Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
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 quarterly period ended March 31, 2011   Commission file number: 0-31164
Preformed Line Products Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Ohio   34-0676895
     
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
660 Beta Drive
Mayfield Village, Ohio
 
44143
     
(Address of Principal Executive Office)   (Zip Code)
(440) 461-5200
(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. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (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 Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of common shares outstanding as of May 1, 2011: 5,273,218.
 
 

 

 


 

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 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    March 31     December 31  
Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 24,146     $ 22,655  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $1,511 ($1,213 in 2010)
    62,294       56,102  
Inventories — net
    81,114       73,121  
Deferred income taxes
    5,974       4,784  
Prepaids
    8,638       6,923  
Prepaid taxes
    2,060       2,146  
Other current assets
    1,959       1,611  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    186,185       167,342  
 
               
Property and equipment — net
    77,987       76,266  
Patents and other intangibles — net
    12,407       12,735  
Goodwill
    12,388       12,346  
Deferred income taxes
    2,882       3,615  
Other assets
    10,014       8,675  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 301,863     $ 280,979  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Notes payable to banks
  $ 3,584     $ 1,246  
Current portion of long-term debt
    1,258       1,276  
Trade accounts payable
    27,710       27,001  
Accrued compensation and amounts withheld from employees
    12,419       9,848  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    9,772       9,088  
Accrued profit-sharing and other benefits
    2,618       4,464  
Dividends payable
    1,101       1,087  
Income taxes payable and deferred income taxes
    4,254       2,548  
 
           
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    62,716       56,558  
 
               
Long-term debt, less current portion
    14,798       9,374  
Unfunded pension obligation
    9,681       9,473  
Income taxes payable, noncurrent
    1,772       1,768  
Deferred income taxes
    3,567       3,606  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    4,811       4,735  
 
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
PLPC Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock — $2 par value per share, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 5,272,804 and 5,270,977 issued and outstanding, net of 586,746 and 586,746 treasury shares at par, respectively
    10,546       10,542  
Common shares issued to rabbi trust
    (1,220 )     (1,200 )
Paid in capital
    9,514       8,748  
Retained earnings
    189,957       184,060  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,447 )     (6,010 )
 
           
TOTAL PLPC SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    205,350       196,140  
 
           
Noncontrolling interest
    (832 )     (675 )
 
           
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    204,518       195,465  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 301,863     $ 280,979  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    Three month periods ended March 31  
    2011     2010  
    (Thousands, except per share data)  
 
 
Net sales
  $ 95,088     $ 68,908  
Cost of products sold
    62,697       48,883  
 
           
GROSS PROFIT
    32,391       20,025  
 
               
Costs and expenses
               
Selling
    8,036       6,502  
General and administrative
    10,962       9,478  
Research and engineering
    3,362       2,859  
Other operating expense (income)
    (94 )     (145 )
 
           
 
    22,266       18,694  
 
           
 
               
OPERATING INCOME
    10,125       1,331  
 
               
Other income (expense)
               
Interest income
    151       83  
Interest expense
    (211 )     (170 )
Other income
    184       351  
 
           
 
    124       264  
 
           
 
               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    10,249       1,595  
 
               
Income taxes
    3,395       561  
 
           
 
               
NET INCOME
    6,854       1,034  
 
               
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
    (144 )     (98 )
 
           
 
               
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PLPC
  $ 6,998     $ 1,132  
 
           
 
               
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
               
Net income attributable to PLPC common shareholders
  $ 1.33     $ 0.22  
 
           
 
               
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
               
Net income attributable to PLPC common shareholders
  $ 1.30     $ 0.21  
 
           
 
               
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.20     $ 0.20  
 
           
 
               
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic
    5,272       5,252  
 
           
 
               
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted
    5,400       5,403  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    Three month periods ended March 31  
    2011     2010  
    (Thousands of dollars)  
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net income
  $ 6,854     $ 1,034  
 
               
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    2,521       2,057  
Provision for accounts receivable allowances
    335       124  
Provision for inventory reserves
    493       513  
Deferred income taxes
    (517 )     (334 )
Share-based compensation expense
    645       606  
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards
    (47 )      
Net investment in life insurance
    (9 )     (13 )
Other — net
    (60 )     (19 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (5,977 )     313  
Inventories
    (8,902 )     (1,674 )
Trade accounts payables and accrued liabilities
    1,373       736  
Income taxes payable
    1,721       (1,348 )
Other — net
    (1,372 )     (1,208 )
 
           
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    (2,942 )     787  
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Capital expenditures
    (2,358 )     (3,774 )
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment
    113       100  
Restricted cash
    (198 )      
 
           
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (2,443 )     (3,674 )
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Increase in notes payable to banks
    7,847       655  
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
          5,209  
Payments of long-term debt
    (199 )     (935 )
Dividends paid
    (1,087 )     (1,092 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards
    47        
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
    79       77  
Purchase of common shares for treasury
          (23 )
 
           
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    6,687       3,891  
 
               
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    189       (350 )
 
           
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    1,491       654  
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    22,655       24,097  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 24,146     $ 24,751  
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

 

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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
In thousands, except share and per share data, unless specifically noted
NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Preformed Line Products Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “PLPC”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. However, in the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements contain all estimates and adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, required to fairly present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods. Operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2011.
The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all of the information and notes required by United States of America (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 11, 2011 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
NOTE B — OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
Inventories — net
                 
    March 31     December 31  
    2011     2010  
 
               
Finished products
  $ 39,504     $ 34,580  
Work-in-process
    6,102       5,830  
Raw materials
    44,675       40,667  
 
           
 
    90,281       81,077  
Excess of current cost over LIFO cost
    (4,771 )     (4,801 )
Noncurrent portion of inventory
    (4,396 )     (3,155 )
 
           
 
  $ 81,114     $ 73,121  
 
           
Cost of inventories of certain material are determined using the last-in-first-out (LIFO) method and totaled approximately $24 million at March 31, 2011 and $21.7 million at December 31, 2010. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of the year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must be based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Because these estimates are subject to change and may be different than the actual inventory levels and costs at the end of the year, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the increase or reduction in LIFO inventories resulted in a $.1 million or less benefit or charge to income before income taxes.

 

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Noncurrent inventory is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and is principally comprised of raw materials.
Property and equipment — net
Major classes of property and equipment are stated at cost and were as follows:
                 
    March 31     December 31  
    2011     2010  
 
               
Land and improvements
  $ 7,610     $ 7,467  
Buildings and improvements
    56,602       55,766  
Machinery and equipment
    121,118       117,758  
Construction in progress
    5,346       4,949  
 
           
 
    190,676       185,940  
Less accumulated depreciation
    112,689       109,674  
 
           
 
  $ 77,987     $ 76,266  
 
           
Comprehensive income (loss)
The components of comprehensive income (loss) for the three month periods ended March 31 are as follows:
                                                 
    PLPC     Noncontrolling interest     Total  
    Three month period     Three month period     Three month period  
    ended March 31     ended March 31     ended March 31  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                                               
Net income (loss)
  $ 6,998     $ 1,132     $ (144 )   $ (98 )   $ 6,854     $ 1,034  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    2,511       (170 )     (13 )     (16 )     2,498       (186 )
Recognized net actuarial gain, net of tax
    52       58                   52       58  
 
                                   
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    2,563       (112 )     (13 )     (16 )     2,550       (128 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 9,561     $ 1,020     $ (157 )   $ (114 )   $ 9,404     $ 906  
 
                                   
Legal proceedings
From time to time, the Company may be subject to litigation incidental to its business. The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings that the Company believes would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

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NOTE C — PENSION PLANS
PLP-USA hourly employees of the Company who meet specific requirements as to age and service are covered by a defined benefit pension plan. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan. Net periodic benefit cost for this plan included the following components:
                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
    2011     2010  
Service cost
  $ 230     $ 223  
Interest cost
    327       322  
Expected return on plan assets
    (272 )     (240 )
Recognized net actuarial loss
    83       91  
 
           
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 368     $ 396  
 
           
During the three month period ended March 31, 2011, $.1 million of contributions were made to the plan. The Company presently anticipates contributing an additional $1 million to fund the plan in 2011.
NOTE D — COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share were computed by dividing net income attributable to PLPC common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings per share were calculated by dividing net income attributable to PLPC common shareholders by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the periods presented.
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
                 
    For the three month period ended March 31  
    2011     2010  
 
               
Numerator
               
Net income attributable to PLPC
  $ 6,998     $ 1,132  
 
           
 
               
Denominator
               
Determination of shares
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
    5,272       5,252  
Dilutive effect — share-based awards
    128       151  
 
           
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
    5,400       5,403  
 
           
 
               
Earnings per common share attributable to PLPC shareholders
               
Basic
  $ 1.33     $ 0.22  
 
           
 
               
Diluted
  $ 1.30     $ 0.21  
 
           
Common shares issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options or vesting of restricted share awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share when the calculation of option equivalent shares is anti-dilutive. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, 9,500 and 32,500, respectively, of stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per shares because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, no restricted shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

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NOTE E — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
The Company’s finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
                                 
    March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Gross Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
 
                               
Finite-lived intangible assets
                               
Patents
  $ 4,830     $ (3,601 )   $ 4,829     $ (3,524 )
Land use rights
    1,399       (84 )     1,346       (77 )
Tradename
    962       (203 )     967       (156 )
Customer backlog
    493       (461 )     499       (363 )
Technology
    1,762       (53 )     1,783       (37 )
Customer relationships
    8,523       (1,160 )     8,519       (1,051 )
 
                       
 
  $ 17,969     $ (5,562 )   $ 17,943     $ (5,208 )
 
                       
Indefinite-lived intangible assets Goodwill
  $ 12,388             $ 12,346          
 
                           
The aggregate amortization expense for other intangibles with finite lives for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $.4 million and $.2 million, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be $1.2 million for 2011, $1.1 million for 2012 and 2013, $1 million for 2014 and $.7 million for 2015. The weighted-average remaining amortization period by intangible asset class is as follows; patents, 4.2 years: land use rights, 65.6 years; trademark, 7.9 years; technology, 19.3 years and customer relationships, 15.5 years.
The Company performed its annual impairment test for goodwill as of January 1, 2011, and determined that no adjustment to the carrying value was required. The Company performs its annual impairment test for goodwill utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology, market comparables, and an overall market capitalization reasonableness test in computing fair value by reporting unit. The Company then compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value to assess if goodwill has been impaired. Based on the assumptions as to growth, discount rates and the weighting used for each respective valuation methodology, results of the valuations could be significantly changed. However, the Company believes that the methodologies and weightings used are reasonable and result in appropriate fair values of the reporting units.
The Company’s only intangible asset with an indefinite life is goodwill. The addition to goodwill is related to foreign currency translation. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, for the three month period ended March 31, 2011, are as follows:
                                 
    The Americas     EMEA     Asia-Pacific     Total  
 
                               
Balance at January 1, 2011
  $ 3,078     $ 1,177     $ 8,091     $ 12,346  
Currency translation
          61       (19 )     42  
 
                       
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 3,078     $ 1,238     $ 8,072     $ 12,388  
 
                       

 

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NOTE F — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
The 1999 Stock Option Plan
The 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) permitted the grant of 300,000 options to buy common shares of the Company to certain employees at not less than fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. At December 31, 2010 there were no shares remaining to be issued under the plan. Options issued to date under the Plan vest 50% after one year following the date of the grant, 75% after two years, and 100% after three years and expire from five to ten years from the date of grant. Shares issued as a result of stock option exercises will be funded with the issuance of new shares.
The Company has elected to use the simplified method of calculating the expected term of the stock options and historical volatility to compute fair value under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. zero coupon Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures have been estimated to be zero.
There were no shares granted for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
Activity in the Company’s plan for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted        
            Weighted     Average        
            Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Number of     Exercise Price     Contractual     Intrinsic  
    Shares     per Share     Term (Years)     Value  
 
                               
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    72,057     $ 35.89                  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    (1,500 )   $ 39.10                  
Forfeited
    (125 )   $ 15.00                  
 
                             
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at March 31, 2011
    70,432     $ 35.86       5.1     $ 2,346  
 
                             
Exercisable at March 31, 2011
    62,932     $ 34.83       4.7     $ 2,161  
 
                             
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was less than $.1 million and $.1 million, respectively. Cash received for the exercise of stock options during the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $.1 million for both periods.
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded compensation expense related to the stock options currently vesting, reducing income before taxes and net income by less than $.1 million in 2011 and 2010. The total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized at March 31, 2011 is expected to be $.1 million over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.
There were no excess tax benefits from share-based awards for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
Long Term Incentive Plan of 2008
Under the Preformed Line Products Company Long Term Incentive Plan of 2008 (the “LTIP Plan”), certain employees, officers, and directors are eligible to receive awards of options and restricted shares. The purpose of this LTIP Plan is to give the Company and its subsidiaries a competitive advantage in attracting, retaining, and motivating officers, employees, and directors and to provide an incentive to those individuals to increase shareholder value through long-term incentives directly linked to the Company’s performance. As of March 31, 2011, the total number common shares reserved for awards under the LTIP Plan is 400,000. Of the 400,000 common shares, 300,000 common shares have been reserved for restricted share awards and 100,000 common shares have been reserved for share options. The LTIP Plan expires on April 17, 2018.
Restricted Share Awards
For all of the participants except the CEO, a portion of the restricted share award is subject to time-based cliff vesting and a portion is subject to vesting based upon the Company’s performance over a three year period. All of the CEO’s restricted shares are subject to vesting based upon the Company’s performance over a three year period.
The restricted shares are offered at no cost to the employees; however, the participant must remain employed with the Company until the restrictions on the restricted shares lapse. The fair value of restricted share awards is based on the market price of a common share on the grant date. The Company currently estimates that no awards will be forfeited. Dividends declared in 2009 and thereafter will be accrued in cash dividends. Dividends related to the 2008 grant of restricted shares are reinvested in additional restricted shares, and held subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying restricted shares.

 

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A summary of the restricted share awards for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 is as follows:
                                 
    Restricted Share Awards  
    Performance             Total     Weighted-Average  
    and Service     Service     Restricted     Grant-Date  
    Required     Required     Awards     Fair Value  
Nonvested as of January 1, 2011
    142,955       19,778       162,733     $ 33.14  
Granted
    61,594       6,775       68,369       39.92  
Vested
                       
Forfeited
                       
 
                       
Nonvested as of March 31, 2011
    204,549       26,553       231,102     $ 35.15  
 
                       
For time-based restricted shares the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award in General and administrative expense in the accompanying statement of consolidated income. Compensation expense related to the time-based restricted shares for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $.1 million and less than $.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, there was $.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based restricted share awards that is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining period of approximately 2.1 years.
For the performance-based awards, the number of restricted shares in which the participants will vest depends on the Company’s level of performance measured by growth in pretax income and sales growth over a requisite performance period. Depending on the extent to which the performance criterions are satisfied under the LTIP Plan, the participants are eligible to earn common shares over the vesting period. Performance-based compensation expense for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $.5 million for both periods. As of March 31, 2011, the remaining performance-based restricted share awards compensation expense of $4.5 million is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 2.2 years.
The excess tax benefits from restricted share-based awards for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was less than $.1 million and $0, as reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows in financing activities, and represents the reduction in income taxes otherwise payable during the period, attributable to the actual gross tax benefits in excess of the expected tax benefits for restricted shares vested in the current period.
In the event of a Change in Control, vesting of the restricted shares will be accelerated and all restrictions will lapse. Unvested performance-based awards are based on a maximum potential payout. Actual shares awarded at the end of the performance period may be less than the maximum potential payout level depending on achievement of performance-based award objectives.
To satisfy the vesting of its restricted share awards, the Company has reserved new shares from its authorized but unissued shares. Any additional granted awards will also be issued from the Company’s authorized but unissued shares. As of March 31, 2011, under the LTIP Plan there were 29,534 common shares available for additional restricted share grants.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company maintains a trust, commonly referred to as a rabbi trust, in connection with the Company’s deferred compensation plan. This plan allows Directors and certain Company employees to make elective deferrals of Director fees payable and LTIP restricted shares for future distribution in the form of common shares and held in the rabbi trust. The deferred compensation plan allows the Directors to elect to receive Director fees either in cash currently or in shares of common stock of the Company at a later date. Assets of the rabbi trust are consolidated, and the value of the Company’s stock held in the rabbi trust is classified in Shareholders’ equity and generally accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock. The Company recognizes the original amount of the deferred compensation (fair value of the deferred stock award at the date of grant) as the basis for recognition in common shares issued to the rabbi trust. Changes in the fair value of amounts owed to certain employees or Directors are not recognized as the Company’s deferred compensation plan does not permit diversification and must be settled by the delivery of a fixed number of the Company’s common shares. As of March 31, 2011, 23,632 LTIP shares have been deferred and are being held by the rabbi trust.

 

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Share Option Awards
The LTIP Plan permits the grant of 100,000 options to buy common shares of the Company to certain employees at not less than fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. At March 31, 2011 there were 79,500 shares remaining available for issuance under the LTIP Plan. Options issued through March 31, 2011 under the LTIP Plan vest 50% after one year following the date of the grant, 75% after two years, and 100% after three years and expire from five to ten years from the date of grant. Shares issued as a result of stock option exercises will be funded with the issuance of new shares.
The Company has elected to use the simplified method of calculating the expected term of the stock options and historical volatility to compute fair value under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. zero coupon Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. Forfeitures have been estimated to be zero.
There were no options granted for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.
Activity in the Company’s plan for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted        
            Weighted     Average        
            Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Number of     Exercise Price     Contractual     Intrinsic  
    Shares     per Share     Term (Years)     Value  
 
                               
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    20,500     $ 44.94                  
Granted
        $ 0.00                  
Exercised
        $ 0.00                  
Forfeited
        $ 0.00                  
 
                             
Outstanding (vested and expected to vest) at March 31, 2011
    20,500     $ 44.94       9.1     $ 497  
 
                             
Exercisable at March 31, 2011
    5,500     $ 38.76       8.8       167  
 
                             
There were no stock options exercised under the LTIP Plan during the three month period ended March 31, 2011. There were no excess tax benefits from stock based awards for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.
For the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded compensation expense related to the stock options currently vesting, reducing income before taxes and net income by less than $.1 million. The total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized at March 31, 2011 is expected to be a combined total of $.3 million over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years.

 

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NOTE G — FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Under U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including quoted market prices and discounted cash flows. U.S. GAAP also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are obtained from independent sources and can be validated by a third party, whereas, unobservable inputs reflect assumptions regarding what a third party would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
   
Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments that the Company is able to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
   
Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for instruments that are similar, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar instruments, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
   
Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
The carrying value of the Company’s current financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable, and short-term debt, approximates its fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. At March 31, 2011, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was estimated using discounted cash flows analysis, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements which are considered to be level two inputs. There have been no transfers in or out of level two for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. Based on the analysis performed, the fair value and the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt are as follows:
                                 
    March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Fair Value     Carrying Value     Fair Value     Carrying Value  
 
                               
Long-term debt and related current maturities
  $ 16,136     $ 16,056     $ 10,738     $ 10,650  
 
                       
As a result of being a global company, the Company’s earnings, cash flows and financial position are exposed to foreign currency risk. The Company’s primary objective for holding derivative financial instruments is to manage foreign currency risks. The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet and carry these instruments at fair value. The Company does not enter into any trading or speculative positions with regard to derivative instruments. At March 31, 2011, the Company had no derivatives outstanding.
As part of the Purchase Agreement to acquire Electropar, the Company may be required to make an additional earn-out consideration payment up to NZ$2 million or $1.5 million U.S. dollars based on Electropar achieving a financial performance target (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) over the 12 months ending July 31, 2011. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is determined by estimating the expected (probability-weighted) earn-out payment discounted to present value and is considered a level three input. Based upon the initial evaluation of the range of outcomes for this contingent consideration, the Company accrued $.4 million for the additional earn-out consideration payment as of the acquisition date in the Accrued expenses and other liabilities line on the consolidated balance sheets, and as part of the purchase price. Since the acquisition date, the range of outcomes and the assumptions used to develop the estimates of the accrual have not changed, and the amount accrued in the consolidated balance sheet has increased $.1 million due to an increase in the net present value of the liability due to the passage of time.
NOTE H — RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting standards updates (ASU) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13). ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for sales arrangements that include multiple products or services by revising the criteria for when deliverables may be accounted for separately rather than as a combined unit. Specifically, this guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is necessary to separately account for each product or service. This hierarchy provides more options for establishing selling price than existing guidance. ASU 2009-13 is required to be applied prospectively to new or materially modified revenue arrangements beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, which updates the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805, Business Combinations. The objective of ASU 2010-29 is to address diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. The amendments in ASU 2010-29 specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments affect any public entity as defined by FASB ASC 805 that enters into business combinations that are material on an individual or aggregate basis. The amendments in ASU 2010-29 are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
NOTE I — RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Changes to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. GAAP are established by the FASB in the form of ASU’s to the FASB’s ASC.
We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU’s. ASU’s not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or have minimal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which updates the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill & Other. The amendments in ASU 2010-28 affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative. The amendments in ASU 2010-28 modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our second quarter of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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NOTE J — SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following tables present a summary of the Company’s reportable segments for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. Financial results for the PLP-USA segment include the elimination of all segments’ intercompany profit in inventory.
                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
    2011     2010  
Net sales
               
PLP-USA
  $ 31,937     $ 26,481  
The Americas
    20,539       15,186  
EMEA
    15,279       11,267  
Asia-Pacific
    27,333       15,974  
 
           
Total net sales
  $ 95,088     $ 68,908  
 
           
 
               
Intersegment sales
               
PLP-USA
  $ 2,291     $ 1,122  
The Americas
    2,081       1,859  
EMEA
    417       480  
Asia-Pacific
    3,218       1,454  
 
           
Total intersegment sales
  $ 8,007     $ 4,915  
 
           
 
               
Income taxes
               
PLP-USA
  $ 1,340     $ (428 )
The Americas
    640       357  
EMEA
    541       243  
Asia-Pacific
    874       389  
 
           
Total income taxes
  $ 3,395     $ 561  
 
           
 
               
Net income
               
PLP-USA
  $ 1,988     $ (1,029 )
The Americas
    1,334       819  
EMEA
    1,491       1,095  
Asia-Pacific
    2,041       149  
 
           
Total net income
    6,854       1,034  
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
    (144 )     (98 )
 
           
Net income attributable to PLPC
  $ 6,998     $ 1,132  
 
           
                 
    March 31     December 31  
    2011     2010  
 
               
Assets
               
PLP-USA
  $ 72,694     $ 67,268  
The Americas
    65,826       61,358  
EMEA
    49,086       44,526  
Asia-Pacific
    113,921       107,481  
 
           
 
    301,527       280,633  
Corporate assets
    336       346  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 301,863     $ 280,979  
 
           
NOTE K — INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rate was 33% and 35% for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 35% is primarily due to increased earnings in jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory rate in jurisdictions where such earnings are permanently reinvested. The lower effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared with the same period for 2010 was primarily due to the January 1, 2010 expiration of certain U.S. tax benefits, including the Research and Development Tax Credit and the controlled foreign corporation look-through rule, that historically benefited the Company’s financial results. These provisions were not extended until December of 2010, and are effective for the period ended March 31, 2011.
The Company provides valuation allowances against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. No significant changes to the valuation allowance were made for the period ended March 31, 2011.
As of March 31, 2011, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.1 million and there were no significant changes during the period ended March 31, 2011.

 

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ITEM 2.  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help investors better understand our results of operations, financial condition and present business environment. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. The MD&A is organized as follows:
   
Overview
 
   
Recent Developments
 
   
Preface
 
   
Results of Operations
 
   
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
   
Working Capital, Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
   
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
   
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
OVERVIEW
Preformed Line Products Company (the “Company”, “PLPC”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) was incorporated in Ohio in 1947. We are an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for the energy, telecommunication, cable operators, information (data communication), and other similar industries. Our primary products support, protect, connect, terminate, and secure cables and wires. We also provide solar hardware systems and mounting hardware for a variety of solar power applications. Our goal is to continue to achieve profitable growth as a leader in the innovation, development, manufacture, and marketing of technically advanced products and services related to energy, communications, and cable systems and to take advantage of this leadership position to sell additional quality products in familiar markets. We have 17 sales and manufacturing operations in 14 different countries.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
As a result of several global acquisitions since 2007 and corresponding significant changes in the Company’s internal structure, we realigned our business units as of the fourth quarter of 2010 into four operating segments to better capitalize on business development opportunities, improve ongoing services, enhance the utilization of our worldwide resources and global sourcing initiatives and to manage the Company better.
We report our segments in four geographic regions: PLP-USA, The Americas (includes operations in North and South America without PLP-USA), EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) and Asia-Pacific in accordance with accounting standards codified in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, Segment Reporting. Each segment distributes a full range of our primary products. Our PLP-USA segment is comprised of our U.S. operations manufacturing our traditional products primarily supporting our domestic energy and telecommunications products. Our other three segments, The Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, support the Company’s energy, telecommunications, data communication and solar products in each respective geographical region.
The segment managers responsible for each region report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, and are accountable for the financial results and performance of their entire segment for which they are responsible. The business components within each segment are managed to maximize the results of the entire company rather than the results of any individual business component of the segment.

 

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We evaluate segment performance and allocate resources based on several factors primarily based on sales and net income. The segment information for the prior period has been recast to conform to the current segment presentation.
Preface
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). Our discussions of the financial results include non-GAAP measures (foreign currency impact) to provide additional information concerning our financial results and provide information that is useful to the assessment of our performance and operating trends.
2011 Results of Operations compared to 2010
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s consolidated income statements and the percentage of net sales for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. The Company’s past operating results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
                                         
    Three month period ended March 31  
Thousands of dollars   2011     2010     Change  
 
                                       
Net sales
  $ 95,088       100 %   $ 68,908       100 %   $ 26,180  
Cost of products sold
    62,697       66 %     48,883       71 %     13,814  
 
                                 
GROSS PROFIT
    32,391       34 %     20,025       29 %     12,366  
Costs and expenses
    22,266       23 %     18,694       27 %     3,572  
 
                                 
OPERATING INCOME
    10,124       11 %     1,331       2 %     8,793  
Other income
    124       0 %     264       0 %     (140 )
 
                                 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    10,249       11 %     1,595       2 %     8,654  
Income taxes
    3,395       4 %     561       1 %     2,834  
 
                                 
NET INCOME
  $ 6,854       7 %   $ 1,034       2 %   $ 5,820  
 
                                 
Highlights:
   
Net Sales increased 38% to $95.1 million, a quarterly record for the Company.
 
   
Gross profit improved from 29% of net sales in 2010 to 34% of net sales in 2011.
 
   
Operating income increased $8.8 million to $10.1 million from $1.3 million in 2010.
 
   
Net income of $6.9 million increased $5.8 million from 2010.
 
   
Diluted earnings per share were $1.30 per share in 2011 compared to $.21 per share in 2010.
 
   
Bank debt to equity ratio of 10%.
Net sales for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 increased $26.2 million, or 38%, compared to 2010. Our net sales increase was caused primarily by a 47% increase in foreign net sales coupled with a 26% increase in U.S. net sales. The net sales increase was primarily attributable to global business combinations, new business, higher demand levels associated with the improved global economy, and favorable foreign currency exchange rates.
Our financial statements are subject to fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. As foreign currencies strengthen against the U.S. dollar, our revenues and costs increase as the foreign currency-denominated financial statements translate into more dollars. The fluctuations of foreign currencies during the three month period ended March 31, 2011 had a positive impact on net sales of $3.3 million as compared to 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, 2011 net sales increased by double digits in all four of our reportable segments compared to 2010.
As a percentage of net sales, gross profit improved from 29% for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 to 34% for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. Excluding the effect of currency translation, gross profit increased $11.3 million, or 56%, compared to 2010.

 

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Overall, costs and expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased 4 percentage points compared to 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, costs and expenses increased $2.9 million, or 15%, primarily due to an increase in foreign costs and expenses. The primary reasons costs and expenses increased compared to 2010 were due to continued investment in personnel, research and engineering costs, and higher commission expense.
Excluding the effect of currency translation and as a result of the preceding factors, operating income for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 of $10.1 million increased $8.5 million compared to 2010. Net income in 2011 of $6.9 million increased $5.8 million compared to 2010.
Despite the global economic conditions, we are seeing an improvement in our global marketplace and our financial condition continues to remain strong. We continue to generate positive cash flows, have proactively managed working capital and have controlled capital spending. We currently have a bank debt to equity ratio of 10% and can borrow needed funds at an attractive interest rate under our credit facility. While current worldwide conditions necessitate that we concentrate our efforts on maintaining our financial strength, we believe there are many available opportunities for growth. We will pursue these opportunities as appropriate in the current environment in order to improve our competitive position in the future.
THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2011 COMPARED TO THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2010
Net sales. For the three month period ended March 31, 2011, net sales were $95.1 million, an increase of $26.2 million, or 38%, from the three month period ended March 31, 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, net sales increased 33% as summarized in the following table:
                                                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
                            Change     Change        
                            due to     excluding        
                            currency     currency     %  
thousands of dollars   2011     2010     Change     translation     tranlation     change  
Net sales
                                               
PLP-USA
  $ 31,937     $ 26,481     $ 5,456     $     $ 5,456       21 %
The Americas
    20,539       15,186       5,353       1,072       4,281       28  
EMEA
    15,279       11,267       4,012       350       3,662       33  
Asia-Pacific
    27,333       15,974       11,359       1,845       9,514       60  
 
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 95,088     $ 68,908     $ 26,180     $ 3,267     $ 22,913       33 %
 
                                   
The increase in PLP-USA net sales of $5.5 million, or 21%, was primarily due to sale mix increases of $3.4 million and sales volume increases of $2.1 million. International net sales for three month period ended March 31, 2011 were favorably affected by $3.3 million when local currencies were converted to U.S. dollars. The following discussions of international net sales exclude the effect of currency translation. The Americas net sales of $20.5 million increased $4.3 million, or 28%, primarily related to a stronger overall market demand in the region related to energy and solar sales. The Americas net sales increase of $4.3 million was approximately 50% due to higher energy sales volume and 50% due to volume in solar sales. EMEA net sales increased $3.7 million, or 33%, due to stronger market conditions in the region compared to 2010 leading to an increase in overall sales volume. In Asia-Pacific, net sales increased $9.5 million, or 60%, compared to 2010. Of the $9.5 million increase in net sales, $6.4 million related to the net sales realized through the Electropar acquisition in July 2010. The remainder of the net sales increase was due to a sales volume increase in the region.

 

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Gross profit. Gross profit of $32.4 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 increased $12.4 million, or 62%, compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, gross profit increased 56% as summarized in the following table:
                                                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
                            Change     Change        
                            due to     excluding        
                            currency     currency     %  
thousands of dollars   2011     2010     Change     translation     translation     change  
 
 
Gross profit
                                               
PLP-USA
  $ 11,308     $ 6,592     $ 4,716     $     $ 4,716       72 %
The Americas
    6,199       4,362       1,837       352       1,485       34  
EMEA
    5,129       3,782       1,347       129       1,218       32  
Asia-Pacific
    9,755       5,289       4,466       615       3,851       73  
 
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 32,391     $ 20,025     $ 12,366     $ 1,096     $ 11,270       56 %
 
                                   
PLP-USA gross profit of $11.3 million increased $4.7 million compared to 2010. PLP-USA gross profit increased $2.4 million due to higher net sales coupled with an improvement in product margins. International gross profit for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was favorably impacted by $1 million when local currencies were translated to U.S. dollars. The following discussion of international gross profit excludes the effect of currency translation. The Americas gross profit increase of $1.5 million was primarily the result of $1 million from higher net sales coupled with $.5 million due to favorable product margins. The EMEA gross profit increase of $1.2 million was the result of $1.3 million from higher net sales coupled with better production margins partially offset by $.4 million due to higher material costs. Asia-Pacific gross profit of $9.8 million increased $3.9 million compared to 2010. Of the $3.9 million increase in gross profit, $1.8 million was related to the sales realized through the acquisition of Electropar in July 2010. The remainder of the increase in gross profit was the result of $1.7 million from higher net sales in the region coupled with better product margins.
The Dulmison acquisition was accounted for pursuant to the current business combination standards. In accordance with the standards, we recorded, as of the acquisition date, the acquired inventories at their respective fair values. For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, we sold and therefore recognized $.4 million of the acquired finished goods inventories fair value adjustment in Cost of products sold.
Costs and expenses. Costs and expenses of $22.3 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 increased $3.6 million, or 19%, compared to 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, costs and expenses increased 15% as summarized in the following table:
                                                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
                            Change     Change        
                            due to     excluding        
                            currency     currency     %  
thousands of dollars   2011     2010     Change     translation     translation     change  
Costs and expenses
                                               
PLP-USA
  $ 9,832     $ 9,619     $ 213     $     $ 213       2 %
The Americas
    3,880       2,934       946       225       721       25  
EMEA
    2,711       2,219       492       50       442       20  
Asia-Pacific
    5,843       3,922       1,921       418       1,503       38  
 
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 22,266     $ 18,694     $ 3,572     $ 693     $ 2,879       15 %
 
                                   
PLP-USA costs and expenses increased $.2 million primarily due to an increase in employee related costs of $.7 million and commissions of $.3 million partially offset by a decrease in acquisition related costs of $.3 million, $.2 million due to lower repairs and maintenance, $.2 million due to lower professional fees, and a decrease in advertising expenses of $.1 million. International costs and expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 were unfavorably impacted by $.7 million when local currencies were translated to U.S. dollar. The following discussions of international costs and expenses exclude the effect of currency translation. The Americas costs and expenses increased $.7 million primarily due to an increase in employee headcount in the region, mainly attributable to our investment in research and engineering to support our future growth, coupled with higher personnel related costs and $.2 million related to higher sales commissions. EMEA costs and expenses increased $.4 million. EMEA’s costs and expenses increase was primarily due to an increase in employee related costs coupled with lower currency transaction gains of $.2 million and slightly higher commission expense. Asia-Pacific costs and expenses increased $1.5 million compared to 2010. The Electropar acquisition in July 2010 added $.9 million to costs and expenses compared to 2010. The remaining $.6 million increase in costs and expenses was primarily due to an increase in personnel related costs coupled with higher research and engineering related costs from other subsidiaries located in the Asia-Pacific reportable segment.

 

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Overall, costs and expenses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 included less than $.3 million and $.1 million, respectively, related to aggregated amortization expense of intangible assets acquired in our Dulmison and Electropar business combinations.
Other income. Other income for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 of $.1 million decreased $.2 million compared to 2010. Other income decreased primarily due to a decrease in income related to our natural gas well located at PLP’s corporate headquarters.
Income taxes. Income taxes for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 of $3.4 million was $3 million higher than 2010. The effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was 33% compared to 35% in 2010. The effective tax rate for three month period ended March 31, 2011 is lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to increased earnings in jurisdictions with lower tax rates than the U.S. federal statutory rate in jurisdictions where such earnings are permanently reinvested. The lower effective tax rate for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 compared to 2010 was primarily due to the January 1, 2010 expiration of certain U.S. tax benefits, including the Research and Development Tax Credit and the controlled foreign corporation look-through rule, that historically benefited the Company’s financial results. These provisions were not extended until December of 2010, and are effective for the period ended March 31, 2011.
Net income. As a result of the preceding items, net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was $6.9 million, compared to $1 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2010. Excluding the effect of currency translation, net income increased $5.6 million as summarized in the following table:
                                                 
    Three month period ended March 31  
                            Change     Change        
                            due to     excluding        
                            currency     currency     %  
thousands of dollars   2011     2010     Change     translation     translation     change  
Net income
                                               
PLP-USA
  $ 1,988     $ (1,029 )   $ 3,017     $     $ 3,017       293 %
The Americas
    1,334       819       515       87       428       52  
EMEA
    1,491       1,095       396       41       355       32  
Asia-Pacific
    2,041       149       1,892       63       1,829       1,228  
 
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 6,854     $ 1,034     $ 5,820     $ 191     $ 5,629       544 %
 
                                   
PLP-USA net income increased $3 million as a result of an increase in operating income of $5 million partially offset by a decrease in other income of $.2 million and an increase in income taxes. International net income for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was favorably affected by $.2 million when local currencies were converted to U.S. dollars. The following discussion of international net income excludes the effect of currency translation. The Americas net income increased $.4 million due primarily to the $.7 million increase in operating income partially offset by an increase in income taxes. EMEA net income increased $.4 million primarily as a result of the increase in operating income of $.6 million partially offset by an increase in income taxes. Asia-Pacific net income increased $1.8 million primarily as a result of the increase in operating income of $2.2 million and an increase in other income partially offset by an increase in income taxes of $.4 million.

 

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APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our critical accounting policies are consistent with the information set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and are, therefore, not presented herein.
WORKING CAPITAL, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash increased $1.5 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011. Net cash used in operating activities was $2.9 million. The major investing and financing uses of cash were capital expenditures of $2.4 million and dividends of $1.1 million offset by net borrowings of $7.6 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 decreased $3.7 million compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2010 primarily as a result of an increase in operating assets (net of operating liabilities) of $9.9 million offset by an increase in net income of $5.8 million and an increase in non-cash items of $.4 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 of $2.4 million represents a decrease of $1.2 million when compared to cash used in investing activities in the three month period ended March 31, 2010. Capital expenditures decreased $1.4 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010 primarily related to facility expansions in Mexico and additional machinery and equipment investments at our U.S. locations, Brazilian and Thailand operations in the prior year.
Cash provided by financing activities for the three month period ended March 31, 2011 was $6.7 million compared to $3.9 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2010. The decrease of $2.8 million was primarily a result of higher debt borrowings in 2011 compared to 2010.
Our financial position remains strong and our current ratio at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was 3.0 to 1. At March 31, 2011, our unused availability under our main credit facility was $16.1 million and our bank debt to equity percentage was 10%. The revolving credit agreement contains, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining levels of working capital, net worth and profitability. At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these covenants.
We expect that our major sources of funding for 2011 and beyond will be our operating cash flows and our existing cash and cash equivalents. We believe our future operating cash flows will be more than sufficient to cover debt repayments, other contractual obligations, capital expenditures and dividends. In addition, we believe our borrowing capacity provides substantial financial resources. We do not believe we would increase our debt to a level that would have a material adverse impact upon results of operations or financial condition.
RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued accounting standards updates (ASU) No. 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (ASU 2009-13). ASU 2009-13 addresses the accounting for sales arrangements that include multiple products or services by revising the criteria for when deliverables may be accounted for separately rather than as a combined unit. Specifically, this guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is necessary to separately account for each product or service. This hierarchy provides more options for establishing selling price than existing guidance. ASU 2009-13 is required to be applied prospectively to new or materially modified revenue arrangements beginning on or after January 1, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, which updates the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 805, Business Combinations. The objective of ASU 2010-29 is to address diversity in practice about the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. The amendments in ASU 2010-29 specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments affect any public entity as defined by FASB ASC 805 that enters into business combinations that are material on an individual or aggregate basis. The amendments in ASU 2010-29 are effective prospectively for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

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RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Changes to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) are established by the FASB in the form of ASU’s to the FASB’s ASC.
We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU’s. ASU’s not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or have minimal impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which updates the guidance in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill & Other. The amendments in ASU 2010-28 affect all entities that have recognized goodwill and have one or more reporting units whose carrying amount for purposes of performing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test is zero or negative. The amendments in ASU 2010-28 modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our second quarter of fiscal 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Statement for “Safe harbor” Purposes Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This Form 10-Q and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company’s and management’s beliefs and expectations. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused upon future plans, objectives or performance (as opposed to historical items) and include statements of anticipated events or trends and expectations and beliefs relating to matters not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the Company’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such uncertainties and factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could affect the Company’s future performance and cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made in this report:
   
The overall demand for cable anchoring and control hardware for electrical transmission and distribution lines on a worldwide basis, which has a slow growth rate in mature markets such as the United States (U.S.), Canada, and Western Europe and may not grow as expected in developing regions;
   
The ability of our customers to raise funds needed to build the facilities their customers require;
 
   
Technological developments that affect longer-term trends for communication lines such as wireless communication;
 
   
The decreasing demands for product supporting copper-based infrastructure due to the introduction of products using new technologies or adoption of new industry standards;

 

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The Company’s success at continuing to develop proprietary technology and maintaining high quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations;
   
The Company’s success in strengthening and retaining relationships with the Company’s customers, growing sales at targeted accounts and expanding geographically;
   
The extent to which the Company is successful in expanding the Company’s product line or production facilities into new areas;
   
The Company’s ability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions for profitable growth;
   
The potential impact of consolidation, deregulation and bankruptcy among the Company’s suppliers, competitors and customers;
   
The relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company’s products;
   
The cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products;
   
The effects of fluctuation in currency exchange rates upon the Company’s reported results from international operations, together with non-currency risks of investing in and conducting significant operations in foreign countries, including those relating to political, social, economic and regulatory factors;
   
Changes in significant government regulations affecting environmental compliances;
   
The telecommunication market’s continued deployment of Fiber-to-the-Premises;
   
The Company’s ability to obtain funding for future acquisitions;
   
The potential impact of the global economic condition and the depressed U.S. housing market on the Company’s ongoing profitability and future growth opportunities in our core markets in the U.S. and other foreign countries where the financial situation is expected to be similar going forward;
   
The continued support by Federal, State, Local and Foreign Governments in incentive programs for upgrading electric transmission lines and promoting renewable energy deployment;
   
Those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” on page 13 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed on March 11, 2011.
ITEM 3.  
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company operates manufacturing facilities and offices around the world and uses fixed and floating rate debt to finance the Company’s global operations. As a result, the Company is subject to business risks inherent in non-U.S. activities, including political and economic uncertainty, import and export limitations and market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company believes the political and economic risks related to the Company’s international operations are mitigated due to the stability of the countries in which the Company’s largest international operations are located.
The Company is exposed to market risk, including changes in interest rates. The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its variable rate revolving credit facilities and term notes, which consisted of borrowings of $19.6 million at March 31, 2011. A 100 basis point increase in the interest rate would have resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $.2 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2011.
The Company’s primary currency rate exposures are related to foreign denominated debt, intercompany debt, forward exchange contracts, foreign denominated receivables and cash and short-term investments. A hypothetical 10% change in currency rates would have a favorable/unfavorable impact on fair values on such instruments of $4.8 million and on income before tax of less than $.1 million.

 

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ITEM 4.  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, were effective as of March 31, 2011.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1A.  
RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2011.
ITEM 2.  
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On August 4, 2010, the Company announced the Board of Directors authorized a plan to repurchase up to 250,000 of Preformed Line Products common shares. The repurchase plan does not have an expiration date. There were no repurchases for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011.
ITEM 3.  
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4.  
(Removed and Reserved)
None.
ITEM 5.  
OTHER INFORMATION
None.

 

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ITEM 6.  
EXHIBITS
         
  31.1    
Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer, Robert G. Ruhlman, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
       
 
  31.2    
Certifications of the Principal Financial Officer, Eric R. Graef, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, Robert G. Ruhlman, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, furnished.
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of the Principal Accounting Officer, Eric R. Graef, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, furnished.

 

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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.
         
May 6, 2011  /s/ Robert G. Ruhlman    
  Robert G. Ruhlman   
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) 
 
     
May 6, 2011  /s/ Eric R. Graef    
  Eric R. Graef   
  Chief Financial Officer and Vice President — Finance
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
  31.1    
Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer, Robert G. Ruhlman, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
       
 
  31.2    
Certifications of the Principal Financial Officer, Eric R. Graef, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, Robert G. Ruhlman, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, furnished.
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of the Principal Accounting Officer, Eric R. Graef, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, furnished.

 

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