Unassociated Document

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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarter ended September 30, 2011

Commission file number: 001-13337

STONERIDGE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                   Ohio                  
 
  34-1598949  
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio
 
  44484  
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

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

The number of Common Shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 21, 2011 was 25,575,828.

 
 

 
 
STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX
 
Page
     
PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (as adjusted)
 
2
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (as adjusted)
 
3
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 (as adjusted)
 
4
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
5
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
20
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
33
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
33
       
PART II–OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
34
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
34
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
34
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
34
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
 
34
Item 5.
Other Information
 
34
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
34
       
Signatures
   
35
Index to Exhibits
 
36
EX – 31.1
EX – 31.2
EX – 32.1
EX – 32.2

 
1

 

PART I–FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item. 1  Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
 
ASSETS
     
             
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 43,235     $ 71,974  
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $1,612 and $2,013, respectively
    129,972       102,600  
Inventories, net
    72,229       54,959  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    22,724       20,443  
Total current assets
    268,160       249,976  
                 
 Long-term assets:
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    81,902       76,576  
Investments and other long-term assets, net
    63,300       60,184  
Total long-term assets
    145,202       136,760  
Total assets
  $ 413,362     $ 386,736  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 12,884     $ 1,689  
Accounts payable
    77,157       68,341  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    52,567       42,753  
Total current liabilities
    142,608       112,783  
                 
Long-term liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    170,081       167,903  
Other long-term liabilities
    12,583       14,831  
Total long-term liabilities
    182,664       182,734  
                 
 Shareholders' equity
               
Preferred shares, without par value, authorized 5,000 shares, none issued
    -       -  
Common shares, without par value, authorized 60,000 shares, issued 26,451 and 25,994 shares and outstanding 25,576 and 25,393 shares, respectively, with no stated value
    -       -  
Additional paid-in capital
    165,205       161,587  
Common shares held in treasury, 875 and 601 shares, respectively, at cost
    (1,869 )     (1,118 )
Accumulated deficit
    (66,838 )     (77,620 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (12,501 )     4,062  
Total Stoneridge Inc. and subsidiaries shareholders' equity
    83,997       86,911  
Noncontrolling interest
    4,093       4,308  
Total shareholders' equity
    88,090       91,219  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 413,362     $ 386,736  

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

 
2

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
         
As adjusted
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 195,864     $ 160,436     $ 579,325     $ 474,772  
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of goods sold
    158,413       123,838       464,866       364,978  
Selling, general and administrative
    30,454       31,011       93,349       92,026  
                                 
Operating income
    6,997       5,587       21,110       17,768  
                                 
Interest expense, net
    4,247       5,720       12,802       16,956  
Equity in earnings of investees
    (1,353 )     (3,884 )     (5,077 )     (6,186 )
Other (income) expense, net
    (1,697 )     559       (164 )     (1,140 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    5,800       3,192       13,549       8,138  
                                 
Provision for income taxes
    1,543       1,975       3,378       1,217  
                                 
Net income
    4,257       1,217       10,171       6,921  
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (272 )     (35 )     (611 )     (79 )
                                 
                                 
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 4,529     $ 1,252     $ 10,782     $ 7,000  
                                 
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.05     $ 0.45     $ 0.29  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    24,164       23,972       24,114       23,939  
                                 
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.05     $ 0.44     $ 0.29  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    24,589       24,357       24,574       24,359  

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

 
3

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30 (in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
 
             
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 10,171     $ 6,921  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used for) provided by operating activities -
               
Depreciation
    14,689       14,280  
Amortization, including accretion of debt discount
    834       876  
Deferred income taxes
    1,130       (184 )
Earnings of equity method investees
    (5,077 )     (6,186 )
Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets
    12       (12 )
Share-based compensation expense, net
    2,950       1,607  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities -
               
Accounts receivable, net
    (27,841 )     (28,163 )
Inventories, net
    (17,543 )     (11,641 )
Prepaid expenses and other
    (3,099 )     (695 )
Accounts payable
    9,228       15,425  
Accrued expenses and other
    (2,876 )     11,004  
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities
    (17,422 )     3,232  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures
    (20,718 )     (10,417 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    5       25  
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest
    396       -  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (20,317 )     (10,392 )
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from issuance of other debt
    1,408       696  
Repayments of debt
    (919 )     (210 )
Revolving credit facility borrowings
    10,993       6,843  
Revolving credit facility payments
    (457 )     (6,405 )
Other financing costs
    (96 )     -  
Repurchase of shares to satisfy employee tax withholding
    (751 )     -  
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation expense
    -       306  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    10,178       1,230  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (1,178 )     (1,083 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (28,739 )     (7,013 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    71,974       91,907  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 43,235     $ 84,894  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
               
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
  $ 1,983     $ -  

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

 
4

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

(1)  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or “SEC”).  The information furnished in the condensed consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the Commission’s rules and regulations.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, it is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

(2)  Change in Accounting Principle

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company elected to change the method of valuing inventories for certain U.S. businesses to the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, while in prior years, these inventories were valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  As a result of this change in accounting principle, all inventories are valued using the FIFO method.  The Company believes the change is preferable as it conforms the Company’s inventory costing methods for all inventories to a single method and improves comparability with industry peers.  The FIFO method also better reflects current acquisition cost of those inventories on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  The Company has applied this change in method of inventory costing retrospectively to all prior periods presented herein in accordance with accounting principles relating to accounting changes.  The effect of retrospectively applying the change on the Company’s inventory costing method increased the inventory balance and reduced the accumulated deficit balance by $2,410 as of January 1, 2010.  There were no tax effects for the adjustments for any periods presented below due to the fact that the Company has a full valuation allowance recorded against its U.S. deferred tax assets.

 
5

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Presented below are the effects of the change in accounting principle for inventory costs on the condensed consolidated financial statements for 2011 and 2010.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

Three months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
   
Computed
   
Impact of
   
Reported
         
Impact of
       
   
under
   
change
   
under
   
Originally
   
change
   
As
 
   
LIFO
   
to FIFO
   
FIFO
   
reported
   
to FIFO
   
adjusted
 
                                     
Cost of goods sold
  $ 158,320     $ 93     $ 158,413     $ 124,406     $ (568 )   $ 123,838  
Operating income
  $ 7,090     $ (93 )   $ 6,997     $ 5,019     $ 568     $ 5,587  
Income before income taxes
  $ 5,893     $ (93 )   $ 5,800     $ 2,624     $ 568     $ 3,192  
Net income
  $ 4,350     $ (93 )   $ 4,257     $ 649     $ 568     $ 1,217  
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 4,622     $ (93 )   $ 4,529     $ 684     $ 568     $ 1,252  
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.00     $ 0.19     $ 0.03     $ 0.02     $ 0.05  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.00     $ 0.18     $ 0.03     $ 0.02     $ 0.05  
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
   
Computed
   
Impact of
   
Reported
         
Impact of
       
   
under
   
change
   
under
   
Originally
   
change
   
As
 
   
LIFO
   
to FIFO
   
FIFO
   
reported
   
to FIFO
   
adjusted
 
                                     
Cost of goods sold
  $ 466,500     $ (1,634 )   $ 464,866     $ 365,595     $ (617 )   $ 364,978  
Operating income
  $ 19,476     $ 1,634     $ 21,110     $ 17,151     $ 617     $ 17,768  
Income before income taxes
  $ 11,915     $ 1,634     $ 13,549     $ 7,521     $ 617     $ 8,138  
Net income
  $ 8,537     $ 1,634     $ 10,171     $ 6,304     $ 617     $ 6,921  
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 9,148     $ 1,634     $ 10,782     $ 6,383     $ 617     $ 7,000  
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.38     $ 0.07     $ 0.45     $ 0.27     $ 0.02     $ 0.29  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.37     $ 0.07     $ 0.44     $ 0.26     $ 0.03     $ 0.29  
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
                                     
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
                                     
   
Computed
   
Impact of
   
Reported
         
Impact of
       
   
under
   
change
   
under
   
Originally
   
change
   
As
 
   
LIFO
   
to FIFO
   
FIFO
   
reported
   
to FIFO
   
adjusted
 
                                     
Inventories, net
  $ 67,465     $ 4,764     $ 72,229     $ 51,828     $ 3,131     $ 54,959  
Total current assets
  $ 263,396     $ 4,764     $ 268,160     $ 246,845     $ 3,131     $ 249,976  
Total assets
  $ 408,598     $ 4,764     $ 413,362     $ 383,605     $ 3,131     $ 386,736  
Accumulated deficit
  $ (71,602 )   $ 4,764     $ (66,838 )   $ (80,751 )   $ 3,131     $ (77,620 )
Total Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries shareholders' equity
  $ 79,233     $ 4,764     $ 83,997     $ 83,780     $ 3,131     $ 86,911  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 83,326     $ 4,764     $ 88,090     $ 88,088     $ 3,131     $ 91,219  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 408,598     $ 4,764     $ 413,362     $ 383,605     $ 3,131     $ 386,736  
 
 
6

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)
  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
   
Computed
   
Impact of
   
Reported
         
Impact of
       
   
under
   
change
   
under
   
Originally
   
change
   
As
 
   
LIFO
   
to FIFO
   
FIFO
   
reported
   
to FIFO
   
adjusted
 
                                     
Net income
  $ 8,537     $ 1,634     $ 10,171     $ 6,304     $ 617     $ 6,921  
Change in inventories, net
  $ (15,909 )   $ (1,634 )   $ (17,543 )   $ (11,024 )   $ (617 )   $ (11,641 )

(3)  Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  As discussed in Note 2, effective January 1, 2011, the Company elected to change its costing method to the FIFO method for all inventories.  The Company adopted this change in accounting principle by adjusting all prior periods presented retrospectively. The Company adjusts its excess and obsolescence reserve at least on a quarterly basis.  Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period.  The Company has guidelines for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on hand compared to anticipated sales or usage.  Management uses its judgment to forecast sales or usage and to determine what constitutes a reasonable period.  Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead.  Inventories consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 48,195     $ 35,793  
Work-in-progress
    10,253       9,454  
Finished goods
    13,781       9,712  
Total inventories, net
  $ 72,229     $ 54,959  

(4)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument.  The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior secured notes at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, per quoted market sources, was $175,548 and $187,798, respectively.  The face amount of this financial instrument as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $175,000.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

On September 30, 2011, the Company had open foreign currency forward contracts, fixed price commodity contracts and an interest rate swap.  These contracts are used solely for hedging and not for speculative purposes.  Management believes that its use of these instruments to reduce risk is in the Company’s best interest.  The counterparties to these financial instruments are financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings.
 
 
7

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

The Company conducts business internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk.  The Company uses derivative financial instruments as cash flow and fair value hedges to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions and other foreign currency exposures.  The currencies currently hedged by the Company include the euro, Swedish krona and Mexican peso.  In certain instances, the foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as a component of other (income) expense, net.  The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts substantially offset gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency denominated transactions.  As of September 30, 2011, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s Euro-denominated and Swedish krona-denominated intercompany loans.  These contracts expire on December 30, 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recognized a $628 loss related to euro and Swedish krona contracts.  The Company also holds contracts intended to reduce exposure to the Mexican peso.  In August of 2011, the Company entered into three foreign currency forward contracts related to the Mexican peso.  The first contract was for $28,223 of Mexican peso equivalents and expires monthly from August 2011 to December 2011.  The second contract is for $30,000 of Mexican peso equivalents and expires monthly from January 2012 to December 2012.  And the third contract is for $10,000 of Mexican peso equivalents and expires monthly from January 2012 to December 2012.  These contracts were executed to hedge forecasted transactions, and therefore the contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss is deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.  The Company’s expectation is that the cash flow hedges will be highly effective in the future.  The effectiveness of the transactions has been and will be measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis.

To mitigate the risk of future price volatility and, consequently, fluctuations in gross margins, the Company entered into fixed price commodity contracts with a financial institution to fix the cost of a portion of the Company’s copper purchases.  In March 2011, the Company entered into fixed price commodity contracts for 1,200 pounds of copper and covers the period from April 2011 to December 2012.  In May 2011, the Company entered into two fixed price commodity contracts.  The first contract was for 938 pounds of copper which covers the period from June 2011 to December 2011.  The other commodity contract was for 2,000 pounds of copper and covers the period from January 2012 to December 2012.  In August of 2011, the Company entered into two additional commodity contracts.  The first contract was for 801 pounds of copper and covers the period from October 2011 to December 2011.  The second contract was for 3,500 pounds of copper and covers the period from January 2012 through December of 2012.  In September of 2011, the Company entered into an additional fixed price commodity contract.  This contract was for 1,000 pounds of copper and covers the period from January 2012 to December 2012.  All of these contracts represent a portion of the Company’s copper purchases.  Because these contracts were executed to hedge a portion of forecasted transactions, the contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges.  The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of the hedges is deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.  Using regression analysis, the Company has concluded that these cash flow hedges are highly effective. The effectiveness of the transactions has been and will be measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis.

On October 4, 2010, the Company entered into a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) with a notional amount of $45,000 to hedge its exposure to fair value fluctuations on a portion of its senior secured notes.  The Swap was designated as a fair value hedge of the fixed interest rate obligation under the Company’s $175,000 9.5% senior secured notes due October 15, 2017.  Under the Swap, the Company pays a variable interest rate equal to the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 7.19% and it receives a fixed interest rate of 9.5%.  The Swap requires semi-annual settlements on April 15 and October 15, beginning on April 15, 2011.  The difference between amounts to be received and paid under the Swap is recognized as a component of interest expense, net on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Swap reduced interest expense by $564 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The critical terms of the Swap are identical to the terms of the senior secured notes, including maturity of October 15, 2017, resulting in no hedge ineffectiveness.  The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of the hedge is deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability, as applicable, with the offset to the carrying value of the senior secured notes.

 
8

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

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

               
Accrued expenses and other
 
         
Prepaid expenses
   
current liabilities /
 
   
Notional amounts (A)
   
and other current assets
   
Other long-term liabilities
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                     
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
             
`
                   
Cash Flow Hedge:
                                   
Forward currency contracts
  $ 56,763     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 6,388     $ -  
Fixed price commodity contracts
    32,497       -       -       -       6,701       -  
Fair Value Hedge:
                                               
Interest rate swap contract
    45,000       45,000       -       -       1,034       3,017  
      134,260       45,000       -       -       14,123       3,017  
                                                 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                               
Forward currency contracts
    27,139       26,917       24       108       -       -  
Total derivatives
  $ 161,399     $ 71,917     $ 24     $ 108     $ 14,123     $ 3,017  

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

Amounts recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income in shareholders’ equity and in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:

   
Amount of loss
recorded
in other
comprehensive
(loss) income
   
Amount of loss
reclassified from
other comprehensive
(loss) income into net
income
 
Location of loss
reclassified from other
comprehensive (loss)
income into net income
               
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
             
Forward currency contracts
  $ 7,369     $ 981  
Cost of goods sold
Commodity contracts
    7,468       63  
Cost of goods sold
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
  $ 14,837     $ 1,044    

Amounts recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income in shareholder’s equity and in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:

   
Amount of loss
recorded in other
comprehensive
(loss) income
   
Amount of loss
reclassified from
other comprehensive
(loss) income into net
income
 
Location of loss
reclassified from other
comprehensive (loss)
income into net income
               
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
             
Forward currency contracts
  $ 7,369     $ 981  
Cost of goods sold
Commodity contracts
    6,788       87  
Cost of goods sold
Total derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
  $ 14,157     $ 1,068    
 
 
9

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

These derivatives will be reclassified from other comprehensive (loss) income to the condensed consolidated statement of operations through December of 2012.  The Company has measured the ineffectiveness of the forward currency and commodity contracts and any amounts recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.  The Company does not have any assets or liabilities that have a fair value estimated using level 3 inputs.

               
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
         
Fair value estimated using
       
   
Fair value
   
Level 1 inputs (A)
   
Level 2 inputs (B)
   
Fair value
 
                         
Financial assets carried at fair value:
                       
                         
Forward currency contracts
  $ 24     $ -     $ 24     $ 108  
Available for sale security
    -       -       -       274  
Total financial assets carried at fair value
  $ 24     $ -     $ 24     $ 382  
                                 
Financial liabilities carried at fair value:
                               
                                 
Forward currency contracts
  $ 6,388     $ -     $ 6,388     $ -  
Interest rate swap contract
    1,034       -       1,034       3,017  
Fixed price commodity contracts
    6,701               6,701       -  
Total financial liabilities carried at fair value
  $ 14,123     $ -     $ 14,123     $ 3,017  

(A)
Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.  The available for sale security is an equity security that is publically traded.

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

(5)  Share-Based Compensation

Total compensation expense for share-based compensation arrangements recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses was $703 and $689 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, total compensation expense recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $2,950 and $1,913, respectively.  Included within financing activities within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is $0 and $306, respectively, of excess tax benefit related to the vesting of restricted common shares.

 
10

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

(6)  Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax are as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
         
As adjusted
 
                         
Net income
  $ 4,257     $ 1,217     $ 10,171     $ 6,921  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                               
Currency translation adjustments
    (7,956 )     3,813       (3,490 )     (2,461 )
Pension liability adjustments
    -       -       -       5,089  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    51       14       16       10  
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    (13,793 )     (190 )     (13,089 )     (276 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (21,698 )     3,637       (16,563 )     2,362  
Consolidated comprehensive (loss) income
    (17,441 )     4,854       (6,392 )     9,283  
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    272       35       611       79  
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ (17,169 )   $ 4,889     $ (5,781 )   $ 9,362  

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax is comprised of the following:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Currency translation adjustments
  $ 588     $ 4,078  
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    -       (16 )
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    (13,089 )     -  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (12,501 )   $ 4,062  

(7)  Long-Term Debt

Senior Secured Notes

On October 4, 2010, the Company issued $175,000 of senior secured notes.  These senior notes bear interest at an annual rate of 9.5% and mature on October 15, 2017.  The senior secured notes are redeemable, at the Company’s option, beginning October 15, 2014 at 104.75%.  Interest payments commenced on April 15, 2011 and are payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year, thereafter.  The senior secured notes indenture limits the amount of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries’ indebtedness, restricts certain payments and includes various other non-financial restrictive covenants.  The senior secured notes are guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing domestic restricted subsidiaries.  All other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee any indebtedness of the Company or its guarantors will also guarantee the senior secured notes.

On September 20, 2010, the Company commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its $183,000 senior notes.  The consent payment deadline was October 1, 2010 and the tender offer expired on October 18, 2010.  For senior notes tendered before the consent payment deadline, the note holders received $1,002.50 for each $1,000.00 of principal amount of notes tendered.  There was $109,733 of senior notes tendered prior to the consent payment deadline and an additional $154 tendered after the consent payment deadline but before the tender offer deadline.  Holders tendering senior notes after the consent payment deadline were eligible to receive only the tender offer consideration of $1,000.00 per $1,000.00 principal amount of senior notes.  On November 4, 2010 all senior notes which were not tendered were redeemed by the Company at par.

 
11

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Credit Facilities

On November 2, 2007, the Company entered into an asset-based credit facility (the “credit facility”), which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100,000.  In connection with the senior secured notes issuance, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”) relating to the credit facility on September 20, 2010 which became effective on October 4, 2010.  The Amended and Restated Agreement (i) provided certain consents necessary for the issuance of the senior secured notes, (ii) extended the expiration date of the credit facility to November 1, 2012 and (iii) granted the facility agent, for the benefit of the lenders, second priority liens and security interests in the collateral subject to first priority liens and security interests in favor of the collateral agent for the holders of the senior secured notes.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, there were $10,000 and $0 in borrowings outstanding on this credit facility, respectively.  The available borrowing capacity on this credit facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had total borrowing capacity of $69,612 and $61,251, respectively, based on eligible current assets and outstanding letters of credit, as defined.  The credit facility does not contain financial performance covenants which would constrain the Company’s borrowing capacity. However, restrictions do include limits on capital expenditures, operating leases, dividends and investment activities in a negative covenant which limits investment activities to $15,000 minus certain guarantees and obligations.  The credit facility expires on November 1, 2012, and requires a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused balance.  Interest is payable quarterly at either (i) the higher of the prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin of 0.00% to 0.25% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.75%, depending upon the Company’s undrawn availability, as defined.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

On October 13, 2009, the Company’s majority owned consolidated subsidiary, Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”), entered into a master revolving note (the “Revolver”), which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $3,000. On September 30, 2011, BCS amended the Revolver to extend the maturity date to September 28, 2012 and maintained the interest rate margin at 2.0%.  The available borrowing capacity on the Revolver is based on an advance formula, as defined.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, BCS had borrowing capacity of $1,410 and $1,089, respectively, based on the advance formula.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, BCS had $1,278 and $742 in borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, respectively.  Interest is payable monthly at the prime referenced rate plus a 2.0% margin.  At September 30, 2011, the interest rate on the Revolver was 5.25%.  The Company is a guarantor of BCS as it relates to the Revolver.  The Revolver contains certain financial restrictive covenants.  BCS violated the fixed charge and tangible net worth covenants related to the Revolver during the first quarter of 2011 and during the fourth quarter of 2010.  BCS received waivers for those covenant violations.  Subsequent to these violations, the fixed charge and tangible net worth covenants have been eliminated from the Revolver through its expiration.

Other Debt

BCS has an installment note.  Interest on the installment note is the prime referenced rate plus a 2.25% margin.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the interest rate on the installment note was 5.5%.  The installment note calls for monthly installment payments of principal and interest and matures in September of 2012.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the principal amount due on the installment note was $190 and $322, respectively.

On August 20, 2010, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary located in Suzhou, China entered into a term loan of 4,690 Chinese yuan, which matured on August 5, 2011.  On September 2, 2011, the subsidiary entered into a new term loan for 9,000 Chinese yuan which was $1,408 at September 30, 2011.  The term loan matures on September 1, 2012.  Interest is payable quarterly at the one-year lending rate published by The People’s Bank of China multiplied by 127.0%.  At September 30, 2011, the interest rate on the term loan was 8.33%.

(8)  Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period.  Diluted net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive Common Shares that were outstanding during the periods presented.  Actual weighted-average Common Shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share were as follows:

 
12

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    24,163,568       23,972,045       24,114,246       23,938,839  
Effect of dilutive securities
    425,325       384,482       460,234       420,110  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    24,588,893       24,356,527       24,574,480       24,358,949  

Options not included in the computation of diluted net income per share to purchase 50,000 and 113,250 Common Shares at an average price of $15.73 and $12.89, respectively, per share were outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These outstanding options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average market price of Company Common Shares.

There were 419,100 and 455,400 performance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because not all vesting conditions were achieved as of September 30, 2011 and 2010.  These shares may or may not become dilutive based on the Company’s ability to meet or exceed future earnings performance targets.

(9)  Restructuring

On October 29, 2007, the Company announced restructuring initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost position by ceasing manufacturing operations at its Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom locations.  In response to the depressed conditions in the North American and European commercial and automotive vehicle markets in 2009, the Company also began restructuring initiatives in its Electronics reportable segment.  During the first quarter of 2010, the Company continued restructuring initiatives within the Electronics segment which began in 2009 and recorded amounts related to its cancelled lease in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom.  In connection with these initiatives, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $0 and $304 in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations as part of selling, general and administrative for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively. These restructuring initiatives are substantially complete.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 the only remaining restructuring related liability relates to the cancelled lease in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom, which the Company has accrued $1,116 and $1,117, respectively, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  There have been no adjustments to the lease liability since December 31, 2010 other than the impact of foreign exchange gains.  There were no restructuring activities related to the Control Devices reportable segment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

(10)  Commitments and Contingencies

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

On October 13, 2009, the Company acquired 51% membership interest in BCS.  The purchase agreement provides that the Company may be required to make additional payments to the previous owners of BCS for the 51% membership interest the Company purchased based on BCS achieving financial performance targets as defined by the purchase agreement.  The maximum amount of additional payments to the prior owners of BCS is $3,200 per year in 2012 and 2013 and is contingent upon BCS achieving profitability targets based on earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in the years 2011 and 2012, respectively.  In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments to BCS of approximately $500 in 2012 based on BCS achieving annual revenue targets in 2011.  The Company recorded a liability of $435 which is the fair value of all the estimated future additional payments to the prior owners of BCS as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of other long-term liabilities.  The purchase agreement provides the Company with the option to purchase the remaining 49% interest in BCS in 2013 at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement.  If the Company does not exercise this option, the minority owners of BCS have the option in 2014 to purchase the Company’s 51% interest in BCS at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement or to jointly market BCS for sale.  

 
13

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

As a result of an environmental phase one study performed on the Company’s facility located in Sarasota, Florida, the Company became aware of soil and groundwater contamination at the facility.  The Company engaged an environmental engineering consultant that developed a remediation and monitoring plan for the site and submitted this plan to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FL DEP”) in March 2011. The soil remediation was completed in December 2010.  Prior to beginning the groundwater remediation, the FL DEP has requested that the Company perform additional groundwater sampling. The Company is performing this sampling and anticipates receiving approval from the FL DEP.  The Company did not incur environmental remediation expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company has accrued $1,305 related to the remediation on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Product Warranty and Recall

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

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

Nine months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Product warranty and recall at beginning of period
  $ 3,831     $ 4,764  
Accruals for products shipped during period
    1,354       2,539  
Aggregate changes in pre-existing liabilities due to claim developments
    (181 )     8  
Settlements made during the period (in cash or in kind)
    (1,943 )     (2,729 )
Product warranty and recall at end of period
  $ 3,061     $ 4,582  

(11)  Employee Benefit Plans

The Company had a single defined benefit pension plan that covered certain former employees in the United Kingdom.  As a result of placing Stoneridge Pollak Limited (“SPL”) into administration during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as described in Note 13, the Company settled the defined benefit pension plan.

Long-Term Cash Incentive Plans

In March 2009, the Company adopted the Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (“LTCIP”) and granted awards to certain officers and key employees.  For 2009, the awards under the LTCIP provide recipients with the right to receive cash three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for a performance period comprised of 2009, 2010 and 2011 fiscal years.  The Company will record an accrual for an award to be paid in the period earned based on anticipated achievement of the performance goal.  If the participant voluntarily terminates employment or is discharged for cause, as defined in the LTCIP, the award will be forfeited.  In May 2009, the LTCIP was approved by the Company’s shareholders.  The Company has not recorded an accrual for these awards granted under the LTCIP at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010 as the achievement of the performance goal is not considered probable at this time.

For 2010, the awards under the LTCIP provide recipients with the right to receive an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of a specified number of Common Shares, without par value, of the Company (“Phantom Shares”) three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for each fiscal year of 2010, 2011 and 2012 within the performance period.  The Company will record an accrual based on the fair market value of the Phantom Shares for an award to be paid in the period earned based on anticipated achievement of the performance goals.  If the participant voluntarily terminates employment or is discharged for cause, as defined in the LTCIP, the award will be forfeited. The Company recorded an accrual of $154 and $184 for these awards granted under the LTCIP at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of other long-term liabilities.

There were no awards granted under the LTCIP during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 
14

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

(12)  Income Taxes

The Company recognized a provision for income taxes of $1,543, or 26.6% and $1,975, or 61.9% of pre-tax income for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The Company recognized a provision for income taxes of $3,378, or 24.9% and $1,217, or 15.0% of pre-tax income, for federal, state and foreign taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company is in a cumulative loss position and provides a valuation allowance offsetting federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets.  The decrease in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to that same period for 2010 was attributable to lower earnings from our PST Eletrônica S.A. (“PST”) joint venture that was partially offset by an increase in tax due to the improved financial performance of the European operations.  The increase in tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to that same period for 2010 was attributable to the improved financial performance of the European operations as well as increased production volumes at our Mexican facilities. Additionally, as a result of placing SPL into administration, as described in Note 13, the Company recognized a one-time tax benefit of $1,170 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the reversal of a deferred tax liability, related to employee benefits, that were previously included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within shareholders’ equity.

During the fourth quarter of 2010 the Company undertook a secondary offering.  As a result of the secondary offering a substantial change in the Company’s ownership occurred and the Company likely experienced an ownership change pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company is in the process with its advisors of evaluating the secondary offering and the potential impact, if any, on our ability to fully utilize net operating loss and research credit carry forwards. If it is ultimately determined that the Company did experience an ownership change, there would not be an impact to the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 or the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 due to the Company being in a valuation allowance position.

(13)  SPL Administration

On February 23, 2010, the Company placed its wholly owned subsidiary, SPL into administration (a structured bankruptcy) in the United Kingdom.  The Company had previously ceased operations at the facility as of December 2008 as part of the restructuring initiatives announced on October 29, 2007, as described in Note 9.  The remaining assets and customer contracts of SPL were transferred to other subsidiaries of the Company subsequent to SPL filing for administration.  As a result of placing SPL into administration the Company recognized a net gain of approximately $3,423 during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This gain was primarily related to the reversal of the cumulative translation adjustment account (“CTA”) and deferred tax liabilities, which had previously been included as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income within shareholders’ equity.  The net gain of approximately $2,253, primarily due to reversing the CTA balance is included as a component of other (income) expense, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  The benefit from reversing the deferred tax liabilities, primarily employee benefit related of approximately $1,170, is included as a component of benefit from income taxes on the condensed consolidated statement of operations, as described in Note 12.

(14)  Segment Reporting

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

The Company has two reportable segments: Electronics and Control Devices.  The Company’s operating segments are aggregated based on sharing similar economic characteristics.  Other aggregation factors include the nature of the products offered and management and oversight responsibilities.  The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution.  The Control Devices reportable segment produces electronic and electromechanical switches and control actuation devices and sensors.

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s December 31, 2010 Form 10-K.  The Company’s management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based primarily on net sales from external customers, capital expenditures and income before income taxes.  Inter-segment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.

 
15

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

As discussed in Note 2, effective January 1, 2011, the Company elected to change its method of valuing inventories for certain U.S. businesses to the FIFO method, while in prior years, these inventories were valued using LIFO.  As a result of this change, all inventories are valued using the FIFO method.  Segment information has been retrospectively adjusted for prior periods to reflect the change in accounting principle.

 
16

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

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

   
Three months ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
         
September 30,
         
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
         
As adjusted
 
                         
Net Sales:
                       
Electronics
  $ 132,841     $ 99,912     $ 381,743     $ 296,477  
Inter-segment sales
    5,535       5,023       18,383       11,487  
Electronics net sales
    138,376       104,935       400,126       307,964  
                                 
Control Devices
    63,023       60,524       197,582       178,295  
Inter-segment sales
    807       742       2,741       2,526  
Control Devices net sales
    63,830       61,266       200,323       180,821  
                                 
Eliminations
    (6,342 )     (5,765 )     (21,124 )     (14,013 )
Total net sales
  $ 195,864     $ 160,436     $ 579,325     $ 474,772  
                                 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes:
                               
Electronics (A)
  $ 3,728     $ 1,369     $ 4,861     $ 40,122  
Control Devices (A)
    3,171       3,771       14,872       12,422  
Other corporate activities (A)
    2,662       3,385       5,249       (28,663 )
Corporate interest expense
    (3,761 )     (5,333 )     (11,433 )     (15,743 )
Total income before income taxes
  $ 5,800     $ 3,192     $ 13,549     $ 8,138  
                                 
Depreciation and Amortization:
                               
Electronics
  $ 2,290     $ 2,201     $ 7,386     $ 6,726  
Control Devices
    2,488       2,463       7,331       7,489  
Corporate
    50       50       150       222  
Total depreciation and amortization (B)
  $ 4,828     $ 4,714     $ 14,867     $ 14,437  
                                 
Interest Expense, net:
                               
Electronics
  $ 446     $ 376     $ 1,282     $ 1,197  
Control Devices
    40       10       87       16  
Corporate
    3,761       5,334       11,433       15,743  
Total interest expense, net
  $ 4,247     $ 5,720     $ 12,802     $ 16,956  
                                 
Capital Expenditures:
                               
Electronics
  $ 3,255     $ 1,517     $ 13,099     $ 6,303  
Control Devices
    3,345       1,834       7,585       4,158  
Corporate
    1       3       34       (44 )
Total capital expenditures
  $ 6,601     $ 3,354     $ 20,718     $ 10,417  

(A)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company placed SPL into administration.  As a result of placing SPL into administration the Company recognized a gain within the Electronics reportable segment of $32,512 and losses within other corporate activities and within the Control Devices reportable segment of approximately $32,039 and $473, respectively.  These results were primarily due to eliminating SPL’s intercompany debt and equity structure.
(B)
These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on fixed and certain intangible assets.
 
 
17

 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
         
As adjusted
 
Total Assets:
           
Electronics
  $ 243,202     $ 191,698  
Control Devices
    105,254       96,977  
Corporate (C)
    189,903       217,414  
Eliminations
    (124,997 )     (119,353 )
Total assets
  $ 413,362     $ 386,736  
 
(C)    Assets located at Corporate consist primarily of cash and equity investments.
 
The following table presents net sales and non-current assets for each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
         
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net Sales:
                       
North America
  $ 154,671     $ 131,611     $ 455,050     $ 388,103  
Europe and Other
    41,193       28,825       124,275       86,669  
Total net sales
  $ 195,864     $ 160,436     $ 579,325     $ 474,772  

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Non-Current Assets:
           
North America
  $ 131,176     $ 124,851  
Europe and Other
    14,026       11,909  
Total non-current assets
  $ 145,202     $ 136,760  

(15)  Investments

Both of the Company’s joint ventures at September 30, 2011 were determined to be unconsolidated joint ventures and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

PST Eletrônica S.A.

The Company has a 50% equity interest in PST, a Brazilian electronic system provider focused on security, infotainment and convenience applications primarily for the automotive and motorcycle industry.  The Company’s investment in PST, recorded as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $43,708 and $41,178 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 
18

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

Condensed financial information for PST is as follows:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 65,638     $ 49,520     $ 181,854     $ 123,642  
Cost of goods sold
  $ 37,965     $ 24,695     $ 103,466     $ 63,861  
Total pre-tax income
  $ 2,245     $ 8,965     $ 10,175     $ 13,588  
The Company's share of pre-tax income
  $ 1,123     $ 4,483     $ 5,087     $ 6,794  

Equity in earnings of PST included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $964 and $3,712 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, equity in earnings of PST was $4,068 and $5,544, respectively.

Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.

The Company has a 49% interest in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”), a company based in India that manufactures electronics and instrumentation equipment for the motorcycle and commercial vehicle market.  The Company’s investment in Minda recorded as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $6,687 and $6,287 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Equity in earnings of Minda included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $389 and $172, for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, equity in earnings of Minda was $1,009 and $642, respectively.

(16)  New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued changes to the presentation of comprehensive income. These changes give an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements; the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity was eliminated. The items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income were not changed. Additionally, no changes were made to the calculation and presentation of earnings per share. These changes become effective for the Company on January 1, 2012. Management is currently evaluating these changes to determine which option will be chosen for the presentation of comprehensive income. Other than the change in presentation, management has determined these changes will not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued changes to the testing of goodwill for impairment. These changes provide an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Such qualitative factors may include the following: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors; overall financial performance; and other relevant entity-specific events. If an entity elects to perform a qualitative assessment and determines that an impairment is more likely than not, the entity is then required to perform the existing two-step quantitative impairment test, otherwise no further analysis is required. An entity also may elect not to perform the qualitative assessment and, instead, go directly to the two-step quantitative impairment test. These changes become effective for the Company for any goodwill impairment test performed on January 1, 2012 or later, although early adoption is permitted. Management performs a review of the Company’s goodwill in the fourth quarter of each calendar year and plans to early adopt these changes effective for its review of goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2011. As these changes should not affect the outcome of the impairment analysis of a reporting unit, management has determined these changes will not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 
19

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

The following Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”).  This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

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

We recognized net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 of $4.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with net income of $1.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2010.

Our third quarter 2011 results were positively affected by improvements in the North American and European commercial vehicle markets.  Production volumes in the North American automotive vehicle market were relatively consistent for the third quarter of 2011 with the third quarter of 2010.  The commercial vehicle market production volumes in North America improved by 55.9% during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter, which resulted in increased net sales of approximately $16.6 million, primarily within our Electronics segment.  Our net sales were also favorably affected by increased European commercial vehicle production volumes of 28.1% during the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the prior year third quarter, which had a positive effect on our net sales of approximately $6.3 million, principally within the Electronics segment. Our 2011 third quarter net sales were further favorably affected by approximately $5.8 million, primarily within the Electronics segment, due to production volume increases within the agricultural vehicle market.  Our net sales to the agricultural vehicle market as a percentage of total net sales increased from 15.5% for the third quarter of 2010 to 16.0% for the third quarter of 2011.  The automotive vehicle market production volume had a positive effect on our North American automotive vehicle market net sales of approximately $0.7 million, primarily within our Control Devices segment. Overall net sales were favorably affected by foreign currency exchange rates, primarily at our European Electronics operations, of approximately $3.3 million during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Negatively affecting our third quarter 2011 gross margin were significant fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates and certain commodity prices, primarily the Mexican peso and copper.  The fluctuations in these foreign exchange rates and commodity prices negatively impacted our results by approximately $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively, during the current quarter.  Also, negatively affecting our current quarter results were operating inefficiencies experienced in our North American wiring locations within our Electronics segment which required us to add headcount and incur overtime and premium freight costs.  As a result, our gross margin percentage decreased from 22.8% for the third quarter of 2010 to 19.1% for the third quarter of 2011.  We are executing plans including reducing direct labor headcount and developing more efficient manufacturing processes to address these operating inefficiencies. These plans have reduced, and we expect them to continue to reduce, these types of costs in the future.

Effective January 1, 2011, we elected to change our method of valuing inventories for certain U.S. businesses to the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method, while in prior years, these inventories were valued using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method.  As a result of this change, all inventories are valued using the FIFO method.  We believe the change is preferable as it conforms the inventory costing methods for all of our inventories to a single method and improves comparability with our industry peers.  The FIFO method also better reflects current acquisition cost of those inventories on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  All prior periods presented herein have been adjusted to apply the new method retrospectively and conform to the current costing methodology. For the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, the effect of the change on our inventory costing method was a decrease in net income of $0.1 million and an increase of $0.6 million, respectively, after the change in accounting principle was applied to prior periods.

Our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased from $31.0 million for the third quarter of 2010 to $30.5 million for the third quarter of 2011.  This $0.5 million, or 1.6% decrease in SG&A, was due to reduced compensation and compensation related expenses incurred in the current quarter of $1.7 million, excluding product development compensation.  Offsetting this decrease was an increase in product development costs of $0.6 million compared to the prior year quarter due to our support of new product launches by our customers.
 
 
20

 
 
Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were also favorably affected by the wind down of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Stoneridge Pollak Limited (“SPL”), located in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom.  On February 23, 2010, we placed SPL into administration (a structured bankruptcy) in the United Kingdom.  We had previously ceased SPL’s manufacturing operations in December of 2008, as part of the restructuring initiatives announced in October 2007.  The remaining assets and customer contracts of SPL were transferred to our other subsidiaries subsequent to SPL filing for administration.  We recognized a net gain within other (income) expense, net of approximately $2.3 million, primarily from the reversal of the cumulative translation adjustment account, which had previously been included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within shareholders’ equity.  In addition, we recognized a tax benefit of approximately $1.2 million from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities; primarily employee benefit related which were also previously included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we maintained a cash and equivalents balance of $43.2 million and $72.0 million, respectively.  Our cash and equivalents balance declined during the current quarter as a result of increased working capital requirements including higher inventory levels at our North American wiring locations due to increased production, operating inefficiencies and the start-up of a new facility in Mexico.  As discussed in Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we had $10.0 million in borrowings outstanding on our asset-based credit facility at September 30, 2011.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had total borrowing capacity of $69.6 million and $61.3 million, respectively.

Outlook

The North American automotive vehicle market has recovered significantly from recent levels, which has had a favorable effect on our Control Devices segment’s results.  North American automotive vehicle production was 11.9 million units for 2010.  For 2011, this production volume is forecasted to be in the range of 12.7 million to 12.9 million units.  If this forecasted increase in production volume occurs, it will favorably affect our Control Devices segment.

The North American and European commercial vehicle markets that we serve also recovered during the first nine months of 2011.  Production levels in the commercial vehicle market are expected to continue to increase throughout the remainder of 2011.  If these forecasted increases in production volumes occur, they will favorably affect our Electronics segment.

Agricultural vehicle production increased for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010, which favorably affected both our Electronics and Control Devices segments.  We believe that this market will continue to improve during the remainder of 2011.

Our results for the remainder of 2011 could be unfavorably affected by increased commodity prices, specifically copper.  Copper prices increased during 2010 and have continued to fluctuate in 2011.  We have entered into fixed price commodity contracts effective March, May and September of 2011 for a portion of our 2011 copper purchases and for a portion of our 2012 copper purchases.  In addition, a portion of our 2011 sales are subject to copper surcharge billings that will mitigate this increase in our raw material costs.  Our 2011 results could also be unfavorably affected by foreign currency exchange rates.  We have significant foreign denominated transaction exposure in certain locations, especially in Mexico and Sweden.  We have entered into foreign currency forward contracts effective August 2011 to reduce exposure related to the Mexican peso.

Results of Operations

We are primarily organized by markets served and products produced.  Under this organizational structure, our operations have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Electronics and Control Devices.  The Electronics reportable segment includes results of operations that design and manufacture electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution.  The Control Devices reportable segment includes results of operations that design and manufacture sensors, switches, valves and actuators.

 
21

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2010

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 
                           
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Three months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                                     
Electronics
  $ 132,841       67.8 %   $ 99,912       62.3 %   $ 32,929       33.0 %
Control Devices
    63,023       32.2       60,524       37.7       2,499       4.1 %
Total net sales
  $ 195,864       100.0 %   $ 160,436       100.0 %   $ 35,428       22.1 %

Our Electronics segment was positively affected by increased volume in our served markets by approximately $27.9 million for the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter.  The increase in net sales for our Electronics segment was primarily due to volume increases in our North American and European commercial vehicle products.  Commercial vehicle market production volumes in North America and Europe increased by 55.9% and 28.1%, respectively, during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter.  The increase in North American and European commercial vehicle production positively affected net sales in our Electronics segment for the third quarter of 2011 by approximately $15.9 million, or 32.8% and $6.2 million, or 24.9%, respectively.  Net sales within our Electronics segment were also favorably affected by approximately $5.3 million as a result of production volume increases in the agricultural vehicle market during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter.  In addition, the Electronics segment net sales were favorably affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010.

Our Control Devices segment was positively affected by increased volume in our served markets by approximately $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter.  Volume increases within the commercial vehicle market of our Control Devices segment increased net sales for the third quarter of 2011 by approximately $0.8 million, or 4.0%, when compared to the prior year third quarter.  In addition, our Control Devices net sales were each approximately $0.6 million higher for the third quarter of 2011, when compared to the third quarter of 2010, as a result of production volume increases within the automotive and agricultural vehicle markets.

Net sales by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 
         
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Three months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                                     
North America
  $ 154,671       79.0 %   $ 131,611       82.0 %   $ 23,060       17.5 %
Europe and other
    41,193       21.0       28,825       18.0       12,368       42.9 %
Total net sales
  $ 195,864       100.0 %   $ 160,436       100.0 %   $ 35,428       22.1 %

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

The increase in North American net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales volume in our North American commercial vehicle, agricultural and automotive vehicle markets.  These increased volume levels had a positive effect on our net sales for the third quarter of 2011 of $16.6 million, $5.8 million and $0.7 million for our North American agricultural, commercial and automotive vehicle markets, respectively.  Our increase in net sales outside North America was primarily due to increased sales of European commercial vehicle market products, which had a positive effect on our net sales for the third quarter of 2011 of approximately $6.3 million.  In addition, our third quarter 2011 net sales outside of North America were positively affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $3.3 million.

 
22

 

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

                           
Dollar
 
                           
increase /
 
Three months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
(decrease)
 
                     
As adjusted
       
                               
Net Sales
  $ 195,864       100.0 %   $ 160,436       100.0 %   $ 35,428  
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    158,413       80.9       123,838       77.2       34,575  
Selling, general and administrative
    30,454       15.5       31,011       19.3       (557 )
                                         
Operating Income
    6,997       3.6       5,587       3.5       1,410  
                                         
Interest expense, net
    4,247       2.2       5,720       3.6       (1,473 )
Equity in earnings of investees
    (1,353 )     (0.7 )     (3,884 )     (2.4 )     2,531  
Other (income) expense, net
    (1,697 )     (0.9 )     559       0.3       (2,256 )
                                         
Income before income taxes
    5,800       3.0       3,192       2.0       2,608  
                                         
Provision for income taxes
    1,543       0.8       1,975       1.2       (432 )
                                         
Net income
    4,257       2.2       1,217       0.8       3,040  
                                         
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (272 )     -       (35 )     -       (237 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 4,529       2.2 %   $ 1,252       0.8 %   $ 3,277  

Cost of Goods Sold. Although we benefited from increased sales during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to third quarter of 2010, the increase in cost of goods sold outpaced our increase in net sales on a percentage basis.  The primary drivers of the increase in cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales are certain unfavorable foreign exchange rates, higher commodity prices and operating inefficiencies, primarily within our North American wiring locations in our Electronics segment.  The unfavorable movement in the Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar has negatively affected our 2011 gross margin.  This negative foreign currency exposure has increased our cost of goods sold by approximately $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2011.  Commodity prices, principally copper, have increased significantly from the third quarter of 2010, which had a negative impact of approximately $1.2 million during the third quarter of 2011.  Our gross margin percentage was further negatively impacted by higher copper purchases to support higher production volumes as the increase in copper prices outpaced our increase in net sales.    Also, during the third quarter of 2011 we experienced operating inefficiencies, primarily in the form of unfavorable labor variances in order to meet higher sales level customer demands.  Labor inefficiencies at our North American wiring facilities further negatively affected our results by approximately $1.3 million.  We are executing plans including reducing direct labor headcount and developing more efficient manufacturing processes to address these operating inefficiencies.  These plans have reduced, and we expect them to continue to reduce, these types of costs in the future.  Our material cost as a percentage of net sales for our Electronics segment for the third quarter of 2011 and 2010 was 58.6% and 56.3%, respectively.  This increase is largely due to higher commodity prices, primarily copper, incurred during the third quarter of 2011.  Our materials cost as a percentage of sales for the Control Devices segment increased from 52.2% for the third quarter of 2010 to 54.6% for the third quarter of 2011.  The increase in direct materials as a percentage of net sales for the Control Devices segment is primarily a result of higher commodity prices incurred, principally precious metals, rare earth magnets and resins, during the current quarter.  In addition, during the current quarter we experienced higher scrap rates related to a new manufacturing process introduced in 2010.  We expect that these scrap rates will be reduced in the future.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Product development expenses are included within SG&A and were $9.8 million and $9.2 million for the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These product development costs are a result of our customers’ new product launches scheduled in the near term.  The decrease in SG&A costs excluding product development expenses was mainly due to lower compensation and compensation related expenses of $1.7 million.  Our SG&A costs decreased as a percentage of net sales because of the increase in net sales in the current quarter when compared to the prior year third quarter.

 
23

 

Interest Expense, net.  The decrease in interest expense, net during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior third quarter is due to the refinancing of our senior secured notes at a lower interest rate and entering into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) during the fourth quarter of 2010.  Our interest expense was approximately $1.2 million lower during the current quarter as a result of the refinancing and the Swap.

Equity in Earnings of Investees.  The decrease in equity earnings of investees was attributable to the decrease in equity earnings recognized from our PST Eletrônica S.A. (“PST”) joint venture.  Equity earnings for PST decreased from $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2010 to $1.0 million for the third quarter of 2011.  PST’s higher sales volume for the third quarter of 2011 did not result in higher income due to the cost of launching an audio product line and a change in sales mix. Equity earnings for our Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.  (“Minda”) joint venture increased from $0.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 to $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 due to the increase in higher sales from new product launches.

Other (Income) Expense, net.  We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract gains and losses as a component of other (income) expense, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Our results for the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010 were favorably affected by approximately $2.4 million due to the volatility in certain foreign exchange rates between periods, primarily due to the re-measurement of U.S. dollar denominated receivables at our Mexican subsidiaries.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income (loss) before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands).
               
Dollar
   
Percent
 
               
increase /
   
increase /
 
Three months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
   
(decrease)
   
(decrease)
 
         
As adjusted
             
                         
Electronics
  $ 3,728     $ 1,369     $ 2,359       172.3 %
Control Devices
    3,171       3,771       (600 )     (15.9 ) %
Other corporate activities
    2,662       3,385       (723 )     (21.4 ) %
Corporate interest expense
    (3,761 )     (5,333 )     1,572       29.5 %
Income before income taxes
  $ 5,800     $ 3,192     $ 2,608       81.7 %

The increase in profitability in the Electronics segment was primarily related to increased revenue within our North American and European commercial and agriculture vehicle markets.  Production volume increases favorably affected our Electronics segment by $27.9 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter.

Net sales within our Electronics segment increased during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the prior year third quarter, but our income before income taxes did not increase proportionately between periods.  This decline in profitability is primarily due to the North American wiring locations within the Electronics operating segment as discussed above.  The primary drivers of the decrease in profitability are certain unfavorable foreign exchange rates, higher commodity prices and operating inefficiencies.  Specifically, an unfavorable movement in the Mexican peso to the U.S. dollar and higher commodity costs resulting from increasing copper prices negatively affected earnings by $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. We experienced operating inefficiencies primarily in the form of unfavorable labor variances in order to meet higher levels of customer demand.  Labor variances were higher than the prior period by $1.3 million, respectively. We are executing plans including reducing direct labor headcount and developing more efficient manufacturing processes to address these operating inefficiencies.  We have reduced, and expect to continue to reduce, these types of costs in the future.

The decrease in profitability in the Control Devices reportable segment in the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010 was primarily due to an increase in direct material costs, primarily a result of higher commodity prices incurred, principally precious metals, rare earth magnets and resins.

The decrease in income before income taxes from other corporate activities was primarily due to decreased equity earnings of $2.7 million during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010 from our PST joint venture.  The decrease was offset by lower incentive compensation expenses incurred during the third quarter of 2011 when compared to the third quarter of 2010 due to performance targets not being achieved in 2011 while performance targets in 2010 were exceeded. The decrease was also offset by the increase in equity earnings from our Minda joint venture.

 
24

 

Income before income taxes by geographic location is summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 
                           
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Three months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                     
As adjusted
             
                                     
North America
  $ 3,907       67.4 %   $ 2,451       76.8 %   $ 1,456       59.4  %
Europe and other
    1,893       32.6       741       23.2       1,152       155.5 %
Income before income taxes
  $ 5,800       100.0 %   $ 3,192       100.0 %   $ 2,608       81.7 %

North American income before income taxes includes interest expense, net of approximately $3.7 million and $5.7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The increase in profitability in North America was primarily attributable to higher sales volumes within our North American commercial vehicle, agricultural and automotive vehicle markets during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Negatively affecting our third quarter 2011 results were significant increases in certain foreign currency exchange rates and certain commodity prices, primarily the Mexican peso and copper.  Our results in Europe and other were favorably affected by our increased European commercial vehicle market sales during the current period.

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $1.5 million, or 26.6% and $2.0 million, or 61.9% of the pre-tax income, for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. As reported at December 31, 2010, we are in a cumulative loss position and provide a valuation allowance offsetting federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. As required, the Company evaluates its valuation allowance quarterly, however, whether and when a valuation allowance may be reversed is generally determined and recorded during the fourth quarter of a fiscal year. The Company will review its valuation allowance again for the year ending December 31, 2011. The Company experienced a significant negative impact on our 2008 earnings when the valuation allowance was recorded, therefore, if a portion of the valuation allowance is reversed it would have a favorable impact on the results for the fourth quarter and year to date 2011. The decrease in tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2011 compared to that same period for 2010 was attributable to lower earnings from PST that was partially offset by an increase in tax due to the improved financial performance of the European operations.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 
         
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Nine months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                                     
Electronics
  $ 381,743       65.9 %   $ 296,477       62.4 %   $ 85,266       28.8 %
Control Devices
    197,582       34.1       178,295       37.6       19,287       10.8 %
Total net sales
  $ 579,325       100.0 %   $ 474,772       100.0 %   $ 104,553       22.0 %

Our Electronics segment was positively affected by increased volume in our served markets by approximately $68.0 million for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the prior year first nine months.  The increase in net sales for our Electronics segment was primarily due to volume increases in our North American and European commercial vehicle products.  Commercial vehicle market production volumes in North America and Europe increased by 55.4% and 42.3%, respectively, during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the prior year first nine months.  The increase in North American and European commercial vehicle production positively affected net sales in our Electronics segment for the first nine months of 2011 by approximately $26.2 million or 17.8% and $22.4 million, or 29.9%, respectively.  Net sales within our Electronics segment were also favorably affected by approximately $17.2 million as a result of production volume increases in the agricultural vehicle market during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the prior year first nine months.  Our Electronics segment net sales also increased by $9.4 million due to increases in net new business primarily for North American wiring products.  In addition, the Electronics segment net sales were favorably affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $11.1 million for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010.

 
25

 
 
Our Control Devices segment was positively affected by increased volume in our served markets by approximately $9.6 million for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the prior year first nine months.  The increase in net sales for our Control Devices segment was primarily attributable to production volume increases at our major customers in the North American automotive vehicle market, which increased by 7.6% during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010.  Volume increases within the automotive vehicle market of our Control Devices segment increased net sales for the first nine months of 2011 by approximately $2.4 million, or 1.7%, when compared to the prior year first nine months.  In addition, our Control Devices net sales were approximately $2.7 million and $1.2 million higher for the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the first nine months of 2010, as a result of production volume increases within the commercial and agricultural vehicle markets, respectively.  Our Control Devices segment net sales also increased due to increases in net new business related to our commercial vehicle market.

Net sales by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
         
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Nine months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                                     
North America
  $ 455,050       78.5 %   $ 388,103       81.7 %   $ 66,947       17.2 %
Europe and other
    124,275       21.5       86,669       18.3       37,606       43.4 %
Total net sales
  $ 579,325       100.0 %   $ 474,772       100.0 %   $ 104,553       22.0 %

The increase in North American net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales volume in our North American commercial, agricultural and automotive vehicle markets.  These increased volume levels had a positive effect on our net sales for the first nine months of 2011 of $28.8 million, $18.4 million and $2.9 million for our North American commercial, agricultural and automotive vehicle markets, respectively.  Our increase in North American net sales was also favorably affected by $9.7 million of net new business of wiring products during the current period. Our increase in net sales outside North America was primarily due to increased sales of European commercial vehicle market products, which had a positive effect on our net sales for the first nine months of 2011 of approximately $22.5 million.  In addition, our first nine months 2011 net sales outside of North America were positively affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $11.2 million.

 
26

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales are presented in the following table (in thousands):
 
         
Dollar
 
         
increase/
 
Nine months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
(decrease)
 
                     
As adjusted
       
                               
Net sales
  $ 579,325       100.0 %   $ 474,772       100.0 %   $ 104,553  
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    464,866       80.2       364,978       76.9       99,888  
Selling, general and administrative
    93,349       16.1       92,026       19.4       1,323  
                                         
Operating income
    21,110       3.7       17,768       3.7       3,342  
                                         
Interest expense, net
    12,802       2.2       16,956       3.6       (4,154 )
Equity in earnings of investees
    (5,077 )     (0.9 )     (6,186 )     (1.3 )     1,109  
Other income, net
    (164 )     -       (1,140 )     (0.2 )     976  
                                         
Income before income taxes
    13,549       2.4       8,138       1.6       5,411  
                                         
Provision for income taxes
    3,378       0.6       1,217       0.3       2,161  
                                         
Net income
    10,171       1.8       6,921       1.3       3,250  
                                         
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (611 )     -       (79 )     -       (532 )
                                         
Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and subsidiaries
  $ 10,782       1.8 %   $ 7,000       1.3 %   $ 3,782  

Cost of Goods Sold.  Although we benefited from increased sales during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010, our increase in cost of goods sold outpaced our increase in net sales on a percentage basis.  The primary drivers of the increase in cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales are certain unfavorable foreign exchange rates, higher commodity prices and operating inefficiencies, primarily within our North American wiring locations in our Electronics segment.  The unfavorable movement in the Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar has negatively affected our 2011 gross margin.  This negative foreign currency exposure has increased our cost of goods sold by approximately $5.5 million during the first nine months of 2011.  Commodity prices, principally copper, have increased significantly from the first nine months of 2010, which had a negative impact of approximately $4.0 million during the first nine months of 2011.  Our gross margin percentage was further negatively impacted by the increase in volume in 2011, resulting in higher copper purchases as the increase in copper prices outpaced our increase in net sales.  Also, during the first nine months of 2011 we experienced operating inefficiencies, primarily in the form of unfavorable labor variances and premium freight charges in order to meet higher levels of customer demand.  Labor inefficiencies at our North American wiring facilities further negatively affected our results by approximately $3.7 million.  Premium freight charges between the periods presented increased by approximately $2.6 million. We are executing plans to address these inefficiencies including reducing direct labor headcount and developing more efficient manufacturing processes.  We have reduced, and expect to continue to reduce, these types of costs in the future.  Our material cost as a percentage of net sales for our Electronics segment for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010 was 57.8% and 56.3%, respectively.  This increase is largely due to higher commodity prices, primarily copper, incurred during the first nine months of 2011.  Our materials cost as a percentage of sales for the Control Devices segment increased from 52.3% for the first nine months of 2010 to 55.2% for the first nine months of 2011.  The increase in direct materials as a percentage of net sales for the Control Devices segment is primarily a result of higher commodity prices incurred, principally precious metals, rare earth magnets and resins, during the first nine months of 2011.  In addition, during the first nine months of 2011 we experienced higher scrap rates related to a manufacturing process introduced in 2010.  We are executing plans to reduce these scrap rates in the future.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Product development expenses are included within SG&A and were $26.8 million and $28.3 million for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These product development costs, net of amounts reimbursed by customers, are a result of our customers’ new product launches scheduled in the near term.  Our SG&A costs decreased as a percentage of net sales due to the increase in net sales recognized in the current period when compared to the prior year period.

 
27

 
 
Interest Expense, net.  The decrease in interest expense, net during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010 is due to the refinancing of our senior secured notes and entering into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement (the “Swap”) during the fourth quarter of 2010.  Our interest expense was approximately $3.7 million lower during the current year as a result of the refinancing and the Swap.

Equity in Earnings of Investees.  The decrease in equity earnings of investees was attributable to the decrease in equity earnings recognized from PST.  Equity earnings for PST decreased from $5.5 million for the first nine months of 2010 to $4.1 million for the first nine months of 2011.  PST’s higher sales volume for the first nine months of 2011 did not result in higher income due to the cost of launching an audio product line and a shift in the sales mix.  Equity earnings for Minda increased from $0.6 million for the first nine months of 2010 to $1.0 million for the first nine months of 2011.  The increase primarily reflects higher volumes for Minda’s product lines during the first nine months of 2011.

Other (Income) Expense, net.  During the first nine months of 2011, we recognized foreign currency exchange gains of approximately $0.3 million.  As a result of placing SPL into administration, we recognized a gain of approximately $2.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 within other (income) expense, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  This gain is primarily related to the reversal of the cumulative translation adjustment account, which had previously been included as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income within shareholders’ equity.  The gain was partially offset by foreign currency exchange losses in the first nine months of 2010 of approximately $0.7 million.

Income Before Income Taxes.  Income before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):
 
         
Dollar
   
Percent
 
         
increase /
   
increase /
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
   
(decrease)
   
(decrease)
 
         
As adjusted
             
                         
Electronics (A)
  $ 4,861     $ 7,610     $ (2,749 )     (36.1 ) %
Control Devices (A)
    14,872       12,895       1,977       15.3 %
Other corporate activities (A)
    5,249       3,376       1,873       55.5 %
Corporate interest expense
    (11,433 )     (15,743 )     4,310       27.4 %
Income before income taxes
  $ 13,549     $ 8,138     $ 5,411       66.5 %

(A)
  Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 excludes the impact of placing SPL into administration.  As a result of placing SPL into administration, we recognized a gain within the Electronics segment of $32,512 and a loss within the Control Devices segment and other corporate activities of $473 and $32,039, respectively.  These gains and losses were primarily the result of eliminating SPL's intercompany debt and equity structure.

Although net sales within our Electronics segment increased during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the prior year first nine months, our income before income taxes declined between periods.  This decrease in profitability is primarily due to factors affecting our North American wiring locations within the Electronics operating segment as discussed above.  The primary drivers of the decrease in profitability are certain unfavorable foreign exchange rates, higher commodity prices and operating inefficiencies. An unfavorable movement in the Mexican peso to the U.S. dollar and higher commodity costs resulting from increasing copper prices negatively affected earnings by $5.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively. We experienced operating inefficiencies primarily in the form of unfavorable labor variances and premium freight charges in order to meet higher levels of customer demand.  Labor variances and premium freight charges were higher than the prior period by $3.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. We are executing plans to address these operating inefficiencies including reducing direct labor headcount and developing more efficient manufacturing processes.  We have reduced, and expect to continue to reduce, these types of costs in the future.

 
28

 

The increase in profitability in the Control Devices reportable segment was primarily due to increased sales volume for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of 2010.  Production volume increases favorably affected our net sales within the Control Devices segment by approximately $9.6 million for the nine months of 2011 when compared to the first nine months of the prior year.

The increase in income before income taxes from other corporate activities was primarily due to decreased incentive compensation expenses during the first nine months of 2011 when compared to 2010.  This decrease was due to performance targets not being achieved in 2011 while performance targets in 2010 were exceeded.

Income before income taxes by geographic location is summarized in the following table (in thousands):
         
Dollar
   
Percent
 
Nine months ended September 30
       
2011
         
2010
   
increase
   
increase
 
                     
As adjusted
             
                                     
North America (A)
  $ 6,894       50.9 %   $ 6,718       82.6 %   $ 175       2.6  %
Europe and other (A)
    6,655       49.1       1,420       17.4       5,236       368.7  %
 Income before income taxes
  $ 13,549       100.0 %   $ 8,138       100.0 %   $ 5,411       66.5  %

(A)
Income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 excludes the impact of placing SPL into administration. As a result of placing SPL into administration, we recognized a gain within Europe and other and a loss within North America of $32,430.  These gains and losses were primarily the result of eliminating SPL’s intercompany debt and equity structure.
 
North American income before income taxes includes interest expense, net of approximately $11.6 million and $16.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The increase in profitability in North America was primarily attributable to increased volume in the North American commercial and agricultural vehicle markets during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the first nine months of 2010.  Offsetting the higher sales levels were higher commodity prices, certain unfavorable foreign exchange rates and operating inefficiencies each discussed above. Our results in Europe and other were favorably affected by increased European commercial vehicle market sales during the current period.

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $3.4 million, or 24.9% and $1.2 million, or 15.0% of pre-tax income for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the first nine months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. As reported at December 31, 2010, we are in a cumulative loss position and provide a valuation allowance offsetting federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets. As required, the Company evaluates its valuation allowance quarterly, however, whether and when a valuation allowance may be reversed is generally determined and recorded during the fourth quarter of a fiscal year. The Company will review its valuation allowance again for the year ending December 31, 2011. The Company experienced a significant negative impact on our 2008 earnings when the valuation allowance was recorded, therefore, if a portion of the valuation allowance is reversed it would have a favorable impact on the results for the fourth quarter and year to date 2011. The increase in tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 compared to that same period for 2010 was attributable to the improved financial performance of our European operations as well as increased production volumes at our Mexican facilities. Additionally, as a result of placing SPL into administration, as described in Note 13, the Company recognized a one-time tax benefit of $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the reversal of a deferred tax liability, related to employee benefits, that were previously included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within shareholders’ equity.
 
 
29

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Summary of Cash Flows (in thousands):
               
Dollar
 
         
increase /
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
2011
   
2010
   
(decrease)
 
                   
Net cash provided by (used for):
                 
Operating activities
  $ (17,422 )   $ 3,232     $ (20,654 )
Investing activities
    (20,317 )     (10,392 )     (9,925 )
Financing activities
    10,178       1,230       8,948  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (1,178 )     (1,083 )     (95 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (28,739 )   $ (7,013 )   $ (21,726 )

The increase in cash used for operating activities for the first nine months of 2011 from the first nine months of 2010 was primarily due to working capital requirements.  Our cash used for operating activities for the first nine months of 2011 was negatively affected by higher accounts receivable and inventory balances.  This was partially offset by higher accounts payable balances.   Our higher working capital account balances at September 30, 2011 were attributable to the higher sales volume in the current period.  Our receivable terms and collections rates have remained consistent between periods presented.  In addition to higher sales levels, our inventory increased due to production inefficiencies at our North American wiring locations and the start-up of a new facility in Mexico.  We expect that our working capital requirements will remain proportionate to our revenue levels with the exception of inventory which should return to normal levels of inventory in relation to sales. 

The increase in net cash used for investing activities reflects an increase in cash used for capital projects of approximately $10.3 million.  We expect capital expenditures to increase throughout the remainder of 2011, primarily due to the start-up of our new Saltillo facility.  Capital expenditures related to the start-up are estimated to be between $5.0 million and $6.0 million.

The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to cash received from borrowings on the asset-based credit facility (the “credit facility”), the Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”) master revolving note (the “Revolver”) and the term loan that our subsidiary located in Suzhou, China (“Suzhou”) entered into.  The borrowing on the credit facility was used to fund our working capital requirements as a result of increased sales.

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

On October 4, 2010, we issued $175.0 million of senior secured notes.  These senior secured notes bear interest at an annual rate of 9.5% and mature on October 15, 2017.  The senior secured notes are redeemable, at our option, beginning October 15, 2014 at 104.75%.  Interest payments commenced on April 15, 2011 and are payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year, thereafter.  The senior secured notes indenture limits our and our restricted subsidiaries’ amount of indebtedness, restricts certain payments and includes various other non-financial restrictive covenants.  The senior secured notes are guaranteed by all of our existing domestic restricted subsidiaries.  All other restricted subsidiaries that guarantee any of our or our guarantors’ indebtedness will also guarantee the senior secured notes.

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

 
30

 

As outlined in Note 7 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, our asset-based credit facility permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100.0 million. At September 30, 2011, we had $10.0 million in borrowings outstanding on this credit facility.  The available borrowing capacity on this credit facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined.  At September 30, 2011, the Company had total borrowing capacity of $69.6 million based on eligible current assets and outstanding letters of credit, as defined.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2011.  In connection with the senior secured notes issuance, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement on September 20, 2010.  The Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement which became effective on October 4, 2010 (i) provided certain consents necessary for the issuance of the senior secured notes, (ii) extended the expiration date of the credit facility to November 1, 2012 and (iii) granted the facility agent, for the benefit of the lenders, second priority liens and security interests in the collateral subject to first priority liens and security interests in favor of the collateral agent for the holders of the senior secured notes.

The BCS Revolver permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $3.0 million.  On September 30, 2011, BCS amended the Revolver to extend the maturity date to September 28, 2012 and maintained the interest rate at the prime referenced rate plus a margin of 2.0%, which is payable quarterly.  The available borrowing capacity on the Revolver is based on an advanced formula, as defined.  At September 30, 2011, BCS had borrowing capacity of $1.4 million based on the advanced formula.  At September 30, 2011, BCS had approximately $1.3 million in borrowings outstanding on the Revolver. At September 30, 2011 the interest rate on the Revolver was 5.25%.  The Company is a guarantor as it relates to the Revolver.  The Revolver contains certain financial restrictive covenants.  BCS violated the fixed charge and tangible net worth covenants related to the Revolver during the first quarter of 2011.  BCS has received a waiver for covenant violations occurring during this period.  During the first quarter of 2011, the fixed charge and tangible net worth covenants were eliminated from the Revolver through its expiration.

The Suzhou term loan is in the amount of 9.0 million Chinese yuan, which was approximately $1.4 million at September 30, 2011.  The term loan matures on September 1, 2012.  Interest is payable monthly at the one-year lending rate published by The People’s Bank of China multiplied by 127.0%.  At September 30, 2011, the interest rate on the term loan was 8.33%.

As part of our 2009 acquisition of BCS, we may be required to make additional payments to the previous owners of BCS for the 51% membership interest we purchased based on BCS achieving financial performance targets as defined by the purchase agreement.  The maximum amount of additional payments to the prior owners of BCS is $3.2 million per year in 2012 and 2013 and is contingent upon BCS achieving profitability targets based on earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in each of the years 2011 and 2012, respectively. In addition, we may be required to make additional payments to BCS of approximately $0.5 million in 2012 based on BCS achieving annual revenue targets in 2011.  We recorded $0.4 million, which represents the fair value of all the estimated future additional payments to the prior owners of BCS as of September 30, 2011 on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as a component of other long-term liabilities.  The purchase agreement provides us with the option to purchase the remaining 49% interest in BCS in 2013 at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement.  If we do not exercise this option the minority owners of BCS have the option in 2014 to purchase our 51% interest in BCS at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement or to jointly market BCS for sale.

We have significant U.S. federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards and research credit carryforwards. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes an annual limitation on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to use its net operating loss and credit carryforwards to reduce its tax liability.  During the fourth quarter of 2010 we undertook a secondary offering.  As a result of the secondary offering a substantial change in our ownership occurred and we likely experienced an ownership change pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  We are in the process with our advisors of evaluating the secondary offering and the potential impact, if any, on our ability to fully utilize net operating loss and research credit carry forwards. If it is ultimately determined that we did experience an ownership change, there would not be an impact to the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the condensed consolidated statement of operations as of September 30, 2011 due to us being in a valuation allowance position for federal tax purposes.

At September 30, 2011, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $43.2 million, of which $8.8 million was held domestically and $34.4 million was held in foreign locations.  Our cash balance was not restricted at September 30, 2011.

 
31

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s critical accounting policies, which include management’s best estimates and judgments, are included in Item 7, Part II to the consolidated financial statements of the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K. Certain of these accounting policies are considered critical as disclosed in the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Company’s 2010 Form 10-K because of the potential for a significant impact on the financial statements due to the inherent uncertainty in such estimates.

Effective January 1, 2011, we elected to change our method of valuing inventories for certain U.S. businesses to the FIFO method, while in prior years, these inventories were valued using the LIFO method.  As a result of this change, all inventories are valued using the FIFO method.  Inventories accounted for under the LIFO method as a percent of total consolidated inventories was 73%, with the remainder determined on a FIFO basis at December 31, 2010.  All prior periods presented have been adjusted to apply the new method retrospectively.  The effect of the change in our inventory costing method increased our inventory balance and reduced our accumulated deficit balance by $2.4 million as of January 1, 2010.

Inflation and International Presence

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

Forward-Looking Statements

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

 
·
the loss or bankruptcy of a major customer;
 
·
the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment, or similar actions;
 
·
a significant change in commercial, automotive, agricultural or off-highway vehicle production;
 
·
our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;
 
·
a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which we operate;
 
·
labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;
 
·
the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;
 
·
the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our credit facilities and the senior secured notes;
 
·
customer acceptance of new products;
 
·
capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;
 
·
the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;
 
·
the occurrence or non-occurrence of circumstances beyond our control; and
 
·
those items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”) of the Company’s 2010 SEC Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

In addition, the forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date.  While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.
 
 
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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There have been no material changes in market risk presented within Part II, Item 7A of the Company’s 2010 SEC Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2011, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer (“PEO”) and principal financial officer (“PFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the PEO and PFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2011.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II–OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  However, we do not believe that any of the litigation in which we are currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We are subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products causes personal injury or death to users of our products and there can be no assurance that we will not experience any material product liability losses in the future.  We maintain insurance against such product liability claims.  In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in a government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recall involving such products.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

There were no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

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

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5.  Other Information.

None.

Item 6.  Exhibits.

Reference is made to the separate, “Index to Exhibits,” filed herewith.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
STONERIDGE, INC.
   
Date:  November 4, 2011
/s/ John C. Corey
 
John C. Corey
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date:  November 4, 2011
/s/ George E. Strickler
 
George E. Strickler
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
     
31.1
 
Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
32.1
 
Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
32.2
 
Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
 
 
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