MEI-5.02.2015-10K

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 May 2, 2015
Commission File Number 0-2816
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
36-2090085
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
7401 West Wilson Avenue
 
Chicago, Illinois
60706-4548
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number (including area code):  (708) 867-6777 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
 
 
Name of each exchange
Title of each Class
 
on which registered
Common Stock, $0.50 Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class) 
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 o
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 o  No x 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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.
Large Accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes   o    No   x
The aggregate market value of common stock, $0.50 par value, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on November 1, 2014, based upon the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $1.4 billion.
Registrant had 38,355,412 shares of common stock, $0.50 par value, outstanding as of June 23, 2015.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held September 17, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
FORM 10-K
May 2, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
  12
 
 
 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

PART I
 
Item 1.  Business
 
Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966.  As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” mean Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless and sensing technologies.  Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, battery storage, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processing and storage, medical device, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), rail and other transportation industries.
 
We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two or fifty-three week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2015 and 2013 represent fifty-two weeks of results and fiscal 2014 represents fifty-three weeks of results.
 
Segments.  Our business is managed and our financial results are reported on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other.
 
The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include control switches for electrical power and signals, connectors for electrical devices, integrated control components, torque sensing, switches and sensors that monitor the operation or status of a component or system, and packaging of electrical components.
 
The Interface segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interface and interface solutions for the aerospace, appliance, commercial, computer, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, networking, storage, and telecommunications markets.  Solutions include conductive polymers, connectors, custom cable assemblies, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers, personal computer and express card packaging and terminators, solid-state field effect interface panels, and thick film inks.  Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems, and manufacturing active and passive optical components.
 
The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated bus devices, custom power-product assemblies, high-current low voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder coated bus bars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial and power conversion, military, telecommunications, and transportation.
 
The Other segment includes medical devices, inverters and battery systems and insulated gate bipolar transistor solutions. The Other segment also included independent laboratories that provide services for qualification, testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components. The independent laboratories were sold at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
 
Financial results by segment are summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.

Sales.  The following table reflects the percentage of net sales of the segments of the Company for the last three fiscal years.
 
 
Year Ended
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
Automotive
71.3
%
 
67.6
%
 
59.7
%
Interface
18.3
%
 
21.7
%
 
27.0
%
Power Products
9.7
%
 
9.4
%
 
10.1
%
Other
0.6
%
 
1.3
%
 
3.2
%
 

1

Table of Contents

Our sales activities are directed by sales managers who are supported by field application engineers and other engineering personnel who work with customers to design our products into their systems.  Our field application engineers also help us identify emerging markets and new products.  Our products are sold through in-house sales staff and through independent manufacturers’ representatives with offices throughout the world.  Information about our sales and operations in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.  Sales are made primarily to OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, as well as selling partners and distributors.
 
Sources and Availability of Materials.  The principal materials that we purchase include application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, glass, light-emitting diode ("LED") displays, plastic molding materials, precious metals, and silicon die castings.  All of these items are available from several suppliers and we generally rely on more than one supplier for each item.  We normally do not carry inventories of raw materials or finished products in excess of those reasonably required to meet production and shipping schedules. We did not experience any significant price increases in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2015 and 2014, we did experience some lower costs for some commodities, primarily the cost of copper.
 
Patents; Licensing Agreements.  The Company has been granted a number of patents in the U.S., Europe and Asia and has additional domestic and international patent applications pending related to our products. The Company's existing patents expire on various dates from 2015 to 2031. The Company seeks patents in order to protect the Company's interest in certain products and technologies, including our TouchSensor, magnetic torque sensing medical devices and high-power distribution products. 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 our ability to compete.
 
Seasonality.  A significant portion of our business is dependent on automotive sales and the vehicle production schedules of our customers.  The automotive market is cyclical and depends on general economic conditions, interest rates, fuel prices and consumer spending patterns.
 
Material Customers.  During the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, shipments to General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and Ford Motor Company (“Ford”), or their tiered suppliers, represented 44.8% and 12.8%, respectively, of consolidated net sales.  Typically, our Ford and GM supply arrangements for each component part include a blanket purchase order and production releases. In general, a blanket purchase order is issued for each Ford and GM part as identified by the customer part number. Each blanket purchase order includes standard terms and conditions, including price. In certain circumstances, we supply Ford or GM the requirements for a particular customer vehicle model for the life of the model, which can vary from three to seven years. Both Ford and GM order parts using production releases approved under the relevant blanket purchase order. The production releases are submitted by the various Ford and GM plants and include information regarding part quantities and delivery specifications.

Backlog. Our backlog of orders was approximately $150.0 million at May 2, 2015, and $218.2 million at May 3, 2014.  We expect that most of the backlog at May 2, 2015 will be shipped within fiscal 2016.
 
Competitive Conditions.  The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments.  We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas; many of these competitors have greater resources and sales.  Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products.
 
Research and Development.  We maintain a research and development program involving a number of professional employees who devote a majority of their time to the enhancement of existing products and to the development of new products and processes.  Senior management of our Company participates directly in the program.  Expenditures for such activities amounted to $24.5 million, $25.7 million and $23.7 million for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Environmental Matters.  Compliance with foreign, federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected our capital expenditures, earnings or our competitive position.  Currently, we do not have any environmental related lawsuits or material administrative proceedings pending against us.  Further information as to environmental matters affecting us is presented in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Employees.  At May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, we had 4,295 and 4,566 employees, respectively.  We also from time to time employ part-time employees and hire independent contractors.  As of May 2, 2015, our employees from our Malta and Mexico facilities, which account for approximately 69% of our total number of employees, are represented by collective bargaining agreements.  We have never experienced a work stoppage and we believe that our employee relations are good.
 

2

Table of Contents

Segment Information and Foreign Sales.  Information about our operations by segment and in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Available Information.  We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such reports may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site(www.sec.gov) that contains periodic reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding Methode.
 
Our Company website address is www.methode.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for important company information. Important information, including press releases, investor presentations and financial information regarding our Company, is routinely posted on and accessible on the Investor Relations subpage of our website. We make available, free of charge, copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically or otherwise furnishing it to the SEC.   Also posted on our website are the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Technology Committee. Copies of these documents are also available free of charge by sending a request to Methode Electronics, Inc., 7401 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60706, Attention: Investor Relations Department.  Information on our website is not incorporated into this Form 10-K or our other securities filings and is not a part of them.
 
Certifications.  As required by the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), we delivered to the NYSE a certification signed by our Chief Executive Officer, Donald W. Duda, certifying that Mr. Duda was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards as of September 24, 2014.
 
As required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 certifications regarding the quality of our public disclosures are filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties.  We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.  Our business is highly dependent upon two large automotive customers and specific makes and models of automobiles.  Our results will be subject to many of the same risks that apply to the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, such as general economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, consumer spending patterns and technological changes.   Other factors which may result in materially different results for future periods include the following risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that our management currently believe to be insignificant may also adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.  These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report because these factors could cause our actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws and are made as of the date of this report.
 
Our business is highly dependent on two large automotive customers.  If we were to lose either of these customers or experienced a significant decline in the volume or price of products purchased by these customers, or if either of the customers declare bankruptcy, our future results could be adversely affected.
 
During the year ended May 2, 2015, shipments to GM and Ford, or their tiered suppliers, represented 44.8% and 12.8%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales.  The supply arrangements with these customers provide for supplying the customers’ requirements for particular models, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such supply arrangements cover a period from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. Therefore, the loss of a Ford or GM supply arrangement for a model or a significant decrease in demand for one or more of these models could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are subject to the risk that Ford or GM will not select us to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. The Company from time to time provides price concessions in connection with the awarding of new business.
 
Because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, we are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.
 

3

Table of Contents

Our components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other transportation industries, appliances and the consumer and industrial equipment markets, battery storage and medical device markets.  Factors negatively affecting these industries also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Any adverse occurrence, including industry slowdown, recession, rising interest rates, political instability, costly or constraining regulations, armed hostilities, terrorism, excessive inflation, prolonged disruptions in one or more of our customers’ production schedules or labor disturbances, that results in significant decline in the volume of sales in these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
 
Our ability to market our automotive products is subject to a lengthy sales cycle, which requires significant investment prior to significant sales revenues, and there is no assurance that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicle.
The sales cycle for our automotive products, our largest industry segment, is lengthy because an automobile manufacturer must develop a high degree of assurance that the products it buys will meet customer needs, interface as easily as possible with the other parts of a vehicle and with the automobile manufacturer’s production and assembly process, and have minimal warranty, safety and service problems. As a result, from the time that a manufacturer develops a strong interest in our products, it normally will take several years before our products are available to consumers in that manufacturer’s vehicles.
In the automotive components industry, products typically proceed through five stages of research and development. Initial research on the product concept comes first, to assess its technical feasibility and economic costs and benefits. This stage often includes development of an internal prototype for the component supplier’s own evaluation. If the product appears feasible, the component supplier manufactures a functioning prototype to demonstrate and test the product’s features. These prototypes are then marketed and sold to automotive companies for testing and evaluation. If an automobile manufacturer shows interest in the product, it typically works with the component supplier to refine the product, then purchases second and subsequent generation engineering prototypes for further evaluation. Finally, the automobile manufacturer either decides to purchase the component for a production vehicle or terminates the program.
The time required to progress through these five stages to commercialization varies widely. Generally, the more a component must be integrated with other vehicle systems, the longer the process takes. Further, products that are installed by the factory usually require extra time for evaluation because other vehicle systems are affected, and a decision to introduce the product into the vehicle is not easily reversed. Because our automotive products affect other vehicle systems and are a factory-installed item, the process usually takes several years from conception to commercialization.
While we currently have active development programs with various OEMs for a variety of our products, no assurance can be given that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicles. During this development process, we derive minimal funding from prototype sales but generally obtain no significant revenue until mass production begins, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. If our products are not selected after a lengthy development process, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Other automotive products that we develop are also likely to have a lengthy sales cycle. Because such technology is new and evolving, and because customers will likely require that any new product we develop pass certain feasibility and economic viability tests before committing to purchase, it is expected that any new products we develop will take some years before they are sold to customers, if at all.

We are subject to continuing pressure to lower our prices.
 
Over the past several years we have experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, pressure to lower our prices. The Company from time to time provides price concessions in connection with the awarding of new business.
In order to maintain our profitability, we must strive to increase volumes and reduce our costs. Continuing pressures to reduce our prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 
Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and cost of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance.
In connection with the award of new business, we obligate ourselves to deliver new products and services that are subject to our customers' timing, performance and quality demands. Additionally, we must effectively coordinate the activities of numerous suppliers in order for the program launches of certain of our products to be successful. Given the complexity of new program launches, we may experience difficulties managing product quality, timeliness and associated

4

Table of Contents

costs. In addition, new program launches require a significant ramp up of costs; however, our sales related to these new programs generally are dependent upon the timing and success of our customers' introduction of new vehicles. Our inability to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of these new program launches could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

5

Table of Contents

Disruption of our supply chain could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability and that of our suppliers, business partners and contract manufacturers, to make, move and sell products is critical to our success. Damage or disruption to our or their manufacturing or distribution capabilities due to weather, including any potential effects of climate change, natural disaster, fire or explosion, terrorism, pandemics, strikes, repairs or enhancements at our facilities, or other reasons, could impair our ability to manufacture or sell our products. Failure to take adequate steps to mitigate the likelihood or potential impact of such events, or to effectively manage such events if they occur, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to restore our supply chain.

We are dependent on the availability and price of materials.
 
We require substantial amounts of materials, including application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, glass, light-emitting diode ("LED") displays, plastic molding materials, precious metals, and silicon die castings. The availability and prices of materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. Any change in the availability of, or price for, these materials could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  We did not experience any significant price increases for raw materials in fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014.

A significant portion of our business activities are conducted in foreign countries, exposing us to additional risks that may not exist in the United States.

International operations represent a significant portion of our business. Sales outside the United States represent a majority of our net sales, and we expect net sales outside the United States to continue to represent a significant portion of our total net sales. Outside of the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities in China, Egypt, Malta, Mexico and Switzerland.

Our international operations are subject to a variety of potential risks, including:

inflation or changes in political and economic conditions;
unstable regulatory environments;
changes in import and export duties and licenses;
domestic and foreign customs and tariffs;
potentially adverse tax consequences;
trade restrictions;
exchange rate fluctuations;
restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of a country;
changes in labor laws, including minimum wage;
labor unrest;
logistical and communications challenges;
difficulties associated with managing a large organization spread throughout various countries;
compliance risks associated with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-bribery laws;
differing protection of intellectual property and trade secrets; and
burdensome taxes and other restraints.

Any of these factors may have an adverse effect on our international operations which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating results.
 
Although our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, a significant portion of our sales and operating costs are realized in other currencies, mainly in Europe and China.  Our profitability is affected by movements of the U.S. dollar against other currencies in which we generate revenue and incur expenses, particularly the euro and Chinese yuan.  Significant fluctuations in relative currency values, in particular an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, could have an adverse effect on our profitability and financial condition.

 

6

Table of Contents

Changes in our effective tax rate may harm our results of operations.

A number of factors may increase our effective tax rate, which could reduce our net income, including:

the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed;
the resolution of issues arising from tax audits;
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and in deferred tax valuation allowances;
adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of tax returns;
increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired in-process research and development and impairments of goodwill and intangible assets;
changes in available tax credits;
changes in tax laws or interpretation, including changes in the U.S. to the taxation of non-U.S. income and expenses;
changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles;
our decision to repatriate non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes.

Our gross margins are subject to fluctuations due to many factors.

A number of factors may impact our gross margins, including the following:

geographical and vertical market pricing mix;
changes in the mix of our prototyping and production-based business;
competitive pricing dynamics and customer mix;
pricing concessions;
various manufacturing cost variables including product yields, package and assembly costs, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory and the absorption of manufacturing overhead; and
any significant decrease in our gross margins could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be required to recognize additional impairment charges.
 
Pursuant to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), we are required to make periodic assessments of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets to determine if they are impaired. We incurred impairment charges to write-off goodwill and intangible assets of $11.1 million, $1.7 million and $4.3 million in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively. Disruptions to our business, end-market conditions, protracted economic weakness, unexpected significant declines in operating results of reporting units, divestitures and enterprise value declines may result in impairment charges to goodwill and other asset impairments. Future impairment charges could substantially affect our reported results in these periods.

We may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes, which could adversely affect our business.
 
The technologies relating to some of our products have undergone, and are continuing to undergo, rapid and significant changes. Specifically, end markets for electronic components and assemblies are characterized by technological change, frequent new product introductions and enhancements, changes in customer requirements and emerging industry standards.  These changes could render our existing products unmarketable before we can recover any or all of our research, development and other expenses. Furthermore, the life cycles of our products vary, may change and are difficult to estimate. If we are unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and market new products or product enhancements in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

We currently have a significant amount of our cash located outside the U.S.

We believe our current world-wide cash balances together with expected future cash flows to be generated from operations will be sufficient to support current operations. Due to the shifting of operations from the U.S. to foreign locations, a significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. No provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed net income of foreign operations, as we currently expect them to be indefinitely reinvested in our foreign operations. However, if we change our position and the cash is repatriated back to the U.S., it may have an adverse affect on our U.S. federal and state taxes, by creating a tax liability.


7

Table of Contents

Any decision to strategically divest one or more current businesses or our inability to capitalize on prior or future acquisitions may adversely affect our business.

We have completed acquisitions and divestitures in the past and we may continue to seek acquisitions to grow our businesses. We may also divest operations to focus on our core businesses. We may fail to derive significant benefits from such transactions. Also, if we fail to achieve sufficient financial performance from an acquisition, certain long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, could become impaired and result in the recognition of an impairment loss.

The success of our acquisitions depends on our ability to:

successfully execute the integration or consolidation of the acquired operations into our existing businesses;
develop or modify the financial reporting and information systems of the acquired entity to ensure overall financial integrity and adequacy of internal control procedures;
finance the acquisition;
identify and take advantage of cost reduction opportunities; and
further penetrate new and existing markets with the product capabilities we may acquire

Integration of acquisitions may take longer than we expect and may never be achieved to the extent originally anticipated. Acquisitions may also increase our debt levels. This could result in lower than expected business growth or higher than anticipated costs. In addition, acquisitions or strategic divestitures may:

cause a disruption in our ongoing business;
cause dilution of our stock;
distract our managers; or
unduly burden other resources in our company.
        
Products we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services and liability claims against us.
 
Despite our quality control and quality assurance efforts, defects may occur in the products we manufacture due to a variety of factors, including design or manufacturing errors or component failure or counterfeit parts. Product defects may result in delayed shipments and reduced demand for our products. We may be subject to increased costs due to warranty claims on defective products. Product defects may result in product liability claims against us where defects cause, or are alleged to cause, property damage, bodily injury or death. We may be required to participate in a recall involving products that are, or are alleged to be, defective. We carry insurance for certain legal matters involving product liability, however, we do not have coverage for all costs related to product defects or recalls and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our available coverage.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person’s intellectual property, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
 
We have numerous United States and foreign patents and license agreements covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes.  Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.  The loss of certain patents and trade secrets could adversely affect our sales, margins or profitability.
 
We have and may become involved in litigation in the future to protect our intellectual property or because others may allege that we infringe on their intellectual property. These claims and any resulting lawsuit could subject us to liability for damages and invalidate our intellectual property rights. If an infringement claim is successfully asserted by a holder of intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease marketing or selling certain products, pay a penalty for past infringement and spend significant time and money to develop a non-infringing product or process or to obtain licenses for the technology, process or information from the holder. We may not be successful in the development of a non-infringing alternative, or licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, if at all, in which case we may lose sales and profits. In addition, any litigation could be lengthy and costly and could materially adversely affect us even if we are successful in the litigation.


8

Table of Contents

Our technology-based business and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  If we are unable to compete effectively, our sales could decline.
 
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments.  We compete with a large number of other manufacturers in each of our product areas; many of these competitors have greater resources and sales.  Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of our products.  Competition may intensify further if more companies enter the markets in which we operate. Our failure to compete effectively could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Should a catastrophic event or other significant business interruption occur at any of our facilities, we could face significant reconstruction or remediation costs, penalties, third party liability and loss of production capacity, which could adversely affect our business.
    
Weather conditions, natural disasters or other catastrophic events could cause significant disruptions in operations, including, specifically, disruptions at our manufacturing facilities or those of our major suppliers or customers. In turn, the quality, cost and volumes of the products we produce and sell could be unexpectedly, negatively affected, which will impact our sales and profitability. Natural disasters or industrial accidents could also damage our manufacturing facilities or infrastructure, or those of our major suppliers or major customers, which could affect our costs, production volumes and demand for our products.
    
War, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, public health issues, and other business interruptions have caused and could cause damage or disruption to international commerce and the global economy, and thus could have a strong negative effect on us, our suppliers, logistics providers, manufacturing partners and customers. Our business operations could be subject to interruption by power shortages, terrorist attacks and other hostile acts, labor disputes, public health issues, and other events beyond our control. Such events could decrease demand for our products, make it difficult or impossible for us to produce and deliver products to our customers, or to receive components from our suppliers, thereby creating delays and inefficiencies in our supply chain. Should major public health issues, including pandemics, arise, we could be negatively affected by more stringent employee travel restrictions, additional limitations in freight services, governmental actions limiting the movement of products between regions, and disruptions in the operations of our manufacturing partners and component suppliers. The majority of our research and development activities, our corporate headquarters, information technology systems, and other critical business operations, including certain component suppliers and manufacturing partners, are in locations that could be affected by natural disasters. In the event of a natural disaster, losses could be incurred and significant recovery time could be required to resume operations and our financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. While we may purchase insurance policies to cover the direct economic impact experienced following a natural disaster occurring at one of our own facilities, there can be no assurance that such insurance policies will cover the full extent of our financial loss nor will they cover losses which are not economic in nature such as, for example, our business and reputation as a reliable supplier.
 
Our information technology (“IT”) systems could be breached.

We face certain security threats relating to the confidentiality and integrity of our IT systems. Despite implementation of security measures, our IT systems may be vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, cyber attacks and other unauthorized access and these security breaches could result in a disruption to our operations. A material network breach of our IT systems could involve the theft of our and our customers' intellectual property or trade secrets which may be used by competitors to develop competing products. To the extent that any security breach results in a loss or damage to data, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our customer relations, lead to claims against us, increase our costs to protect against future damage and could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial position.

Regulations related to the use of conflict-free minerals may increase our costs and expenses, and an inability to certify that our products are conflict-free may adversely affect customer relationships.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve the transparency and accountability of the use by public companies in their products of minerals mined in certain countries and to prevent the sourcing of such “conflict” minerals. As a result, the Securities and Exchange Commission enacted new annual disclosure and reporting requirements for public companies that use these minerals in their products, which apply to us. Under the final rules, we were required to conduct due diligence to determine the source of any conflict minerals used in our products and to make annual disclosures beginning in May 2014. Because our supply chain is broad-based and complex, we may not be able to easily

9

Table of Contents

verify the origins for all minerals used in our products. In addition, the new rules may reduce the number of suppliers who provide components and products containing conflict-free minerals and thus may increase the cost of the components used in manufacturing our products and the costs of our products to us. Any increased costs and expenses may have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, if we are unable to certify that our products are conflict free, we may face challenges with our customers, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage, and our reputation may be harmed.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None


10

Table of Contents

Item 2.  Properties
 
We operate the following manufacturing and other facilities, all of which we believe to be in good condition and adequate to meet our current and reasonably anticipated needs: 
Location
 
Use
 
Owned/
Leased
 
Approximate
Square Footage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chicago, Illinois
 
Corporate Headquarters
 
Owned
 
15,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Automotive Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monterrey, Mexico
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
241,000

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
226,090

Carthage, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
134,889

Cairo, Egypt
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
120,954

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
94,643

McAllen, Texas
 
Warehousing
 
Leased
 
65,303

Zhenjiang, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
23,560

Southfield, Michigan
 
Sales and Engineering Design Center
 
Owned
 
17,000

Bangalore, India
 
Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
14,465

Beirut, Lebanon
 
Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
5,112

Gau-Algesheim, Germany
 
Sales and Engineering Design Center
 
Leased
 
4,047

London, UK
 
Sales and Administrative
 
Leased
 
1,629

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interface Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chicago, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
55,000

Monterrey, Mexico
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
45,657

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
32,500

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
Manufacturing/Design Center
 
Leased
 
26,132

Richardson, Texas
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
25,715

Wheaton, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
22,500

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
9,000

Milan, Italy
 
Sales and Design
 
Leased
 
8,600

Harkingen, Switzerland
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
4,166

Hong Kong
 
Sales and Administrative
 
Leased
 
1,885

Singapore
 
Sales and Administrative
 
Leased
 
1,250

Taiwan
 
Sales and Administrative
 
Leased
 
581

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power Products Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shanghai, China
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
54,643

Rolling Meadows, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
52,000

Mriehel, Malta
 
Manufacturing
 
Leased
 
40,700

San Jose, California
 
Prototype and Design Center
 
Leased
 
2,925

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other Segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Chicago, Illinois
 
Manufacturing
 
Owned
 
48,000

Boulder, Colorado
 
Prototype and Design Center
 
Leased
 
10,000



11

Table of Contents

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings
 
As of May 2, 2015, we were not involved in any material legal proceedings or any legal proceedings or material administrative proceedings with governmental authorities pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable

Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Name
 
Age
 
Offices and Positions Held and Length of Service as Officer
Donald W. Duda
 
59

 
Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2004 and President and Director since 2001.
 
 
 
 
 
Douglas A. Koman
 
65

 
Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2004.
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas D. Reynolds
 
52

 
Chief Operating Officer of the Company since June 2010. Prior thereto, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Automotive Operations, of the Company since 2006.
 
 
 
 
 
Timothy R. Glandon
 
51

 
Vice President and General Manager, North American Automotive, of the Company since 2006.
 
 
 
 
 
Joseph E. Khoury
 
51

 
Vice President and General Manager, European Operations, of the Company since 2004.
 
 
 
 
 
Theodore P. Kill
 
64

 
Vice President, Worldwide Sales, of the Company since 2006.
 
 
 
 
 
Ronald L.G. Tsoumas
 
54

 
Controller and Treasurer of the Company since 2007.

All executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve a term of one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following is a tabulation of high and low sales prices for the periods presented and cash dividends declared per share. 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends
Declared
Per Share
 
Sales Price Per Share
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Fiscal Year ended May 2, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

First Quarter
$
38.57

 
$
27.27

 
$
0.09

Second Quarter
41.90

 
31.10

 
0.09

Third Quarter
43.00

 
32.80

 
0.09

Fourth Quarter
47.41

 
35.82

 
0.09

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year ended May 3, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

First Quarter
$
20.29

 
$
13.32

 
$
0.07

Second Quarter
29.63

 
17.01

 
0.07

Third Quarter
37.53

 
23.05

 
0.07

Fourth Quarter
35.74

 
26.73

 
0.09

 
On June 18, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.09 per share of common stock, payable on July 31, 2015, to holders of record on July 17, 2015. As of June 23, 2015, the number of record holders of our common stock was 469.


12

Table of Contents

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information about shares of our common stock that may be issued upon exercise of stock options or granting of stock awards under all of the existing equity compensation plans as of May 2, 2015
Plan category
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in the first
column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
350,667

 
$
24.40

 
2,986,500

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 

 

 

Total
 
350,667

 
$
24.40

 
2,986,500

 

13

Table of Contents


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.  The consolidated statement of operations data for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.  The consolidated statement of operations data for fiscal 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of April 27, 2013, April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report.
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
May 2, 2015 (1)
 
May 3, 2014 (53 weeks) (2)
 
April 27, 2013 (3)
 
April 28, 2012 (4)
 
April 30, 2011 (5)
 
(In Millions, Except Percentages and Per Share Amounts)
Income Statement Data:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
$
881.1

 
$
772.8

 
$
519.8

 
$
465.1

 
$
428.2

Income before income taxes
120.8

 
75.9

 
37.9

 
11.4

 
14.5

Income tax expense/(benefit)
19.8

 
(20.3
)
 
(2.5
)
 
3.2

 
(4.1
)
Income from continuing operations
101.1

 
96.2

 
40.4

 
8.1

 
18.5

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 
0.6

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
101.1

 
96.1

 
40.7

 
8.4

 
19.5

Per Common Share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic net income from continuing operations
2.61

 
2.53

 
1.09

 
0.22

 
0.51

Basic net income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 
0.02

Basic net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
2.61

 
2.53

 
1.09

 
0.22

 
0.53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted net income from continuing operations
2.58

 
2.51

 
1.08

 
0.22

 
0.50

Diluted net income from discontinued operations

 

 

 

 
0.02

Diluted net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
2.58

 
2.51

 
1.08

 
0.22

 
0.52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends
0.36

 
0.30

 
0.28

 
0.28

 
0.28

Book Value
11.82

 
10.21

 
7.71

 
6.84

 
6.95

Long-term Debt
5.0

 
48.0

 
43.5

 
48.0

 

Retained Earnings
356.5

 
269.2

 
184.4

 
154.0

 
156.0

Fixed Assets (net)
93.3

 
101.2

 
98.4

 
77.2

 
61.5

Total Assets
604.1

 
575.5

 
434.9

 
403.6

 
334.7

Return on Average Equity
23.5
%
 
28.2
%
 
15.0
%
 
3.3
%
 
7.9
%
Pre-tax Income as a Percentage of Sales
13.7
%
 
9.8
%
 
7.3
%
 
2.5
%
 
3.4
%
Net Income as a Percentage of Sales
11.3
%
 
12.4
%
 
7.8
%
 
1.8
%
 
4.6
%

(1) Fiscal 2015 includes a $5.0 million tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in Malta. Fiscal 2015 also includes a goodwill pre-tax impairment charge of $11.1 million and a pre-tax gain on the sale of a business of $7.7 million.
(2) Fiscal 2014 includes a $31.7 million tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in the U.S. Fiscal 2014 also includes an intangible asset pre-tax impairment charge of $1.7 million and a pre-tax gain on the sale of one of the Company's investments of $3.2 million.
(3) Fiscal 2013 includes $20.0 million of pre-tax income from the Delphi legal settlement. Fiscal 2013 also includes a pre-tax charge of $4.3 million related to the impairment of goodwill for our Eetrex reporting unit.
(4) Fiscal 2012 includes $3.7 million of pre-tax legal expense relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit.
(5) Fiscal 2011 results includes an after-tax gain on the sale of a business of $0.6 million. In addition, fiscal 2011 includes $4.8 million of pre-tax legal expense relating to the Delphi supply agreement and patent lawsuit.

14

Table of Contents

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless and sensing technologies.  Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other.   For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see “Item 1. Business.”
 
Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, battery storage, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), medical device, rail and other transportation industries.
 
Recent Transactions

On February 3, 2015, we sold our 100% ownership interest in our Trace Laboratories businesses. The businesses, located in Maryland and Illinois, provided services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $7.7 million, related to the sale of these assets.
    
On February 10, 2014, one of the Company's investments, an interest in Lumidigm, with a cost basis of $4.1 million, was sold. The Company's portion of the proceeds from the sale is $7.3 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $3.2 million. The proceeds from the sale include $1.1 million held in escrow, which is expected to be paid in fiscal 2016. The Company recorded the transaction in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. The Company continues to hold an exclusive license in Lumidigm for certain transportation markets.    

    

15


Results of Operations
 
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended May 2, 2015, as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended May 3, 2014.
 
Consolidated Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
881.1

 
$
772.8

 
$
108.3

 
14.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
662.3

 
616.1

 
46.2

 
7.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
218.8

 
156.7

 
62.1

 
39.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
11.1

 
1.7

 
9.4

 
552.9
 %
Selling and administrative expenses
94.0

 
79.6

 
14.4

 
18.1
 %
Amortization of intangibles
1.5

 
1.8

 
(0.3
)
 
(16.7
)%
Gain from sale of business
(7.7
)
 

 
(7.7
)
 
N/M

Interest (income)/expense, net
(0.7
)
 
0.3

 
(1.0
)
 
N/M

Other income, net
(0.2
)
 
(2.6
)
 
2.4

 
N/M

Income tax (benefit)/expense
19.8

 
(20.3
)
 
40.1

 
N/M

Net income/(loss) attributable to non controlling interest
(0.1
)
 
0.1

 
(0.2
)
 
N/M

Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
$
101.1

 
$
96.1


$
5.0

 
5.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
75.2
 %
 
79.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
24.8
 %
 
20.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
1.3
 %
 
0.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
10.7
 %
 
10.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles
0.2
 %
 
0.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Gain from sale of business
(0.9
)%
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Interest (income)/expense, net
(0.1
)%
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Other income, net
 %
 
(0.3
)%
 
 
 
 
Income tax (benefit)/expense
2.2
 %
 
(2.6
)%
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) attributable to non controlling interest
 %
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
11.5
 %
 
12.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $108.3 million, or 14.0%, to $881.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from $772.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The Automotive segment net sales increased $106.0 million, or 20.3%, to $628.4 million for fiscal 2015, from $522.4 million for fiscal 2014, due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program. Sales volumes also increased for transmission lead-frame assemblies, partially offset by currency rate fluctuations, lower tooling sales, lower sales volumes for the Ford Center Console Program and certain pricing concessions.  The Interface segment net sales decreased $9.1 million, or 5.3%, to $161.7 million for fiscal 2015, compared to $170.8 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower appliance and radio remote control sales volumes, partially offset with increased sales volumes of data solutions products.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $13.2 million, or 18.2%,

16


to $85.7 million for fiscal 2015, compared to $72.5 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of datacom, cabling and busbar products, partially offset with lower sales volumes of a by-pass switch.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 decreased net sales by $10.9 million, or 1.7%, in fiscal 2015, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $46.2 million, or 7.5%, to $662.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $616.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 75.2% for fiscal 2015, compared to 79.7% for fiscal 2014.  The Automotive and Power Products segments both experienced a decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. In addition, cost of products sold was favorably impacted in the Automotive segment in fiscal 2015 by the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business in Mexico. The Interface segment experienced a slightly higher cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for the data solutions products. The Other segment experienced an increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales primarily due to increased development costs in our battery systems and medical products businesses.
 
Gross Profit.  Consolidated gross profit increased $62.1 million, or 39.6%, to $218.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, as compared to $156.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 24.8% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to 20.3% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The increase is primarily due to the Automotive and Power Products segments manufacturing efficiencies related to the higher sales volumes, other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business and the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing facility in Egypt. The Interface segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for our data solutions products. The Other segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily due to increased development costs in our battery systems and medical products businesses.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In fiscal 2015 management performed the annual impairment analysis of goodwill for our TouchSensor reporting unit in our Interface segment and determined that the asset was impaired, resulting from a fourth quarter change in strategic direction. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $11.1 million related to these assets. In fiscal 2014, due to market conditions, management performed an impairment analysis of the intangible asset for our Eetrex reporting unit in our Other segment and determined that the asset was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to these assets.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased by $14.4 million, or 18.1%, to $94.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $79.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.7% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 from 10.3% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. In fiscal 2015, total compensation expense increased $7.7 million, travel and other general expenses increased $3.1 million, legal expense increased $2.6 million, and stock-based compensation increased $1.0 million.
 
Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles decreased $0.3 million, or 16.7%, to $1.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.

Gain on the Sale of Business. On February 3, 2015, we sold our 100% ownership interest in our Trace Laboratories businesses for $11.7 million. The businesses, located in Maryland and Illinois, provided services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components. The net assets of the businesses had a book value of $4.0 million. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $7.7 million, related to the sale of the net assets.
    
Interest (Income)/Expense, Net.  Interest (income)/expense decreased $1.0 million, to income of $0.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to an expense of $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, primarily due to lower debt levels in fiscal 2015.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased $2.4 million to $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $2.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 include income of $0.3 million related to life insurance policies in connection with an employee deferred compensation plan. Other income, net for fiscal 2014 includes a gain of $3.2 million for the sale of one of the Company's investments. All other amounts for both fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese

17


yuan, euro, Indian rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc. Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

Income Tax (Benefit)/Expense.  Income tax (benefit)/expense increased $40.1 million, to an expense of $19.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to a benefit of $20.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The Company's effective tax rate increased to 16.4% in fiscal 2015, compared to (26.7%) in fiscal 2014. Fiscal 2015 includes a $8.6 million tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. Fiscal 2014 includes income tax expense on foreign profits of $6.9 million, $1.3 million for foreign tax expense on a foreign dividend and a tax expense of $1.6 million related to the adjustment of tax credits from our Malta facility. In addition, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $32.6 million in fiscal 2014, related to the reversal of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets and other miscellaneous adjustments.
 
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.  Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $5.0 million, or 5.2%, to $101.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $96.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes and manufacturing efficiencies, the gain on selling a business, increased interest income, partially offset by increased income tax expense, impairment of goodwill and increased selling and administrative expenses.

Operating Segments
 
Automotive Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
628.4

 
$
522.4

 
$
106.0

 
20.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
471.0

 
425.7

 
45.3

 
10.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
157.4

 
96.7

 
60.7

 
62.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
32.5

 
27.3

 
5.2

 
19.0
%
Income from operations
$
124.9

 
$
69.4

 
$
55.5

 
80.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
75.0
%
 
81.5
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
25.0
%
 
18.5
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
5.2
%
 
5.2
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
19.9
%
 
13.3
%
 
 
 
 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $106.0 million, or 20.3%, to $628.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from $522.4 million for fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Net sales increased in North America by $104.7 million, or 38.9%, to $373.9 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $269.2 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program. Sales volumes were relatively flat for transmission lead-frame assemblies. Also in North America, sales decreased related to pricing concessions on certain products and sales volumes decreased for the Ford Center Console Program. Net sales decreased in Europe by $12.6 million, or 7.4%, to $157.8 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $170.4 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to currency rate fluctuations, lower tooling sales and lower sales volumes for hidden switch products. Net sales in Asia increased $13.9 million, or 16.8%, to $96.7 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $82.8 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for interior lighting products, linear position sensor products and transmission lead-frame assemblies. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 decreased reported net sales by $10.9 million, or 1.7%, in fiscal 2015, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro.

18



Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $45.3 million, or 10.6%, to $471.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from $425.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 75.0% in fiscal 2015, compared to 81.5% in fiscal 2014.  The decrease is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. In addition, cost of products sold was favorably impacted in fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business in Mexico as well as favorable commodity pricing for raw materials.
 
Gross Profit.  Automotive segment gross profit increased $60.7 million, or 62.8%, to $157.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, as compared to $96.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 25.0% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, as compared to 18.5% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The increase is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia, and other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business. In addition, gross margins were favorably impacted in fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and favorable commodity pricing for raw materials, partially offset with pricing concessions for certain products in North America.
     
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $5.2 million, or 19.0%, to $32.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $27.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 5.2% for both the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014. The increase in expenses in fiscal 2015 is primarily due to higher salary, bonus, employee recruitment fees and travel expenses as a result of increased business levels as compared to fiscal 2014, partially offset with lower legal expenses.
    
Income from Operations.  Automotive segment income from operations increased $55.5 million, or 80.0%, to $124.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $69.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. Fiscal 2015 benefitted from higher sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and lower legal expenses, partially offset with higher salary, bonus, employee recruitment fees and travel expenses.


 

19


Interface Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
161.7

 
$
170.8

 
$
(9.1
)
 
(5.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
123.0

 
126.4

 
(3.4
)
 
(2.7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
38.7

 
44.4

 
(5.7
)
 
(12.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
11.1

 

 
11.1

 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
20.6

 
17.6

 
3.0

 
17.0
 %
Income from operations
$
7.0

 
$
26.8

 
$
(19.8
)
 
(73.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
76.1
%
 
74.0
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
23.9
%
 
26.0
%
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill
6.9
%
 
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
12.7
%
 
10.3
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
4.3
%
 
15.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Interface segment net sales decreased $9.1 million, or 5.3%, to $161.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from $170.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Net sales decreased in North America by $3.9 million, or 2.9%, to $128.8 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $132.7 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes, partially offset with stronger sales volumes for data solutions and radio remote control products. Net sales in Europe decreased $2.2 million, or 8.4%, to $23.9 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $26.1 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower radio remote control sales volumes, partially offset with higher sales volumes for data solutions products. Net sales in Asia decreased $3.0 million, or 25.0%, to $9.0 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $12.0 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower radio remote control sales volumes and lower sales volumes from certain legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Interface segment cost of products sold decreased $3.4 million, or 2.7%, to $123.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $126.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 76.1% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to 74.0% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs.

Gross Profit.  Interface segment gross profit decreased $5.7 million, or 12.8%, to $38.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $44.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 23.9% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from 26.0% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs.
 
Impairment of Goodwill. In fiscal 2015 management performed the annual impairment analysis of goodwill for our TouchSensor reporting unit and determined that the asset was impaired, resulting from a fourth quarter change in strategic direction. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $11.1 million related to these assets.


20


Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $3.0 million, or 17.0%, to $20.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $17.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 12.7% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from 10.3% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The increase in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased legal expenses, partially offset with lower compensation expense and travel expense.
 
Income from Operations.  Interface segment income from operations decreased $19.8 million, or 73.9%, to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $26.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, primarily due to the impairment of goodwill, lower sales volumes, increased legal expenses, partially offset with lower compensation and travel expense.

Power Products Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
85.7

 
$
72.5

 
$
13.2

 
18.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
57.9

 
55.0

 
2.9

 
5.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
27.8

 
17.5

 
10.3

 
58.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
4.6

 
4.9

 
(0.3
)
 
(6.1
)%
Income from operations
$
23.2

 
$
12.6

 
$
10.6

 
84.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
67.6
%
 
75.9
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
32.4
%
 
24.1
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
5.4
%
 
6.8
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
27.1
%
 
17.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $13.2 million, or 18.2%, to $85.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $72.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Net sales increased in North America by $9.1 million, or 21.6%, to $51.3 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $42.2 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of datacom, cabling and busbar products. Net sales in Europe increased $0.3 million, or 2.8%, to $11.2 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $10.9 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher busbar sales volumes, partially offset by lower bypass switch sales volumes. Net sales in Asia increased $3.8 million, or 19.6%, to $23.2 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $19.4 million in fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes of datacom, busbar and cabling products.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $2.9 million, or 5.3%, to $57.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $55.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 67.6% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from 75.9% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related increased sales volumes in North America and Asia, favorable sales mix in Europe and favorable raw material commodity pricing in all three regions.
 
Gross Profit.  Power Products segment gross profit increased $10.3 million, or 58.9%, to $27.8 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $17.5 million in fiscal 2014.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 32.4% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 from 24.1% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related to increased sales volumes in North America and Asia, favorable sales mix in Europe and favorable raw material commodity pricing in all three regions.


21


Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 6.1%, to $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 5.4% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 from 6.8% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to higher sales volumes and lower commission and travel expenses in North America.
 
Income From Operations.  Power Products segment income from operations increased $10.6 million, or 84.1%, to $23.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $12.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, due to increased sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies, and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and lower commission and travel expenses.
 
Other Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)

 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
5.2

 
$
7.0

 
$
(1.8
)
 
(25.7
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
7.0

 
7.4

 
(0.4
)
 
(5.4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
(1.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(1.4
)
 
350.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

 
1.7

 
(1.7
)
 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
4.6

 
4.9

 
(0.3
)
 
(6.1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
$
(6.4
)
 
$
(7.0
)
 
$
0.6

 
N/M

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
134.6
 %
 
105.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
(34.6
)%
 
(5.7
)%
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
 %
 
24.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
88.5
 %
 
70.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
(123.1
)%
 
(100.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales decreased $1.8 million, or 25.7%, to $5.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to sale of Trace Laboratories business at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The remaining operating units in this segment, medical products and battery systems, do not have any substantial net sales in either fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold decreased $0.4 million, or 5.4%, to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $7.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. Cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 134.6% in fiscal 2015, compared to 105.7% in fiscal 2014. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products and battery systems businesses.

Gross Profit.  The Other segment gross profit decreased $1.4 million, to a loss of $1.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to a loss of $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to (34.6)% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to (5.7)% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products and battery systems businesses, which do not have any significant corresponding sales.

22


 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In fiscal 2014, due to market conditions, management performed an impairment analysis of the intangible assets for our battery systems operating unit and determined that the asset was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to these assets.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 6.1%, to $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 88.5% for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, from 70.0% for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to the sale of Trace Laboratories business, partially offset by increased headcount and professional fees in our medical products business.
 
Loss From Operations  The Other segment loss from operations decreased $0.6 million to $6.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015, compared to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.  The decrease was primarily due to no impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, partially offset by the sale of Trace Laboratories business, increased development expenses, professional fees and headcount in our medical products business.



23


Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended May 3, 2014, as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2013.
 
Consolidated Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
772.8

 
$
519.8

 
$
253.0

 
48.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
616.1

 
428.2

 
187.9

 
43.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
156.7

 
91.6

 
65.1

 
71.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
1.7

 
4.3

 
(2.6
)
 
N/M

Income from settlement

 
(20.0
)
 
20.0

 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
79.6

 
66.3

 
13.3

 
20.1
 %
Amortization of intangibles
1.8

 
1.8

 

 
 %
Interest expense, net
0.3

 

 
0.3

 
N/M

Other (income)/expense, net
(2.6
)
 
1.3

 
(3.9
)
 
N/M

Income tax benefit
(20.3
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(17.8
)
 
N/M

Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
0.1

 
(0.3
)
 
0.4

 
(133.3
)%
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
$
96.1

 
$
40.7

 
$
55.4

 
136.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
79.7
 %
 
82.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
20.3
 %
 
17.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
0.2
 %
 
0.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement
 %
 
(3.8
)%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
10.3
 %
 
12.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Amortization of intangibles
0.2
 %
 
0.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 %
 
 %
 
 
 
 
Other (income)/expense, net
(0.3
)%
 
0.3
 %
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
(2.6
)%
 
(0.5
)%
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
 %
 
(0.1
)%
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.
12.4
 %
 
7.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $253.0 million, or 48.7%, to $772.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, from $519.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Tooling sales, primarily from the Automotive segment, increased $4.4 million, or 22.0%, to $24.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $20.0 million in fiscal 2013. The Automotive segment net sales, inclusive of tooling sales, increased $204.5 million, or 64.3%, to $522.4 million in fiscal 2014, from $317.9 million in fiscal 2013, primarily related to the GM Center Console Program, which launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, new product launches in Europe and higher sales volumes for steering-angle sensor, and hidden switch product lines. The Interface segment net sales increased $27.7 million, or 19.4%, to $170.8 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $143.1 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to higher sales volumes in appliance and data products.  The Power Products segment net sales increased $19.9 million, or 37.8%, to $72.5 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $52.6 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to higher sales volumes for our PowerRail and associated products, partially offset by lower sales volumes for our heat sink

24


products.  The Other segment net sales decreased $0.8 million, or 12.9%, to $7.0 million in fiscal 2014, as compared to $6.2 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to lower sales volumes for our torque-sensing products.  Translation of foreign operations net sales for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014 increased reported net sales by $6.5 million or 0.8% due to average currency rate fluctuations, compared to fiscal 2013, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $187.9 million, or 43.9%, to $616.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $428.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of sales was 79.7% in fiscal 2014, compared to 82.4% in fiscal 2013.  The Automotive segment experienced a decrease in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales due to increased manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes and the vertical integration of our paint and decorative molding operation into our manufacturing processes. The Interface segment experienced an increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales primarily due to manufacturing inefficiencies related to lower sales volumes for our European sensor products as well as sales mix within the segment. The Power Products segment experienced a decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales primarily due to lower development costs, favorable commodity pricing for raw materials and favorable product sales mix.
 
Gross Profit.  Consolidated gross profit increased $65.1 million, or 71.1%, to $156.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, as compared to $91.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 20.3% in fiscal 2014, compared to 17.6% in fiscal 2013.  The increase is primarily due to increased manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes and the vertical integration of our paint and decorative molding facility in our manufacturing process in the Automotive segment. The Interface segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of sales primarily due to manufacturing inefficiencies related to lower sales volumes for our European sensor products and sales mix within the segment. The Power Products segment experienced an increase in gross margins as a percentage of sales primarily due to favorable commodity pricing for raw materials and favorable product sales mix.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In fiscal 2014, due to market conditions, management performed an impairment analysis of the intangible asset for our Eetrex reporting unit in our Power Products segment and determined that the asset was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to these assets. In fiscal 2013, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing, we determined that the fair value for Eetrex was less than the carrying value of their net assets and concluded that goodwill was impaired. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million for our Eetrex reporting unit in our Power Products segment related to these assets.

Income From Settlement. In fiscal 2013, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete agreement with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased by $13.3 million, or 20.1%, to $79.6 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $66.3 million in fiscal 2013.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.3% in fiscal 2014 from 12.8% in fiscal 2013. The decrease is primarily due to higher sales volumes. The selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2013 benefitted from a $1.1 million reversal of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy. In fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the Company recorded $3.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of performance-based compensation expense related to the tandem cash component of the Company's long-term incentive plan. In fiscal 2014, expenses for short term bonuses, salary and fringe benefit expenses increased $5.4 million, travel expenses and other general expenses increased $2.6 million, legal and other professional services increased $1.2 million, and development costs increased $1.2 million in fiscal 2014 primarily due to increased business levels.    

Amortization of Intangibles. Amortization of intangibles was $1.8 million for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.

Interest Expense, Net.  Interest expense, net increased to $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to break-even for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.

Other (Income)/Expense, Net. Other (income)/expense, net increased $3.9 million, to income of $2.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to an expense of $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013. Other (income)/expense, net for fiscal 2014 includes a gain of $3.2 million for the sale of one of the Company's investments. In addition, fiscal 2014 also included income of $0.3 million in fiscal 2014 related to life insurance policies in connection with an employee deferred compensation plan. All other amounts for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Indian rupee, Mexican

25


peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc. Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and Euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.

Income Tax Benefit.  Income tax benefit increased $17.8 million to $20.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Fiscal 2014 includes income tax expense on foreign profits of $6.9 million, $1.3 million for foreign tax expense on a foreign dividend and a tax expense of $1.6 million related to the adjustment of tax credits from our Malta facility. In addition, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $31.7 million in fiscal 2014, related to the reversal of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets and other miscellaneous adjustments in the U.S. Fiscal 2013 includes income tax expense on foreign profits of $6.1 million. In addition, fiscal 2013 includes a benefit of $8.6 million related to tax credits from our Malta facility.
 
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.  Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $55.4 million, or 136.1%, to $96.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $40.7 million for the fiscal year April 27, 2013. Fiscal 2014 benefitted from the GM Center Console Program launch, higher sales volumes, realized manufacturing efficiencies, higher income tax benefit and lower impairment expenses of goodwill and intangible assets. Fiscal 2014 was negatively impacted by higher selling and administrative expenses due to increased business levels. Fiscal 2013 benefitted from the $20.0 million settlement and the $1.1 million reversal of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy.

Operating Segments
 
Automotive Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 ("N/M" equals not meaningful)
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
522.4

 
$
317.9

 
$
204.5

 
64.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
425.7

 
271.6

 
154.1

 
56.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
96.7

 
46.3

 
50.4

 
108.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement

 
(20.0
)
 
20.0

 
N/M

Selling and administrative expenses
27.3

 
25.2

 
2.1

 
8.3
%
Income from operations
$
69.4

 
$
41.1

 
$
28.3

 
68.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
81.5
%
 
85.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
18.5
%
 
14.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Income from settlement
%
 
(6.3
)%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
5.2
%
 
7.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
13.3
%
 
12.9
 %
 
 
 
 

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $204.5 million, or 64.3%, to $522.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, from $317.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Tooling sales increased $4.4 million, or 22.0%, to $24.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $20.0 million in fiscal 2013. Net sales, inclusive of tooling sales, increased in North America by $173.2 million, or 180.4%, to $269.2 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $96.0 million in fiscal 2013 related to the GM Center Console Program, which launched during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and increased sales volumes for our transmission lead-frame assemblies.  Net sales, inclusive of tooling sales increased in Europe by $24.8 million, or 17.0%, to $170.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $145.6 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to new product launches and increased sales volumes for hidden switch products as well as currency rate fluctuations. Net sales, inclusive of tooling sales, in Asia increased $6.5 million, or 8.5%, to $82.8 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $76.3 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due

26


to increased sales volumes for our steering-angle sensor, transmission lead-frame assembly products and hidden switches. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014 increased reported net sales by $6.5 million, or 1.3%, due to average currency rates, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2013, primarily due to the strengthening of the Euro as compared to the U.S. dollar.

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $154.1 million, or 56.7%, to $425.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, from $271.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 81.5% in fiscal 2014, compared to 85.4% in fiscal 2013.  The decrease is primarily due to increased manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes in North America and Europe and the vertical integration of our paint and decorative molding operation into our manufacturing processes in North America.
 
Gross Profit.  Automotive segment gross profit increased $50.4 million, or 108.9%, to $96.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, as compared to $46.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales were 18.5% in fiscal 2014, compared to 14.6% in fiscal 2013.  The increase is primarily due to increased manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes and the vertical integration of our paint and decorative molding facility into our manufacturing processes.
     
Income From Settlement. In September 2012, the Company and various Delphi parties settled all Delphi related litigation matters. In addition to resolving all claims between the parties, the Company assigned certain patents to Delphi and entered into a non-compete agreement with respect to the related technology. In exchange, the Company received a payment of $20.0 million. The Company recorded the entire gain in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.    

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.1 million, or 8.3%, to $27.3 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $25.2 million in fiscal 2013.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 5.2% in fiscal 2014 and 7.9% in fiscal 2013. The selling and administrative expenses in fiscal 2013 benefitted from a $1.1 million reversal of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy. In fiscal 2014, bonus and travel expenses increased $2.1 million as a result of increased business levels, partially offset by set by lower legal expenses of $1.3 million.
 
Income from Operations.  Automotive segment income from operations increased $28.3 million, or 68.9%, to $69.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $41.1 million in fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2014 benefitted from the GM Center Console Program, higher sales volumes and manufacturing efficiencies and lower legal expenses, partially offset with higher bonus and travel expenses. Fiscal 2013 benefitted from the $20.0 million settlement and the $1.1 million reversal of various accruals related to a customer bankruptcy.

 

27


Interface Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
170.8

 
$
143.1

 
$
27.7

 
19.4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
126.4

 
104.7

 
21.7

 
20.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
44.4

 
38.4

 
6.0

 
15.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
17.6

 
17.7

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.6
)%
Income from operations
$
26.8

 
$
20.7

 
$
6.1

 
29.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
74.0
%
 
73.2
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
26.0
%
 
26.8
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
10.3
%
 
12.4
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
15.7
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Interface segment net sales increased $27.7 million, or 19.4%, to $170.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, from $143.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Net sales increased in North America by $27.7 million, or 26.4%, to $132.7 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $105.0 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to stronger sales volumes for our appliance, data solutions and radio remote control products. Net sales in Europe increased $1.4 million, or 5.7%, to $26.1 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $24.7 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to increased radio remote control sales volumes, partially offset with lower sensor sales volumes. Net sales in Asia decreased $1.4 million, or 10.4%, to $12.0 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $13.4 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to lower sales from certain legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Interface segment cost of products sold increased $21.7 million, or 20.7%, to $126.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $104.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 74.0% in fiscal 2014, compared to 73.2% in fiscal 2013.  The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to manufacturing inefficiencies due to lower sales volumes for our European sensor products as well as sales mix within the segment.

Gross Profit.  Interface segment gross profit increased $6.0 million, or 15.6%, to $44.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $38.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.0% in fiscal 2014, from 26.8% in fiscal 2013.  The decrease in gross margins is primarily due to lower sales volumes for our European sensor products as well as sales mix within the segment.
 
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 0.6%, to $17.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $17.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.3% in fiscal 2014, from 12.4% in fiscal 2013.
 
Income from Operations.  Interface segment income from operations increased $6.1 million, or 29.5%, to $26.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $20.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013, primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset with manufacturing inefficiencies and sales mix.


28


Power Products Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
72.5

 
$
52.6

 
$
19.9

 
37.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
55.0

 
40.9

 
14.1

 
34.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
17.5

 
11.7

 
5.8

 
49.6
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
4.9

 
6.6

 
(1.7
)
 
(25.8
)%
Income from operations
$
12.6

 
$
5.1

 
$
7.5

 
147.1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
75.9
%
 
77.8
%
 
 
 
 
Gross margins
24.1
%
 
22.2
%
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
6.8
%
 
12.5
%
 
 
 
 
Income from operations
17.4
%
 
9.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $19.9 million, or 37.8%, to $72.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $52.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Net sales increased in North America by $7.9 million, or 23.0%, to $42.2 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $34.3 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to higher sales volumes for our PowerRail and associated products, partially offset by lower sales volumes for our heat sink products. Net sales in Europe increased by $7.5 million, or 220.6%, to $10.9 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $3.4 million in fiscal 2013, due to launches of a by-pass switch and busbars for electric vehicles, both of which launched in the second half of fiscal 2013. Net sales in Asia increased by $4.4 million, or 29.3%, to $19.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $15.0 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to increased sales volumes of busbar and cabling assemblies.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $14.1 million, or 34.5%, to $55.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $40.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of sales decreased to 75.9% in fiscal 2014, from 77.8% in fiscal 2013.  The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of sales is primarily due to higher sales volumes, favorable commodity pricing for raw materials and favorable product sales mix.

Gross Profit.  Power Products segment gross profit increased $5.8 million, or 49.6%, to $17.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $11.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 24.1% in fiscal 2014 from 22.2% in fiscal 2013. The increase in gross margins is primarily due to favorable commodity pricing for raw materials and favorable product sales mix.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $1.7 million, or 25.8%, to $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $6.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 6.8% in fiscal 2014 from 12.5% in fiscal 2013. Selling and administrative expenses decreased due to lower commission expense in North America.
 
Income From Operations.  Power Products segment income from operations increased $7.5 million, or 147.1%, to $12.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared $5.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013, due to higher sales volumes, favorable commodity pricing for raw materials, favorable product sales mix and lower selling and administrative expenses. 
 

29


Other Segment Results
 
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(in millions)
("N/M" equals not meaningful)

 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
Net Change
 
Net Change
Net sales
$
7.0

 
$
6.2

 
$
0.8

 
12.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
7.4

 
7.0

 
0.4

 
5.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
(0.4
)
 
(0.8
)
 
0.4

 
(50.0
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
1.7

 
4.3

 
(2.6
)
 
(60.5
)%
Selling and administrative expenses
4.9

 
2.7

 
2.2

 
81.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
$
(7.0
)
 
$
(7.8
)
 
$
0.8

 
N/M

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percent of sales:
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
 
 
 
 
Net sales
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold
105.7
 %
 
112.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
(5.7
)%
 
(12.9
)%
 
 
 
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
24.3
 %
 
69.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling and administrative expenses
70.0
 %
 
43.5
 %
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations
(100.0
)%
 
(125.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales.  The Other segment net sales increased $0.8 million, or 12.9%, to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Net sales from our testing facilities increased 14.8%, primarily due to increased vibration shock and environmental testing sales in fiscal 2014, compared to fiscal 2013.
 
Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold decreased $0.4 million, or 5.7%, to $7.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased to 105.7% in fiscal 2014, compared to 112.9% in fiscal 2013. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products and battery systems businesses.

Gross Profit.  The Other segment gross profit decreased $0.4 million, or 50.0%, to $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $0.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products and battery systems businesses.
 
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. In fiscal 2014, due to market conditions, management performed an impairment analysis of the intangible assets for our battery systems operating unit and determined that the asset was impaired. The Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.7 million related to these assets. In fiscal 2013, as a result of our annual goodwill impairment testing, we determined that the fair value for this operating unit was less than the carrying value of their net assets and concluded that goodwill was impaired. We recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $4.3 million for this operating unit related to these assets.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased by $2.2 million, or 81.5%, to $4.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to $2.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 88.5% in fiscal 2014, from 70.0% in fiscal 2013. The increase in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased headcount and professional fees for our medical products and battery systems businesses.
 

30


Loss From Operations  The Other segment loss from operations decreased $0.8 million to a loss of $7.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, compared to income of $7.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2013.  The decrease was primarily due to lower impairment charges and higher sales volumes, partially offset with higher selling and administrative expenses.
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We believe our current world-wide cash balances together with expected future cash flows to be generated from operations and our committed credit facility will be sufficient to support current operations. Due to the shifting of operations from the U.S. to foreign locations, a significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. Of the $168.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of May 2, 2015, $160.9 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Our foreign earnings continue to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. and therefore not available to fund our domestic operations. We currently have minimal federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards in the U.S. which would reduce the cash tax obligation (if the carry-forwards have not otherwise been used) upon any future repatriation of funds.
 
Our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended, has a maturity date of September 21, 2017. The credit facility is in the maximum principal amount of $100.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $50.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. At May 2, 2015, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.5% plus LIBOR. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries. At May 2, 2015, we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During fiscal 2015, we had no borrowings and payments of $43.7 million, which includes interest of $0.7 million under this credit facility. As of May 2, 2015, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $5.0 million.  There was $95.0 million available to borrow under the credit facility as of May 2, 2015, which does not include the option to increase the principal amount. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of May 2, 2015.
Operating cash flow is summarized below (in millions):
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
May 2,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
April 27,
2013
Net income
$
101.0

 
$
96.2

 
$
40.4

Depreciation and amortization
23.4

 
23.9

 
18.8

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
(8.9
)
 
(23.7
)
 
(26.5
)
Other non-cash items
7.4

 
(24.0
)
 
0.5

Cash flow from operations
$
122.9

 
$
72.4

 
$
33.2

 
Operating Activities — Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
 
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $50.5 million to $122.9 million for fiscal 2015, compared to $72.4 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to decreased cash use from deferred income taxes and the changes in operating assets and liabilities. The net changes in assets and liabilities resulted in the decreased cash use of $14.8 million, to $8.9 million in fiscal 2015, compared to cash use of $23.7 million in fiscal 2014. The decreased cash use in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014 is primarily driven by the timing of receivable collections and the decrease in inventory levels.

Operating Activities — Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
 
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $39.2 million to $72.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $33.2 million in fiscal 2013, primarily due to the increase of $55.8 million in net income. The net changes in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable balances, resulted in a cash use of $23.7 million in fiscal 2014. The increased cash use of these components in fiscal 2014 is primarily driven by increased sales and overall business levels in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.

 

31


Investing Activities — Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
 
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $11.6 million, to $11.3 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $22.9 million in fiscal 2014. Purchases of property, plant and equipment of decreased by $6.5 million, to $22.5 million in fiscal 2015, compared to $29.0 million in fiscal 2014. Purchases for both periods primarily relate to equipment purchases for new product launches. In fiscal 2015, we sold our interest in our Trace Laboratories businesses for $11.7 million. We received $11.2 million related to the sale, with the remaining $0.5 million held in escrow. The escrow amount in expected to be paid in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2014, one of the Company's investments, an interest in Lumidigm, was sold for $7.2 million. We received cash of $6.1 million in fiscal 2014 related to the sale, with the remaining $1.1 million held in escrow. The escrow amount is expected to to paid in fiscal 2016.

Investing Activities — Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
 
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $17.1 million due to purchases of property, plant and equipment of $29.0 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $38.6 million in fiscal 2013.  Purchases for both periods primarily relate to plant expansion and equipment purchases in Europe and North America for products which launched in fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2014, one of the Company's investments, an interest in Lumidigm, was sold for $7.2 million. We received cash of $6.1 million in fiscal 2014 related to the sale, with the remaining $1.1 million held in escrow. The escrow amount is expected to to paid in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2013, we acquired the Hetronic Italy business for $1.4 million.

 
Financing Activities — Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
 
Net cash used by financing activities increased $47.1 million to $48.5 million in fiscal 2015, compared $1.4 million in fiscal 2014.  In fiscal 2015, the Company had no borrowings against the credit facility and payments of $43.0 million, compared to borrowings of $38.0 million and payments of $33.5 million in fiscal 2014. We paid dividends of $13.8 million and $11.3 million, in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 includes $4.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of proceeds for the exercise of stock options and the related tax benefit of the exercises. Fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 includes $4.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to tax benefit from stock option exercises.

Financing Activities — Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
 
Net cash used by financing activities decreased $12.8 million to $1.4 million in fiscal 2014, compared $14.2 million in fiscal 2013.  In fiscal 2014, the Company had net borrowings against the credit facility of $4.5 million, compared to net repayments of $4.5 million in fiscal 2013. We paid dividends of $11.3 million and $10.3 million, in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 includes $5.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of proceeds for the exercise of stock options and the related tax benefit of the exercises.
    
Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and commitments, as of May 2, 2015 (in millions):
 
 
Payments Due By Period
 
Total