UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________

FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)

[X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019
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 No. 0-11676
_____________________

BEL FUSE INC.
206 Van Vorst Street
Jersey City, NJ  07302
(201) 432-0463

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(Registrant'sRegistrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NEW JERSEY 22-1463699
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.Yes [X]No [   ]
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes [X]No [   ]
   
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated 
filer [    ]
Accelerated 
filer [X]
Non-accelerated 
filer [    ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting 
company [    ][X]
Emerging growth
company [    ]
  
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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
[   ]
 

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

Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Class A Common Stock ($0.10 par value) BELFANasdaq Global Select Market
Class B Common Stock ($0.10 par value) BELFBNasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
[   ]
Yes [   ]
No [X]



Title of Each Class
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 as of NovemberAugust 1, 20172019
Class A Common Stock ($0.10 par value) 2,174,912
Class B Common Stock ($0.10 par value) 9,858,80210,141,602



BEL FUSE INC.
    
INDEX
    
   Page
Part I  
    
 Item 1.2
    
   
  2
    
   
  3
    
   
  4
5
    
   
  57
    
  68 - 1418
    
 Item 2. 
  1519 - 2125
    
 Item 3. 
  2125
    
 Item 4.2125
    
Part II  
    
 Item 1.2125
    
 Item 1A.21
Item 2.2225
    
 Item 6.2326
    
  2427

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The terms the "Company," "Bel," "we," "us,"“Company,” “Bel,” “we,” “us,” and "our"“our” as used in this report refer to Bel Fuse Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.

The Company'sCompany’s consolidated operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability, including the risk factors described in Item 1A of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a result of these and other factors, the Company may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis, which could materially and adversely affect its business, consolidated financial condition, operating results, and common stock prices.  Furthermore, this document and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"(“SEC”) contain certain forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("(“Forward-Looking Statements"Statements”) with respect to the business of the Company.  Forward-Looking Statements are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Forward-Looking Statements can be identified by such words as "anticipates," "believes," "plan," "assumes," "could," "should," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "potential," "seek," "predict," "may," "will"“anticipates,” “believes,” “plan,” “assumes,” “could,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “potential,” “seek,” “predict,” “may,” “will” and similar references to future periods.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are Forward-Looking Statements.  These Forward-Looking Statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Item 1A of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these Forward-Looking Statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these Forward-Looking Statements which may be necessary to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Any Forward-Looking Statement made by the Company is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made.



PART I.  Financial Information

Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)
BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 
(unaudited) 
       
  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $58,395  $53,911 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,694        
 and $1,638, respectively  84,248   91,939 
Inventories  118,209   120,068 
Unbilled receivables  11,470   15,799 
Other current assets  9,090   8,792 
    Total current assets  281,412   290,509 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net  42,344   43,932 
Right-of-use assets  17,885   - 
Intangible assets, net  59,476   62,689 
Goodwill  20,017   19,817 
Deferred income taxes  1,194   496 
Other assets  27,347   26,081 
    Total assets $449,675  $443,524 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current Liabilities:        
Accounts payable $42,764  $56,171 
Accrued expenses  30,092   32,290 
Current portion of long-term debt  3,997   2,508 
Operating lease liability, current  6,238   - 
Other current liabilities  4,060   15,061 
    Total current liabilities  87,151   106,030 
         
Long-term Liabilities:        
Long-term debt  108,960   111,705 
Operating lease liability, long-term  12,121   - 
Liability for uncertain tax positions  28,379   27,553 
Minimum pension obligation and unfunded pension liability  19,126   18,683 
Deferred income taxes  1,061   1,161 
Other liabilities  12,601   1,922 
    Total liabilities  269,399   267,054 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders' Equity:        
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued  -   - 
Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share, 10,000,000 shares        
    authorized; 2,174,912 shares outstanding at each date (net of        
    1,072,769 treasury shares)  217   217 
Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, 30,000,000 shares        
     authorized; shares outstanding: 10,141,602 in 2019 and 10,092,352        
     in 2018 (net of 3,218,307 treasury shares)  1,014   1,009 
Additional paid-in capital  32,983   31,387 
Retained earnings  171,583   168,695 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (25,521)  (24,838)
    Total stockholders' equity  180,276   176,470 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $449,675  $443,524 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 
(unaudited) 
       
   September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $62,106  $73,411 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,689        
  in 2017 and $1,781 in 2016  83,643   74,416 
Inventories  104,522   98,871 
Other current assets  9,231   8,744 
    Total current assets  259,502   255,442 
         
Property, plant and equipment, net  43,664   48,755 
Intangible assets, net  70,886   74,828 
Goodwill  20,028   17,951 
Deferred income taxes  6,511   3,410 
Other assets  27,897   26,354 
    Total assets $428,488  $426,740 
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Current Liabilities:        
Accounts payable $45,493  $47,235 
Accrued expenses  29,816   31,549 
Current portion of long-term debt  15,551   11,395 
Other current liabilities  6,751   2,148 
    Total current liabilities  97,611   92,327 
         
Long-term Liabilities:        
Long-term debt  105,479   129,850 
Liability for uncertain tax positions  27,540   27,458 
Minimum pension obligation and unfunded pension liability  17,770   16,900 
Deferred income taxes  1,670   1,460 
Other liabilities  323   311 
    Total liabilities  250,393   268,306 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders' Equity:        
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued  -   - 
Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share, 10,000,000 shares        
    authorized; 2,174,912 shares outstanding at each date (net of        
    1,072,769 treasury shares)  217   217 
Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, 30,000,000 shares        
     authorized; shares outstanding: 9,860,802 in 2017 and 9,851,652        
     in 2016 (net of 3,218,307 treasury shares)  986   985 
Additional paid-in capital  27,856   27,242 
Retained earnings  169,402   161,287 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (20,366)  (31,297)
    Total stockholders' equity  178,095   158,434 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $428,488  $426,740 
         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 



BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESBEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data) (in thousands, except per share data) 
(unaudited)(unaudited) (unaudited) 
                        
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
                        
Net sales $126,386  $128,809  $371,671  $381,614  $127,416  $140,710  $252,805  $258,961 
Cost of sales  98,769   102,234   291,729   306,273   107,532   111,696   209,361   208,814 
Gross profit  27,617   26,575   79,942   75,341   19,884   29,014   43,444   50,147 
                                
Selling, general and administrative expenses  20,903   19,385   63,858   55,006   18,764   18,306   38,564   38,998 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets  -   -   -   105,972 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment  182   (2,099)  283   (2,083)
Restructuring charges (credits)  -   (20)  171   581 
Income (loss) from operations  6,532   9,309   15,630   (84,135)
Gain on sale of property  (4,257)  -   (4,257)  - 
Restructuring charges  424   41   1,370   45 
Income from operations  4,953   10,667   7,767   11,104 
                                
Interest expense  (1,466)  (1,538)  (4,476)  (5,243)  (1,381)  (1,349)  (2,820)  (2,527)
Interest income and other, net  18   243   65   466   (184)  (285)  (389)  (521)
Earnings (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes  5,084   8,014   11,219   (88,912)
Earnings before provision for income taxes  3,388   9,033   4,558   8,056 
                                
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes  60   (1,696)  2,329   (20,701)
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders $5,024  $9,710  $8,890  $(68,211)
Provision for income taxes  421   2,399   460   2,724 
Net earnings available to common stockholders $2,967  $6,634  $4,098  $5,332 
                                
                                
Net earnings (loss) per common share:                
Net earnings per common share:                
Class A common share - basic and diluted $0.40  $0.78  $0.69  $(5.52) $0.23  $0.52  $0.31  $0.41 
Class B common share - basic and diluted $0.42  $0.82  $0.75  $(5.78) $0.24  $0.56  $0.34  $0.45 
                                
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:                                
Class A common share - basic and diluted  2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175 
Class B common share - basic and diluted  9,864   9,760   9,856   9,730   10,112   9,844   10,100   9,850 
                                
Dividends paid per common share:                
Class A common share $0.06  $0.06  $0.18  $0.18 
Class B common share $0.07  $0.07  $0.21  $0.21 
                
                
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 
                





BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(dollars in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
             
   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
             
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders $5,024  $9,710  $8,890  $(68,211)
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $101 in the three months                
ended September 30, 2017, $(111) in the three months ended September 30, 2016, $285 in             
   the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $(456) in the nine months ended                
   September 30, 2016  3,476   (156)  11,047   (3,199)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities arising during the period,                
net of taxes of $(21) in the three months ended September 30, 2017, $15 in the                
three months ended September 30, 2016, $(191) in the nine months ended September 30,             
2017 and $74 in the nine months ended September 30, 2016  (33)  14   (300)  112 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of $32 in the three months                
ended September 30, 2017, $32 in the three months ended September 30, 2016, $97 in             
the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $136 in the nine months ended                
September 30, 2016  61   65   184   566 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  3,504   (77)  10,931   (2,521)
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) $8,528  $9,633  $19,821  $(70,732)
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 
                 

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(dollars in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
             
   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
             
Net earnings available to common stockholders $2,967  $6,634  $4,098  $5,332 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $16 in the three months                
   ended June 30, 2019, $37 in the three months ended June 30, 2018, ($1) in                
   the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $12 in the six months ended                
    June 30, 2018  (834)  (7,448)  (294)  (3,431)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities arising during the period,                
net of taxes of $0 in the three months ended June 30, 2019, $0 in the                
three months ended June 30, 2018, $0 in the six months ended June 30,                
2019 and ($20) in the six months ended June 30, 2018  -   -   -   (31)
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of $11 in the three months                
ended June 30, 2019, $25 in the three months ended June 30, 2018, $22 in                
the six months ended June 30, 2019 and $51 in the six months ended                
 June 30, 2018  37   85   74   171 
Other comprehensive loss  (797)  (7,363)  (220)  (3,291)
                 
Comprehensive income (loss) $2,170  $(729) $3,878  $2,041 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 




BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(dollars in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
  2017  2016 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net earnings (loss) $8,890  $(68,211)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net        
 cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  15,712   16,370 
Stock-based compensation  2,310   2,039 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets  -   105,972 
Amortization of deferred financing costs  993   1,467 
Deferred income taxes  (3,072)  (8,115)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on foreign currency revaluation  2,679   (366)
Loss (gain) on sale/disposal of property, plant and equipment  283   (2,025)
Other, net  1,265   364 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable, net  (7,913)  1,785 
Inventories  (3,306)  1,312 
Account payable  (3,563)  (2,730)
Accrued expenses  (2,031)  (3,508)
Other operating assets/liabilities, net  1,949   (17,564)
      Net cash provided by operating activities  14,196   26,790 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (3,756)  (5,590)
Proceeds from disposal/sale of property, plant and equipment  10   2,129 
Purchase of company-owned life insurance (COLI)  -   (2,164)
Sale of SERP investments  -   2,164 
       Net cash used in investing activities  (3,746)  (3,461)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Repayments of long-term debt  (25,208)  (37,577)
Dividends paid to common stockholders  (2,347)  (2,314)
Payment of deferred financing costs  -   (718)
Borrowings under revolving credit line  6,000   - 
Repayments of revolving credit line  (2,000)  - 
Reduction in notes payable  (55)  (115)
       Net cash used in financing activities  (23,610)  (40,724)
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  1,855   (630)
         
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (11,305)  (18,025)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period  73,411   85,040 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $62,106  $67,015 
         
         
Supplementary information:        
Cash paid during the period for:        
    Income tax payments, net of refunds received $1,688  $1,459 
    Interest payments $3,471  $3,776 
         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(in thousands) 
 (unaudited) 

                  
                   
        Accumulated          
        Other  Class A  Class B  Additional 
     Retained  Comprehensive  Common  Common  Paid-In 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Total  Earnings  (Loss) Income  Stock  Stock  Capital 
                   
Balance at March 31, 2019 $178,153  $169,451  $(24,724) $217  $1,008  $32,201 
Net earnings  2,967   2,967   -   -   -   - 
Dividends declared:                        
Class A Common Stock, $0.06/share  (131)  (131)  -   -   -   - 
Class B Common Stock, $0.07/share  (704)  (704)  -   -   -   - 
Issuance of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   7   (7)
Forfeiture of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   (1)  1 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $16  (834)  -   (834)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense  788   -   -   -   -   788 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($11)  37   -   37   -   -   - 
                         
Balance at June 30, 2019  180,276   171,583   (25,521)  217   1,014   32,983 
                         
                         
          Accumulated             
          Other  Class A  Class B  Additional 
      Retained  Comprehensive  Common  Common  Paid-In 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Total  Earnings  (Loss) Income  Stock  Stock  Capital 
                         
                         
Balance at March 31, 2018 $164,175  $149,171  $(15,553) $217  $985  $29,355 
Net loss  6,634   6,634   -   -   -   - 
Dividends declared:                        
Class A Common Stock, $0.06/share  (131)  (131)  -   -   -   - 
Class B Common Stock, $0.07/share  (689)  (689)  -   -   -   - 
Forfeiture of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   (1)  1 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $37  (7,448)  -   (7,448)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense  671   -   -   -   -   671 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($25)  85   -   85   -   -   - 
                         
Balance at June 30, 2018 $163,297  $154,985  $(22,916) $217  $984  $30,027 
                         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 


BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
(in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
                   
        Accumulated          
        Other  Class A  Class B  Additional 
     Retained  Comprehensive  Common  Common  Paid-In 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Total  Earnings  (Loss) Income  Stock  Stock  Capital 
                   
Balance at December 31, 2018 $176,470  $168,695  $(24,838) $217  $1,009  $31,387 
Net earnings  4,098   4,098   -   -   -   - 
Dividends declared:                        
Class A Common Stock, $0.12/share  (261)  (261)  -   -   -   - 
Class B Common Stock, $0.14/share  (1,412)  (1,412)  -   -   -   - 
Issuance of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   7   (7)
Forfeiture of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   (2)  2 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of ($1)  (294)  -   (294)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense  1,601   -   -   -   -   1,601 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($22)  74   -   74   -   -   - 
Effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (Topic 220)  -   463   (463)  -   -   - 
                         
Balance at June 30, 2019  180,276   171,583   (25,521)  217   1,014   32,983 
                         
                         
          Accumulated             
          Other  Class A  Class B  Additional 
      Retained  Comprehensive  Common  Common  Paid-In 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Total  Earnings  (Loss) Income  Stock  Stock  Capital 
                         
                         
Balance at December 31, 2017 $157,960  $147,807  $(19,625) $217  $986  $28,575 
Net earnings  5,332   5,332   -   -   -   - 
Dividends declared:                        
Class A Common Stock, $0.12/share  (261)  (261)  -   -   -   - 
Class B Common Stock, $0.14/share  (1,390)  (1,390)  -   -   -   - 
Forfeiture of restricted common stock  -   -   -   -   (2)  2 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $12  (3,431)  -   (3,431)  -   -   - 
Unrealized holding losses on marketable securities                        
  arising during the year, net of taxes of $20  (31)  -   (31)  -   -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense  1,450   -   -   -   -   1,450 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($51)  171   -   171   -   -   - 
Effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606)  3,497   3,497   -   -   -   - 
                         
Balance at June 30, 2018 $163,297  $154,985  $(22,916) $217  $984  $30,027 
                         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 
6

Return to Index

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(dollars in thousands) 
(unaudited) 
   Six Months Ended 
  June 30, 
  2019  2018 
       
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net earnings $4,098  $5,332 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net        
 cash provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  8,216   9,320 
Stock-based compensation  1,601   1,450 
Amortization of deferred financing costs  232   294 
Deferred income taxes  (1,002)  1,780 
Net unrealized losses on foreign currency revaluation  123   (871)
Gain on sale of property  (4,257)  - 
Other, net  1,316   613 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable, net  7,734   (10,541)
Unbilled receivables  4,329   (1,051)
Inventories  1,799   (10,629)
Account payable  (13,350)  12,082 
Accrued expenses  (2,052)  (1,251)
Other operating assets/liabilities, net  (1,032)  (5,286)
      Net cash provided by operating activities  7,755   1,242 
         
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Purchases of property, plant and equipment  (5,329)  (5,870)
Proceeds from disposal/sale of property, plant and equipment  5,784   53 
       Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  455   (5,817)
         
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Dividends paid to common stockholders  (1,600)  (1,589)
Borrowings under revolving credit line  12,000   - 
Repayments of revolving credit line  (12,000)  - 
Repayments of long-term debt  (1,487)  (7,525)
       Net cash used in financing activities  (3,087)  (9,114)
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents  (639)  65 
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  4,484   (13,624)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period  53,911   69,354 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $58,395  $55,730 
         
         
Supplementary information:        
Cash paid during the period for:        
    Income taxes, net of refunds received $2,805  $5,073 
    Interest payment $2,533  $2,260 
         
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 

7

Return to Index
BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods presented herein have been prepared by the Company and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented have been made.  The results for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Bel Fuse Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

Certain information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("(“U.S. GAAP"GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted from the following condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations, including the interim reporting requirements, of the SEC.U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company'sCompany’s significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 of the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.  There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019, except as discussed in “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” below.

All amounts included in the tables to these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements, except per share amounts, are in thousands.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statements of cash flows.  Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the statements of operations. Under current GAAP, excess tax benefits are recognized in additional paid-in capital while tax deficiencies are recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or on the statements of operations.  The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017.  Certain provisions required retrospective/modified retrospective transition while others were applied prospectively. In accordance with this guidance, the Company reclassified $1.7 million of cumulative excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings within the equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2017.  The Company has elected to continue its method of estimating forfeitures in determining its stock-based compensation expense throughout the year.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein.  We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic - 205-40) ("ASU 2014-15"). This ASU requires management to evaluate whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the standard requires management's mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern to be disclosed in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this amendment on December 31, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.  Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party.  The new guidance eliminates the exception and requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.  This accounting guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), to provide a new comprehensive model for lease accounting.  Under this guidance, lessees and lessors should apply a "right-of-use"“right-of-use” model in accounting for all leases (including subleases) and eliminate the concept of operating leases and off-balance sheet leases.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a finance or operating lease. Similar modifications have been made to lessor accounting in-line with revenue recognition guidance. This guidance iswas effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The amendments also require certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. Early adoption is permitted. 
The updated guidance requires aCompany adopted ASU 2016-02 as amended effective January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective adoption.approach.  In connection with the adoption, we elected to utilize the Comparatives Under 840 Option whereby the Company will continue to present prior period financial statements and disclosures under ASC 840.  In addition, we elected the transition package of three practical expedients permitted within the standard, which eliminates the requirements to reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs.  Further, we elected a short-term lease exception policy, permitting us to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less) and an accounting policy to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for certain classes of assets.  We are currentlyimplemented a new lease system to facilitate the requirements of the new standard and completed the necessary changes to our accounting policies, processes, disclosures and internal control over financial reporting.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in the processrecording of evaluating this newright-of-use assets in the amount of $20.7 million and lease liabilities related to our operating leases in the amount of $21.0 million on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019.  The standard update.did not materially affect the Company’s consolidated net earnings or have any impact on cash flows.  See Note 12, Leases, for Topic 842 disclosures in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-02.

In January 2016,February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01,2018-02, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10)Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Recognition and MeasurementReclassification of Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesCertain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  This guidance primarily affectsallows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option,U.S. Tax Cuts and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments.  Under the newJobs Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017.  This guidance entities will be required to measure certain equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net earnings, unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception.  The new standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years includingbeginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should 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 in the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.  This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2019.  In accordance with this guidance, the Company reclassified $0.5 million of stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings within the equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

8

Return to Index
In May 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services.  This guidance will better align the treatment of share-based payments to nonemployees with the requirements for such share-based payments granted to employees.  This guidance is effective for all public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  We are currently evaluating2018, including interim periods within that year.  This guidance was adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2019 and did not have a material impact of adopting this new standard.on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.


Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014,June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,2016-13, Revenue from Contracts with CustomersFinancial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 606) ("326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2014-09"2016-13”), which amends.  The new guidance will broaden the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates related to its financial instruments and adds to U.S. GAAP an impairment model that is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers.  Subsequently, the FASB issued several other updates related to revenue recognition (collectively with ASU 2014-09, the "new revenue standards").

expected losses rather than incurred losses.  The Companyamendment is still in the process of evaluating the financial statement impacts of the new revenue standards. While we have not yet quantified the related impacts, we have completed our initial assessment and anticipate changes with respect to the timing of revenue recognition for certain custom products that have no alternative use for which the Company is entitled to payment as production progresses, as well as the timing of revenue recognition in arrangements for which the customer takes the Company's products from a facility holding consignment inventory. The Company may also see a change related to estimation of variable consideration, among other areas.  The Company is also in the process of reviewing its current systems, internal controls and processes, and evaluating any necessary changes to support the implementation of the new revenue standards, which we expect to implement by the end of 2017.

The new revenue standards becomecurrently effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.  We have elected to use the modified retrospective approach to adopting the new revenue standards where we recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standards as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

In preparationpublic entities for adoption of the new guidance, we have reviewed representative samples of contracts and other forms of agreements with customers globally and have evaluated the provisions under the five-step model specified by the new revenue standards. In addition, we continue to monitor additional interpretive guidance related to the new revenue standards as it becomes available, as well as comparing our conclusions on specific interpretative issues to other peers in our industry, to the extent that such information is available.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"), to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 provides a framework that gives entities a basis for making reasonable judgments about whether a transaction involves an asset or a business. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-01 forannual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods, and2019, with early adoption permitted.  Management is currently assessing the guidanceimpact of ASU 2016-13, but it is not expected to be appliedhave a material impact on a prospective basis.  Early application is permitted for transactions for which the acquisition date occurs before the issuance date or effective date of the amendments, only when the transaction has not been reported inCompany’s condensed consolidated financial statements that have been issued.statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-04 for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and the guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis.


In March 2017,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07,2018-13, CompensationFair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure FrameworkRetirement Benefits (Topic 715)Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.  The updated guidance improves the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements.  The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for any removed or modified disclosures.  The Company is currently assessing the timing and impact of adopting the updated provisions.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): ImprovingDisclosure Framework – Changes to the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic PostretirementDisclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Cost ("Plans (“ASU 2017-07"2018-14”).  This guidance requiresremoves certain disclosures that an employer disaggregate the serviceare not considered cost component from the other components of net benefit cost.beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures.  The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020.  The amendments in ASU 2017-07 also provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allow only the service cost component of net benefit cost2018-14 would need to be eligibleapplied on a retrospective basis.  The Company is currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on its disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for capitalization.Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Cost.  This guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods.  Certain of the provisions within this guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis, while other aspects will be applied on a prospective basis, in accordance with ASU 2017-07.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09").  This update provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718.  This guidance is effective for annual periods,2019, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Earlyearly adoption is permitted.  The amendments inCompany is currently evaluating the impacts that adoption of this updateASU will be applied prospectivelyhave on its consolidated financial statements.

9

Return to any awards modified on or after the adoption date.Index


2.REVENUE

The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by product group and sales channel, and includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue to our reportable segments:


  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  North           North          
  America  Asia  Europe  Consolidated  America  Asia  Europe  Consolidated 
                         
By Product Group:                        
Connectivity solutions $31,297  $3,027  $8,212  $42,536  $63,418  $6,502  $16,977  $86,897 
Magnetic solutions  9,638   29,168   2,046   40,852   18,583   56,258   4,267   79,108 
Power solutions and protection  26,131   7,129   10,768   44,028   49,652   13,841   23,307   86,800 
  $67,066  $39,324  $21,026  $127,416  $131,653  $76,601  $44,551  $252,805 
                                 
By Sales Channel:                                
Direct to customer $45,442  $32,707  $13,293  $91,442  $89,323  $63,835  $29,506  $182,664 
Through distribution  21,624   6,617   7,733   35,974   42,330   12,766   15,045   70,141 
  $67,066  $39,324  $21,026  $127,416  $131,653  $76,601  $44,551  $252,805 
                                 
                                 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  North              North             
  America  Asia  Europe  Consolidated  America  Asia  Europe  Consolidated 
                                 
By Product Group:                                
Connectivity solutions $34,834  $4,820  $9,274  $48,928  $65,878  $8,241  $17,727  $91,846 
Magnetic solutions  10,158   32,844   2,546   45,548   18,209   60,669   4,898   83,776 
Power solutions and protection  26,248   8,250   11,736   46,234   46,609   15,625   21,105   83,339 
  $71,240  $45,914  $23,556  $140,710  $130,696  $84,535  $43,730  $258,961 
                                 
By Sales Channel:                                
Direct to customer $44,055  $39,402  $15,990  $99,447  $81,951  $72,330  $30,183  $184,464 
Through distribution  27,185   6,512   7,566   41,263   48,745   12,205   13,547   74,497 
  $71,240  $45,914  $23,556  $140,710  $130,696  $84,535  $43,730  $258,961 
                                 



The balances of the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows:

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
       
Contract assets - current (unbilled receivable) $11,470  $15,799 
Contract liabilities - current (deferred revenue) $1,763  $1,036 


The change in balance of our unbilled receivables from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019 primarily relates to a timing difference between the Company’s performance (i.e. when our product is shipped to a customer-controlled hub) and the point at which the Company can invoice the customer per the terms of the customer contract (i.e. when the customer pulls our product from the customer-controlled hub).

The aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations that have not been satisfied as of June 30, 2019 related to contracts that exceed one year in duration amounted to $14.3 million, with expected contract expiration dates that range from 2020 - 2025. It is expected that 21% of this aggregate amount will be recognized in 2020, 54% will be recognized in 2021 and the remainder will be recognized in years beyond 2021.

10

Return to Index


3.EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share under the two-class method for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016:2018:

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
             
Numerator:            
Net earnings (loss) $5,024  $9,710  $8,890  $(68,211)
Less dividends declared:                
     Class A  131   131   392   392 
     Class B  691   683   2,079   2,044 
Undistributed earnings (loss) $4,202  $8,896  $6,419  $(70,647)
                 
Undistributed earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:             
     Class A undistributed earnings (loss) $729  $1,557  $1,115  $(12,400)
     Class B undistributed earnings (loss)  3,473   7,339   5,304   (58,247)
     Total undistributed earnings (loss) $4,202  $8,896  $6,419  $(70,647)
                 
Net earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:                
     Class A net earnings (loss) $860  $1,688  $1,507  $(12,008)
     Class B net earnings (loss)  4,164   8,022   7,383   (56,203)
     Net earnings (loss) $5,024  $9,710  $8,890  $(68,211)
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
     Class A - basic and diluted  2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175 
     Class B - basic and diluted  9,864   9,760   9,856   9,730 
                 
Net earnings (loss) per share:                
     Class A - basic and diluted $0.40  $0.78  $0.69  $(5.52)
     Class B - basic and diluted $0.42  $0.82  $0.75  $(5.78)
                 
   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
             
Numerator:            
Net earnings $2,967  $6,634  $4,098  $5,332 
Less dividends declared:                
     Class A  131   131   261   261 
     Class B  704   689   1,412   1,390 
Undistributed earnings $2,132  $5,814  $2,425  $3,681 
                 
Undistributed earnings allocation - basic and diluted:                
     Class A undistributed earnings $363  $1,010  $412  $640 
     Class B undistributed earnings  1,769   4,804   2,013   3,041 
     Total undistributed earnings $2,132  $5,814  $2,425  $3,681 
                 
Net earnings allocation - basic and diluted:                
     Class A net earnings $494  $1,141  $673  $901 
     Class B net earnings  2,473   5,493   3,425   4,431 
     Net earnings $2,967  $6,634  $4,098  $5,332 
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
     Class A - basic and diluted  2,175   2,175   2,175   2,175 
     Class B - basic and diluted  10,112   9,844   10,100   9,850 
                 
Net earnings per share:                
     Class A - basic and diluted $0.23  $0.52  $0.31  $0.41 
     Class B - basic and diluted $0.24  $0.56  $0.34  $0.45 



3.4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based upon the best use of the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Entities are required to use a fair value hierarchy which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets;

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs about which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016, the Company held certain financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These2018, our available-for-sale securities primarily consisted of securities that are among the Company's investments held in a rabbi trust which are intended to fund the Company'sCompany’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"(“SERP”) obligations.  TheThese securities that are held in the rabbi trust are categorized as available-for-sale securities and are included as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  The gross unrealized gains associated with the investment securities held in the rabbi trust were $0.2 million and $0.7 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Such unrealized gains are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our available-for-sale securities, which primarily consist of investments held in a rabbi trust of $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, are measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) inputs.inputs and amounted to $1.3 million at June 30, 2019 and $1.4 million at December 31, 2018.  The Company does not have any financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3, and there were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 or SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018.  There were no changes to the Company'sCompany’s valuation techniques used to measure asset fair values on a recurring or nonrecurring basis during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019 or June 30, 2018.

There were no financial assets accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 or December 31, 2016.2018.

11

Return to Index
The Company has other financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and notes payable, which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.  The fair value of the Company'sCompany’s long-term debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based on interest rates that are currently available for debt issuances with similar terms and maturities.  At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, the estimated fair value of total debt was $122.7$118.5 million and $144.3$117.9 million, respectively, compared to a carrying amount of $121.0$113.0 million and $141.2$114.2 million, respectively.  The Company did not have any other financial liabilities within the scope of the fair value disclosure requirements as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.

Nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets, are accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  These items are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event or in the case of goodwill, on at least an annual basis. During the first quarter of 2016, management determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for all of the Company's reporting units.  These indicators included the recent business performance of those reporting units, combined with the long-term market conditions and business trends within the reporting units. As a result, the Company recorded non-cash goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges totaling $106.0 million during the first half of 2016.  There were no triggering events that occurred during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 that would warrant interim impairment testing.


4.5.  INVENTORIES

The components of inventories are as follows:

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Raw materials $43,008  $43,376 
Work in progress  19,356   18,008 
Finished goods  42,158   37,487 
Inventories $104,522  $98,871 


  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
Raw materials $53,251  $63,348 
Work in progress  28,548   21,441 
Finished goods  36,410   35,279 
Inventories $118,209  $120,068 


5.6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 September 30,  December 31,  June 30,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2019  2018 
Land $2,256  $2,234  $1,433  $2,251 
Buildings and improvements  30,867   30,061   29,319   30,119 
Machinery and equipment  117,523   113,780   129,386   126,747 
Construction in progress  1,593   3,029   5,516   4,687 
  152,239   149,104   165,654   163,804 
Accumulated depreciation  (108,575)  (100,349)  (123,310)  (119,872)
Property, plant and equipment, net $43,664  $48,755  $42,344  $43,932 


Depreciation expense for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 was $3.6$2.5 million and $3.7$2.9 million, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 was $10.6$5.0 million and $11.1$6.1 million, respectively.  Depreciation expense related to our manufacturing facilities and equipment is included in cost of sales and depreciation expense associated with administrative facilities and office equipment is included in selling, general and administrative expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

During the first quarter of 2019, the Company finalized its plans to transition its manufacturing and warehousing operations from its Inwood, New York facility to Bel’s existing facilities in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania and the Dominican Republic.  In connection with this transition, the Company had classified $1.5 million of property, plant and equipment as held for sale on its condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019.  The sale of the Inwood, New York property was completed during the second quarter of 2019, resulting in net proceeds of $5.8 million.  The resulting gain on sale of $4.3 million (pre-tax) was recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

12

Return to Index


6.7.ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 September 30,  December 31,  June 30,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2019  2018 
Sales commissions $2,404  $2,066  $2,628  $2,609 
Subcontracting labor  1,437   1,370   1,276   1,550 
Salaries, bonuses and related benefits  16,522   17,587   14,918   18,275 
Warranty accrual  2,043   2,718   1,329   1,078 
Other  7,410   7,808   9,941   8,778 
 $29,816  $31,549  $30,092  $32,290 

A tabular presentation
The change in warranty accrual during the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily related to repair costs incurred and adjustments to pre-existing warranties.  There were no new material warranty charges incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2019.

Restructuring Activities

Included within other accrued expenses in the table above are costs accrued related to the Company’s restructuring activities.  Activity and liability balances related to restructuring costs for the six months ended June 30, 2019 are as follows:

     Six Months Ended    
     June 30, 2019    
  Liability at     Cash Payments  Liability at 
  December 31,  New  and Other  June 30, 
  2018  Charges  Settlements  2019 
Severance costs $-  $311  $(244) $67 
Other restructuring costs  -   809   (107)  702 
     Total $-  $1,120  $(351) $769 

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company’s restructuring charges included $0.9 million of costs associated with the Company’s decision to transition manufacturing and warehousing operations from our Inwood, New York facility to other existing Bel facilities.  The balance of the activity withinrestructuring charges related to the warranty accrual account for the nine months ended September 30, 2017realignment of our R&D resources dedicated to our Power Solutions and 2016 is presented below:

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
Balance, January 1 $2,718  $3,659 
Charges and costs accrued  211   142 
Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties        
(including changes in estimates)  (779)  (981)
Less repair costs incurred  (173)  (433)
Currency translation  66   (18)
Balance, September 30 $2,043  $2,369 


Protection group and other restructuring activities in Asia.

7.8. DEBT

The Company has a Credit and Security Agreement with KeyBank National Association (as amended, the "CSA"“CSA”) consisting.  The CSA consists of (i) a term loan, with outstanding borrowings of $118.6$114.5 million and $143.8$116.0 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively and (ii) a $50$75 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"(“Revolver”), with $4.0 million and $0no outstanding borrowings at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 or December 31, 2018.  The CSA has a maturity date of December 11, 2022.  At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018, the carrying value of the debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet is reflected net of $1.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of deferred financing costscosts. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company borrowed $12.0 million from its revolver, all of $1.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively.which was repaid by June 30, 2019.
The weighted-average interest rate in effect was 3.25%4.19% at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 3.06%4.31% at December 31, 20162018 and consisted of LIBOR plus the Company'sCompany’s credit spread, as determined per the terms of the CSA.  The Company incurred $1.5 million of interest expense during each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and $4.5$1.4 million and $5.2$1.3 million of interest expense during the ninethree months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,June 30, 2018, respectively, and $2.8 million and $2.5 million of interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
The CSA contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and events of default and financial covenants that measure (i) the ratio of the Company's total funded indebtedness, on a consolidated basis, to the amount of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined, ("(“Leverage Ratio"Ratio”) and (ii) the ratio of the amount of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated EBITDA to the Company'sCompany’s consolidated fixed charges. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSA would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due thereunder and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.  At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants, including its most restrictive covenant, the LeverageFixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

13

Return to Index

8.9. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 20132015 and for state examinations before 2010.2012.   Regarding foreign subsidiaries, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 20062008 in Asia and generally 20092011 in Europe.  The Company is currently under examination by the taxing authorities in Slovakia for the tax year 2014.

As a result of the expiration of the statutestatutes of limitations for specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized benefits for tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns may change materially from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company's condensedCompany’s consolidated financial statements at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.  The Company'sCompany’s liabilities for uncertain tax positions totaled $30.0$28.5 million and $27.8$28.9 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively, of which $2.5$0.1 million and $0.4$1.4 million respectively, is included in other current liabilities.liabilities at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  These amounts, if recognized, would reduce the Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate.  As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, $0.42019, approximately $0.1 million of the Company'sCompany’s liabilities for uncertain tax positions was reversed and approximately $2.5 million are expected to be reversedresolved during the next twelve months2019 by way of expiration of the related statute of limitations.

In connection with the acquisition of the Power-One Power Solutions business ("Power Solutions") from ABB Ltd. ("ABB") in 2014, the Company assumed a liability for additional uncertain tax positions related to various tax matters for the years 2007 through 2013.  From the date of acquisition through September 30, 2017, the Company has recorded $5.0 million of interest and penalties pertaining to this issue, of which $2.6 million was reversed during 2016 in relation to the settlement of the exposure.  The Company will continue to accrue approximately $0.7 million annually until the issues are resolved.

The Company'sCompany’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the current provision for income taxes.  During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, the Company recognized $0.6$0.3 million and $0.8$0.5 million, respectively, in interest and penalties in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2019 and 2018, the Company recognized a benefit of $3.1$0.7 million and a benefit of $0.4 million, respectively, for the reversal of such interest and penalties.  There were no reversalspenalties, relating to the settlement of interest or penalties in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017.liability for uncertain tax positions.  The Company has approximately $2.8$4.5 million and $2.2$3.8 million accrued for the payment of such interest and penalties at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively, which is included in both other current liabilitiesincome taxes payable and liability for uncertain tax positions in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company continues to monitor proposed legislation affecting the taxationimpacts of transfersthe U.S. tax reform and supplementary guidance as it becomes available.  At December 31, 2018, the remaining balance of U.S. intangible property andthe deemed repatriation tax was included in other potentialcurrent liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.  At June 30, 2019, the majority of the deemed repatriation tax law changes.

is included in other long-term liabilities on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet due to clarification of an Internal Revenue Service notice received in December 2018.

9.10. RETIREMENT FUND AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN

The Company maintains the Bel Fuse Inc. Employees'Employees’ Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan that is intended to meet the applicable requirements for tax-qualification under sections 401(a) and (k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"“Code”). The expense for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 amounted to $0.3 million in both periods. The expense for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 amounted to $0.9$0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.in both periods. The Company’s matching contribution is made in the form of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A common stock. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the plan owned 46,504133,280 and 144,362107,962 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.  Effective January 1, 2017, the Company's matching contribution will be made in the form of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A common stock.  During 2016, the employer match was made in cash.

The Company's subsidiaries in Asia have a retirement fund covering substantially all of their Hong Kong based full-time employees.  The expense for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 amounted to $0.1 million in both periods. The expense for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 amounted to $0.3 million and $0.2 million respectively.in both periods.  As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the plan owned 3,323 and 17,342 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.

The Company maintains a SERP, which is designed to provide a limited group of key management and other key employees of the Company with supplemental retirement and death benefits.  As discussed in Note 3 above, the Company has investments in a rabbi trust which are intended to fund the obligations of the SERP.    The SERP expense for the periods and amounts presented below is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations based upon the classification of plan participants.

The components of SERP expense are as follows:

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Service cost $144  $183  $288  $366 
Interest cost  185   166   370   332 
Net amortization  48   111   96   222 
Net periodic benefit cost $377  $460  $754  $920 

  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
Service cost $175  $148  $525  $445 
Interest cost  168   165   505   494 
Net amortization  94   98   281   293 
Net periodic benefit cost $437  $411  $1,311  $1,232 

14

Return to Index

The service cost component of net benefit cost is presented within cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, in accordance with where compensation cost for the related associate is reported.  All other components of net benefit cost, including interest cost and net amortization noted above, are presented within other income/expense, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following amounts are recognized net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 September 30,  December 31,  June 30,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2019  2018 
Prior service cost $996  $1,172  $828
  $918 
Net loss  2,865   2,970   1,971   1,977 
 $3,861  $4,142  $2,799  $2,895 



10.11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 are summarized below:

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of ($699) at      
  September 30, 2017 and ($984) at December 31, 2016 $(17,929) $(28,976)
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of        
  $71 at September 30, 2017 and $263 at December 31, 2016  124   424 
Unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($1,300) at September 30, 2017        
  and ($1,398) at December 31, 2016  (2,561)  (2,745)
         
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(20,366) $(31,297)

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
       
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of ($752) at      
  June 30, 2019 and ($751) at December 31, 2018 $(22,929) $(22,635)
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of        
  $0 at June 30, 2019 and $0 at December 31, 2018  12   12 
Unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($195) at June 30, 2019        
  and ($680) at December 31, 2018  (2,604)  (2,215)
         
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $(25,521) $(24,838)


Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are as follows.  All amounts are net of tax.

    Unrealized Holding            Unrealized Holding        
 Foreign Currency  Gains on         Foreign Currency  Gains on        
 Translation  Available-for-  Unfunded      Translation  Available-for-  Unfunded     
 Adjustment  Sale Securities  SERP Liability   Total  Adjustment  Sale Securities  SERP Liability   Total 
                          
Balance at January 1, 2017 $(28,976) $424  $(2,745)  $(31,297)
Balance at January 1, 2019 $(22,635) $12  $(2,215)  $(24,838)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications  11,047   (300)  1    10,748   (294)  -   11    (283)
Amount reclassified from accumulated other                                  
comprehensive loss  -   -   183  (a)  183   -   -   63  (a)  63 
Net current period other comprehensive income  11,047   (300)  184    10,931   (294)  -   74    (220)
                                  
Balance at September 30, 2017 $(17,929) $124  $(2,561)  $(20,366)
Effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (Topic 220)  -   -   (463)   (463)
Balance at June 30, 2019 $(22,929) $12  $(2,604)  $(25,521)
                                  
(a) This reclassification relates to the amortization of prior service costs and gains/losses associated with the Company's SERP plan.      
(a) This reclassification relates to the amortization of prior service costs and gains/losses associated with the Company's SERP Plan.(a) This reclassification relates to the amortization of prior service costs and gains/losses associated with the Company's SERP Plan.          
This expense is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense based upon the employmentThis expense is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense based upon the employment      This expense is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense based upon the employment          
classification of the plan participants.                                  


12.   LEASES

The Company has operating leases for its facilities used for manufacturing, research and development, sales and administration.  There are also operating and finance leases related to manufacturing equipment, office equipment and vehicles.  These leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 year to 8 years.  Certain of the leases contain options to extend the term of the lease and certain of the leases contain options to terminate the lease within a specified period of time.  These options to extend or terminate a lease are included in the lease term only when it is reasonably likely that the Company will elect that option.  The Company is not a party to any material sublease arrangements.

15

Return to Index
The components of lease expense, which are included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense, based on the underlying use of the ROU asset, were as follows:


  Three Months Ended June 30, 2019  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Amortization of ROU Assets - Finance Leases $33  $67 
Interest on Lease Liabilities - Finance Leases  12   25 
Operating Lease Cost (Cost resulting from lease payments)  1,978   3,969 
Short-term Lease Cost  31   100 
Variable Lease Cost (Cost excluded from lease payments)  61   121 
Sublease Income  -   - 
    Total Lease Cost $2,115  $4,282 


Supplemental cash flow information related to leases are as follows:

  Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measruement of lease liabilities:   
Operating cash flows from operating leases $3,963 
Operating cash flows from finance leases  25 
Finance cash flows from finance leases  57 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:    
Operating leases  21,396 
Finance leases  - 


Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

  June 30, 2019 
Operating Leases:   
Operating lease right-of-use assets $17,885 
Operating lease liability, current  6,238 
Operating lease liability, long-term  12,121 
Total operating lease liabilities  18,359 
     
Finance Leases:    
Property, plant and equipment, gross $894 
Accumulated depreciation  (202)
Property, plant and equipment, net  692 
Other current liabilities  120 
Other long-term liabilities  626 
Total finance lease liabilities $746 


June 30, 2019
Weighted-Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases3.65 years
Finance leases5.82 years
Weighted-Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases6.0%
Finance leases6.5%

16

Return to Index

Our discount rate is based on our incremental borrowing rate, as adjusted based on the geographic regions in which our leases assets are located.

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows as of June 30, 2019:

Year Ending Operating  Finance 
June 30, Leases  Leases 
2020 $7,204  $164 
2021  5,549   163 
2022  4,206   163 
2023  2,440   163 
2024  422   163 
Thereafter  305   67 
Total undiscounted cash flows  20,126   883 
Less imputed interest  (1,767)  (137)
Present value of lease liabilities $18,359  $746 




As of June 30, 2019, the Company did not have any additional operating or financing leases that have not yet commenced.


11.13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

The Company is party to a number of legal actions and claims, none of which individually or in the aggregate, in the opinion of management, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company'sCompany’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In connection with the acquisition of Power Solutions, there is an ongoing claim by the Arezzo Revenue Agency in Italy concerning certain tax matters related to what was then Power-One Asia Pacific Electronics Shenzhen Co. Ltd. (now Bel Power Solutions Asia Pacific Electronics Shenzhen Co. Ltd, or "BPS China"“BPS China”) for the years 2004 to 2006.  In September 2012, the Tax Court of Arezzo ruled in favor of BPS China and cancelled the claim.  In February 2013, the Arezzo Revenue Agency filed an appeal of the Tax Court'sCourt’s ruling. The hearing of the appeal was held on October 2, 2014.  On October 13, 2014, BPS China was informed of the Regional Tax Commission of Florence ruling which was in favor of the Arezzo Revenue Agency and against BPS China.  An appeal was filed on July 18, 2015 before the Regional Tax Commission of Florence and rejected.  On December 5, 2016, the Arezzo Revenue Agency filed an appeal with the Supreme Court and BPS China filed a counter-appeal on January 4, 2017.   The Supreme Court has yet to render its judgment.  The estimated liability related to this matter is approximately $12.0 million and has been included as a liability for uncertain tax positions on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  As Bel is fully indemnified in this matter per the terms of the stock purchase agreement with ABB, a corresponding other asset for indemnification is also included in other assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.

In 2015, the Company was provided notice of a potential patent infringement claim by Setec Netzwerke AG ("Setec"), a German company, for the alleged infringement of their patent EP 306 934 B1.  Setec subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Company and three of its subsidiaries in Dusseldorf, Germany on January 29, 2016 for patent infringement.  The Company filed its defense to Setec's complaint and a nullity lawsuit against Setec's patent on August 31, 2016.  The Court hearing on infringement took place on March 23, 2017.  Upon hearing argument from both parties, the Court issued a decision on April 6, 2017 staying the infringement case pending resolution of the nullity lawsuit.  The nullity lawsuit is currently pending before the Patent Court in Munich, Germany. The Company does not have enough information at this time in order to make any further conclusions or assessments as to infringement or any potential damages.2018.

The Company is not a party to any other legal proceeding, the adverse outcome of which is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
17

Return to Index


12.14. SEGMENTS

The Company operates in one industry with three reportable operating segments, which are geographic in nature.  The segments consist of North America, Asia and Europe.  The primary criteria by which financial performance is evaluated and resources are allocated are net sales and income from operations.  The following is a summary of key financial data:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Net Sales to External Customers:                        
North America $59,537  $63,305  $184,873  $196,955  $67,066  $71,240  $131,653  $130,696 
Asia  45,919   47,188   127,801   126,673   39,324   45,914   76,601   84,535 
Europe  20,930   18,316   58,997   57,986   21,026   23,556   44,551   43,730 
 $126,386  $128,809  $371,671  $381,614  $127,416  $140,710  $252,805  $258,961 
                                
Net Sales:                                
North America $62,348  $66,503  $193,473  $206,232  $69,450  $74,602  $136,923  $137,173 
Asia  66,534   71,334   193,364   197,952   63,062   70,005   125,372   126,144 
Europe  23,633   21,417   67,434   67,222   25,734   27,630   52,598   51,942 
Less intercompany net sales  (26,129)  (30,445)  (82,600)  (89,792)  (30,830)  (31,527)  (62,088)  (56,298)
 $126,386  $128,809  $371,671  $381,614  $127,416  $140,710  $252,805  $258,961 
                                
Income (Loss) from Operations:                
Income from Operations:                
North America $104  $693  $1,781  $(41,103) $2,373  $2,963  $1,880  $2,661 
Asia  5,408   8,332   11,759   (25,026)  270   5,319   1,283   5,234 
Europe  1,020   284   2,090   (18,006)  2,310   2,385   4,604   3,209 
 $6,532  $9,309  $15,630  $(84,135) $4,953  $10,667  $7,767  $11,104 


Net Sales – Segment net sales are attributed to individual segments based on the geographic source of the billing for such customer sales.  Intercompany sales include finished products manufactured in foreign countries which are then transferred to the United States and Europe for sale; finished goods manufactured in the United States which are transferred to Europe and Asia for sale; and semi-finished components manufactured in the United States which are sold to Asia for further processing.

Income (loss) from operations represents net sales less operating costs and expenses and does not include any amounts related to intercompany transactions.

The following items are included in the segment data presented above:

Impairment Charges – The Company recorded a $106.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to its goodwill and trademarks during the first half of 2016.  Of this charge, $44.0 million was recorded in the Company's North America operating segment, $41.7 million was recorded in its Asia operating segment and $20.3 million was recorded in its Europe operating segment.


13.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In connection with its acquisition of Power Solutions, the Company acquired a 49% interest in a joint venture in the People's Republic of China ("PRC").  The joint venture may purchase raw components and other goods from the Company and may sell finished goods to the Company as well as to other third parties.  The Company did not purchase any inventory from the joint venture during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.  At September 30, 2017, the Company owed the joint venture approximately $0.5 million, which is included in accounts payable on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Subsequent to September 30, 2017, the Company divested its 49% interest in the joint venture in exchange for an extinguishment of the accounts payable balance of $0.5 million.  As the interest in the joint venture had a carrying value of zero, a $0.5 million gain was recorded within cost of sales during the third quarter of 2017 related to this divestiture.



Item 2.  Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information in this Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("(“MD&A"&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Company'sCompany’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes set forth in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our MD&A set forth in Item 7 of Part II of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our consolidated financial statements and related notes set forth in Item 8 of Part II of our 20162018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Part II, Item 1A, "Risk“Risk Factors," below and "Cautionary“Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information," above, and the information referenced therein, for a description of risks that we face and important factors that we believe could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. All amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding and all dollars in the text are in millions, except per share amounts or where otherwise noted. When we cross-reference to a "Note,"“Note,” we are referring to our "Notes“Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements," unless the context indicates otherwise.  All amounts noted within the tables are in thousands and amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding.


Overview

Our Company

We design, manufacture and market a broad array of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits.  These products are primarily used in the networking, telecommunications, computing, military, aerospace, transportation and broadcasting industries.  Bel'sBel’s portfolio of products also finds application in the automotive, medical and consumer electronics markets.

We operate through three geographic segments:  North America, Asia and Europe.  In the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, 50%2019, 52% of the Company'sCompany’s revenues were derived from North America, 34%30% from Asia and 16%18% from its Europe operating segment.  By product group, 35% of sales for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 related to the Company'sCompany’s connectivity solutions products, 32%34% in power solutions and protection products and 33%31% in magnetic solutions products.

Our operating expenses are driven principally by the cost of labor where the factories that Bel uses are located, the cost of the materials that we use and our ability to effectively and efficiently manage overhead costs.  As labor and material costs vary by product line and region, any significant shift in product mix can have an associated impact on our costs of sales.  Costs are recorded as incurred for all products manufactured.  Such amounts are determined based upon the estimated stage of production and include labor cost and fringes and related allocations of factory overhead. Our products are manufactured at various facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Dominican Republic, England, Czech Republic, Slovakia and the PRC.People’s Republic of China (PRC).

In the PRC, where we generally enter into processing arrangements with several independent third-party contractors and also have our own manufacturing facilities, the availability of labor is cyclical and is significantly affected by the migration of workers in relation to the annual Lunar New Year holiday as well as economic conditions in the PRC.  In addition, weWe have little visibility into the ordering habits of our customers and we can be subjected to large and unpredictable variations in demand for our products.  Accordingly, we must continually recruit and train new workers to replace those lost to attrition each year and be able to address peaks in demand that may occur from time to time.  These recruiting and training efforts and related inefficiencies, and overtime required in order to meet any increase in demand, can add volatility to the labor costs incurred by us for labor in the PRC.us.

Key Factors Affecting our Business

The Company believes the key factors affecting Bel'sBel’s results for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and/or future results include the following:

·
Revenues – The Company'sCompany’s revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 declineddecreased by $2.4$6.2 million (or 1.9%2.4%) and $9.9 million (or 2.6%), respectively, fromin the comparable periodsfirst half of 2016.  2019 as compared to the same period of 2018.  The majority of this decreasesales decline was seen within the Power Solutions business (acquired in 2014), specifically related to its salesacross all of Network Power Systems (NPS) products.  The Company divested the NPS business in 2015our major product groups and was continuinglargely due to provide product toan over-inventoried supply channel at our customers and distributors following the buyer under a 2-year manufacturing services agreement which is winding down.  The declinehigh volume of purchases in sales related to the NPS product line accounted for $2.1 million2018 in advance of the year-over-year decline for the third quarter of 2017, and $7.2 million of the year-over-year decline for the nine-month period.tariffs that went into effect in 2019. 

·
Backlog – Our backlog of orders amounted to $150.9 million at June 30, 2019, a decline of $20.3 million, or 12%, from December 31, 2018.  Since year-end, we saw an 8% increase in the backlog for our Connectivity Solutions products, primarily driven by additional orders from our military customers.  The backlog of orders for our Power Solutions and Protection products declined by 17% and backlog for our Magnetic Solutions products was down 29% from year-end 2018 levels.  Order volumes were lower in the first half of 2019 as a result of slowdowns in certain markets coupled with customers working down heighted inventory levels which had been built up in response to new product launches and the tariffs that went into effect in 2018 and 2019.

·
Product Mix – Material and labor costs vary by product line and any significant shift in product mix between higher- and lower-margin product lines will have a corresponding impact on the Company'sCompany’s gross margin percentage.  In general, our connectivity products have the highest contribution margins, our magnetic products are more labor intensive and are therefore less profitable than the connectivity products and our power products are on the lower end of our profit margin range.range, due to their high material content.  Fluctuations in sales volume among our product groups will have a corresponding impact on Bel'sBel’s profit margins.

·
RestructuringPricing and Availability of MaterialsByWhile material cost and availability for certain components have started to ease, the endhigher raw material costs which were in place during 2018, particularly related to resistors, capacitors and mosfets, are still running through our supply chain as we ship the balance of the third quarter of 2017, we implemented headcount reduction measures which will result in annualized cost savings of approximately $1.0 million.  We anticipate these savingsour inventory on hand from 2018.  Lead times continue to be realized beginning inextended for certain mosfets and costs for those components remain elevated.  As a result, the Company’s material costs as a percentage of sales increased to 43.8% during the first quarterhalf of 2019 from 41.4% during the first half of 2018.  Any further actions implemented may result in restructuring costs being incurred in future quarters.

·
Labor Costs – Labor costs decreased from 11.4% of sales during the first half of 2018 to 11.0% of sales during the first half of 2019, as a more favorable exchange rate environment in 2019 related to the Chinese Renminbi offset the overall impact of minimum wage increases in Mexico which went into effect on January 1, 2019 as well as minimum wage increases in the PRC which went into effect in the first and third quarters of 2018.

·
Restructuring – The Company continues to implement restructuring programs to increase operational efficiencies and incurred $1.4 million in restructuring costs during the first half of 2019.  During the second quarter, the Company completed the realignment of its R&D resources dedicated to its Power Solutions and Protection group and substantially completed the transition of manufacturing and warehousing operations from its Inwood, New York facility to other existing Bel facilities. The R&D and Inwood initiatives combined are expected to result in annualized cost savings of $2.1 million beginning in the third quarter of 2019.  We further identified and have started to implement measures at certain facilities in Asia that are expected to result in annualized cost savings of $1.4 million beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019. Incremental cost reduction measures are expected to follow throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2019 as our remaining sites are reviewed. The preceding sentences represent Forward-Looking Statements.  See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”

·
Impact of Foreign CurrencyDuring the first six months of 2019, the Company experienced lower labor and overhead costs of $3.2 million related to favorable fluctuations in exchange rates versus 2018, partially offset by foreign exchange transactional losses realized of $0.1 million. Since we are a U.S. domiciled company, we translate our foreign currency-denominated financial results into U.S. dollars.  Due to the changes in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, translating our financial results and the revaluation of certain intercompany as well as third-party transactions to and from foreign currencies to U.S. dollars may result in a favorable or unfavorable impact to our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.  The Company was favorably impacted by transactional foreign exchange gains in the first half of 2019 due to the depreciation of the Euro, Pound, and Renminbi against the U.S. dollar as compared to exchange rates in effect during 2018.  The Company has significant manufacturing operations located in the PRC where labor and overhead costs are paid in local currency.  As a result, the U.S. Dollar equivalent costs of these operations were $3.2 million lower in the first half of 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018.  The Company monitors changes in foreign currencies and implementsmay implement pricing actions to help mitigate the impact that changes in foreign currencies may have on its consolidated operating results. See Selling, General and Administrative Expense below for further details.

·
Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") System Implementation – We are currently engaged in a multi-year process of conforming the majority of our operations onto one global ERP system.  We currently estimate total costs related to this implementation to be between $4 million to $5 million.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred consulting costs in connection with this implementation of $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which are included in SG&A in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We anticipate future expenses of approximately $0.5 million per quarter through the end of 2018, and at a reduced level in 2019. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below for further information.

·
Effective Tax Rate – The Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which our pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which we operate, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe'sand Europe’s tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates;equivalent; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company'sCompany’s three geographical segments. See Note 9, “Income Taxes”.

While third quarter sales were down 1.9% fromAfter record bookings throughout 2018, the sameCompany has experienced slower bookings during the first half of 2019 as customers work through their inventory on hand. The Company experienced margin pressure during the second quarter of 2016, we2019 due to lower sales volumes and high material costs from 2018 which continue to seerun through the Company’s statement of operations.  As a positive book-to-bill ratio for our powerresult of these ongoing factors, the Company expects the balance of 2019 to remain challenging from both a sales and connectivity products.  Demand within our Connectivity Solutions business remains strong, largely driven by activity within our military-aerospace accounts and through our distribution partners.  Our Power Solutions and Protection business has shown progress in recent quarters with design wins in the areas of e-Mobility, industrial and datacenter applications, which will help to mitigate the declines we've seen with lower spending from some of our traditional networking customers.  Until our top line sales showmargin perspective.    The preceding sentence represents a steady upward trend, we will continue to assess the cost structure of the overall business to keep our fixed costs as efficient as possible.Forward-Looking Statement.  See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”

Summary by Operating Segment

Net sales to external customers by operating segment for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were as follows:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
North America $59,537   47% $63,305   49% $184,873   50% $196,955   52% $67,066   53% $71,240   50% $131,653   52% $130,696   50%
Asia  45,919   36%  47,188   37%  127,801   34%  126,673   33%  39,324   31%  45,914   33%  76,601   30%  84,535   33%
Europe  20,930   17%  18,316   14%  58,997   16%  57,986   15%  21,026   16%  23,556   17%  44,551   18%  43,730   17%
 $126,386   100% $128,809   100% $371,671   100% $381,614   100% $127,416   100% $140,710   100% $252,805   100% $258,961   100%


The decline
20

Return to Index

Sales declines in our North America sales noted above was primarily due to a reduction in Power Solutions sales in North America of $4.6 millionsegment during the three months ended September 30, 2017 andsecond quarter of $10.3 million2019 reflected lower sales into our distribution channel as our distribution partners continue to work down their level of inventory on hand.  Sales of our connector products into military applications were also lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 assecond quarter of 2019 compared to the same periodsperiod of 2016.2018, impacting our North America and European segment sales were also impacted by a declinesales.  Sales in sales of our modular plugs and cable assemblies within our Stewart Connector business where two major customers merged and in-sourced much of these products.  This resulted in lower sales of $1.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and of $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016.   The increase in sales in Asia notedsegment in the table above forsecond quarter of 2019 were down versus 2018 as a result of customers working down heighted inventory levels which had been built up during 2018 in response to new product launches and the nine-month period was primarily driven by increased demand for our ICM products which are manufacturedtariffs that went into effect in that region. See Net Sales, Magnetic Solutions, below.  The decline for the three-month period resulted from lower sales of our custom module2018 and DC-DC products, offset in part by the increase in ICM sales.  The year-over-year sales growth in our Europe segment was led by our Bel Power Europe group in Italy, which we acquired in 2012, as they have been successful in penetrating the marine and industrial markets in Europe with their AC-DC power products.2019.

Net sales and income from operations by operating segment for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were as follows. Segment net sales are attributed to individual segments based on the geographic source of the billing for customer sales.


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Total segment sales:                        
North America $62,348  $66,503  $193,473  $206,232  $69,450  $74,602  $136,923  $137,173 
Asia  66,534   71,334   193,364   197,952   63,062   70,005   125,372   126,144 
Europe  23,633   21,417   67,434   67,222   25,734   27,630   52,598   51,942 
Total segment sales  152,515   159,254   454,271   471,406   158,246   172,237   314,893   315,259 
Reconciling item:                                
Intersegment sales  (26,129)  (30,445)  (82,600)  (89,792)  (30,830)  (31,527)  (62,088)  (56,298)
Net sales $126,386  $128,809  $371,671  $381,614  $127,416  $140,710  $252,805  $258,961 
                                
Income from operations:                                
North America $104  $693  $1,781  $(41,103) $2,373  $2,963  $1,880  $2,661 
Asia  5,408   8,332   11,759   (25,026)  270   5,319   1,283   5,234 
Europe  1,020   284   2,090   (18,006)  2,310   2,385   4,604   3,209 
 $6,532  $9,309  $15,630  $(84,135) $4,953  $10,667  $7,767  $11,104 


The non-cash impairment charge recordedIncome from operations declined across all segments during the second quarter of 2019 as compared with the same quarter of 2018 primary due to lower sales volume.  Our Asia segment was also impacted by $0.4 million of restructuring charges during the second quarter of 2019.  During the first half of 2016 related to goodwill and other intangible assets impacted all of the Company's operating segments in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.  See Note 12, Segments, for the allocation of this charge by operating segment.  Excluding this impairment charge,2019, income from operations by operating segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $2.9 million forour North America $16.6segment was unfavorably impacted by $0.9 million for Asiaof restructuring costs associated with the transition of manufacturing and $2.3 million for Europe.

Excluding the impairment charge, incomewarehouse operations from operationsour Inwood, New York facility to other existing Bel facilities, and higher labor costs in North America decreased by $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 primarily due to a $3.4 million reduction of value-added tax (VAT) expenses as discussed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expense section below during the 2016 period, which did not occur in 2017.  This was partially offset by lower incentive compensation recorded in North America in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.  Excluding the impairment charge, Asia operating income was $4.8 million lower in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 largely due to a $1.8 million reduction of VAT expenses in Asia recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which did not occur in 2017, coupled with lower segment sales in Asia in 2017.  The slight decline in Europe operating income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 was primarilyMexico due to an unfavorable varianceincrease in foreign currency exchange (a loss of $2.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to a loss of $0.2 million in the same period of 2016 within the Europe segment), largely offset by margin improvementminimum wage rates which went into effect on flat sales.January 1, 2019.

Net Sales

The Company'sCompany’s net sales by major product line for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were as follows:

 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Connectivity solutions $42,536   33% $48,928   35% $86,897   35% $91,846   35%
Magnetic solutions $44,002   35% $41,449   32% $122,468   33% $116,285   31%  40,852   32%  45,548   32%  79,108   31%  83,776   33%
Connectivity solutions  42,837   34%  41,666   32%  128,350   35%  130,009   34%
Power solutions and protection  39,547   31%  45,694   36%  120,853   32%  135,320   35%  44,028   35%  46,234   33%  86,800   34%  83,339   32%
 $126,386   100% $128,809   100% $371,671   100% $381,614   100% $127,416   100% $140,710   100% $252,805   100% $258,961   100%

Connectivity Solutions:

Sales of our connectivity solutions products during the second quarter of 2019 declined $6.4 million primarily due to lower demand from military customers during the quarter, and reduced volume of product flowing through our distribution channels as our distribution partners continue to work down inventory levels that had been built up in 2018 ahead of the tariffs.  These factors also impacted the six-month period ended June 30, 2019, which declined $4.9 million from the same period of 2018, partially offset by higher sales to aerospace customers during the first quarter of 2019.

21

Return to Index
Magnetic Solutions:

Demand forSales of our ICM/TRPmagnetic products remained strong in the third quarter of 2017 for both our established 1-gig and 10-gig ICMs as well as our recently released multi-gig variants.  Duringduring the second quarter and third quartersfirst half of 2017, we benefited2019 were down $4.7 million from a majoritythe same periods of the share2018 while inventory levels built up in advance of a new product introduction at one of our large OEM customers, which accounted for the majority of the year-over-year increase noted above for the nine-month period.

17

program launch during 2018 are worked through.

Power Solutions and Protection:

The decline inSales of our power solutions and protection products duringwere $2.2 million lower in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017 as2019 compared to the same quarter of 2016 was primarily attributable to a $4.6 million reduction in2018.  Sales of our Bel Power Solutions sales.  Sales within the Power Solutions business continueproducts into datacenter applications decreased by $1.9 million and sales of our Custom Module products were $0.8 million lower as compared to be challenged as spending levels within our networking and storage customers have declined, while recent project wins in the areas of e-Mobility and datacenters are not yet in full production.  This business was also impacted by the phase-out of revenue associated with its NPS product line (sold in 2015), as we transition off of a 2-year manufacturing services agreement. The year-over-year decline waslast year’s second quarter.  These decreases were partially offset by a $1.7$0.8 million increase in sales of our AC/DC/DC converter products at our Bel Power Europe group in Italy (acquired in 2012) and higher circuit protection productpower products.  Sales during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 increased by $3.5 million from the same period of 2018, as stronger sales of $0.2 million ininto datacenter applications during the thirdfirst quarter of 2017 as compared to2019 lessened the thirdimpact of the second quarter of 2016.declines on the six-month period.

Connectivity Solutions:

Sales of our connectivity solutions products were strong in the third quarter of 2017, led by increased activity within key military-aerospace programs.  Within our distribution channel, sales of connectivity products continued to have year-over-year growth into the third quarter.  These gains in the third quarter were partially offset by lower demand for plugs and structured cabling within our Stewart Connector business where two of our major customers merged and in-sourced much of these products.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 consisted of the following:


 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
 September 30,  September 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
 2017  2016  2017  2016  2019  2018  2019  2018 
Material costs  38.2%  42.1%  39.7%  41.8%  45.7%  41.9%  43.8%  41.4%
Labor costs  11.0%  10.3%  10.4%  10.3%  10.6%  11.5%  11.0%  11.4%
Research and development expenses  5.4%  5.1%  5.5%  5.2%  5.4%  5.2%  5.6%  5.7%
Other expenses  23.5%  21.9%  22.9%  23.0%  22.7%  20.8%  22.4%  22.1%
Total cost of sales  78.1%  79.4%  78.5%  80.3%  84.4%  79.4%  82.8%  80.6%


Material costs as a percentage of sales were lowercontinued to increase during the threesecond quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 asfirst half of 2019 compared to the same periodperiods of 2016,2018 primarily due to the decline in sales withinindustry-wide supply constraints related to certain of our power solutions and protection group, as those products carry a higherpurchased components during 2018.  The finished goods shipped during the second quarter of 2019 still contained some of the higher-cost raw material content than our other product lines.components.

Labor costs as a percentage of sales increasedalso declined during both the threesecond quarter and ninefirst six months ended September 30, 2017 asof 2019 compared to the same periods of 2016 primarily due2018 as a more favorable exchange rate environment related to the increaseChinese Renminbi offset the overall impact of minimum wage increases in salesthe PRC and Mexico.  The PRC government increased the minimum wage in the regions where Bel’s factories are located in February and July of our labor-intensive magnetic products.2018.  Furthermore, the minimum wage rates in Mexico increased effective January 1, 2019 which also drove labor costs higher in the second quarter and first half of 2019.

Included in cost of sales is research and development ("(“R&D"&D”) expense of $6.9 million and $6.6$7.4 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and $20.3$14.0 million and $19.7$14.7 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.  The lower R&D expenses in 2019 as compared to the respective 2018 periods is largely reflective of cost savings related to the realignment of our Power Solutions R&D resources earlier in 2019.

The other expenses noted in the table above include fixed cost items such as support labor and fringe, expense, depreciation and amortization, expense, and facility costs (rent, utilities, insurance).  In total, these other expenses increased by $1.6 million during the third quarter of 2017 due to higher tooling, repairs and maintenance and overhead costs during the 2017 period.  For the nine-month period, these other expenses decreased by $2.4 million year-over-year due to a $2.0 million decrease in support labor and fringe expense and an $0.8 million reduction in depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in tooling and other overhead costs.


Selling, General and Administrative Expense ("SG&A")

SG&A expense increased $1.5 million and $8.9 million during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019 by $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as compared with the same periods of 2016.  These increases consisted of the following:

  Increase (Decrease) 
  Compared to Same Period of 2016 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2017  September 30, 2017 
VAT expenses $-  $5,155 
Legal and professional fees  612   789 
Sales commissions, advertising and other selling costs  519   148 
Net foreign currency exchange gains/losses  357   3,045 
ERP system implementation consulting costs  395   1,483 
Salaries and fringe benefits  39   (1,336)
Other  (404)  (432)
     Total increase $1,518  $8,852 

The variance in VAT expenses related to settlement of a tax liability which was originally recorded during the acquisition of the Power Solutions business.  This acquired operating tax exposure was settled in full by the end of the second quarter of 2016, resulting in a reversal of these amounts in SG&A.

Legal and professional fees increased year-over-year during both the three- and nine-month periods due to a shift in timing of work related to our annual audit, and incremental consulting costs incurred in connection with the implementation of the new revenue recognition standard (see Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies). Sales commissions and other selling costs increased during both period presented due to the shift in mix of products sold, as higher commissions are incurred on our connectivity sales as compared to sales of our power products.  The unfavorable variance in net foreign currency exchange noted above was primarily due to the translation of intercompany balances between U.S. and foreign subsidiaries.  For further information related to our ERP system implementation consulting costs, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.  Salaries and fringe benefits were lower during the nine-month period of 2017 due to lower compensation costs recorded during the first and second quarters of 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016,2018, primarily due to lower depreciation and cost savings realized from recent restructuring efforts.amortization expense in the 2019 periods.

ImpairmentSelling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A”)

SG&A expenses were $18.8 million, up $0.5 million from the second quarter of Goodwill2018. Included within SG&A expenses is a foreign exchange gain of $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2019 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2018.  Excluding the effects of foreign exchange gains, SG&A expense was down $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018, led by reductions in ERP costs of $0.5 million and Other Intangible Assetssales and marketing expenses of $0.3 million from last year’s second quarter.

SG&A expenses were $38.6 million, down from $39.0 million in the first half of 2018. Factors contributing to the lower SG&A expense in the 2019 period were lower legal and professional fees and a reduction in sales and marketing expenses from the 2018 period. These reductions were partially offset by a $1.0 million unfavorable swing in foreign exchange rates (a loss of $0.1 million in the first half of 2019 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $0.9 million in the first half of 2018).

22

Return to Index
Provision for Income Taxes

The Company recorded a $106.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to its goodwill and trademarks during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  The impairment charge did not impact our cash expenditures, liquidity, financial performance, compliance with our debt covenants or affect the ongoing business.

Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Property, Plant and Equipment

In July 2016, the Company closed on the sale of a property in Hong Kong which had a net book value of less than $0.1 million.  The consideration received related to this sale was $2.1 million.  The Company recorded a gain on sale related to this property of $2.1 million during the third quarter of 2016.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which the pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which the Company operates, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe'sand Europe’s tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates;equivalent; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company'sCompany’s three geographical segments.  See Note 9, “Income Taxes”.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 was less than $0.1$0.4 million and ($1.7)$2.4 million, respectively.  The Company'sCompany’s earnings (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019, were approximately $2.9$5.6 million lower than the same period in 2016,2018, primarily attributable to a decreaselower earnings in the Asia segment income.and Europe segments.  The Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate was 1.2%12.4% and (21.2%)26.6% for the three month periodsmonths ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.  The change in the effective tax rate during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the same period in 2016 was2018, is primarily attributable to increased foreigna decrease in U.S. taxes due to the reversal of valuation allowances relating to net operating loss carryforwardsincome from foreign subsidiaries taxed in 2016,the U.S. as well as an increase in taxes related to uncertain tax positions.part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  See Note 9, “Income Taxes.”

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 was $2.3$0.5 million and ($20.7)$2.7 million, respectively.  The Company'sCompany’s earnings (loss) before benefit for income taxes for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 were approximately $100.1$3.5 million higherlower than the same period in 2016,2018, primarily attributable to lower earnings in the $106.0 million impairment of the goodwillAsia and intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.Europe segment.   The Company'sCompany’s effective tax rate was 20.8%10.1% and 23.3%33.8% for the nine monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively.  The change in the effective tax rate during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the same period of 2016,2018, is primarily attributable to a decrease in U.S. taxes relating to income from foreign subsidiaries taxed in the tax effect related to the impairmentU.S. as part of the goodwillTax Cuts and intangible assets, as well asJobs Act and the settlementimpact of the liability for uncertainpermanent differences on U.S. tax positions in 2016.  Additionally, the increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, is attributable to U.S. and foreign taxes accrued for gains recognized on a Bel Fuse legal entity restructuring transaction.exempt activities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of cash are the collection of trade receivables generated from the sales of our products and services to our customers and amounts available under our existing lines of credit, including our credit facility. Our primary uses of cash are payments for operating expenses, investments in working capital, capital expenditures, interest, taxes, dividends, debt obligations and other long-term liabilities. We believe that our current liquidity position and future cash flows from operations will enable us to fund our operations, including all of the items mentioned above in the next twelve months.

CashAt June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $37.6 million and $46.3 million, respectively (or 64% and 86%, respectively), of cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries of the Company.  During the first half of 2019, the Company amountedrepatriated $10.0 million of funds from outside of the U.S., with minimal incremental tax liability, and completed an intercompany loan from one of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries to $54.6its U.S. parent entity during the second quarter.  Management has current intentions to repatriate an additional $5.0 million at September 30, 2017 and $61.1 million at December 31, 2016 (representing 88% and 83%of funds from outside of the U.S., respectively,with a minimal incremental tax liability, by the end of total cash2019 with the intent of reducing our outstanding debt balance.  The preceding sentence represents a Forward-Looking Statement.  See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information." We continue to analyze our global working capital and cash equivalents at each period-end).  Management's intention isrequirements and the potential tax liabilities attributable to permanently reinvestfurther repatriation, and we have yet to make any further determination regarding repatriation of funds from outside the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and there are no current plans that would indicate a need to repatriate those earningsU.S. to fund the Company'sCompany’s U.S. operations.operations in the future.  In the event foreign earningsthese funds were needed to fund the Company'sfor Bel’s U.S. operations, and were repatriated by way of a taxable distribution, the Company would be required to accrue and pay U.S. state taxes and any applicable foreign withholding taxes to repatriate these funds.

Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable comprised approximately 34.0%31.7% of the Company'sCompany’s total assets at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 34.632.9% of total assets at December 31, 2016.2018. The Company'sCompany’s current ratio (i.e., the ratio of current assets to current liabilities) was 2.73.2 to 1 at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2.82.7 to 1 at December 31, 2016.2018.

On September 19,In June 2014, the Company entered into a senior Credit and Security Agreement, ("CSA") (see Note 7, Debt, for additional details).which was subsequently amended in March 2016, and further amended and refinanced in December 2017.  The CSA, as amended,Credit and Security Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and events of default and financial covenants that measure (i) the ratio of the Company's total funded indebtedness, on a consolidated basis, to the amount of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated EBITDA, as defined ("(“Leverage Ratio"Ratio”), and (ii) the ratio of the amount of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated EBITDA to the Company'sCompany’s consolidated fixed charges.charges (“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSACredit and Security Agreement would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due thereunder and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants, including its most restrictive covenant, the LeverageFixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  The unused credit available under the credit facility at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was $46.0$75.0 million, of which we had the ability to borrow $29.6$37.1 million without violating our Leverage Ratio covenant based on the Company'sCompany’s existing consolidated EBITDA.

We are currently engaged in a multi-year process of conforming the majority of our operations onto one global ERP system.Enterprise Resource Planning system (“ERP”).  The ERP is designed to improve the efficiency of our supply chain and financial transaction processes, accurately maintain our books and records, and provide information important to the operation of the business to our management team. The implementation of the ERP is being conducted by business unitunits on a three phasethree-phase approach through 2019.2020. We currently estimate total costs related toover the course of this system implementation to be between $4 million to $5 million.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred consulting costs in connection with this implementation of $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which are included in SG&A in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We anticipate future expenses of approximately $0.5 million per quarter through the end of 2018, and at a reduced level in 2019.  Upon completion of the implementation of the new ERP, we anticipate lower maintenance and lower external information and technology support fees resulting in annual savings of approximately $2$6.9 million.  The preceding sentence represents a Forward-Looking Statement.  See "Cautionary“Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."Information.”  Since inception of the project, we have incurred a cumulative amount of $6.5 million in connection with this implementation, of which $0.4 million and $1.4 million in implementation costs was incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.  These costs are included in SG&A on the condensed consolidated financial statements.  The first phase of the ERP implementation project was completed in the first quarter of 2019 with the Power Solutions business going live on the new system effective January 1, 2019.  In relation to this first phase completed, we started realizing annualized cost savings of approximately $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2019. The preceding sentence represents a Forward-Looking Statement.  See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information.”

23

Return to Index

Cash Flows

Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company'sCompany’s cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.5 million.  This increase was primarily due to the following:

·net cash provided by operating activities of $7.8 million;
·purchases of property, plant and equipment of $5.3 million;
·dividend payments of $1.6 million; and
·repayments of long-term debt of $1.5 million

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, accounts receivable decreased by $7.7 million primarily due to lower sales during the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.  Days sales outstanding (DSO) increased slightly to 60 days at June 30, 2019 from 59 days at December 31, 2018.  Inventory decreased by $1.8 million at June 30, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018.  Inventory turns were 3.6 at June 30, 2019 as compared to 3.7 at December 31, 2018.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased by $11.3 million$13.6 million.  This decrease was primarily due to the following factors:following:

·purchases of property, plant and equipment of $3.8$5.9 million;
·dividend payments of $2.3 million; and
·repayments of long-term debt of $25.2$7.5 million; and
·dividend payments of $1.6 million; partially offset by
·net cash provided by operating activitiesoperations of $14.2 million; and
·net borrowings under our revolving credit line of $4.0 million$1.2 million.

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, accounts receivable increased by $7.9$10.5 million primarily due to higher sales volume in the thirdsecond quarter of 20172018 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.2017.  Days sales outstanding (DSO) increaseddeclined to 6058 days at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 from 5460 days at December 31, 2016, primary due2017.  Effective January 1, 2018, the extensionCompany implemented a change in the timing of credit termsrevenue recognition (and related release of inventory from our books) in connection with onethe adoption of our large customers, as well asASC 606.  Excluding the increase in revenue (and resulting accounts receivable balance) in our Asia segment where DSO tendsadoption adjustment related to be higher as compared to our other geographic segments.  Inventory levels were upthis accounting change, inventory increased by $3.3$10.6 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 compared to December 31, 2016 as work2017, primarily in progress and finished goods balancesraw materials.  The increased from year-end levelsraw materials balance was driven by a higher volume of raw materials purchased to accommodate the increase inincreased demand for our products, coupled with higher material costs in 2017.2018 resulting from constraints in component availability.  Inventory turns increased from 3.6 at December 31, 2017 to 4.2 at June 30, 2018, primarily due to the change in revenue recognition accounting noted above.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management'sManagement’s discussion and analysis of Bel'sBel’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company'sCompany’s condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, investments, warranties, SERP expense, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

24

Return to Index

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The discussion of new financial accounting standards applicable to the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 to the Company'sCompany’s Financial Statements, "Basis“Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies," included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates associated with its long-term debt.  There have not been any material changes with regard to market riskDuring the first half of 2019, the U.S. Dollar was stronger against most other currencies in which the Company pays its expenses.  In comparing average exchange rates during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.first half of 2019 versus those during the first half of 2018, the Euro depreciated by 7%, the Pound depreciated by 6%, the Peso depreciated by 1% and the Renminbi depreciated by 6% against the U.S. Dollar.  The Company estimates that the depreciation in these foreign currencies led to lower operating costs of $3.2 million, as the majority of our expenses in the PRC, Europe and Mexico are paid in local currency.  This offset the foreign exchange loss recognized in the first half of 2019 of $0.1 million on translation of local currency balance sheet accounts to the U.S. Dollar in consolidation, resulting from foreign currency fluctuations since December 31, 2018.  Refer to Item 7A, "Management's“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the Company'sCompany’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 for further discussion of market risks.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures:  As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company'sCompany’s management, including the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, of the effectiveness of the Company'sCompany’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Company'sCompany’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance concluded that the Company'sCompany’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting:  There has not been any changewere no significant changes in the Company'sCompany’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2017Company’s last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that hashave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.     Other Information

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1113 of the Company'sCompany’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, under "Legal Proceedings"“Legal Proceedings”, as set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We are also involved in various other legal actions incidental to our business. We believe, after consulting with counsel, that the disposition of these other legal proceedings and matters will not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk“Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Except as required by the federal securities law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any risk factor, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's purchase of shares of its Class A Common Stock during each calendar month in the quarter ended September 30, 2017:

Period Total Number of Shares Purchased  Average Price Paid per Share  Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs  Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan 
             
July 1 - July 31, 2017  -  $-   -   - 
August 1 - August 31, 2017  -   -   -   - 
September 1 - September 30, 2017  4,109   24.70   4,109   20,173 
                 
Total  4,109  $24.70   4,109   20,173 

Pursuant to the Bel Fuse Inc. Employees' Savings Plan (the "Employees' Savings Plan"), the Company makes matching contributions of pre-tax elective deferral contributions made by associates.  Effective for matching contributions made for years after 2016, the Employees' Savings Plan provides for matching contributions to be invested in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. The trustees of the Employees' Savings Plan adopted a "10b5-1 Plan," in accordance with guidelines specified by Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to make open market purchases of shares of Class A Common Stock with such matching contributions.  The purchases in the table above were made under the 10b5-1 Plan. The maximum dollar amount for cumulative purchases under the 10b5-1 Plan during the plan period (September 14, 2017 to February 15, 2018) will not exceed $650,000.  The September 30, 2017 closing price was used to calculate the Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plan.



Item 6.  Exhibits
 
  
(a) Exhibits:
 
  
  
31.1*Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
31.2*Certification of the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  
32.1 32.1***
  
32.2 32.2***
  
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document
  
101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  

*   Filed herewith.
**       ** Submitted herewith.

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



 BEL FUSE INC.
NovemberAugust 6, 20172019 
By:/s/ Daniel Bernstein
 Daniel Bernstein
 President and Chief Executive Officer
  
By:/s/ Craig Brosious
 Craig Brosious
 Vice President of Finance and Secretary
 (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)







2427