PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to help the readers of our financial statements better understand our results of operations, financial condition and present business environment. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
OVERVIEW
Preformed Line Products Company (the "Company", "PLPC", "we", "us", or "our") was incorporated inOhio in 1947. We are an international designer and manufacturer of products and systems employed in the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground networks for the energy, telecommunication, cable operators, information (data communication), and other similar industries. Our primary products support, protect, connect, terminate, and secure cables and wires. We provide helical solutions, connectors, fiber optic and copper splice closures, solar hardware mounting applications, and electric vehicle charging station foundations. We also provide aerial drone inspection services for utility assets including transmission and distribution power lines, substations, and generation facilities. We are respected around the world for quality, dependability and market-leading customer service. Our goal is to continue to achieve profitable growth as a leader in the research, innovation, development, manufacturing, and marketing of technically advanced products and services related to energy, communications and cable systems and to take advantage of this leadership position to sell additional quality products in familiar markets. We have sales and manufacturing operations in 20 different countries. We report our segments in four geographic regions:PLP-USA (including corporate), TheAmericas (includes operations inNorth and South America , excludingPLP-USA ), EMEA (Europe ,Middle East &Africa ) andAsia-Pacific , in accordance with accounting standards codified inFinancial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280, "Segment Reporting". Each segment distributes a full range of our primary products. OurPLP-USA segment is comprised of ourU.S. operations manufacturing our traditional products primarily supporting our domestic energy, telecommunications, solar framing products and inspection services. Our other three segments, TheAmericas , EMEA andAsia-Pacific , support our energy, telecommunications, data communication, solar and other products in each respective geographical region. The segment managers responsible for each region report directly to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, and are accountable for the financial results and performance of their entire segment for which they are responsible. The business components within each segment are managed to maximize the results of the entire operating segment and the Company rather than the results of any individual business component of the segment.
We evaluate segment performance and allocate resources based on several factors primarily based on sales and net income.
PREFACE
The following discussion describes our results of operations for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 and 2022. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity withUnited States ("U.S.") generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our discussions of the financial results include non-GAAP measures (e.g., foreign currency impact) to provide additional information concerning our financial results and provide information that we believe is useful to the readers of our financial statements in the assessment of our performance and operating trends. Overall customer demand remained strong, which is reflected in net sales of$181.8 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 , an increase of$43.6 million year-over-year. In the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 , the inflationary headwinds we experienced related to raw materials, specifically plastic resins, aluminum and sand (grit), have partially subsided. Costs related to shipping and freight have similarly fallen from their 2022 peak. The decreases in these underlying costs along with the impacts of our previous price increases have benefited gross margins. For PLP-USA , our largest business segment, we saw a year-over-year benefit of approximately$3.0 million related to the reduction in these costs. Given the uncertainties in the macro-economic environment, we cannot determine if these trends will continue. If inflationary pressures increase again, it may require further price adjustments to maintain profit margin and any price increases may have a negative effect on demand. Our consolidated financial statements are subject to fluctuations in the exchange rates of foreign currencies in relation to theU.S. dollar. PLPC's foreign currency exchange losses were primarily related to translating intoU.S. dollars its foreign currency denominated loans, trade receivables and royalty receivables from its foreign subsidiaries at theMarch 31, 2023 exchange rates. The fluctuations of foreign currencies during the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 had an unfavorable impact on net sales of$4.6 million and an unfavorable impact of$2.5 million during the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 . The effect of currency translation had an unfavorable impact on net income of$0.2 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 and 2022. On a reportable segment basis, the impact of foreign currency translation on net sales and net income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, was as follows: 18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Currency Translation Impact
Net Sales Net Income (Loss)
(Thousands of dollars) 2023 2022 2023 2022
The Americas $ (1,157 ) $ (136 ) $ (64 ) $ 106
EMEA (2,165 ) (1,668 ) (91 ) (363 )
Asia-Pacific (1,273 ) (742 ) (62 ) 57
Total $ (4,595 ) $ (2,546 ) $ (217 ) $ (200 )
Loss on foreign currency translation on operating income for the three months
ended March 31, 2023 was $0.3 million . Gain on foreign currency translation on
operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $0.5 million .
There were transaction losses of $0.4 million that were combined with gains on
forward currency contracts of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31,
2023 and $1.9 million of transaction gains combined with losses on forward
currency contracts of $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 as
summarized in the following table:
Foreign Currency Translation Impact
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Thousands of dollars) 2023 2022
Operating income $ 28,981 $ 9,451
Translation loss (gain) 281 (522 )
Transaction loss (gain) 431 (1,883 )
Net (gain) loss on forward currency contracts (108 ) 2,065
Operating income excluding currency impact $ 29,585 $ 9,111
As shown in our strong financial results, we believe our business portfolio and
our financial position are sound and strategically well-positioned. We remain
focused on assessing our global market opportunities and overall manufacturing
capacity in conjunction with the requirements of local manufacturing in the
markets that we serve. The growth in PLP-USA net sales required additional
investment within our PLP-USA facilities, both in the form of operational
capacity as well as increased warehouse space. These investments in our U.S.
operations will allow us to further enhance the service we provide to our U.S.
customers in 2023. If necessary, we will modify redundant processes and further
utilize our global manufacturing network to manage costs, increase sales volume
and deliver value to our customers. We have continued to invest in the business
to expand into new markets for the Company, evaluate strategic mergers and
acquisitions, improve efficiency, develop new products and increase our
capacity. Our liquidity remains strong, and we currently have a bank debt to
equity percentage of 22.0%. We can borrow needed funds at a competitive interest
rate under our credit facility.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth a summary of the Company's Statements of
Consolidated Income and the percentage of net sales for the three months ended
Three Months Ended March 31,
(Thousands of dollars) 2023 2022 Change
Net sales $ 181,824 100.0 % $ 138,223 100.0 % $ 43,601
Cost of products sold 115,541 63.5 96,272 69.6 19,269
GROSS PROFIT 66,283 36.5 41,951 30.4 24,332
Costs and expenses 37,302 20.5 32,500 23.5 4,802
OPERATING INCOME 28,981 15.9 9,451 6.8 19,530
Other (expense) income, net (722 ) (0.4 ) 4,690 3.4 (5,412 )
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 28,259 15.5 14,141 10.2 14,118
Income taxes 6,840 3.8 1,840 1.3 5,000
NET INCOME 21,419 11.8 12,301 8.9 9,118
Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interests (21 ) (0.0 ) (16 ) (0.0 ) (5 )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PREFORMED
LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS
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Net sales. In 2023, net sales were
Three Months Ended March 31,
Change Change
(Thousands of
dollars) Due to Excluding
Currency Currency %
2023 2022 Change Translation Translation Change
Net sales
PLP-USA $ 97,177 $ 75,924 $ 21,253 $ - $ 21,253 28 %
The Americas 22,568 18,963 3,605 (1,157 ) 4,762 25
EMEA 39,034 27,472 11,562 (2,165 ) 13,727 50
Asia-Pacific 23,045 15,863 7,182 (1,273 ) 8,455 53
Consolidated $ 181,824 $ 138,222 $ 43,602 $ (4,595 ) $ 48,197 35 %
The increase in PLP-USA net sales of $21.3 million , or 28%, was primarily due to
a volume increase in energy product and communication sales. International net
sales for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were unfavorably affected by
$4.6 million when local currencies were converted to U.S. dollars. The following
discussion of changes in net sales excludes the effect of currency translation.
The Americas net sales of $22.6 million increased $4.8 million , or 25%,
primarily due to the contributions from the October 2022 acquisition of Delta as
well as volume increases in communications sales. EMEA net sales of $39.0
million increased $13.7 million , or 50%, primarily due to volume increases in
communication sales. Asia-Pacific net sales of $23.0 million increased $8.5
million , or 53%, primarily due to volume increases in energy products compared
to 2022.
Gross profit. Gross profit of $66.3 million for 2023 increased $24.3 million , or
58%, compared to 2022. Excluding the effect of currency translation, gross
profit increased $25.6 million , or 61%, as summarized in the following table:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Change Change
(Thousands of
dollars) Due to Excluding
Currency Currency %
2023 2022 Change Translation Translation Change
Gross profit
PLP-USA $ 42,106 $ 26,264 $ 15,842 $ - $ 15,842 60 %
The Americas 7,987 5,365 2,622 (328 ) 2,950 55
EMEA 9,247 6,374 2,873 (557 ) 3,430 54
Asia-Pacific 6,943 3,948 2,995 (389 ) 3,384 86
Consolidated $ 66,283 $ 41,951 $ 24,332 $ (1,274 ) $ 25,606 61 %
PLP-USA gross profit of $42.1 million increased by $15.8 million , or 60%,
compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to the incremental margins
from the increased sales volumes and tailwinds from operational efficiencies,
price increases and lower commodity costs. International gross profit for the
period ended March 31, 2023 was unfavorably impacted by $1.3 million when local
currencies were translated to U.S. dollars. The following discussion of gross
profit changes excludes the effects of currency translation. The Americas gross
profit increased $3.0 million , or 55%, which was primarily the result of the
incremental margin from the increased sales volumes, contributions from the
October 2022 Delta acquisition as well as inventory write-offs that occurred in
2022 that did not recur. EMEA gross profit increased $3.4 million , or 54%,
primarily due to the incremental margins from the increased sales volumes and
the non-recurring charges recorded in 2022 related to the exit of our Russia
operations. Asia-Pacific's gross profit increased $3.4 million , or 86%, which
was primarily driven by the incremental margins on the increased sales volume
and cost containment measures.
Costs and expenses. Costs and expenses of $37.3 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2023 increased $4.8 million , or 15%, when compared to 2022.
Excluding the effect of currency translation, costs and expenses increased $5.8
million , or 18%, as summarized in the following table:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Change Change
(Thousands of
dollars) Due to Excluding
Currency Currency %
2023 2022 Change Translation Translation Change
Costs and expenses
PLP-USA $ 19,906 $ 15,750 $ 4,156 $ - $ 4,156 26 %
The Americas 5,457 5,130 327 (281 ) 608 12
EMEA 6,693 6,741 (48 ) (418 ) 370 5
Asia-Pacific 5,246 4,879 367 (295 ) 662 14
Consolidated $ 37,302 $ 32,500 $ 4,802 $ (994 ) $ 5,796 18 %
20--------------------------------------------------------------------------------PLP-USA costs and expenses of$19.9 million increased$4.2 million , or 26% year-over-year.PLP-USA's increase was primarily attributable to increased sales, personnel and professional services costs. PLPC's costs and expenses for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 were favorably impacted by$1.0 million when local currencies were translated toU.S. dollars. The following discussion of costs and expenses excludes the effect of currency translation. TheAmericas costs and expenses of$5.5 million increased$0.6 million primarily due to increased sales and personnel costs. EMEA costs and expenses of$6.7 million increased by$0.4 million primarily due to increased professional services, travel and marketing-related costs, partially offset byRussia closure costs that did not recur.Asia-Pacific costs and expenses of$5.2 million increased$0.7 million primarily due to a one-time gain on the sale of capital assets recorded inMarch 2022 that did not recur. Other (expense) income, net. Other expense, net of$0.7 million for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was unfavorable by$5.4 million when compared to Other income, net for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 of$4.7 million . The unfavorable movement was due to a nonrecurring gain of$4.4 million that was recorded inMarch 2022 related to a settlement of a Company-owned life insurance policy, coupled with an increase in interest expense for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 . Income taxes. Income taxes for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 and 2022 were$6.8 million and$1.8 million based on pre-tax income of$28.3 million and$14.1 million , respectively. The tax rate for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 and 2022 was 24% and 13%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was higher than the effective tax rate for the same period in 2022 mainly due to higher levels of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions as well as a non-taxable benefit of$4.4 million related to the proceeds from the settlement of a Company-owned life insurance policy in 2022. Net income. As a result of the preceding items, net income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was$21.4 million , compared to$12.3 million for 2022. Excluding the effect of currency translation, net income increased$9.3 million as summarized in the following table. In all regions, the increase in net income was due to increases in operating income described above, partially offset by higher interest expense and higher tax expense: Three Months Ended March 31, Change Change (Thousands of dollars) Due to Excluding Currency Currency % 2023 2022 Change Translation Translation Change Net income (loss) PLP-USA$ 16,796 $ 13,239 $ 3,557 $ -$ 3,557 27 % The Americas 1,889 (71 ) 1,960 (64 ) 2,024 >100 EMEA 1,661 282 1,379 (91 ) 1,470 >100 Asia-Pacific 1,052 (1,165 ) 2,217 (62 ) 2,279 >100 Consolidated$ 21,398 $ 12,285 $ 9,113 $ (217 ) $ 9,330 76 %
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our critical accounting policies are consistent with the information set forth in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in our Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 filed onMarch 3, 2023 with theSecurities and Exchange Commission and are, therefore, not presented herein.
WORKING CAPITAL, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Management Assessment of Liquidity
We measure liquidity on the basis of our ability to meet short-term and long-term operating needs, repay debt, fund additional investments, including acquisitions, and make dividend payments to shareholders. Significant factors affecting the management of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, capital expenditures, cash dividends, business acquisitions and access to bank lines of credit. Our investments include expenditures required for equipment and facilities as well as expenditures in support of our strategic initiatives. During the first three months of 2023, we used cash of$8.4 million for capital expenditures and$14.1 million for a business acquisition. We ended the first three months of 2023 with$31.8 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (collectively, "Cash"). Our Cash is held in various locations throughout the world. AtMarch 31, 2023 , the majority of our Cash was held outside theU.S. We expect most accumulated non-U.S. Cash balances will remain outside of theU.S. and that we will meetU.S. liquidity needs through future operating cash flows, use ofU.S. Cash balances, external borrowings, or some combination of these sources. We complete comprehensive reviews of our significant customers and their creditworthiness by analyzing financial statements for customers where we have identified a measure of increased risk. We closely monitor payments and developments which may signal possible customer credit issues. We currently have not identified any potential material impact on our liquidity from customer credit issues. 21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total debt, including notes payable, atMarch 31, 2023 was$85.2 million . AtMarch 31, 2023 , our unused availability under our credit facility (the "Facility") was$42.5 million and our bank debt to equity percentage was 22.0%. OnMarch 2, 2022 , the Company amended the Facility to increase the capacity from$65.0 million to$90.0 million . As part of this amendment, the index used to determine the interest rate changed from LIBOR to theBloomberg Short Term Bank Yield Index ("BSBY"). The interest rate is defined as BSBY plus 1.125% unless the Company's funded debt to Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation ratio exceeds 2.25 to 1, at which point the BSBY spread becomes 1.500%. The amendment also allows the Company to change its rate from BSBY to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") at the Company's discretion. The amendment extended the maturity fromJune 30, 2024 toMarch 2, 2026 . OnAugust 31, 2022 , the Company amended the Facility and elected to change its rate from BSBY to SOFR, and added itsNew Zealand subsidiary as a co-borrower, all other terms remain the same. The Facility contains, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining levels of net worth and profitability. AtMarch 31, 2023 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants. OurAsia-Pacific segment had$0.2 million in restricted cash for both periods endedMarch 31, 2023 andDecember 31, 2022 . The restricted cash was used to secure bank debt and is included in Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. OnJanuary 19, 2021 , the Company received funding for a term loan fromPNC Equipment Finance, LLC in the principal amount of$20.5 million to fund the purchase of a corporate aircraft. InSeptember 2020 , the Company made a deposit of$6.8 million toward the purchase of the aircraft which was subsequently refunded inJanuary 2021 and the full amount of the$20.5 million purchase price was drawn on the loan. The aircraft replaces the Company's previously owned aircraft, which was sold inDecember 2020 . The proceeds of the sale were used to pay off the debt associated with the previously owned aircraft. The term of the new loan is 120 months at a fixed interest rate of 2.744%. The loan is payable in 119 equal monthly installments, which commenced onMarch 1, 2021 with a final payment of any outstanding principal and accrued interest due and payable on the final monthly payment date. Of the$16.1 million outstanding on this debt facility atMarch 31, 2023 ,$2.1 million was classified as current. The loan is secured by the aircraft. We expect that our major source of funding for 2023 and beyond will be our operating cash flows, our existing Cash as well as our Facility agreement. Except for current earnings in certain jurisdictions, our operating income is deemed to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign jurisdictions. We currently do not intend nor foresee a need to repatriate these funds. We believe our future operating cash flows will be more than sufficient to cover debt repayments, other contractual obligations, capital expenditures and dividends for the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. In addition, we believe our borrowing capacity provides substantial financial resources, if needed, to supplement funding of capital expenditures and/or acquisitions. We also believe that we can further expand our borrowing capacity, if necessary; however, we do not believe we would increase our debt to a level that would have a material adverse impact upon results of operations or financial condition.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was$25.4 million compared to$5.2 million used in operating activities in the comparable prior year three-month period. The$30.6 million increase was primarily a result of increases in net income and larger payables balances, which outpaced increases in current assets, primarily accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses. Net cash used in investing activities for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was$22.3 million compared to$10.9 million in the comparable prior year three-month period. The$11.4 million change was primarily a result of decreases in proceeds from the settlement of a Company-owned life insurance policy and sale of property and equipment in 2022 that did not recur.
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended
We have commitments under operating leases primarily for office and manufacturing space, transportation equipment, office and computer equipment and finance leases primarily for equipment. AtMarch 31, 2023 , we had$1.5 million of current operating lease liabilities and$7.1 million of noncurrent operating lease liabilities. Total liabilities related to finance lease obligations were less than$1 million atMarch 31, 2023 .
As of
The Company has borrowing facilities at certain of its foreign subsidiaries, which consist of overdraft lines, working capital credit lines, and facilities for the issuance of letters of credit and short-term borrowing needs. AtMarch 31, 2023 andDecember 31, 2022 ,$21.5 million and$26.1 million was outstanding, of which$14.8 million and$19.1 million were classified as current, respectively. These facilities support commitments made in the ordinary course of business. 22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Statement for "Safe Harbor" Purposes Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This Form 10-Q and other documents we file with theSEC contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's and management's beliefs and expectations. As a general matter, forward-looking statements are those focused upon future plans, objectives or performance (as opposed to historical items) and include statements of anticipated events or trends and expectations and beliefs relating to matters not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such uncertainties and factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could affect the Company's future performance and cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made in this report:
•
The overall demand for cable anchoring and control hardware for electrical transmission and distribution lines on a worldwide basis, which has a slow growth rate in mature markets such as theU.S. ,Canada ,Australia andWestern Europe and may grow slowly or experience prolonged delay in developing regions despite expanding power needs;
•
The potential impact of global economic conditions, including the impact of inflation and rising interest rates, on the Company's ongoing profitability and future growth opportunities in the Company's core markets in theU.S. and other foreign countries, which may experience continued or further instability due to political and economic conditions, social unrest, acts of war, military conflict (including the ongoing conflict betweenRussia andUkraine ), international hostilities or the perception that hostilities may be imminent, terrorism, changes in diplomatic and trade relationships and public health concerns (including viral outbreaks such as COVID-19);
•
The ability of the Company's customers to raise funds needed to build the infrastructure projects their customers require;
•
Technological developments that affect longer-term trends for communication lines, such as wireless communication;
•
The decreasing demand for product supporting copper-based infrastructure due to the introduction of products using new technologies or adoption of new industry standards;
•
The Company's success at continuing to develop proprietary technology and maintaining high quality products and customer service to meet or exceed new industry performance standards and individual customer expectations;
•
The Company's success in strengthening and retaining relationships with the Company's customers, growing sales at targeted accounts and expanding geographically;
•
The extent to which the Company is successful at expanding the Company's product line or production facilities into new areas or implementing efficiency measures at existing facilities;
•
The effects of fluctuation in currency exchange rates upon the Company's foreign subsidiaries' operations and reported results from international operations, together with non-currency risks of investing in and conducting significant operations in foreign countries, including those relating to political, social, economic and regulatory factors;
•
The Company's ability to identify, complete, obtain funding for and integrate acquisitions for profitable growth;
•
The potential impact of consolidation, deregulation and bankruptcy among the Company's suppliers, competitors and customers and of any legal or regulatory claims;
•
The relative degree of competitive and customer price pressure on the Company's products;
•
The cost, availability and quality of raw materials required for the manufacture of products and any tariffs that may be associated with the purchase of these products. The Company's supply chain could continue to be disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which could have a material, adverse effect on the ability to secure raw materials and supplies;
•
Strikes, labor disruptions and other fluctuations in labor costs;
23
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Changes in significant government regulations affecting environmental compliance or other litigation matters;
•
Security breaches or other disruptions to the Company's information technology structure;
•
The telecommunication market's continued deployment of Fiber-to-the-Premises;
•
The effects of the
•
The impact of any failure to timely implement and maintain adequate financial, information technology and management processes and controls and procedures; and
•
Those factors described under the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 which was filed onMarch 3, 2023 .
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