing terms of the sale agreement included a requirement for the Company to maintain a $2,000 letter of credit for the benefit of the buyer.

 

65
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

On May 24, 2013, the State Revenue Services of São Paulo issued a tax deficiency notice against PST, our 74% owned consolidated subsidiary, claiming that the vehicle tracking and monitoring services it provides should be classified as communication services, and therefore subject to the State Value Added Tax – ICMS. The State Revenue Services assessment imposed the 25.0% ICMS tax on all revenues of PST related to the vehicle tracking and monitoring services during the period from January 2009 through December 2010. The Brazilian real (“R$”) and (U.S. dollar equivalent “$”) of the aggregate tax assessment is approximately R$92,500 ($39,500) which is comprised of Value Added Tax – ICMS of R$13,200 ($5,600), interest of R$11,400 ($4,900) and penalties of R$67,900 ($29,000).

 

The Company’s vehicle tracking and monitoring services are non-communication services, as defined under Brazilian tax law, subject to the municipal ISS tax, not communication services subject to state ICMS tax as claimed by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo. PST has, and will continue to collect the municipal ISS tax on the vehicle tracking and monitoring services in compliance with Brazilian tax law and will defend its tax position. PST has received a legal opinion that the merits of the case are favorable to PST, determining among other things that the imposition on the subsidiary of the State ICMS by the State Revenue Services of São Paulo is not in accordance with the Brazilian tax code.   Management believes, based on the legal opinion of PST’s Brazilian legal counsel and the results of the Brazil Administrative Court's ruling in favor of another vehicle tracking and monitoring company related to the tax deficiency notice it received, the likelihood of loss is not probable although it may take years to resolve.   As a result of the above, as of December 31, 2013, no provision has been made with respect to this tax assessment.   An unfavorable judgment on this issue for the years assessed and for subsequent years could result in significant costs to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

In addition, PST has civil, labor and tributary contingencies for which the likelihood of loss is deemed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, by its legal advisors. As a result, no provision has been made with respect to these contingencies, which amount to $11,469 and $11,925 at December, 2013 and 2012, respectively. An unfavorable outcome on this issue could result in significant cost to PST and adversely affect its results of operations.

 

11. Restructuring

 

On October 29, 2007, the Company announced restructuring initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost position by ceasing manufacturing operations at its Sarasota, Florida (Control Devices reportable segment) and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom (Electronics reportable segment) locations. During 2008 and 2009, in response to the depressed conditions in the North American and European commercial and automotive vehicle markets, the Company continued and expanded the restructuring initiatives in the Control Devices and Electronics reportable segments. While the initiatives were completed in 2009 in regards to the Control Devices reportable segment, in 2010 the Company continued restructuring initiatives within the Electronics reportable segment and recorded amounts related to its cancelled property lease in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company finalized a settlement agreement to modify the terms of and the obligation associated with the property consistent with previous estimates.

 

As a result of the restructuring plan approved on October 29, 2007, the manufacturing facility located in Sarasota, Florida was closed in 2008. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company sold the facility and recognized a gain of $95 as a component of selling, general and administrative expense.

 

In connection with the Electronics segment restructuring initiative, the Company recorded lease related restructuring charges during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 of $469 and $256, respectively, as part of selling, general and administrative expense. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the only remaining restructuring related accrual relates to the cancelled property lease in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom, for which the Company has accrued $780 and $765, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets of which $427 and $419, respectively, is a component of other long-term liabilities.

 

66
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

The expenses related to the restructuring activities that belong to the Electronics reportable segment include the following:

  

   Contract 
   termination costs 
Accrued balance at January 1, 2011  $1,117 
2011 charge to expense   951 
Foreign currency translation effect   (148)
Cash payments   - 
Accrued balance at December 31, 2011   1,920 
2012 charge to expense   256 
Foreign currency translation effect   172 
Cash payments   (1,583)
Accrued balance at December 31, 2012   765 
2013 charge to expense   469 
Foreign currency translation effect   24 
Cash payments   (478)
Accrued balance at December 31, 2013  $780 

 

There were no significant restructuring expenses related to the Wiring or Control Devices reportable segments during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

 

In response to a change in customer demand, the PST segment incurred and paid business realignment charges of $1,646 for the year ended December 31, 2012, of which $729 was recorded in cost of goods sold with the remainder recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The charges consist primarily of severance costs related to workforce reductions. There were no restructuring expenses related to the PST segment during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Contract termination costs represent costs associated with long-term lease obligations that were cancelled as part of the restructuring initiatives.

 

12. Segment Reporting

 

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

 

The Company has four reportable segments: Control Devices, Electronics, Wiring and PST which also represents its operating segments. The Control Devices reportable segment produces sensors, switches, valves and actuators. The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and driver information systems. The Wiring reportable segment produces electrical power and signal distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors and instrument panel assemblies. The PST reportable segment specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices.

  

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. The Company’s management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based primarily on revenues from external customers, capital expenditures and income before income taxes. Inter-segment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.

 

67
 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

 

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

  

Years ended December 31  2013   2012   2011