UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

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

For the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018May 1, 2021

OR

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

Commission File Number 0-2816

001-33731

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

36-2090085

Delaware36-2090085

(State or other jurisdiction of

(IRS Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

8750 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 1000

Chicago, Illinois

60631-3518

7401 West Wilson Avenue
Chicago, Illinois60706-4548

(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

Trading Symbol(s)

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.50 Par Value

MEI

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, an emerging growth company, or a smaller reporting company.

Large Accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B)13(a) of the SecuritiesExchange Act.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  

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 October 28, 2017,31, 2020, based upon the average of the closing bid and asked pricesprice on that date as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was $1.5$0.8 billion.


Registrant had 37,005,44938,302,350 shares of common stock, $0.50 par value, outstanding as of June 19, 2018.

17, 2021.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the proxy statementregistrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2021 annual shareholders' meeting to be held on September 13, 201815, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.



METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

FORM 10-K

April 28, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1.

Business

2

Item 1A.

PART IRisk Factors

6

13

14

14

14

15

16

17

25

26

26

26

26

27

27

27

27

27

28

Item 16.

Form 10-K Summary

29


Table of Contents

PART I

As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (“this Annual Report”) includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect, when made, our current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, which may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or our strategies or expectations are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “potential,” “outlook” or “continue,” and other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

Impact from pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic;


Dependence on the automotive and commercial vehicle industries;

PART I

Dependence on our supply chain, including semiconductor suppliers;

Dependence on a small number of large customers, including two large automotive customers;

Dependence on the availability and price of materials;

Failure to attract and retain qualified personnel;

Timing, quality and cost of new program launches;

Risks related to conducting global operations;

Ability to compete effectively;

Investment in programs prior to the recognition of revenue;

Ability to withstand pricing pressures, including price reductions;

Impact from production delays or cancelled orders;

Ability to successfully benefit from acquisitions and divestitures;

Ability to withstand business interruptions;

Breaches to our information technology systems;

Ability to keep pace with rapid technological changes;

Ability to protect our intellectual property;

Costs associated with environmental, health and safety regulations;

International trade disputes resulting in tariffs and our ability to mitigate tariffs;

Impact from climate change and related regulations;

Ability to avoid design or manufacturing defects;

Recognition of goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges;

Ability to manage our debt levels and any restrictions thereunder;

Currency fluctuations;

Income tax rate fluctuations;

Judgments related to accounting for tax positions;

Adjustments to compensation expense for performance-based awards;

Timing and magnitude of costs associated with restructuring activities; and

Impact to interest expense from the replacement or modification of LIBOR.

Additional details and factors are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. Any forward-looking statements made by us speak only as of the date on which they are made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

1


Table of Contents

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” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Description of Business

We are a leading global manufacturersupplier of componentcustom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and subsystem devices with manufacturing designlocations in North America, Europe, Middle East and testing facilities in Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Our primary manufacturing facilities are located in Shanghai, China; Cairo, Egypt; Mriehel, Malta; Monterrey and Fresnillo, Mexico; and Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.Asia. We design, manufactureengineer and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless, sensingproduce mechatronic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting system, power distribution and optical technologies.  sensor applications.

Our corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. Our componentssolutions are found in the primary end-marketsend markets of thetransportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance automotive, construction, consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processingmedical devices. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface and storage, networking equipment and wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), medical, rail and other transportation industries.

Medical.

Fiscal Year

We maintain our financial records on the basis of a fifty-two52 or fifty-three week53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2018, fiscal 20172021 ended on May 1, 2021 and fiscal 2016 all2019 ended on April 27, 2019, which represented fifty-two52 weeks of results for each year. Fiscal 2020 ended on May 2, 2020, which represented 53 weeks of results.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has negatively affected the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruptions to capital and credit markets in the global financial markets. We began to see the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of our fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 at our China manufacturing facilities, which were initially closed after the Chinese New Year. Our manufacturing facilities in China resumed operations later in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, but at lower capacity utilization. However, the major impact to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March 2020, as our operations in North America and Europe were adversely impacted by many of our customers suspending their manufacturing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, our operations in North America and Europe gradually resumed operations, however production levels were still significantly reduced, resulting in lower capacity utilization, thus impacting our results of operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2021. In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, production levels in North America and Europe returned to pre-COVID levels as a result of increased demand from customers and continued for the remainder of fiscal 2021. However, towards the end of our third quarter of fiscal 2021, many automotive companies announced a slowdown in their production schedules due to a worldwide semiconductor supply shortage. The semiconductor supply shortage is impacting our supply chain and our ability to meet demand at some of our customers as well. We expect this semiconductor shortage will impact our operating results and financial condition in fiscal 2022.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and business disruption, in March 2020, we implemented certain measures to manage costs, preserve liquidity and enhance employee safety. These measures included the following:

reduction of payroll costs through a combination of temporary salary reductions, four-day work weeks and furloughs. In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we ceased the salary reductions and resumed five-day work weeks;

elimination of most business travel and restriction of visitors to our facilities;

Segments. 

enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures at our facilities, temperature checks for our workers before they enter our manufacturing facilities, the requirement to wear masks, promotion of social distancing at our facilities and requirements for employees to work from home where possible;

deferral of discretionary spending; and

the March 2020 draw-down of $100.0 million under our revolving credit facility, which was repaid in full in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The initial draw-down was as a precautionary measure in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility.

In fiscal 2021, we continued to focus on effectively managing the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic on a global basis. As our operations resumed, management prioritized the health and safety of our employees and their families. We adopted numerous safety procedures at our 34 global facilities, including hygiene and disinfection protocols, testing and contact tracing, social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (“PPE”). We implemented the sharing of best practices throughout our global facilities, resulting in effective and standardized safety guidelines and procedures, updated on a regular basis, promoting the health and safety of our employees.

2


Table of Contents

Management evaluated and redesigned our staffing requirements and structures to reflect the ongoing impact of the pandemic on our business and operations. Among other actions, management successfully implemented several important business consolidations and successfully managed pandemic-related labor issues at our facilities in Mexico. We implemented processes to continuously monitor and strengthen our supply chain to proactively mitigate potential disruptions due to the pandemic. Management also instituted elevated procedures and practices to successfully manage liquidity, cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, capital expenditures and indebtedness during the pandemic.

In addition, we initiated certain restructuring actions in fiscal 2021 to rationalize our operations, lower our costs and improve financial performance and long-term cash flow generation. These actions included plant consolidations and workforce reductions in the Automotive, Industrial and Interface segments. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $8.2 million of restructuring costs. We may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.

Operating Segments 

Our business is managed, and our financial results are reported, based on a segment basis, with those segments beingthe following four segments: Automotive, Industrial, Interface Power Products and Other.

Medical. See Note 15, “Segment Information and Geographic Area Information” to our consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report for further information.

The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"),OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include integrated center consoles, hidden switches, ergonomic switches, transmission lead-frames, light-emitting diode ("LED") basedLED-based lighting, and sensors which incorporate magneto-elastic sensing and other technologies that monitor the operation or status of a component or system.

The InterfaceIndustrial segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interface and interfacemanufactures external lighting solutions, for the aerospace, appliance, commercial food service, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, point-of-sale and telecommunications markets.  Solutions include conductive polymers, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers and solid-state field-effect consumer touch panels.  Services include the design and installation of fiber-optic and copper infrastructure systems and manufacturing active and passive optical components. Through fiscal 2018, the interface segment included our Methode Development Company business, which provided conductive ink products for the automotive market. The business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2018 due to a management-driven strategic change in direction. Through fiscal 2017, the Interface segment included our Connectivity business, which provided solutions for computer and networking markets, including connectors and custom cable assemblies. This business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017 due to market conditions.

The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated busbars and devices, custom power-product assemblies, such as our PowerRail® solution, high-current low-voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder-coated busbars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers,cloud computing, commercial vehicles, industrial, military, power conversion military,and transportation.

The Interface segment provides a variety of copper based transceivers and related accessories for the cloud computing hardware equipment and telecommunications broadband equipment markets, user interface solutions for the appliance, commercial food service, and transportation.

point-of-sale equipment markets, and fluid-level sensors for the marine/recreational vehicle and sump pump markets.

The OtherMedical segment is primarily made up of our medical device business, Dabir Surfaces, Inc. (“Dabir Surfaces”), our surface support technology aimed at pressure injury prevention. Methode is developingDabir Surfaces has developed the technology for use by patients who are immobilized or otherwise at risk for pressure injuries, including patients undergoing long-duration surgical procedures. Through fiscal 2017, the Other segment included our Active Energy Solutions business, which provided inverters, battery systems and insulated-gate bipolar transistor solutions. Due to market conditions, this business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017.

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 Companyby segment for the last three fiscal years.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

Automotive

 

 

69.4

%

 

 

69.5

%

 

 

73.4

%

Industrial

 

 

24.6

%

 

 

24.6

%

 

 

20.7

%

Interface

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

5.8

%

Medical

 

 

0.3

%

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

0.1

%

  Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Automotive 80.3% 77.5% 76.0%
Interface 12.7% 15.6% 17.4%
Power Products 7.0% 6.9% 6.6%
Other % % %

Sales and Marketing

The majority of our sales activities are directed by sales managers who are supported by field application engineers and other engineeringtechnical 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 primarily sold through our in-house sales staff andstaff. We also utilize independent manufacturers’ representatives with offices throughout the world. Information about our sales and operations in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 1215, “Segment Information and Geographic Area Information” to our consolidated financial statements.statements in this Annual Report. Sales are made primarily to OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, as well as to selling partners and distributors.

3


Table of Contents

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, LED displays, plastic molding materials,resins, capacitors and resistors, 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.

Intellectual Property

We normally do not carry inventories of raw materials or finished products in excess of those reasonably requiredgenerally rely on patents, trade secrets, trademarks, licenses, and non-disclosure agreements to meet productionprotect our intellectual property and shipping schedules. In fiscal 2018, the Company experienced increased costs for copper.proprietary products. We did not experience any significant price increases in fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2016. We experienced some lower costs for certain commodities, primarily the cost of resin-based products, in fiscal 2016.

Patents.  The Company hashave been granted a number of patents in the U.S., Europe and Asia and hashave additional domestic and international patent applications pending related to our products and manufacturing processes. The Company'sproducts. Our existing patents expire on various dates from 2018 to 2036. The Company seeksbetween 2022 and 2041. We seek patents in order to protect the Company'sour interest in certainunique and critical products and technologies, including our TouchSensor, magnetic torquefield-effect touch technology, magneto-elastic torque/force sensing, current sensing, displacement sensing, medical devices and high-power distributionradio-type 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 upon automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Consequently, our Automotive and Industrial segments may experience seasonal fluctuations based on the automotive sales and vehiclethe production schedules of our customers. The automotive market isand commercial vehicle markets are cyclical and dependsdepend on general economic conditions, interest rates, fuel prices and consumer spending patterns.

Material

Major Customers

During the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018,2021, shipments to General Motors Corporation (“GM”) and Ford Motor Company (“Ford”), or their tiered suppliers, represented 43.3%27.5% and 12.3%8.8%, respectively, of consolidated net sales. In general, these sales were for component parts used in particular vehicle models of the OEMs. Typically, our FordGM and GMFord supply arrangements for each component part include a blanket purchase order and production releases. In general, a blanket purchase order is issued for each FordGM or GMFord part as identified by the customer part number. Each such Ford or GM blanket purchase order accounted for less than 10.0% of our fiscal 2018 consolidated net sales. Each blanket purchase order includes standard terms and conditions, including price. In certain circumstances, we supply FordGM or GMFord the requirements for a particular customer vehicle model for the life of the model, which can vary from three to seven years. Both FordGM and GMFord order parts using production releases approved under the relevant blanket purchase order. The production releases are submitted by the various FordGM or GMFord plants and include information regarding part quantities and delivery specifications.


Backlog. Our backlog

We manufacture products based on a combination of specific order requirements and forecasts of our customers’ demand. For many of our OEM customers, especially in the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, we have long-term supply arrangements where there is an expectation that we will supply products in future periods, however these arrangements do not necessarily constitute firm orders was approximately $249.2 millionand these OEM customers are not required to purchase any minimum amount of products from us. Firm orders are generally limited to authorized customer purchase orders which are typically based on April 28, 2018,customer release schedules. We fulfill these purchase orders as promptly as possible. The dollar amount of such purchase order releases on hand and $203.2 million on April 29, 2017.  We expect that most ofnot processed at any point in time is not believed to be significant based upon the time frame involved. Accordingly, backlog at April 28, 2018 willany given time might not be shipped within fiscal 2019.

Competitive Conditionsa meaningful indicator of future revenue.

Competition

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;areas and 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. Research and development costs primarily relate to product engineering and design and development expenses


and are classified as a component of our costs of goodsproducts sold on the Company's Consolidated Statementsour consolidated statements of Income.income. Expenditures for such activities amounted to $37.9$37.1 million for fiscal 2018 and $27.82021, $34.9 million for both fiscal 20172020 and $41.2 million for fiscal 2016.
Environmental Matters.2019.

4


Table of Contents

Government Regulations

Our worldwide business activities are subject to various laws, rules, and regulations of the United States as well as of foreign governments. Compliance with foreign, federal, statethese laws, rules, and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environmentregulations has not materially affectedhad a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earningsresults of operations, or our competitive position.  Currently,position, and we do not currently anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities. Nevertheless, compliance with existing or future governmental regulations, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to international operations, environmental, export controls, business acquisitions, consumer and data protection, employee health and safety, and taxes, could have a material impact on our business in subsequent periods. Refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report for a discussion of these potential impacts.

Human Capital

As of May 1, 2021, we employed approximately 7,200 employees worldwide, substantially all of whom were employed full time with approximately 94% of these employees located outside the U.S. Our U.S. employees are not subject to any material environmental-related lawsuitscollective bargaining agreements although certain international employees are covered by national or material administrative proceedings pending against us.  Further information aslocal labor agreements.

Our corporate culture is committed to environmental matters affecting us is presenteddoing business with integrity, teamwork, and performance excellence. Our management team and all our employees are expected to exhibit the principles of fairness, honesty, and integrity in Note 8the actions we undertake. Our employees must adhere to our consolidated financial statements.

Employees.  At April 28, 2018Code of Conduct that addresses topics such as anti-corruption, discrimination, harassment, privacy, appropriate use of company assets and April 29, 2017, we had 5,056 and 4,464 employees, respectively.  We also, from time to time, employ part-time employees and hire independent contractors.protecting confidential information. Our employees fromparticipate in annual training on preventing, identifying, reporting, and stopping any type of unlawful discrimination or unethical actions.

Talent Acquisition, Development and Succession Planning

Our talent strategy is focused on attracting the best talent, recognizing, and rewarding their performance while continually developing, engaging, and retaining them. We focus significant attention on attracting and retaining talented and experienced individuals to manage and support our Maltaoperations. When we hire new employees, we focus not just on the skills required for current positions, but the ever-changing complex skills and Mexico facilities, which account for approximately 60% of our total number of employees, are represented by collective bargaining agreements.  competencies that will be required as we move forward.

We have never experienced a work stoppageglobal talent review and succession planning process designed to align our talent plans with the current and future strategies of the business. This includes the identification of key positions, assessment of internal talent and potential successors and plans for talent development. Our teams meet with leaders and team members across the company to develop action plans and goals focused on both personal and professional development.

Diversity and Inclusion

As highlighted in our Diversity & Inclusion Statement, we believe that diversity and inclusion are business imperatives that will enable us to build and empower our employee relationsfuture workforce. We strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our global customer base and the communities that we serve. We embrace the diversity of our employees, including their unique backgrounds, experiences, thoughts, and talents. Employees are good.

Segment Informationvalued and Foreign Sales.  Information aboutappreciated for their distinct contributions to the growth and sustainability of our operations by segmentbusiness. We also strive for diversity in leadership, which has the power to drive innovation and different geographic regionto encompass a wide variety of perspectives in company decision-making. We believe that diversity and inclusion will make us a more desirable workplace and will lead to improved business performance.

Health and Safety

The success of our business is summarized in Note 12fundamentally connected to the well-being of our employees. We maintain a work environment with a safety culture grounded on the premise of eliminating workplace incidents, risks, and hazards. We have created and implemented processes to help eliminate safety events and reduce their frequency and severity. The safety of our employees is a top priority and vital to our consolidated financial statements.

Available Information.  Wesuccess. Our employees are subjectregularly trained on safety-related topics and we monitor and measure our effectiveness at all our locations.

It is always a top priority, but in fiscal 2021 employee health and safety were of paramount importance due to the informational requirementsCOVID-19 global pandemic. Where feasible, employees worked from home during fiscal 2021. For jobs that could not be done remotely, extensive safety measures were implemented, including equipping employees with PPE, temperature and health screenings, distanced workstations, plexiglass barriers, enhanced cleaning, and disinfection protocols, contact tracing when needed, published Safe Workplace Guidelines, employee training, and instituting other measures aimed at minimizing the transmission of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act")COVID-19 while sustaining production and file periodic reports, proxy statements and other informationrelated services. Our safety measures are aligned with the Securitiesrecommendations of U.S. and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such reports may be obtained by visiting the Public Reference Roomglobal health organizations and have continued into fiscal 2022.

5


Table 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, proxyContents

Benefits 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 and accessible on the Investor Relations subpageCompensation

As part of our website.efforts to attract and motivate our employees, we offer competitive compensation and benefits that may vary by region and employee-type. We provide compensation packages that include base salary/wages, and short and long-term incentives. We also provide employee benefits such as life, disability, and health (medical, dental, and vision) insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, military leave, and holiday pay. We believe those benefits are competitive within our industry.

The Human Resources function at Methode is an active and visible partner to the business at all levels. Our Chief Human Resources Officer reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and interacts frequently with our Board of Directors. In fiscal 2022, our human capital focus will be on employee health and safety, employee and leadership development, and communications.

Available Information

Through our internet website at www.methode.com, we make available, free of charge, copies of our annual reportAnnual 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) ofand other filings with the Securities and Exchange ActCommission (“SEC”), as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronicallythey are filed or otherwise furnishing itfurnished to the SEC. Our filings are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Also posted on our website are the Company’sour Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct, Anti-Corruption Policy, Insider Trading Policy, Diversity & Inclusion Statement and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Medical Products 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., 74018750 West WilsonBryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 1000, Chicago, Illinois 60706,60631, Attention: Investor Relations Department. Information onThe references in this Annual Report to our website isaddress or any third party’s website address, including but not incorporated into this Form 10-K or our other securities filingslimited to the SEC’s website, do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained in those websites and isshould not abe considered 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 15, 2017.
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.

document unless otherwise expressly stated.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements that

Our business, financial condition and results of operations are subject to certainvarious risks, and uncertainties.  We undertake no dutyincluding, but not limited to, update any such forward-looking statements to conform tothose set forth below, which could cause actual results to vary materially from recent results or changesfrom anticipated future results. These risk factors should be considered together with information included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Operational and Industry Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our expectations.  Our business, is dependent upon two large automotivefinancial condition and results of operations. The extent of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business depends on future events that continue to be highly uncertain and beyond our control.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing measures to reduce its spread have negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer and customer demand and global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. The continued volatility of the global economy adversely affected our results of operations for fiscal 2021, and we are currently unable to quantify the full and long-term impact of the pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The extent of the impact on our business will depend on a number of evolving factors, all of which remain uncertain, including the duration and spread of the pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities to restrict business operations and social activity and impose travel restrictions, shifting consumer demand, the ability of our supply chain to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner, the ability of our employees and manufacturing facilities to operate efficiently and effectively, the continued viability and financial stability of our customers and specific makessuppliers and modelsfuture access to capital.

We have implemented numerous actions in order to effectively manage the unprecedented challenges and uncertainties of automobiles.  Ourthe COVID-19 pandemic on a global basis, such as implementing new workplace hygiene and disinfection protocols, redesigning production processes, leveraging our global purchasing power to secure PPE for our entire workforce, adopting processes to continuously monitor and strengthen our supply chain and consolidating operations. We may be required to take additional actions in response to evolving conditions, such as renewed travel restrictions, quarantine and stay-at-home orders, as well as uncertainty regarding the widespread availability and adoption of vaccines. A prolonged extension of the disruptions resulting directly or indirectly from the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results will be subjectof operations

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing measures to reduce its spread may also impact many of our other risk factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including customer demand, supply chain disruptions, availability of financing sources and risks of international operations. The ultimate significance of the same risksCOVID-19 pandemic on our business will depend on events that apply to the automotive, appliance, computerare beyond our control 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.that we cannot predict. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that our managementwe currently believe to be insignificantdeem immaterial may also affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

6


Table of Contents

We are susceptible to trends and factors affecting the automotive and commercial vehicle industries.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. Factors negatively affecting these industries also negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Automotive sales and production are highly cyclical and, in addition to general economic conditions, also depend on other factors, such as consumer confidence and consumer preferences. Any adverse occurrence, including industry slowdowns, 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 or work stoppages, that results in a significant decline in sales volumes 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 orand results of operations.  These risk factors should be considered

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted, and may continue to significantly disrupt, the global automotive and commercial vehicle industries and customer sales, production volumes and purchases of vehicles by consumers. In addition, the spread of COVID-19 has created a significant disruption in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements containedmanufacturing operations, delivery systems and overall supply chains of automobile and commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted 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 asa temporary shutdown of substantially all of the datemajor OEMs in our markets at various times in fiscal 2021, which impacted our sales volumes. Although automotive and commercial vehicle production has resumed, customer sales and production volumes may significantly decrease or may be very volatile due to supply chain issues or other global economic impacts and uncertainties which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of this report.


operations.

The inability of our supply chain, or the supply chain of our customers, to deliver key components, such as semiconductors, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business isproducts contain a significant number of components that we source globally. If our supply chain fails to deliver products to us, or to our customers, in sufficient quality and quantity on a timely basis, we will be challenged to meet our production schedules or could incur significant additional expenses for expedited freight and other related costs. Similarly, many of our customers are dependent on two largean ever-greater number of global suppliers to manufacture their products. These global supply chains have been, and may continue to be, adversely impacted by events outside of our control, including macroeconomic events, trade restrictions, economic recessions, political crises, labor relations issues, liquidity constraints, or natural occurrences, such as the ongoing disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Any significant disruptions to such supply chains could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Many of the industries we supply, including the automotive customers.  Ifand commercial vehicle industries, are reliant on semiconductors. Globally, there is an ongoing significant shortage of semiconductors. The semiconductor supply chain is complex, with capacity constraints occurring throughout. There is significant competition within the automotive and commercial vehicle supply chains and with other industries to satisfy current and near-term requirements for semiconductors. We have and will continue to work closely with our suppliers and customers to minimize any potential adverse impacts of the semiconductor supply shortage and monitor the availability of semiconductor microchips and other component parts and raw materials, customer production schedules and any other supply chain inefficiencies that may arise. However, if we wereare not able to losemitigate the semiconductor shortage impact, any direct or indirect supply chain disruptions may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The loss or insolvency of either of theseour major customers, or experienced a significant decline in the volume or price of products purchased by these customers, or if either of the customers declared bankruptcy,would adversely affect our future results could be adversely affected.

results.

During the year ended April 28, 2018, shipmentsfiscal 2021, sales to GM and Ford, or their tiered suppliers, represented 43.3%27.5% and 12.3%8.8%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales. The sales to GM primarily consisted of integrated center consoles produced for use in light trucks and SUV's,SUV’s. The sales to Ford consist of ambient lighting, overhead consoles and other integrated modules, including control panels, for a shift in consumer preference for smaller or more fuel efficient vehicles could adversely affect our operating results.variety of models. The supply arrangements with these customers generally 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, theThe loss of a FordGM or GMFord supply arrangement for a particular model or product or a significant decrease in demandproduction volumes for one or more of these modelsproducts could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations and financial condition.operations. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are subject to the risk that FordGM or GMFord will not select us to produce products on any such successor 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.
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, consumer and industrial equipment markets, and medical device markets.  Key economic and market conditions which could impact the automotive industry include availability of affordable financing, fuel costs, consumer confidence and unemployment levels. Factors negatively affecting these industries also negatively affect our business, financial condition and operating results.results of operations.

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

We require substantial amounts of materials, including application-specific integrated circuits, coil and bar stock, ferrous and copper alloy sheets, extrusions, glass, LED displays, plastic molding materials, precious metals, silicon die castings and wire. 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, supply chain disruptions, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. 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 declinechange in the volumeavailability of, sales inlead times for, or price for, these industries, or in an overall downturn in the business and operations of our customers in these industries,materials could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

results of operations.

7


Table of Contents

Our abilityinability 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 vehicleattract 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,retain key employees 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 currentlyhighly skilled workforce may 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 materialan adverse effect on our liquidity. If our products are not selected after a lengthy development process, ourbusiness, financial condition and results of operationsoperations.

Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our executive officers and financial conditionother key employees, many of whom have many years of experience with us and would be extremely difficult to replace. We must also attract and retain experienced and highly skilled engineering, sales and marketing and managerial personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense in our industries, and we may not be successful in hiring and retaining these people. If we lost the services of our executive officers or our other highly qualified and experienced employees or cannot attract and retain other qualified personnel, our business could be adversely affected.

Other automotivesuffer due to less effective management or less successful products that we develop are also likelydue to have a lengthy sales cycle. Because such technology is newreduced ability to design, manufacture 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.

market our products.

Our inability, or our customers’ inability, to effectively manage the timing, quality and cost of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance.


In connection with the awarding 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 and our and our customers’ personnel 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 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.products. Our inability, or our customers' inability, to effectively manage the timing, quality and costs of these new program launches could adversely affect our financial condition operatingand results of operations.

The global nature of our operations subjects us to political, economic and cash flows.


We are subject to continuing pressure to lowersocial risks that could adversely affect 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 ourbusiness, financial condition and results of operations and cash flows. 

A significant fluctuation betweenoperations.

Sales to customers outside of the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating results.

Although our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars,represented a significantsubstantial 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.

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 material amount offiscal 2021 net sales. We expect our net sales and we expect net sales outside the United Statesin international markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our totalconsolidated net sales. OutsideIn addition, we have significant personnel, property, equipment and operations in a number of countries outside of the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities inU.S., including Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands and Mexico.

the United Kingdom. As of May 1, 2021, approximately 94% of our employees were located outside of the U.S. Our international operations subject us to extensive domestic and foreign regulations and expose us to a variety of domestic and foreign political, economic, social and other risks, including: changes in foreign or domestic government leadership; changes in foreign or domestic laws or regulations impacting our overall business model or restricting our ability to manufacture, purchase or sell our products; changes in domestic or foreign tax laws; changes in international trade and investment policies,

differing labor regulations and practices, including various minimum wage regulations;

changes in government policies, regulatory requirements and laws, including taxes, impacting our ability to manufacture, purchase or sell our products;

fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

political and economic instability (including changes in leadership and acts of terrorism and outbreaks of war);

longer customer payment cycles and difficulty collecting accounts receivable;

export duties, import controls, tariffs, and trade barriers (including quotas, sanctions and border taxes);

governmental restrictions or taxes on the transfer of funds, including U.S. restrictions on the amount of cash that can be transferred to the U.S. without taxes or penalties;

differing protections for our intellectual property;

differing requirements under the various anti-bribery and anti-corruption regulations, including to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the United Kingdom Bribery Act and the China Anti-Unfair Competition Law;

coordinating communications and logistics across geographic distances and multiple time zones; and

risk of governmental expropriation of our property.

Many of the repatriation of dividends or other funds, new or higher tariffs, duties or customs (for example, on products imported from Mexico or China), new barriers to entry or domestic preference procurement requirements and changes to, or withdrawals from, free trade agreements; changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; economic downturns in foreign countries or geographic regions where we have significant operations, such as Mexico and China; significant changes in conditions in the countries in which we operate with the effect of competition from new market entrants and, in the United Kingdom, with passage of a referendum to discontinue membership in the European Union; impact of compliance with U.S. and other foreign countries’ export controls and economic sanctions; liabilities resulting from U.S. and foreign laws and regulations including those relatedlisted above are complex and often difficult to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Actinterpret and certain other anti-corruption laws; differing labor regulations and union relationships; logistical and communications challenges; and differing protections for our intellectual property.



violations could result in significant criminal penalties or sanctions. 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 and results of operations or cash flows.
operations.

Our Dabir Surfaces medical device productsbusinesses and the markets in which we operate are emerging technologies. Our ability to successfully market and sell these products will depend on acceptance by the medical community.

We continue to develop our Dabir Surfaces medical device products, which are included in several ongoing clinical research and product evaluation studies. We will not be successful in marketing and selling these products to the medical community ifhighly competitive. If we are unable to demonstrate the clinical efficacy, cost effectivenesscompete effectively, our sales and distinctive benefitsprofitability could decline.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. We compete with a large number of the products or if our customers prefer competitive products.

Disruptionother manufacturers in each of our supply chainproduct areas and 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 have ana material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

8


Table of Contents

Our ability to market our automotive and commercial vehicle products is subject to a lengthy sales cycle, which requires significant investment prior to reporting significant sales revenues, and there is no assurance that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicle.

The sales cycles for our automotive and commercial vehicle products are lengthy because the manufacturers must develop high degrees of assurance that the products they buy will meet their needs, interface correctly with the other parts of a vehicle and with the manufacturer’s production and assembly process, and have minimal warranty, safety and service problems. While we currently have active development programs with various OEMs for a variety of our suppliers,products, no assurance can be given that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicles. If our products are not selected after a lengthy development process, our business, partnersfinancial condition and contract manufacturers,results of operations could be adversely affected.

Future price reductions and increased quality standards may reduce our profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our supply arrangements with our customers typically require us to make, moveprovide our products at predetermined prices. In some cases, these prices decline over the course of the arrangement and sell products is criticalmay require us to meet certain productivity and cost reduction targets. In addition, our customers may require us to share productivity savings in excess of our cost reduction targets. The costs that we incur in fulfilling these orders may vary substantially from our initial estimates. Unanticipated cost increases or the inability to meet certain cost reduction targets may occur as a result of several factors, including increases in the costs of labor, components or materials. In some cases, we are permitted to pass on to our success. Damage or disruptioncustomers the cost increases associated with specific materials. However, cost overruns that we cannot pass on 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,customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as requireoperations.

Certain of our customers have exerted and continue to exert considerable pressure on us to reduce prices and costs, improve quality and provide additional resourcesdesign and engineering capabilities. We may be unable to restoregenerate sufficient production cost savings in the future to offset required price reductions. Future price reductions, increased quality standards and additional engineering capabilities may reduce our supply chain.


Changesprofitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our customers may cancel their orders, change production quantities or locations or delay production.

We generally receive volume estimates, but not firm volume commitments from our customers, and may experience reduced or extended lead times in our effective tax ratecustomer orders. Customers may cancel orders, change production quantities and delay production for a number of reasons. Cancellations, reductions or delays by a significant customer or by a number of customers may harm our results of operations.


A numberoperations by reducing the volumes of factorsproducts we manufacture and sell, as well as by causing a delay in the recovery of our expenditures for inventory in preparation for customer orders, or by reducing our asset utilization, resulting in lower profitability.

In addition, we make key decisions based on our estimates of customer requirements, including determining the levels of orders that we will seek and accept, production schedules, component procurement commitments, personnel needs and other resource requirements. Changes in demand for our customers’ products may increase our effective tax rate, which could reduce our net income, including:


the jurisdictions in which profits are determinedability to estimate future customer requirements accurately. This may make it difficult to schedule production and maximize utilization of our manufacturing capacity. Anticipated orders may not materialize and delivery schedules may be earned and taxed;
the resolutiondeferred as a result of issues arising from tax audits;
changes in demand for our products or our customers’ products. We often increase staffing and capacity and incur other expenses to meet the valuationanticipated demand of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and in deferred tax valuation allowances;
adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of tax returns;
customers. On occasion, customers may require rapid increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offsproduction, which may stress our resources. Any significant decrease or delay in customer orders could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of acquired in-process research and development and impairments of goodwill and intangible assets;
changes in available tax credits;
changes in tax lawsoperations.

Our inability to capitalize on prior or interpretation, including changes in the U.S.future acquisitions or any decision to the taxation of non-U.S. income and expenses; and

changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

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, LED displays, plastic molding materials, precious metals, and silicon die castings. The availability and prices of materialsstrategically divest one or more current businesses 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 business, financial condition and results of operationsoperations.

We have completed acquisitions and financial condition. 


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;
changesdivestitures in the mixpast and we intend to continue to seek acquisitions to grow our businesses and may 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 prototypingacquisitions depends on our ability to:

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;

retain key personnel and key customers;

identify and take advantage of cost reduction opportunities; and

further penetrate new and existing markets with the product capabilities we may acquire.

9


Table of Contents

Integration of acquisitions may take longer than we expect and production-basedmay 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;

competitive pricing dynamics

cause dilution of our common stock;

distract our management from other ongoing business concerns; or

unduly burden other resources in our company.

Our profitability will suffer if we are unable to successfully integrate an acquisition, if the acquisition does not further our business strategy as we expected or if we do not achieve sufficient revenue to offset the increased expenses associated with any acquisition. We may overpay for, or otherwise not realize the expected return on, our investments, which could adversely affect our operating results and customer mix;

pricing concessions;potentially cause impairments to assets that we record as a part of an acquisition including intangible assets and
various manufacturing cost variables including product yields, package and assembly costs, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory and the absorption goodwill.

A catastrophic event or other significant business interruption at any of manufacturing overhead.


Any significant decrease in our gross marginsfacilities could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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 sellsuch event, losses could be unexpectedly, negatively affected, which will impactincurred and significant recovery time could be required to resume operations and our salesbusiness, financial condition and profitability.

results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

War, terrorism, geopolitical uncertainties, public health issues (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), 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 or 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.suppliers. Should major public health issues, including pandemics, arise, we could be negatively affected by shutdowns, shelter in place orders, 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 criticalAny such business operations, including certain component suppliers and manufacturing partners, are in locations thatinterruptions 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 reputation as a reliable supplier.


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 of operation.

Technology and Intellectual Property Risks

Our operations could be materially adversely affected.


Our information technology (“IT”) systems could be breached.

negatively impacted by IT service interruptions, data corruption or misuse, cyber-based attacks, or network security breaches.

We face certain security threats relating to the confidentiality and integrity of our ITinformation technology (“IT”) systems. Despite implementation of security measures, our IT systems may be vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, cyber attackscyber-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, financial condition and financial position.


Productsresults of operations.

Any such disruption or security breach, as well as any action by us or our employees or contractors that might be inconsistent with the rapidly evolving data privacy and security laws and regulations applicable within the U.S. and elsewhere where we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects thatconduct business, could result in reduced demand forenforcement actions by U.S. states, the U.S. Federal government or foreign governments, liability or sanctions under data privacy laws that protect personally identifiable information, regulatory penalties, other legal proceedings such as but not limited to private litigation, the incurrence of significant remediation costs, disruptions to our products or servicesdevelopment programs, business operations and liability claims against us.

Despitecollaborations, diversion of management efforts and damage to our quality controlreputation, which could harm our business and qualityoperations. Because of the rapidly changing nature of technology and the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats, our measures to prevent, respond to and minimize such risks may be unsuccessful. While we have secured cyber insurance to potentially cover certain risks associated with cyber incidents, there can be no assurance efforts, defects may occurit will be sufficient to cover any such liability.

In particular, the General Data Privacy Regulation (“GDPR”) of the European Union creates a range of compliance obligations applicable to the collection, use, retention, security, processing and transfer of personal data in the products we manufacture dueEuropean Union. The GDPR, which is wide-ranging in scope, imposes several requirements relating to a varietythe consent of factors, including design or manufacturing errors, component failure or counterfeit parts. Product defects may resultthe individuals to whom the personal data relates, the information provided to the individuals, the security and confidentiality of the personal data, data breach notification and the use of third-party processors in delayed shipmentsconnection with the processing of the personal data. The GDPR also imposes strict rules on the transfer of personal data out of the European Union to countries such as the U.S., enhances enforcement authority and reduced demandimposes large penalties for our products. noncompliance.

10


Table of Contents

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.



Our technology-based business and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive.  If we are unable to compete effectively, our saleskeep pace with rapid technological changes, which 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.

results of operations.

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 sometimes 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 results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

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 conditioncompetitive position and operating results couldof operations may be materially adversely affected.

impacted.

We have numerous United StatesU.S. and foreign patents, trade secrets 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 StatesU.S. 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.


Any decision

Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks

We are subject to strategically divestgovernment regulations, including environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations, that expose us to potential financial liability.

Our operations are regulated by a number of federal, state, local and international government regulations, including those pertaining to environmental, health, and safety (“EHS”) that govern, among other things, air and water emissions, worker protection, and the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. If we violate EHS laws and regulations, we could be liable for substantial fines, penalties, and costs of mandated remedial actions. Our environmental permits could also be revoked or modified, which could require us to cease or limit production at one or more current businesses orof our inabilityfacilities, thereby materially adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations. EHS laws and regulations have generally become more stringent over time and could continue to capitalize on prior or future acquisitions maydo so in response to climate change concerns, imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with any violation, which also could materially adversely affect our business.


business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate our business on a global basis and changes to trade policy, including tariffs and customs regulations, could have completed acquisitionsa material and divestituresadverse effect on our business.

We manufacture and sell our products globally and rely on a global supply chain to deliver the required raw materials, components, and parts, as well as the final products to our customers. Existing free trade laws and regulations, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provide certain duties and tariffs for qualifying imports and exports, subject to compliance with the applicable classification and other requirements. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from countries where we manufacture products, such as China, Egypt and Mexico, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. For instance, beginning in 2018, the U.S. and Chinese governments have imposed a series of significant incremental retaliatory tariffs to certain imported products. Most notably with respect to the automotive and commercial vehicle industries, the U.S. imposed tariffs on imports of certain steel, aluminum and automotive components, and China imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports of U.S. vehicles and certain automotive components. Depending upon their duration and implementation, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these tariffs and other regulatory actions could materially affect our business, including in the pastform of an increase in cost of goods sold, decreased margins, increased pricing for customers, and wereduced sales.

11


Table of Contents

Climate change and climate change regulations could adversely impact our business and results of operation.

Increased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, may continueresult in more international, regional and/or federal requirements or industry standards 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,reduce or mitigate global warming and other environmental risks. These regulations or standards could mandate more restrictive requirements, such as property, plantstricter limits on greenhouse gas emissions and equipmentproduction of single use plastics. In addition, the risks of climate change may impact manufacturing, product demand, the availability and intangible assets,cost of materials and natural resources, and sources and supply of energy, and could become impairedincrease insurance and result in the recognitionother operating costs. If environmental laws or regulations or industry standards are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements upon us, our operations or products, or our operations are disrupted due to physical impacts of an impairment loss.


The successclimate change, our business, financial condition and results of our acquisitions depends on our ability to:

successfully execute the integrationoperations could be materially adversely affected.

Products we manufacture may contain design 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. Thismanufacturing defects that could result in lower than expected business growthreduced demand for our products or higher than anticipated costs. In addition, acquisitionsservices 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 strategic divestitures may:


manufacturing errors, 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, a disruption in our ongoing business;
or are alleged to cause, dilution of our stock;
distract our managers;property damage, bodily injury or
unduly burden other resources in our company.


death. We may be required to recognize additional impairment charges on assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, which couldparticipate in a recall involving products that are, or are alleged to be, material to our financial statements.

Pursuant to 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. Disruptions to our business, end-market conditions, protracted economic weakness, unexpected significant declines in the 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.

defective. We cannot guarantee that the newly acquired Pacific Insight Electronics Corp. ("Pacific Insight") or Procoplast S.A. ("Procoplast") businesses will be successful or that we can implement and profit from any new applications of the acquired technology.
We acquired Pacific Insight on October 3, 2017 and Procoplast on July 27, 2017.  As a result of these acquisitions, we now manufacture LED-based lighting in North America and automotive assemblies on mainland Europe, which are expected to aid in our expansion in the automotive sector. The marketscarry insurance for the products these companies produce are competitive and rapidly changing.  Ifcertain legal matters involving product liability, however, we do not keep pace with technological innovations in the industry, our products may not be competitive and our revenue and operating results may suffer.  Furthermore, while we intend to expand these businesses by integrating the acquired technologies into additional automotive and other applications, we can make no guarantee that such ventures will be successful or profitable.
Our long-term incentive plan could require significant adjustments to compensation expense in our condensed consolidated statements of income if management changes its determinations on the probability of meeting certain performance levels. The adjustments could be material to the financial statements.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, management determined that it is not probable that the Company will meet the target level of performancehave coverage for fiscal 2020 under its long-term incentive plan. Based on the new expectations, the Company believes it is now probable that it will achieve the threshold level for our fiscal 2020 EBITDA. As a result, the Company recorded a reversal of RSA compensation expense relating to prior periods of $6.0 million.
In future periods, if management makes a determination that exceeding the threshold level is probable for fiscal 2020, a catch-up adjustment to compensation expense will be recorded in that period, which could be material to the financial statements. Such determination could be based on a number of factors, including an accretive acquisition or a favorable change in expectations regarding Dabir Surfaces’ fiscal 2020 revenues and resultant EBITDA.

Regulationsall costs 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 SEC enacted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for public companies that use these minerals in their products, which apply to us. Under the rules, we are required to conduct due diligence to determine the source of any conflict minerals used in our products and to make annual disclosures which began in May 2014. Because our supply chain is broad-based and complex, we may not be able to easily verify the origins for all minerals used in our products. In addition, the 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 productsproduct defects or recalls and the costs of such claims, including costs of defense and settlement, may exceed our products to us.available coverage. Any increased costssuch product defects or product liability claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and expenses mayresults of operations.

Financial Risks

We have significant goodwill and other intangible assets, and future impairment of these assets could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, if

A significant portion of our long-term assets consists of goodwill and long-lived assets recorded as a result of past acquisitions. We do not amortize goodwill and indefinite long-lived intangible assets, but rather review them for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. In the event that we determine that our goodwill or long-lived assets are impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We have incurred indebtedness and our level of indebtedness and restrictions under our indebtedness could adversely affect our operations and liquidity.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and availability under our revolving credit facility. Our senior unsecured credit agreement consists of a $200.0 million revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million term loan. As of May 1, 2021, $228.6 million in principal was outstanding under these financing arrangements and we had $190.1 million of availability remaining under the revolving credit facility. The term loan matures in September 2023 and requires quarterly principal payments of $3.1 million over the five-year term, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. The senior unsecured credit agreement provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and our debt to EBITDA financial ratio and contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, restrictive covenants and events of default.

Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides an option to increase the size of our revolving credit facility and term loan by an additional $200.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lenders providing the new commitments. There can be no assurance that lenders will approve additional commitments under current circumstances.

Our senior unsecured credit agreement imposes various restrictions and covenants regarding the operation of our business, including covenants that require us to obtain the lenders’ consent before we can, among other things and subject to certain exceptions: (i) incur additional indebtedness or additional liens on our property; (ii) consummate certain acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations; (iii) make any material change in the nature of our business; (iv) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; or (v) repurchase or redeem any outstanding shares of our common stock or pay cash dividends to our stockholders when a default exists or certain financial covenants are not maintained.

The amount of our outstanding indebtedness could have an adverse effect on our operations and liquidity, including by, among other things: (i) making it more difficult for us to pay or refinance our debts as they become due during adverse economic and industry conditions, because we may not have sufficient cash flows to make our scheduled debt payments; (ii) causing us to use a larger portion of our cash flows to fund interest and principal payments, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, product development, capital expenditures and other business activities; (iii) making it more difficult for us to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities or other strategic transactions, and to react to changes in market or industry conditions; and (iv) limiting our ability to borrow additional monies in the future to fund the activities and expenditures described above and for other general corporate purposes as and when needed, which could force us to suspend, delay or curtail business prospects, strategies or operations.

12


Table of Contents

A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We transact business in various foreign countries. We present our consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars, but a portion of our revenues and expenditures are transacted in other currencies. As a result, we are unableexposed to certify thatfluctuations in foreign currencies. Additionally, we have currency fluctuation exposure arising from funds held in local currencies in foreign countries. Volatility in the exchange rates between the foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on our productsbusiness, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in our effective tax rate may adversely impact 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;

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 long-lived 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; and

changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Our judgments regarding the accounting for tax positions and the resolution of tax disputes may impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Significant judgment is required to determine our effective tax rate and evaluate our tax positions. We provide for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet the recognition thresholds or measurement criteria prescribed by applicable accounting standards. Fluctuations in federal, state and foreign taxes or a change to uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, may impact our effective tax rate and results of operations. Additionally, we are conflict free,subject to audits in the various taxing jurisdictions in which we conduct business. Based on the status of these audits and the protocol of finalizing audits by the relevant tax authorities, it is not possible to estimate the impact of changes, if any, to previously recorded uncertain tax positions. Any negative or unexpected outcomes of these examinations and audits could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Performance-based awards under our long-term incentive plan may require significant adjustments to compensation expense which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Compensation expense for the performance-based restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and performance units (“Performance Units”) recently awarded under our five-year long-term incentive program will be ‎recognized over the vesting ‎period based on the projected probability of achieving the relevant performance goals for fiscal 2025. As of May 1, 2021, we have not recorded any compensation expense for the RSAs or the Performance Units based on the probability assessment required under the accounting rules and regulations. Each quarter, we will assess the probability of vesting for the RSAs and the Performance Units and will adjust the compensation expense as necessary. At such time, we may face challenges withbe required to record compensation ‎expense relating to prior periods, and such ‎compensation expense adjustment could be ‎material to our customers, whichresults of operation.‎

Reorganization activities may place us at a competitive disadvantage,lead to additional costs and material adverse effects.

In the past, we have taken actions to restructure and optimize our reputationproduction and manufacturing capabilities and efficiencies through relocations, consolidations, facility closings or asset sales. In the future, we may take additional restructuring actions including the consolidating, closing or selling of additional facilities. These actions could result in impairment charges and various charges for such items as idle capacity, disposition costs and severance costs, in addition to normal or attendant risks and uncertainties. We may be harmed.



unsuccessful in any of our current or future efforts to restructure or consolidate our business. Plans to minimize or eliminate any loss of revenues during restructuring or consolidation may not be achieved. These activities may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The replacement or modification of LIBOR as a reference rate could increase our interest expense in the future.

The London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is expected to be phased out by the end of 2021. LIBOR is currently used as the reference rate on our senior unsecured credit agreement, which matures in September 2023. Currently, no replacement rate has been identified. The transition from or modification of LIBOR could result in higher interest expense than has historically been recognized.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments


None


None.

13


Table of Contents

Item 2. Properties

Our corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. As of May 1, 2021, we leased or owned 34 operating facilities. We operate the following manufacturing and other facilities, all of which we believe to beour space is in good condition and adequate to meet our current and reasonably anticipated needs:  

future needs. The following table provides details regarding our significant properties as of May 1, 2021:

Location

Segment(s)

Use

Owned/

Leased

Approximate

Square Footage

Lontzen, Belgium

Automotive

Manufacturing and Warehousing

Owned

124,000

Location

Dongguan, China

Use

Automotive and Industrial

Owned/
Leased

Manufacturing

Approximate
Square Footage

Leased

197,000

Corporate:

Shanghai, China

Automotive and Industrial

Manufacturing

Leased


194,000

Chicago, Illinois

Cairo, Egypt

Corporate Headquarters

Automotive and Industrial

Owned

Manufacturing

15,000

Leased


264,000

Mriehel, Malta

Automotive and Industrial

Manufacturing

Leased


299,000

Monterrey, Mexico

Automotive, Segment:Industrial and Interface

Manufacturing

Leased


292,000

Monterrey,

Santa Catarina Nuevo Léon, Mexico

Manufacturing

Automotive

Leased

Manufacturing

241,000

Leased


Mriehel, Malta

Manufacturing

128,000

Leased226,090
Carthage, IllinoisManufacturingOwned134,889
Cairo, EgyptManufacturingLeased120,954
Fresnillo, MexicoManufacturingLeased120,000
Lontzen, BelgiumManufacturingOwned102,257
Shanghai, ChinaManufacturingLeased94,643
Nelson, CanadaManufacturing and Design CenterOwned66,000
McAllen, TexasWarehousingLeased65,303
Southfield, MichiganSales and Engineering Design CenterOwned64,000
Lontzen, BelgiumWarehousingOwned51,128
Zhenjiang, ChinaManufacturingLeased23,560
Bangalore, IndiaEngineering Design CenterLeased14,465
Wixom, MichiganSales and Engineering Design CenterLeased9,000
Burnaby, CanadaSales and AdministrativeLeased7,000
Beirut, LebanonEngineering Design CenterLeased5,112
Gau-Algesheim, GermanySales and Engineering Design CenterLeased4,047
London, UKSales and AdministrativeLeased1,629
Lontzen, BelgiumAdministrativeLeased1,100
Interface Segment:
Chicago, IllinoisManufacturingOwned55,000
Monterrey, MexicoManufacturingLeased45,657
Mriehel, MaltaManufacturingLeased32,500
Oklahoma City, OklahomaManufacturing/Design CenterLeased26,132
Wheaton, IllinoisManufacturingLeased22,500
Shanghai, ChinaManufacturingLeased9,000
Milan, ItalySales and DesignLeased8,600
Harkingen, SwitzerlandSales and Engineering Design CenterLeased4,166
Hong KongSales and AdministrativeLeased1,885
SingaporeSales and AdministrativeLeased1,250
TaiwanSales and AdministrativeLeased581
Power Products Segment:
Shanghai, ChinaManufacturingLeased54,643
Rolling Meadows, IllinoisManufacturingOwned52,000
Mriehel, MaltaManufacturingLeased40,700
San Jose, CaliforniaPrototype and Design CenterLeased2,925

Other Segment:
Chicago, IllinoisManufacturingOwned48,000



As of April 28, 2018,

From time to time, we were nothave and may become involved in various litigation matters, including administrative proceedings, regulatory proceedings, environmental matters, and commercial disputes. The impact and outcome of litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that could harm our business. We are not currently aware of any material legal proceedings or any administrativeclaims to which we are a party or judicial proceedings with governmental authorities pertaining to which our property is subject that we believe will have, individually or in the dischargeaggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of materials into the environment.


operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures


Not Applicable


applicable.

Supplementary Item: Information about our Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name

Age

Name

Age

Offices and Positions Held and Length of Service as Officer

Donald W. Duda

62

65

Chief Executive Officer since 2004 and President and Director since 2001.

Ronald L.G. Tsoumas

57

60

Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2018; prior thereto, served as Controller for Methode since 2007.of the Company from 2007 to 2018.

Timothy R. Glandon54Vice President since 2006; General Manager, North American Automotive, from 2006 to 2015.

Andrea J. Barry

55

58

Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since 2017; prior thereto, served as CHRO for Wirtz Beverage Group from 2013 to 2016.

Timothy R. Glandon

57

Vice President since 2006; General Manager, North American Automotive, from 2006 to 2015.

Joseph E. Khoury

54

57

Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 2018; prior thereto, served as Senior Vice President since 2015;2015, and as Vice President and General Manager of European Operations from 2004 to 2015.

Kevin M. Martin

55

Vice President, North America since 2020; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager, European OperationsNorth America Auto, from 2019 to 2020, General Manager, North America Auto in 2018, and Director of Sales, North America Auto from 2014 to 2017.

Anil V. Shetty

55

President, Dabir Surfaces since 2004.2018; prior thereto, Vice President and General Manager, Asia, from 2015, and Executive Managing Director, Asia from 2011 to 2015.


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.


14


Table of Contents

PART II


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

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The followingExchange under the symbol “MEI”. As of June 17, 2021, we had 382 holders of record of our common stock. This does not include persons whose stock is a tabulation of highin nominee or “street name” accounts held by banks, brokers and low sales prices for the periods presented andother nominees.

Dividends

While we currently expect that quarterly cash dividends declared per share. 

  High Low Dividends Declared Per Share
Fiscal Year Ended April 28, 2018  
  
  
First Quarter $44.95
 $36.05
 $0.09
Second Quarter 46.75
 36.75
 0.09
Third Quarter 48.44
 39.00
 0.11
Fourth Quarter 42.10
 36.95
 0.11
       
Fiscal Year Ended April 29, 2017  
  
  
First Quarter $35.91
 $27.13
 $0.09
Second Quarter 37.11
 29.85
 0.09
Third Quarter 44.05
 30.25
 0.09
Fourth Quarter 46.40
 40.75
 0.09
will continue to be paid in the future, such payments are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including our results of operations and liquidity position.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On June 14, 2018,March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors declared a dividendauthorized the purchase of $0.11 per share of common stock, payable on July 27, 2018,up to holders of record on July 13, 2018. As of June 19, 2018, the number of record holders$100.0 million of our common stock, expiring on March 31, 2023. Purchases under this program may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In fiscal 2021, we purchased and retired $7.5 million of common stock.

The following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities that are registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) during the quarter ended May 1, 2021:

Fiscal Period

 

Total number of shares purchased

 

 

Average price paid per share

 

 

Total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced plan

 

 

Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (in millions)

 

January 31, 2021 to February 27, 2021

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

February 28, 2021 to April 3, 2021

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

April 4, 2021 to May 1, 2021

 

 

167,949

 

 

$

44.66

 

 

 

167,949

 

 

$

92.5

 

Total fiscal 2021 fourth quarter

 

 

167,949

 

 

$

44.66

 

 

 

167,949

 

 

 

 

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters,” of this Annual Report for certain information relating to our equity compensation plans.

15


Table of Contents

Stock Performance

The following graph shows the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock over the period spanning April 30, 2016 to May 1, 2021, as compared with that of the NYSE Composite Index (“NYSE Index”), our Fiscal 2020 Peer Group and our Fiscal 2021 Peer Group. We have assumed that dividends have been reinvested and that $100 was 411.invested on April 30, 2016. The stock price performance included in this graph is historical and not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

 

April 30,

 

April 29,

 

April 28,

 

April 27,

 

May 2,

 

May 1,

 

Company/Index

2016

 

2017

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methode Electronics, Inc.

$

100.00

 

$

151.27

 

$

139.03

 

$

102.04

 

$

100.68

 

$

160.55

 

NYSE Index

 

100.00

 

 

114.89

 

 

128.11

 

 

139.78

 

 

124.33

 

 

186.97

 

Fiscal 2021 Peer Group

 

100.00

 

 

139.25

 

 

145.62

 

 

146.43

 

 

116.09

 

 

197.20

 

Fiscal 2020 Peer Group

 

100.00

 

 

142.85

 

 

141.50

 

 

158.89

 

 

121.71

 

 

199.13

 

The Fiscal 2021 Peer Group consists of the following fifteen public companies:


Belden Corporation

Gentherm Incorporated

OSI Systems, Inc.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

Kemet Corporation

Rogers Corporation

CTS Corporation

LCI Industries

Stoneridge, Inc.

Delphi Technologies PLC

Littelfuse, Inc.

TTM Technologies, Inc.

Franklin Electric Company, Inc.

MTS Systems Corporation

Visteon Corporation

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the peer group annually and from time to time changes the composition of the peer group where changes are appropriate. In fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee added Delphi Technologies PLC and Visteon Corporation and removed Dorman Products, Inc. and Standard Motor Products, Inc. based on our revenue, market capitalization and industry criteria for the peer group. Delphi Technologies PLC, Kemet Corporation and MTS Systems Corporation were all acquired in fiscal 2021 and were excluded from the five-year cumulative total returns.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data




Contents

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report. This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements because of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.

Overview

We are a leading global manufacturersupplier of componentcustom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and subsystem devices with manufacturing designlocations in North America, Europe, Middle East and testing facilities in Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Our primary manufacturing facilities are located in Shanghai, China; Cairo, Egypt; Mriehel, Malta; Monterrey and Fresnillo, Mexico; and Nelson, British Columbia, Canada.Asia. We design, manufactureengineer and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless, sensingproduce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and optical technologies.sensor applications.

Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial, Interface Power Products and Other.Medical. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see “Item 1. Business.”

Our components are found in the primary end-marketsBusiness” of this Annual Report.

Impact of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, construction,COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing measures to reduce its spread have negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted consumer and industrial equipment, communications (including information processingcustomer demand and storage, networking equipmentglobal supply chains, and wirelessresulted in manufacturing efficiencies and terrestrial voice/data systems), medical, railincreased freight costs due to global capacity constraints. We expect that the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to negatively impact our business and other transportation industries.

Recent Transactions

On July 27, 2017, we acquired 100%results of operations for the foreseeable future. The extent of the stockimpact will depend on a number of Procoplast for $22.2 millionevolving and uncertain factors, including the duration and spread of COVID-19 (and its variants), the rate of vaccinations, actions taken by governmental authorities to further restrict business operations and social activity and impose travel restrictions, shifting consumer demand, the ability of our supply chain to deliver in a timely and cost-effective manner, the ability of our employees and manufacturing facilities to operate efficiently and effectively, the continued viability and financial stability of our customers and suppliers and future access to capital.

Restructuring actions

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we initiated certain restructuring actions in fiscal 2021 to rationalize our operations, lower our costs and improve financial performance and long-term cash net of cash acquired. The business, located near the Belgian-German border, is an independent manufacturer of automotive assemblies. The accountsflow generation. These actions included plant consolidations and transactions of Procoplast have been includedworkforce reductions in the Automotive, segmentIndustrial and Interface segments. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $8.2 million of restructuring costs. We may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.

Results of Operations

We maintain our financial records on the basis of a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. For fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2019, our accounting period included 52 weeks and ended on May 1, 2021 and April 27, 2019, respectively. For fiscal 2020, our accounting period included 53 weeks and ended on May 2, 2020. The following discussions of comparative results among periods should be reviewed in this context.

A detailed comparison of our results of operations between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 can be found in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our fiscal 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 30, 2020.

17


Table of Contents

The table below compares our results of operations between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

Net Change

 

 

Net Change

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

($)

 

 

(%)

 

Net sales

 

$

1,088.0

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

1,023.9

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

64.1

 

 

 

6.3

%

Cost of products sold

 

 

813.9

 

 

 

74.8

%

 

 

741.0

 

 

 

72.4

%

 

 

72.9

 

 

 

9.8

%

Gross profit

 

 

274.1

 

 

 

25.2

%

 

 

282.9

 

 

 

27.6

%

 

 

(8.8

)

 

 

(3.1

)%

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

126.9

 

 

 

11.7

%

 

 

116.8

 

 

 

11.4

%

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

8.6

%

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

19.3

 

 

 

1.8

%

 

 

19.0

 

 

 

1.9

%

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

1.6

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

0.5

%

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

(48.5

)%

Other income, net

 

 

(12.2

)

 

 

(1.1

)%

 

 

(11.7

)

 

 

(1.1

)%

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

4.3

%

Income tax expense

 

 

12.6

 

 

 

1.2

%

 

 

25.3

 

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

(12.7

)

 

 

(50.2

)%

Net income

 

$

122.3

 

 

 

11.2

%

 

$

123.4

 

 

 

12.1

%

 

$

(1.1

)

 

 

(0.9

)%

Net sales. Net sales increased by $64.1 million, or 6.3%, to $1,088.0 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $1,023.9 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation, primarily the euro and Chinese renminbi, increased net sales by $26.7 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales increased by $37.4 million, primarily due to higher sales in the Automotive and Industrial segments.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold increased by $72.9 million, or 9.8%, to $813.9 million (74.8% of sales) in fiscal 2021, compared to $741.0 million (72.4% of sales) in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased cost of products sold by $18.9 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, cost of products sold increased by $54.0 million, primarily due to higher material and operating costs and restructuring costs, partially offset by lower labor costs. Supply chain shortages and disruptions led to higher material and logistic costs. Material costs were also impacted by product sales mix. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $4.8 million of restructuring costs, compared to $0.6 million in fiscal 2020. Labor costs were lower as a result of actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gross profit. Gross profit decreased by $8.8 million, or 3.1%, to $274.1 million (25.2% of sales) in fiscal 2021, compared to $282.9 million (27.6% of sales) in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased gross profit by $7.8 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased by $16.6 million. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher material costs, product sales mix and restructuring costs, partially offset by lower labor costs.

Selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $10.1 million, or 8.6%, to $126.9 million (11.7% of sales) in fiscal 2021, compared to $116.8 million (11.4% of sales) in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased selling and administrative expenses by $1.7 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, selling and administrative expenses increased by $8.4 million. The increase was primarily due to higher stock-based and cash incentive compensation expenses and restructuring costs, partially offset by lower salary expense and travel expense. Cash incentive compensation expense increased by $7.1 million due to the increase in the amounts earned under our annual performance-based bonus program compared to fiscal 2020. Stock-based compensation expense increased by $6.5 million as fiscal 2020 included a $5.2 million reversal of stock-based compensation expense.For further information, see Note 13, “Shareholders Equity,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $3.4 million of restructuring costs, compared to $1.2 million in fiscal 2020. Salary expense was lower in fiscal 2021 as a result of the actions we took in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As noted above, we implemented temporary salary reductions and four-day work weeks (which ended in the second quarter of fiscal 2021) and eliminated most business travel.

Amortization of intangibles. Amortization of intangibles increased by $0.3 million, or 1.6%, to $19.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $19.0 million in fiscal 2020.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $5.2 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $10.1 million in fiscal 2020. The decrease was due to a lower effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by higher average borrowings. Average borrowings were higher due to the precautionary $100.0 million draw-down under our revolving credit facility in March 2020, which was fully repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

Other income, net. Other income, net increased by $0.5 million to $12.2 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $11.7 million in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, we received $11.1 million of government assistance at certain of our international locations with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal 2020, we received $11.6 million of international government assistance, of which approximately $1.7 million related to assistance provided with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. The remaining $9.9 million of international government grants in fiscal 2020 related to maintaining certain employment levels. In fiscal 2020, we sold assets related to a previously closed business and recognized a gain on sale of $0.5 million. In addition, net foreign exchange losses were $0.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $3.1 million in fiscal 2020.

18


Table of Contents

Income tax expense. Income tax expense decreased by $12.7 million, or 50.2%, to $12.6 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $25.3 million in fiscal 2020. Our effective tax rate decreased to 9.3% in fiscal 2021, compared to 17.0% in fiscal 2020. The lower effective tax rate in fiscal 2021 was primarily due to discrete tax benefits recorded of $10.4 million. These discrete tax benefits included tax credits earned and research deductions claimed in foreign jurisdictions. The discrete tax benefits were partially offset by discrete tax expense of $1.6 million, resulting in a net discrete tax benefit of $8.8 million. Excluding the net discrete tax benefits, the effective tax rate would have been 15.9%. In fiscal 2020, income tax expense included discrete tax expenses of $1.5 million. Excluding the discrete tax expense, the effective tax rate would have been 15.5%.

Net income. Net income decreased by $1.1 million, or 0.9%, to $122.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $123.4 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased net income by $5.4 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net income decreased by $6.5 million as a result of the reasons described above.

Operating Segments

Automotive

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

Net Change

 

 

Net Change

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

($)

 

 

(%)

 

Net sales

 

$

755.7

 

 

$

712.1

 

 

$

43.6

 

 

 

6.1

%

Gross profit

 

$

163.4

 

 

$

178.2

 

 

$

(14.8

)

 

 

(8.3

)%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

21.6

%

 

 

25.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

$

107.6

 

 

$

124.4

 

 

$

(16.8

)

 

 

(13.5

)%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

14.2

%

 

 

17.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales. Automotive segment net sales increased by $43.6 million, or 6.1%, to $755.7 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $712.1 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased net sales by $20.7 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales increased by $22.9 million. Net sales decreased in North America by $29.2 million, or 6.7%, to $406.4 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $435.6 million in fiscal 2020. The decrease was due to lower electric vehicle product sales which shifted from North America to Asia and lower lighting product sales volumes. Net sales in fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by $28.7 million due to the UAW labor strike at GM. Net sales in Europe increased by $10.2 million, or 5.0%, to $212.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $202.1 million in fiscal 2020. The stronger euro, relative to the U.S. dollar, increased net sales in Europe by $14.0 million. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, net sales in Europe decreased by $3.8 million due to lower sales volumes, primarily in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Net sales in Asia increased by $62.6 million, or 84.1%, to $137.0 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $74.4 million in fiscal 2020. The stronger Chinese renminbi, relative to the U.S. dollar, increased net sales in Asia by $6.7 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales in Asia increased by $55.9 million primarily due to higher electric vehicle product sales volumes which were transferred from North America, and higher lead frame and touchscreen sales volumes.

Gross profit. Automotive segment gross profit decreased by $14.8 million, or 8.3%, to $163.4 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $178.2 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased gross profit by $5.2 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, gross profit decreased by $20.0 million. Gross profit margin decreased to 21.6% in fiscal 2021, from 25.0% in fiscal 2020. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher material costs and restructuring actions taken in fiscal 2021. In fiscal 2021, we recognized $4.9 million of restructuring costs, compared to $0.6 million in fiscal 2020.

Income from operations. Automotive segment income from operations decreased by $16.8 million, or 13.5%, to $107.6 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $124.4 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased automotive segment income from operations by $3.6 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, automotive segment income from operations decreased by $20.4 million, primarily due to lower gross profit.

19


Table of Contents

Industrial

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

Net Change

 

 

Net Change

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

($)

 

 

(%)

 

Net sales

 

$

267.9

 

 

$

251.4

 

 

$

16.5

 

 

 

6.6

%

Gross profit

 

$

98.1

 

 

$

95.0

 

 

$

3.1

 

 

 

3.3

%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

36.6

%

 

 

37.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

$

64.3

 

 

$

59.4

 

 

$

4.9

 

 

 

8.2

%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

24.0

%

 

 

23.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales. Industrial segment net sales increased by $16.5 million, or 6.6%, to $267.9 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $251.4 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of foreign currency translation increased net sales by $6.0 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, net sales increased by $10.5 million. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes of electric vehicle busbar products, partially offset by lower sales volumes of commercial vehicle lighting solutions which were adversely impacted from the effective dateCOVID-19 pandemic.

Gross profit. Industrial segment gross profit increased by $3.1 million, or 3.3%, to $98.1 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $95.0 million in fiscal 2020. The majority of the acquisition.


On October 3, 2017, Methode acquired 100%increase was due to favorable foreign currency translation. Gross profit margin decreased to 36.6% in fiscal 2021, from 37.8% in fiscal 2020. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to the impact of the outstanding common sharesCOVID-19 pandemic on commercial vehicle lighting solutions product sales. This was partially offset by higher gross profit margins from electric vehicle busbar products.

Income from operations. Industrial segment income from operations increased by $4.9 million, or 8.2%, to $64.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $59.4 million in fiscal 2020. The impact of Pacific Insightforeign currency translation increased income from operations by $2.4 million. Excluding foreign currency translation, income from operations increased by $2.5 million. The increase was primarily due to lower selling and administrative costs which benefited from actions to reduce headcount and related costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was partially offset by the recognition of $1.0 million of restructuring costs in a cash transaction for $108.7fiscal 2021.

Interface

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

Net Change

 

 

Net Change

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

($)

 

 

(%)

 

Net sales

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

58.8

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

 

4.8

%

Gross profit

 

$

12.3

 

 

$

10.0

 

 

$

2.3

 

 

 

23.0

%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

20.0

%

 

 

17.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

$

8.9

 

 

$

5.6

 

 

$

3.3

 

 

 

58.9

%

    As a percent of net sales

 

 

14.4

%

 

 

9.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales. Interface segment net sales increased by $2.8 million, netor 4.8%, to $61.6 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $58.8 million in fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher sales volumes of cash acquired.  Pacific Insight, headquarteredappliance products, partially offset by lower sales volumes of legacy data solutions products.

Gross profit. Interface segment gross profit increased by $2.3 million, or 23.0%, to $12.3 million in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a global solutions provider offering design, development, manufacturing and deliveryfiscal 2021, compared to $10.0 million in fiscal 2020. Gross profit margin increased to 20.0% in fiscal 2021, from 17.0% in fiscal 2020. The increase relates to higher sales volumes of lighting and electronicappliance products and full-service solutionslower operational costs.

Income from operations. Interface segment income from operations increased by $3.3 million, or 58.9%, to $8.9 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $5.6 million in fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher gross profit and lower selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by $0.7 million of restructuring costs recognized in the automotivefirst quarter of fiscal 2021. Selling and commercial vehicle markets. Its technologyadministrative expenses in LED-based ambientfiscal 2021 benefitted from restructuring actions taken in the first quarter of fiscal 2021.

20


Table of Contents

Medical

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

Net Change

 

 

Net Change

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

($)

 

 

(%)

 

Net sales

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

75.0

%

Gross profit

 

$

(0.3

)

 

$

(1.5

)

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

80.0

%

Loss from operations

 

$

(4.6

)

 

$

(6.0

)

 

$

1.4

 

 

 

23.3

%

Net sales. The Medical segment had $2.8 million of net sales in fiscal 2021, compared to $1.6 million of net sales in fiscal 2020. Net sales increased due to higher product demand.

Gross profit. Medical segment gross profit was a loss of $0.3 million in fiscal 2021, compared to a loss of $1.5 million in fiscal 2020. The improvement was due to higher net sales.

Loss from operations. Medical segment loss from operations decreased by $1.4 million to $4.6 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $6.0 million in fiscal 2020. The improvement was due to higher net sales and direct lighting will expandlower selling and administrative costs.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity requirements are primarily to fund our presence within the automotive interior,business operations, including capital expenditures and working capital requirements, as well as augmentto fund debt service requirements, dividends and stock repurchases. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash balances and borrowings under our effortssenior unsecured credit agreement. We believe our liquidity position will be sufficient to fund our existing operations and current commitments for at least the next twelve months. However, if economic conditions remain impacted for longer than we expect due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our liquidity position could be severely impacted.

At May 1, 2021, we had $233.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $92.2 million was held in overhead consolesubsidiaries outside the U.S. Cash held by these subsidiaries is used to fund operational activities and other areas. The accountscan be repatriated, primarily through the payment of dividends and transactionsthe repayment of Pacific Insight have been included in the Automotive segment in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition. For more information regarding the acquisitions of Procoplast and Pacific Insight, see “Note 2. Acquisitions.”


Plan tointercompany loans, without creating material additional income tax expense.

Stock Repurchase Common Stock


In September 2015,Program

On March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchasepurchase of up to $100$100.0 million of our common stock. Such purchases may be made on the Company's outstanding common stock through Septemberopen market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of May 1, 2017. The Company2021, we purchased no outstanding common stock during the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, which leaves the total repurchased under the plan at 2,277,466and retired 167,949 shares of outstandingour common stock for $71.9$7.5 million.

Credit Agreement

Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides for a $200.0 million revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million term loan. In March 2020, as a precautionary measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we drew down $100.0 million under our revolving credit facility, which we repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. As of May 1, 2021, $9.9 million in principal was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and we have $190.1 million of availability under the revolving credit facility. As of May 1, 2021, $218.7 million in principal was outstanding under the term loan. The plan expiredterm loan matures in September 2023 and requires quarterly principal payments of $3.1 million over the five-year term, with the remaining balance due upon maturity. We were in compliance with all covenants under the senior unsecured credit agreement as of May 1, 2021. For further information, see Note 10, “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

Borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement bear interest at rates equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin. LIBOR is expected to be phased out by the end of 2021, which is before the maturity of our senior unsecured credit agreement. At this time, there is no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement rate; however, we continue to monitor the efforts of various parties, including government agencies, seeking to identify an alternative rate to replace LIBOR. The consequences of the discontinuance of LIBOR cannot be entirely predicted but could result in an increase in our interest expense.

Our senior unsecured credit agreement provides an option to increase the size of our revolving credit facility and term loan by an additional $200.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lenders providing the new commitments. There can be no assurance that lenders will approve additional commitments under current circumstances. As a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be required to raise additional capital and our access to, and cost of, financing will depend on, Septemberamong other things, global economic conditions, conditions in the global financing markets, the availability of sufficient amounts of financing, and our future prospects.

21


Table of Contents

Cash Flows

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

122.3

 

 

$

123.4

 

Non-cash items

 

 

50.7

 

 

 

56.7

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

(39.5

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

179.8

 

 

 

140.6

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(24.8

)

 

 

(44.5

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(142.9

)

 

 

41.7

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

(3.7

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

15.9

 

 

 

134.1

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

 

217.3

 

 

 

83.2

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

$

233.2

 

 

$

217.3

 

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $39.2 million to $179.8 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $140.6 million in fiscal 2020. The increase was primarily due to cash generated from working capital. The changes in working capital was primarily due to lower inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets and higher accounts payable and other liabilities, partially offset by higher accounts receivable.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $24.8 million in fiscal 2021, compared to $44.5 million in fiscal 2020. The activity primarily represents capital expenditures in both fiscal years.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $142.9 million in fiscal 2021, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $41.7 million in fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2021, we had net repayments on our borrowings of $115.2 million, which included the repayment of the $100.0 million precautionary draw-down on our revolving credit facility in March 2020. In fiscal 2020, we had net borrowings of $59.1 million. In fiscal 2021, we paid dividends of $17.4 million, compared to $16.3 million in fiscal 2020. We also initiated a stock repurchase program in fiscal 2021 and spent $6.7 million of cash for the purchase of shares.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of May 1, 2017.2021:

 

 

Payments Due By Period

 

(in millions)

 

Total

 

 

Less than

1 year

 

 

1-3 years

 

 

3-5 years

 

 

More than

5 years

 

Finance leases

 

$

1.0

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

0.4

 

 

$

0.1

 

 

$

 

Operating leases

 

 

26.6

 

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

10.5

 

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

3.9

 

Capital expenditure commitments

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

6.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt (1)

 

 

241.6

 

 

 

14.9

 

 

 

223.2

 

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

2.5

 

Estimated interest on debt (2)

 

 

8.3

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.1

 

Deferred compensation

 

 

6.5

 

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

2.1

 

Total

 

$

290.7

 

 

$

33.8

 

 

$

240.1

 

 

$

8.2

 

 

$

8.6

 


(1)

Assumes the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility will be repaid upon maturity of the credit agreement in September 2023.

Hetronic Germany-GmbH

(2)

Based on interest rates in effect as of May 1, 2021 (including the impact of interest rate swaps).

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined under SEC rules.

22


Table of Contents

Legal Matters


For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, weterminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants have filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander, and an affiliated company has filed a suit in front of the European Union Intellectual Property Office seeking to invalidate the company’s NOVA trademark in the EU.slander. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties. As

A trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in our favor. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic’s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of April 28, 2018, discovery has been closed,the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the parties are briefing summaryappeal of the final judgment have been consolidated into a single appeal. That appeal is fully briefed and was argued on March 8, 2021. There is no deadline for the Court to issue a decision. Like any judgment, particularly any judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that we will be able to collect the judgment.


We incurred legal fees of $8.1$5.7 million, $11.0$5.4 million and $9.9$3.5 million in fiscal 2018,2021, fiscal 20172020 and fiscal 2016,2019, respectively, related to the lawsuits. These amounts are included in the selling and administrative expenses in the Interface segment.


Results of Operations
Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended April 28, 2018,and as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 29, 2017.
Consolidated Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%) 
Net Sales $908.3
 $816.5
 $91.8
 11.2 % 
          
Cost of Products Sold 668.7
 598.2
 70.5
 11.8 % 
          
Gross Profit 239.6
 218.3
 21.3
 9.8 % 
          
Selling and Administrative Expenses 115.7
 105.2
 10.5
 10.0 % 
Amortization of Intangibles 5.6
 2.3
 3.3
 143.5 % 
Interest (Income) Expense, Net 0.9
 (0.4) 1.3
 N/M
*
Other Income, Net (6.4) (4.7) (1.7) 36.2 % 
Income Tax Expense 66.6
 23.0
 43.6
 189.6 % 
Net Income $57.2
 $92.9
 $(35.7) (38.4)% 
          
Percent of sales: April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
     
Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 %     
Cost of Products Sold 73.6 % 73.3 %     
Gross Margins 26.4 % 26.7 %     
Selling and Administrative Expenses 12.7 % 12.9 %     
Amortization of Intangibles 0.6 % 0.3 %     
Interest (Income) Expense, Net 0.1 %  %     
Other Income, Net (0.7)% (0.6)%     
Income Tax Expense 7.3 % 2.8 %     
Net Income 6.3 % 11.4 %     
          
*N/M equals non-meaningful         
Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased by $91.8 million, or 11.2%, to $908.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from $816.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Automotive segment net sales increased $96.5 million, or 15.3%, to $728.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from $632.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Automotive segment net sales for fiscal 2018 included $80.8 million from our newly acquired businesses, Pacific Insight and Procoplast. The Interface segment net sales decreased $11.6 million, or 9.1%, to $115.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $127.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The Power Products segment net sales increased $6.9 million, or 12.3%, to $63.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $56.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Translation of foreign operations' net sales for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 increased net sales by $13.1 million, or 1.4%, compared to the average currency rates in the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to the strengtheningpart of the euroIndustrial segment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Chinese yuan as compared to the U.S. dollar.

CostEstimates

The preparation of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $70.5 million, or 11.8%, to $668.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $598.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 73.6% for fiscal 2018, compared to 73.3% for fiscal 2017.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold for fiscal 2017 included $1.0 million of commodity pricing adjustmentsfinancial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that we make estimates and the favorable reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues. The Automotive segment costs


of products sold as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2018 increased primarily due to unfavorable sales mix related to our newly acquired businesses, the inclusion of $0.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments related to our new acquisitions, pricing reductions on certain products and the unfavorable currency impact due to the strengthening of the Mexican peso during the period as compared to the U.S. dollar. The Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased, primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with lower sales volumes. The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by the higher cost of copper. The Other segment experienced lower costs of products sold primarily due to a shuttered business which was closed at the end of fiscal 2017, partially offset with increased research and development initiatives for the medical devices business.

Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit increased $21.3 million, or 9.8%, to $239.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, as compared to $218.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.4% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to 26.7% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2017 were favorably impacted by $1.0 million of commodity pricing adjustments and the reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues. The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2018 were adversely impacted by unfavorable sales mix related to our new acquisitions, $0.8 million of one-time purchase accounting adjustments and the unfavorable currency impact due to the strengthening of the Mexican peso during the period as compared to the U.S. dollar. The Interface segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2018 increased primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with lower sales volumes and price reductions on certain products. The Power Products segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased primarily due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by the higher cost of copper.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $10.5 million, or 10.0%, to $115.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $105.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 12.7% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 from 12.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Fiscal 2017 included $3.7 million of selling and administrative expenses from businessesassumptions that were closed at the end of fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 includes $9.4 million of selling and administrative expenses from our newly acquired businesses, as well as $6.0 million of fees related to the acquisitions. Selling and administrative expenses for fiscal 2018 also increased due to higher wages of $8.0 million and higher travel expense of $1.5 million. Legal fees decreased by $2.8 million, mostly due to the decrease in Hetronic-related legal fees in fiscal 2018. The stock award amortization expense for fiscal 2018 was $4.0 million, which includes a reversal of expense of $6.0 million relating to prior periods (See Note 6, "Common Stock and Stock-based Compensation"). The stock award amortization expense for fiscal 2017 was $12.4 million.
Amortization of Intangibles.  Amortization of intangibles increased $3.3 million, or 143.5%, to $5.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $2.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The increase is due to the amortization expense related to our newly acquired businesses.
Interest (Income) Expense, Net.  Interest (income) expense, net was an expense of $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to interest income of $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. This change is primarily due to the increased debt levels during the period.
Other Income, Net. Other income, net increased $1.7 million to $6.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $4.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. During fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a gain of $1.6 million related to the sale of exclusive rights for a licensing agreement.Fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 include $7.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for an international government grant for maintaining certain employment levels during those periods. All othercan affect amounts for both fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of our foreign operations are the British pound, Canadian dollar, Chinese 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 Expense.  Income tax expense increased $43.6 million, or 189.6%, to $66.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $23.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Company's effective tax rate increased to 53.8% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to 19.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform, partially offset by foreign investment tax credits. Of the total income tax expense of $66.6 million recorded during fiscal 2018, $53.7 million relates to U.S. Tax Reform. This can be further broken down into a provisional estimate of $48.5 million for a one-time repatriation tax and $5.2 million for the re-measurement of U.S. deferred tax assetsreported in the consolidated financial statement. The results for fiscal 2018 include a tax benefit of $9.8 million for foreign investment tax credits, compared to $4.0 million in fiscal 2017.statements and notes. In addition, there were favorable tax impacts primarily related to changes in foreign tax rates in fiscal 2018. For further details, regarding the impacts of U.S. Tax Reform during fiscal 2018, refer to Note 5, “Income Taxes.”

Net Income.  Net income decreased $35.7 million, or 38.4%, to $57.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $92.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Net income for fiscal 2018 was unfavorably impacted by increased tax expense due to the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform, higher intangible asset amortization, customer pricing reductions, acquisition fees and purchase accounting adjustments, increased research and development initiatives for the medical devices business, higher wages and higher interest expenses. These were partially offset by lower stock award amortization related to our long-term incentive program, increased government grants, increased sales volumes from our new acquisitions and the gain on the sale of a licensing agreement. Net income for fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted due to adjustments for commodity pricing and the reversal of accruals related to resolved customer commercial issues.
Operating Segments
Automotive Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $728.7
 $632.2
 $96.5
 15.3%
         
Cost of Products Sold 527.1
 449.4
 77.7
 17.3%
         
Gross Profit 201.6
 182.8
 18.8
 10.3%
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 45.3
 34.5
 10.8
 31.3%
         
Income from Operations $156.3
 $148.3
 $8.0
 5.4%
         
Percent of sales: April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
    
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0%    
Cost of Products Sold 72.3% 71.1%    
Gross Margins 27.7% 28.9%    
Selling and Administrative Expenses 6.2% 5.5%    
Income from Operations 21.4% 23.5%    

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $96.5 million, or 15.3%, to $728.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from $632.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Net sales increased in North America by $48.0 million, or 13.0%, to $417.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $369.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. North American Automotive sales included $54.4 million from our newly acquired business, Pacific Insight, which was acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Other North American sales increased for our user interface assemblies due to new program launches in fiscal 2018. Sales declined for our integrated center stack products primarily due to pricing reductions, partially offset by higher sales volumes. Sales for our transmission lead-frame assemblies decreased due to a combination of pricing reductions and lower sales volumes in fiscal 2018, compared to fiscal 2017. Net sales increased in Europe by $61.4 million, or 40.4%, to $213.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $151.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The increase in the European sales includes $26.4 million from our newly acquired business, Procoplast, which was acquired in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Other European sales increased primarily due to increased customer funded tooling and design fees, favorable currency rate fluctuations and higher sales volumes of hidden switches and sensor products. Net sales in Asia decreased $12.9 million, or 11.6%, to $98.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $110.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to lower sales of our transmission lead-frame assemblies due to a combination of pricing reductions and lower sales volumes. We also experienced lower sales volumes for our steering angle sensor products, as the products approach end of production. Translation of foreign operations' net sales increased reported net sales by $13.1 million, or 1.8%, for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to the average currency rates for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to the strengthening of the euro and Chinese yuan as compared to the U.S. dollar.
Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $77.7 million, or 17.3%, to $527.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from $449.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Automotive segment

cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 72.3% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to 71.1% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The cost of products sold as a percentage of sales increased primarily due to unfavorable sales mix related to our newly acquired businesses, the inclusion of $0.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments related to our new acquisitions, pricing reductions on certain products and the strengthening of the Mexican peso during the period as compared to the U.S. dollar. The results for fiscal 2017 include a favorable $1.0 million of commodity pricing adjustments and a favorable reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues.
Gross Profit. Automotive segment gross profit increased $18.8 million, or 10.3%, to $201.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, as compared to $182.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 27.7% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, as compared to 28.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily due to unfavorable sales mix related to our newly acquired businesses, the inclusion of $0.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments related to our new acquisitions, pricing reductions on certain products and the strengthening of the Mexican peso during the period as compared to the U.S. dollar. The results for fiscal 2017 include a favorable $1.0 million of commodity pricing adjustments and the reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $10.8 million, or 31.3%, to $45.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $34.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 6.2% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to 5.5% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Fiscal 2018 includes $12.7 million related to our newly acquired businesses. The $12.7 million includes $3.4 million of intangible asset amortization expense. Excluding the activity from our newly acquired businesses, selling and administrative expenses decreased $1.9 million due primarily to lower stock award amortization expense for our long-term incentive program, partially offset with increased severance and travel expense.
Income from Operations. Automotive segment income from operations increased $8.0 million, or 5.4%, to $156.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $148.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Income from operations for fiscal 2018 increased due to sales and income from operations from our newly acquired businesses and lower stock award amortization expense, partially offset with pricing reductions, the strengthening of the Mexican peso as compared to the U.S. dollar, higher intangible asset amortization expense and higher severance and travel expenses. Net income for fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted due to adjustments for commodity pricing and the reversal of accruals related to resolved customer commercial issues.

Interface Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%) 
Net Sales $115.8
 $127.4
 $(11.6) (9.1)% 
          
Cost of Products Sold 90.5
 100.8
 (10.3) (10.2)% 
          
Gross Profit 25.3
 26.6
 (1.3) (4.9)% 
          
Selling and Administrative Expenses 20.3
 27.5
 (7.2) (26.2)% 
          
Income (Loss) from Operations $5.0
 $(0.9) $5.9
 N/M
*
          
Percent of sales: April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
     
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0 %     
Cost of Products Sold 78.2% 79.1 %     
Gross Margins 21.8% 20.9 %     
Selling and Administrative Expenses 17.5% 21.6 %     
Income (Loss) from Operations 4.3% (0.7)%     
          
* N/M equals non-meaningful         
Net Sales.  Interface segment net sales decreased $11.6 million, or 9.1%, to $115.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from $127.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Net sales decreased in North America by $12.5 million, or 12.7%, to $85.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $98.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. North American net sales decreased by $14.4 million due to our Connectivity business. The Company exited this business at the end of fiscal 2017 due to adverse business conditions. Excluding the $14.4 million of lower sales for Connectivity, North American sales increased by $1.2 million due to increased sales volumes of radio remote control and data solutions products. Net sales in Europe increased $2.4 million, or 9.3%, to $28.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 compared to $25.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to higher sales volumes of radio remote control products, partially offset with lower sales volumes and price reductions on certain of our data solutions products. Net sales in Asia decreased $1.5 million, or 42.9%, to $2.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $3.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to lower sales volumes of legacy products.
Cost of Products Sold.  Interface segment cost of products sold decreased $10.3 million, or 10.2%, to $90.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $100.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 78.2% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to 79.1% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The decrease is primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with lower sales volumes. The lower sales volumes are primarily from our Connectivity business unit, which was closed at the end of fiscal 2017.
Gross Profit. Interface segment gross profit decreased $1.3 million, or 4.9%, to $25.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $26.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.8% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from 20.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The increase is primarily due to favorable sales mix, partially offset with lower sales volumes and price reductions on certain products. The lower sales volumes are primarily from our Connectivity business unit that was closed at the end of fiscal 2017.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $7.2 million, or 26.2%, to $20.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $27.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 17.5% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from 21.6% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Fiscal 2017 included $3.4 million of selling and administrative expenses for

our Connectivity business. Excluding the lower expenses related to the Connectivity business, fiscal 2018 benefitted from lower legal expenses and the lower stock award amortization expense for our long-term incentive program.
Income (Loss) from Operations. Interface segment income (loss) from operations was income of $5.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to a loss of $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, primarily due to lower expenses related to the Connectivity business, lower legal expenses, lower stock award amortization expense for our long-term incentive program and a favorable sales mix, partially offset with lower sales volumes.
Power Products Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $63.2
 $56.3
 $6.9
 12.3 %
         
Cost of Products Sold 46.0
 41.2
 4.8
 11.7 %
         
Gross Profit 17.2
 15.1
 2.1
 13.9 %
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 3.2
 3.6
 (0.4) (11.1)%
         
Income from Operations $14.0
 $11.5
 $2.5
 21.7 %
         
Percent of sales: April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
    
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0%    
Cost of Products Sold 72.8% 73.2%    
Gross Margins 27.2% 26.8%    
Selling and Administrative Expenses 5.1% 6.4%    
Income from Operations 22.2% 20.4%    
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $6.9 million, or 12.3%, to $63.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $56.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Net sales increased in North America by $0.5 million, or 2.1%, to $24.1 million for fiscal 2018, compared to $23.6 million for fiscal 2017. Net sales in Europe increased $3.9 million, or 54.9%, to $11.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $7.1 million for the fiscal year ended April��29, 2017, primarily due to higher sales volumes of our power connector product. Net sales in Asia increased $2.5 million, or 9.8%, to $28.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $25.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, due primarily to higher sales volumes of busbar products.
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $4.8 million, or 11.7%, to $46.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $41.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 72.8% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, from 73.2% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  The decrease primarily relates to higher sales volumes, partially offset by the higher cost of copper.
Gross Profit.  Power Products segment gross profit increased $2.1 million, or 13.9%, to $17.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $15.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 27.2% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 from 26.8% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The increase primarily relates to higher sales volumes, partially offset by the higher cost of copper.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million, or 11.1%, to $3.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $3.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 5.1% for the year ended April 28, 2018, from 6.4% for the year ended April 29, 2017, due to lower stock award amortization expense for our long-term incentive program and lower legal expenses.

Income From Operations. Power Products segment income from operations increased $2.5 million, or 21.7%, to $14.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $11.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, due primarily to increased sales volumes, lower stock award amortization expense for our long-term incentive program and lower legal expenses, partially offset with the higher cost of copper.
Other Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $0.3
 $0.3
 $
  %
         
Cost of Products Sold 3.8
 6.5
 (2.7) (41.5)%
         
Gross Profit (3.5) (6.2) 2.7
 (43.5)%
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 7.9
 6.2
 1.7
 27.4 %
         
Loss from Operations $(11.4) $(12.4) $1.0
 (8.1)%
Net Sales.  The businesses in this segment were medical devices and inverters and battery systems. The inverters and battery systems business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017 due to adverse business conditions. Both businesses had minimal net sales in the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively, due to newly launched products.
Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold was $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The decrease primarily relates to the shuttered business that was closed at the end of fiscal 2017. The decrease was partially offset by the vertical manufacturing integration of some key components in medical device products and research efforts to expand the product offerings.
Gross Profit. The Other segment gross profit was a loss of $3.5 million and $6.2 million for the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively. The decreased loss primarily relates to the shuttered business, partially offset with increased research and development initiatives for medical devices.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or 27.4%, to $7.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. Fiscal 2017 includes $0.3 million of selling and administrative expenses for our inverter and battery systems business, which was closed at the end of fiscal 2017. The increase in fiscal 2018 is primarily due to higher investment in sales and marketing, clinical resources and professional services in our medical device business, partially offset with lower selling and administrative expenses related to the shuttered business.
Loss From Operations The Other segment loss from operations decreased $1.0 million to $11.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, compared to $12.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017. The decreased loss relates to the closure of the inverter and battery system business at the end of fiscal 2017, partially offset by higher outside professional fees, research and development and marketing expenses in fiscal 2018.

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Year Ended April 29, 2017, as Compared to the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2016.
Consolidated Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%) 
Net Sales $816.5
 $809.1
 $7.4
 0.9 % 
          
Cost of Products Sold 598.2
 596.2
 2.0
 0.3 % 
          
Gross Profit 218.3
 212.9
 5.4
 2.5 % 
          
Selling and Administrative Expenses 105.2
 100.8
 4.4
 4.4 % 
Amortization of Intangibles 2.3
 2.4
 (0.1) (4.2)% 
Interest Income, Net (0.4) (0.7) 0.3
 (42.9)% 
Other Income, Net (4.7) (0.5) (4.2) 840.0 %*
Income Tax Expense 23.0
 26.3
 (3.3) (12.5)% 
Net Income $92.9
 $84.6
 $8.3
 9.8 % 
          
Percent of sales: April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
     
Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 %     
Cost of Products Sold 73.3 % 73.7 %     
Gross Margins 26.7 % 26.3 %     
Selling and Administrative Expenses 12.9 % 12.5 %     
Amortization of Intangibles 0.3 % 0.3 %     
Interest Income, Net  % (0.1)%     
Other Income, Net (0.6)% (0.1)%     
Income Tax Expense 2.8 % 3.3 %     
Net Income 11.4 % 10.5 %     
          
*N/M equals non meaningful         

Net Sales.  Consolidated net sales increased $7.4 million, or 0.9%, to $816.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from $809.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Automotive segment's net sales increased $17.9 million, or 2.9%, to $632.2 million for fiscal 2017, from $614.3 million for fiscal 2016.  The Interface segment's net sales decreased $13.4 million, or 9.5%, to $127.4 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $140.8 million for fiscal 2016. The Power Products segment's net sales increased $2.8 million, or 5.2%, to $56.3 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $53.5 million for fiscal 2016. Translation of foreign operations' net sales for fiscal 2017 decreased net sales by $5.5 million, or 0.7%, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2016, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the Chinese yuan and the euro.
Cost of Products Sold.  Consolidated cost of products sold increased $2.0 million, or 0.3%, to $598.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $596.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 73.3% for fiscal 2017, compared to 73.7% for fiscal 2016.  The Automotive, Interface and Power Products segments were all favorably impacted by commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material purchases and labor costs. The Automotive segment was favorably impacted by both commodity pricing adjustments of $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues resolved in fiscal 2017. The fiscal 2017 cost of goods sold was negatively impacted by $2.2 million due to exit costs for our Connectivity and Active Energy Solutions reporting units. Both businesses were shuttered due to market conditions. The Power Products segment experienced favorable change in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales, primarily due to

implemented overhead cost reductions in the U.S. and China. In fiscal 2016, the Interface segment experienced additional costs of $1.0 million, as well as inefficiencies, related to the move of the radio remote control operation from the Philippines to Egypt.
Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit increased $5.4 million, or 2.5%, to $218.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, as compared to $212.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.7% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to 26.3% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Automotive segment was favorably impacted by both commodity pricing adjustments of $1.0 million and $1.0 million for the reversal of accruals related to customer commercial issues resolved in fiscal 2017. The Automotive, Interface and Power Products segments were all favorably impacted by commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on material purchases and labor costs. The Power Products segment experienced favorable gross margins as a percentage of sales primarily due to implemented overhead cost reductions in the U.S. and China. The fiscal 2017 gross margins were negatively impacted by exit costs related to the closure of our Connectivity and Active Energy Solutions reporting units. In fiscal 2016, the Interface segment experienced additional costs of $1.0 million, as well as inefficiencies, related to the move of the radio remote control operation from the Philippines to Egypt.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $4.4 million, or 4.4%, to $105.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $100.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 12.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from 12.5% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. In fiscal 2017, expenses increased for stock award amortization expenses by $5.0 million, legal and other professional fees by $1.6 million and fees related to acquisition activity, primarily for a potential acquisition we elected not to undertake, by $1.5 million, partially offset by selling and fringe related expenses of $2.3 million and lower travel expenses of $1.5 million.
Interest Income, Net.  Interest income, net decreased $0.3 million, to $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $0.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The decrease is primarily due to increased average debt levels during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net increased $4.2 million to $4.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $0.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. Fiscal 2017 includes $4.5 million for an international government grant for maintaining certain employment levels during the period. All other amounts for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese 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 Expense.  Income tax expense decreased $3.3 million, or 12.5%, to $23.0 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $26.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Company's effective tax rate decreased to 19.9% in fiscal 2017, compared to 23.8% in fiscal 2016. The results for fiscal 2017 include a tax benefit of $4.0 million for foreign investment tax credits, partially offset by a tax expense of $1.7 million on a dividend between foreign entities
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.  Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $8.3 million, or 9.8%, to $92.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $84.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, primarily due to higher sales volumes, the favorable impact of commodity pricing adjustments and resolved customer commercial issues, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and the favorable currency impact on both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs in our foreign operations, an international government grant, lower travel expenses and lower tax expenses. Net income was unfavorably impacted by higher stock award amortization expense, exit costs, increased legal, acquisitions related expenses and professional fees.


Operating Segments
Automotive Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $632.2
 $614.3
 $17.9
 2.9%
         
Cost of Products Sold 449.4
 443.6
 5.8
 1.3%
         
Gross Profit 182.8
 170.7
 12.1
 7.1%
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 34.5
 33.9
 0.6
 1.8%
         
Income from Operations $148.3
 $136.8
 $11.5
 8.4%
         
Percent of sales: April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
    
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0%    
Cost of Products Sold 71.1% 72.2%    
Gross Margins 28.9% 27.8%    
Selling and Administrative Expenses 5.5% 5.5%    
Income from Operations 23.5% 22.3%    

Net Sales.  Automotive segment net sales increased $17.9 million, or 2.9%, to $632.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from $614.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Net sales increased in North America by $28.5 million, or 8.4%, to $369.4 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $340.9 million for fiscal 2016. Sales volumes increased for our GM Center Console program (with the launch of new platforms in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016), user interface assemblies, and for transmission lead-frame assemblies. Sales volumes decreased $2.3 million for the Ford Center Console program. North American sales were negatively impacted by pricing concessions on certain products. Net sales decreased in Europe by $7.8 million, or 4.9%, to $151.9 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $159.7 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes of ignition switch products and decreased sales of customer funded tooling and design and development services. Europe experienced higher sales volumes of certain Integrated Center Panels and steering wheel switch products. Net sales in Asia decreased $2.8 million, or 2.5%, to $110.9 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $113.7 million in fiscal 2016. The Asian sales were negatively impacted by $3.7 million due to the strengthening of the U.S dollar as compared to the Chinese yuan. Sales volumes increased for linear position sensor products and transmission lead-frame assemblies, partially offset by lower sales volumes of steering-angle sensor products. Translation of foreign operations' total Automotive net sales for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 decreased by $5.5 million, or 0.9%, in fiscal 2017, compared to the average currency rates in fiscal 2016, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro and the Chinese yuan.

Cost of Products Sold.  Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $5.8 million, or 1.3%, to $449.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from $443.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 71.1% in fiscal 2017, compared to 72.2% in fiscal 2016.  The results for fiscal 2017 include $1.0 million of commodity pricing adjustments and the reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues. In addition, the decrease is due to favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and the favorable currency impact on both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs, primarily in Mexico and China. Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by $1.3 million due to a refund of import duties from prior periods.
Gross Profit. Automotive segment gross profit increased $12.1 million, or 7.1%, to $182.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, as compared to $170.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 28.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, as compared to 27.8% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The gross profit for fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted by $1.0 million for commodity pricing adjustments and the reversal of accruals of $1.0 million related to resolved customer commercial issues. In addition, gross profit was favorably impacted due to favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and the favorable currency impact on

both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs, primarily in Mexico and China. Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by $1.3 million due to a refund of import duties from prior periods.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 1.8%, to $34.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $33.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales remained constant at 5.5% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The increase in expenses in fiscal 2017 is primarily due to higher stock award amortization expense, partially offset with lower bonus, commission and travel expenses.
Income from Operations. Automotive segment income from operations increased $11.5 million, or 8.4%, to $148.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $136.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. Income from operations increased in fiscal 2017 due to increased sales volumes, commodity pricing adjustments and a one-time reversal of accruals related to resolved customer commercial issues, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and the favorable currency impact on both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs in our foreign operations and lower bonus and travel expenses. Income from operations was negatively impacted in fiscal 2017 due to higher stock award amortization expenses.

Interface Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%) 
Net Sales $127.4
 $140.8
 $(13.4) (9.5)% 
          
Cost of Products Sold 100.8
 107.9
 (7.1) (6.6)% 
          
Gross Profit 26.6
 32.9
 (6.3) (19.1)% 
          
Selling and Administrative Expenses 27.5
 30.2
 (2.7) (8.9)% 
          
Income (Loss) from Operations $(0.9) $2.7
 $(3.6) N/M
*
          
Percent of sales: April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
     
Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0%     
Cost of Products Sold 79.1 % 76.6%     
Gross Margins 20.9 % 23.4%     
Selling and Administrative Expenses 21.6 % 21.4%     
Income (Loss) from Operations (0.7)% 1.9%     
          
*N/M equals non meaningful         
Net Sales.  Interface segment net sales decreased $13.4 million, or 9.5%, to $127.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from $140.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Net sales decreased in North America by $12.8 million, or 11.5%, to $98.1 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $110.9 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes of data solutions and appliance products. In addition, North American sales are down due to pricing concessions for certain data solutions products. Net sales in Europe decreased $0.5 million, or 1.9%, to $25.8 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $26.3 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes of our data solutions products. Net sales in Asia decreased $0.1 million, or 2.8%, to $3.5 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $3.6 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to slightly lower sales volumes of legacy products.
Cost of Products Sold.  Interface segment cost of products sold decreased $7.1 million, or 6.6%, to $100.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $107.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 79.1% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to

76.6% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The increase is primarily due to lower sales volumes, specifically data solutions products. Cost of products sold for fiscal 2017 includes exit costs of $1.1 million for our Connectivity reporting unit. The business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017 due to market conditions. The fiscal 2017 cost of goods sold was favorably impacted due to favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs, primarily in Mexico. Fiscal 2016 was unfavorably impacted due to additional costs and inefficiencies experienced related to the move of the radio remote control operation from the Philippines to Egypt. The Company experienced moving costs, severance and redundant staffing of $1.0 million in addition to the manufacturing inefficiencies.

Gross Profit. Interface segment gross profit decreased $6.3 million, or 19.1%, to $26.6 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $32.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 20.9% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from 23.4% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The decrease is primarily due to lower sales volumes, specifically data solutions products. Gross profit was also negatively impacted by $1.1 million of exit costs. Gross profit was favorably impacted due to commodity pricing of raw materials and a favorable currency impact on both the purchase of certain raw materials and labor costs in our foreign operations, primarily in Mexico. Fiscal 2016 was unfavorably impacted due to moving costs, severance and redundant staffing related to the move from the Philippines to Egypt.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses decreased $2.7 million, or 8.9%, to $27.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $30.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.6% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from 21.4% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to lower compensation, travel and advertising expenses, partially offset by increased legal fees and stock award amortization expenses.
Income/(loss) from Operations. Interface segment income/(loss) from operations decreased $3.6 million, or 133.3%, to a loss of $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to income of $2.7 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes, exit costs, higher legal fees and higher stock award amortization expense, partially offset with favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and the currency impact of labor related expenses, lower compensation related expenses, lower travel expenses and lower advertising expenses.


Power Products Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $56.3
 $53.5
 $2.8
 5.2%
         
Cost of Products Sold 41.2
 40.5
 0.7
 1.7%
         
Gross Profit 15.1
 13.0
 2.1
 16.2%
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 3.6
 3.6
 
 %
         
Income from Operations $11.5
 $9.4
 $2.1
 22.3%
         
Percent of sales: April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
    
Net Sales 100.0% 100.0%    
Cost of Products Sold 73.2% 75.7%    
Gross Margins 26.8% 24.3%    
Selling and Administrative Expenses 6.4% 6.7%    
Income from Operations 20.4% 17.6%    
Net Sales.  Power Products segment net sales increased $2.8 million, or 5.2%, to $56.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $53.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  Net sales decreased in North

America by $3.2 million, or 11.9%, to $23.6 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $26.8 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower sales volumes of busbar products. Net sales in Europe decreased $0.4 million, or 5.3%, to $7.1 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $7.5 million in fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower sales of bypass switches, partially offset by higher sales volumes of busbar products. Net sales in Asia increased $6.4 million, or 33.3%, to $25.6 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $19.2 million in fiscal 2016, due to higher sales volumes of PowerRail® and other busbar products.
Cost of Products Sold.  Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $0.7 million, or 1.7%, to $41.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $40.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 73.2% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from 75.7% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The decrease primarily relates to higher sales volumes, favorable commodity pricing and implemented overhead cost reductions in the U.S. and China. In addition, our China operation experienced a favorable currency impact for both material and labor expenses due to the weakening Chinese yuan.
Gross Profit.  Power Products segment gross profit increased $2.1 million, or 16.2%, to $15.1 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $13.0 million in fiscal 2016.  Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.8% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 from 24.3% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. The increase primarily relates to higher sales volumes, favorable commodity pricing and implemented overhead cost reductions in the U.S. and China. In addition, our China operation experienced a favorable currency impact for both material and labor expenses due to the weakening Chinese yuan.

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses remained constant at $3.6 million for both the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 6.4% for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, from 6.7% for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, primarily due to higher sales volumes.
Income From Operations. Power Products segment income from operations increased $2.1 million, or 22.3%, to $11.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $9.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, due to increased sales volumes, overhead cost reductions and the favorable currency impact on material purchases.
Other Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the fiscal years ended:
(Dollars in Millions) April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
 Net Change ($) Net Change (%)
Net Sales $0.3
 $0.3
 $
 %
         
Cost of Products Sold 6.5
 4.3
 2.2
 51.2%
         
Gross Profit (6.2) (4.0) (2.2) 55.0%
         
Selling and Administrative Expenses 6.2
 4.8
 1.4
 29.2%
         
Loss from Operations $(12.4) $(8.8) $(3.6) 40.9%
         
Percent of sales: April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
    
Net Sales 100.0 % 100.0 %    
Cost of Products Sold 2,166.7 % 1,433.3 %    
Gross Margins (2,066.7)% (1,333.3)%    
Selling and Administrative Expenses 2,066.7 % 1,600.0 %    
Loss from Operations (4,133.3)% (2,933.3)%    
Net Sales.  The reporting units in this segment (including medical devices, inverters and battery systems) had minimal net sales in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 due to the products being newly launched.

Cost of Products Sold.  Other segment cost of products sold was $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $4.3 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016. Cost of products sold for fiscal 2017 includes exit costs of $1.2 million for our Active Energy Solutions (inverters and battery systems) reporting unit. The business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017 due to market conditions. In addition to the exit costs, the increase primarily relates to research and development initiatives for the medical device business.

Gross Profit. The Other segment gross profit was a loss of $6.2 million and $4.0 million for the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, respectively. Gross profit was negatively impacted by $1.2 million of exit costs for our Active Energy Solutions reporting unit. In addition to the exit costs, the increased loss primarily relates to research and development initiatives for the medical device business.
Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased $1.4 million, or 29.2%, to $6.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $4.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The increase primarily is due to higher outside professional fees and marketing expenses related to new product introductions for our medical device business.

Loss From Operations The Other segment loss from operations increased $3.6 million to $12.4 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, compared to $8.8 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016.  The increased loss relates to exit costs for our Active Energy Solutions reporting unit and higher outside professional fees, research and development costs and marketing expenses during fiscal 2017 for our medical device business.

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. A significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. Of the $246.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of April 28, 2018, $239.3 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. Other than specifically identified amounts, foreign earnings continue to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. and therefore not available to fund our domestic operations.
We are party to a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and the Lenders named therein (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of November 18, 2021. The credit facility is in the maximum principal amount of $150.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions. The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, restrictive covenants and events of default. At April 28, 2018, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.25% plus LIBOR and we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During the year ended April 28, 2018, we had $80.0 million of borrowings and payments of $78.9 million, which includes interest of $1.9 million, under this credit facility. As of April 28, 2018, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $30.0 million. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 28, 2018.
Methode's newly acquired subsidiary, Pacific Insight, is party to two separate credit agreements, one with the Bank of Montreal and one with Roynat. The credit agreement with the Bank of Montreal has a maturity date of December 21, 2019 and provides a credit facility in the maximum principal amount of C$10.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional C$5.0 million. Availability under the facility is determined based upon a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and finished goods inventory balances. Funds are available in either Canadian or U.S. currency and any borrowings are fully secured by a mix of current and long-lived assets. Interest is calculated at either the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus 1.25%, the Federal Funds Rate plus 1.25% or LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of April 28, 2018, there were no outstanding balances against this credit facility and Pacific Insight was in compliance with the covenants of the agreement.
The credit agreement between Pacific Insight and Roynat has a maturity date of May 24, 2020 and provides a credit facility in the maximum principal amount of$10.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $3.5 million. The interest rate on the credit facility is 2.25% plus LIBOR. During the seven-month period that Methode has owned Pacific Insight, we have had no borrowings and repayments of $0.4 million under this credit facility. As of April 28, 2018, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $3.6 million, of which $0.7 million is due within the next twelve months, and Pacific Insight was in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. All borrowings under this

credit facility are fully secured by real estate owned by Pacific Insight. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 28, 2018.
Excluding credit facilities, the Company also holds debt that was assumed in the acquisitions of Procoplast and Pacific Insight. As of April 28, 2018, Procoplast holds short-term debt totaling $3.6 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.65%. As of April 28, 2018, Procoplast holds long-term debt that consists of nineteen notes totaling $20.5 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.46% and maturities ranging from 2019 to 2031. Pacific Insight holds debt in the form of an interest-free loan from the Canadian government that matures in 2019. As of April 28, 2018, the $0.1 million remaining liability for this debt is classified as short-term.
Operating cash flow is summarized below (in millions):
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Net Income $57.2
 $92.9
 $84.6
Depreciation and Amortization 28.1
 24.3
 23.9
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities 42.8
 19.3
 (12.7)
Other Non-cash Items (10.3) 8.7
 14.9
Cash Flow from Operations $117.8
 $145.2
 $110.7
Operating Activities — Fiscal 2018 Compared to Fiscal 2017
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $27.4 million to $117.8 million for fiscal 2018, compared to $145.2 million for fiscal 2017, primarily due to a decrease in our net income, adjusted for depreciation, amortization, deferred tax expense, stock-based compensation and the provision for bad debt, partially offset by the changes in operating assets and liabilities. The change in deferred tax expense resulted primarily from the re-measurement of deferred tax assets due to the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform. For fiscal 2018, net changes in operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash provided of $42.8 million, primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and other expenses, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets and the timing of receivable collections, partially offset by an increase in inventory levels. The change in accounts payable and other expenses was driven by the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform, specifically from the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. Any taxes stemming from the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings are payable over an eight-year period. For fiscal 2017, net changes in operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash provided of $19.3 million, primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and other expenses, a decrease in inventory levels and the timing of receivable collections, partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses.

Operating Activities — Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $34.5 million to $145.2 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $110.7 million for fiscal 2016, primarily due to higher net income, the changes in 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 $32.0 million, to cash provided of $19.3 million in fiscal 2017, compared to cash use of $12.7 million in fiscal 2016. The decreased cash use in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 is primarily driven by lower inventory balances and the timing of payments to suppliers.

Investing Activities — Fiscal 2018 Compared to Fiscal 2017
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $157.3 million, to $179.0 million in fiscal 2018, compared to $21.7 million in fiscal 2017, due primarily to the acquisition of Pacific Insight for $108.7 million, net of cash received, the purchase of property, plant and equipment for $47.7 million and the acquisition of Procoplast for $22.2 million, net of cash received.
Investing Activities — Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $0.1 million, to $21.7 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $21.6 million in fiscal 2016. Purchases of property, plant and equipment decreased by $0.8 million, to $22.4 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $23.2 million in fiscal 2016. Purchases for both periods primarily relate to equipment purchases for new product launches and the replacement of some older equipment. We sold buildings for $0.7 million and $1.6 million in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.


Financing Activities — Fiscal 2018 Compared to Fiscal 2017
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $34.3 million to $12.7 million in fiscal 2018, compared to $47.0 million in fiscal 2017.  During fiscal 2018, the Company had borrowings against credit facilities of $80.0 million, compared to no borrowings during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2018, the Company had repayments of borrowings against credit facilities of $77.4 million, compared to $30.0 million during fiscal 2017. We paid dividends of $14.7 million and $13.7 million in fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. The Company had no repurchases of common stock during fiscal 2018, compared to $9.8 million for the repurchase of common stock during fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2018 included $0.3 million of taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards, compared to $1.1 million during fiscal 2017. There were $0.3 million of proceeds from the exercise of stock options in fiscal 2018 and $2.7 million in fiscal 2017. Fiscal 2017 included $4.9 million of excess tax benefit on equity shares issued and on stock options exercised during that period. Pursuant to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 on April 30, 2017, going forward the Company will no longer separately report the tax benefit on equity shares issued and stock option exercises as a separate line item in the financing activities section of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. That activity will now run through the operating activities section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a change in operating assets and liabilities.

Financing Activities — Fiscal 2017 Compared to Fiscal 2016
Net cash used in financing activities increased $18.3 million to $47.0 million in fiscal 2017, compared to $28.7 million in fiscal 2016.  In fiscal 2017, the Company had net repayments against the credit facility of $30.0 million and in fiscal 2016, the Company had net borrowings of $52.0 million. We paid dividends of $13.7 million and $13.5 million, in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. In September 2015, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company's outstanding stock through September 1, 2017. During fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, the Company repurchased shares worth $9.8 and $62.3 million, respectively, under the plan. Fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 includes $1.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively, of taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards. There were proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $2.7 million in fiscal 2017 and $0.6 million in fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 includes $4.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of excess tax benefit on equity shares issued and stock options exercised during those periods.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes contractual obligations and commitments, as of April 28, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due By Period
  Total 
Less than
 1 year
 1-3 years 4-5 years 
More than
 5 years
Capital Leases $2.9
 $0.9
 $1.8
 $0.2
 $
Operating Leases 20.3
 6.7
 10.9
 1.9
 0.8
Long-term Debt 51.0
 0.8
 36.3
 8.5
 5.4
Purchase Obligations 119.5
 119.1
 0.4
 
 
Deferred Compensation 7.5
 1.2
 2.2
 1.3
 2.8
Total $198.3
 $127.8
 $49.8
 $11.7
 $9.0
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the operating leases and purchase obligations noted in the preceding table.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based uponpreparing our consolidated financial statements, whichwe have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to makemade our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that affectwe believe to be reasonable. To the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ fromextent that there are differences between these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our judgments and estimates used in the preparation ofactual results, our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue on product sales when (i) persuasive evidencestatements may be materially affected. Below are the estimates that we believe are critical to the understanding of an agreement exists, (ii)our results of operations and financial condition. Other accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the price is fixed or determinable, (iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and (iv) collectionconsolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

The full impact of the sales proceedsCOVID-19 pandemic is unknown and cannot be reasonably assured.  Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discountsestimated for these key estimates and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment.  We do not have any additional obligations or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products.  We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. The Company collects and remits taxes assessed by different governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a revenue-producing transaction between the Company and the Company’s customers. These taxes may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes. The Company reports the collection of these taxes on a net basis (excluded from revenues).

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The amount of the allowance isassumptions. However, we made appropriate accounting estimates based on the agefacts and circumstances available as of unpaid amounts, information about the creditworthiness of customers, and other relevant information. Estimates of uncollectible amounts are revised each reporting period, and changes are recorded in the period they become known. If the financial conditiondate.

Revenue recognition. Most of our revenue is recognized at a point in time. We have determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where we transfer products to a customer location but retain ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage.

Revenue associated with products which we believe have no alternative use, and where we have an enforceable right to payment, are recognized on an over time basis. Revenue is recognized based on progress to date, which is typically even over the production process through transfer of control to the customer.

In addition, customers weretypically negotiate annual price downs. Management has evaluated these price downs and determined that in some instances, these price downs give rise to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Our revenues and accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively small number of customers within the automotive industry.  A significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any one of these customers ormaterial right. In instances that a deterioration in the economic environmentmaterial right exists, a portion of the automotive industry, in general, could have atransaction price is allocated to the material adverse impact onright and recognized over the collectabilitylife of our accounts receivable and our future operating results, and additional allowances for doubtful accounts may be required.
the contract.

Allowance for Excessexcess and Obsolete Inventory.obsolete inventory. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or marketnet realizable value and have been reduced by allowances for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowances are based on our review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales, using assumptions about future product life cycles, product demand and market conditions. If actual product life cycles, product demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by us, inventory write-downs may be required.


23


Table of Contents

Goodwill.Goodwill and Other Intangibles.Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. We review goodwillis not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis or more frequentlybasis. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount including goodwill. An impairment of goodwill exists if indicatorsthe carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The impairment are identified.


We evaluateloss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill using aallocated to that reporting unit. In performing the goodwill impairment test, we have the option to first assess qualitative assessmentfactors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of anya reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the quantitative impairment test.

Our qualitative screen includes an assessment of certain

Qualitative factors including,include, but are not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that thea reporting units'unit’s fair value is less than the carrying amount. Although we believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could produce a different result. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then we would perform a quantitative impairment test.assessment is performed. We may also elect to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment analysisassessment without considering such qualitative factors.


For the quantitative analysis,assessment, we utilize a combination of the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair values are primarily established usingvalue of the reporting unit. The income approach uses a discounted cash flow methodology (specifically,method and the income and market approach).approach uses appropriate valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies. The determination of discounted cash flows is based on our long-range forecasts and requires assumptions related to revenue and operating income growth, asset-related expenditures, working capital levels, and other market participant assumptions. The revenue growth rates included in the forecasts are our best estimates based on current and anticipated market conditions, and the profitability assumptions are projected based on current and anticipated cost structures. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Key assumptions, such as revenue growth rates and profitability, especially in the outer years, involve a greater degree of uncertainty.


In

Impairment of long-lived assets. We evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the fiscal 2018 first quarter,remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the Company early adopted ASU No. 2017-04 (issuedremaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist, we perform an impairment analysis by comparing the FASB in January 2017), "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" on a prospective basis. This


removed Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value.

Income Taxes.  As part of the process of preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to calculate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The process involves determining actual current tax expense, along with assessing temporary differencesundiscounted cash flows resulting from the differing treatmentuse of items for bookthe asset group to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.

Income taxes. Our income tax expense and tax purposes. These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax provision and in evaluating income tax uncertainties.

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcome of any uncertain tax issue is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts, and circumstances existing at that time. We use a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We record a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured and tax position taken or expected to be taken on our tax return. To the extent that our assessment of such tax positions changes, the change in estimate is recorded in the period in which are includedthe determination is made. We report tax-related interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense.

Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes. We adjust these amounts to reflect changes in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We have consideredevaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income, including the reversal of existing temporary differences, historical and projected operating results, and the availability of prudent and feasible tax planning strategiesstrategies. The realization of tax benefits is evaluated by jurisdiction and the realizability of these assets can vary based on the character of the tax attribute and the carryforward periods specific to each jurisdiction. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in assessing the needfuture in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would decrease income tax expense in the period a determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be recorded to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.

We provide for taxes that may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the U.S., except for those earnings thatwe consider to be permanently reinvested. Future sales of foreign subsidiaries are not exempt from capital gains tax in the U.S. We have no plans to dispose of any of our foreign subsidiaries and are not recording deferred taxes on outside basis differences in foreign subsidiaries for the valuation allowance. 


Contents

Contingencies. We are subject to various investigations, claims and legal and administrative proceedings covering a wide range of matters that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. A significant amount of judgment and use of estimates is required to quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. For those matters that we can estimate a range of loss, we have established reserves at levels within that range to provide for the most likely scenario based upon available information. The valuation of reserves for contingencies is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure that the Company iswe are properly reserved. Reserve balances are adjusted to account for changes in circumstances for ongoing issues and the establishment of additional reserves for emerging issues. While we believe that the current level of reserves is adequate, changes in the future could impact these determinations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For more information regarding new applicable accounting pronouncements, see Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Certain of our foreign operations enter into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency, primarily the U.S. dollar and the euro.  A 10% change in

We are exposed to market risks from foreign currency exchange, interest rates, from balance sheet date levelsand commodity prices, which could have impactedaffect our income before income taxes by $1.9 millionoperating results, financial position and $13.1 million at April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively.cash flows. We also havemanage a portion of these risks through use of derivative financial instruments in accordance with our policies. We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Foreign currency risk

We are exposed to foreign currency exposure arising from the translation of our net equity investmentrisk on sales, costs and assets and liabilities denominated in our foreign operations to U.S. dollars.  We generally view our investments in foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We seek to manage our foreign exchange risk largely through operational means, including matching revenue with same-currency costs and assets with same-currency liabilities. We currently transact business in eight primary currencies worldwide, of which the most significant were the U.S. dollar, as long-term.  The currencies to which we are exposed are the British pound, Chinese yuan, euro, Indian rupee,the Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc.  the Chinese renminbi.

A 10%portion of our balance sheet is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, which may result in non-operating foreign currency exchange gains or losses upon remeasurement. In fiscal 2021, we reported foreign currency exchange losses of approximately $0.3 million, which were primarily attributed to the remeasurement of net monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our subsidiaries. In January 2021, we began to use foreign currency forward contracts to provide an economic hedge against balance sheet exposure to certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary. The forward contracts have a maturity of less than three months and are not designated as hedging instruments. As of May 1, 2021, the notional value of these outstanding contracts was $14.8 million, and the net unrealized loss was $22 thousand. The impact of a change in the foreign currency exchange rates on our foreign currency forward contracts will generally be offset against the gain or loss from the re-measurement of the underlying balance sheet date levels couldexposure.

The translation of the assets and liabilities of our international subsidiaries is made using the foreign currency exchange rates as of the end of the reporting period. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income but are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets until a sale or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the international subsidiary takes place. As of May 1, 2021, the cumulative net currency translation adjustments increased shareholders’ equity by $11.5 million. We have impactedoutstanding a euro denominated cross-currency swap which is treated as a net investment hedge to reduce our exposure to translational exchange risk. As of May 1, 2021, we recorded a deferred loss, net foreign investments by $49.3of tax, of $5.2 million at April 28, 2018 and $41.1 million at April 29, 2017.


related to the cross-currency swap.

Interest rate risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. The interest rate risk foron borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreements, underagreement which we had $33.6 million of net borrowings at April 28, 2018, is variable and is determined based on LIBOR. WeAs of May 1, 2021, we had $228.6 million of borrowings under our senior unsecured credit agreement. In April 2021, we began to manage our interest rate exposures through the use of interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The notional amount of our interest rate swaps was $100.0 million as of May 1, 2021. Based on borrowings outstanding under our senior unsecured credit agreement at May 1, 2021, net of the interest rate swaps, we estimate that a one percentage point change1% increase in interest rates would not have a material impactresult in increased annual interest expense of $1.3 million.

Commodity price risk

We are exposed to commodity price risk primarily on our resultsraw material purchases. These raw materials are not rare or unique to our industry. The cost of operations forcopper, resins, and other commodities, such as fuel and energy, has fluctuated in recent years due to changes in global supply and demand. The cost of copper has increased significantly in fiscal 2018 based upon2021. Our gross margins could be affected if these types of costs continue to fluctuate. We actively manage these raw material costs through global sourcing initiatives and price increases on our current and expected levelsproducts. However, in the short-term, rapid increases in raw material costs can be very difficult to offset with price increases because of debt.

contractual agreements with our customers.

25


Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See

The consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are filed within this Annual Report under Item 15, for an Index to Financial Statements and“Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule.  Such Financial Statements and Schedule are incorporated herein by reference.

Schedules.”

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements Withwith Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure


None

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, we performed an evaluation

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectives of the design and operation of our “disclosuredisclosure controls and procedures” (asprocedures as of May 1, 2021. As defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) ofunder the Exchange Act).  OurAct, disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensureprovide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in


the SEC’s applicable rules and forms. As a result ofBased upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
effective as of May 1, 2021.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, wemanagement conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2018May 1, 2021 based on the guidelines established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013(2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"(“COSO”). Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Pacific Insight and Procoplast which are included in the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 10.2% and 4.3% of total and net assets, respectively, as of April 28, 2018 and 8.9% and 8.8% of revenues and net income, respectively, for the fiscal year then ended.

Based on the results of ourupon this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 28, 2018.May 1, 2021. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. This report is included on page F-2F-4 of this annual report on Form 10-K.


Annual Report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that was conducted during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by a management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


Item 9B. Other Information


None

None.

26


Table of Contents

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information

The information required by this item regarding our directors will be included under the captions “Proposal One:  Election of Directors” and “Corporate Governance” incorporate governance matters is incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting to be held on September 13, 2018,under the captions “Proposal One Election of Directors” and is incorporated herein“Corporate Governance.” The information required by reference.  Informationthis item regarding our executive officers is includedappears as a supplementary item following Item 4 under a separate caption in Part I hereof, and is incorporated hereinof this Annual Report. The information required by reference, in accordance with General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K and Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.  Informationthis item regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and information regarding our Audit Committee will be included under the captions “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting


Compliance” and “Audit Committee Matters,” respectively, inis incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting under the captions “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and is incorporated herein by reference.
“Audit Committee Matters,” respectively.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct (the “Code”) that applies to our directors, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and persons performing similar functions, as well as other employees. The Code is publicly available on our website at www.methode.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation” in

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting to be held on September 13, 2018,under the captions “Compensation Discussion and is incorporated herein by reference.

Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report”, “CEO Pay Ratio”, “Executive Compensation Tables” and “Director Compensation.”

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information regarding

Except as set forth herein, the above will be included under the caption “Security Ownership” ininformation required by this item is incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting to be held on September 13, 2018, and is incorporated herein by reference.


under the caption “Security Ownership.”

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information about the Company'sour equity compensation plans as of April 28, 2018. 

May 1, 2021. All outstanding awards relate to the Company’sour common stock. Shares issued under all of the following plans may be from the Company’sour treasury, newly issued or both.

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

 

 

1,906,199

 

 

37.01(1)

 

 

 

203,431

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

1,906,199

 

 

$

37.01

 

 

 

203,431

 

(1)

The weighted-average exercise price set forth in this column is calculated excluding outstanding restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, since recipients are not required to pay an exercise price to receive the shares subject to these awards.

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 496,540
(1) 
$34.33
 1,089,122
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders 
 
 
Total 496,540
 $34.33
 1,089,122
(1) Includes 114,168 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $35.85 and 382,372 restricted stock units which may be issued for no consideration following vesting upon the applicable delivery date.
Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting to be held on September 13, 2018,under the captions “Corporate Governance” and is incorporated herein by reference.

“Other Information.”

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information regarding the above will be included under the caption “Audit Committee Matters” in

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference herein to the definitive proxy statement for our 20182021 annual meeting to be held on September 13, 2018, and is incorporated herein by reference.





under the caption “Audit Committee Matters.”

27


Table of Contents

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)

(1) Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reference is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page F-1.

(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule.

Reference is made to the Index to Financial Statement Schedule on Page F-1.

(3) Exhibits.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

Description

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2004).

3.2

Bylaws of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2020).

4.1

Article Fourth of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (included in Exhibit 3.1).

4.2

Description of Capital Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 20, 2019).

10.1*

Methode Electronics, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2004).

10.2*

Change in Control Agreement dated September 1, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2006).

10.3*

Change in Control Agreement dated September 14, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Timothy R. Glandon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 18, 2006).

10.4*

Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of June 18, 2004 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 2, 2007).

10.5*

Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Cliff Vesting) effective as of June 18, 2004 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 2, 2007).

10.6*

Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of June 15, 2005 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2007).

10.7*

Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive Award/Performance Based) effective as of August 7, 2006 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Donald W. Duda (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2007).

10.8*

Methode Electronics, Inc. 2007 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2007).

10.9*

Change in Control Agreement dated July 15, 2008 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Ronald L.G. Tsoumas (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on July 17, 2008).

10.10*

Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 20, 2009).

10.11*

Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2010).

10.12*

Under the 2010 Stock Plan, Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option Form Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2010).

10.13*

Form of Methode Electronics, Inc. Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2010).

10.14*

Methode Electronics, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 22, 2014).

10.15*

Form of Amendment to Change in Control Agreement dated November 8, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on December 10, 2015).

10.16

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 12, 2018 among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, the Other Lenders Party Hereto and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2018).

28


Table of Contents

(a) The documents included

10.17*

Change in Control Agreement dated June 14, 2017 between Methode Electronics, Inc. and Andrea Barry (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 21, 2018).

10.18*

Change in Control Agreement dated as of December 7, 2018 between the Company and Anil Shetty (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 7, 2019).

10.19*

Change in Control Agreement dated as of June 26, 2020 between the Company and Joseph Khoury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 30, 2020).

10.20*

Form of Transition Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on June 30, 2020).

10.21*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Performance-Based Award Agreement (CEO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.22*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Performance-Based Award Agreement (COO and CFO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.23*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Performance-Based Award Agreement (Dabir) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.24*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Time-Based Award Agreement (CEO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.25*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Time-Based Award Agreement (COO and CFO) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.26*

Form of 2020 Long-Term Time-Based Award Agreement (Dabir) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 29, 2020).

10.27*

Methode Electronics, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of November 12, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2020).

21

Subsidiaries of Methode Electronics, Inc.

23

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer.

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer.

32

Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.INS**

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL Document

101.SCH***

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL***

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB***

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE***

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF***

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104**

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document)

*Management Compensatory Plan

**   As provided in the following indexes areRule 406 of Regulation S-T, this information is deemed not filed as part of this annual report ona registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, and is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is otherwise not subject to liability under those sections.

*** Submitted electronically with the Report

Item 16. Form 10-K.


Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.

(Registrant)

By:

/s/ RONALD L.G. TSOUMAS

Ronald L.G. Tsoumas

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

Dated: June 21, 2018


24, 2021

30


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report annual report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

SignatureTitleDate

/s /s/ WALTER J. ASPATORE

Chairman of the Board

June 21, 201824, 2021

Walter J. Aspatore

/s / CHRISTOPHER J. HORNUNGs/ LAWRENCE B. SKATOFF

Vice Chairman of the Board

June 21, 201824, 2021

Christopher J. Hornung

Lawrence B. Skatoff

/s/ DONALD W. DUDA

Chief Executive Officer, President & Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Donald W. Duda

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s /s/ RONALD L.G. TSOUMAS

Chief Financial Officer

June 21, 201824, 2021

Ronald L.G. Tsoumas

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s / MARTHA GOLDBERG ARONSONs/ AMIT N. PATEL

Director

Chief Accounting Officer

June 21, 201824, 2021

Martha Goldberg Aronson

Amit N. Patel

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ DAVID P. BLOM

Director

June 24, 2021

David P. Blom

/s/ THERESE M. BOBEK

Director

June 24, 2021

Therese M. Bobek

/s/ BRIAN J. CADWALLADER

Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Brian J. Cadwallader

/s/ BRUCE K. CROWTHER

Director

June 24, 2021

Bruce K. Crowther

/s/ DARREN M. DAWSON

Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Darren M. Dawson

/s / ISABELLE C. GOOSSENs/ JANIE GODDARD

Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Isabelle C. Goossen

Janie Goddard

/s / PAUL G. SHELTONs/ MARY A. LINDSEY

Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Paul G. Shelton

Mary A. Lindsey

/s / LAWRENCE B. SKATOFFs/ ANGELO V. PANTALEO

Director

June 21, 201824, 2021

Lawrence B. Skatoff

Angelo V. Pantaleo

/s/ MARK D. SCHWABERO

Director

June 24, 2021

Mark D. Schwabero

31


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K
ITEM 15 (a) (1) and (2)

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Page

F-2

F-5

F-6

F-7

F-8

F-9

F-10

Schedule:

F-36

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are immaterial and, therefore, have been omitted.

F-1


Table of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Methode Electronics, Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the(the Company) as of April 28, 2018May 1, 2021 and April 29, 2017,May 2, 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 28, 2018,May 1, 2021, and the related notesand financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at April 28, 2018May 1, 2021 and April 29, 2017,May 2, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 28, 2018,May 1, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2018,May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework)and our report dated June 21, 201824, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


Basis for Opinion


These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidatedfinancial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.

Valuation of Grakon Industrial Reporting Unit Goodwill

Description of the Matter

At May 1, 2021, the balance of the Company’s goodwill related to the Grakon Industrial reporting unit was $127.2 million. As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or when impairment indicators are present at the reporting unit.

Auditing management’s assessment of the estimated fair value of the Industrial reporting unit was complex and required the involvement of valuation specialists due to the judgmental nature of the assumptions utilized in the valuation process. The fair value estimate was sensitive to significant assumptions such as revenue growth rates, gross profit, and the discount rate. The estimate also included assumptions related to the terminal growth rate, capital expenditures, working capital levels, and other market participant assumptions.  

F-2


Table of Contents


How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill fair value assessment process. This included testing controls over management’s review of the projected financial information and other key assumptions used in the valuation model as well as controls over the carrying value of the Grakon Industrial reporting unit.

To test the fair value of the Grakon Industrial reporting unit, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the Company's use of the income approach, testing the significant assumptions described above used to develop the prospective financial information, and testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. For example, we compared certain significant assumptions to current industry, market and economic trends, historical performance, and other guideline companies within the same industry. We performed a sensitivity analysis of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the reporting unit resulting from changes in the assumptions. We also assessed the historical accuracy of management’s forecasting process and involved our valuation specialists to assist in testing certain significant assumptions in the fair value estimate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1966.


Chicago, Illinois

June 21, 2018

24, 2021


F-3


Table of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Methode Electronics, Inc.


Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2018,May 1, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control- IntegratedControl-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework)(the (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 28, 2018,May 1, 2021, based on the COSO criteria.


As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Pacific Insight and Procoplast which are included in the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 10.2% and 4.3% of total and net assets, respectively, as of April 28, 2018 and 8.9% and 8.8% of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Pacific Insight and Procoplast.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 20182021 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated June 21, 201824, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


Basis for Opinion


The Company’sCompany's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.


Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’scompany's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Chicago, Illinois

June 21, 2018

24, 2021

F-4


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share and per share data)

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

233.2

 

 

$

217.3

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

282.5

 

 

 

188.5

 

Inventories

 

 

124.2

 

 

 

131.0

 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

11.5

 

 

 

12.9

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

22.6

 

 

 

15.9

 

Total current assets

 

 

674.0

 

 

 

565.6

 

Long-term assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

204.0

 

 

 

201.9

 

Goodwill

 

 

235.6

 

 

 

231.6

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

229.4

 

 

 

244.8

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

 

22.3

 

 

 

23.5

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

41.2

 

 

 

31.4

 

Pre-production costs

 

 

25.0

 

 

 

37.1

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

35.5

 

 

 

34.7

 

Total long-term assets

 

 

793.0

 

 

 

805.0

 

Total assets

 

$

1,467.0

 

 

$

1,370.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

122.9

 

 

$

73.8

 

Accrued employee liabilities

 

 

33.5

 

 

 

19.1

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

25.0

 

 

 

18.5

 

Short-term operating lease liabilities

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

5.5

 

Short-term debt

 

 

14.9

 

 

 

15.3

 

Income tax payable

 

 

20.3

 

 

 

11.6

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

222.7

 

 

 

143.8

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

225.2

 

 

 

336.8

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

 

 

17.5

 

 

 

20.4

 

Long-term income taxes payable

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

29.3

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

20.5

 

 

 

15.3

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

 

38.3

 

 

 

41.6

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

 

326.3

 

 

 

443.4

 

Total liabilities

 

 

549.0

 

 

 

587.2

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 39,644,913 shares and 38,438,111 shares issued as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively

 

 

19.8

 

 

 

19.2

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

157.6

 

 

 

150.7

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

(26.9

)

Treasury stock, 1,346,624 shares as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

(11.5

)

Retained earnings

 

 

746.0

 

 

 

651.9

 

Total shareholders' equity

 

 

918.0

 

 

 

783.4

 

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

1,467.0

 

 

$

1,370.6

 

 April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
ASSETS 
  
CURRENT ASSETS 
  
Cash and Cash Equivalents$246.1
 $294.0
Accounts Receivable, Less Allowance (2018 - $0.5 and 2017 - $0.6)202.6
 165.3
Inventories:   
Finished Products15.4
 10.9
Work in Process14.6
 8.7
Materials54.1
 38.3
Total Inventories84.1
 57.9
Prepaid and Refundable Income Taxes2.4
 0.6
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets14.8
 12.5
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS550.0
 530.3
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
  
Land0.8
 0.6
Buildings and Building Improvements69.2
 48.2
Machinery and Equipment364.7
 287.9
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross434.7
 336.7
Less: Allowances for Depreciation272.5
 246.1
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET162.2
 90.6
OTHER ASSETS 
  
Goodwill59.2
 1.6
Other Intangibles, Less Accumulated Amortization61.0
 6.6
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance8.2
 7.8
Deferred Income Taxes42.3
 40.4
Pre-production Costs20.5
 15.5
Other12.5
 11.2
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS203.7
 83.1
TOTAL ASSETS$915.9
 $704.0
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
  
Accounts Payable$89.5
 $75.3
Salaries, Wages and Payroll Taxes22.8
 18.7
Other Accrued Expenses21.6
 17.7
Short-term Debt4.4
 
Income Tax Payable18.7
 12.7
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES157.0
 124.4
LONG-TERM DEBT53.4
 27.0
LONG-TERM INCOME TAX PAYABLE42.6
 
OTHER LIABILITIES4.6
 2.6
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES18.3
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION10.0
 8.9
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
Common Stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 38,198,353 shares and 38,133,925 shares issued as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively19.1
 19.1
Additional Paid-in Capital136.5
 132.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss13.9
 (25.7)
Treasury Stock, 1,346,624 shares as of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017(11.5) (11.5)
Retained Earnings472.0
 427.0
TOTAL EQUITY630.0
 541.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$915.9
 $704.0

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Net sales

 

$

1,088.0

 

 

$

1,023.9

 

 

$

1,000.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of products sold

 

 

813.9

 

 

 

741.0

 

 

 

734.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

274.1

 

 

 

282.9

 

 

 

265.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

126.9

 

 

 

116.8

 

 

 

142.9

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

19.3

 

 

 

19.0

 

 

 

16.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

127.9

 

 

 

147.1

 

 

 

106.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

8.3

 

Other income, net

 

 

(12.2

)

 

 

(11.7

)

 

 

(5.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

134.9

 

 

 

148.7

 

 

 

103.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

12.6

 

 

 

25.3

 

 

 

12.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

122.3

 

 

$

123.4

 

 

$

91.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

3.22

 

 

$

3.28

 

 

$

2.45

 

Diluted

 

$

3.19

 

 

$

3.26

 

 

$

2.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends per share

 

$

0.44

 

 

$

0.44

 

 

$

0.44

 

 Fiscal Year Ended
 April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Net Sales$908.3
 $816.5
 $809.1
      
Cost of Products Sold668.7
 598.2
 596.2
      
Gross Profit239.6
 218.3
 212.9
      
Selling and Administrative Expenses115.7
 105.2
 100.8
Amortization of Intangibles5.6
 2.3
 2.4
      
Income from Operations118.3
 110.8
 109.7
      
Interest (Income) Expense, Net0.9
 (0.4) (0.7)
Other Income, Net(6.4) (4.7) (0.5)
      
Income before Income Taxes123.8
 115.9
 110.9
      
Income Tax Expense66.6
 23.0
 26.3
      
Net Income$57.2
 $92.9
 $84.6
      
Basic and Diluted Income per Share: 
  
  
Basic$1.54
 $2.49
 $2.21
Diluted$1.52
 $2.48
 $2.20
      
Cash Dividends per Share: 
  
  
Common Stock$0.40
 $0.36
 $0.36

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in millions)

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Net income

 

$

122.3

 

 

$

123.4

 

 

$

91.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

37.4

 

 

 

(12.3

)

 

 

(27.5

)

Derivative financial instruments

 

 

(4.4

)

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

0

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

155.3

 

 

$

110.1

 

 

$

64.1

 



 Fiscal Year Ended
 April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Net Income$57.2
 $92.9
 $84.6
      
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):     
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments39.6
 (17.3) (0.1)
Total Comprehensive Income96.8
 75.6
 84.5

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-7


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016

(in millions, except share data)

 

 

Common

stock

shares

 

 

Common

stock

 

 

Additional

paid-in

capital

 

 

Accumulated

other

comprehensive

income (loss)

 

 

Treasury

stock

 

 

Retained

earnings

 

 

Total

shareholders

equity

 

Balance as of April 28, 2018

 

 

38,198,353

 

 

$

19.1

 

 

$

136.5

 

 

$

13.9

 

 

$

(11.5

)

 

$

472.0

 

 

$

630.0

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding

 

 

135,223

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.7

)

 

 

(1.7

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.0

 

Adoption of ASU 2014-09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27.5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27.5

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

91.6

 

 

 

91.6

 

Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.8

)

 

 

(16.8

)

Balance as of April 27, 2019

 

 

38,333,576

 

 

 

19.2

 

 

 

150.4

 

 

 

(13.6

)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

545.2

 

 

 

689.7

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding

 

 

104,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(0.4

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13.3

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123.4

 

 

 

123.4

 

Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.3

)

 

 

(16.3

)

Balance as of May 2, 2020

 

 

38,438,111

 

 

 

19.2

 

 

 

150.7

 

 

 

(26.9

)

 

 

(11.5

)

 

 

651.9

 

 

 

783.4

 

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholding

 

 

1,350,251

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.9

)

 

 

(3.9

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.8

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

24,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8

 

Purchase of common stock

 

 

(167,949

)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7.4

)

 

 

(7.5

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33.0

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122.3

 

 

 

122.3

 

Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(16.9

)

 

 

(16.9

)

Balance as of May 1, 2021

 

 

39,644,913

 

 

$

19.8

 

 

$

157.6

 

 

$

6.1

 

 

$

(11.5

)

 

$

746.0

 

 

$

918.0

 

 
Common
Stock
Shares
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income
 
Treasury
Stock
 Retained Earnings Non-Controlling Interest Total Shareholders Equity
Balance as of May 2, 201539,702,036
 $19.9
 $102.2
 $(8.3) $(11.5) $356.5
 $0.2
 $459.0
Earned Portion of Restricted Stock Awards430,245
 0.1
 
 
 
 
 
 0.1
Stock Award and Stock Option Amortization Expense
 
 7.4
 
 
 
 
 7.4
Exercise of Options47,002
 0.1
 0.5
 
 
 (7.7) 
 (7.1)
Purchase of Common Stock(1,997,298) (1.0) 
 
 
 (61.3) 
 (62.3)
Tax Benefit from Stock Option Exercises
 
 2.2
 
 
 
 
 2.2
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
 
 (0.1) 
 
 (0.2) (0.3)
Net Income for Year
 
 
 
 
 84.6
 
 84.6
Cash Dividends on Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 (13.5) 
 (13.5)
Balance as of April 30, 201638,181,985
 $19.1
 $112.3
 $(8.4) $(11.5) $358.6
 $
 $470.1
Earned Portion of Restricted Stock Awards146,192
 0.1
 
 
 
 (1.2) 
 (1.1)
Stock Award and Stock Option Amortization Expense
 
 12.4
 
 
 
 
 12.4
Exercise of Options147,829
 0.1
 2.6
 
 
 
 
 2.7
Purchase of Common Stock(342,081) (0.2) 
 
 
 (9.6) 
 (9.8)
Tax Benefit from Stock Option Exercises
 
 4.9
 
 
 
 
 4.9
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
 
 (17.3) 
 
 
 (17.3)
Net Income for Year
 
 
 
 
 92.9
 
 92.9
Cash Dividends on Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 (13.7) 
 (13.7)
Balance as of April 29, 201738,133,925
 $19.1
 $132.2
 $(25.7) $(11.5) $427.0
 $
 $541.1
Earned Portion of Restricted Stock Awards51,095
 
 
 
 
 (0.2) 
 (0.2)
Stock Award and Stock Option Amortization Expense
 
 4.0
 
 
 
 
 4.0
Exercise of Options13,333
 
 0.3
 
 
 
 
 0.3
Adoption of ASU 2016-09
 
 
 
 
 2.7
 
 2.7
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
 
 39.6
 
 
 
 39.6
Net Income for Year
 
 
 
 
 57.2
 
 57.2
Cash Dividends on Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 (14.7) 
 (14.7)
Balance as of April 28, 201838,198,353
 $19.1
 $136.5
 $13.9
 $(11.5) $472.0
 $
 $630.0

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-8


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

122.3

 

 

$

123.4

 

 

$

91.6

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

51.5

 

 

 

48.3

 

 

 

43.3

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

6.8

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

14.0

 

Change in cash surrender value of life insurance

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.6

)

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

0.5

 

Loss (gain) on sale of business/investment/property

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(0.4

)

Change in deferred income taxes

 

 

(9.6

)

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

(4.4

)

Other

 

 

2.0

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

0.2

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(81.9

)

 

 

27.4

 

 

 

1.5

 

Inventories

 

 

11.3

 

 

 

(15.8

)

 

 

(3.9

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

17.9

 

 

 

(3.6

)

 

 

(16.7

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

 

59.5

 

 

 

(47.5

)

 

 

(23.1

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

179.8

 

 

 

140.6

 

 

 

102.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(24.9

)

 

 

(45.1

)

 

 

(49.8

)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(422.1

)

Sale of business/investment/property

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

1.1

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(24.8

)

 

 

(44.5

)

 

 

(470.8

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards

 

 

(3.9

)

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(1.7

)

Repayments of finance leases

 

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.7

)

 

 

 

Debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3.1

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of common stock

 

 

(6.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends

 

 

(17.4

)

 

 

(16.3

)

 

 

(16.3

)

Proceeds from borrowings

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

157.5

 

 

 

359.0

 

Repayments of borrowings

 

 

(116.7

)

 

 

(98.4

)

 

 

(120.5

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(142.9

)

 

 

41.7

 

 

 

217.4

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

(3.7

)

 

 

(11.5

)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

15.9

 

 

 

134.1

 

 

 

(162.9

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

 

217.3

 

 

 

83.2

 

 

 

246.1

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

 

$

233.2

 

 

$

217.3

 

 

$

83.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

5.3

 

 

$

9.9

 

 

$

8.8

 

Income taxes, net of refunds

 

$

16.0

 

 

$

21.1

 

 

$

27.8

 

 Fiscal Year Ended
 April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 
  
  
Net Income$57.2
 $92.9
 $84.6
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: 
  
  
Gain on Sale of Fixed Assets
 
 (0.7)
Gain on Sale of Licensing Agreement(1.6) 
 
Provision for Depreciation22.5
 22.0
 21.5
Amortization of Intangible Assets5.6
 2.3
 2.4
Stock-based Compensation4.0
 12.4
 7.4
Provision for Bad Debt
 0.2
 
Change in Deferred Income Taxes(12.7) (3.9) 8.2
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:     
Accounts Receivable2.8
 5.6
 (6.0)
Inventories(7.2) 7.4
 4.5
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets7.4
 (4.8) 0.1
Accounts Payable and Other Expenses39.8
 11.1
 (11.3)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES117.8
 145.2
 110.7
      
INVESTING ACTIVITIES: 
  
  
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment(47.7) (22.4) (23.2)
Acquisition of Businesses(130.9) 
 
Acquisition of Technology Licenses(0.7) 
 
Sale of Business/Investment/Property0.3
 0.7
 1.6
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES(179.0) (21.7) (21.6)
      
FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
  
  
Taxes Paid Related to Net Share Settlement of Equity Awards(0.3) (1.1) (7.7)
Purchase of Common Stock
 (9.8) (62.3)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options0.3
 2.7
 0.6
Tax Benefit from Stock Option Exercises
 4.9
 2.2
Cash Dividends(14.7) (13.7) (13.5)
Proceeds from Borrowings81.4
 
 71.0
Repayment of Borrowings(79.4) (30.0) (19.0)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES(12.7) (47.0) (28.7)
Effect of Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes on Cash26.0
 (10.3) (0.7)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(47.9) 66.2
 59.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year294.0
 227.8
 168.1
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR$246.1
 $294.0
 $227.8

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-9


Table of Contents


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)


Note 1.Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Methode Electronics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Methode”) is a leading global supplier of custom engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The Company designs, engineers and produces mechatronic products for Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) utilizing its broad range of technologies for user interface, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications.

The Company’s solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, consumer appliance and medical devices.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, and created significant volatility and disruptions to capital and credit markets in the global financial markets. The Company began to see the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of its fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 at its China manufacturing facilities, which were initially closed after the Chinese New Year. The Company’s manufacturing facilities in China resumed operations later in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, but at lower capacity utilization. However, the major impact to the Company’s business from the COVID-19 pandemic began in mid-March 2020, as the Company’s operations in North America and Europe were adversely impacted by many customers suspending their manufacturing operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company’s operations in North America and Europe gradually resumed operations, however production levels were still significantly reduced, resulting in lower capacity utilization. In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, production levels returned to pre-COVID levels as a result of increased demand from customers, which continued through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. However, towards the end of the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2021, many automotive companies announced a slowdown in their production schedules due to a worldwide semiconductor supply shortage. The semiconductor supply shortage is also impacting the Company’s supply chain and its ability to meet demand at some of its customers as well. The Company expects this semiconductor shortage will impact its operating results and financial condition in fiscal 2022.

Various government programs have been enacted to provide assistance to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of assistance the Company received was $11.1 million and $1.7 million in fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, respectively, and has been reported in other income, net in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company assessed certain accounting matters that require consideration of forecasted financial information, including, but not limited to, its allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill, identifiable intangible assets and other long-lived assets, and valuation allowances in context with the information reasonably available to the Company and the unknown future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as of May 1, 2021 and through the date of this report. As a result of these assessments, the Company concluded that there were no impairments or material increases in credit allowances or valuation allowances that impacted the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of May 1, 2021 and for the year ended May 1, 2021. However, the Company’s future assessment of the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other factors, could result in material impacts to its consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

At this time, the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated due to the uncertainty about the extent and duration of the spread of the virus. Therefore, it is possible the COVID-19 pandemic could still have an adverse impact on the Company’s future business, operating results and financial condition.

Basis of presentation. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).

Principles of Consolidation.consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Methode Electronics, Inc.the Company and its subsidiaries. As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc.All significant intercompany balances and its subsidiaries.

transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Financial Reporting Periods. We maintain ourreporting periods. The Company maintains its financial records on the basis of a fifty-two52 or fifty-three weeks53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to April 30. Fiscal 2018, fiscal 20172021 and fiscal 2016 represent fifty-two2019 represented 52 weeks and ended on May 1, 2021 and April 27, 2019, respectively. Fiscal 2020 represented 53 weeks and ended on May 2, 2020. The following discussions of results.

comparative results among periods should be reviewed in that context.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents.  Alland cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchasedless.

F-10


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivablecustomer obligations due under normal trade terms and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We carry accounts receivable at their face amounts lessare presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a regular basis, we recordThe Company establishes an allowance for uncollectible receivablesdoubtful accounts based upon past transaction history with customers, customer payment practices and economic conditions. Actual collection experience may differ fromon the current estimateexpected credit loss impairment model (“CECL”). The Company elected to apply a historical loss rate based on historic write-offs to aging categories. The historical loss rate is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of net receivables. A change tofuture losses as necessary. The Company may also record a specific reserve for individual accounts when it becomes aware of specific customer circumstances, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer's operating results or financial position. The allowance for uncollectible amounts may be required if a future event or other change in circumstances results in a changedoubtful accounts balance was $0.7 million and $0.7 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.

Sales to General Motors Company (“GM”) and Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) in the estimateAutomotive segment, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, represented a significant portion of the ultimate collectabilityCompany's business. As of a specific account.  We do not require collateral for ourMay 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, combined accounts receivable balances.  Accounts are written off against the allowance account when they are determined to be no longer collectible.

Inventories.from GM and Ford (including tiered suppliers) were approximately $79.4 million and $32.4 million, respectively.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost (first-in,or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method) or market, includingmethod. Finished products and work-in-process inventories include direct material costs and direct and indirect manufacturing costs.

The Company records reserves for inventory that may be obsolete or in excess of current and future market demand. See Note 5, “Inventory” for additional information.

Property, Plantplant and Equipment.  Propertiesequipment:Property, plant and equipment are stated onrecorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, with the basisexception of cost.  We amortize such costs by annual charges to income,assets acquired through acquisitions, which are initially recorded at fair value. Equipment acquired under a finance lease is recorded at the present value of the future minimum lease payments. Depreciation is computed onusing the straight-line method usingover the estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and building improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes.  Accelerated methodsequipment. Costs of additions and major improvements are generally used for income tax purposes.

Income Taxes.  Deferred tax assetscapitalized, whereas maintenance and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and lawsrepairs that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Revenue Recognition.  We recognize revenue on product sales when i) persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, ii) the price is fixed or determinable, iii) delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, and iv) collection of the sales proceeds is reasonably assured.  Revenue from our product sales not requiring installation, net of trade discounts and estimated sales allowances, is recognized when title passes, which is generally upon shipment.  We do not have any additional obligationsimprove or customer acceptance provisions after shipment of such products.  We handle returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned.  Return costs were not significant in fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2016.

The Company collects and remits taxes assessed by different governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a revenue-producing transaction betweenextend the Company and the Company’s customers. These taxes may include, but are not limited to, sales, use, value-added, and some excise taxes. The Company reports the collection of these taxes on a net basis (excluded from revenues).
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs.  Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.
Foreign Currency Translation.  The functional currencies of the majority of our foreign subsidiaries are their local currencies.  The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates.  Adjustments from the translation process are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity.  Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the foreign subsidiary are included in the Consolidated

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Statements of Income in other income.  In fiscal 2018, we had foreign exchange losses of $2.6 million. In fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, we had foreign exchange gains of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Long-Lived Assets. We continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. In the event that the undiscounted cash flows resulting from the uselife of the asset group is less thanare charged to expense as incurred. See Note 6, “Property, Plant and Equipment” for additional information.

Business combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations using the carrying amount, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value is recorded.


Business Combinations.acquisition method. The purchase price of an acquired business is allocated to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment, the utilization of independent appraisal firms and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amount of future cash flows, market rate assumptions, actuarial assumptions, and appropriate discount rates, among other items.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles.Goodwill represents the excess of costthe purchase price over the fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired, through business purchases. We review goodwillincluding the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.

Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on at least an annual basis or more frequentlybasis. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill. An impairment of goodwill exists if indicatorsthe carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The impairment are identified.


We evaluateloss is the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill using aallocated to that reporting unit.

In performing the goodwill impairment test, the Company may first assess qualitative assessmentfactors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount, we evaluate goodwill using a quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment is indicated and we do not perform the quantitative impairment test.


Our qualitative screen includes an assessment of certain factors including, but not limited to, the results of prior year fair value calculations, the movement of our share price and market capitalization, the reporting unit and overall financial performance, and macroeconomic and industry conditions. We consider the qualitative factors and weight of the evidence obtained to determine if it is more likely than not that the reporting units' fair value is less than the carrying amount. Although we believe the factors considered in the impairment analysis are reasonable, significant changes in any one of the assumptions used could produce a different result. If, after assessing the qualitative factors, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that theestimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value then we wouldis less than its carrying amount, or if the Company elects not to perform a quantitative impairment test. We may also elect to proceed directlyqualitative assessment of a reporting unit, the Company then compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the quantitativerelated net book value. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional information regarding the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment for fiscal 2021.

Amortizable intangible assets. Amortizable intangible assets consist primarily of fair values assigned to customer relationships and trade names. Amortization is recognized over the useful lives of the intangible assets, generally up to 20 years, using the straight-line method. See Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for additional information.

Impairment of long-lived assets. The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the remaining estimated useful lives of its intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and other long-lived assets, may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators exist, the Company performs an impairment analysis without considering such qualitative factors.


Forby comparing the quantitative analysis, fair values are primarily established using a discounted cash flow methodology (specifically, the income and market approach). The determination of discountedundiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset group to the carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized based on our long-range forecasts and requires assumptionsthe excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value.

F-11


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Pre-production costs related to revenue and operating income growth, asset-related expenditures, working capital levels,long-term supply arrangements. The Company incurs pre-production tooling costs related to products produced for its customers under long-term supply arrangements. Engineering, testing and other market participant assumptions. costs incurred in the design and development of production parts are expensed as incurred, unless the costs are reimbursable by the customer. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the Company had $25.0 million and $37.1 million, respectively, of pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the customer has provided a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.

Costs for molds, dies and other tools used in products produced for its customers under long-term supply arrangements for which the Company has title are capitalized in property, plant and equipment and amortized over the shorter of the life of the arrangement or over the estimated useful life of the assets. Company owned tooling was $17.0 million and $19.0 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.

Leases. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company estimates the incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. The Company utilizes certain practical expedients, including the election not to reassess its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs, as well as the election not to separate lease and non-lease components for arrangements where the Company is a lessee. The Company elects to recognize a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for leases with a lease term of 12 months or less for all classes of underlying assets. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 3, “Leases” for additional information.

Derivative financial instruments. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, including swaps and forward contracts, to manage exposures to changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. See Note 8, “Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” for additional information.

Income taxes. Income taxes are calculated using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statement amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. In determining whether an uncertain tax position exists, the Company determines, based solely on its technical merits, whether the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, and if so, a tax benefit is measured on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon the ultimate settlement. In determining the provision for income taxes for financial statement purposes, the Company makes certain estimates and judgments which affect its evaluation of the carrying value of its deferred tax assets, as well as its calculation of certain tax liabilities. See Note 11, “Income Taxes” for additional information.

Revenue recognition. Revenue is recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue growthwhen it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. From time to time, customers may negotiate annual price downs. Management has evaluated these price downs and determined that in some instances, these price downs give rise to a material right. In instances that a material right exists, a portion of the transaction price is allocated to the material right and recognized over the life of the contract.

Across all products, the amount of revenue recognized corresponds to the related purchase order and is adjusted for variable consideration (such as discounts). Sales and other taxes collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

The Company’s performance obligations are typically short-term in nature. As a result, the Company has elected the practical expedient that provides an exemption from the disclosure requirements regarding information about remaining performance obligations on contracts that have original expected durations of one year or less. See Note 2, “Revenue” for further information.

Shipping and handling fees and costs. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, and the related costs are included in cost of products sold.

F-12


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Restructuring expense. Restructuring expense includes costs directly associated with exit or disposal activities. Such costs include employee severance and termination benefits, asset impairment charges, contract termination fees, and other exit or disposal costs. Employee termination benefits are accrued upon the commitment to a termination plan and when the benefit arrangement is communicated to affected employees, or when liabilities are determined to be probable and estimable. Asset impairment charges relate to the impairment of ROU lease assets and equipment. Contract termination costs are recorded when notification of termination is given to the other party. See Note 4, “Restructuring” for additional information.

Foreign currency translation. The functional currencies of the majority of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are their local currencies. The results of operations of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average monthly rates, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, except certain long-term intercompany transactions, are included in the forecasts are our best estimates based on current and anticipated market conditions,consolidated statements of income in other income, net.

Government grants. The Company recognizes grant income in other income, net in the consolidated statements of income when it is considered that there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the profitability assumptions are projected based on current and anticipated cost structures. Long-range forecasting involves uncertainty which increases with each successive period. Key assumptions, suchnecessary qualifying conditions, as revenue growth rates and profitability, especiallystated in the outergrant agreement, are met. The international government grants are generally paid over a period of years involve a greater degreeand are recorded at amortized cost on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of uncertainty.


InMay 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, grant receivables outstanding were $18.6 million and $18.7 million, respectively. The short-term and long-term portion of grant receivables are recorded on the fiscal 2018 first quarter,consolidated balance sheets within accounts receivable and other current assets and other long-term assets, respectively. Additionally, as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2017-04 (issued by the FASB in January 2017), "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" on a prospective basis. This removed Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, a goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value.

has no deferred grant income.

Research and Development Costsdevelopment costs. Costs associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred. Research and development expenses primarily relate to product engineering and design and development expenses and are classified as a component of our cost of goods sold on the Company's Consolidated Statementsconsolidated statements of Income.income. Research and development costs were $37.9$37.1 million, $34.9 million and $41.2 million for fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.

Stock-based compensation. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 and $27.8 million for both the fiscal years ended April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amountscost of awards of equity compensation using a fair value method in millions, except per share data)

Stock-Based Compensation.accordance with ASC 718, “Stock-based Compensation.” See Note 4, Shareholders’ Equity13, “Shareholders’ Equity” for additional information.

Product warranty. The Company’s warranties are standard, assurance-type warranties only. The Company does not offer any additional service or extended term warranties to its customers. As such, warranty obligations are accrued when its probable that a description of our stock-based compensation plans.

Use of Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimatesliability has been incurred and assumptions that affect the related amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
are reasonably estimable.

Fair value measurement. ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” provides a framework for measuring fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 requires an entity to maximize the use of Other Financial Instruments.observable inputs. The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, requiring the Company to develop its own assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability.

Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes to the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying values of ourthe Company’s short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. We have no material

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” The guidance in ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets or liabilities measuredheld at fair value on a recurring basis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2018,amortized cost. It replaces the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassificationexisting incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." credit losses.The amendments inCompany adopted this update are intended to address a specific consequenceguidance as of U.S. Tax Reform by allowing a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from U.S. Tax Reform’s reductionMay 3, 2020, and the adoption of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The ASU is effective for all entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is recognized. Management doesthis guidance did not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

F-13


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In May 2017,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718)2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): ScopeCustomer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” The guidance in ASU 2018-15 clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively as of Modification Accounting." The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changesMay 3, 2020, and the impact was immaterial to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The standard will be effective for us in fiscal years beginning April 29, 2018. This ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company'sits consolidated financial statements. If, in the future, Methode makes modifications to its existing share-based payment awards, those modifications will need to be evaluated based on the criteria detailed in this ASU and accounted for accordingly.

In August 2016,2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.820) – Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” The amendmentsguidance in ASU 2018-13 changes disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements as part of the disclosure framework project. The disclosure framework project aims to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements by focusing on requirements that clearly communicate the most important information to users of the financial statements. The Company adopted this update provideguidance as of May 3, 2020, and there was no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships that reference LIBOR or another rate that is expected to be discontinued, subject to meeting certain criteria. ASU 2020-04 was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company does not expect a material effect from the adoption of this guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation issues that have developed dueits consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (Topic 740),” which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. The new guidance removes certain exceptions to diversitythe general principles in practice. The issues include, but are not limitedASC 740, such as recognizing deferred taxes for equity investments, the incremental approach to debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination,performing intraperiod tax allocation and proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims. The amendmentscalculating income taxes in this ASU, where practicable, are to be applied retrospectively.interim periods. The standard will bealso simplifies accounting for income taxes under GAAP by clarifying and amending existing guidance, including the recognition of deferred taxes for goodwill, the allocation of taxes to members of a consolidated group and requiring that an entity reflect the effect of enacted changes in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate computation in the interim period that includes the enactment date. This guidance is effective for usthe Company in the first quarter of fiscal years beginning April 29, 2018. We do2022. The Company does not believeexpect this pronouncement willguidance to have a material impact on ourits consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014,

Note 2.Revenue

The Company generates revenue from the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).”manufacturing of products for customers in diversified global markets. The core principlemajority of the Company’s revenue is recognized at a point in time. The Company has determined that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or servicesmost definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer at an amount that reflectsis physical shipment or delivery, depending on the considerationcontractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where the Company transfers product to a customer location but retains ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage.

Revenue associated with products which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting revenue gross versus net)," which clarifies gross versus net revenue reporting when another party is involved in the transaction. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, "Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing," which amends the revenue guidance on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. The standards will be effective for us in the fiscal year beginning April 29, 2018.


WeCompany believes have evaluated the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Our evaluation process has been conducted by our project management team, in conjunction with third-party consultants who have assisted in the process. Our project management team has analyzed the impact of these standards by reviewing our current accounting policies and practices and our customer contracts and arrangements to identify potential differences that would result from the application of this standard. The main types of provisions that have been evaluated which could impact the allocation and timing of revenue include contractually guaranteed price reductions and over-time recognition of revenue due to the manufacturing of goods with no alternative use in which(such as highly customized parts), and where the Company has aan enforceable right to payment.payment, are recognized on an over time basis. Revenue is recognized based on progress to date, which is typically even over the production process through transfer of control to the customer.

Estimating total contract revenue may require judgment as certain contracts contain pricing discount structures, early payment discounts or other provisions that can impact the transaction price. The contractually guaranteed price reductions could result inCompany generally estimates variable consideration utilizing the most likely amount to which it expects to be entitled. When the contract provides the customer with the right to return eligible products, the Company reduces revenue being deferred as it relatesat the point of sale using current facts and historical experience by using an estimate for expected product returns. The Company adjusts these estimates at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration that is expected to those material rights, which would be received changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. Accordingly, an increase or decrease to revenue is recognized at that time. The Company’s payment terms with its customers are typically 30-45 days from the time control transfers. As the Company’s standard payments terms are less than one year, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 606 to not assess whether a change from


contract has a significant financing component.

F-14


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

current practice. Also, the over-time recognition of revenue could result in accelerated revenue recognition for products where revenue is currently being recognized upon transfer of title at either shipment or delivery.
After performing both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the potential impacts discussed above, the Company does not expect the impact of this standard

Costs to be material upon adoption. fulfill/obtain a contract

The Company will continueincurs pre-production tooling costs related to monitor the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

Further, theproducts produced for customers under long-term supply arrangements. These costs are capitalized and recognized into income upon acceptance. The Company concluded that pre-production engineeringtooling and engineering costs do not represent a promised good or service under ASC 606. This conclusion will result in606, and as such, reimbursements received are accounted for as a change from current accounting practices, in which these activitiesreimbursement of the expense, not revenue.

The Company has not historically incurred material costs to obtain a contract. In the instances that costs to obtain contracts are treated as revenue generating activity. Going forward,incurred, the Company will recognizecapitalize and amortize those over the life of the contract.

Contract balances

The Company receives payment from customers based on the contractual billing schedule and specific performance requirements established in the contract. Billings are recorded as accounts receivable when an unconditional right to the contractual consideration exists. A contract asset is an entity’s right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that the entity has transferred to a customer. A contract liability exists when the Company has received consideration, or the amount is due from the customer reimbursementsin advance of revenue recognition. Contract assets and contract liabilities are recognized in other current assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Unbilled receivables (contract assets) - Pursuant to the over-time revenue recognition model, revenue may be recognized prior to the customer being invoiced. An unbilled receivable is recorded to reflect revenue that is recognized over time. Unbilled receivables were $0.6 million and $0.5 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. During fiscal 2021, $0.5 million of previously unbilled receivables were recorded into accounts receivable. There were 0 impairments of contract assets as of May 1, 2021.

Deferred revenue (contract liabilities) - For certain of the price reductions offered by the Company, the amount of the reduction cannot be attributed entirely to production efficiencies gained. In these cases, the annual price-downs are considered to be material rights as the customer, as part of their current contract, are purchasing an option that they would not have received without the contract to purchase future product. When a contract contains a material right, a portion of the transaction price is allocated to the material right for which revenue recognition is deferred until the customer exercises its option. Deferred revenue was $0.3 million as of both May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Previously deferred revenue of $0.1 million was recorded into revenue during fiscal 2021.

Disaggregated revenue information

The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers by segment and geographical location. Net sales are attributed to regions based on the location of production. Though revenue recognition patterns and contracts are generally consistent, the amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows may vary in each reportable segment due to geographic and economic factors.

F-15


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 1, 2021 (52 Weeks)

 

(in millions)

 

Auto

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Interface

 

 

Medical

 

 

Total

 

Geographic net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

406.4

 

 

$

142.9

 

 

$

61.0

 

 

$

2.7

 

 

$

613.0

 

Europe & Africa

 

 

212.3

 

 

 

68.2

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

280.5

 

Asia

 

 

137.0

 

 

 

56.8

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

194.5

 

Total net sales

 

$

755.7

 

 

$

267.9

 

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

1,088.0

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goods transferred at a point in time

 

$

722.1

 

 

$

267.9

 

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

1,054.4

 

Goods transferred over time

 

 

33.6

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

33.6

 

Total net sales

 

$

755.7

 

 

$

267.9

 

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

1,088.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 2, 2020 (53 Weeks)

 

(in millions)

 

Auto

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Interface

 

 

Medical

 

 

Total

 

Geographic net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

$

435.6

 

 

$

160.6

 

 

$

57.9

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

655.7

 

Europe & Africa

 

 

202.1

 

 

 

48.4

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

250.8

 

Asia

 

 

74.4

 

 

 

42.4

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

117.4

 

Total net sales

 

$

712.1

 

 

$

251.4

 

 

$

58.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

1,023.9

 

Timing of revenue recognition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goods transferred at a point in time

 

$

675.4

 

 

$

251.4

 

 

$

58.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

987.2

 

Goods transferred over time

 

 

36.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36.7

 

Total net sales

 

$

712.1

 

 

$

251.4

 

 

$

58.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

1,023.9

 

Customer Concentration

Sales to GM and Ford in the Automotive segment, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, are shown below.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

Percentage of Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GM

 

 

27.5

%

 

 

26.8

%

 

 

35.5

%

Ford

 

 

8.8

%

 

 

10.7

%

 

 

11.6

%

Note 3.Leases

The Company leases real estate, automobiles and certain equipment under both operating and finance leases. The Company does not have any significant arrangements where it is the lessor. The majority of the Company's global lease portfolio represents leases of real estate, such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses and buildings. As of May 1, 2021, the Company's leases have remaining lease terms of up to 10.3 years, some of which include optional renewals or terminations, which are considered in the Company’s assessments when such options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Any variable payments related to pre-productionthe lease will be recorded as lease expense when and as incurred. The Company’s lease payments are largely fixed. As of May 1, 2021, the operating leases that the Company has signed but have not yet commenced are immaterial.

In addition to the operating lease assets presented on the consolidated balance sheets, assets under finance leases of $0.7 million and $1.0 million are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Finance lease obligations were $1.0 million and $1.4 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively, and are split between other accrued expenses for the short-term portion and other long-term liabilities for the long-term portion on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company had an immaterial amount of finance lease expense in the years ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020.

F-16


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Lease cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

8.4

 

 

$

9.0

 

Variable lease cost

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.3

 

Total lease cost

 

$

10.0

 

 

$

10.3

 

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to operating leases was as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Operating cash flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid related to operating lease obligations

 

$

9.3

 

 

$

8.7

 

Non-cash activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

 

$

5.7

 

 

$

5.5

 

Weighted-average remaining lease term

 

5.0 years

 

 

5.7 years

 

Weighted-average discount rate

 

 

4.6

%

 

 

4.7

%

Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of May 1, 2021, are shown below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year:

 

 

 

 

2022

 

$

6.9

 

2023

 

 

6.0

 

2024

 

 

4.5

 

2025

 

 

3.0

 

2026

 

 

2.3

 

Thereafter

 

 

3.9

 

Total lease payments

 

 

26.6

 

Less: imputed interest

 

 

(3.0

)

Present value of lease liabilities

 

$

23.6

 

Note 4. Restructuring

F-17


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company continually monitors market factors and industry trends and takes necessary actions to reduce overall costs as net withinand improve operational profitability. In fiscal 2021, the Company initiated certain restructuring actions in response to the adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions included plant consolidations and workforce reductions in the Automotive, Industrial and Interface segments. In fiscal 2021, the Company recognized $8.2 million of restructuring costs. These charges consisted of $4.8 million recorded in cost of products sold and $3.4 million recorded in selling and administrative expenses.

The table below presents restructuring costs by reportable segment:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

Automotive

 

$

6.2

 

 

$

0.8

 

Industrial

 

 

1.0

 

 

 

0.5

 

Interface

 

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

Medical

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Eliminations/Corporate

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

0.4

 

Total restructuring costs

 

$

8.2

 

 

$

1.8

 

Estimates of restructuring costs are based on information available at the time such charges are recorded. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in estimating restructuring costs, actual amounts paid for such activities may differ from amounts initially recorded. Accordingly, the Company may record revisions of previous estimates by adjusting previously established accruals. The Company may take additional restructuring actions in future periods based upon market conditions and industry trends.

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s restructuring activity in fiscal 2021:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Accrual as of

May 2, 2020

 

 

YTD charges

 

 

Cash

 

 

Non-cash

 

 

Accrual as of

May 1, 2021

 

Employee termination benefits

 

$

0.2

 

 

$

7.1

 

 

$

(6.6

)

 

$

 

 

$

0.7

 

Asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

 

Contract termination costs

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

Total

 

$

0.2

 

 

$

8.2

 

 

$

(6.6

)

 

$

(0.6

)

 

$

1.2

 

Note 5. Inventory

A summary of inventories is shown below:

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Finished products

 

$

24.8

 

 

$

45.7

 

Work in process

 

 

14.0

 

 

 

10.8

 

Raw materials

 

 

85.4

 

 

 

74.5

 

Total inventories

 

$

124.2

 

 

$

131.0

 

Note 6.Property, Plant and Equipment

A summary of property, plant and equipment is shown below:

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Land

 

$

3.3

 

 

$

3.3

 

Buildings and building improvements

 

 

88.9

 

 

 

87.3

 

Machinery and equipment

 

 

408.0

 

 

 

367.1

 

Construction in progress

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

45.2

 

Total property, plant and equipment, gross

 

 

525.0

 

 

 

502.9

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

(321.0

)

 

 

(301.0

)

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

$

204.0

 

 

$

201.9

 

Depreciation expense was $32.2 million, $29.3 million and $27.2 million in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, capital expenditures recorded in accounts payable totaled $5.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively.

F-18


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Property, plant and equipment with a net book value of $6.2 million was disposed subsequent to May 1, 2021.

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the beginning of the fourth quarter each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill impairment testing is conducted at the reporting unit level, which is generally defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment (also known as a reporting unit), for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that reporting unit.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, the annual goodwill impairment assessment was completed. The Company performed a qualitative assessment for each reporting unit except for one within the Industrial segment where a quantitative assessment was performed. The qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value.

For the quantitative assessment, the Company utilized a combination of the income approach and market approach to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. Cash flow projections were based on management’s estimates of revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) margins, taking into consideration business and market conditions for the countries and markets in which the reporting unit operates. The Company calculates the discount rate based on a market-participant, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, which considers industry specific rates of return on debt and equity capital for a target industry capital structure, adjusted for risks associated with business size, geography and other factors specific to the reporting unit. The market approach is based on appropriate valuation multiples observed for the reporting unit’s guideline public companies.

The quantitative assessment of the reporting unit indicated that the fair value exceeded the carrying value. The Company does not believe that any of its reporting units are at risk for impairment. While the Company considered the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic may have on its future cash flows when preparing its annual goodwill impairment test, the full extent of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic or the semiconductor supply shortage will have on the Company’s business, operations and financial condition is currently unknown. The Company will continue to assess its goodwill for impairment as events and circumstances change. Any deterioration in the Company’s forecasted revenue and EBITDA margins, could result in an impairment of a portion or all of its goodwill. The amount of such impairment would be recognized as an expense in the period the goodwill is impaired.

A summary of the changes in goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:

(in millions)

 

Automotive

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Total

 

Balance as of April 28, 2018

 

$

57.5

 

 

$

1.7

 

 

$

59.2

 

Acquisitions

 

 

49.4

 

 

 

125.9

 

 

 

175.3

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(0.6

)

 

 

(1.2

)

Balance as of April 27, 2019

 

 

106.3

 

 

 

127.0

 

 

 

233.3

 

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

(0.2

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(1.4

)

 

 

(1.5

)

Balance as of May 2, 2020

 

 

106.2

 

 

 

125.4

 

 

 

231.6

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

4.0

 

Balance as of May 1, 2021

 

$

106.7

 

 

$

128.9

 

 

$

235.6

 

A summary of goodwill by reporting unit is as follows:

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Grakon Industrial

 

$

127.2

 

 

$

123.8

 

North American Automotive

 

 

99.8

 

 

 

99.8

 

European Automotive

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

6.4

 

Other

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

1.6

 

Total

 

$

235.6

 

 

$

231.6

 

F-19


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other intangible assets, net

The following tables present details of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets:

 

 

As of May 1, 2021

 

(in millions)

 

Gross

 

 

Accumulated

amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

Weighted

average useful

life (years)

 

Amortized intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships and agreements

 

$

235.3

 

 

$

(42.7

)

 

$

192.6

 

 

 

15.6

 

Trade names, patents and technology licenses

 

 

58.7

 

 

 

(23.7

)

 

 

35.0

 

 

 

7.0

 

Total amortized intangible assets

 

 

294.0

 

 

 

(66.4

)

 

 

227.6

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized trade name

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets

 

$

295.8

 

 

$

(66.4

)

 

$

229.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of May 2, 2020

 

(in millions)

 

Gross

 

 

Accumulated

amortization

 

 

Net

 

 

Weighted

average useful

life (years)

 

Amortized intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships and agreements

 

$

243.5

 

 

$

(40.8

)

 

$

202.7

 

 

 

16.5

 

Trade names, patents and technology licenses

 

 

75.3

 

 

 

(35.0

)

 

 

40.3

 

 

 

7.8

 

Total amortized intangible assets

 

 

318.8

 

 

 

(75.8

)

 

 

243.0

 

 

 

 

 

Unamortized trade name

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

 

 

Total other intangible assets

 

$

320.6

 

 

$

(75.8

)

 

$

244.8

 

 

 

 

 

The Company performed an impairment test for its indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset and determined that no impairment existed as of May 1, 2021. Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year:

 

 

 

 

2022

 

$

19.2

 

2023

 

 

19.1

 

2024

 

 

18.8

 

2025

 

 

18.2

 

2026

 

 

17.3

 

Thereafter

 

 

135.0

 

Total

 

$

227.6

 

F-20


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to various market risks including, but not limited to, foreign currency exchange rates and market interest rates. The Company strives to control its exposure to these risks through our normal operating activities and, where appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

For a designated cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recorded in AOCI in the consolidated balance sheets. When the underlying hedged transaction is realized, the gain or loss previously included in AOCI is recorded in earnings and reflected in the consolidated statements of income on the same line item. Givenas the gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. The gain or loss associated with changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recorded immediately in the consolidated statements of income on the same line as the associated risk. For a designated net investment hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI in the consolidated balance sheets.

Net investment hedges

In April 2020, the Company entered into a variable-rate, cross-currency swap, maturing on August 31, 2023, with a notional value of $60.0 million (€54.8 million). The Company entered into the cross-currency swap to mitigate changes in net assets due to changes in U.S. dollar-Euro spot exchange rates. The cross-currency swap is designated as a hedge of the Company’s net investment in a euro-based subsidiary.

The fair value of the cross-currency swap is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Hedge effectiveness is assessed at the inception of the hedging relationship and quarterly thereafter, under the spot-to-spot method. The Company amortizes the impact of all other changes in fair value of the derivative through interest expense, which was not material in either fiscal 2021 or fiscal 2020. As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the cross-currency swap was in a net liability position with an aggregate fair value of $6.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and is recorded within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Interest rate swaps

In April 2021, the Company entered into interest rate swaps, maturing on August 31, 2023, with a notional value of $100.0 million, to manage its exposure and to mitigate the impact of interest rate variability. The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges.

The fair value of the interest rate swap is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Hedge effectiveness is assessed at the inception of the hedging relationship and quarterly thereafter. The effective portion of the periodic changes in fair value is recognized in AOCI. Subsequently, the accumulated gains and losses recorded in equity are reclassified to income in the period during which the hedged cash flow impacts earnings, which are expected to be immaterial over the next 12 months. As of May 1, 2021, the interest rate swap was in a net liability position with an aggregate fair value of $0.2 million and is recorded within other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. No ineffectiveness was recognized in fiscal 2021.

Derivatives not designated as hedges

In January 2021, the Company began to use short-term foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the earnings impact that tooling salesexchange rate fluctuations have on non-functional currency balance sheet exposures. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on these forward contracts are recognized in other income, net, along with the foreign currency gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities in the consolidated statements of income.

F-21


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of May 1, 2021, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts with a notional value of $14.8 million. The forward contracts were only $10.4in a liability position with an aggregate fair value of $22 thousand as of May 1, 2021 and are recorded within other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. In fiscal 2021, losses of $0.1 million were recorded in earnings within other income, net in the consolidated statements of income.

Note 9. Retirement Benefits

Defined contribution plans

The Company has an employee 401(k) Savings Plan covering substantially all U.S. employees to which it makes contributions equal to 3% of eligible compensation. In addition, certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries also have defined contribution savings plans. Company contributions to these plans were $1.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.5 million, in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, respectively.

Non-qualified deferred compensation plan

The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (“NQDC Plan”) for certain eligible employees and members of the Board of Directors. Under the NQDC Plan, employees may elect to defer up to 75% of their annual base salary and 100% of their annual cash incentive compensation, with an aggregate minimum deferral of $3,000. Directors may defer all or a portion of their annual directors’ fees or annual stock awards. The minimum period of deferral is three years. Participants are immediately 100% vested. The Company does 0t make any contributions to the NQDC Plan.

The deferred compensation liability for the NDQC Plan was $6.5 million and $5.4 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain employees, which are held in a Rabbi trust, to potentially offset these unsecured obligations. These life insurance policies are recorded at their cash surrender value of $8.3 million and $6.6 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively, and are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company also owns and is the beneficiary of a number of life insurance policies on the lives of former key executives that are unrestricted as to use. These life insurance policies are recorded at their cash surrender value of $9.5 million and $9.0 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively, and are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies approximates its fair value and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Note 10. Debt

A summary of debt is shown below:

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Revolving credit facility

 

$

9.9

 

 

$

108.5

 

Term loan

 

 

218.7

 

 

 

231.2

 

Other debt

 

 

13.0

 

 

 

14.6

 

Unamortized debt issuance costs

 

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(2.2

)

Total debt

 

 

240.1

 

 

 

352.1

 

Less: current maturities

 

 

(14.9

)

 

 

(15.3

)

Total long-term debt

 

$

225.2

 

 

$

336.8

 

Revolving credit facility/term loan

In September 2018, the Company entered into five-year Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The Credit Agreement consists of a senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) of $200.0 million and a senior unsecured term loan (“Term Loan”) of $250.0 million. In addition, the Company has an option to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan by up to an additional $200.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lenders providing new commitments. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries. For the Term Loan, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments of 1.25% of the original Term Loan ($3.1 million) through maturity, with the remaining balance due on September 12, 2023.

On March 23, 2020, the Company borrowed $100.0 million under its Revolving Credit Facility as a precautionary measure in order to increase its cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of the uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This amount was repaid in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. As of May 1, 2021, the Company has $190.1 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.

F-22


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at variable rates based on the type of borrowing and the Company’s debt to EBITDA financial ratio, as defined. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement was approximately 1.4% as of May 1, 2021. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, restrictive covenants and events of default. As of May 1, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all the covenants in the Credit Agreement. The fair value of borrowings under the Credit Agreement approximates book value because the interest rate is variable.

Other debt

One of the Company’s European subsidiaries has debt that consists of 12 notes with maturities ranging from 2021 to 2031. The weighted-average interest rate was approximately 1.5% as of May 1, 2021 and $2.4 million of the debt was classified as short-term. The fair value of other debt was $13.1 million at May 1, 2021 and was based on Level 2 inputs on a non-recurring basis.

Scheduled maturities

As of May 1, 2021, scheduled principal payments of debt are as follows:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year:

 

 

 

 

2022

 

$

14.9

 

2023

 

 

13.9

 

2024

 

 

209.3

 

2025

 

 

0.5

 

2026

 

 

0.5

 

Thereafter

 

 

2.5

 

Total

 

$

241.6

 

Note 11. Income Taxes

Income tax provision

The U.S. and foreign components of income before income taxes and the provision for income taxes are as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Income (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

28.3

 

 

$

47.3

 

 

$

(0.6

)

Foreign

 

 

106.6

 

 

 

101.4

 

 

 

104.2

 

Total income before income taxes

 

$

134.9

 

 

$

148.7

 

 

$

103.6

 

Income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. (federal and state)

 

$

5.8

 

 

$

5.1

 

 

$

(5.7

)

Foreign

 

 

15.9

 

 

 

12.8

 

 

 

21.5

 

Total current expense

 

 

21.7

 

 

 

17.9

 

 

 

15.8

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. (federal and state)

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

2.5

 

Foreign

 

 

(10.4

)

 

 

1.3

 

 

 

(6.3

)

Total deferred (benefit) expense

 

 

(9.1

)

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

(3.8

)

Total income tax expense

 

$

12.6

 

 

$

25.3

 

 

$

12.0

 

F-23


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A reconciliation of income tax expense to the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% is as follows:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

Income tax at statutory rate

 

$

28.3

 

 

$

31.2

 

 

$

21.8

 

Effect of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

(0.8

)

Withholding taxes

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

1.8

 

U.S. Tax Reform transition tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4.8

)

Foreign tax differential

 

 

(12.9

)

 

 

(8.3

)

 

 

(9.6

)

U.S. tax on foreign income

 

 

2.8

 

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

3.4

 

Foreign investment tax credit

 

 

(7.2

)

 

 

(0.8

)

 

 

(2.0

)

Change in tax reserve

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Change in valuation allowance

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

0.8

 

 

 

 

Tax rate change, foreign

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(3.0

)

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

2.3

 

Income tax expense

 

$

12.6

 

 

$

25.3

 

 

$

12.0

 

Effective income tax rate

 

 

9.3

%

 

 

17.0

%

 

 

11.6

%

In fiscal 2021, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, tax credits and various deductions allowed in foreign jurisdictions. The Company received a benefit of approximately $7.2 million related to a favorable tax ruling in a foreign jurisdiction.

In fiscal 2020, the effective income tax rate was primarily affected by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates, the amount of tax credits earned, withholding taxes, tax reserves, and the current taxation of foreign earnings. The Company had a favorable impact from operations in foreign countries with tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The Company earned $0.8 million in investment tax credits primarily related to an investment in qualified expenditures. This was offset by a change in tax reserves of $2.2 million and foreign withholding taxes of $2.3 million.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, includes various income and payroll tax provisions, modifications to federal net operating loss rules, business interest deduction limitations, and bonus depreciation eligibility for qualified improvement property. The CARES Act did not significantly impact the fiscal 2021 consolidated financial statements.

In fiscal 2019, the effective income tax rate was favorably impacted by the amount of income earned in foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates and a beneficial adjustment related to the finalization of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”) of $4.8 million. This adjustment under SAB 118 primarily consists of changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company made, additional regulatory guidance that was issued, and actions the Company took as a result of U.S. Tax Reform.

U.S. Tax Reform includes a new global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provision which requires the Company to include foreign subsidiary earnings in its U.S. tax return starting in fiscal 2019. The Company has elected to recognize the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred.

F-24


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Deferred income taxes and valuation allowances

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

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Assets

 

$

(2.9

)

 

$

(3.7

)

Amortization

 

 

(49.1

)

 

 

(47.8

)

Foreign tax

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

(1.8

)

Lease assets

 

 

(4.9

)

 

 

(5.2

)

Other liabilities

 

 

(0.4

)

 

 

(1.3

)

Deferred tax liabilities, gross

 

 

(59.3

)

 

 

(59.8

)

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation and stock award amortization

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

7.0

 

Inventory

 

 

2.7

 

 

 

2.7

 

Lease liabilities

 

 

5.3

 

 

 

5.7

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

0.3

 

Foreign investment tax credit

 

 

34.7

 

 

 

25.9

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

 

15.6

 

 

 

14.1

 

Foreign tax credits

 

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

1.4

 

Deferred tax assets, gross

 

 

71.5

 

 

 

57.1

 

Less valuation allowance

 

 

(9.3

)

 

 

(7.5

)

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

 

 

62.2

 

 

 

49.6

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

$

2.9

 

 

$

(10.2

)

Balance sheet classification:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term asset

 

 

41.2

 

 

 

31.4

 

Long-term liability

 

 

(38.3

)

 

 

(41.6

)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

 

$

2.9

 

 

$

(10.2

)

The Company recorded a net deferred tax asset for U.S. and foreign income taxes of $2.9 million for fiscal 2021 and recorded a net deferred tax liability of $10.2 million for fiscal 2020. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will be realized. Ultimately, the realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon the generation of sufficient earnings in future periods in which these temporary items can be utilized. In that regard, the Company has a valuation allowance of $9.3 million related to certain state, federal, and foreign net operating loss carryovers and other credits and determined that these deferred tax assets did not reach the more likely than not realizable standard.

As of May 1, 2021, the Company had available $38.4 million of federal, $68.9 million of state and $6.8 million of foreign gross operating loss carryforwards with a valuation allowance of $25.2 million for federal, $47.2 million for state and $0 for foreign. If unused, the U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the years 2021 through 2034. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the years 2021 through 2037.

Total unused credits are $36.1 million as of May 1, 2021, all of which can be carried forward indefinitely.

Indefinite reinvestment

The Company has not provided for deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries except for certain identified amounts. The amount the Company expects to repatriate is based on a variety of factors including current year earnings of the foreign subsidiaries, foreign investment needs, and U.S. cash flow considerations. The Company considers the remaining undistributed foreign earnings that are not specifically identified to be indefinitely reinvested of $376.2 million. It is not practicable to determine the amount of deferred tax liability on such foreign earnings as the actual tax liability is dependent on circumstances that exist when the remittance occurs.

F-25


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unrecognized tax benefits

The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions throughout the world and the income tax returns of its subsidiaries in various jurisdictions are subject to periodic examination by the tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the status of these examinations and the various outcomes to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $5.3 million and $5.2 million as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. These amounts represent the amount of unrecognized benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate if resolved in the Company’s favor. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties in income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties as of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 were $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

5.2

 

 

$

3.1

 

Increases for positions related to the prior years

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

Increases for positions related to the current year

 

 

0.2

 

 

 

0.3

 

Lapsing of statutes of limitations

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

(0.1

)

Balance at end of period

 

$

5.3

 

 

$

5.2

 

At May 1, 2021, it is not possible to reasonably estimate the expected change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for fiscal years ended on or after 2018 and for state tax purposes on or after fiscal year 2012. Tax authorities may have the ability to review and adjust net operating losses or tax credits that were generated prior to these fiscal years. In the major foreign jurisdictions, fiscal 2015 and subsequent periods remain open and subject to examination by taxing authorities.

Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental matters

The Company is not aware of any potential unasserted environmental claims that may be brought against us.The Company is involved in environmental investigations and/or remediation at 2 of its plant sites no longer used for operations. The Company uses environmental consultants to assist us in evaluating its environmental liabilities in order to establish appropriate accruals in its consolidated financial statements. Accruals are recorded when environmental remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. A number of factors affect the cost of environmental remediation, including the determination of the extent of contamination, the length of time remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulations and the advancement of remediation technology. Considering these factors, the Company has estimated (without discounting) the costs of remediation, which will be incurred over a period of several years. Recovery from insurance or other third parties is not anticipated. The Company is not yet able to determine when such remediation activity will be complete, but estimates for certain remediation efforts are projected through fiscal 2022.

As of May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, the Company had accruals, primarily based upon independent estimates, for environmental matters of $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The accrual as of May 1, 2021 consists of $0.6 million classified in other accrued expenses and the remainder was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The accrual as of May 2, 2020 consists of $0.6 million classified in other accrued expenses and the remainder was included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company believes the provisions made for environmental matters are adequate to satisfy liabilities relating to such matters, however it is reasonably possible that costs could exceed accrued amounts if the selected methods of remediation do not reduce the contaminates at the sites to levels acceptable to federal and state regulatory agencies.

In fiscal 2021, the Company spent $0.5 million on remediation cleanups and related studies, compared with $0.5 million in fiscal 2020 and $0.1 million in fiscal 2019. The costs associated with environmental matters as they relate to day-to-day activities were not material in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019.

F-26


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Litigation

The Company, from time to time, is subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, breach of contracts, patent infringement claims, employment-related matters and environmental matters. The Company considers insurance coverage and third party indemnification when determining required accruals for pending litigation and claims. Although the outcome of potential legal actions and claims cannot be determined, it is the opinion of the Company's management, based on the information available, that the Company has adequate reserves for these liabilities and that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Hetronic Germany-GmbH Matters

For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. The Company became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, the Companyterminated all of its agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, the Company filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On April 2, 2015, the Company amended its complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties.

A trial with respect to the matter began in February 2020. During the trial, the defendants dismissed their one remaining counterclaim with prejudice. On March 2, 2020, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company. The verdict included approximately $102 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. On April 22, 2020, the Court entered a permanent injunction barring defendants from selling infringing products and ordering them to return Hetronic’s confidential information. Defendants appealed entry of the permanent injunction. On May 29, 2020, the Court held defendants in contempt for violating the permanent injunction and entered the final judgment. Defendants appealed entry of the final monetary judgment as well. The appeal of the permanent injunction and the appeal of the final judgment have been consolidated into a single appeal. That appeal is fully briefed and was argued on March 8, 2021. There is no deadline for the Court to issue its decision. Like any judgment, particularly any judgment involving defendants outside of the United States, there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to collect the judgment.

Note 13. Shareholders’ Equity

Share repurchase program

On March 31, 2021, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock through March 31, 2023. Such purchases may be made on the open market, in private transactions or pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company purchased 167,949 shares at a cost of $7.5 million as of May 1, 2021. All purchased shares were retired and are reflected as a reduction of common stock for the par value of the shares, with the excess applied as a reduction to retained earnings.

Dividends

The Company paid dividends totaling $17.4 million in fiscal 2021 and $16.3 million in both fiscal 20172020 and 2018, this2019. Dividends paid in fiscal 2021 include $0.9 million of dividends on restricted stock that vested during the period.

F-27


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in accounting treatment will have an immaterial impactequity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. A summary of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax is shown below:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Currency Translation Adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

(25.9

)

 

$

(13.6

)

 

$

13.9

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) recognized during the period, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(1.2) million; $0.6 million; $0.0 million

 

 

37.4

 

 

 

(12.3

)

 

 

(27.5

)

Balance at end of period

 

 

11.5

 

 

 

(25.9

)

 

 

(13.6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Financial Instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss recognized during the period, net of tax benefit of $1.3 million; $0.3 million; $—

 

 

(4.4

)

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

 

 

(5.4

)

 

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

6.1

 

 

$

(26.9

)

 

$

(13.6

)

Stock-based compensation

The Company has granted stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock awards to employees and non-employee directors under the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2014 Plan”), the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (“2010 Plan”), the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2007 Stock Plan (“2007 Plan”) and the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan (“2004 Plan”). The Company’s stockholders approved the 2014 Plan in September 2014. The Company can no longer make grants under the 2010 Plan, 2007 Plan and 2004 Plan. The number of shares of common stock originally authorized under the 2014 Plan is 3,000,000. As of May 1, 2021, there were 203,431 shares available for award under the 2014 Plan.

Stock-based compensation expense

All stock-based payments to employees and directors are recognized in selling and administrative expenses on the financialconsolidated statements of income. Awards subject to graded vesting are recognized using the accelerated recognition method over the requisite service period. The table below summarizes the stock-based compensation expense (benefit) related to the equity awards:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

RSAs

 

$

0

 

 

$

(2.1

)

 

$

10.9

 

RSUs

 

 

5.9

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

2.2

 

Director awards

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

0.9

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

6.8

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

14.0

 

2014 Plan

The 2014 Plan provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSAs, RSUs and performance units to key employees and directors. The 2014 Plan is intended to promote the success of the Company and to increase stockholder value by providing an additional means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected employees and eligible directors through the grant of equity awards.

F-28


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Restricted Stock Awards and Performance Units (“PUs”)

In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company granted 917,000 RSAs to executive officers and certain non-executives which will be earned based on the achievement of an EBITDA measure for fiscal 2025. The RSAs will vest ranging from 0% (for performance below threshold) to 100% (target performance) based on the achievement of the EBITDA performance measure and continued employment. In addition, if the target performance is exceeded, an additional 458,500 PUs can be earned that will be settled in cash. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the PUs may be settled in shares of common stock.

The fair value of the RSAs was based on the closing stock price on the date of grant and earn dividend equivalents during the vesting period, which are forfeitable if the RSAs do not vest. Compensation expense for RSAs are recognized when it is probable the minimum threshold performance criteria will be achieved. Compensation expense for the PUs are recognized when it is probable that the target performance criteria will be exceeded. The Company assesses the probability of vesting at each balance sheet date and adjusts compensation costs based on the probability assessment. The cash-settled PUs represent a go-forward basis.


We intendnon-equity unit with a conversion value equal to elect the accounting policy electionfair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date. The PUs are classified as liability awards due to treat shippingthe cash settlement feature and handling costsare re-measured at each balance sheet date. In accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation,” based on projections of the Company’s current business portfolio, compensation expense has not been recognized for the RSAs or PUs in fiscal 2021, as fulfillment activities, rather thanthe performance obligations. Further, we will electconditions are not probable of being met. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for RSAs at target level of performance is $25.9 million as of May 1, 2021.

In fiscal 2020, previously granted performance-based RSAs vested at 69% of target, which was determined in the practical expedientfourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The target hurdle was not achieved because of among other factors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was a reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense related to prior years of $5.2 million. Stock-based compensation expense for significant financing componentsthese awards in fiscal 2020 was a credit of $2.1 million.

The following table summarizes the RSA activity under the 2014 Incentive Plan:

 

 

Restricted Stock

Awards

 

 

Weighted

average grant

date fair value

 

Non-vested at April 28, 2018

 

 

1,171,238

 

 

$

34.13

 

Awarded

 

 

11,625

 

 

$

38.75

 

Vested

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Forfeited

 

 

(151,455

)

 

$

34.79

 

Non-vested at April 27, 2019

 

 

1,031,408

 

 

$

34.09

 

Awarded

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Vested

 

 

(455,750

)

 

$

33.89

 

Forfeited

 

 

(575,658

)

 

$

34.25

 

Non-vested at May 2, 2020

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Awarded

 

 

917,000

 

 

$

28.30

 

Vested

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Forfeited

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Non-vested at May 1, 2021

 

 

917,000

 

 

$

28.30

 

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs granted under the 2014 Plan vest over a pre-determined period of time, up to five years from the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs granted was based on the closing stock price on the date of grant. RSUs granted in fiscal 2021 earn dividend equivalents during the vesting period, which are forfeitable if the RSUs do not vest.

F-29


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table summarizes RSU activity granted under the 2014 Plan:

 

 

Restricted Stock

Units

 

 

Weighted

average grant

date fair value

 

Non-vested at April 28, 2018

 

 

382,372

 

 

$

33.87

 

Awarded

 

 

7,750

 

 

$

38.75

 

Vested

 

 

(152,328

)

 

$

33.75

 

Forfeited

 

 

(49,950

)

 

$

32.42

 

Non-vested at April 27, 2019

 

 

187,844

 

 

$

34.55

 

Awarded

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Vested

 

 

(176,994

)

 

$

34.25

 

Forfeited

 

 

(7,750

)

 

$

38.75

 

Non-vested at May 2, 2020

 

 

3,100

 

 

$

41.20

 

Awarded

 

 

938,300

 

 

$

28.30

 

Vested

 

 

(25,201

)

 

$

29.87

 

Forfeited

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

Non-vested at May 1, 2021

 

 

916,199

 

 

$

28.30

 

As of May 1, 2021, there were 25,201 RSUs that were vested for all contracts under twelve months. We will adopt the standard utilizing the modified retrospective method. We expect enhanced disclosures and controls beginningwhich shares were issued in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.


In February 2016,2022. As of May 1, 2021, unrecognized share-based compensation expense for RSUs was $20.7 million which will be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.6 years.

Director awards

During fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, the FASBCompany issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (ASC 842),"33,000 shares, 30,000 shares and 24,000 shares, respectively, of common stock to its independent directors, all of which sets outvested immediately upon grant.

Stock options

The following table summarizes combined stock option activity under the principles for2010 Plan and 2007 Plan:

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted average exercise price

 

 

Weighted-

average life

(years)

 

 

Aggregate

intrinsic value

(in millions)

 

Outstanding and exercisable at April 28, 2018

 

 

114,168

 

 

$

35.85

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

$

0.6

 

Exercised

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(7,500

)

 

$

37.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at April 27, 2019

 

 

106,668

 

 

$

35.76

 

 

 

5.0

 

 

$

0.1

 

Exercised

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at May 2, 2020

 

 

106,668

 

 

$

35.76

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

$

0.1

 

Exercised

 

 

(24,500

)

 

$

31.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(9,168

)

 

$

37.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding and exercisable at May 1, 2021

 

 

73,000

 

 

$

37.01

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

$

0.6

 

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases basedtotal pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price on the principlelast trading day of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchasefiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized basednumber of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. ASC 842 supersedes the previous leases standard, ASC 840 Leases.that date. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, which is our fiscal 2020, beginning on April 28, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The new standard requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fairtotal intrinsic value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, which is our fiscal 2019, beginning on April 29, 2018. We do not expect any impact from the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.    

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).” The amendments in this ASU simplify goodwill impairment testing by removing the requirement of Step 2 to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill of a business which fails Step 1. The effects of this update result in the amount by which a carrying amount exceeds the business' fair value to be recognized as an impairment charge in the period identified. The standard is effective for us for annual and interim goodwill impairment testsoptions exercised in fiscal years beginning May 3, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted this ASU on a prospective basis effective as2021 was $0.3 million.

F-30


Table of April 30, 2017 and has concluded that this pronouncement has no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.


Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


(Dollar amounts

Deferred RSUs

Under the 2014 Plan and 2010 Plan, RSUs that have vested for certain executives, including the Company’s CEO, will not be delivered in millions, exceptcommon stock until after the executive terminates employment from the Company or upon a change of control. As of May 1, 2021, shares to be delivered to these executives were 121,200 shares under the 2014 Plan and 180,000 shares under the 2010 Plan.

Under the 2004 Plan, 225,000 shares of common stock subject to performance based RSAs granted to the Company’s CEO in fiscal 2006 and 2007 were converted to RSUs. The shares of common stock underlying the RSUs will not be issued and delivered until the earlier of: (1) thirty days after the CEO’s date of termination of employment with the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates; or (2) the last day of the Company’s fiscal year in which the payment of common stock in satisfaction of the RSUs becomes deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of the Code. As of May 1, 2021, 29,945 shares have been delivered in connection with these RSUs with a remaining balance to be delivered of 195,055 shares.

The RSUs are not entitled to voting rights or dividends, however a bonus in lieu of dividends are paid. The vested deferred RSUs are considered outstanding for earnings per share data)


evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The clarified definition requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of)calculations.

Note 14. Income Per Share

Basic income per share is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. To be considered a business, an asset must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. The amendments are effective for us in fiscal years beginning April 29, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company has adopted this ASU effective as of April 30, 2017 on a prospective basis and has concluded that this pronouncement has no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting forcalculated by dividing net income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 impacts the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized by eliminating the delay in the recognition of a tax benefit until the tax benefit is realized through a reduction to income taxes payable. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which is our fiscal 2018, which began on April 30, 2017. The Company applied the modified retrospective transition method and recognized an increase to deferred tax assets and retained earnings of $2.7 million as of April 30, 2017 to recognize excess tax benefits that had been previously delayed. On a prospective basis, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of operations. As a result of applying the modified retrospective transition method, prior periods were not adjusted. Further, the Company will continue to estimate the number of awardsweighted average common shares outstanding for the applicable period. The weighted average number of common shares used in the diluted income per share calculation is determined using the treasury stock method which includes the effect of all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share:

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (in millions)

 

$

122.3

 

 

$

123.4

 

 

$

91.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic income per share - weighted average shares outstanding and vested/unissued RSUs

 

 

38,038,615

 

 

 

37,574,671

 

 

 

37,405,298

 

Dilutive potential common shares - stock options, RSAs and RSUs

 

 

267,671

 

 

 

269,799

 

 

 

264,262

 

Denominator for diluted income per share

 

 

38,306,286

 

 

 

37,844,470

 

 

 

37,669,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic income per share

 

$

3.22

 

 

$

3.28

 

 

$

2.45

 

Diluted income per share

 

$

3.19

 

 

$

3.26

 

 

$

2.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding

 

 

738,167

 

 

 

566,620

 

 

 

678,321

 

F-31


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15. Segment Information and Geographic Area Information

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

The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Products include integrated center consoles, hidden switches, ergonomic switches, transmission lead-frames, LED-based lighting, and sensors which incorporate magneto-elastic sensing and other technologies that monitor the operation or status of a component or system.

The Industrial segment manufactures lighting solutions, industrial safety radio remote controls, braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated busbars and devices, custom power-product assemblies, such as our PowerRail® solution, high-current low-voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder-coated busbars that are expected to vest.

In September 2015,used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial, power conversion, military, telecommunications and transportation.

The Interface segment provides a variety of copper based transceivers and related accessories for the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, "Business Combinations Simplifyingcloud computing hardware equipment and telecommunications broadband equipment markets, user interface solutions for the Accountingappliance, commercial food service, and point-of-sale equipment markets, and fluid-level sensors for Measurement-Period Adjustments." the marine/recreational vehicle and sump pump markets.

The standard requires that an acquirer recognize measurement-period adjustmentsMedical segment is made up of the Company’s medical device business, Dabir Surfaces, with its surface support technology aimed at pressure injury prevention. Methode has developed the technology for use by patients who are immobilized or otherwise at risk for pressure injuries, including patients undergoing long-duration surgical procedures.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the periodsummary of significant accounting policies in whichNote 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The CODM allocates resources to and evaluates the adjustmentsperformance of each operating segments based on operating income. Transfers between segments are determined. recorded using internal transfer prices set by the Company.

The income effectstables below present information about the Company’s reportable segments.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 1, 2021 (52 Weeks)

 

(in millions)

 

Automotive

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Interface

 

 

Medical

 

 

Eliminations/

Corporate

 

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

761.8

 

 

$

273.2

 

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

(11.4

)

 

$

1,088.0

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(6.1

)

 

 

(5.3

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

11.4

 

 

 

0

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

755.7

 

 

$

267.9

 

 

$

61.6

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,088.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) from operations

 

$

107.6

 

 

$

64.3

 

 

$

8.9

 

 

$

(4.6

)

 

$

(48.3

)

 

$

127.9

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.2

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(12.2

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

134.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

$

22.5

 

 

$

2.1

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

24.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

34.3

 

 

$

14.3

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

1.7

 

 

$

51.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

739.5

 

 

$

461.6

 

 

$

90.4

 

 

$

7.6

 

 

$

167.9

 

 

$

1,467.0

 

F-32


Table of such measurement-period adjustments are to be recorded inContents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended May 2, 2020 (53 Weeks)

 

(in millions)

 

Automotive

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Interface

 

 

Medical

 

 

Eliminations/

Corporate

 

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

716.8

 

 

$

253.9

 

 

$

58.9

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

(7.3

)

 

$

1,023.9

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(4.7

)

 

 

(2.5

)

 

 

(0.1

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

0

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

712.1

 

 

$

251.4

 

 

$

58.8

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,023.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) from operations

 

$

124.4

 

 

$

59.4

 

 

$

5.6

 

 

$

(6.0

)

 

$

(36.3

)

 

$

147.1

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(11.7

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

148.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

$

37.5

 

 

$

5.7

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

45.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

31.0

 

 

$

13.7

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

1.1

 

 

$

1.6

 

 

$

48.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

670.9

 

 

$

421.8

 

 

$

71.0

 

 

$

8.8

 

 

$

198.1

 

 

$

1,370.6

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 (52 Weeks)

 

(in millions)

 

Automotive

 

 

Industrial

 

 

Interface

 

 

Medical

 

 

Eliminations/

Corporate

 

 

Consolidated

 

Net sales

 

$

741.6

 

 

$

210.0

 

 

$

57.9

 

 

$

1.1

 

 

$

(10.3

)

 

$

1,000.3

 

Transfers between segments

 

 

(6.9

)

 

 

(3.2

)

 

 

(0.2

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

10.3

 

 

 

0

 

Net sales to unaffiliated customers

 

$

734.7

 

 

$

206.8

 

 

$

57.7

 

 

$

1.1

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

1,000.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) from operations

 

$

126.3

 

 

$

37.4

 

 

$

(0.3

)

 

$

(8.6

)

 

$

(48.0

)

 

$

106.8

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.3

 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5.1

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

103.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

$

38.9

 

 

$

2.6

 

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

1.9

 

 

$

5.9

 

 

$

49.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

$

25.2

 

 

$

11.7

 

 

$

3.2

 

 

$

1.0

 

 

$

2.2

 

 

$

43.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identifiable assets

 

$

677.4

 

 

$

404.3

 

 

$

88.6

 

 

$

9.4

 

 

$

52.0

 

 

$

1,231.7

 

F-33


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 The following tables set forth net sales and tangible long-lived assets by geographic area where the same period’s financial statements but calculated as ifCompany operates. Tangible long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment and operating lease assets.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

April 27,

2019

 

(in millions)

 

(52 Weeks)

 

 

(53 Weeks)

 

 

(52 Weeks)

 

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

510.8

 

 

$

531.5

 

 

$

540.5

 

China

 

 

193.7

 

 

 

116.9

 

 

 

113.7

 

Malta

 

 

173.5

 

 

 

143.9

 

 

 

148.5

 

Mexico

 

 

87.4

 

 

 

104.7

 

 

 

0

 

Canada

 

 

14.9

 

 

 

19.5

 

 

 

101.6

 

Other

 

 

107.7

 

 

 

107.4

 

 

 

96.0

 

Total net sales

 

$

1,088.0

 

 

$

1,023.9

 

 

$

1,000.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

May 1,

2021

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

 

 

 

 

Tangible long-lived assets, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

75.0

 

 

$

89.8

 

 

 

 

 

Malta

 

 

43.0

 

 

 

40.1

 

 

 

 

 

China

 

 

27.2

 

 

 

24.1

 

 

 

 

 

Belgium

 

 

24.8

 

 

 

21.4

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico

 

 

24.6

 

 

 

24.0

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

31.7

 

 

 

26.0

 

 

 

 

 

Total tangible long-lived assets, net

 

$

226.3

 

 

$

225.4

 

 

 

 

 

Note 16. Acquisitions

On September 12, 2018, the accounting had been completed as of the acquisition date. The impact of measurement-period adjustments to earnings that relate to prior period financial statements are to be presented separately on the income statement or disclosed by line item. The Company has adopted this ASU effective April 30, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory." This ASU requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, rather than at the lower of cost or market. The Company has adopted this ASU effective April 30, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

2Acquisitions
Fiscal 2018 Acquisitions

Procoplast S.A.

On July 27, 2017, we acquired 100% of the stock of ProcoplastGrakon Parent, Inc. (“Grakon) for $22.2$422.1 million in cash, net of cash acquired. The business, located near the Belgian-German border,headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is an independenta manufacturer of automotive assemblies.custom designed lighting solutions and highly styled engineered components. Grakon’s manufacturing capabilities and products help diversify the Company's product offerings and expand the Industrial segment, which is a key component of the Company's strategic direction. The accounts and transactions of ProcoplastGrakon have been included in the Automotive segmentand Industrial segments in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, Procoplast will beGrakon has been included in the Company's EuropeanNorth American Automotive and Grakon Industrial reporting unit.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the allocation of theunits.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The final purchase price allocation to the acquired net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Basedof Grakon based on the final allocation, goodwill decreased $1.3 million from the preliminary amount reported in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements at January 27, 2018. The final allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were:is shown below:

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

68.5

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

 

16.2

 

Intangible assets

 

 

221.9

 

Goodwill

 

 

175.1

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

1.5

 

Current liabilities

 

 

(31.7

)

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

(29.4

)

Total purchase consideration, net of cash acquired

 

$

422.1

 

(Dollars in Millions)  
Cash $1.3
Accounts Receivable 7.4
Inventory 3.5
Intangible Assets 19.2
Goodwill 6.8
Pre-production Costs 2.3
Property, Plant and Equipment 23.8
Accounts Payable (4.9)
Salaries, Wages and Payroll Taxes (0.8)
Other Accrued Expenses (0.7)
Income Taxes Payable (0.6)
Short-term Debt (3.2)
Other Liabilities (2.1)
Long-term Debt (20.6)
Deferred Income Tax Liability (7.9)
Total Purchase Price $23.5

F-34


Table of Contents

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships, technology licenses and trademarks. The Company's condensed consolidated statements of incomeamortization period for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2018 were prepared based on provisional amounts for other income and income tax expense. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized measurement period adjustments to these provisional amounts. These adjustments were included in earnings for the three months ended April 28, 2018. If the Company had completed the purchase price allocation as of the acquisition date and recognized these measurement period adjustments in its condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2018, the impact would have been a decrease to other income of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and a decrease to income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.


The following table presents details of theacquired intangible assets acquired:
(Dollars in Millions) Fair Value at Date of Acquisition Amortization Period
Customer Relationships and Agreements - Significant Customer $12.3
 17.0 years
Customer Relationships and Agreements - All Other Customers 2.8
 11.5 years
Technology Licenses 2.1
 8.5 years
Trade Names 2.0
 8.5 years
Total $19.2
  

Acquisition-relatedwere 19.5 years, 11.7 years and 8.5 years, respectively.

In fiscal 2019, acquisition-related costs of $1.3$15.4 million were incurred in relation to the acquisition of Procoplast for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018,Grakon, of which $1.1$9.8 million have beenwas reported in selling and administrative expenses and $0.2$5.6 million have beenwas reported in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of income.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Pacific Insight Electronics Corp.
On October 3, 2017, we acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Pacific Insight in a cash transaction for $108.7 million, net of cash acquired. Pacific Insight, headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is a global solutions provider offering design, development, manufacturing and delivery of lighting and electronic products and full-service solutions to the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, and has manufacturing facilities in both Canada and Mexico. Its technology in LED-based ambient and direct lighting will expand our presence within the automotive interior, as well as augment our efforts in overhead console and other areas. The accounts and transactions of Pacific Insight have been included in the Automotive segment in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the acquisition. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, Pacific Insight will be included in the Company's North American Automotive reporting unit.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Based on the final allocation, goodwill increased $1.9 million from the preliminary amount reported in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements at January 27, 2018. The final allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were:
(Dollars in Millions)  
Cash $4.9
Accounts Receivable 18.3
Inventory 13.0
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 0.3
Income Taxes Receivable 1.2
Intangible Assets 40.1
Goodwill 50.4
Pre-production Costs 0.8
Property, Plant and Equipment 13.2
Accounts Payable (7.9)
Salaries, Wages and Payroll Taxes (0.8)
Other Accrued Expenses (2.9)
Short-term Debt (0.8)
Long-term Debt (3.4)
Deferred Income Tax Liability (12.8)
Total Purchase Price $113.6
The Company's provisional amounts were prepared based on estimated amounts for depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of intangibles and income tax expense. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized insignificant measurement period adjustments to these provisional amounts.

The following table presents details of the intangible assets acquired:

(Dollars in Millions) Fair Value at Date of Acquisition Amortization Period
Customer Relationships and Agreements - Automotive $22.6
 11.0 years
Customer Relationships and Agreements - Commercial 9.6
 13.0 years
Trade Names 6.2
 7.5 years
Technology Licenses 1.7
 5.5 years
Total $40.1
  


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The Company's results of operations for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 included approximately seven months of the operating results of Pacific Insight, which were comprised of revenues of $54.4 million and net income of $1.5 million.

The following table presents the unaudited supplemental pro forma results foras if the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017. The unaudited pro forma financial information combines the results of operations of Methode and Pacific Insight as though the companiesGrakon acquisition had been combinedoccurred as of the beginning of fiscal 2017, and the2019. The unaudited pro forma information is presented for information purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition had taken place at such time. The unaudited pro forma results presented below primarily include amortization charges for acquired intangible assets, depreciation adjustments for property, plant and equipment that has been revalued, interest expense adjustments due to an increased debt level, adjustments for certain acquisition-related charges and related tax effects.

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

(in millions)

 

April 27,

2019

 

Revenues

 

$

1,073.3

 

Net income

 

 

106.4

 

  Year Ended
(Dollars in Millions) April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
Revenues $947.3
 $910.0
Net Income $62.2
 $97.6

Acquisition-related costs of $5.5 million were incurred in relation to the acquisition of Pacific Insight for the year ended April 28, 2018, of which $4.9 million have been reported in selling and administrative expenses and $0.6 million have been reported in costs of products sold on the consolidated statements of income.

3.  Intangible Assets and Goodwill
For goodwill, the Company performs impairment reviews by reporting unit. At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test on our North American Automotive and European Automotive reporting units in the Automotive segment, Power Systems Group in the Power Products segment and Hetronic in our Interface segment. In determining the estimated fair values of the reporting units, the Company was required to estimate a number of factors, including future cash flows, operating results, discount rates and market conditions. On the basis of these estimates, the analysis indicated the following:
  Fair Value of Reporting Unit Carrying Value of Reporting Unit Excess (Deficiency)
North American Automotive $708.5
 $215.3
 $493.2
European Automotive $386.5
 $302.1
 $84.4
Power Systems Group $44.0
 $13.1
 $30.9
Hetronic $77.5
 $32.0
 $45.5
Since the fair value of each reporting unit listed above exceeded the reporting unit carrying value, there were no goodwill impairment losses reported in the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, we performed a qualitative goodwill screening test of goodwill impairment on our Power Systems Group in the Power Products segment and Hetronic in our Interface segment. We considered the qualitative factors and weighed the evidence obtained and we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the two reporting units is greater than the carrying value, and therefore concluded that the assets were not impaired.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we performed "step one" of the goodwill test on our two reporting units with goodwill. Based on this test, we determined that the fair value for these reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 135% and 163%. Therefore, management concluded, based on the results, that goodwill was not impaired for either of the reporting units.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

As part of the acquisitions of Procoplast and Pacific Insight in fiscal 2018, the Company recorded estimated goodwill of $6.8 million and $50.4 million, respectively, of which none is expected to be deductible for income taxes. The following table shows the roll-forward of goodwill.
  Automotive Interface 
Power
Products
 Total
Balance as of May 2, 2015 $
 $0.7
 $1.0
 $1.7
Goodwill Acquired 
 
 
 
Impairment 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation 
 
 
 
Balance as of April 30, 2016 
 0.7
 1.0
 1.7
Goodwill Acquired 
 
 
 
Impairment 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation 
 (0.1) 
 (0.1)
Balance as of April 29, 2017 
 0.6
 1.0
 1.6
Goodwill Acquired 57.2
 
 
 57.2
Impairment 
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation 0.3
 0.1
 
 0.4
Balance as of April 28, 2018 $57.5
 $0.7
 $1.0
 $59.2
Intangible Assets
The fair value of our indefinite-lived trade names are estimated and compared to the carrying value. We estimate the fair value of the intangible assets using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected revenues from our annual operating budgets; assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademarks; and a discount rate which are considered level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. An impairment loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. The fair values of the trademarks tested exceeded their carrying value by approximately 44%, 28% and 17% for fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

As part of the acquisitions of Procoplast and Pacific Insight in fiscal 2018, the Company acquired estimated intangible assets of $19.2 million and $40.1 million, respectively. The following tables present details of the Company's identifiable intangible assets:
 As of April 28, 2018
 Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net 
Wtd. Avg. Remaining
Amortization
Periods (Years)
Customer Relationships and Agreements$64.4
 $18.1
 $46.3
 12.3
Trade Names, Patents and Technology Licenses37.7
 23.0
 14.7
 5.3
Total$102.1
 $41.1
 $61.0
  

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

 As of April 29, 2017
 Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net 
Wtd. Avg. Remaining
Amortization
Periods (Years)
Customer Relationships and Agreements$16.3
 $15.6
 $0.7
 6.8
Trade Names, Patents and Technology Licenses25.8
 19.9
 5.9
 1.4
Covenants Not to Compete0.1
 0.1
 
 0.4
Total$42.2
 $35.6
 $6.6
  
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
2019$7.5
2020$5.5
2021$5.4
2022$5.4
2023$5.4

As of April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, the trade names, patents and technology licenses included $1.8 million of trade names that are not subject to amortization.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

4.  Shareholders’ Equity
Plan to Repurchase Common Stock

In September 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of the Company's outstanding common stock through September 1, 2017. The Company purchased and retired no shares of outstanding common stock in fiscal 2018, 280,168 shares of outstanding common stock for $9.8 million in fiscal 2017 and 1,997,298 shares for $62.3 million in fiscal 2016, for a total under the repurchase plan of 2,277,466 shares for $71.9 million. The program expired on September 1, 2017.
Dividends
We paid dividends totaling $14.7 million, $13.7 million and $13.5 million during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
2014 Incentive Plan

On July 15, 2014, our Board of Directors, on the recommendation of our Compensation Committee, adopted the Methode Electronics, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Incentive Plan”). The stockholders approved the 2014 Incentive Plan in September 2014. The 2014 Incentive Plan provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance units to key employees and directors.

The 2014 Incentive Plan is intended to align the interests of our eligible directors and employees with the interests of our shareholders, recognize the contributions made by our directors and employees, provide additional incentives to our directors and employees to promote the success of our businesses, and improve our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and directors.
The number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under the 2014 Incentive Plan is 3,000,000, less one share for every one share of common stock issued or issuable pursuant to awards made after May 3, 2014 under the 2007 Stock Plan or 2010 Stock Plan. Awards that may be settled only in cash will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
Shares issuable under the 2014 Incentive Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares. If any award granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan (or, after May 3, 2014, an award under the 2007 Stock Plan or 2010 Stock Plan) expires, terminates, is forfeited or canceled, is settled in cash in lieu of shares of common stock, or is exchanged for a non-stock award under certain circumstances, the shares subject to the award will again be available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan. As of April 28, 2018, there were 1,186,034 shares available for award under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards ("RSAs")
In fiscal 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors authorized a new long-term incentive program (the “LTIP”) for key employees consisting of performance-based RSAs and time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Additionally, in fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee awarded a maximum of 128,738 RSAs to additional key members of management under the LTIP.
In the aggregate, the number of RSAs earned will vary based on performance relative to established goals for fiscal 2020 EBITDA, with 50% of the target shares earned for threshold performance (representing 390,413 shares), 100% of the target shares earned for target performance (representing 780,825 shares) and 150% of the target shares earned for maximum performance (representing 1,171,238 shares). Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company had been recording the RSA compensation expense based on target performance.
Per ASC 718 accounting guidance, management is required in each reporting period to determine the fiscal 2020 EBITDA level that is "probable" (70% confidence) for which a performance condition will be achieved. During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, management determined that, mainly due to lower projections for our Dabir business, it is currently not

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

probable that the Company will meet the fiscal 2020 target consolidated EBITDA performance level of $221.0 million. The adverse timing of revenue is a result of hospital adoption patterns (initial care setting penetration and expansion) being slower and more gradual than originally planned for our Dabir Surfaces business. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company began recording the RSA compensation expense based on the threshold EBITDA performance level of $198.9 million. As a result, the Company recorded a $6.0 million compensation expense reversal in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 related to prior periods for these performance-based RSAs. This reversal of compensation expense had the effect of increasing basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2018 by $0.12.
At the threshold level of performance, the expected expense for the RSAs is $12.2 million through fiscal 2020. In the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, the Company recorded a net reversal of expense of $2.0 million related to the RSAs based on threshold levels. These amounts are inclusive of the $6.0 million compensation expense reversal discussed above. During the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017, the Company recorded $5.7 million in compensation expense related to the RSAs, based on target levels. During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, the Company recorded $2.8 million in compensation expense related to the RSAs, based on target levels.
In future reporting periods, if management makes a determination that exceeding the threshold level is probable for fiscal 2020, an appropriate adjustment to compensation expense will be recorded in that period. In addition, if management makes a determination that it is not probable the Company will meet the threshold level for fiscal 2020, a reversal of compensation expense will be recorded in that period. The adjustments could be material to the financial statements.
Restricted Stock Units
In fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee awarded 30,925 RSUs to Methode management. In the aggregate, the Company has granted 638,925 RSUs to key employees, of which 382,372 are still outstanding. The RSUs are subject to a vesting period, with 30% which vested on April 28, 2018, 30% vesting on April 27, 2019 and 40% vesting on May 2, 2020. The total expense for the RSUs is expected to be $18.4 million through fiscal 2020. During the fiscal years ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016, the Company recorded $5.0 million, $5.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to the RSUs.
Director Awards
During fiscal 2018, the Company issued 24,000 shares of common stock to our independent directors, all of which vested immediately upon grant. We recorded $1.0 million of compensation expense related to these shares during the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The following table summarizes the RSA and RSU activity for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 under the 2014 Incentive Plan:
 RSA Shares RSU Shares
Unvested and Unissued at May 2, 2015
 
Awarded1,185,000
 576,000
Vested(24,000) 
Forfeited and Canceled
 
Unvested and Unissued at April 30, 20161,161,000
 576,000
Awarded99,000
 32,000
Vested(27,000) (11,333)
Forfeited and Canceled(64,500) (28,667)
Unvested and Unissued at April 29, 20171,168,500
 568,000
Awarded152,738
 30,925
Vested(24,000) (160,553)
Forfeited and Canceled(126,000) (56,000)
Unvested and Unissued at April 28, 20181,171,238
 382,372
Grant Fiscal Year Number of Shares Unvested Vesting Period Weighted Average Value 
Probable Unearned Compensation Expense at
April 28, 2018
 
Target Unearned Compensation Expense at
April 28, 2018
2016, 2017 and 2018 363,413
(1) 
Five-year RSA cliff, performance-based $34.11
 $5.5
 $11.0
2016, 2017 and 2018 382,372
 Five-year RSU, 30% in fiscal 2018, 30% in fiscal 2019 and 40% in fiscal 2020 $35.85
 $5.1
 $5.1

(1) RSA shares based on fiscal 2020 EBITDA threshold levels

2010 Stock Plan

The 2010 Stock Plan permits a total of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock to be awarded to participants in the form of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and performance share units. The 2010 Stock Plan is designed to allow for "performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As such, qualified awards payable pursuant to the 2010 Stock Plan should be deductible for federal income tax purposes under most circumstances. In the event of a change in control, the vesting of all outstanding option awards will be accelerated. With the approval of the 2014 Incentive Plan, no further awards shall be granted under the 2010 Stock Plan.

Stock Options Awarded Under the 2010 Stock Plan

There were no options awarded in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2018 under the 2010 Stock Plan. The previously awarded stock options have a ten-year term and vested 33.3% each year over a three-year period.  The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 for the stock options granted under the 2010 Stock Plan:
  Summary of Option Activity
  Shares Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Outstanding at May 2, 2015 242,667
 $24.50
Awarded 
 
Exercised (18,668) 12.96
Canceled (26,667) 32.07
Outstanding at April 30, 2016 197,332
 24.55
Awarded 
 
Exercised (125,332) 17.40
Canceled 
 
Outstanding at April 29, 2017 72,000
 37.01
Awarded 
 
Exercised 
 
Canceled 
 
Outstanding at April 28, 2018 72,000
 $37.01
Options Outstanding
at April 28, 2018
Shares Exercise Price Avg. Remaining Life (Years)
72,000
 $37.01
 6.3
Options Exercisable
at April 28, 2018
Shares Exercise Price Avg. Remaining Life (Years)
72,000
 $37.01
 6.3

The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $0.3 million at April 28, 2018. The intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2018 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on April 28, 2018.
We estimated the fair value of these stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
  2010 Stock Plan
  Fiscal 2015 Awards
Average Expected Volatility 51.00%
Average Risk-free Interest Rate 1.00%
Dividend Yield 1.66%
Expected Life of Options (in years) 4.12
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value $14.99
Expected volatility was based on the monthly changes in our historical common stock prices over the expected life of the award.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant corresponding to the expected life of the options.  Our dividend yield is based on the average dividend yield for the previous two years from the date of grant.  The expected life of options is based on historical stock option exercise patterns and the terms of the options.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Awarded Under the 2010 Stock Plan

During fiscal 2012, our Compensation Committee awarded 100,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based restricted stock awards ("RSAs") to certain non-executive members of management. The performance measure was the Company's internal enterprise value at the end of fiscal 2015. The internal enterprise value was equal to the product of (i) fiscal 2015 EBITDA and (ii) 7.5 (the historic multiple of EBITDA), subject to an adjustment for cash, short-term investments, debt, preferred stock, certain equity issuances, certain acquisitions and the changes in the dividend rate. The restricted stock awards vested one-third as of the end of fiscal 2015, one-third as of the end of fiscal 2016 and the final one-third as of the end of fiscal 2017, based on the enterprise value as of the end of fiscal 2015, to the extent the performance goals have been achieved and provided the employee remained employed. The Company exceeded the targeted internal enterprise value measure for fiscal 2015.

During fiscal 2011, our Compensation Committee awarded 320,000 shares of common stock subject to time-based restricted stock units to certain executive officers. The restricted stock units vested 20% each year on the last day of our fiscal year and were fully vested on the last day of fiscal 2015, provided the executive remained employed. The shares of common stock underlying the vested RSUs will not be delivered to the employee until after the employee terminates employment from the Company. As of April 28, 2018, 210,000 shares of common stock have not yet been delivered to the employees, due to their continued employment with the Company.

The following table summarizes the RSA activity for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 under the 2010 Stock Plan:
RSA Shares
Unvested and Unissued at May 2, 201566,667
Awarded
Vested(33,333)
Forfeited and Canceled
Unvested and Unissued at April 30, 201633,334
Awarded
Vested(33,334)
Forfeited and Canceled
Unvested and Unissued at April 29, 2017
Awarded
Vested
Forfeited and Canceled
Unvested and Unissued at April 28, 2018

2007 Stock Plan
The 2007 Stock Plan permitted a total of 1,250,000 shares of our common stock to be awarded to participants.  Shares issued under the Stock Plan may be either authorized but unissued shares, or treasury shares.  With the approval of the 2014 Incentive Plan, no further awards shall be granted under the 2007 Stock Plan.

Stock Options Awarded Under the 2007 Stock Plan
There were no shares awarded for the 2007 Stock Plan in fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2016. The stock options awarded under the 2007 Stock Plan have a ten-year term. The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The following tables summarize the stock option activity and related information for the stock options granted under the 2007 Stock Plan for fiscal year 2018, 2017 and 2016:
  Summary of Option Activity
  Shares 
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise Price
Outstanding at May 2, 2015 108,000
 $24.21
Awarded 
 
Exercised (28,334) 10.99
Canceled 
 
Outstanding at April 30, 2016 79,666
 28.91
Awarded 
 
Exercised (22,497) 21.52
Canceled 
 
Outstanding at April 29, 2017 57,169
 31.82
Awarded 
 
Exercised (13,333) 24.67
Canceled (1,668) 37.01
Outstanding at April 28, 2018 42,168
 $33.87
Options Outstanding
at April 28, 2018
Shares Exercise Price 
Avg.
Remaining
Life (Years)
5,000
 $10.55
 2.2
37,168
 $37.01
 6.3
42,168
 $33.87
  
Options Exercisable
at April 28, 2018
Shares Exercise Price 
Avg.
Remaining
Life (Years)
5,000
 $10.55
 2.2
37,168
 $37.01
 6.3
42,168
 $33.87
  


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

We estimated the fair value of these stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
  
Fiscal 2015
Awards
Average Expected Volatility 51.00%
Average Risk-free Interest Rate 1.00%
Dividend Yield 1.66%
Expected Life of Options (in years) 4.12
Weighted-average Grant-date Fair Value $14.99
The options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $0.3 million at April 28, 2018.

Restricted Stock Awards Awarded Under the 2007 Stock Plan
In April 2007, 225,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based RSAs granted to our CEO in fiscal 2006 and 2007 were converted to RSUs.  The RSUs were subject to the same vesting schedule and other major provisions of the RSAs they replaced, except the shares of stock underlying the RSUs will not be issued and delivered until the earlier of: (1) thirty days after the CEO’s date of termination of employment with the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates; or (2) the last day of our fiscal year in which the payment of common stock in satisfaction of the RSUs becomes deductible to the Company under Section 162(m) of the Code.  The RSUs are not entitled to voting rights or dividends, however a bonus in lieu of dividends is paid. The RSU’s were fully vested as of April 28, 2018.  As of April 28, 2018, 29,945 shares have been delivered in connection with the RSUs with a remaining balance to be delivered of 195,055 shares.
Stock-based Compensation

We recognize pre-tax compensation expense for stock options, RSA's and RSU's under our 2014 Incentive Plan and our 2010 and 2007 Stock Plans in the selling and administrative section of our Consolidated Statements of Income. Our awards subject to graded vesting are recognized using the accelerated recognition method. As of April 28, 2018, we had 10.6 million of unrecognized equity-based compensation cost that we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The table below summarizes the expense related to the equity awards for fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016.
  Compensation Expense
  Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016
2014 Incentive Plan:      
RSAs $(1.0) $6.6
 $3.6
RSUs 5.0
 5.5
 2.8
Total 2014 Incentive Plan 4.0
 12.1
 6.4
       
2010 Stock Plan:      
RSUs 
 0.1
 0.1
Stock Options 
 0.1
 0.3
Total 2010 Stock Plan 
 0.2
 0.4
       
2007 Stock Plan:      
Stock Options 
 0.1
 0.6
Total 2007 Stock Plan 
 0.1
 0.6
       
Total Compensation Expense $4.0
 $12.4
 $7.4
5.  Employee 401(k) Savings Plan
We have an employee 401(k) Savings Plan covering substantially all U.S. employees to which we make contributions equal to 3% of eligible compensation.  Our contribution to the employee 401(k) Savings Plan was $1.4 million in fiscal 2018 and $1.3 million in both fiscal 2017 and 2016.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

6.  Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”) which incorporates significant changes to U.S. corporate income tax laws. This included a reduction in the statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, which resulted in a blended statutory federal rate of 30.5% for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018, an exemption for dividends received from certain foreign subsidiaries, a one-time repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings from foreign subsidiaries, immediate expensing of certain depreciable tangible assets, and limiting the deductibility of certain executive compensation.
Under ASC Topic 740 ("ASC 740"), a company is generally required to recognize the effect of changes in tax laws in its financial statements in the period in which the legislation is enacted. The U.S. Tax Reform legislation was signed into law on December 22, 2017. As such, the Company included such results into its financial statements for the year ending April 28, 2018.
The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to provide certain guidance in determining the accounting for income tax effects of the legislation in the accounting period of enactment as well as provide a one-year measurement period to finalize the effects associated with U.S. Tax Reform. The Company recognized an estimated net income tax charge with respect to U.S. Tax Reform of $53.7 million. This net income tax charge includes $48.5 million associated with the one-time repatriation tax from the earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, which is payable over 8 years, and a re-measurement of the Company’s net U.S. deferred tax assets of $5.2 million.
Due to the timing and complexity of the various technical provisions provided for under U.S. Tax Reform, the financial statement impacts recorded in fiscal 2018 relating to U.S. Tax Reform are not deemed to be complete but rather are deemed to be reasonable, provisional estimates based upon the current available information. The Company did make a provisional adjustment of $3.1 million to reduce the overall impact of U.S. Tax Reform to $53.7 million due to actual amounts as of April 28, 2018 that were previously estimated. This provisional adjustment reduced the effective tax rate for fiscal 2018 by 2.5%. As such, the Company will update and finalize the accounting for the tax effect of the enactment of U.S. Tax Reform in future quarters in accordance with the guidance as outlined in SAB 118, as deemed necessary.

U.S. Tax Reform includes a new global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provision which requires the Company to include foreign subsidiary earnings in its U.S. tax return starting in fiscal year 2019. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740 No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse in future years or provide for the tax expense in the year the tax is incurred. The Company has elected to recognize the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred and therefore has not included any deferred tax impacts of GILTI in its consolidated financial statements for its fiscal year ending 2018.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: 
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
Deferred Tax Liabilities:  
  
Accelerated Tax Depreciation $6.3
 $2.0
Accelerated Book Amortization 11.4
 
Foreign Tax Withheld 4.8
 4.2
Deferred Income 0.2
 0.4
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross 22.7
 6.6
Deferred Tax Assets:  
  
Deferred Compensation and Stock Award Amortization 7.5
 10.1
Inventory Valuation Differences 1.8
 2.9
Property Valuation Differences 2.0
 1.9
Accelerated Book Amortization 
 7.2
Environmental Reserves 0.2
 0.5
Bad Debt Reserves 0.1
 0.1
Vacation Accruals 1.0
 1.0
Foreign Investment Tax Credit 29.3
 17.9
Net Operating Loss Carryovers 5.8
 4.7
Other Accruals 1.5
 2.6
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross 49.2
 48.9
Less Valuation Allowance 2.5
 1.9
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance 46.7
 47.0
Net Deferred Tax Assets $24.0
 $40.4
Balance Sheet Classification:  
  
Non-current Asset 42.3
 40.4
Non-current Liability (18.3) 
Net Deferred Tax Assets $24.0
 $40.4

The Company evaluated all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results and the projection of future taxable income and determined it is more likely than not that expected future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize substantially all of our state net deferred tax assets. We will continue to maintain a valuation allowance of $2.5 million related to certain state, federal, and foreign net operating loss carryovers and other credits until determined that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable.

At April 28, 2018, we had available $2.1 million of federal, $78.2 million of state and $0.3 million of foreign net operating loss carryforwards (having a tax benefit of $0.4 million, $5.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively). If unused, the U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the years 2019 through 2031. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the years 2019 through 2037.
The tax laws of Malta provide for investment tax credits of 30.0% of certain qualified expenditures.  Total unused credits are $29.3 million as of April 28, 2018, of which $27.6 million can be carried forward indefinitely and $1.7 million expire in 2020.  We record investment tax credits using the "flow through" method.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Components of income before income taxes are as follows:
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Domestic Source $11.4
 $21.6
 $25.3
Foreign Source 112.4
 94.3
 85.6
Income before Income Tax $123.8
 $115.9
 $110.9

Income taxes consisted of the following: 
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Current  
  
  
Federal $46.5
 $9.2
 $2.8
Foreign 18.8
 17.0
 14.7
State 0.3
 0.7
 0.6
Subtotal 65.6
 26.9
 18.1
       
Deferred      
Federal and State 11.6
 (1.2) 5.5
Foreign (10.6) (2.7) 2.7
Subtotal 1.0
 (3.9) 8.2
Total Income Tax Expense $66.6
 $23.0
 $26.3
A reconciliation of the consolidated provisions for income taxes from continuing operations to amounts determined by applying the prevailing statutory federal income tax rate to pre-tax earnings is as follows: 
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Income Tax at Statutory Rate $37.7
 30.5 % $40.5
 35.0 % $38.9
 35.0 %
Effect of:  
    
    
  
State Income Taxes, Net of Federal Benefit 0.1
 0.1 % 0.9
 0.8 % 0.4
 0.4 %
U.S. Tax Reform Repatriation 48.5
 39.2 % 
  % 
  %
Foreign Operations with Lower Statutory Rates (15.3) (12.4)% (14.5) (12.5)% (11.9) (10.7)%
Foreign Investment Tax Credit (9.8) (7.9)% (4.7) (4.1)% (2.1) (1.9)%
Change in Tax Reserve 0.1
  % 0.1
 0.1 % 0.1
 0.1 %
Change in Valuation Allowance 0.4
 0.3 % 0.3
 0.3 % 0.1
 0.1 %
Tax Rate Change, Foreign (1.5) (1.2)% 
  % 
  %
U.S. Tax Reform Re-measurements 5.2
 4.2 % 
  % 
  %
Other, Net 1.2
 1.0 % 0.4
 0.3 % 0.8
 0.8 %
Income Tax Provision (Benefit) $66.6
 53.8 % $23.0
 19.9 % $26.3
 23.8 %
We paid income taxes of $20.2 million in fiscal 2018, $19.0 million in fiscal 2017 and $10.0 million in fiscal 2016.  No U.S. provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed earnings on foreign operations other than the one-time repatriation tax. Other than specifically identified amounts, the remaining foreign earnings are expected to be indefinitely

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

reinvested within our foreign operations.  If the undistributed net income of $306.6 million were distributed as dividends, the Company would not be subject to material additional U.S. income tax expense on these future distributions. In certain jurisdictions, these distributions may be subject to foreign tax withholdings. However, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of foreign tax withholdings at this time.

 As of April 28, 2018, our gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.4 million, which would favorably affect the effective tax rate if resolved in our favor.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits: 
Balance as of April 29, 2017 $1.3
Increases for Positions Related to the Prior Years 
Increases for Positions Related to the Current Year 0.1
Decreases for Positions Related to the Prior Years 
Lapsing of Statutes of Limitations 
Balance as of April 28, 2018 $1.4
The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for fiscal years ended on or after 2015 and for state tax purposes on or after fiscal year 2013.  Tax authorities may have the ability to review and adjust net operating losses or tax credits that were generated prior to these fiscal years.  In the major foreign jurisdictions, fiscal year 2012 and subsequent periods remain open and subject to examination by taxing authorities.
The continuing practice of the Company is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in the provision for income taxes.  We had $0.1 million accrued for interest and no accrual for penalties at April 28, 2018.
7.  Income Per Share
Basic income per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period.  Diluted income per share is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic income per share calculation for the effect of all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share: 
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Numerator:      
Net Income $57.2
 $92.9
 $84.6
       
Denominator:  
    
Denominator for Basic Earnings Per Share-Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Vested/Unissued Restricted Stock Awards 37,281,630
 37,283,096
 38,333,484
Dilutive Potential Common Shares-Employee Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units 260,269
 202,605
 138,128
Denominator for Diluted Earnings Per Share 37,541,899
 37,485,701
 38,471,612
       
Basic and Diluted Income Per Share:  
    
Basic Income Per Share $1.54
 $2.49
 $2.21
Diluted Income Per Share $1.52
 $2.48
 $2.20
Options to purchase 138,500 shares of common stock were outstanding at April 30, 2016, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

shares; therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive. RSAs for 363,413 shares, 779,000 shares and 774,000 shares have been excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share for fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively, as these awards are contingent on the Company's full year performance in fiscal 2020.

8.  Environmental Matters
We are not aware of any potential unasserted environmental claims that may be brought against us.We are involved in environmental investigations and/or remediation at two of our plant sites no longer used for operations.  We use environmental consultants to assist us in evaluating our environmental liabilities in order to establish appropriate accruals in our financial statements.  Accruals are recorded when environmental remediation is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.  A number of factors affect the cost of environmental remediation, including the determination of the extent of contamination, the length of time remediation may require, the complexity of environmental regulations and the advancement of remediation technology.  Considering these factors, we have estimated (without discounting) the costs of remediation, which will be incurred over a period of several years.  Recovery from insurance or other third parties is not anticipated.  We are not yet able to determine when such remediation activity will be complete, but estimates for certain remediation efforts are projected through fiscal 2019.
At April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, we had accruals, primarily based upon independent engineering studies, for environmental matters of $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of which $0.8 million was classified in other accrued expenses and the remainder was included in other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We believe the provisions made for environmental matters are adequate to satisfy liabilities relating to such matters, however it is reasonably possible that costs could exceed accrued amounts if the selected methods of remediation do not reduce the contaminates at the sites to levels acceptable to federal and state regulatory agencies.
In fiscal 2018, we spent $0.3 million on remediation cleanups and related studies, compared with $1.2 million in fiscal 2017 and $1.0 million in fiscal 2016.  The costs associated with environmental matters as they relate to day-to-day activities were not material in fiscal 2018, fiscal 2017 or fiscal 2016.

9.  Pending Litigation
Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending against us.  We, from time to time, are subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, breach of contracts, patent infringements claims, employment-related matters and environmental matters.  We consider insurance coverage and third party indemnification when determining required accruals for pending litigation and claims.  Although the outcome of potential legal actions and claims cannot be determined, it is the opinion of our management, based on the information available, that we have adequate reserves for these liabilities and that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Hetronic Germany-GmbH Matters

For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements and seeking damages, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. The defendants have filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander, and an affiliated company has filed a suit in front of the European Union Intellectual Property Office seeking to invalidate the company’s NOVA trademark in the EU. On April 2, 2015, we amended our complaint against the Fuchs companies to add additional unfair competition and Lanham Act claims and to add additional affiliated parties. As of April 28, 2018, discovery has been closed, and the parties are briefing summary judgment.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

10.  Material Customers
Sales to two customers in the Automotive segment, either directly or through their tiered suppliers, represented a significant portion of our business.  Net sales to these two customers approximated 43.3% and 12.3% of consolidated net sales, respectively, in fiscal 2018; these two customers accounted for 49.6% and 9.3% of consolidated net sales, respectively, in fiscal 2017 and these two customers accounted for 49.5% and 11.5% of consolidated net sales, respectively, in fiscal 2016.
At April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, accounts receivable from these two customers in the automotive industry were approximately $83.8 million and $90.6 million, respectively, which included $53.4 million and $55.3 million, respectively, at our North American Automotive reporting unit.  Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days to 60 days.  Credit losses relating to all customers have not been material. 

11.  Debt
We are party to a Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as L/C Issuer, and the Lenders named therein (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of November 18, 2021. The credit facility is in the maximum principal amount of $150.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $100.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions. The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, restrictive covenants and events of default. At April 28, 2018, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.25% plus LIBOR and we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During the year ended April 28, 2018, we had $80.0 million of borrowings and payments of $78.9 million, which includes interest of $1.9 million, under this credit facility. As of April 28, 2018, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $30.0 million. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 28, 2018.
Methode's newly acquired subsidiary, Pacific Insight, is party to two separate credit agreements, one with the Bank of Montreal and one with Roynat. The credit agreement with the Bank of Montreal has a maturity date of December 21, 2019 and provides a credit facility in the maximum principal amount of C$10.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional C$5.0 million. Availability under the facility is determined based upon a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and finished goods inventory balances. Funds are available in either Canadian or U.S. currency and any borrowings are fully secured by a mix of current and long-lived assets. Interest is calculated at either the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus 1.25%, the Federal Funds Rate plus 1.25% or LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of April 28, 2018, there were no outstanding balances against this credit facility and Pacific Insight was in compliance with the covenants of the agreement.
The credit agreement between Pacific Insight and Roynat has a maturity date of May 24, 2020 and provides a credit facility in the maximum principal amount of$10.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by up to an additional $3.5 million. The interest rate on the credit facility is 2.25% plus LIBOR. During the seven-month period that Methode has owned Pacific Insight, we have had no borrowings and repayments of $0.4 million under this credit facility. As of April 28, 2018, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $3.6 million, of which $0.7 million is due within the next twelve months, and Pacific Insight was in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. All borrowings under this credit facility are fully secured by real estate owned by Pacific Insight. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of April 28, 2018.
Excluding credit facilities, the Company also holds debt that was assumed in the acquisitions of Procoplast and Pacific Insight. As of April 28, 2018, Procoplast holds short-term debt totaling $3.6 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.65%. As of April 28, 2018, Procoplast holds long-term debt that consists of nineteen notes totaling $20.5 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.46% and maturities ranging from 2019 to 2031. Pacific Insight holds debt in the form of an interest-free loan from the Canadian government that matures in 2019. As of April 28, 2018, the $0.1 million remaining liability for this debt is classified as short-term.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

12.  Segment Information and Geographic Area Information
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices.  We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies.  Our components are found in the primary end-markets of the automotive, appliance, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), consumer and industrial equipment, aerospace, rail and other transportation industries.
ASC No. 280, “Segment Reporting” establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources.  The CODM, as defined by ASC No. 280, is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

We have multiple operating segments that are aggregated into four reportable segments. Those segments are Automotive, Interface, Power Products and Other.
The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electro-mechanical devices and related products to automobile OEMs, either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include integrated center consoles, hidden switches, ergonomic switches, transmission lead-frames, LED-based lighting and sensors, which incorporate magneto-elastic sensing and other technologies that monitor the operation or status of a component or system.
The Interface segment provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interface and interface solutions for the aerospace, appliance, commercial food service, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, point-of-sale, and telecommunications markets.  Solutions include conductive polymers, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers, and solid-state field-effect consumer touch panels.  Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems and manufacturing active and passive optical components. Through fiscal 2018, the interface segment included our Methode Development Company business, which provided conductive ink products for the automotive market. The business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2018 due to a management-driven strategic change in direction. Through fiscal 2017, the Interface segment included our Connectivity reporting unit, which provided solutions for computer and networking markets, including connectors and custom cable assemblies. This reporting unit was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017 due to market conditions.
The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated busbars and devices, custom power-product assemblies, such as our PowerRail® solution, high-current low-voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder-coated busbars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial, power conversion, military, telecommunications and transportation.
The Other segment is primarily made up of our medical device business, Dabir Surfaces, our surface support technology aimed at pressure injury prevention. Methode is developing the technology for use by patients who are immobilized or otherwise at risk for pressure injuries, including patients undergoing long-duration surgical procedures. Through fiscal 2017, the Other segment included our Active Energy Solutions business, which provided inverters, battery systems and insulated-gate bipolar transistor solutions. Due to market conditions, this business was shuttered at the end of fiscal 2017.
     The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in

Note 1 above.  We allocate resources to and evaluate performance of segments based on operating income. Transfers between segments are recorded using internal transfer prices set by us.


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The tables below present information about our reportable segments.
 Year Ended April 28, 2018
 Automotive Interface 
Power
Products
 Other Eliminations/Corporate Consolidated
Net Sales$738.4
 $116.1
 $63.4
 $0.3
 $(9.9) $908.3
Transfers between Segments(9.7) (0.3) (0.2) 
 10.2
 
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers$728.7
 $115.8
 $63.2
 $0.3
 $0.3
 $908.3
            
Income/(Loss) from Operations$156.3
 $5.0
 $14.0
 $(11.4) $(45.6) $118.3
Interest Expense, Net          0.9
Other Income, Net          (6.4)
Income before Income Taxes          $123.8
            
Depreciation and Amortization$21.3
 $3.5
 $1.6
 $0.8
 $0.9
 $28.1
            
Identifiable Assets$632.7
 $251.4
 $48.5
 $8.1
 $(24.8) $915.9

 Year Ended April 29, 2017
 Automotive Interface 
Power
Products
 Other Eliminations/Corporate Consolidated
Net Sales$641.0
 $128.2
 $56.5
 $2.2
 $(11.4) $816.5
Transfers between Segments(8.8) (0.8) (0.2) (1.9) 11.7
 
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers$632.2
 $127.4
 $56.3
 $0.3
 $0.3
 $816.5
            
Income/(Loss) from Operations$148.3
 $(0.9) $11.5
 $(12.4) $(35.7) $110.8
Interest Income, Net          (0.4)
Other Income, Net          (4.7)
Income before Income Taxes          $115.9
            
Depreciation and Amortization$15.5
 $4.2
 $2.8
 $1.0
 $0.8
 $24.3
            
Identifiable Assets$462.3
 $202.5
 $46.2
 $5.2
 $(12.2) $704.0

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

 Year Ended April 30, 2016
 Automotive 
Interface

 
Power
Products
 Other Eliminations/Corporate Consolidated
Net Sales$623.1
 $142.6
 $54.1
 $0.6
 $(11.3) $809.1
Transfers between Segments(8.8) (1.8) (0.6) (0.3) 11.5
 
Net Sales to Unaffiliated Customers$614.3
 $140.8
 $53.5
 $0.3
 $0.2
 $809.1
            
Income/(Loss) from Operations$136.8
 $2.7
 $9.4
 $(8.8) $(30.4) $109.7
Interest Income, Net          (0.7)
Other Income, Net          (0.5)
Income before Income Taxes          $110.9
            
Depreciation and Amortization$15.6
 $4.3
 $2.3
 $0.6
 $1.1
 $23.9
            
Identifiable Assets$418.4
 $184.8
 $46.4
 $5.0
 $1.3
 $655.9

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

The following table sets forth certain geographic financial information for fiscal years ended April 28, 2018, April 29, 2017 and April 30, 2016.  Geographic net sales and income are determined based on our sales and income from our various operational locations. 
  Fiscal Year Ended
  April 28,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 April 30,
2016
Net Sales:  
  
  
U.S. $487.5
 $506.9
 $491.9
Malta 184.0
 155.5
 167.1
China 117.3
 127.7
 124.8
Canada 54.4
 
 
Belgium 26.2
 
 
Other 38.9
 26.4
 25.3
Total Net Sales $908.3
 $816.5
 $809.1
       
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net:  
  
  
U.S. $63.3
 $44.9
 $44.0
Malta 36.8
 26.4
 28.7
Belgium 25.0
 
 
Canada 13.9
 
 
Egypt 10.7
 8.4
 8.2
China 7.2
 5.9
 7.4
Mexico 4.6
 4.3
 3.9
Other 0.7
 0.7
 0.8
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $162.2
 $90.6
 $93.0
13.  Lease Commitments
We have lease commitments expiring at various dates, principally for manufacturing equipment and warehouse and office space.

Rental expense under non-cancelable operating leases amounted to $5.9 million, $4.9 million and $5.0 million in fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In fiscal 2018, we acquired capital leases of $2.7 million in the acquisition of Procoplast. Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is recorded in depreciation expense.

Assets held under capitalized leases and included in property, plant and equipment are as follows:
  2018 2017
Manufacturing Equipment $1.6
 $
Accumulated Amortization (0.2) 
Net Capital Leases $1.4
 $

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

At April 28, 2018, future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capitalized and operating leases are as follows:
  Capitalized Leases Operating Leases
Year:    
2019 $0.9
 $6.7
2020 0.8
 5.3
2021 0.5
 3.3
2022 0.5
 2.3
2023 0.2
 1.4
Later Years 
 1.3
Net Minimum Lease Payments 2.9
 $20.3
Less Amount Representing Interest (0.1)  
Present Value of Net Minimum Lease Payments 2.8
  
Less Current Portion (0.9)  
Long-term Obligations at April 28, 2018 $1.9
  
14.  Pre-Production Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Arrangements
We incur pre-production tooling costs related to products produced for our customers under long-term supply agreements.  We had $20.5 million and $15.5 million for fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively, of pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the customer has provided a non-cancelable right to use the tooling.  Engineering, testing and other costs incurred in the design and development of production parts are expensed as incurred, unless the costs are reimbursable, as specified in a customer contract. We had $10.1 million and $7.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 and April 29, 2017, respectively, of Company owned pre-production tooling, which is capitalized within property, plant and equipment.

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

15.17. Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended April 28, 2018fiscal 2021 and April 29, 2017:

  Fiscal 2018
  Quarter Ended
  July 29, 2017 October 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 April 28, 2018
Net Sales $201.2
 $230.1
 $228.0
 $249.0
Gross Profit $55.6
 $62.0
 $60.1
 $61.9
Net Income (Loss) $20.5
 $24.2
 $(24.3) $36.8
Net Income (Loss) per Basic Common Share $0.55
 $0.65
 $(0.65) $0.99
Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Common Share $0.55
 $0.64
 $(0.65) $0.98

  Fiscal 2017
  Quarter Ended
  July 30, 2016 October 29, 2016 January 28, 2017 April 29, 2017
Net Sales $191.9
 $209.3
 $195.6
 $219.7
Gross Profit $54.1
 $55.6
 $53.4
 $55.2
Net Income $21.2
 $24.9
 $23.7
 $23.1
Net Income per Basic Common Share $0.57
 $0.66
 $0.64
 $0.62
Net Income per Diluted Common Share $0.57
 $0.66
 $0.63
 $0.62

Significant Items for Fiscal 2018
The table below contains items included in fiscal 2018:2020:

 

 

Fiscal 2021

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

August 1,

2020

 

 

October 31,

2020

 

 

January 30,

2021

 

 

May 1,

2021

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

(13 Weeks)

 

 

(13 Weeks)

 

 

(13 Weeks)

 

 

(13 Weeks)

 

Net sales

 

$

190.9

 

 

$

300.8

 

 

$

295.3

 

 

$

301.0

 

Gross profit

 

$

45.1

 

 

$

80.8

 

 

$

72.6

 

 

$

75.6

 

Net income

 

$

20.7

 

 

$

38.6

 

 

$

31.9

 

 

$

31.1

 

Net income per basic common share

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

1.01

 

 

$

0.84

 

 

$

0.82

 

Net income per diluted common share

 

$

0.54

 

 

$

1.01

 

 

$

0.83

 

 

$

0.81

 

 

 

Fiscal 2020

 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

July 27,

2019

 

 

October 26,

2019

 

 

February 1,

2020

 

 

May 2,

2020

 

(in millions, except per share data)

 

(13 Weeks)

 

 

(13 Weeks)

 

 

(14 Weeks)

 

 

(13 Weeks)

 

Net sales

 

$

270.2

 

 

$

257.2

 

 

$

285.9

 

 

$

210.6

 

Gross profit

 

$

75.8

 

 

$

68.6

 

 

$

79.3

 

 

$

59.2

 

Net income

 

$

28.3

 

 

$

23.8

 

 

$

41.2

 

 

$

30.1

 

Net income per basic common share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

1.10

 

 

$

0.80

 

Net income per diluted common share

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

0.63

 

 

$

1.09

 

 

$

0.79

 

  Fiscal 2018
  Quarter Ended
  July 29, 2017 October 28, 2017 January 27, 2018 April 28, 2018
Legal Fees Related to the Hetronic lawsuit $2.9
 $1.6
 $1.5
 $2.1
Acquisition-related Expenses $2.6
 $4.2
 $
 $
Grant Income from Foreign Government for Maintaining Certain Employment Levels $
 $(1.5) $(3.6) $(2.2)
Compensation Expense Reversal Related to the Re-estimation of RSA Performance Level $
 $
 $(6.0) $
Discrete Estimated Net Income Tax Charge with Respect to U.S. Tax Reform $
 $
 $56.8
 $(3.1)
Foreign Investment Tax Credit $(0.4) $(0.4) $(0.3) $(8.7)


METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

Significant Items for Fiscal 2017
  Fiscal 2017
  Quarter Ended
  July 30, 2016 October 29, 2016 January 28, 2017 April 29, 2017
Legal Fees Related to the Hetronic lawsuit $4.3
 $2.3
 $1.6
 $2.8
Shut-down Costs for Two Reporting Units $
 $
 $
 $2.2
Acquisition Expenses * $
 $
 $
 $1.5
Grant Income from Foreign Government for Maintaining Certain Employment Levels $
 $(1.5) $(1.5) $(1.5)
         
* Related to a Potential Acquisition We Elected Not to Undertake.        


F-35


Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

(in millions)

Description

 

Balance at

beginning

of period

 

 

(Benefits)/

charges to

income

 

 

Deductions

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Balance at

end of

period

 

Year Ended May 1, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

 

$

0.7

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0.7

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

7.5

 

 

$

1.8

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

9.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended May 2, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

(0.2

)

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0.7

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

6.6

 

 

$

0.9

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

7.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended April 27, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts

 

$

0.5

 

 

$

0.2

 

 

$

0

 

 

 

$

0.2

 

(1)

 

$

0.9

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance

 

$

3.0

 

 

$

0

 

 

$

(1.2

)

 

 

$

4.8

 

(1)

 

$

6.6

 

COL. ACOL. BCOL. C COL. D. COL. E
  Additions    
Description
Balance at 
Beginning of 
Period
Charged to  Costs 
and Expenses
 
Charged to Other 
Accounts—
Describe
 
Deductions—
Describe
 
Balance at End of 
Period
         
YEAR ENDED APRIL 28, 2018: 
 
  
  
  
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: 
 
  
  
  
Allowance for uncollectible accounts$0.6
$
 $
 $0.1
(2)$0.5
Deferred tax valuation allowance$1.9
$
 $
 $(0.6)(5)$2.5
         
YEAR ENDED APRIL 29, 2017: 
 
  
  
  
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: 
 
  
  
  
Allowance for uncollectible accounts$0.5
$0.1
 $
 $
(2)$0.6
Deferred tax valuation allowance$1.3


 

 $(0.6)(5)$1.9
         
YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2016: 
 
  
  
  
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: 
 
  
  
  
Allowance for uncollectible accounts$0.5
$0.1
 $
 $0.1
(2)$0.5
Deferred tax valuation allowance$2.0


 

 $0.7
(5)$1.3
 ______________________________________
(1) Impact of foreign currency translation and other reclassifications.
(2) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
(3) Primarily represents changes in Malta valuation allowance and changes in temporary items.
(4) Represents release of the U.S. valuation allowance.
(5) Represents change in temporary items.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

(1)

Exhibit 
Number
Description
3.1
3.2
4.1
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
10.4*
10.5*
10.6*
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
10.10*
10.11*
10.12*
10.13*
10.14*
10.15*
10.16*
10.17*
10.18
10.19*
10.20*
10.21*
10.22*
21
23
31.1
31.2
32
101**Interactive Data File

Represents business acquisitions.


*  Management Compensatory Plan

** As provided in Rule 406 of Regulation S-T, this information is deemed not filed as part of a registration statement or
prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, and is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is otherwise not subject to liability under those sections.

F-36