10-Q 1 mei0131201510qq3.htm METHODE ELECTRONICS INC FORM 10-Q PERIOD ENDING JANUARY 31, 2015
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
__________________________________
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the quarterly period ended January 31, 2015
or
o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
for the transition period from ______ to ______
__________________________________
Commission file number 0-2816
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware |  | 36-2090085
(State or other jurisdiction of |  | (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) |  | Identification No.)

7401 West Wilson Avenue, Harwood Heights, Illinois |  | 60706-4548
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (708) 867-6777
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x |  | Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o |  | Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
At March 3, 2015, registrant had 38,347,912 shares of common stock outstanding.

Table of Contents
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
January 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS

|  | Page
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
| Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2015 (unaudited) and May 3, 2014 | 2
| Condensed consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) – three months and nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 | 3
| Condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (unaudited) – three months and nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 | 4
| Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) – nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 | 5
| Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements – January 31, 2015 | 6
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 13
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 29
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 29
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 30
SIGNATURES | 31
INDEX TO EXHIBITS | 32

Table of Contents
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in millions)

|  | As of |  | As of
|  | January 31, 2015 |  | May 3, 2014
|  | (Unaudited) |  |
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |
CURRENT ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 167.8 |  |  | $ | 116.4 |
Accounts receivable, net |  | 145.2 |  |  | 173.0 |
Inventories: |  |  |  |  |
Finished products |  | 20.2 |  |  | 14.2 |
Work in process |  | 14.3 |  |  | 12.0 |
Materials |  | 49.4 |  |  | 45.4 |
|  | 83.9 |  |  | 71.6 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 5.8 |  |  | 8.7 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 12.4 |  |  | 12.0 |
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS |  | 415.1 |  |  | 381.7 |
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |  | 310.8 |  |  | 323.6 |
Less allowances for depreciation |  | 218.1 |  |  | 222.4 |
|  | 92.7 |  |  | 101.2 |
GOODWILL |  | 12.8 |  |  | 13.0 |
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net |  | 11.7 |  |  | 13.0 |
PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS |  | 9.5 |  |  | 10.5 |
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |  | 25.4 |  |  | 40.0 |
OTHER ASSETS |  | 20.4 |  |  | 16.1 |
|  | 79.8 |  |  | 92.6 |
TOTAL ASSETS |  | $ | 587.6 |  |  | $ | 575.5 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |
CURRENT LIABILITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts payable |  | $ | 74.3 |  |  | $ | 82.0 |
Other current liabilities |  | 50.9 |  |  | 37.1 |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES |  | 125.2 |  |  | 119.1 |
LONG-TERM DEBT |  | 20.0 |  |  | 48.0 |
OTHER LIABILITIES |  | 4.6 |  |  | 3.4 |
DEFERRED COMPENSATION |  | 6.9 |  |  | 12.8 |
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock, $0.50 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 39,694,536 and 39,262,168 shares issued as of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively |  | 19.8 |  |  | 19.6 |
Additional paid-in capital |  | 96.9 |  |  | 89.8 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |  | (7.9 | ) |  | 24.7 |
Treasury stock, 1,346,624 shares and 1,342,188 as of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively |  | (11.5 | ) |  | (11.4 | )
Retained earnings |  | 333.3 |  |  | 269.2 |
TOTAL METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |  | 430.6 |  |  | 391.9 |
Noncontrolling interest |  | 0.3 |  |  | 0.3 |
TOTAL EQUITY |  | 430.9 |  |  | 392.2 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |  | $ | 587.6 |  |  | $ | 575.5 |

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2

Table of Contents
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
($ in millions, except per share data)

|  | Three Months Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014
Net sales |  | $ | 206.0 |  |  | $ | 189.8 |  |  | $ | 653.8 |  |  | $ | 547.9 |
Cost of products sold |  | 149.8 |  |  | 151.3 |  |  | 487.0 |  |  | 434.0 |
Gross profit |  | 56.2 |  |  | 38.5 |  |  | 166.8 |  |  | 113.9 |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 21.5 |  |  | 22.1 |  |  | 69.1 |  |  | 60.6 |
Income from operations |  | 34.7 |  |  | 16.4 |  |  | 97.7 |  |  | 53.3 |
Interest (income)/expense, net |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 0.1 |  |  | (0.4 | ) |  | 0.3 |
Other (income)/expense, net |  | (0.3 | ) |  | 0.3 |  |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 0.8 |
Income before income taxes |  | 35.2 |  |  | 16.0 |  |  | 98.3 |  |  | 52.2 |
Income tax expense |  | 8.1 |  |  | 1.4 |  |  | 23.8 |  |  | 4.2 |
Net income |  | 27.1 |  |  | 14.6 |  |  | 74.5 |  |  | 48.0 |
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. |  | $ | 27.1 |  |  | $ | 14.6 |  |  | $ | 74.5 |  |  | $ | 48.0 |
Amounts per common share attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc.: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.69 |  |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 1.93 |  |  | $ | 1.27 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.68 |  |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 1.90 |  |  | $ | 1.26 |
Cash dividends: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock |  | $ | 0.09 |  |  | $ | 0.07 |  |  | $ | 0.27 |  |  | $ | 0.21 |
Weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | 38,791,210 |  |  | 38,051,772 |  |  | 38,644,413 |  |  | 37,780,506 |
Diluted |  | 39,615,541 |  |  | 38,474,129 |  |  | 39,289,513 |  |  | 38,123,192 |

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3

Table of Contents
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in millions)

| Three Months Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
| January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014
Net income | $ | 27.1 |  |  | $ | 14.6 |  |  | $ | 74.5 |  |  | $ | 48.0 |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (16.5 | ) |  | (3.4 | ) |  | (32.6 | ) |  | 4.7 |
Comprehensive income | 10.6 |  |  | 11.2 |  |  | 41.9 |  |  | 52.7 |
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Comprehensive income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. | $ | 10.6 |  |  | $ | 11.2 |  |  | $ | 41.9 |  |  | $ | 52.7 |

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
4

Table of Contents
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
($ in millions)

|  | Nine Months Ended
|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 74.5 |  |  | $ | 48.0 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Provision for depreciation |  | 16.4 |  |  | 16.0 |
Amortization of intangibles |  | 1.1 |  |  | 1.3 |
Amortization of stock awards and stock options |  | 3.5 |  |  | 2.6 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |  | 13.1 |  |  | (18.8 | )
Other |  | — |  |  | 0.3 |
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES |  | 108.6 |  |  | 49.4 |
INVESTING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |  | (12.8 | ) |  | (23.5 | )
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES |  | (12.8 | ) |  | (23.5 | )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 6.3 |  |  | 5.0 |
Cash dividends |  | (10.3 | ) |  | (7.9 | )
Proceeds from borrowings |  | — |  |  | 28.5 |
Repayment of borrowings |  | (28.0 | ) |  | (22.0 | )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY/(USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES |  | (32.0 | ) |  | 3.6 |
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash |  | (12.4 | ) |  | 1.5 |
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |  | 51.4 |  |  | 31.0 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  | 116.4 |  |  | 65.8 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD |  | $ | 167.8 |  |  | $ | 96.8 |

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966. As used herein, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or “Methode” means Methode Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our business is managed and our financial results are reported on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface (formerly known as Interconnect), Power Products and Other. The condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures as of January 31, 2015 and results of operations for the three months and nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 are unaudited, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The May 3, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In our opinion, these financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim periods. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended May 3, 2014, filed with the SEC on June 26, 2014. Results may vary from quarter to quarter for reasons other than seasonality. Due to the timing of our fiscal calendar, the three months ended January 31, 2015 represent 13 weeks of results and the three months ended February 1, 2014 represent 14 weeks of results. In addition, the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and the nine months ended February 1, 2014 represent 39 weeks and 40 weeks of results, respectively.
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To qualify as a discontinued operation under the guidance, a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. This guidance also expands related disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for the reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014, which will be our fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, which begins on February 1, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard, Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (Topic 606) that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
The standard is effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We will adopt this standard for the quarter beginning January 31, 2017. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this standard on the financial statements.
3. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
We review our goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may not be recoverable, and at least annually in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 350, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other”. The values assigned to goodwill and intangible assets are normally based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations for the success and life cycle of products and technologies acquired. A severe decline in expectations could result in significant impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
6

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
The following table shows the roll-forward of goodwill in the financial statements for the nine months ended January 31, 2015:

|  | As of January 31, 2015
|  |  |  | Power |  |
|  | Interface |  | Products |  | Total
Balance as of May 3, 2014 |  | $ | 12.0 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  |  | $ | 13.0 |
Foreign currency translation |  | (0.2 | ) |  | — |  |  | (0.2 | )
Balance as of January 31, 2015 |  | $ | 11.8 |  |  | $ | 1.0 |  |  | $ | 12.8 |

The following tables present details of the Company’s intangible assets:

|  | As of January 31, 2015
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Wtd. Avg.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Remaining
|  |  |  | Accumulated |  |  |  | Amortization
|  | Gross |  | Amortization |  | Net |  | Periods (Years)
Customer relationships and agreements |  | $ | 16.5 |  |  | $ | 15.1 |  |  | $ | 1.4 |  |  | 9.1
Trade names, patents and technology licenses |  | 25.8 |  |  | 15.6 |  |  | 10.2 |  |  | 9.3
Covenants not to compete |  | 0.1 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.1 |  |  | 2.7
Total |  | $ | 42.4 |  |  | $ | 30.7 |  |  | $ | 11.7 |  |  |

|  | As of May 3, 2014
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Wtd. Avg.
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Remaining
|  |  |  | Accumulated |  |  |  | Amortization
|  | Gross |  | Amortization |  | Net |  | Periods (Years)
Customer relationships and agreements |  | $ | 16.6 |  |  | $ | 14.7 |  |  | $ | 1.9 |  |  | 9.9
Trade names, patents and technology licenses |  | 25.8 |  |  | 14.8 |  |  | 11.0 |  |  | 9.8
Covenants not to compete |  | 0.1 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.1 |  |  | 3.4
Total |  | $ | 42.5 |  |  | $ | 29.5 |  |  | $ | 13.0 |  |  |

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the current fiscal year and each of the four succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

2015 |  | $1.5
2016 |  | 1.2 |
2017 |  | 1.1 |
2018 |  | 1.1 |
2019 |  | 1.0 |

As of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the trade names, patents and technology licenses include $1.8 million of trade names that are not subject to amortization.
4. INCOME TAXES
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $31.7 million related to the reversal of substantially all of our domestic valuation allowance. The Company evaluated all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results and projection of future taxable income and determined it is more likely than not that expected future taxable income will be sufficient to utilize substantially all of our U.S. federal and state net deferred tax assets. The Company maintained a valuation allowance of $2.6 million at January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014 related to certain state and federal net operating loss carryovers and expects to continue to maintain this allowance until we determine that these deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable.
7

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
At January 31, 2015, we had available $25.0 million of federal and $93.0 million of state net operating loss carryforwards (having a tax benefit of $8.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively), $11.1 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, and $0.7 million of research tax credit carryforwards that may be used to reduce regular federal and state income taxes. If unused, the U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the fiscal years 2018 through 2032. Any unused state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the fiscal years 2015 through 2034. The foreign tax credits will expire in the fiscal years 2019 through 2024. The unused research tax credits will expire in the fiscal years 2032 through 2034.
The tax laws of Malta provide for investment tax credits of 30% of certain qualified expenditures. Unused credits of $18.7 million as of January 31, 2015 can be carried forward indefinitely. We have accumulated investment tax credits in excess of amounts more likely than not to be realized based upon projections of taxable income to be generated by our Maltese operations within a reasonable time period. Valuation allowances of $7.6 million as of January 31, 2015 have been provided for this excess. We record investment tax credits using the "flow through" method.
The Company recognized an income tax provision of $8.1 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company recognized an income tax provision of $23.8 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate was 23.0% and 8.8% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate was 24.2% and 8.0% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The income tax provision for both the three months and nine months ended January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014 is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to foreign investment tax credits, foreign operations with lower statutory rates, and in fiscal 2014, full valuation allowances in the U.S.
We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to the unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. We had approximately $0.1 million accrued at January 31, 2015 for the payment of interest and penalties. The total unrecognized tax benefit as of January 31, 2015 was $0.8 million. We recorded an unrecognized tax benefit of $0.1 million. There have been no changes to the accrued interest and penalties amounts in the current fiscal year.
The Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. Our foreign subsidiaries file income tax returns in certain foreign jurisdictions since they have operations outside the U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries are generally no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for all years except fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012.
5. COMMON STOCK AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Options Granted Under the 2010 Stock Plan
In July 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of options to purchase 108,000 shares of our common stock to our executive officers. The stock options have a ten-year term and will vest one-third per year on each anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.
Stock Options Granted Under the 2007 Stock Plan
In July 2014, our Compensation Committee awarded options to purchase 50,500 shares of our common stock to some non-executive members of the management team that vest one-third per year on each anniversary of the date of grant. The stock options awarded under the 2007 Stock Plan have a ten-year term. The exercise price is the closing price on the date granted.
8

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
Stock Option Valuation
We estimated the fair value of the shares granted under both the 2010 Stock Plan and the 2007 Stock Plan on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

| Fiscal 2015
| Awards
Average expected volatility | 51.00 | %
Average risk-free interest rate | 1.00 | %
Dividend yield | 1.66 | %
Expected life of options (in years) | 4.12 |
Weighted-average grant-date fair value | $ | 14.99 |

Restricted Stock Awards Granted Under the 2007 Stock Plan
During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we awarded 13,500 shares to our independent directors, all of which vested immediately upon grant.
Restricted Stock Awards Granted Under the 2014 Stock Plan
During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we awarded 13,500 shares to our independent directors, all of which vested immediately upon grant.
6. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Methode shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period. Diluted net income per share is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic net income per share calculation for the effect of all potentially dilutive stock compensation awards outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

|  | Three Months Ended |  | Nine Months Ended
|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014
Numerator - net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. |  | $ | 27.1 |  |  | $ | 14.6 |  |  | $ | 74.5 |  |  | $ | 48.0 |
Denominator: |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  |  |
Denominator for basic net income per share-weighted average shares outstanding and vested/unissued restricted stock awards |  | 38,791,210 |  |  | 38,051,772 |  |  | 38,644,413 |  |  | 37,780,506 |
Dilutive potential common shares-employee and director stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units |  | 824,331 |  |  | 422,357 |  |  | 645,100 |  |  | 342,686 |
Denominator for diluted net income per share |  | 39,615,541 |  |  | 38,474,129 |  |  | 39,289,513 |  |  | 38,123,192 |
Net income per share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.69 |  |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 1.93 |  |  | $ | 1.27 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.68 |  |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 1.90 |  |  | $ | 1.26 |

For the nine months ended January 31, 2015, options to purchase 158,500 shares have been excluded in the computation of net income per share because the exercise price was greater than the average market price for that period, and therefore, would have been anti-dilutive. Restricted stock awards for 175,000 shares have been excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share for the nine months ended January 31, 2015. Restricted stock awards for 700,000 shares have
9

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
been excluded in the computation of diluted net income per share for both the three months ended and nine months ended February 1, 2014 as these awards are contingent on the Company's performance in fiscal 2015.
7. SEGMENT INFORMATION
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies. Our components are found in the primary end markets of the automotive, appliance, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), aerospace, rail and other transportation industries, and the consumer and industrial equipment markets.
ASC No. 280, “Segment Reporting”, establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM, as defined by ASC No. 280, is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).
We have multiple operating segments that are aggregated in four reportable segments. Those segments are Automotive, Interface (formerly known as Interconnect), Power Products and Other.
The Automotive segment supplies electronic and electromechanical devices and related products to automobile Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs"), either directly or through their tiered suppliers. Our products include control switches for electrical power and signals, connectors for electrical devices, integrated control components, switches and sensors that monitor the operation or status of a component or system, and packaging of electrical components as well as design and manufacture of magnetic torque sensing products.
The Interface segment was previously known as the Interconnect segment. It provides a variety of copper and fiber-optic interconnect and interface solutions for the aerospace, appliance, commercial, computer, construction, consumer, material handling, medical, military, mining, networking, storage, and telecommunications markets. Solutions include conductive polymers, connectors, custom cable assemblies, industrial safety radio remote controls, optical and copper transceivers, personal computer and express card packaging and terminators, solid-state field effect interface panels, and thick film inks. Services include the design and installation of fiber optic and copper infrastructure systems, and manufacturing active and passive optical components.
The Power Products segment manufactures braided flexible cables, current-carrying laminated bus devices, custom power-product assemblies, high-current low voltage flexible power cabling systems and powder coated bus bars that are used in various markets and applications, including aerospace, computers, industrial and power conversion, military, telecommunications, and transportation.
The Other segment includes medical devices, inverters and battery systems, insulated gate bipolar transistor solutions, and independent laboratories that provide services for qualification testing and certification, and analysis of electronic and optical components.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014. We allocate resources to segments based on operating income. Transfers between segments are recorded using internal transfer prices set by us.
The following tables present information regarding our segments. The reporting segment results for the three months and nine months ended February 1, 2014 have been reclassified to conform with the new reporting segment presentation for the three months and nine months ended January 31, 2015.
10

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)

|  | Three Months Ended January 31, 2015
|  | Automotive |  | Interface |  | Power Products |  | Other |  | Eliminations/Corporate |  | Consolidated
Net sales |  | $ | 142.6 |  |  | $ | 37.4 |  |  | $ | 26.3 |  |  | $ | 1.9 |  |  | $ | (2.2 | ) |  | $ | 206.0 |
Transfers between segments |  | (1.5 | ) |  | (0.5 | ) |  | (0.2 | ) |  | (0.1 | ) |  | 2.3 |  |  | — |
Net sales to unaffiliated customers |  | $ | 141.1 |  |  | $ | 36.9 |  |  | $ | 26.1 |  |  | $ | 1.8 |  |  | $ | 0.1 |  |  | $ | 206.0 |
Income (loss) from operations |  | $ | 29.5 |  |  | $ | 3.8 |  |  | $ | 9.3 |  |  | $ | (1.2 | ) |  | $ | (6.7 | ) |  | $ | 34.7 |
Interest income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (0.2 | )
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (0.3 | )
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 35.2 |

|  | Three Months Ended February 1, 2014
|  | Automotive |  | Interface |  | Power Products |  | Other |  | Eliminations/Corporate |  | Consolidated
Net sales |  | $ | 129.4 |  |  | $ | 42.3 |  |  | $ | 18.0 |  |  | $ | 1.8 |  |  | $ | (1.7 | ) |  | $ | 189.8 |
Transfers between segments |  | (0.7 | ) |  | (0.8 | ) |  | — |  |  | (0.1 | ) |  | 1.6 |  |  | — |
Net sales to unaffiliated customers |  | $ | 128.7 |  |  | $ | 41.5 |  |  | $ | 18.0 |  |  | $ | 1.7 |  |  | $ | (0.1 | ) |  | $ | 189.8 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | $ | 17.4 |  |  | $ | 6.0 |  |  | $ | 2.7 |  |  | $ | (1.6 | ) |  | $ | (8.1 | ) |  | $ | 16.4 |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.1 |
Other expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.3 |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 16.0 |

|  | Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015
|  | Automotive |  | Interface |  | Power Products |  | Other |  | Eliminations/Corporate |  | Consolidated
Net sales |  | $ | 466.5 |  |  | $ | 123.1 |  |  | $ | 64.3 |  |  | $ | 5.3 |  |  | $ | (5.4 | ) |  | $ | 653.8 |
Transfers between segments |  | (3.1 | ) |  | (1.7 | ) |  | (0.4 | ) |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 5.4 |  |  | — |
Net sales to unaffiliated customers |  | $ | 463.4 |  |  | $ | 121.4 |  |  | $ | 63.9 |  |  | $ | 5.1 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 653.8 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | $ | 92.8 |  |  | $ | 15.7 |  |  | $ | 17.9 |  |  | $ | (4.1 | ) |  | $ | (24.6 | ) |  | $ | 97.7 |
Interest income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (0.4 | )
Other income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (0.2 | )
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 98.3 |

|  | Nine Months Ended February 1, 2014
|  | Automotive |  | Interface |  | Power Products |  | Other |  | Eliminations/Corporate |  | Consolidated
Net sales |  | $ | 360.3 |  |  | $ | 132.2 |  |  | $ | 53.9 |  |  | $ | 5.1 |  |  | $ | (3.6 | ) |  | $ | 547.9 |
Transfers between segments |  | (1.6 | ) |  | (2.1 | ) |  | (0.1 | ) |  | (0.1 | ) |  | 3.9 |  |  | — |
Net sales to unaffiliated customers |  | $ | 358.7 |  |  | $ | 130.1 |  |  | $ | 53.8 |  |  | $ | 5.0 |  |  | $ | 0.3 |  |  | $ | 547.9 |
Income/(loss) from operations |  | $ | 46.8 |  |  | $ | 21.4 |  |  | $ | 9.6 |  |  | $ | (2.9 | ) |  | $ | (21.6 | ) |  | $ | 53.3 |
Interest expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.3 |
Other expense, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0.8 |
Income before income taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 52.2 |

11

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
8. CONTINGENCIES
Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending against us. We are from time to time subject to various legal actions and claims incidental to our business, including those arising out of alleged defects, breach of contracts, employment-related matters and environmental matters. We consider insurance coverage and third-party indemnification when determining required accruals for pending litigation and claims. Although the outcome of potential legal actions and claims cannot be determined, it is our opinion, based on the information available, that we have adequate reserves for these liabilities.
Hetronic Germany-GmbH Matters
For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements. We are seeking damages from the defendants, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. On August 13, 2014, the Fuchs companies filed an answer and counterclaim. The answer denies our allegations, and the counterclaim alleges breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On January 20, 2015, the Fuchs companies filed an amended counterclaim which added another breach of contract claim. Discovery in the Oklahoma case has commenced.
9. PRE-PRODUCTION COSTS RELATED TO LONG-TERM SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS
We incur pre-production tooling costs related to certain products produced for our customers under long-term supply agreements. We had $9.5 million and $10.5 million as of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively, of pre-production tooling costs related to customer-owned tools for which reimbursement is contractually guaranteed by the customer or for which the customer has provided a non-cancelable right to use the tooling. Engineering, testing and other costs incurred in the design and development of production parts are expensed as incurred, unless the costs are reimbursable, as specified in a customer contract.
10. DEBT AND CREDIT AGREEMENT
We are party to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions, which has a maturity of September 21, 2017. The credit facility is in the aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by an additional $50.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries. At January 31, 2015, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.5% plus LIBOR and we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we had no borrowings and payments of $28.6 million, which includes interest of $0.6 million, under this credit facility. As of January 31, 2015, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $20.0 million. There was $80.0 million available to borrow under the credit facility as of January 31, 2015, which does not include the option to increase the principal amount. We believe the fair value approximates the carrying amount as of January 31, 2015.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On February 3, 2015, the Company sold 100% of the assets of its Trace Laboratories businesses. The Company estimates a pre-tax gain on the sale of between $7.3 million and $7.6 million, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Statement
Certain statements in this report are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. We undertake no duty to update any such forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in our expectations. Our business is highly dependent upon two large automotive customers and specific makes and models of automobiles. Our results will be subject to many of the same risks that apply to the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, such as general economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, consumer spending patterns and technological changes. Other factors which may result in materially different results for future periods include the following risk factors. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that our management currently believe to be insignificant may also adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this report because these factors could cause our actual results and condition to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to the safe harbor protection provided under the securities laws and are made as of the date of this report.

• | Our business is highly dependent on two large automotive customers. If we were to lose either of these customers or experienced a significant decline in the volume or price of products purchased by these customers, or if either of the customers declare bankruptcy, our future results could be adversely affected.

• | Because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in the automotive, appliance, computer and communications industries, we are susceptible to trends and factors affecting those industries.

• | Our ability to market our automotive products is subject to a lengthy sales cycle, which requires significant investment prior to significant sales revenues, and there is no assurance that our products will be implemented in any particular vehicle.

• | We are subject to continuing pressure to lower our prices.

• | Our inability to effectively manage the timing, volume, quality and cost of new program launches could adversely affect our financial performance.

• | Disruption of our supply chain could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

• | A significant fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could adversely impact our operating results.

• | We are dependent on the availability and price of materials.

• | A significant portion of our business activities are conducted in foreign countries, exposing us to additional risks that may not exist in the United States.

• | Changes in our effective tax rate may harm our results of operations.

• | Our gross margins are subject to fluctuations due to many factors such as geographical and vertical market pricing mix, changes in the mix of our prototyping and production-based business and various manufacturing cost variables including product yields, package and assembly costs and provisions for obsolete inventory.

• | We may be required to recognize impairment charges.

• | We may be unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes, which could adversely affect our business.

• | We currently have a significant amount of our cash located outside the U.S.

• | Any decision to strategically divest one or more current businesses or our inability to capitalize on prior or future acquisitions may adversely affect our business.

• | Products we manufacture may contain design or manufacturing defects that could result in reduced demand for our products or services, costs associated with recalls, or liability claims against us.

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• | If we are unable to protect our intellectual property or we infringe, or are alleged to infringe, on another person’s intellectual property, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

• | Our technology-based business and the markets in which we operate are highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively, our sales could decline.

• | Should a catastrophic event or other significant business interruption occur at any of our facilities, we could face significant reconstruction or remediation costs, penalties, third party liability and loss of production capacity, which could adversely affect our business.

• | Our information technology (“IT”) systems could be breached.

• | Regulations related to the use of conflict-free minerals may increase our costs and expenses, and an inability to certify that our products are conflict-free may adversely affect customer relationships.

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those foreseen in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, press release, statement, document, webcast or oral discussion in which they are made. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the foregoing. See Part I — Item 1A, Risk Factors of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014, for a further discussion regarding some of the reasons that actual results may be materially different from those we anticipate.
Overview
We are a global manufacturer of component and subsystem devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. We are a global designer and manufacturer of electronic and electro-mechanical devices. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, radio remote control, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interface (formerly known as Interconnect), Power Products and Other. For more information regarding the business and products of these segments, see “Item 1. Business.” of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2014.
Our components are found in the primary end markets of the aerospace, appliance, automotive, construction, consumer and industrial equipment markets, communications (including information processing and storage, networking equipment, wireless and terrestrial voice/data systems), rail and other transportation industries.
Sale of Trace Laboratories
On February 3, 2015, the Company sold 100% of the assets of its Trace Laboratories, Inc. The Company estimates a pre-tax gain on the sale of between $7.3 million and $7.6 million, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The trailing twelve-month revenues and pretax income at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $7.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Hetronic Germany-GmbH Matters
For several years, Hetronic Germany-GmbH and Hydronic-Steuersysteme-GmbH (the “Fuchs companies”) served as our distributors for Germany, Austria and other central and eastern European countries pursuant to their respective intellectual property licenses and distribution and assembly agreements. We became aware that the Fuchs companies and their managing director, Albert Fuchs, had materially violated those agreements. As a result, we terminated all of our agreements with the Fuchs companies. On June 20, 2014, we filed a lawsuit against the Fuchs companies in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma alleging material breaches of the distribution and assembly agreements. We are seeking damages from the defendants, as well as various forms of injunctive relief. On August 13, 2014, the Fuchs companies filed an answer and counterclaim. The answer denies our allegations, and the counterclaim alleges breach of contract, interference with business relations and business slander. On January 20, 2015, the Fuchs companies filed an amended counterclaim which added another breach of contract claim. Discovery in the Oklahoma case has commenced.
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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended January 31, 2015 as Compared to the Three Months Ended February 1, 2014
Consolidated Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:
($ in millions)
(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 206.0 |  |  | $ | 189.8 |  |  | $ | 16.2 |  |  | 8.5 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 149.8 |  |  | 151.3 |  |  | (1.5 | ) |  | (1.0 | )%
Gross profit |  | 56.2 |  |  | 38.5 |  |  | 17.7 |  |  | 46.0 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 21.5 |  |  | 22.1 |  |  | (0.6 | ) |  | (2.7 | )%
Interest (income)/expense, net |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 0.1 |  |  | (0.3 | ) |  | N/M
Other (income)/expense, net |  | (0.3 | ) |  | 0.3 |  |  | (0.6 | ) |  | N/M
Income tax expense |  | 8.1 |  |  | 1.4 |  |  | 6.7 |  |  | 478.6 | %
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. |  | $ | 27.1 |  |  | $ | 14.6 |  |  | $ | 12.5 |  |  | 85.6 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 72.7 | % |  | 79.7 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 27.3 | % |  | 20.3 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 10.4 | % |  | 11.6 | % |  |  |  |
Interest (income)/expense, net |  | (0.1 | )% |  | 0.1 | % |  |  |  |
Other (income)/expense, net |  | (0.1 | )% |  | 0.2 | % |  |  |  |
Income tax expense |  | 3.9 | % |  | 0.7 | % |  |  |  |
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. |  | 13.2 | % |  | 7.7 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Consolidated net sales increased $16.2 million, or 8.5%, to $206.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from $189.8 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment net sales increased $12.4 million, or 9.6%, to $141.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, from $128.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program. Sales volumes also increased for interior lighting products, partially offset by currency rate fluctuations and lower sales volumes for hidden switch products. The Interface segment net sales decreased $4.6 million, or 11.1%, to $36.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $41.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance and radio remote control products, partially offset with stronger sales volumes for data solutions products. The Power Products segment net sales increased $8.1 million, or 45.0%, to $26.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $18.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for our datacom, cabling and busbar products. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 decreased reported net sales by $3.4 million, or 1.6%, due to average currency rate fluctuations in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro.
Cost of Products Sold. Consolidated cost of products sold decreased $1.5 million, or 1.0%, to $149.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $151.3 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales was 72.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to 79.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The Automotive and Power Products segments both experienced a decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. The Interface segment experienced an increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower
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appliance and radio remote control sales volumes and increased development costs. The Automotive and Power Products segments both benefitted from favorable commodity pricing of raw materials in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit increased $17.7 million, or 46.0%, to $56.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to $38.5 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 27.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to 20.3% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase is primarily due to the Automotive and Power Products segments which both experienced an increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia, and other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business. The Interface segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs. The Automotive and Power Products segments both benefitted from favorable commodity pricing of raw materials in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 2.7%, to $21.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $22.1 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 from 11.6% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company benefitted from lower compensation expense related to the Company's long-term incentive program of $1.8 million and lower legal fees of $0.2 million, partially offset with higher total salary and bonus expense of $1.0 million and higher professional fees of $0.4 million.
Interest (Income)/Expense, Net. Interest (income)/expense was income of $0.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to an expense of $0.1 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014.
Other (Income)/Expense, Net. Other (income)/expense, net decreased $0.6 million to income of $0.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to an expense of $0.3 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. All amounts for both the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014, relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Indian rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc. Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased $6.7 million, or 478.6%, to $8.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 23.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to 8.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a reversal of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets in the U.S. Due to the reversal, the Company recorded income tax expense in the U.S. during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to no income tax expense recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $12.5 million, or 85.6%, to $27.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $14.6 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes and manufacturing efficiencies, favorable commodity pricing of raw materials and lower selling and administrative expenses, partially offset by increased income tax expense.
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Operating Segments
Automotive Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 141.1 |  |  | $ | 128.7 |  |  | $ | 12.4 |  |  | 9.6 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 104.0 |  |  | 104.0 |  |  | — |  |  | — | %
Gross profit |  | 37.1 |  |  | 24.7 |  |  | 12.4 |  |  | 50.2 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 7.6 |  |  | 7.3 |  |  | 0.3 |  |  | 4.1 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 29.5 |  |  | $ | 17.4 |  |  | $ | 12.1 |  |  | 69.5 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 73.7 | % |  | 80.8 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 26.3 | % |  | 19.2 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 5.4 | % |  | 5.7 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 20.9 | % |  | 13.5 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Automotive segment net sales increased $12.4 million, or 9.6%, to $141.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from $128.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales increased in North America by $18.0 million, or 28.1%, to $82.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $64.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program, partially offset by lower sales volumes of the Ford Center Console Program and transmission lead-frame assemblies. Net sales decreased in Europe by $7.8 million, or 18.4%, to $34.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $42.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to currency rate fluctuations, lower tooling sales and lower sales volumes for hidden switch products. Net sales in Asia increased $2.2 million, or 9.9%, to $24.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $22.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for our interior lighting products, partially offset with lower sales volumes of steering angle sensor products. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 decreased reported net sales by $3.4 million, or 2.4%, due to average currency rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the average currency rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar as compared to the euro.
Cost of Products Sold. Automotive segment cost of products sold was constant at $104.0 million for both the three months ended January 31, 2015 and the three months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 73.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to 80.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. The cost of products sold was also favorably impacted in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials.
Gross Profit. Automotive segment gross profit increased $12.4 million, or 50.2%, to $37.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to $24.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to 19.2% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia, and other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business. In addition, gross margins were favorably impacted in the third
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quarter of fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million, or 4.1%, to $7.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 5.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 from 5.7% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 is primarily due to higher compensation expense and travel expenses, partially offset with lower legal fees.
Income from Operations. Automotive segment income from operations increased $12.1 million, or 69.5%, to $29.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $17.4 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The third quarter of fiscal 2015 benefitted from higher sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and lower legal expenses, partially offset with higher compensation and travel expenses.
Interface Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 36.9 |  |  | $ | 41.5 |  |  | $ | (4.6 | ) |  | (11.1 | )%
Cost of products sold |  | 28.2 |  |  | 30.8 |  |  | (2.6 | ) |  | (8.4 | )%
Gross profit |  | 8.7 |  |  | 10.7 |  |  | (2.0 | ) |  | (18.7 | )%
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 4.9 |  |  | 4.7 |  |  | 0.2 |  |  | 4.3 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 3.8 |  |  | $ | 6.0 |  |  | $ | (2.2 | ) |  | (36.7 | )%
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 76.4 | % |  | 74.2 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 23.6 | % |  | 25.8 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 13.3 | % |  | 11.3 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 10.3 | % |  | 14.5 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Interface segment net sales decreased $4.6 million, or 11.1%, to $36.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from $41.5 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales decreased in North America by $3.5 million, or 10.7%, to $29.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $32.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes of appliance products, partially offset with higher sales volumes of data solutions products. Net sales in Europe decreased $0.3 million, or 4.9%, to $5.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $6.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower radio remote control sales volumes, partially offset with higher data solution products sales volumes. Net sales in Asia decreased $0.8 million, or 29.6%, to $1.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $2.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes of radio remote controls and certain legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
Cost of Products Sold. Interface segment cost of products sold decreased $2.6 million, or 8.4%, to $28.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $30.8 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 76.4% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to 74.2% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for data solutions products.
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Gross Profit. Interface segment gross profit decreased $2.0 million, or 18.7%, to $8.7 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $10.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 23.6% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from 25.8% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for data solutions products.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 4.3%, to $4.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $4.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 13.3% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from 11.3% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in selling and administrative expenses is due to increased legal expenses, partially offset with lower commission expenses.
Income from Operations. Interface segment income from operations decreased $2.2 million, or 36.7%, to $3.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $6.0 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes, increased legal expenses, partially offset with lower commission expenses.
Power Products Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 26.1 |  |  | $ | 18.0 |  |  | $ | 8.1 |  |  | 45.0 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 15.6 |  |  | 14.2 |  |  | 1.4 |  |  | 9.9 | %
Gross profit |  | 10.5 |  |  | 3.8 |  |  | 6.7 |  |  | 176.3 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 1.2 |  |  | 1.1 |  |  | 0.1 |  |  | 9.1 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 9.3 |  |  | $ | 2.7 |  |  | $ | 6.6 |  |  | 244.4 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 59.8 | % |  | 78.9 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 40.2 | % |  | 21.1 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 4.6 | % |  | 6.1 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 35.6 | % |  | 15.0 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Power Products segment net sales increased $8.1 million, or 45.0%, to $26.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $18.0 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales increased in North America by $4.7 million, or 46.5%, to $14.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $10.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of datacom products. Net sales in Europe increased $1.8 million, or 60.0%, to $4.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $3.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of busbar products. Net sales in Asia increased $1.6 million, or 32.7%, to $6.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $4.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes of datacom products, busbar and cabling assemblies.
Cost of Products Sold. Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $1.4 million, or 9.9%, to $15.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $14.2 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 59.8% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from 78.9% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The decrease in cost of products sold as a
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percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related to increased sales volumes in North America and Asia and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials.
Gross Profit. Power Products segment gross profit increased $6.7 million, or 176.3%, to $10.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to $3.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 40.2% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 from 21.1% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related to increased sales volumes in North America and Asia and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million, or 9.1%, to $1.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.1 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 4.6% for the three months ended January 31, 2015 from 6.1% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses increased primarily due to higher compensation expense in North America.
Income From Operations. Power Products segment income from operations increased $6.6 million, or 244.4%, to $9.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014, due to increased sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials, partially offset with higher compensation expense.
Other Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the three months ended:
($ in millions)
(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 1.8 |  |  | $ | 1.7 |  |  | $ | 0.1 |  |  | 5.9 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 2.1 |  |  | 1.8 |  |  | 0.3 |  |  | 16.7 | %
Gross profit |  | (0.3 | ) |  | (0.1 | ) |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 200.0 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 0.9 |  |  | 1.5 |  |  | (0.6 | ) |  | (40.0 | )%
Loss from operations |  | $ | (1.2 | ) |  | $ | (1.6 | ) |  | $ | 0.4 |  |  | N/M |
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 116.7 | % |  | 105.9 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | (16.7 | )% |  | (5.9 | )% |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 50.0 | % |  | 88.2 | % |  |  |  |
Loss from operations |  | (66.7 | )% |  | (94.1 | )% |  |  |  |

Net Sales. The Other segment net sales increased $0.1 million, or 5.9%, to $1.8 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.7 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014, due to slightly higher environmental testing sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Cost of Products Sold. Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.3 million, or 16.7%, to $2.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 116.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to 105.9% in the third quarter
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of fiscal 2014. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products business.
Gross Profit. The Other segment gross profit was a loss of $0.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to a loss of $0.1 million in the three months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales were (16.7)% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to (5.9)% for three months ended February 1, 2014. The loss for both the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily relate to development costs in our medical products business, which does not have any corresponding sales.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 40.0%, to $0.9 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 50.0% for the three months ended January 31, 2015, from 88.2% for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to lower legal expenses, partially offset with higher expenses in our medical products business.
Loss From Operations The Other segment loss from operations decreased $0.4 million, to $1.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended February 1, 2014. The decreased loss was primarily due to lower legal expenses, partially offset with increased development expenses in our medical products business.
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Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015 as Compared to the Nine Months Ended February 1, 2014
Consolidated Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the nine months ended:
($ in millions)
(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 653.8 |  |  | $ | 547.9 |  |  | $ | 105.9 |  |  | 19.3 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 487.0 |  |  | 434.0 |  |  | 53.0 |  |  | 12.2 | %
Gross profit |  | 166.8 |  |  | 113.9 |  |  | 52.9 |  |  | 46.4 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 69.1 |  |  | 60.6 |  |  | 8.5 |  |  | 14.0 | %
Interest (income)/expense, net |  | (0.4 | ) |  | 0.3 |  |  | (0.7 | ) |  | N/M |
Other (income)/expense, net |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 0.8 |  |  | (1.0 | ) |  | N/M |
Income tax expense |  | 23.8 |  |  | 4.2 |  |  | 19.6 |  |  | 466.7 | %
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. |  | $ | 74.5 |  |  | $ | 48.0 |  |  | $ | 26.5 |  |  | 55.2 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 74.5 | % |  | 79.2 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 25.5 | % |  | 20.8 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 10.6 | % |  | 11.1 | % |  |  |  |
Interest (income)/expense, net |  | (0.1 | )% |  | 0.1 | % |  |  |  |
Other (income)/expense, net |  | — | % |  | 0.1 | % |  |  |  |
Income tax expense |  | 3.6 | % |  | 0.8 | % |  |  |  |
Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. |  | 11.4 | % |  | 8.8 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Consolidated net sales increased $105.9 million, or 19.3%, to $653.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from $547.9 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment net sales increased $104.7 million, or 29.2%, to $463.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, from $358.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2014, due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program. Sales volumes also increased for transmission lead-frame assemblies, partially offset by currency rate fluctuations, lower tooling sales and lower sales volumes for the Ford Center Console Program. The Interface segment net sales decreased $8.7 million, or 6.7%, to $121.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $130.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower appliance and radio remote control sales volumes, partially offset with increased sales volumes of data solutions products. The Power Products segment net sales increased $10.1 million, or 18.8%, to $63.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $53.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of datacom, cabling and busbar products, partially offset with lower sales volumes of a by-pass switch. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 decreased net sales by $3.4 million, or 0.5%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to the average currency rates in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro.
Cost of Products Sold. Consolidated cost of products sold increased $53.0 million, or 12.2%, to $487.0 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $434.0 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Consolidated cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 74.5% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to 79.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The Automotive and Power Products segments both experienced a decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. In addition, cost of products sold was favorably impacted in the Automotive segment in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 by the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egyp t and at the
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Company's captive molding business in Mexico. The Interface segment experienced a slightly higher cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for the data solutions products. The Other segment experienced an increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products business.
Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit increased $52.9 million, or 46.4%, to $166.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to $113.9 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 25.5% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to 20.8% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase is primarily due to the Automotive and Power Products segments manufacturing efficiencies related to the higher sales volumes, other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business and the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing facility in Egypt. The Interface segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs for our data solutions products. The Other segment experienced a decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products business.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased by $8.5 million, or 14.0%, to $69.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $60.6 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 from 11.1% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. In the first nine months of fiscal 2015, total compensation expense increased $3.5 million, legal expense increased $1.8 million, travel and other general expenses increased $2.3 million and stock-based compensation increased $0.9 million.
Interest (Income)/Expense, Net. Interest (income)/expense decreased $0.7 million, to income of $0.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to an expense of $0.3 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014.
Other (Income)/Expense, Net. Other (income)/expense, net decreased $1.0 million to income of $0.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to an expense of $0.8 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. All amounts for both the first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, relate to currency rate fluctuations. The functional currencies of these operations are the British pound, Chinese yuan, euro, Indian rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc. Some foreign operations have transactions denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies, primarily sales in U.S. dollars and euros, creating exchange rate sensitivities.
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased $19.6 million, or 466.7%, to $23.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $4.2 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The Company's effective tax rate increased to 24.2% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to 8.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a reversal of a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets in the U.S. Due to the reversal, the Company recorded income tax expense in the U.S. during the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to no income tax expense recorded in the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
Net Income Attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. Net income attributable to Methode Electronics, Inc. increased $26.5 million, or 55.2%, to $74.5 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $48.0 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes and manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by increased income tax expense and increased selling and administrative expenses.
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Operating Segments
Automotive Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the nine months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 463.4 |  |  | $ | 358.7 |  |  | $ | 104.7 |  |  | 29.2 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 347.3 |  |  | 291.5 |  |  | 55.8 |  |  | 19.1 | %
Gross profit |  | 116.1 |  |  | 67.2 |  |  | 48.9 |  |  | 72.8 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 23.3 |  |  | 20.4 |  |  | 2.9 |  |  | 14.2 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 92.8 |  |  | $ | 46.8 |  |  | $ | 46.0 |  |  | 98.3 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 74.9 | % |  | 81.3 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 25.1 | % |  | 18.7 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 5.0 | % |  | 5.7 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 20.0 | % |  | 13.0 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Automotive segment net sales increased $104.7 million, or 29.2%, to $463.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from $358.7 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales increased in North America by $104.7 million, or 60.1%, to $278.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $174.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for the GM Center Console Program. In addition, sales volumes also slightly increased for transmission lead-frame assemblies and sales volumes decreased for the Ford Center Console Program. Net sales decreased in Europe by $6.1 million, or 5.0%, to $116.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $122.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to currency rate fluctuations, lower tooling sales and lower sales volumes for hidden switch products. Net sales in Asia increased $6.1 million, or 9.8%, to $68.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $62.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes for our transmission lead-frame assemblies, partially offset by lower sales volumes of steering-angle sensor products. Translation of foreign operations net sales for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 decreased reported net sales by $3.4 million, or 0.7%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to the average currency rates in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar compared to the euro.
Cost of Products Sold. Automotive segment cost of products sold increased $55.8 million, or 19.1%, to $347.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from $291.5 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 74.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to 81.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The decrease is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia. In addition, cost of products sold was favorably impacted in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and at the Company's captive molding business in Mexico as well as favorable commodity pricing for raw materials.
Gross Profit. Automotive segment gross profit increased $48.9 million, or 72.8%, to $116.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to $67.2 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The Automotive segment gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 25.1% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, as compared to 18.7% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase is substantially due to manufacturing efficiencies related to the increased sales volumes, primarily in North America and Asia, and other manufacturing improvements at the Company's captive molding business. In addition, gross margins were favorably impacted in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 due to the ramp-up of production in our lower cost manufacturing operation in Egypt and favorable commodity pricing for raw materials.
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Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million, or 14.2%, to $23.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $20.4 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 5.0% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 and 5.7% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 is primarily due to higher salary, bonus, employee recruitment fees and travel expenses as a result of increased business levels as compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2014, partially offset with lower legal expenses.
Income from Operations. Automotive segment income from operations increased $46.0 million, or 98.3%, to $92.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $46.8 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The first nine months of fiscal 2015 benefitted from higher sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies and lower legal expenses, partially offset with higher salary, bonus, employee recruitment fees and travel expenses.
Interface Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the nine months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 121.4 |  |  | $ | 130.1 |  |  | $ | (8.7 | ) |  | (6.7 | )%
Cost of products sold |  | 90.1 |  |  | 95.7 |  |  | (5.6 | ) |  | (5.9 | )%
Gross profit |  | 31.3 |  |  | 34.4 |  |  | (3.1 | ) |  | (9.0 | )%
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 15.6 |  |  | 13.0 |  |  | 2.6 |  |  | 20.0 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 15.7 |  |  | $ | 21.4 |  |  | $ | (5.7 | ) |  | (26.6 | )%
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 74.2 | % |  | 73.6 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 25.8 | % |  | 26.4 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 12.9 | % |  | 10.0 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 12.9 | % |  | 16.4 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Interface segment net sales decreased $8.7 million, or 6.7%, to $121.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from $130.1 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales decreased in North America by $5.6 million, or 5.5%, to $96.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $102.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes, partially offset with stronger sales volumes for data solutions and radio remote control products. Net sales in Europe decreased $0.9 million, or 4.8%, to $17.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $18.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower radio remote control sales volumes. Net sales in Asia decreased $2.2 million, or 23.7%, to $7.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $9.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower radio remote control sales volumes and lower sales volumes from certain legacy products resulting from the planned exit of a product line.
Cost of Products Sold. Interface segment cost of products sold decreased $5.6 million, or 5.9%, to $90.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $95.7 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Interface segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 74.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to 73.6% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs.
Gross Profit. Interface segment gross profit decreased $3.1 million, or 9.0%, to $31.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $34.4 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to 25.8% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from 26.4% for the nine months ended
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February 1, 2014. The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to lower appliance sales volumes and increased development costs.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million, or 20.0%, to $15.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $13.0 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 12.9% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from 10.0% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased legal expenses and increased compensation expense, travel expense and other professional fees.
Income from Operations. Interface segment income from operations decreased $5.7 million, or 26.6%, to $15.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $21.4 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes, increased legal, compensation expense, travel expense and other professional fees.
Power Products Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the nine months ended:
($ in millions)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 63.9 |  |  | $ | 53.8 |  |  | $ | 10.1 |  |  | 18.8 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 42.3 |  |  | 40.7 |  |  | 1.6 |  |  | 3.9 | %
Gross profit |  | 21.6 |  |  | 13.1 |  |  | 8.5 |  |  | 64.9 | %
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 3.7 |  |  | 3.5 |  |  | 0.2 |  |  | 5.7 | %
Income from operations |  | $ | 17.9 |  |  | $ | 9.6 |  |  | $ | 8.3 |  |  | 86.5 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 66.2 | % |  | 75.7 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | 33.8 | % |  | 24.3 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 5.8 | % |  | 6.5 | % |  |  |  |
Income from operations |  | 28.0 | % |  | 17.8 | % |  |  |  |

Net Sales. Power Products segment net sales increased $10.1 million, or 18.8%, to $63.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $53.8 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Net sales increased in North America by $8.5 million, or 28.1%, to $38.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $30.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to higher sales volumes of datacom, cabling and busbar products. Net sales in Europe decreased $1.4 million, or 15.1%, to $7.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $9.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to lower sales volumes of a by-pass switch. Net sales in Asia increased $3.0 million, or 21.0%, to $17.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $14.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased sales volumes of datacom, busbar and cabling products.
Cost of Products Sold. Power Products segment cost of products sold increased $1.6 million, or 3.9%, to $42.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $40.7 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The Power Products segment cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales decreased to 66.2% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from 75.7% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The decrease in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related increased sales volumes in North America and Asia, favorable sales mix in Europe and favorable raw material commodity pricing in all three regions.
Gross Profit. Power Products segment gross profit increased $8.5 million, or 64.9%, to $21.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $13.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales increased to 33.8% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 from 24.3% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014.
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The increase in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies related to increased sales volumes in North America and Asia, favorable sales mix in Europe and favorable raw material commodity pricing in all three regions.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 5.7%, to $3.7 million for nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $3.5 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 5.8% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015 from 6.5% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase is primarily due to increased compensation expense in North America.
Income From Operations. Power Products segment income from operations increased $8.3 million, or 86.5%, to $17.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $9.6 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014, due to increased sales volumes, manufacturing efficiencies, and favorable commodity pricing of raw materials, partially offset with higher compensation expense.
Other Segment Results
Below is a table summarizing results for the nine months ended:
($ in millions)
(“N/M” equals not meaningful)

|  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  | Net Change |  | Net Change
Net sales |  | $ | 5.1 |  |  | $ | 5.0 |  |  | $ | 0.1 |  |  | 2.0 | %
Cost of products sold |  | 5.8 |  |  | 4.9 |  |  | 0.9 |  |  | 18.4 | %
Gross profit |  | (0.7 | ) |  | 0.1 |  |  | (0.8 | ) |  | N/M |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 3.4 |  |  | 3.0 |  |  | 0.4 |  |  | 13.3 | %
Loss from operations |  | $ | (4.1 | ) |  | $ | (2.9 | ) |  | $ | (1.2 | ) |  | 41.4 | %
Percent of sales: |  | January 31, 2015 |  | February 1, 2014 |  |  |  |
Net sales |  | 100.0 | % |  | 100.0 | % |  |  |  |
Cost of products sold |  | 113.7 | % |  | 98.0 | % |  |  |  |
Gross margins |  | (13.7 | )% |  | 2.0 | % |  |  |  |
Selling and administrative expenses |  | 66.7 | % |  | 60.0 | % |  |  |  |
Loss from operations |  | (80.4 | )% |  | (58.0 | )% |  |  |  |

Net Sales. The Other segment net sales increased $0.1 million, or 2.0%, to $5.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $5.0 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014, primarily due to slightly higher environmental testing sales.
Cost of Products Sold. Other segment cost of products sold increased $0.9 million, or 18.4%, to $5.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $4.9 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales increased to 113.7% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to 98.0% in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products business.
Gross Profit. The Other segment gross profit decreased $0.8 million, to a loss of $0.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to income of $0.1 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Gross margins as a percentage of net sales decreased to (13.7)% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014, compared to 2.0% for the nine
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months ended February 1, 2014. The decrease in gross margins as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to increased development costs in our medical products business, which do not have any corresponding sales.
Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses increased $0.4 million, or 13.3%, to $3.4 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $3.0 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 66.7% for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, from 60.0% for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase in selling and administrative expenses is primarily due to increased headcount and professional fees in our medical products business.
Loss From Operations The Other segment loss from operations increased $1.2 million to $4.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $2.9 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. The increase was primarily due to increased development expenses, professional fees and headcount in our medical products business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe our current world-wide cash balances together with expected future cash flows to be generated from operations and our committed credit facility will be sufficient to support current operations. A significant amount of cash and expected future cash flows are located outside of the U.S. Of the $167.8 million of cash and cash equivalents as of January 31, 2015, $156.6 million was held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. and all of this amount is deemed to be permanently reinvested and therefore not available to fund our domestic operations. We currently have $25.0 million of federal net operating loss carry-forwards in the U.S. which would reduce the cash tax obligation (if the carry-forward has not otherwise been used) upon any future repatriation of funds.
We are party to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions, which has a maturity of September 21, 2017. The credit facility is in the aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million, with an option to increase the principal amount by an additional $50.0 million, subject to customary conditions and approval of the lender(s) providing new commitment(s). The credit facility provides for variable rates of interest based on the type of borrowing and the Company's debt to EBITDA financial ratio. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our U.S. subsidiaries. At January 31, 2015, the interest rate on the credit facility was 1.5% plus LIBOR and we were in compliance with the covenants of the agreement. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we had no borrowings and payments of $28.6 million, which includes interest of $0.6 million, under this credit facility. As of January 31, 2015, there were outstanding balances against the credit facility of $20.0 million. There was $80.0 million available to borrow under the credit facility as of January 31, 2015, which does not include the option to increase the principal amount.
Cash Flow - Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased $59.2 million to $108.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to $49.4 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2014, primarily due to the increased cash generation of $31.9 million from the changes in operating assets and liabilities and the increase in net income of $26.5 million. The net changes in assets and liabilities resulted in the generation of $13.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to cash use of $18.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The increased cash generated in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2014 is primarily driven by the timing of receivable collections, partially offset by increased inventory levels.
Cash Flow - Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $10.7 million due to purchases of property, plant and equipment of $12.8 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2015, compared to $23.5 million for the nine months ended February 1, 2014. Purchases in fiscal 2014 primarily relate to plant expansion and equipment purchases in Europe and North America for products which launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2014.
Cash Flow - Financing Activities
Net cash used by financing activities decreased $35.6 million to cash used of $32.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, compared to cash generated of $3.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2014. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the Company had net payments against the credit facility of $28.0 million, compared to net borrowings of $6.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014. We paid dividends of $10.3 million and $7.9 million, for the first nine months of
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fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The first nine months of fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 includes $6.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of proceeds for the exercise of stock options.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than operating leases and purchase obligations entered into in the normal course of business.
Item 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Certain of our foreign operations enter into transactions in currencies other than their functional currency, primarily the U.S. dollar and the Euro. A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our income before income taxes by $2.5 million as of January 31, 2015 and $3.0 million as of May 3, 2014. We also have foreign currency exposure arising from the translation of our net equity investment in our foreign operations to U.S. dollars. We generally view our investments in foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar as long-term. The currencies to which we are exposed are the British pound, Chinese yuan, Euro, Indian Rupee, Mexican peso, Singapore dollar and Swiss franc. A 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates from balance sheet date levels could impact our net foreign investments by $26.3 million at January 31, 2015 and $24.6 million at May 3, 2014.
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. The interest rate risk for our credit agreement, under which we had $20.0 million of net borrowings at January 31, 2015, is variable and is determined based on LIBOR. We estimate that a one percentage point change in interest rates would not have a material impact on our results of operations for fiscal 2015 based upon our current and expected levels of our debt.
Item 4. Controls And Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s applicable rules and forms. As a result of this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number |  | Description
31.1 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32 |  | Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101 |  | Interactive Data File

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

|  |  | METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
|  |  | By: | /s/ Douglas A. Koman
|  |  |  | Douglas A. Koman
|  |  |  | Chief Financial Officer
|  |  |  | (principal financial officer)
Dated: | March 5, 2015 |  |

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number |  | Description
31.1 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2 |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32 |  | Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101 |  | Interactive Data File

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