Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)
(in thousands of dollars, except percentages and per share amounts)
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and notes included under Item 1, as well as our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Overview
CTS Corporation ("CTS", "we", "our" or "us") is a leading designer and manufacturer of products that Sense, Connect and Move. Our vision is to be a leading provider of sensing and motion devices as well as connectivity components, enabling an intelligent and seamless world. These devices are categorized by their ability to Sense, Connect or Move. Sense products provide vital inputs to electronic systems. Connect products allow systems to function in synchronization with other systems. Move products ensure required movements are effectively and accurately executed. We are committed to achieving our vision by continuing to invest in the development of products, technologies and talent within these categories.
We manufacture sensors, actuators, and connectivity components in North America, Europe, and Asia. CTS provides engineered products to OEMs and tier one suppliers in the aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and transportation markets.
There is an increasing proliferation of sensing and motion applications within various markets we serve. In addition, the increasing connectivity of various devices to the internet results in greater demand for communication bandwidth and data storage, increasing the need for our connectivity products. Our success is dependent on the ability to execute our strategy to support these trends. We are subject to a number of challenges including, without limitation, periodic market softness, competition from other suppliers, changes in technology, and the ability to add new customers, launch new products or penetrate new markets. Many of these, and other risks and uncertainties relating to the Company and our business, are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with the SEC.
On February 6, 2023, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Maglab AG ("Maglab") for $4,164 in cash subject to additional earnout payments based on future performance. Maglab has deep expertise in magnetic system design and current measurement solutions for use in e-mobility, industrial automation, and renewable energy applications. Maglab's domain expertise coupled with CTS’ commercial, technical and operational capabilities position us to advance our status as a recognized innovator in electric motor sensing and controls markets.
Supply Chain Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain uncertainties have had a significant negative impact on the global economy in 2022 and 2021. These events disrupted the financial markets, negatively impacted the global supply chain and increased the cost of materials and operations, particularly within the global automotive industry. While supply chain conditions have eased, material shortages could still impact our or our customers’ production schedules. With customers changing orders on short notice, we run the risk of carrying excess inventory in these situations. These developments are outside of our control, remain uncertain, and cannot be predicted. We continue to actively monitor the ongoing impacts of the supply chain uncertainties and will seek to mitigate and minimize their impact on our business, when possible.
25
Results of Operations: First Quarter 2023 versus First Quarter 2022
The following table highlights changes in significant components of the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the quarters ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022:
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, 2023 |
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March 31, 2022 |
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Percent Change |
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Percentage of Net Sales – 2023 |
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Percentage of Net Sales – 2022 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
145,994 |
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$ |
147,695 |
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(1.2 |
)% |
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|
100.0 |
% |
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100.0 |
% |
Cost of goods sold |
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94,342 |
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93,355 |
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1.1 |
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64.6 |
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63.2 |
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Gross margin |
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51,652 |
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54,340 |
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(4.9 |
) |
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35.4 |
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36.8 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses |
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21,979 |
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21,788 |
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0.9 |
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15.1 |
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14.8 |
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Research and development expenses |
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6,586 |
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6,194 |
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6.3 |
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4.5 |
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4.2 |
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Restructuring charges |
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912 |
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312 |
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192.3 |
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0.6 |
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0.2 |
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Total operating expenses |
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29,477 |
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28,294 |
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4.2 |
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20.2 |
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19.2 |
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Operating earnings |
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22,175 |
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26,046 |
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(14.9 |
) |
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15.2 |
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17.6 |
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Total other expense, net |
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534 |
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(300 |
) |
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(278.0 |
) |
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0.4 |
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(0.2 |
) |
Earnings before income taxes |
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22,709 |
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25,746 |
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(11.8 |
) |
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15.6 |
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17.4 |
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Income tax expense |
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4,365 |
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5,507 |
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(20.7 |
) |
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3.0 |
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3.7 |
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Net earnings |
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$ |
18,344 |
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$ |
20,239 |
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(9.4 |
) |
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12.6 |
% |
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13.7 |
% |
Earnings per share: |
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Diluted net earnings per share |
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$ |
0.58 |
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$ |
0.63 |
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Net sales were $145,994 in the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of $(1,701) or (1.2)% from the first quarter of 2022. Net sales to non-transportation markets increased $3,123 or 4.6% while net sales to transportation markets decreased $(4,824) or (6.1)%. Changes in foreign exchange rates decreased net sales by $2,321 year-over-year primarily due to the U.S. Dollar appreciating compared to the Renminbi and Euro.
Gross margin was $51,652 in the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of $(2,688), or (4.9)% from the first quarter of 2022. The year over year decrease in gross margin was driven by increased material and freight costs and unfavorable impacts from foreign exchange rates of $1,778 year-over-year. We continue to experience inflation in material costs as well as interruptions in some areas of the supply chain.
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses of $21,979 or 15.1% of net sales in the first quarter of 2023 were consistent with SG&A expenses of $21,788 or 14.8% of net sales in the first quarter of 2022.
Research and development (“R&D”) expenses were $6,586 or 4.5% of net sales in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $6,194 or 4.2% of net sales in the first quarter of 2022, in line with our commitment to continue investing in research and product development to drive organic growth.
Restructuring charges were $912 or 0.6% of net sales in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $312 or 0.2% of net sales in the first quarter of 2022. We continue to implement certain restructuring actions to improve our cost structure.
Other income and expense items are summarized in the following table:
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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March 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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Interest expense |
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$ |
(694 |
) |
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$ |
(546 |
) |
Interest income |
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1,063 |
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180 |
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Other expense, net |
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165 |
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66 |
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Total other expense, net |
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$ |
534 |
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$ |
(300 |
) |
26
The reduction in total other expense, net was primarily driven by higher interest income from our short-term investments classified as cash equivalents in line with market rate increases seen recently.
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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March 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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Effective tax rate |
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19.2 |
% |
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21.4 |
% |
Our effective income tax rate was 19.2% and 21.4% in the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in effective income tax rate is primarily due to tax benefits recorded upon vesting of restricted stock units.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically funded our capital and operating needs primarily through cash flows from operating activities, supported by available credit under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below). We believe that cash flows from operating activities and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility will be adequate to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, investments, and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future thereafter. However, we may choose to pursue additional equity and debt financing to provide additional liquidity or to fund acquisitions.
Cash and cash equivalents were $143,537 at March 31, 2023, and $156,910 at December 31, 2022, of which $98,249 and $90,244, respectively, were held outside the United States. Total long-term debt was $80,261 as of March 31, 2023 and $83,670 as of December 31, 2022.
Cash Flow Overview
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $11,186 during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Components of net cash provided by operating activities included net earnings of $18,344, depreciation and amortization expense of $6,918, other net non-cash items of $7,821, and a net cash outflow from changes in assets and liabilities of $15,649 primarily driven by 2022’s annual bonus payout and an increase in accounts receivables.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $7,896, driven by the acquisition payments for the Maglab acquisition and finalization of the TEWA Temperature Sensors SP. Zo.o. (“TEWA”) net working capital adjustment of $3,356 and capital expenditures of $4,540. See Note 3 "Business Acquisitions" in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $(16,625). The net cash outflow was the result of treasury stock purchases of $8,802, dividends paid of $1,272, taxes paid on behalf of equity award participants of $3,142, and net cash used in the paydown of long-term debt of $3,409.
27
Capital Resources
Revolving Credit Facility
Long‑term debt is comprised of the following:
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As of |
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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Total credit facility |
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$ |
400,000 |
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$ |
400,000 |
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Balance outstanding |
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80,261 |
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83,670 |
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Standby letters of credit |
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1,640 |
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1,640 |
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Amount available, subject to covenant restrictions |
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$ |
318,099 |
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$ |
314,690 |
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On December 15, 2021, we entered into a second amended and restated five-year credit agreement with a group of banks (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) to (i) increase the total credit facility availability to $400,000, which may be increased by $200,000 at the request of the Company, subject to the administrative agent's approval, (ii) extend the maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility from February 12, 2024 to December 15, 2026, (iii) replace LIBOR with SOFR as the primary reference rate used to calculate interest on the loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, (iv) increase available sublimits for letters of credit, and swingline loans as well as providing for additional alternative currency borrowing capabilities, and (v) modify the financial and non-financial covenants to provide the Company additional flexibility. This new unsecured credit facility replaced the prior $300,000 unsecured credit facility, which would have expired on February 12, 2024.
Borrowings in U.S. Dollars under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest, at a per annum rate equal to the applicable Term SOFR rate (but not less than 0.0%), plus the Term SOFR adjustment, and plus an applicable margin, which ranges from 1.00% to 1.75%, based on our net leverage ratio. Similarly, borrowings of alternative currencies under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest equal to a defined risk-free reference rate, plus the applicable risk-free rate adjustment and plus an applicable margin, which ranges from 1.00% to 1.75%, based on our net leverage ratio.
The Revolving Credit Facility includes a swing-line sublimit of $20,000 and a letter of credit sublimit of $20,000. We also pay a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. The commitment fee ranges from 0.175% to 0.25% based on our net leverage ratio. We were in compliance with all debt covenants at March 31, 2023.
Acquisitions
On February 6, 2023, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Maglab for $4,164 in cash subject to additional earnout payments based on future performance. The acquisition was funded from cash on hand.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In connection with the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company uses estimates and makes judgments and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and the related disclosures. The assumptions, estimates, and judgments are based on historical experience, current trends, and other factors the Company believes are relevant at the time it prepares the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The critical accounting policies and estimates are consistent with those discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the MD&A section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. During and as of the three months ended March 31, 2023, there were no significant changes in the application of critical accounting policies or estimates.
28
Significant Customers
Our net sales to customers representing at least 10% of total net sales is as follows:
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Three months ended |
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March 31, 2023 |
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March 31, 2022 |
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Cummins Inc. |
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14.1 |
% |
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15.7 |
% |
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Toyota Motor Corporation |
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10.7 |
% |
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11.5 |
% |
|
No other customer accounted for 10% or more of total net sales during these periods. We continue to focus on broadening our customer base to diversify our non-transportation end market exposure.
Forward‑Looking Statements
This document contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any financial or other guidance, statements that reflect our current expectations concerning future results and events, and any other statements that are not based solely on historical fact. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, certain assumptions, and currently available information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and are based on various assumptions as to future events, the occurrence of which necessarily are subject to uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are made subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause CTS’ actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those presented in the forward-looking statements. Examples of factors that may affect future operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: supply chain disruptions; changes in the economy generally, including inflationary and/or recessionary conditions, and in respect to the business in which CTS operates; unanticipated issues in integrating acquisitions, including our acquisitions of TEWA Temperature Sensors, Ferroperm Piezoceramics and maglab, A.G.; the results of actions to reposition CTS’ business; rapid technological change; general market conditions in the transportation, as well as conditions in the industrial, aerospace and defense, and medical markets; reliance on key customers; unanticipated public health crises (including the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CTS’ business, results of operations or financial condition), natural disasters or other events; environmental compliance and remediation expenses; the ability to protect CTS’ intellectual property; pricing pressures and demand for CTS’ products; and risks associated with CTS’ international operations, including trade and tariff barriers, exchange rates and political and geopolitical risks (including, without limitation, the potential impact U.S./China relations and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may have on our business, results of operations and financial condition). Many of these, and other risks and uncertainties, are discussed in further detail in Item 1A. of CTS’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with the SEC. CTS undertakes no obligation to publicly update CTS’ forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof, including market or industry changes.