Strattec Security Corporation Reports Record Fiscal First Quarter Results
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ --
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (Nasdaq: STRT) today reported record sales and operating results for the fiscal first quarter ended October 1, 2000.
Net sales for the three months ended October 1, 2000 were $52.4 million, an increase of 5 percent compared to net sales of $49.7 million for the three months ended September 26, 1999. Net income was $3.9 million, compared to $3.7 million in the prior year quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended October 1, 2000, were $.85 compared to $.65 in the prior year quarter, an increase of 31 percent.
Sales to STRATTEC's largest customers overall increased in the current quarter compared to the prior year levels, with Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc. increasing 95%, and DaimlerChrysler Corporation 7%. Sales to General Motors Corporation, Delphi Automotive Systems Corporation and Ford Motor Company were flat with the prior year quarter. The impact of the Firestone tire recall on Ford Explorer and Ranger pickup truck production during this year's quarter reduced sales to the Ford Motor Company by an estimated $500,000. However, product mix and content changes for the remainder of the Ford Motor Company products we supply helped offset this reduction. Sales to our Industrial & Service Products customers increased, primarily with sales of our new Vehicle Access Control Systems (VACS) product into the delivery van market.
Gross profit margins were 21.6 percent in the current quarter compared to 21.5 percent in the prior year quarter. Gross profit margins were comparable with the prior year quarter, despite the impact of higher raw material costs, primarily zinc, as well as continued wage inflation in Mexico combined with an unfavorable Mexico Peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Operating expenses were $5.0 million in the current quarter, compared to $4.9 million in the prior year quarter.
Harold M. Stratton II, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Despite the impact of the Firestone Tire recall on our sales to Ford, and the general slow-down in the U.S. economy, we were fortunate to be able to avoid the earnings declines many supplier's in our industry experienced this quarter. Overall, we are very pleased with our first quarter operating results."
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION designs, develops, manufactures and markets mechanical locks, electro-mechanical locks and related access control products for North American automotive manufacturers and, through an alliance partner, other global automotive manufacturers.
Forward looking statements in this release are 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, foreign currency fluctuations, and costs of operations. 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. 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 Results of Operations (In Thousands except per share amounts)
First Quarter Ended October 1, 2000 September 26, 1999 (Unaudited) Net Sales $52,421 $49,667 Cost of Goods Sold 41,083 38,979 Gross Profit 11,338 10,688 Engineering, Selling & Administrative Expenses 5,033 4,888 Income from Operations 6,305 5,800 Interest Income 193 388 Other Income (Expense), Net (187) (108) 6,311 6,080 Provision for Income Taxes 2,430 2,372 Net Income $3,881 $3,708 Earnings Per Share: Basic $.87 $.67 Diluted $.85 $.65 Average Basic Shares Outstanding 4,479 5,511 Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 4,582 5,671 STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION Condensed Balance Sheet Data (In Thousands) October 1, 2000 July 2, 2000 ASSETS (Unaudited) Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $13,847 $13,915 Receivables, Net 29,174 28,731 Inventories 17,846 14,342 Other current assets 6,543 9,613 Total Current Assets 67,410 66,601 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 41,953 42,381 $109,363 $108,982 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable $18,311 $19,694 Other 11,355 14,407 Total Current Liabilities 29,666 34,101 Deferred Income Taxes 299 299 Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facility -- -- Accrued Pension and Post Retirement Obligations 14,455 14,132 Shareholders' Equity 118,190 113,710 Less: Treasury Stock (53,247) (53,260) Total Shareholders' Equity 64,943 60,450 $109,363 $108,982
SOURCE STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
CONTACT: Pat Hansen, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of