STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION Reports Fiscal 2023 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Operating Results
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (“STRATTEC” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:STRT) today reported operating results for the fiscal fourth quarter ended July 2, 2023. Despite higher net sales, the comparative current year fourth quarter operating profit results were lower than the results in the same period for the prior year due to higher manufacturing input costs and a stronger Mexican Peso against the U.S. dollar, which was partially offset by lower engineering costs associated with a customer reimbursement of engineering development costs.
Fourth Quarter Overview
Net sales for the fourth quarter ended July 2, 2023 were
On June 30th, the Company announced that it had entered into and subsequently completed the transactions contemplated by an Equity Restructuring Agreement (Restructuring Agreement) between the Company and WITTE Automotive GmbH (WITTE) related to both the Company's Vehicle Access Systems Technologies LLC (VAST LLC) joint venture and its STRATTEC Power Access LLC (SPA) joint venture. Under the terms of the Restructuring Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to WITTE its one-third interest in VAST LLC for a net purchase price of
Full Year Earnings Overview
For the year ended July 2, 2023, the Company’s net sales were
Discussion of Quarterly Results
Net sales to each of our customers in the current year quarter and prior year quarter were as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended | |||||
July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | ||||
General Motors Company | $ | 39.1 | $ | 38.6 | |
Ford Motor Company | 26.6 | 21.8 | |||
Stellantis | 22.3 | 20.6 | |||
Tier 1 Customers | 20.1 | 16.5 | |||
Commercial and Other OEM Customers | 14.5 | 14.9 | |||
Hyundai / Kia | 9.6 | 10.7 | |||
TOTAL | $ | 132.2 | $ | 123.1 | |
It is important to note that the prior year quarter sales included an additional 53rd week of sales. The quarter-over-quarter sales increase of
Despite improved fixed cost absorption associated with
Engineering, Selling, and Administrative expenses decreased
Included in Other (Expense) Income, Net in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter were the following items (in thousands of dollars):
July 2, | July 3, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Equity Loss of VAST LLC Joint Venture | $ | (375 | ) | $ | (764 | ) | |
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Loss) Gain | (725 | ) | 358 | ||||
Other | 11 | (260 | ) | ||||
$ | (1,089 | ) | $ | (666 | ) | ||
The equity loss of VAST LLC in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter was lower due to improved profitability in VAST China partially offset by a loss of
Frank Krejci, STRATTEC President and CEO commented: “While the fourth quarter generated positive operational results, 2023 has been a challenging fiscal year for us financially. However, the restructuring of our partnership within VAST provides us with a stronger balance sheet,
In the quarter we grew our sales compared to the prior year quarter and saw improvement in the cost of some key raw materials. However, those positives were offset by continued inflationary pressure from our component suppliers, significantly higher government mandated wages in our Mexican operations and a weakening U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso. For the year the Mexican government mandated wage increases and a weaker U.S. Dollar/Mexican Peso relationship resulted in more than a
Our Team has demonstrated great resiliency overcoming adversity during these difficult times. As we enter a new fiscal year, we will remain highly motivated to continue improving the overall profitability of the business. Final resolution of the protracted inflation related pricing negotiations with our customers is particularly important and impactful. We will continue implementing new ideas for additional cost efficiencies, adding vertical integration opportunities, and launching new products and programs with improved economics and margins.”
STRATTEC designs, develops, manufactures and markets automotive Access Control Products, including mechanical locks and keys, electronically enhanced locks and keys, steering column and instrument panel ignition lock housings, latches, power sliding side door systems, power liftgate systems, power tailgate systems, power deck lid systems, door handles and related products. These products are provided to customers in North America, and on a global basis through a strategic and supply relationship with WITTE Automotive of Velbert, Germany and ADAC Automotive of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under this relationship, STRATTEC, WITTE and ADAC market and manufacture each company’s products to global customers under the “VAST Automotive Group” brand name. STRATTEC’s history in the automotive business spans over 110 years.
Certain statements contained in this release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” and “would.” Such forward-looking statements in this release are inherently subject to many uncertainties in the Company’s operations and business environment. These uncertainties include general economic conditions, in particular, relating to the automotive industry, consumer demand for the Company’s and its customers’ products, competitive and technological developments, customer purchasing actions, changes in warranty provisions and customers’ product recall policies, work stoppages at the Company or at the location of its key customers as a result of labor disputes, foreign currency fluctuations, uncertainties stemming from U.S. trade policies, tariffs and reaction to same from foreign countries, the volume and scope of product returns or customer cost reimbursement actions, adverse business and operational issues resulting from semiconductor chip supply shortages and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and costs of operations (including fluctuations in the cost, and factors impacting the availability, of necessary raw materials). Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release. In addition, such uncertainties and other operational matters are discussed further in the Company’s quarterly and annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Condensed Results of Operations
(In Thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Net Sales | $ | 132,219 | $ | 123,073 | $ | 492,946 | $ | 452,265 | |||||||
Cost of Goods Sold | 119,951 | 109,177 | 450,794 | 396,249 | |||||||||||
Gross Profit | 12,268 | 13,896 | 42,152 | 56,016 | |||||||||||
Engineering, Selling & Administrative Expenses | 10,975 | 12,436 | 48,241 | 47,119 | |||||||||||
Income (Loss) from Operations | 1,293 | 1,460 | (6,089 | ) | 8,897 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense | (369 | ) | (62 | ) | (960 | ) | (221 | ) | |||||||
Other (Expense) Income, net | (1,089 | ) | (666 | ) | (619 | ) | 583 | ||||||||
(Loss) Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest | (165 | ) | 732 | (7,668 | ) | 9,259 | |||||||||
Provision for Income Taxes | 2,919 | 76 | 1,281 | 415 | |||||||||||
Net (Loss) Income | (3,084 | ) | 656 | (8,949 | ) | 8,844 | |||||||||
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest | (384 | ) | 272 | (2,279 | ) | 1,828 | |||||||||
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION | $ | (2,700 | ) | $ | 384 | $ | (6,670 | ) | $ | 7,016 | |||||
(Loss) Earnings Per Share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.69 | ) | $ | 0.10 | $ | (1.70 | ) | $ | 1.82 | |||||
Diluted | $ | (0.69 | ) | $ | 0.10 | $ | (1.70 | ) | $ | 1.79 | |||||
Average Basic Shares Outstanding | 3,928 | 3,876 | 3,921 | 3,861 | |||||||||||
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding | 3,928 | 3,920 | 3,921 | 3,910 | |||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures | $ | 3,646 | $ | 4,781 | $ | 17,370 | $ | 14,188 | |||||||
Depreciation | $ | 4,340 | $ | 4,655 | $ | 17,485 | $ | 19,379 | |||||||
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Condensed Balance Sheet Data
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current Assets: | |||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 20,571 | $ | 8,774 | |||
Receivables, net | 89,811 | 75,827 | |||||
Inventories, net | 77,597 | 80,482 | |||||
Customer Tooling in Progress, net | 20,800 | 10,828 | |||||
Other Current Assets | 17,003 | 12,321 | |||||
Total Current Assets | 225,782 | 188,232 | |||||
Investment in Joint Ventures | - | 26,654 | |||||
Other Long-term Assets | 20,702 | 12,519 | |||||
Property, Plant and Equipment, net | 94,446 | 91,729 | |||||
$ | 340,930 | $ | 319,134 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
Current Liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts Payable | $ | 57,927 | $ | 43,950 | |||
Other | 51,059 | 37,579 | |||||
Total Current Liabilities | 108,986 | 81,529 | |||||
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Obligations | 2,363 | 2,588 | |||||
Borrowings Under Credit Facility | 13,000 | 11,000 | |||||
Other Long-term Liabilities | 5,557 | 4,070 | |||||
Shareholders' Equity | 334,683 | 342,568 | |||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (14,194 | ) | (18,588 | ) | |||
Less: Treasury Stock | (135,526 | ) | (135,580 | ) | |||
Total STRATTEC SECURITY | |||||||
CORPORATION Shareholders' Equity | 184,963 | 188,400 | |||||
Non-Controlling Interest | 26,061 | 31,547 | |||||
Total Shareholders' Equity | 211,024 | 219,947 | |||||
$ | 340,930 | $ | 319,134 | ||||
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Condensed Cash Flow Statement Data
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
Fourth Quarter Ended | Year Ended | ||||||||||||||
July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | July 2, 2023 | July 3, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||||||||||
Net (Loss) Income | $ | (3,084 | ) | $ | 656 | $ | (8,949 | ) | $ | 8,844 | |||||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Income to | |||||||||||||||
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation | 4,340 | 4,655 | 17,485 | 19,379 | |||||||||||
Equity Loss (Earnings) in Joint Ventures | 375 | 764 | (1,559 | ) | (177 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss (Gain) | 821 | (313 | ) | 2,935 | (237 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Peso Contracts | 534 | 116 | 627 | (384 | ) | ||||||||||
Stock Based Compensation Expense | 327 | 267 | 1,466 | 1,140 | |||||||||||
Loss on Settlement of Pension Obligation | - | - | 217 | - | |||||||||||
Deferred Income Taxes | (4,937 | ) | (1,986 | ) | (4,937 | ) | (1,986 | ) | |||||||
Change in Operating Assets/Liabilities | 4,437 | (5,669 | ) | 2,670 | (16,820 | ) | |||||||||
Other, net | (230 | ) | 163 | 140 | 677 | ||||||||||
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities | 2,583 | (1,347 | ) | 10,095 | 10,436 | ||||||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||||||||||
Investment in Joint Ventures | (41 | ) | (75 | ) | (278 | ) | (150 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from Sale of VAST LLC | 26,170 | - | 26,170 | - | |||||||||||
Purchase of VAST Korea | 354 | - | 354 | - | |||||||||||
Additions to Property, Plant & Equipment | (3,646 | ) | (4,781 | ) | (17,370 | ) | (14,188 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds on Sales of Property, Plant & Equipment | 10 | 5 | 25 | 5 | |||||||||||
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | 22,847 | (4,851 | ) | 8,901 | (14,333 | ) | |||||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||||||||||
Borrowings on Line of Credit Facility | 4,000 | 2,000 | 17,000 | 13,000 | |||||||||||
Payments on Line of Credit Facility | (12,000 | ) | (3,000 | ) | (15,000 | ) | (14,000 | ) | |||||||
Purchase of Non-Controlling Interest | (9,019 | ) | - | (9,019 | ) | - | |||||||||
Dividends Paid to Non-controlling Interest | - | (600 | ) | (600 | ) | (1,800 | ) | ||||||||
Option Exercises & Employee Stock Purchases | 19 | 24 | 183 | 908 | |||||||||||
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | (17,000 | ) | (1,576 | ) | (7,436 | ) | (1,892 | ) | |||||||
Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations on Cash | 55 | 89 | 237 | 98 | |||||||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents | 8,485 | (7,685 | ) | 11,797 | (5,691 | ) | |||||||||
Cash & Cash Equivalents: | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of Period | 12,086 | 16,459 | 8,774 | 14,465 | |||||||||||
End of Period | $ | 20,571 | $ | 8,774 | $ | 20,571 | $ | 8,774 | |||||||
Contact: Dennis Bowe
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
414-247-3399
www.strattec.com