ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION’s accompanying Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this Form 10-K. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to years or quarters refer to fiscal years or fiscal quarters of STRATTEC.
Executive Overview
Historically, a significant portion of our total net sales have been to domestic automotive OEMs (General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler). During the past two decades these customers lost North American market share to the New Domestic automotive manufacturers (primarily the Japanese and Korean automotive manufacturers). In addition to our dependence on our customers’ maintaining their market share, our financial performance depends in large part on conditions in the overall automotive industry, which in turn, are dependent upon the U.S. and global economies. During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, the above domestic automotive OEMs together represented each year 62 percent, respectively, of our total net sales.
During fiscal years 2021 and 2020, we experienced stronger sales demand for our components from our major North American customers noted above as it relates to light trucks and both sport utility and car based utility vehicles in comparison to passenger cars, which was likely influenced by customer preferences and gas prices. If gas prices continue to remain flat or slightly higher over the next several years, we anticipate this consumer buying trend will continue, which is approximately 77 percent light trucks and sport utility vehicles in comparison to 23 percent passenger car vehicle purchases today. During the last 3-5 years our major customers General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler eliminated passenger car production on several models in North America as a strategy to improve their overall profitability going forward.
Fiscal 2021 net sales were $485 million compared to $385 million in 2020. The fiscal 2021 net sales were impacted by the global semiconductor chip shortage that reduced net sales and profitability primarily in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 and we see these shortages continuing into fiscal year 2022. The reduced sales in fiscal year 2020 was attributed to the General Motors labor strike with the United Auto Workers in September and October 2019 which reduced net sales to General Motors by approximately $10 million and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During March, April and May 2020, the North American OEM assembly plant operations were shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic reducing our net sales to our customers by approximately $78 million during that period. Net income attributable to STRATTEC for fiscal 2021 was $22.5 million and the Net loss attributable to STRATTEC in fiscal 2020 was $7.6 million (which included a $3.7 million non-cash compensation expense charges net of tax), which as noted above was primarily attributed to the lost net sales previously described above. In response to the COVID -19 pandemic in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company implemented temporary layoffs of production workers in our Milwaukee, WI and Mexico plant operations, reduced the US Salaried workforce by ten percent, reduced salaried working hours by ten percent, allowed remote working from home, significantly reduced nonessential operating costs, delayed capital expenditures and temporarily suspended the quarterly cash dividend to preserve cash flow during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2020. In addition, during fiscal year 2021 the Company produced additional finished goods inventory in anticipation of our OEM customers pipeline fill to their dealers once vehicle production began starting up in July, 2020 coming out of the temporary shutdowns from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continued to build inventory as it relates to the global chip shortage and low inventory levels at the dealers today. Also impacting profitability in late fiscal year 2021 were increased costs for purchased raw materials relating to zinc, steel, nickel silver, brass, aluminum and plastic resins that in most cases we were not able to pass along all these increased costs to our customers. Another factor impacting our profitability is our U.S. Dollar and Mexican Peso exchange rate that affects our operations in Mexico. In the case of the Mexican Peso, the Company does have certain hedging strategies to offset the impact of the exchange rate effects on profitability.
As we look out into the future, the July 2021 projections from our third-party forecasting service indicate that North American light vehicle production will show a significant increase in demand in vehicle production build for the next four years from our original 2021 forecast which was originally set lower due to the expected lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage. By model year, based on these projections we are expecting a 2021 vehicle build of 14.7 million vehicles, 17.1 million vehicles for 2022, 17.0 million vehicles for 2023, 16.6 million vehicles for 2024 and 16.8 million vehicles for 2025. These vehicle production estimates going forward were significantly increased due to the impact of COVID-19 that lowered vehicle production in late fiscal 2020 and the global semiconductor chip shortage in late fiscal 2021. As part of this third party projection, the Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler are expected to experience slightly decreased vehicle production volumes in their production levels during this time period. Of course, all of these forecasts are subject to variability based on what happens in the overall North American and global economies, especially as it relates to the world wide status of the global semiconductor chip shortage and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that may shut down our customers assembly facilities and supply chains in the foreseeable future, potential tariff enactment by the United States Government or other foreign countries, the current levels of employment, availability of consumer credit, home equity values, fluctuating fuel prices, changes in customer vehicle and option preferences, product quality issues, including related to recall and product warranty coverage issues, and other key factors that we believe could determine whether consumers can or will purchase new vehicles or particular brands.
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Focus and Strategy Going Forward
STRATTEC’s long-term strategy is focused on maximizing long-term shareholder value by driving profitable growth. Our management believes productivity improvements and cost reductions are critical to our competitiveness, while enhancing the value we deliver to our customers. In order to accomplish this, we have been pursuing, and we intend to continue to pursue over the foreseeable future, the following objectives as summarized below:
We use several key performance indicators to gauge progress toward achieving these objectives. These indicators include net sales growth, operating margin improvement, return on capital employed and cash flow from operations.
Results of Operations
2021 Compared to 2020
Years Ended
Net Sales (millions of dollars) $ 485.3 $ 385.3
Net Sales to each of our customers or customer groups in the current year and prior year were as follows (millions of dollars):
Years Ended
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) 85.6 85.0
Commercial and Other OEM Customers 77.0 71.9
Current year sales were adversely impacted by the global semiconductor chip shortage, and prior year sales were significantly and negatively impacted by the decision of our OEM customers to fully close their assembly plants in April and May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of these production schedule reductions reduced our net sales in the prior year by approximately $78.0 million. Sales to all customer groups in the current year were higher in comparison to the prior year due to the foregoing impact of the COVID-19 virus disruption on our operations. The following items further impacted sales to the noted customer groups between years:
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Years Ended
The direct material cost increase was due to increased sales volumes between years, as discussed above, and increased purchased costs for certain raw materials and purchased components in the current year as compared to the prior year. The impact of increased zinc, brass, and nickel silver costs increased current year material costs by approximately $1.3 million as compared to the prior year. The increase in our direct material costs as a percentage of our cost of goods sold was due to the increased raw material costs as previously discussed and due to a reduction in our labor and overhead costs as a percentage of our cost of goods sold, as discussed below.
Labor and overhead costs increased between years, yet these costs decreased as a percentage of our cost of goods sold as a result of favorable absorption of fixed overhead costs resulting from production volume increases and cost improvement initiatives at our Milwaukee and Mexico facilities. Labor and overhead costs were impacted by the following:
Cost Increases:
Cost Decreases:
Years Ended
Gross Profit (millions of dollars) $ 78.7 $ 35.4
Gross Profit as a percentage of net sales 16.2 % 9.2 %
The increase in gross profit dollars in the current year as compared to the prior year was attributed to the increase in net sales between years, partially offset by the increase in cost of goods sold as discussed above. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales improved between years due to the increase in net sales as discussed above, which resulted in more favorable absorption of our fixed costs and due to cost improvement initiatives at our Milwaukee and Mexico facilities.
Engineering, Selling and Administrative Expenses in the current year and prior year were as follows:
Years Ended
Expenses (millions of dollars) $ 44.7 $ 44.1
Expenses as a percentage of net sales 9.2 % 11.4 %
Engineering, selling and administrative expenses were impacted by the following:
Cost Increases:
Cost Decreases:
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Income from operations in the current year was $33.9 million compared to loss from operations of $8.7 million in the prior year. This change was the result of increase sales, which were partially offset by an increase in cost of goods sold in the current year as compared to the prior year, all as discussed above.
The equity earnings (loss) of joint ventures was comprised of the following in the current year and prior year (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Vehicle Access Systems Technology LLC $ 2,560 $ (565 )
STRATTEC Advanced Logic, LLC ("SAL LLC") — 356
Higher profitability from our VAST LLC joint venture was due to higher net sales and improved profitability in our VAST China operation between years. The improved profitability in our VAST China operation between years stemmed from the extended OEM customer plant shutdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the prior year. VAST China’s profitability in the current year was also partially offset by startup costs for their new plant in Jingzhou, China and by costs associated with the closure of our VAST China plant in Fuzhou, China, which operations were consolidated into the new Jingzhou facility. We continue to believe these actions related to the changes in facilities, will give VAST China added capacity, greater operating efficiencies and a broader geographic footprint in the China market going forward. VAST LLC, including VAST China, is a crucial part of our global strategy and we anticipate that it will contribute to our overall long term sales growth as the China market continues to expand. Our VAST LLC joint ventures in India and Brazil continue to report losses due to our limited amount of business in both regions as well as the impact of COVID-19. SAL LLC was dissolved during fiscal 2020. Our 2020 equity earnings of SAL LLC included a gain on dissolution of $342,000.
Included in other (expense) income, net in the current year and prior year were the following items (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain $ (2,445 ) $ 1,982
Rabbi Trust gain (loss) 865 (2 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on Mexican peso forward contracts 723 (480 )
Realized gain (loss) on Mexican peso forward contracts 164 (418 )
Pension and postretirement plans cost (483 ) (469 )
Our effective income tax rate for 2021 was 14.6 percent compared to 27.9 percent in 2020. Our effective tax rate for 2020 was higher due to our pre-tax book loss and the beneficial carry-back of losses. Additionally, our income tax provision for each year 2021 and 2020 was affected by the non-controlling interest portion of our pre-tax income, GILTI provisions and R&D tax credit. The non-controlling interest impacts the effective tax rate as our ADAC-STRATTEC LLC and STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC entities are taxed as partnerships for U.S. tax purposes.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital (millions of dollars)
Outstanding Receivable Balances from Major Customers
Our primary source of cash flow is from our major customers, which include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles LLC, General Motors Company and Ford Motor Company. As of the date of filing this Annual Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, all of our customers are making payments on their outstanding accounts receivable in accordance with the payment terms included on their purchase orders. A summary of our outstanding receivable balances from our major customers as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 was as follows (millions of dollars):
General Motors Company $ 22.9 $ 12.6
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles $ 11.9 $ 5.9
Ford Motor Company $ 8.2 $ 6.1
Reduced accounts receivable balances as of June 28, 2020 was primarily due to reduced sales levels from the end of March 2020 through June 2020 as a result of our OEM customers reducing production schedules and closing their assembly plants, which reduced orders for our products, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Cash Balances in Mexico
We earn a portion of our operating income in Mexico. As of June 27, 2021, $2.3 million of our $14.5 million cash and cash equivalents balance was held in Mexico. These funds are available for repatriation as deemed necessary.
Cash Flow Analysis
Years Ended
Cash Flows from (millions of dollars):
Operating Activities $ 35.2 $ 25.4
Investing Activities $ (9.0 ) $ (12.3 )
Financing Activities $ (22.9 ) $ (9.0 )
The increase in cash provided by operating activities between 2020 and 2021 was due to an increase in operating income as previously discussed. The increase in operating income was partially offset by a net increase in working capital requirements between these years of $28.7 million, with the net increase in our working capital requirements being made up of the following working capital changes (millions of dollars):
Increase (Decrease) in Working Capital Requirements
Customer Tooling $ 1.2 $ (0.5 ) $ 1.7
Accounts Payable and
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Net cash used by investing activities of $9.0 million during 2021 and $12.3 million during 2020 included capital expenditures of $8.9 million and $12.4 million, respectively. Capital expenditures during each year were made in support of requirements for new product programs and the upgrade and replacement of existing equipment. Net cash used by investing activities during 2021 also included an investment in our VAST LLC joint venture of $100,000. The investment was made for the purpose of funding general operating expenses for Sistema de Acesso Veicular Ltda, our Brazilian joint venture.
Net cash used in financing activities of $22.9 million during 2021 included repayments of borrowings under credit facilities of $23.0 million and $490,000 of dividend payments to non-controlling interests in our subsidiaries, partially offset by $604,000 received for the exercise of stock options under our stock incentive plan and purchases under our employee stock purchase plan. Net cash used in financing activities of $9.0 million during 2020 included repayments of borrowings under credit facilities of $15.0 million, $1.6 million of regular quarterly dividend payments to shareholders and $980,000 of dividend payments to non-controlling interests in our subsidiaries, partially offset by $8 million in additional borrowings under credit facilities as well as $560,000 received for the exercise of stock options under our stock incentive plan and purchases under our employee stock purchase plan.
Dividends
On May 13, 2020, our Board of Directors took action to temporarily suspend payment of our quarterly dividend for the foreseeable future in order to conserve cash as a result of the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. During the first nine months of fiscal 2020, prior to the suspension of dividend payments as discussed above, approximately $1.6 million of cash dividends were paid to our shareholders. No dividends were paid to shareholders during fiscal 2021.
VAST LLC Cash Requirements
We currently anticipate that VAST China has adequate debt facilities in place over the next fiscal year to cover the future operating and capital requirements of its business. During 2021, capital contributions totaling $300,000 were made to VAST LLC for purposes of funding operations in Brazil. STRATTEC’s portion of the capital contribution totaled $100,000. No capital contributions were made to VAST LLC in 2020. Due to economic conditions in Brazil, we anticipate Sistema de Acesso Veicular Ltda may require an additional capital contribution of approximately $300,000 collectively by all VAST LLC partners to fund operations during our fiscal year 2022. STRATTEC’s portion of these capital contributions is anticipated to be $100,000. During 2021 and 2020, VAST LLC made no capital contributions to Minda-VAST Access Systems. Due to Minda-VAST Access System recently experiencing losses and due to the COVID-19 outbreak, future capital contributions may be required by the partners in this joint venture.
Future Capital Expenditures
We anticipate capital expenditures will be approximately $13 million in fiscal 2022 in support of requirements for new product programs and the upgrade and replacement of existing equipment.
Stock Repurchase Program
Our Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program to buy back outstanding shares of our common stock. Shares authorized for buy back under the program totaled 3,839,395 at June 27, 2021. A total of 3,655,322 shares have been repurchased over the life of the program through June 27, 2021, at a cost of approximately $136.4 million. No shares were repurchased during fiscal 2021 or 2020. Additional repurchases may occur from time to time and are expected to continue to be funded by cash flow from operations and current cash balances. At this time, we anticipate minimal or no stock repurchase activity in fiscal year 2022.
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Credit Facilities
STRATTEC has a $40 million secured revolving credit facility (the “STRATTEC Credit Facility”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A. ADAC-STRATTEC LLC has a $25 million secured revolving credit facility (the “ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A., which is guaranteed by STRATTEC. The credit facilities were extended during June 2021 and both expire August 1, 2024. Borrowings under either credit facility are secured by our U.S. cash balances, accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets located in the U.S. Interest on borrowings under the STRATTEC Credit Facility through May 31, 2021 was at varying rates based, at our option, on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.0 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Interest on borrowings under the ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility through May 31, 2021 was at varying rates based, at our option, on LIBOR plus 1.25 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Effective June 1, 2021 interest on borrowings under both credit facilities were at varying rates based, at our option, on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Both credit facilities contain a restrictive financial covenant that requires the applicable borrower to maintain a minimum net worth level. The ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility includes an additional restrictive financial covenant that requires the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. As of June 27, 2021, we were in compliance with all financial covenants required by these credit facilities. There were no outstanding borrowings under the STRATTEC Credit Facility as of June 27, 2021. Outstanding borrowings under the STRATTEC Credit Facility totaled $18 million at June 28, 2020. The average outstanding borrowings and weighted average interest rate on the STRATTEC Credit Facility loans were approximately $8.8 million and 1.2 percent, respectively, during 2021. The average outstanding borrowings and weighted average interest rate on the STRATTEC Credit Facility loans were approximately $13.8 million and 2.6 percent, respectively, during 2020. Outstanding borrowings under the ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility totaled $12 million at June 27, 2021 and $17 million at June 28, 2020. The average outstanding borrowings and weighted average interest rate on the ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility loans were approximately $14.3 million and 1.4 percent, respectively, during 2021. The average outstanding borrowings and weighted average interest rate on the ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility loans were approximately $19.1 million and 2.9 percent, respectively, during 2020. We believe that the credit facilities are adequate, along with existing cash flows from operations, to meet our anticipated capital expenditure, working capital, dividend, and operating expenditure requirements.
Inflation and Other Changes in Prices
Over the past several years, we have been impacted by rising health care costs, which have increased our cost of associate medical coverage. A portion of these increases have been offset by plan design changes and associate wellness initiatives. We have also been impacted by increases in the market price of zinc, steel, brass, nickel silver, and aluminum as well as inflation in Mexico, which impacts the U. S. dollar costs of our Mexican operations. We have negotiated raw material price adjustment clauses with certain, but not all, of our customers to offset some of the market price fluctuations in the cost of zinc. We own and operate manufacturing operations in Mexico. As a result, a portion of our manufacturing costs are incurred in Mexican pesos. We have from time to time entered into contracts with Bank of Montreal that provide for bi-weekly and monthly Mexican peso currency forward contracts for a portion of our estimated peso denominated operating costs to minimize our earnings volatility resulting from changes in exchange rates affecting the U.S. dollar cost of our Mexican operations. Refer to the discussion of Derivative Instruments under Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in the Notes to Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 within this Form 10-K.
Joint Ventures and Majority Owned Subsidiaries
Refer to the discussion of Investment in Joint Ventures and Majority Owned Subsidiaries and discussion of Equity Earnings (Loss) of Joint Ventures included in the Notes to Financial Statements included within this Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies
We believe the following represents our critical accounting policies:
Liability for Uncertain Tax Positions – We are subject to income taxation in many jurisdictions around the world. Significant management judgment is required in the accounting for income tax contingencies because the outcomes are often difficult to determine. We are required to measure and recognize uncertain tax positions that we have taken or expect to take in our income tax returns. The benefit of an uncertain tax position can only be recognized in the financial statements if management concludes that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained with the tax authorities. For a position that is likely to be sustained, the benefit recognized in the financial statements is measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized. A reserve is established for the difference between a position taken in an income tax return and the amount recognized in the financial statements. Refer to the discussion of Income Taxes included in the Notes to Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 within this Form 10-K.
Warranty Reserve – We have a warranty liability recorded related to our exposure to warranty claims in the event our products fail to perform as expected, and we may be required to participate in the repair costs incurred by our customers for such products. The recorded warranty liability balance involves judgment and estimates. Our liability estimate is based on an analysis of historical
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warranty data as well as current trends and information, including our customers’ recent extension or expansion of their warranty programs. Actual warranty costs might differ from estimates due to the level of actual claims varying from our claims experience and estimates and final negotiations and settlements reached with our customers. Therefore, future actual claims experience could result in changes in our estimates of the required liability. Refer to the discussion of Warranty Reserve under Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in the Notes to Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 within this Form 10-K.
We believe the reserve discussed above is estimated using consistent and appropriate methods. However, changes to the assumptions could materially affect the recorded reserve amount.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to the discussion of New Accounting Standards under Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in the Notes to Financial Statements included as part of Item 8 within this Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Page
REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMS 27
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Loss) 30
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 31
Consolidated Statements of shareholders' Equity 32
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 33
Notes to Financial Statements 34
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 53
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (the "Company") as of June 27, 2021, the related consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 27, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 27, 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 27, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated September 2, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Warranty Reserve
As described in the Notes to Financial Statements, the Company records a liability for known and potential exposure to warranty claims in the event its products fail to perform as expected and in the event that it may be required to participate in the repair costs incurred by its customers for such products. At June 27, 2021, the Company’s warranty reserve was $8.4 million. The warranty reserve is estimated based on management’s analysis of historical data, current trends, known claims, and the terms of specific customer warranty programs and supply agreements. The warranty reserve requires management to apply significant judgment to its estimation of the liability which requires substantial auditor judgment due to the highly subjective nature and materiality of the future estimated claims to be paid. Actual warranty costs may differ from management’s estimated costs as a result of, but not limited to, negotiations with customers, changes to assumptions of repair and/or replacement costs, and changes to trends in product performance. Such matters may require future adjustments to the liability which could be significant.
Our audit procedures related to testing the Company’s warranty reserve included the following:
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c. Tested the completeness and accuracy of the claims to date and payments.
/s/ Crowe LLP
Oak Brook, Illinois
September 2, 2021
We have served as the Company's auditor since fiscal year 2021.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of June 28, 2020, the related consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for the year ended June 28, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 28, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 28, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 3, 2020
We began serving as the Company’s auditor in 2010. In 2020 we became the predecessor auditor.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Years Ended
Engineering, selling, and administrative expenses 44,743 44,108
Equity earnings (loss) of joint ventures 2,560 (209 )
Other (expense) income, net (1,165 ) 1,668
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 5,111 (2,266 )
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest 7,365 1,748
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax 7,144 (5,796 )
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax (135 ) 274
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 7,009 (5,522 )
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION:
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Customer tooling in progress, net 7,571 8,768
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued liabilities:
Commitments and Contingencies – see note beginning on page 46
ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS 599 701
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (16,797 ) (22,113 )
Total STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION shareholders’ equity 181,646 152,222
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Currency translation adjustments (5,796 ) — — — (3,819 ) — (1,977 )
Cash dividends declared ($0.42 per share) (1,572 ) — — (1,572 ) — — —
Stock-based compensation 996 — 996 — — — —
Stock option exercises 477 1 476 — — — —
Employee stock purchases 83 — 14 — — 69 —
Stock-based compensation 972 — 972 — — — —
Stock option exercises 526 — 526 — — — —
Employee stock purchases 78 — 37 — — 41 —
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
Years Ended
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Equity (earnings) loss of joint ventures (2,560 ) 209
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) 2,445 (1,982 )
Unrealized (gain) loss on peso forward contracts (723 ) 480
Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment 1,421 369
Non-cash compensation expense — 4,824
Stock-based compensation expense 972 996
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 28,540 (24,207 )
Net cash provided by operating activities 35,150 25,424
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in joint ventures (100 ) —
Additions to property, plant and equipment (8,929 ) (12,381 )
Proceeds received on sale of property, plant and equipment 8 32
Net cash used in investing activities (9,021 ) (12,349 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under credit facilities — 8,000
Repayments under credit facilities (23,000 ) (15,000 )
Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases 604 560
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests of subsidiaries (490 ) (980 )
Dividends paid — (1,572 )
Net cash used in financing activities (22,886 ) (8,992 )
FOREIGN CURRENCY IMPACT ON CASH (552 ) (118 )
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2,691 3,965
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash Paid During the Period For:
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Change in capital expenditures in accounts payable $ 225 $ (951 )
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION designs, develops, manufactures and markets automotive access control products including mechanical locks and keys, electronically enhanced locks and keys, passive entry passive start systems (PEPS), steering column and instrument panel ignition lock housings, latches, power sliding side door systems, power tailgate systems, power lift gate systems, power deck lid systems, door handles and related products for primarily North American automotive customers. We also supply global automotive manufacturers through a unique strategic relationship with WITTE Automotive (“WITTE”) of Velbert, Germany and ADAC Automotive (“ADAC”) of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Under this relationship, STRATTEC, WITTE and ADAC market the products of each company to global customers under the “VAST Automotive Group” brand name (as more fully described herein). STRATTEC products are shipped to customer locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, Korea, China and India, and we, along with our VAST LLC partners, provide full service and aftermarket support for each VAST Automotive Group partner’s products. We also previously maintained a 51 percent interest in a joint venture, STRATTEC Advanced Logic, LLC (“SAL LLC”), which was established to introduce a new generation of commercial and residential biometric security products based on the designs of Actuator Systems, our partner and owner of the remaining ownership interest. SAL LLC was dissolved during our fiscal 2020.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated results of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION, its wholly owned Mexican subsidiary, STRATTEC de Mexico, and its majority owned subsidiaries, ADAC-STRATTEC, LLC and STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC. STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. STRATTEC de Mexico is located in Juarez, Mexico. ADAC-STRATTEC, LLC and STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC have operations in El Paso, Texas and in Juarez and Leon, Mexico. Equity investments in Vehicle Access Systems Technology LLC (“VAST LLC”) and SAL LLC for which we exercise significant influence but do not control and are not variable interest entities of STRATTEC, are accounted for using the equity method. VAST LLC consists primarily of four wholly owned subsidiaries in China, one wholly owned subsidiary in Brazil and one joint venture entity in India. The results of the VAST LLC foreign subsidiaries and joint venture are reported on a one-month lag basis. SAL LLC was located in El Paso, Texas. We have only one reporting segment.
Risks and Uncertainties: In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. The coronavirus has since spread, and infections have been found in multiple countries around the world, including the United States. In March 2020, the World Health Organization recognized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the global spread of the disease, the severity of illnesses it causes and its effects on society. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations and advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes. Accordingly, the COVID-19 outbreak has severely restricted the level of economic activity in many countries, and continues to adversely impact global economic activity, including with respect to customer purchasing actions and supply chain continuity and disruption, and in particular the supply of semiconductor chips, transponders and related components to the automotive industry.
STRATTEC’s operating performance is subject to global economic conditions and levels of consumer spending specifically within the automotive industry. During the period from late March 2020 through mid-June 2020, the majority of our OEM customer assembly plant operations were completely closed including most of the supply chain. Additionally, during most of this same period, STRATTEC’s Mexico facilities were closed as a result of the Mexican government’s shutdown of non-essential businesses. Re-opening of our OEM customer facilities and our Mexico facilities began in June 2020, and the automotive industry continued to ramp-up throughout our fiscal year ended June 27, 2021 resulting in an increase in our net sales for this current fiscal year period compared to our prior year period.
The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our future operating results will depend on the duration, intensity and continued spread of the outbreak, regulatory and private sector responses, which may be precautionary and may include potential restrictive operating measures imposed by governmental authorities, and the impact to our customers, workforce and suppliers, in particular related to the sourcing of semiconductor chips, transponders and other critical supply chain components by us and our customers to meet expected production schedules, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. These changing conditions may also affect the estimates and assumptions made by our management. Such estimates and assumptions affect, among other things, our long-lived asset valuations, equity investment valuation, assessment of our annual effective tax rate, valuation of deferred income taxes, assessment of excess and obsolete inventory reserves, and assessment of collectability of trade receivables.
Significant Accounting Policies: The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of these financial statements, as summarized in the following paragraphs, are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION, its wholly owned Mexican subsidiary and its majority owned subsidiaries. Equity investments for which STRATTEC exercises significant influence but does not control and are not variable interest entities of STRATTEC are accounted for using the equity method. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
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New Accounting Standards: In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The update revises the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. Originally, the update was effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Derivatives and Hedging, and Leases. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for public companies that are considered smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are planning to adopt this standard in the first quarter of our fiscal 2024. We are currently evaluating the potential effects of adopting the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes, which enhances and simplifies various aspects of income tax accounting including hybrid tax regimes, tax basis step-up in goodwill obtained in a transaction that is not a business combination, separate financial statements of entities not subject to tax, the intraperiod tax allocation exception to the incremental approach, investment ownership changes from a subsidiary to an equity method investment and vice versa, interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law, and the year-to-date loss limitation in interim-period tax accounting. This accounting update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this pronouncement will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Fiscal Year: Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest June 30. The years ended June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 are each comprised of 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses for the periods presented. These estimates and assumptions could also affect the disclosure of contingencies. Actual results and outcomes may differ from management’s estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less due to the short-term nature of the instruments. Excess cash balances are placed in short-term commercial paper.
Derivative Instruments: We own and operate manufacturing operations in Mexico. As a result, a portion of our manufacturing costs are incurred in Mexican pesos, which causes our earnings and cash flows to fluctuate due to changes in the U.S. dollar/Mexican peso exchange rate. We have contracts with Bank of Montreal that provide for monthly Mexican peso currency forward contracts for a portion of our estimated peso denominated operating costs. Our objective in entering into currency forward contracts is to minimize our earnings volatility resulting from changes in exchange rates affecting the U.S. dollar cost of our Mexican operations. The Mexican peso forward contracts are not used for speculative purposes and are not designated as hedges. As a result, all currency forward contracts are recognized in our accompanying consolidated financial statements at fair value and changes in the fair value are reported in current earnings as part of Other (Expense) Income, net.
The following table quantifies the outstanding Mexican peso forward contracts as of June 27, 2021 (thousands of dollars, except with respect to the average forward contractual exchange rate):
The fair market value of all outstanding Mexican peso forward contracts in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets was as follows (thousands of dollars):
Not designated as hedging instruments:
Other current assets:
Mexican peso forward contracts $ 243 $ —
Other current liabilities:
Mexican peso forward contracts $ — $ 480
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The pre-tax effects of the Mexican peso forward contracts on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Income consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
Other (Expense) Income, net
Years Ended
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Realized gain (loss) $ 164 $ (418 )
Unrealized gain (loss) $ 723 $ (480 )
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and borrowings under our credit facilities approximated their book value as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid for a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There is an established fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable. Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These are typically obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. Level 2 – Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These are typically obtained from readily-available pricing sources for comparable instruments. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs, where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability. These inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions of the data that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, based on the best information available in the circumstances. The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 (thousands of dollars):
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets:
Rabbi Trust assets:
Stock index funds:
Cash and cash equivalents — 2 — 2 — 224 — 224
Mexican peso forward contracts — 243 — 243 — — — —
Liabilities:
Mexican peso forward contracts $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 480 $ — $ 480
The Rabbi Trust assets fund our supplemental executive retirement plan and are primarily included in Other Long-Term Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to discussion of Mexican peso forward contracts under Derivative Instruments above. The fair value of the Mexican peso forward contracts considers the remaining term, current exchange rate and interest rate differentials between the two currencies.
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Receivables: Receivables consist primarily of trade receivables due from Original Equipment Manufacturers in the automotive industry and locksmith/dealership distributors relating to our service and aftermarket sales. We evaluate the collectability of receivables based on a number of factors. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded for significant past due receivable balances based on a review of the past due items, general economic conditions (including with respect to the impact of COVID-19 on our customers) and the industry as a whole. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $500,000 at June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020.
Inventories: Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) cost method of accounting. Inventories consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
Excess and obsolete reserve (5,380 ) (4,890 )
We record a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based on historical and estimated future demand and market conditions. The reserve level is determined by comparing inventory levels of individual materials and parts to historical usage and estimated future sales by analyzing the age of the inventory in order to identify specific materials and parts that are unlikely to be sold. Technical obsolescence and other known factors are also considered in evaluating the reserve level. The activity related to the excess and obsolete inventory reserve was as follows (thousands of dollars):
Customer Tooling in Progress: We incur costs related to tooling used in component production and assembly. Costs for development of certain tooling, which will be directly reimbursed by the customer whose parts are produced from the tool, are accumulated on the balance sheet and are then billed to the customer. The accumulated costs are billed upon formal acceptance by the customer of products produced with the individual tool. Other tooling costs are not directly reimbursed by the customer. We capitalize and amortize these other tooling costs over the life of the related product based on the fact that the related tool will be used over the life of the supply arrangement. To the extent that estimated costs exceed expected reimbursement from the customer we recognize a loss.
Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Classification Expected Useful Lives
Land improvements 20 years
Buildings and improvements 15 to 35 years
Machinery and equipment 3 to 15 years
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
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Depreciation expense was as follows for the periods indicated (thousands of dollars):
Fiscal Year Depreciation Expense
The gross and net book value of property, plant and equipment located outside of the United States, primarily in Mexico, were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such indicators are present, the recoverability of assets to be held and used is assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If an asset is determined to not be recoverable, the impairment recognized is calculated as the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. There were no impairments recorded in the years ended June 27, 2021 or June 28, 2020.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which significantly extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income.
Leases: Our right-of-use operating lease assets are recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments, net of amortization. We have an operating lease for our El Paso, Texas finished goods and service parts distribution warehouse that has a current lease term through October 2023. This lease includes renewal terms that can extend the lease term for five additional years. For purposes of calculating operating lease obligations, we included the option to extend the lease as it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such option. The lease does not contain material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As the lease does not provide an implicit rate, we used our incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to determine the present value of our lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is an entity-specific rate which represents the rate of interest we would pay to borrow over a similar term with similar payments.
The operating lease asset and obligation related to our El Paso warehouse lease included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are presented below (thousands of dollars):
Right-of-Use Asset Under Operating Lease:
Lease Obligation Under Operating Lease:
Current Liabilities: Accrued Liabilities: Other $ 378 $ 354
Future minimum lease payments, by our fiscal year, including options to extend that are reasonably certain to be exercised, under the non-cancelable lease are as follows as of June 27, 2021 (thousands of dollars):
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments 3,846
Less: Imputed Interest (447 )
Total Lease Obligations $ 3,399
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Cash flow information related to the operating lease is shown below (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Operating Cash Flows:
Cash Paid Related to Operating Lease Obligation $ 473 $ 461
The weighted average lease term and discount rate for the El Paso, Texas operating lease are shown below:
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, (in years) 7.3 8.3
Weighted Average Discount Rate 3.3 % 3.3 %
Operating lease expense for the year ended June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 totaled $473,000 and $461,000, respectively.
Supplier Concentrations: The following inventory purchases were made from major suppliers during each fiscal year noted:
Fiscal Year Percentage of Inventory Purchases Number of Suppliers
We have long-term contracts or arrangements with most of our suppliers to guarantee the availability of raw materials and component parts.
Labor Concentrations: We had approximately 3,752 full-time associates of which approximately 204 or 5.4 percent were represented by a labor union at June 27, 2021. The associates represented by a labor union account for all production associates at our Milwaukee facility. The current contract with the unionized associates is effective through September 17, 2021.
Revenue Recognition: We generate revenue from the production of parts sold to automotive and light-truck Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”), or Tier 1 suppliers at the direction of the OEM, under long-term supply agreements supporting new vehicle production. Such agreements also require related production of service parts subsequent to the initial vehicle production periods. Additionally, we generate revenue from the production of parts sold in aftermarket service channels and to non-automotive commercial customers.
Revenue Recognition:
Our contracts with customers under long-term supply agreements do not commit the customer to a specified quantity of parts. However, we are generally required to fulfill our customers’ purchasing requirements for the production life of the vehicle. Contracts do not become a performance obligation until we receive either a purchase order and/or customer release for a specific number of parts at a specified price. While long-term supply agreements may range from four to six years for new vehicle production and ten to fifteen subsequent years for service parts production, contracts may be terminated by customers at any time. Historically, terminations have been minimal. Contracts may also provide for annual price reductions over the production life of the vehicle, and prices are adjusted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in product content/cost and other commercial factors.
Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control of the parts produced are transferred to the customer according to the terms of the contract, which is usually when the parts are shipped or delivered to the customer’s premises. Customers are generally invoiced upon shipment or delivery and payment generally occurs within 45 to 90 days after the shipment date. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for those products based on purchase orders, annual price reductions and ongoing price adjustments, some of which are accounted for as variable consideration. We use the most likely amount method, the single most likely outcome of the contract, to estimate the amount to which we expect to be entitled. There were no significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration during the reporting periods referenced in our accompanying financial statements and significant changes to our estimates of variable consideration are not expected in future periods.
We do not have an enforceable right to payment at any time prior to when the parts are shipped or delivered to the customer. Therefore, we recognize revenue at the point in time we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring control of a part to a customer. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in Net Sales in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss). Shipping and handling costs are accounted for as fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of Goods Sold in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
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Tooling and Pre-Production Engineering Costs Related to Long-Term Supply Arrangements:
We incur pre-production engineering and tooling costs related to the products produced for our customers under long-term supply agreements. Customer reimbursements for tooling and pre-production engineering activities that are part of a long-term supply arrangement are accounted for as a reduction of cost in accordance with ASC 340, Other Assets and Deferred Costs. Pre-production costs related to long-term supply agreements with a contractual guarantee for reimbursement are included in Other Current Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expense all pre-production engineering costs for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer. All pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is not contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which we do not have a non-cancelable right to use the tooling is also expensed when incurred.
Receivables, net:
Receivables, net include amounts billed and currently due from customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for estimated amounts of receivables not expected to be collected. We continually assess our receivables for collectability and any allowance is recorded based upon age of the outstanding receivables, historical payment experience, customer creditworthiness and general economic conditions.
Contract Balances:
We had no material contract assets or contract liabilities as of June 27, 2021 or June 28, 2020.
Product Sales and Sales and Receivable Concentration:
Refer to Product Sales and Sales and Receivable Concentration included herein for revenue by product group and revenue by customer.
Research and Development Costs: Expenditures relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenditures were approximately $10.8 million in 2021 and $9.8 million in 2020.
Other (Expense) Income, Net: Net other (expense) income included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) primarily included foreign currency transaction gains and losses, realized and unrealized gains and losses on our Mexican peso currency forward contracts, the components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component related to our pension and postretirement plans and Rabbi Trust gains and losses. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses resulted from activity associated with foreign denominated assets held by our Mexican subsidiaries. The Rabbi Trust assets fund our amended and restated supplemental executive retirement plan. The investments held in the Trust are considered trading securities. We entered into the Mexican peso currency forward contracts during fiscal 2021 and 2020 to minimize earnings volatility resulting from changes in exchange rates affecting the U.S. dollar cost of our Mexican operations. Unrealized gains and losses on the peso forward contracts recognized as a result of mark-to-market adjustments as of June 27, 2021 may or may not be realized in future periods, depending on actual Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rates experienced during the balance of the contract period. Pension and postretirement plan costs include the components of net periodic benefit cost other than the service cost component. Additionally, during fiscal 2020, other miscellaneous income, net includes $450,000 of favorable valued-added tax adjustments realized by our Mexican entities and $434,000 of experience gains from asset returns related to the termination of our Qualified Pension Plan as discussed below under Retirement Plans and Postretirement Costs.The impact of these items for the periods presented was as follows (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain $ (2,445 ) $ 1,982
Rabbi Trust gain (loss) 865 (2 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on Mexican peso forward contracts 723 (480 )
Realized gain (loss) on Mexican peso forward contracts 164 (418 )
Pension and postretirement plans cost (483 ) (469 )
Other miscellaneous income, net 11 1,055
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Warranty Reserve: We have a warranty liability recorded related to our known and potential exposure to warranty claims in the event our products fail to perform as expected, and in the event we may be required to participate in the repair costs incurred by our customers for such products. The recorded warranty liability balance involves judgment and estimates. Our liability estimate is based on an analysis of historical warranty data as well as current trends and information, including our customers’ recent extension and/or expansion of their warranty programs. In recent fiscal periods, our largest customers have extended their warranty protection for their vehicles and have since demanded higher warranty cost sharing arrangements from their suppliers in their terms and conditions to purchase, including from STRATTEC. As additional information becomes available, actual results may differ from recorded estimates, which may require us to adjust the amount of our warranty provision. Changes in the warranty reserve were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Foreign Currency Translation: The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries and equity investees are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the average exchange rate for each applicable period for sales, costs and expenses. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other (expense) income, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL”): The following tables summarize the changes in AOCL for the years ended June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 (thousands of dollars):
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (6,924 ) 540 (6,384 )
Net other comprehensive loss before Reclassifications (7,144 ) 412 (6,732 )
Reclassifications:
Prior service credits (A) — 8 8
Actuarial losses (A) — (369 ) (369 )
Total reclassifications before tax — (361 ) (361 )
Net reclassifications — (277 ) (277 )
Other comprehensive loss attributable
to non-controlling interest (1,693 ) — (1,693 )
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Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 6,153 25 6,178
Net other comprehensive loss before Reclassifications 5,796 19 5,815
Reclassifications:
Prior service credits (A) — 29 29
Actuarial losses (A) — (412 ) (412 )
Total reclassifications before tax — (383 ) (383 )
Net reclassifications — (293 ) (293 )
Other comprehensive loss attributable
to non-controlling interest 1,977 — 1,977
Stock-Based Compensation: We maintain an omnibus stock incentive plan. This plan provides for the granting of stock options, shares of restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. The Board of Directors has designated 2 million shares of common stock available for the grant of awards under the plan. Remaining shares available to be granted under the plan as of June 27, 2021 were 219,084. Awards that expire or are cancelled without delivery of shares become available for re-issuance under the plan. We issue new shares of common stock to satisfy stock option exercises.
Nonqualified and incentive stock options and shares of restricted stock have been granted to our officers, outside directors and specified associates under the stock incentive plan. Stock options granted under the plan may not be issued with an exercise price less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted. Stock options become exercisable as determined at the date of grant by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The options expire 10 years after the grant date unless an earlier expiration date is set at the time of grant. The options vest 1 to 4 years after the date of grant. Shares of restricted stock granted under the plan are subject to vesting criteria determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors at the time the shares are granted and have a minimum vesting period of one year from the date of grant. Restricted shares granted have voting rights, regardless of whether the shares are vested or unvested, but only have the right to receive cash dividends after such shares become vested. Restricted stock grants issued vest 1 to 5 years after the date of grant.
The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The resulting compensation cost for fixed awards with graded vesting schedules is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. The expected term of awards granted is determined based on historical experience with similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms and vesting schedules. The expected volatility is determined based on our historical stock prices over the most recent period commensurate with the expected term of the award. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term commensurate with the expected term of the award. Expected pre-vesting option forfeitures are based primarily on historical data. The fair value of each restricted stock grant was based on the market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant. The resulting compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. We record stock based compensation only for those awards that are expected to vest.
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All compensation cost related to stock options granted under the plan has been recognized as of June 27, 2021. Unrecognized compensation cost as of June 27, 2021 related to restricted stock granted under the plan was as follows (thousands of dollars):
Restricted stock granted $ 822 0.9
Unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for any future changes in estimated and actual forfeitures.
Cash received from stock option exercises and the related income tax benefit were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Fiscal Year Cash Received from Stock Option Exercises Income Tax Benefit
The intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the fair value of options vested were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 555 $ 120
Fair value of stock options vested $ — $ —
No options were granted during the fiscal years ended June 27, 2021 or June 28, 2020.
The range of options outstanding as of June 27, 2021 was as follows:
Income Taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered, settled or utilized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. We recognize the benefit of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50 percent) that the tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit is recognized. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, we accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are classified in the (Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
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INVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURES AND MAJORITY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES
We participate in certain Alliance Agreements with WITTE Automotive (“WITTE”) and ADAC Automotive (“ADAC”). WITTE, of Velbert, Germany, is a privately held automotive supplier. WITTE designs, manufactures and markets automotive components, including locks and keys, hood latches, rear compartment latches, seat back latches, door handles and specialty fasteners. WITTE’s primary market for these products has been Europe. ADAC, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a privately held automotive supplier and manufactures engineered products, including door handles and other automotive trim parts, utilizing plastic injection molding, automated painting and various assembly processes.
The Alliance Agreements include a set of cross-licensing agreements for the manufacture, distribution and sale of WITTE products by STRATTEC and ADAC in North America, and the manufacture, distribution and sale of STRATTEC and ADAC products by WITTE in Europe. Additionally, a joint venture company, Vehicle Access Systems Technology LLC (“VAST LLC”), in which WITTE, STRATTEC and ADAC each hold a one-third equity interest, exists to seek opportunities to manufacture and sell each company’s products in areas of the world outside of North America and Europe. As a result of these relationships, the entities involved purchase products from each other on an as needed basis to use as components in end products assembled and sold in their respective home markets. STRATTEC currently purchases such component parts from WITTE. These purchases totaled $874,000 in 2021 and $1.0 million in 2020. STRATTEC also pays WITTE a royalty related to certain latch product sales. Such royalties incurred totaled $1.1 million in 2021. The outstanding payable balance to WITTE was $427,000 and $21,000 as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020, respectively.
VAST LLC has investments in Sistema de Acesso Veicular Ltda, VAST China (Taicang), VAST Jingzhou Co. Ltd., VAST Shanghai Co., VAST Fuzhou and Minda-VAST Access Systems. The operations under VAST Fuzhou closed during our fiscal 2021, and the land and building owned by VAST Fuzhou are currently for sale. Sistema de Acesso Veicular Ltda is located in Brazil and services customers in South America. VAST China (Taicang), VAST Jingzhou Co. Ltd, and VAST Shanghai Co. (collectively known as VAST China), provide a base of operations to service each VAST partner’s automotive customers in the Asian market. Minda-VAST Access Systems is based in Pune, India and is a 50:50 joint venture between VAST LLC and Minda Management Services Limited, an affiliate of both Minda Corporation Limited and Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group of New Delhi, India (collectively “Minda”). Minda and its affiliates cater to the needs of all major car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle, tractor and off-road vehicle manufacturers in India. They are a leading manufacturer in the Indian marketplace of security & access products, handles, automotive safety, restraint systems, driver information and telematics systems for both OEMs and the aftermarket. VAST LLC also maintains branch offices in South Korea and Japan in support of customer sales and engineering requirements.
VAST LLC investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Results of the VAST LLC foreign subsidiaries and joint venture are reported on a one-month lag basis. The activities of the VAST LLC foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures resulted in equity earnings of joint ventures to STRATTEC of approximately $2.6 million during 2021 and equity loss of joint ventures of $565,000 during 2020. This 2020 equity loss of joint ventures included a $2 million impairment charge related to its Minda-VAST Access Systems joint venture in India. STRATTEC’s portion of this impairment charge totaled $667,000. During 2021, capital contributions totaling $300,000 were made to VAST LLC for purposes of funding operations in Brazil. STRATTEC’s portion of the capital contributions totaled $100,000. During 2020, no capital contributions were made to VAST LLC.
ADAC-STRATTEC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, was formed in fiscal year 2007 to support injection molding and door handle assembly operations in Mexico. ADAC-STRATTEC LLC was 51 percent owned by STRATTEC and 49 percent owned by ADAC for all periods presented in this report. An additional Mexican entity, ADAC-STRATTEC de Mexico, is wholly owned by ADAC-STRATTEC LLC. ADAC-STRATTEC LLC’s financial results are consolidated with the financial results of STRATTEC and resulted in increased net income to STRATTEC of approximately $4.1 million in 2021 and $1.5 million in 2020. ADAC Charges ADAC-STRATTEC LLC an engineering, research and design fee as well as a sales fee. Such fees are calculated as a percentage of ADAC-STRATTEC LLC net sales, are included in the consolidated results of STRATTEC, and totaled $8.8 million in 2021 and $6.9 million in 2020. The related outstanding payable balance to ADAC was $1.9 million and $658,000 as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020, respectively. Additionally, ADAC-STRATTEC LLC sells production parts to ADAC. Sales to ADAC are included in the consolidated results of STRATTEC and totaled $11.6 million in 2021 and $10.2 million in 2020. The related outstanding receivable balance from ADAC was $1.5 million and $1.0 million as of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020, respectively.
STRATTEC POWER ACCESS LLC (“SPA”) was formed in fiscal year 2009 to supply the North American portion of the power sliding door, lift gate and deck lid system access control products which were acquired from Delphi Corporation. SPA was 80 percent owned by STRATTEC and 20 percent owned by WITTE for all periods presented in this report. An additional Mexican entity, STRATTEC POWER ACCESS de Mexico, is wholly owned by SPA. The financial results of SPA are consolidated with the financial results of STRATTEC and resulted in increased net income to STRATTEC of approximately $6.4 million in 2021 and reduced net income to STRATTEC of approximately $1.3 million in 2020.
See further discussion under Equity Earnings (Loss) of Joint Ventures included in Notes to Financial Statements herein.
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EQUITY EARNINGS (LOSS) OF JOINT VENTURES
As discussed above under the note Investment in Joint Ventures and Majority Owned Subsidiaries, we hold a one-third ownership interest in VAST LLC, for which we exercise significant influence but do not control and VAST LLC is not a variable interest entity of STRATTEC. Our investment in VAST LLC is accounted for using the equity method. The results of the VAST LLC foreign subsidiaries and joint venture are reported on a one-month lag basis. The following are summarized statements of operations and summarized balance sheet data for VAST LLC (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Engineering, selling and administrative expense 30,605 28,812
Impairment charge — 2,000
Income (loss) from operations 7,614 (2,818 )
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes 9,295 (1,262 )
Provision for income taxes 1,554 466
STRATTEC’s share of VAST LLC net
Intercompany profit eliminations (20 ) 11
STRATTEC’s equity earnings (loss) of VAST LLC $ 2,560 $ (565 )
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,623 $ 8,549
STRATTEC’s share of VAST LLC net assets $ 27,341 $ 22,165
SAL LLC was dissolved during 2020. STRATTEC’s equity earnings of SAL LLC totaled $356,000 in 2020.
We have sales of component parts to VAST LLC, purchases of component parts from VAST LLC, expenses charged to VAST LLC for engineering and accounting services and expenses charged from VAST LLC to STRATTEC for general headquarter expenses. The following tables summarize the related party transactions with VAST LLC for the periods indicated (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Purchases from VAST LLC $ 527 $ 469
Expenses charged to VAST LLC $ 1,507 $ 2,299
Expenses charged from VAST LLC $ 1,167 $ 935
Accounts receivable from VAST LLC $ 84 $ 1,115
Accounts payable to VAST LLC $ 25 $ 239
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CREDIT FACILITIES
STRATTEC has a $40 million secured revolving credit facility (the “STRATTEC Credit Facility”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A. ADAC-STRATTEC LLC has a $25 million secured revolving credit facility (the “ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A., which is guaranteed by STRATTEC. The credit facilities were extended during June 2021 and both expire on August 1, 2024. Borrowings under either credit facility are secured by our U.S. cash balances, accounts receivable, inventory, and fixed assets located in the U.S. Interest on borrowings under the STRATTEC Credit Facility through May 31, 2021 was at varying rates based, at our option, on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.0 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Interest on borrowings under the ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility through May 31, 2021 was at varying rates based, at our option, on LIBOR plus 1.25 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Effective June 1, 2021, interest on borrowings under both credit facilities were at varying rates based, at our option, on the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25 percent or the bank’s prime rate. Both credit facilities contain a restrictive financial covenant that requires the applicable borrower to maintain a minimum net worth level. The ADAC-STRATTEC Credit Facility includes an additional restrictive financial covenant that requires the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. As of June 27, 2021, we were in compliance with all financial covenants required by these credit facilities.
Outstanding borrowings under the credit facilities referenced in the above paragraph as of the end of 2021 and 2020 were as follows (thousands of dollars):
STRATTEC Credit Facility $ — $ 18,000
Average outstanding borrowings and the weighted average interest rate under each such credit facility during 2021 and 2020 were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Average Outstanding Borrowings Weighted Average Interest Rate
Years Ended Years Ended
We believe that the credit facilities referenced above are adequate, along with existing cash balances and cash flow from operations, to meet our anticipated capital expenditure, working capital, dividend and operating expenditure requirements.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are from time to time subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, alleged breaches of contracts, product warranties, intellectual property matters and employment related matters. It is our opinion that the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of STRATTEC. With respect to warranty matters, although we cannot ensure that the future costs of warranty claims by customers will not be material, we believe our established reserves are adequate to cover potential warranty settlements.
In 1995, we recorded a provision for estimated costs to remediate an environmental contamination site at our Milwaukee facility. The facility was contaminated by a solvent spill, which occurred in 1985, from a former above ground solvent storage tank located on the east side of the facility. The reserve was originally established based on third party estimates to adequately cover the cost for active remediation of the contamination. Due to changing technology and related costs associated with active remediation of the contamination, in fiscal years 2010, 2016, and 2021, we obtained updated third party estimates of projected costs to adequately cover the cost for active remediation of this contamination and adjusted the reserve as needed. We monitor and evaluate the site with the use of these groundwater monitoring wells. An environmental consultant samples these wells one or two times a year to determine the status of the contamination and the potential for remediation of the contamination by natural attenuation, the dissipation of the contamination over time to concentrations below applicable standards. If such sampling evidences a sufficient degree of and trend toward natural attenuation of the contamination at the site, we may be able to obtain a closure letter from the regulatory authorities resolving the issue without the need for active remediation. If a sufficient degree and trend toward natural attenuation is not evidenced by sampling, a more active form of remediation beyond natural attenuation may be required. The sampling has not yet satisfied all of the requirements for closure by natural attenuation. As a result, sampling continues and the reserve remains at an amount to reflect our estimated cost of active remediation. The reserve is not measured on a discounted basis. We believe, based on findings-to-date and known environmental regulations, that the environmental reserve of $1.4 million at June 27, 2021 is adequate.
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At June 27, 2021, we had purchase commitments related to zinc and other purchased parts. We also had minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with a term in excess of one year. The purchase and minimum rental commitments are payable as follows (thousands of dollars):
Purchase Minimum Rental
Fiscal Year Commitments Commitments
INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Currently (recoverable) payable:
The items accounting for the difference between income taxes computed at the Federal statutory tax rate and the provision for income taxes were as follows:
Years Ended
U.S. statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 %
State taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 1.1 2.1
Foreign subsidiaries 1.0 (5.8 )
Federal net operating loss carry-back statutory rate differential — 11.7
Global intangible low-taxed income 0.5 (4.4 )
Research and development tax credit (2.3 ) 9.9
Non-controlling interest (5.9 ) (2.3 )
Uncertain tax positions — (4.0 )
Stock based compensation 0.1 (1.8 )
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("the CARES Act") was enacted. The CARES Act contains several income tax provisions, as well as other measures, that are intended to assist businesses impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes a five-year carryback allowance for taxable net operating losses generated in tax years 2018 through 2020, our fiscal years 2019 through 2021. We recorded an expected benefit for the carryback of our fiscal year 2020 federal net operating loss. As we carried the losses back to years beginning before January 1, 2018, the tax benefit was a result of the rate differential between the previous 35% federal tax rate and current statutory rate of 21%.
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The components of deferred tax (liabilities) assets were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit plan liabilities $ 659 $ 617
Stock-based compensation 306 389
Repair and maintenance supply parts reserve 284 510
Allowance for doubtful accounts 118 118
Right of Use Assets (799 ) (882 )
Postretirement obligations (294 ) (357 )
Accumulated depreciation (4,663 ) (5,063 )
Accrued pension obligations 459 472
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered.
Federal credit carry-forwards at June 27, 2021 resulted in future benefits of approximately $1.4 million and expire between 2030 and 2031. We currently anticipate having sufficient Federal taxable income to offset these credit carry-forwards. State credit carry-forwards at June 27, 2021 resulted in future benefits of approximately $194,000 and expire at varying times between 2025 and 2035. A valuation allowance of $153,000 has been recorded as of June 27, 2021, due to our assessment of the future realization of certain credit carry-forward benefits. We do not currently anticipate having sufficient state taxable income to offset these credit carry-forwards. Foreign income before the provision for income taxes was $5.1 million in 2021 and $7.7 million in 2020.
The total liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $1.6 million as of each of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 and was included in Other Long-term Liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. This liability includes approximately $1.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits at each of June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 and approximately $146,000 of accrued interest at June 27, 2021 and $147,000 at June 28, 2020. This liability does not include an amount for accrued penalties. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was approximately $1.1 million at June 27, 2021 and at June 28, 2020. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020 (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 1,462 $ 1,138
Gross increases – tax positions in prior years 76 140
Gross increases – current period tax positions 207 245
Tax years closed (287 ) (61 )
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 1,458 $ 1,462
We or one of our subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States (Federal), Wisconsin (state), Michigan (state) and various other states, Mexico and other foreign jurisdictions. Tax years open to examination by tax authorities under the statute of limitations include fiscal 2018 through 2021 for Federal, fiscal 2017 through 2021 for most states and calendar 2016 through 2020 for foreign jurisdictions.
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RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT COSTS
We had a qualified, noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (“Qualified Pension Plan”) covering substantially all U.S. associates employed by us prior to January 1, 2010. Effective December 31, 2009, the Board of Directors amended the Qualified Pension Plan to freeze benefit accruals and future eligibility. The Board of Directors subsequently approved the termination of the Qualified Pension Plan. During the quarter ended December 30, 2018, we completed a substantial portion of terminating the Qualified Pension Plan. In connection with the termination of the Qualified Pension Plan, distributions from the Qualified Pension Plan trust were made during the three month period ended December 30, 2018 to participants who elected lump-sum distributions. Additionally, during the three months ended December 30, 2018, we entered into an agreement with an insurance company to purchase from us, through a series of annuity contracts, our remaining obligations under the Qualified Pension Plan and, as a result, we settled the remaining obligations under the plan for the remaining participants utilizing funds available in the Qualified Pension Plan trust.No additional cash contributions to the trust were required to settle the pension obligations. As a result of these actions, a non-cash pre-tax settlement charge of $31.9 million was recorded during fiscal 2019. A non-cash compensation expense charge of $4.2 million was also recorded during fiscal 2019 related to the future transfer of the excess assets in the Qualified Pension Plan to a STRATTEC defined contribution plan for subsequent pay-out to eligible STRATTEC employees based on a plan approved by the Board of Directors in June 2019. An additional $4.8 million non-cash compensation expense charge related to the final transfer and pay-out of the excess Qualified Pension Plan assets was recorded during our fiscal 2020. During fiscal 2020, the excess Qualified Pension Plan assets were transferred to our defined contribution plan and distributed to eligible STRATTEC employees, which completed the full termination of the Qualified Pension Plan.
We have a noncontributory Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), which is a nonqualified defined benefit plan. The SERP is funded through a Rabbi Trust with TMI Trust Company. Under the SERP, as amended December 31, 2013, participants received an accrued lump-sum benefit as of December 31, 2013 which was credited to each participant’s account. Subsequent to December 31, 2013, each eligible participant receives a supplemental retirement benefit equal to the foregoing lump-sum benefit, plus an annual benefit accrual equal to 8 percent of the participant’s base salary and cash bonus, plus annual credited interest on the participant’s account balance. All then current participants as of December 31, 2013 are fully vested in their account balances with any new individuals participating in the SERP effective on or after January 1, 2014 being subject to a five year vesting period. The SERP, which is considered a nonqualified defined benefit plan under applicable rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Code, will continue to be funded through use of a Rabbi Trust to hold investment assets to be used in part to fund any future required lump sum benefit payments to participants. The Rabbi Trust assets had a value of $3.6 million at June 27, 2021 and $2.9 million at June 28, 2020, respectively. At June 27, 2021, the Rabbi Trust asset balance was included in Other Long-Term Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. At June 28, 2020, $217,000 of the Rabbi Trust asset balance was included in Other Current Assets and $2.7 million of the Rabbi Trust asset balance was included in Other Long-Term Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Rabbi Trust assets are excluded from the pension and SERP tables below as they do not qualify as plan assets. The projected benefit obligation under the SERP, which is included in the pension and SERP tables below, was $2.8 million at June 27, 2021 and $2.3 million at June 28, 2020. The SERP has a separately determined accumulated benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value of benefits based on service rendered and current and past compensation levels. This differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumptions about future compensation levels. The accumulated benefit obligation under the SERP was $2.6 million at June 27, 2021 and $2.2 million at June 28, 2020.
We also sponsor a postretirement health care plan for all U.S. associates hired prior to June 1, 2001. The expected cost of retiree health care benefits is recognized during the years the associates who are covered under the plan render service. Effective January 1, 2010, an amendment to the postretirement health care plan limited the benefit for future eligible retirees to $4,000 per plan year and the benefit is further subject to a maximum five year coverage period based on the associate’s retirement date and age. The postretirement health care plan is unfunded.
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, at June 27, 2021, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost were as follows (thousands of dollars):
SERP Postretirement
Unrecognized net actuarial losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 27, 2021 which are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit) in fiscal 2022, net of tax, for the pension, SERP and postretirement plans are as follows (thousands of dollars):
SERP Postretirement
The following tables summarize the pension, SERP and postretirement plans’ income and expense, funded status and actuarial assumptions for the years indicated (thousands of dollars). We use a June 30 measurement date for our pension and postretirement plans.
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Pension and SERP Benefits Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended Years Ended
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT COST (CREDIT):
Plan settlements 65 — — —
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) — — (8 ) (29 )
Amortization of unrecognized net loss 10 15 359 397
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS:
Benefit Obligations:
Rate of compensation increases - SERP 3.0 % 3.0 % n/a n/a
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Rate of compensation increases – SERP 3.0 % 3.0 % n/a n/a
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ 8,645 $ — $ —
Actual return on plan assets — 84 — —
Excess Asset Transfer — (9,019 ) — —
Plan settlements — 350 — —
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — $ — $ —
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS:
Accrued payroll and benefits (current liabilities) (463 ) (1,039 ) (110 ) (120 )
Settlement loss (65 ) — — —
Amortization of prior service credits — — 8 29
Amortization of unrecognized net loss (10 ) (15 ) (359 ) (397 )
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For measurement purposes as it pertains to the estimated obligation associated with retirees prior to January 1, 2010, a 6.47 percent annual rate increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal 2022; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 3.0 percent by the year 2029 and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend assumption has a minimal effect on our postretirement benefit amounts reported.
We expect to contribute $463,000 to our SERP and $110,000 to our postretirement health care plan in fiscal 2022. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid during the fiscal years noted below (thousands of dollars):
SERP Benefits Postretirement Benefits
All U.S. associates may participate in our 401(k) Plan. We contribute 100 percent up to the first 5 percent of eligible compensation that a participant contributes to the plan. Our contributions to the 401(k) Plan were as follows (thousands of dollars):
Years Ended
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
We have 12,000,000 shares of authorized common stock, par value $.01 per share, with 3,805,065 and 3,749,619 shares outstanding at June 27, 2021 and June 28, 2020, respectively. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters voted on by shareholders.
Our Board of Directors previously authorized a stock repurchase program to buy back up to 3,839,395 outstanding shares of our common stock as of June 27, 2021. As of June 27, 2021, 3,655,322 shares have been repurchased under this program at a cost of approximately $136.4 million. No shares were repurchased under this program during 2021 or 2020.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus the potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the applicable period using the treasury stock method. Potential dilutive common shares include outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. A reconciliation of the components of the basic and diluted per share computations follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Years Ended
Net income (loss) attributable to STRATTEC $ 22,532 $ (7,605 )
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 3,788 3,737
Incremental shares – stock based compensation 64 —
Diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 3,852 3,737
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 5.95 $ (2.04 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 5.85 $ (2.04 )
Potentially dilutive common shares that were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because their inclusion would have been antidilutive were as follows:
Years Ended Number of Options Excluded
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STOCK OPTION AND PURCHASE PLANS
A summary of stock option activity under our stock incentive plan was as follows:
Shares Exercise Price Term (in years) (in thousands)
Exercisable as of:
No options were granted during fiscal 2021 or 2020.
A summary of restricted stock activity under our stock incentive plan was as follows:
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Shares Fair Value
We have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan to provide substantially all U.S. full-time associates an opportunity to purchase shares of STRATTEC common stock through payroll deductions. A participant may contribute a maximum of $5,200 per calendar year to the plan. On the last day of each month or if such date is not a trading day on the most recent previous trading day, participant account balances are used to purchase shares of our common stock at the average of the highest and lowest reported sales prices of a share of STRATTEC common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on such date. A total of 100,000 shares may be issued under the plan. Shares issued from treasury stock under the plan totaled 2,541 at an average price of $31.03 during 2021 and 4,246 at an average price of $19.42 during 2020. A total of 51,330 shares remain available for purchase under the plan as of June 27, 2021.
EXPORT SALES
Total export sales, sales from the United States to locations outside of the United States, are summarized as follows (thousands of dollars and percent of total net sales):
Years Ended
Net Sales % Net Sales %
Countries for which customer sales account for ten percent or more of total net sales are summarized as follows (thousands of dollars and percent of total net sales):
Years Ended
Net Sales % Net Sales %
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PRODUCT SALES
Sales by product group were as follows (thousands of dollars and percent of total net sales):
Years Ended
Net Sales % Net Sales %
SALES AND RECEIVABLE CONCENTRATION
Sales to our largest customers were as follows (thousands of dollars and percent of total net sales):
Years Ended
Net Sales % Net Sales %
Receivables from our largest customers were as follows (thousands of dollars and percent of gross receivables):
Receivables % Receivables %
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
The following data are in thousands of dollars except per share amounts.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Earnings (Loss) per Share
Quarter Net Sales Gross Profit STRATTEC Basic Diluted
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by STRATTEC in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by STRATTEC in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of STRATTEC’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report at reaching a level of reasonable assurance. It should be noted that in designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was necessarily required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We have designed our disclosure controls and procedures to reach a level of reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a‐15(f) and 15d‐15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 27, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION is responsible for the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements and notes included in this annual report have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.
We, as management of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION, are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.
The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, consisting entirely of independent directors, meets regularly with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviews audit plans and results, as well as management’s actions taken in discharging responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting, and internal control. Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has direct and confidential access to the Audit Committee at all times to discuss the results of their audits.
Management assessed the Corporation’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2021, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on the assessment, management concluded that, as of June 27, 2021, its system of internal control over financial reporting was effective and met the criteria of the Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Crowe LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.
/s/ Frank J. Krejci /s/ Patrick J. Hansen
Frank J. Krejci Patrick J. Hansen
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 27, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of June 27, 2021, the related consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 27, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements") and our report dated September 2, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Crowe LLP
Oak Brook, Illinois
September 2, 2021
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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information included in our Proxy Statement, dated on or about September 2, 2021, under “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance Matters-Code of Business Ethics,” “Audit Committee Matters-Audit Committee Financial Expert,” “Executive Officers,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports,” “Director’s Meetings and Committees – Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,” and “Corporate Governance Matters-Director Nominations” is incorporated herein by reference.
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is an “audit committee” for purposes of Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The members of the Audit Committee consist of three outside independent directors, David R. Zimmer, Audit Committee Chairman, Thomas W. Florsheim, Jr., and Michael J. Koss.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information included in our Proxy Statement, dated on or about September 2, 2021, under “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The information included in our Proxy Statement, dated on or about September 2, 2021, under “Security Ownership” is incorporated herein by reference.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes share information, as of June 27, 2021, for our Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan.
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders — — —
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information included in our Proxy Statement, dated on or about September 2, 2021, under “Transactions With Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance Matters-Director Independence” is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information included in our Proxy Statement, dated on or about September 2, 2021, under “Audit Committee Matters-Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
10 (a)Financial Statements
See Item 8 for the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K
(b) Exhibits
See the following List of Exhibits:
Exhibit
3.1 (13) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company *
3.3 (1) Amended By-laws of the Company *
4.1 (21) Description of Registrants’ Securities *
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16.1 (26) Letter regarding Change in Auditors *