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BEL FUSE INC /NJ - Quarter Report: 2012 June (Form 10-Q)

bel10-q.htm



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 June 30, 2012
or
[    ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________ to ____________

Commission File No. 0-11676
_____________________

BEL FUSE INC.
206 Van Vorst Street
Jersey City, NJ  07302
(201) 432-0463

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NEW JERSEY
 
22-1463699
(State of  incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


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 [   ]
     
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 [   ]
     
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  [    ]
Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [    ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [    ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes [   ]
No [X]


 
Title of Each Class
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 as of August 1, 2012
 
Class A Common Stock ($0.10 par value)
    2,174,912  
Class B Common Stock ($0.10 par value)
    9,725,543  

 
 

 



BEL FUSE INC.
       
       
     
Page
Part I
   
       
 
Item 1.
1
       
     
   
2
       
     
   
3
       
     
   
4
       
     
   
5
       
   
7 - 14
       
 
Item 2.
 
   
15 - 22
       
 
Item 3.
 
   
22
       
 
Item 4.
23
       
Part II
   
       
 
Item 1.
23
       
 
Item 6.
24
       
   
25
       



PART I.                      Financial Information

Item 1.                      Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Certain information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted from the following condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The following condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the year-end consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year or for any other period.


 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
             
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 81,829     $ 88,241  
Marketable securities
    5,534       5,731  
Accounts receivable - less allowance for doubtful accounts of $698
               
  and $771 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
    43,539       39,107  
Inventories
    57,564       53,361  
Restricted cash, current
    12,992       12,991  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    5,191       4,092  
Refundable income taxes
    1,382       2,871  
Deferred income taxes
    1,520       1,295  
    Total Current Assets
    209,551       207,689  
                 
Property, plant and equipment - net
    37,656       39,414  
Deferred income taxes
    3,358       2,814  
Intangible assets - net
    10,712       10,877  
Goodwill
    6,604       4,163  
Other assets
    12,265       11,954  
    TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 280,146     $ 276,911  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 19,721     $ 18,459  
Accrued expenses
    23,151       22,936  
Income taxes payable
    181       224  
Dividends payable
    857       806  
    Total Current Liabilities
    43,910       42,425  
                 
Long-term Liabilities:
               
Liability for uncertain tax positions
    3,977       4,132  
Minimum pension obligation and unfunded pension liability
    9,702       9,274  
    Total Long-term Liabilities
    13,679       13,406  
    Total Liabilities
    57,589       55,831  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
    -       -  
Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share, 10,000,000 shares
               
    authorized; 2,174,912 shares outstanding at each date (net of
               
    1,072,769 treasury shares)
    217       217  
Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, 30,000,000 shares
               
     authorized; 9,725,543 and 9,635,643 shares outstanding, respectively
               
     (net of 3,218,307 treasury shares)
    973       964  
Additional paid-in capital
    26,214       25,420  
Retained earnings
    196,752       196,029  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (1,599 )     (1,550 )
    Total Stockholders' Equity
    222,557       221,080  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 280,146     $ 276,911  
                 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 



 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net Sales
  $ 73,222     $ 79,173     $ 138,783     $ 150,576  
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
    61,051       65,368       116,183       122,500  
Selling, general and administrative
    9,496       10,421       18,285       20,478  
Restructuring charge
    245       -       382       -  
Litigation charges
    26       3,224       26       3,224  
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    41       -       110       -  
      70,859       79,013       134,986       146,202  
                                 
Income from operations
    2,363       160       3,797       4,374  
                                 
Impairment of investment
    (478 )     -       (478 )     -  
Gain on sale of investment
    -       119       -       119  
Interest income and other, net
    77       93       153       161  
                                 
Earnings before provision for income taxes
    1,962       372       3,472       4,654  
Provision for income taxes
    499       946       1,133       1,984  
                                 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 1,463     $ (574 )   $ 2,339     $ 2,670  
                                 
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                               
Class A common share - basic and diluted
  $ 0.11     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.18     $ 0.21  
Class B common share - basic and diluted
  $ 0.13     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.23  
                                 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
                               
Class A common share - basic and diluted
    2,174,912       2,174,912       2,174,912       2,174,912  
Class B common share - basic and diluted
    9,677,141       9,582,610       9,654,473       9,554,354  
                                 
Dividends paid per share:
                               
Class A common share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.12     $ 0.12  
Class B common share
  $ 0.07     $ 0.07     $ 0.14     $ 0.14  
                                 
                                 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 




 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 1,463     $ (574 )   $ 2,339     $ 2,670  
                                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
                               
Currency translation adjustment
    (749 )     340       (334 )     938  
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of marketable securities
                               
   included in net earnings, net of tax of $181
    296       -       296       -  
Reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of marketable securities
                               
   included in net earnings (loss), net of tax of ($45)
    -       (74 )     -       (74 )
Unrealized holding gains on marketable securities arising during the
                               
   period, net of taxes of ($72), ($210), ($59) and ($71), respectively
    (117 )     (345 )     (91 )     (119 )
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of $18 and $35, respectively
    40       -       80       -  
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (530 )     (79 )     (49 )     745  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 933     $ (653 )   $ 2,290     $ 3,415  
                                 
                                 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 



 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net earnings
  $ 2,339     $ 2,670  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
               
  cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    4,235       4,277  
Stock-based compensation
    897       817  
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
    110       -  
Impairment of investment
    478       -  
Gain on sale of investment
    -       (119 )
Other, net
    449       291  
Deferred income taxes
    (1,021 )     (509 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities (see page 6)
    (7,258 )     9,447  
      Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    229       16,874  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
    (2,296 )     (1,383 )
Purchase of marketable securities
    (12 )     (5,111 )
Payment for business acquisition
    (2,695 )     -  
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
    5       18  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    -       433  
Cash transferred from restricted cash
    -       162  
       Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (4,998 )     (5,881 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Dividends paid to common shareholders
    (1,565 )     (1,556 )
       Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
    (1,565 )     (1,556 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (78 )     247  
                 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (6,412 )     9,684  
Cash and Cash Equivalents - beginning of period
    88,241       83,829  
Cash and Cash Equivalents - end of period
  $ 81,829     $ 93,513  
                 
(Continued)
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 




BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of:
           
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
  $ (4,446 )   $ 4,292  
(Increase) decrease in inventories
    (4,152 )     980  
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,081 )     (2,474 )
Increase in other assets
    (171 )     (4 )
Increase in accounts payable
    1,257       762  
Increase in accrued expenses
    135       2,805  
Cash payments of accrued restructuring costs
    -       (81 )
Increase in income taxes payable
    1,200       3,167  
    $ (7,258 )   $ 9,447  
                 
Supplementary information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
    Income taxes, net of refunds received
  $ 864     $ (745 )
    Interest
    -       -  
                 
Details of acquisition:
               
   Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
  $ 157     $ -  
   Goodwill
    2,577       -  
       Fair value of net assets acquired
  $ 2,734     $ -  
                 
   Fair value of consideration transferred
  $ 2,734     $ -  
   Deferred consideration
    (39 )     -  
      Cash paid for acquisition
  $ 2,695     $ -  
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 


BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012, and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the periods presented herein have been prepared by Bel Fuse Inc. (the “Company” or “Bel”) and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented have been made.  The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 should not be viewed as indicative of the Company’s annual results or the Company’s results for any other period.  The information for the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 was derived from audited financial statements.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Bel Fuse Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.  There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2012, except as noted below.  Recent accounting pronouncements adopted during the first half of 2012 are as follows:

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04 – Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU No. 2011-04”)

ASU No. 2011-04 clarified some existing concepts, eliminated wording differences between accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and in some limited cases, changed some principles to achieve convergence between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. ASU No. 2011-04 resulted in a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS.   ASU No. 2011-04 also expanded the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The Company implemented the provisions of ASU No. 2011-04 effective January 1, 2012.   The adoption of the provisions of ASU No. 2011-04 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, nor did it materially modify or expand the Company’s financial statement footnote disclosures.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 – Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU No. 2011-05”)
 
ASU No. 2011-05 amended existing guidance by allowing only two options for presenting the components of net income and other comprehensive income: (1) in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (2) in two separate but consecutive financial statements, consisting of an income statement followed by a separate statement of other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2011-05 eliminated the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The amendments in ASU No. 2011-05 did not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.  ASU No. 2011-05 required retrospective application, and was effective for the Company on January 1, 2012.  The Company implemented the provisions of ASU No. 2011-05 during the first quarter of 2012 by presenting herein the components of net income and other comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive financial statements.

Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08 – Testing Goodwill for Impairment (Topic 350): Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASU No. 2011-08”)
 
ASU No. 2011-08 updated existing guidance regarding testing of goodwill for impairment. ASU No. 2011-08 gives entities the option to perform a qualitative assessment to first assess whether the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. ASU No. 2011-08 became effective during the Company’s first quarter of 2012. The adoption of this standard did not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.


2.  
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company utilizes the two-class method to report its earnings (loss) per share.  The two-class method is an earnings (loss) allocation formula that determines earnings (loss) per share for each class of common stock according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings (loss).  The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, states that Class B common shares are entitled to dividends at least 5% greater than dividends paid on Class A common shares, resulting in the two-class method of computing earnings (loss) per share.  In computing earnings (loss) per share, the Company has allocated dividends declared to Class A and Class B based on amounts actually declared for each class of stock and 5% more of the undistributed earnings (loss) has been allocated to Class B shares than to the Class A shares on a per share basis.  Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings (loss) per common share, for each class of common stock, is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding during the period.  There were no potential common shares outstanding during the three or six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011 which would have had a dilutive effect on earnings (loss) per share.
 
 
The earnings (loss) and weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are as follows (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Numerator:
                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 1,463     $ (574 )   $ 2,339     $ 2,670  
Less Dividends:
                               
     Class A
    131       131       261       261  
     Class B
    680       666       1,355       1,333  
Undistributed earnings (loss)
  $ 652     $ (1,371 )   $ 723     $ 1,076  
                                 
Undistributed earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:
                               
     Class A undistributed earnings (loss)
  $ 115     $ (244 )   $ 128     $ 192  
     Class B undistributed earnings (loss)
    537       (1,127 )     595       884  
     Total undistributed earnings (loss)
  $ 652     $ (1,371 )   $ 723     $ 1,076  
                                 
Net earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:
                               
     Class A allocated earnings (loss)
  $ 246     $ (113 )   $ 389     $ 453  
     Class B allocated earnings (loss)
    1,217       (461 )     1,950       2,217  
     Net earnings (loss)
  $ 1,463     $ (574 )   $ 2,339     $ 2,670  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
                               
     Class A common share - basic and diluted
    2,174,912       2,174,912       2,174,912       2,174,912  
     Class B common share - basic and diluted
    9,677,141       9,582,610       9,654,473       9,554,354  
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share:
                               
     Class A common share - basic and diluted
  $ 0.11     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.18     $ 0.21  
     Class B common share - basic and diluted
  $ 0.13     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.20     $ 0.23  



3.           ACQUISITION

On March 9, 2012 (the “Acquisition Date”), the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of GigaCom Interconnect AB (“GigaCom Interconnect”) with a cash payment of £1.7 million (approximately $2.7 million). GigaCom Interconnect, located in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a supplier of expanded beam fiber optic technology and a participant in the development of next-generation commercial aircraft components. GigaCom Interconnect has become part of Bel’s Cinch Connector business. Management believes that GigaCom’s offering of expanded beam fiber optic products will enhance the Company’s position within the growing aerospace and military markets.

GigaCom Interconnect’s results of operations have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the period subsequent to the Acquisition Date, and were not material.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company incurred less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of acquisition-related costs relating to GigaCom Interconnect.  These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

While the initial accounting related to this business combination is not complete as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q, the following table depicts the Company’s estimated acquisition date fair values of the consideration transferred and identifiable net assets acquired (in thousands):

                   
         
Measurement
       
         
Period
   
March 9, 2012
 
   
March 9, 2012
   
Adjustments
   
(As adjusted)
 
Accounts receivable
  $ 47     $ -     $ 47  
Inventories
    79       -       79  
Other current assets
    22       -       22  
Property, plant and equipment
    33       -       33  
Intangible assets
    -       -       -  
     Total identifiable assets
    181       -       181  
                         
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (24 )     -       (24 )
     Total liabilities assumed
    (24 )     -       (24 )
     Net identifiable assets acquired
    157       -       157  
     Goodwill
    2,577       -       2,577  
     Net assets acquired
  $ 2,734     $ -     $ 2,734  
                         
                         
Cash paid
  $ 2,687       8     $ 2,695  
Deferred consideration
    47       (8 )     39  
     Fair value of consideration transferred
  $ 2,734     $ -     $ 2,734  


The Company has identified intangible assets, specifically a trademark and technology, which are currently in the process of being valued.  The Company expects to finalize these valuations and complete the purchase price allocation as soon as practicable but no later than one year from the Acquisition Date.

The Company is also still in the process of determining the allocation of the goodwill by reporting operating segment.  This allocation will be based on those reportable operating segments expected to benefit from the acquisition of GigaCom.  This determination will primarily be based on the projected future revenue generation associated with GigaCom’s EBOSA® technology within each of the Company’s reportable operating segments.  The Company is uncertain at this time how much of the goodwill, if any, will be deductible for tax purposes.

4.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based upon the best use of the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Entities are required to use a fair value hierarchy which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable
 
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs about which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions
 

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company held certain financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These consisted of the Company’s investments in a Rabbi Trust, which are intended to fund the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) obligations, and other marketable securities described below.  These are categorized as available-for-sale securities and are included as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s investments in the Rabbi Trust had a fair value of $5.8 million at each date and gross unrealized gains of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had marketable securities with a combined fair value of $5.5 million and $5.7 million, respectively, and gross unrealized losses of less than $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  Such unrealized losses are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  At June 30, 2012, the Company determined that its investment in Pulse Electronics common stock was other-than-temporarily impaired and recorded a related impairment charge of $0.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012. The carrying value of this investment was reduced to its fair value of $0.5 million at June 30, 2012.  The fair value of the equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in public markets and is categorized as Level 1 in the table below.  The fair value of the fixed income securities is determined based on other observable inputs, and is therefore categorized as Level 2 in the table below.  The Company does not have any financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3, and there were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.  There were no changes to the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset fair values on a recurring or nonrecurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (dollars in thousands).

         
Assets at Fair Value Using
 
   
Total
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
As of June 30, 2012
                       
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
   Investments held in Rabbi Trust
  $ 5,845     $ 5,845     $ -     $ -  
   Marketable securities:
                               
        Publicly-traded equity securities
    510       510       -       -  
        Fixed income securities
    5,024       -       5,024       -  
                                 
   Total
  $ 11,379     $ 6,355     $ 5,024     $ -  
                                 
As of December 31, 2011
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
   Investments held in Rabbi Trust
  $ 5,786     $ 5,786     $ -     $ -  
   Marketable securities:
                               
        Publicly-traded equity securities
    727       727       -       -  
        Fixed income securities
    5,004       -       5,004       -  
                                 
   Total
  $ 11,517     $ 6,513     $ 5,004     $ -  


The Level 2 fixed income securities noted in the table above represent the Company’s investment in a fund that consists of debt securities (bonds), primarily U.S. government securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities.  The value of the fund is determined based on quoted market prices for similar instruments or nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable market data.

The Company has other financial instruments, such as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.  The Company did not have any other financial liabilities within the scope of the fair value disclosure requirements as of June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

Nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets, are accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.   These items are tested for impairment on the occurrence of a triggering event or, in the case of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, on at least an annual basis.  There were no triggering events that occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2012 or 2011 that would warrant interim impairment testing.

5.           INVENTORIES

The components of inventories are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Raw materials
  $ 31,529     $ 27,975  
Work in progress
    7,692       7,025  
Finished goods
    18,343       18,361  
    $ 57,564     $ 53,361  



6.            BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in one industry with three reportable operating segments, which are geographic in nature.  The segments consist of North America, Asia and Europe.  The primary criteria by which financial performance is evaluated and resources are allocated are sales and income from operations.  The following is a summary of key financial data (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Total segment sales:
                       
     North America
  $ 35,455     $ 39,088     $ 71,980     $ 75,353  
     Asia
    43,795       48,100       78,642       90,137  
     Europe
    7,227       9,061       15,217       18,165  
Total segment sales
    86,477       96,249       165,839       183,655  
Reconciling item:
                               
     Intersegment sales
    (13,255 )     (17,076 )     (27,056 )     (33,079 )
Net sales
  $ 73,222     $ 79,173     $ 138,783     $ 150,576  
                                 
Income (loss) from operations:
                               
     North America
  $ 1,953     $ 2,584     $ 4,263     $ 4,276  
     Asia
    523       (3,017 )     (1,039 )     (1,129 )
     Europe
    (113 )     593       573       1,227  
    $ 2,363     $ 160     $ 3,797     $ 4,374  


The following items are included in the income (loss) from operations presented above:

Restructuring Charges – During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of restructuring charges.  These charges related to severance and equipment transportation costs associated with the Company’s 2012 restructuring program, and were incurred by the Company’s North America operating segment.

Litigation Charges – During the second quarter of 2011, the Company recorded $3.2 million of litigation charges related to the Halo and SynQor lawsuits.  These charges primarily impacted the Company’s Asia operating segment.

Segment Sales – Segment sales are attributed to individual segments based on the geographic source of the billing for such customer sales.  Transfers between geographic areas include finished products manufactured in foreign countries which are then transferred to the United States and Europe for sale; finished goods manufactured in the United States which are transferred to Europe and Asia for sale; and semi-finished components manufactured in the United States which are sold to Asia for further processing. Income (loss) from operations represents net sales less operating costs and expenses.

7.            INCOME TAXES

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company has approximately $4.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of liabilities for uncertain tax positions which, if reversed, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate.  These amounts are included in the liability for uncertain tax positions in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008 and for state examinations before 2006.   Regarding foreign subsidiaries, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 2004 in Asia and generally 2006 in Europe.  During September 2010 and April 2011, the Company was notified of an Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) tax audit for the years ended December 31, 2004 through 2009.  The Company settled the domestic and international audits with the IRS for an amount due to the IRS of less than $0.2 million, exclusive of interest expense.  The tax issues related to the $0.2 million tax were included in the liability for uncertain tax positions and were reversed during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  This resulted in a reduction to the tax provision in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.  Additionally, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in Germany has been notified by the German tax authorities of a tax audit for the tax years 2008 through 2010.

As a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized benefits for tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns may change materially from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2012.  A total of $1.2 million of previously recorded liabilities for uncertain tax positions relates to the 2007 and 2008 tax years in the amounts of $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  The statute of limitations related to these liabilities, which was scheduled to expire on September 15, 2011 and September 15, 2012, respectively, has been extended under the settlement with the IRS until September 2013.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the current provision for income taxes.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized no interest and penalties and $0.1 million of interest and penalties, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The Company has approximately $0.7 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, which is included in the liability for uncertain tax positions in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at each date.

In connection with the GigaCom acquisition, the Company has not completed a preliminary fair market value report of property, plant and equipment and intangibles.  At June 30, 2012 there were no deferred tax amounts reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Company has made an election under IRC Section 338(g) to step up the tax basis of assets acquired from GigaCom to fair value.  The elections made under Section 338(g) only affect U.S. income taxes (not those of the foreign country where GigaCom is incorporated).

On August 10, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Education Jobs & Medicaid Assistance Act” (H.R. 1586) (the “Act”).  The Act’s international tax provisions place certain restrictions on the use of foreign tax credits.  The Company has evaluated the newly-enacted international tax provisions and determined that they do not materially affect the Company’s operating results or financial condition.
 
The Company continues to monitor proposed legislation affecting the taxation of transfers of U.S. intangible property and other potential tax law changes.

8.           ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Sales commissions
  $ 1,203     $ 1,291  
Subcontracting labor
    2,602       2,343  
Salaries, bonuses and related benefits
    5,359       5,315  
Litigation reserve
    11,550       11,549  
Other
    2,437       2,438  
    $ 23,151     $ 22,936  

9.           RETIREMENT FUND AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN

The Company maintains a domestic 401(k) plan, which allows individual voluntary savings to provide non-defined retirement benefits for plan participants, and also provides an employer match based upon employee deferrals.  The Company amended its 401(k) plan effective January 1, 2012 whereby the Company will match 100% of the first 1% of employee deferrals and 50% of the next 5% of employee deferrals.  Matching contributions will be made in cash beginning in 2012.  The expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $0.1 million in each period.  The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $0.3 million in each period.  Prior to January 1, 2012, the plan’s structure provided for a Company match and discretionary profit sharing contributions that were made in the form of the Company’s common stock.  As of June 30, 2012, the plan owned 15,376 and 228,795 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.

The Company’s subsidiaries in Asia have a non-defined retirement fund covering substantially all of their Hong Kong-based full-time employees.  The expense for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $0.1 million in each period. The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 amounted to approximately $0.1 million in each period. As of June 30, 2012, the plan owned 3,323 and 17,342 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.

The SERP is designed to provide a limited group of key management and highly compensated employees of the Company with supplemental retirement and death benefits.

The components of SERP expense are as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Service cost
  $ 109     $ 93     $ 218     $ 186  
Interest cost
    104       101       208       202  
Amortization of adjustments
    58       37       116       74  
Total SERP expense
  $ 271     $ 231     $ 542     $ 462  
                                 
                                 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
                 
     2012      2011                  
Balance sheet amounts:
                               
   Minimum pension obligation
                               
      and unfunded pension liability
  $ 9,702     $ 9,274                  
                                 
   Amounts recognized in accumulated
                               
      other comprehensive loss, pretax:
                               
         Prior service cost
  $ 944     $ 1,010                  
         Net gains
    2,016       2,065                  
    $ 2,960     $ 3,075                  

 
10.           ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below (dollars in thousands):
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Currency translation adjustment
  $ 312     $ 646  
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale
               
  securities, net of taxes of $89 and ($33) as of
               
  June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    143       (62 )
Unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($906) and ($941) as
         
  of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    (2,054 )     (2,134 )
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (1,599 )   $ (1,550 )

11.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is, from time to time, a party to litigation arising in the normal course of its business, including various claims of patent infringement.  See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for the details of all of Bel’s material lawsuits pending as of the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Legal developments subsequent to the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are set forth below.

As further described in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is currently appealing the verdict in the SynQor case.  By the end of 2011, the Company had ceased the manufacturing of products that were subject to SynQor’s claim and there were no sales of such products during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

The Company is a plaintiff in a lawsuit captioned Bel Fuse Inc. et al. v. Molex Inc. brought in the United District Court of New Jersey in April 2012.  The Company claims that Molex infringed three of the Company’s patents related to integrated magnetic connector products.  The Company has made a demand for a jury trial.

12.           RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

As of June 30, 2012, the Company has $2.0 million invested in a money market fund with GAMCO Investors, Inc., a current stockholder of the Company, with holdings of its Class A stock of approximately 31.6%.

13.           SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 12, 2012, as part of the Company’s 2012 Restructuring Program (as described in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report), Bel announced that it will close its Cinch North American manufacturing facility in Vinita, Oklahoma by year end, and move the operation to a new facility in McAllen, Texas.  The new facility is just across the Mexican border from Bel’s existing Reynosa factory, where some of the processing for many of the Vinita parts is currently performed. Management believes that having the facilities closer together will lower transportation and logistics costs, as well as reduce lead times for customers. In May 2012, the Company entered into a new facility lease in McAllen, Texas in conjunction with this transition.  The Company’s overall commitment under the terms of the lease is approximately $1.9 million, and will be incurred over the term of the lease, which is expected to commence in September 2012 and is due to expire in March 2023.

On July 25, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of up to $10 million of the Company’s outstanding Class B common shares in open market, privately negotiated or block transactions at the discretion of Bel’s management.

On July 31, 2012, the Company consummated its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Fibreco Ltd. (“Fibreco”) with a cash payment of £8.8 million (approximately $13.9 million). Fibreco, located in the United Kingdom, is a supplier of a broad range of expanded beam fiber optic components for use in military communications, outside broadcast and offshore exploration applications.  Fibreco will become part of Bel’s interconnect product group under the Cinch Connector business. Management believes that the addition of Fibreco’s fiber optic-based product line to Cinch’s broad range of copper-based products will increase Cinch’s presence in emerging fiber applications within the military, aerospace and industrial markets. In addition, management believes the acquisition provides access to a range of customers for the recently acquired GigaCom Interconnect EBOSA® product. Given the proximity of the closing date of the Fibreco transaction to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company has not yet had the opportunity to complete the purchase price allocation and other related disclosure requirements.

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 
The Company’s quarterly and annual operating results are impacted by a wide variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability, including the risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. As a result of these and other factors, the Company may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis, which could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, operating results, and stock prices.  Furthermore, this document and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) contain certain forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Forward-Looking Statements”) with respect to the business of the Company.  These Forward-Looking Statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these Forward-Looking Statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these Forward-Looking Statements which may be necessary to reflect events or circumstances after the date such statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  An investment in the Company involves various risks, including those which are detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.
 

 
Overview

Our Company

Bel is a leading producer of electronic products that help make global connectivity a reality. The Company designs, manufactures and markets a broad array of magnetics, modules, circuit protection devices and interconnect products.  These products are designed to protect, regulate, connect, isolate or manage a variety of electronic circuits.  Bel’s products are primarily used in the networking, telecommunications, computing, military, aerospace and transportation industries.  Bel’s portfolio of products also finds application in the automotive, medical and consumer electronics markets.

Bel’s business is operated through three geographic segments:  North America, Asia and Europe.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, 47% of the Company’s revenues were derived from North America, 43% from Asia and 10% from its Europe operating segment.  Sales of the Company’s interconnect products represented approximately ­­39% of our total net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The remaining revenues related to sales of the Company’s magnetic products (32%), module products (25%) and circuit protection products (4%).

The Company’s expenses are driven principally by the cost of labor where the factories that Bel uses are located, the cost of the materials that it uses and its ability to efficiently manage overhead costs.  As labor and material costs vary by product line, any significant shift in product mix has an associated impact on the Company’s costs of sales.  Costs are recorded as incurred for all products manufactured.  Such amounts are determined based upon the estimated stage of production and include labor cost and fringes and related allocations of factory overhead. The Company’s products are manufactured at various facilities in: the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”); Glen Rock, Pennsylvania; Inwood, New York; Haina, Dominican Republic; Reynosa and Cananea, Mexico; Louny, Czech Republic; Vinita, Oklahoma; and Worksop, England.  In July 2012, the Company announced that it plans to close its Vinita, Oklahoma manufacturing facility by the end of 2012 and will be moving a portion of the Vinita operations to a new manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas.

In the PRC, where the Company generally enters into processing arrangements with several independent third-party contractors and also has its own manufacturing facilities, the availability of labor is cyclical and is significantly affected by the migration of workers in relation to the annual Lunar New Year holiday as well as economic conditions in the PRC.  In addition, the Company has little visibility into the ordering habits of its customers and can be subjected to large and unpredictable variations in demand for its products.  Accordingly, the Company must continually recruit and train new workers to replace those lost to attrition each year and to address peaks in demand that may occur from time to time.  These recruiting and training efforts and related inefficiencies, and overtime required in order to meet demand, can add volatility to the costs incurred by the Company for labor in the PRC.

Trends Affecting our Business

The Company believes the key factors affecting Bel’s six months ended June 30, 2012 and/or future results include the following:

·  
Revenues – Sales for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were down by 7.8% from the same period of 2011.  The decline in sales related primarily to the Company’s module product line, where sales were $11.1 million lower in the first six months of 2012 versus the same period of 2011.  This decline in sales was partially offset by increased revenues generated by the Company’s magnetic product line, primarily related to Bel’s ICM products, and Cinch Connector’s commercial aerospace business within the Company’s interconnect product line.  The Company's recent acquisitions, Fibreco Ltd. ("Fibreco") and GigaCom Interconnect AB ("GigaCom"), have become part of Bel's Cinch Connectors business.  Management believes the combination of Fibreco's broad range of expanded beam fiber-based connector and cable products and GigaCom's expanded beam EBOSA technology will enhance Cinch’s product offerings to its existing mil-aero customer base.

·  
Product Mix – Material and labor costs vary by product line and any significant shift in product mix between higher- and lower-margin product lines will have a corresponding impact on the Company’s gross margin percentage.  During the first half of 2012, the Company experienced a favorable shift in the mix of products sold, which partially mitigated the effects of higher labor and material costs during the period.

·  
Pricing and Availability of Materials – Component pricing and availability have been stable for most of its product lines, though lead times on electrical components have recently been extended.  With regard to commodities, while the Company has started to see some price decreases related to precious metals during the second quarter of 2012, costs for commodities including gold, copper, and petroleum-based plastics remain high in comparison to the prior year.  Any fluctuations in component prices and other commodity prices associated with Bel’s raw materials will have a corresponding impact on Bel’s profit margins.  Due to their relatively high material content, margins in the Company’s module product line were most dramatically affected by the continued high cost of materials as well as lower sales volume during the first half of 2012.

·  
Labor Costs – Labor costs in the first half of 2012 increased significantly both in dollar amount and as a percentage of sales, in spite of decreased sales in comparison to the same period in 2011.  Wage rates in the PRC, which are mandated by the government, now have higher minimum wage and overtime requirements and have been steadily increasing.  Furthermore, fluctuation in the exchange rate related to the Chinese Renminbi has been further increasing the cost of labor in terms of U.S. dollars.  Finally, there has been an influx of orders in 2012 for several products, including labor-intensive ICM’s, which resulted in recruiting, training and overtime costs, in addition to the relative inefficiency of the new workers hired after the Lunar New Year holiday.  Because of the relatively high labor content in ICM products, margins in Bel’s magnetic product line were particularly impacted by higher labor costs during the first half of 2012.

·  
2012 Restructuring Program – The Company began implementing its plan to take advantage of opportunities to effect operational efficiencies, and recorded expenses related to these actions of $0.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  On July 12, 2012, the Company announced that it would close its Cinch manufacturing facility in Vinita, Oklahoma and move the operations to McAllen, Texas.  For the initiatives specifically identified to date, it is currently estimated that additional pre-tax costs associated with the 2012 Restructuring Program will be approximately $4.1 million, and annual savings of approximately $4.2 million are expected from these initiatives once fully implemented.  Management is still in the process of evaluating certain aspects of its 2012 Restructuring Program, and additional costs and the associated savings, particularly in Asia, will be added to these current estimates as new streamlining steps are identified.

·  
Impact of Pending Lawsuits – As further described in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company is currently appealing the verdict in the SynQor case.  By the end of 2011, the Company had ceased the manufacturing of products that were subject to SynQor’s claim and there were no sales of such products during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

·  
Acquisition-Related Costs – Bel’s continuing strategy to actively consider potential acquisitions could give rise to significant legal and other professional costs in future periods.

·  
Effective Tax Rate – The Company’s effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which the pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which the Company operates, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe’s tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company’s three geographical segments. The Company’s effective tax rate was lower during the first half of 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, due to lower pretax earnings in the North America and European segments offset, in part, by the reversal of the liability for uncertain tax positions related to the IRS audit discussed below. The higher effective rate in 2011 was primarily due to litigation charges and other factors which resulted in losses in Asia with minimal income tax benefit.

Bel’s operating profit has increased in each of the last two consecutive quarters, despite continued pressure on margins.  The Company’s focus for the remainder of 2012 will be on improving overall sales volume and profitability, with the implementation of the restructuring program and through a series of acquisitions, as further discussed below.

Summary by Reportable Operating Segment

Net sales to external customers by reportable operating segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
    North America
  $ 32,059       44 %   $ 35,422       45 %   $ 65,496       47 %   $ 67,931       45 %
    Asia
    34,412       47 %     35,070       44 %     58,889       43 %     65,176       43 %
    Europe
    6,751       9 %     8,681       11 %     14,398       10 %     17,469       12 %
    $ 73,222       100 %   $ 79,173       100 %   $ 138,783       100 %   $ 150,576       100 %



Net sales and income (loss) from operations by reportable operating segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Total segment sales:
                       
     North America
  $ 35,455     $ 39,088     $ 71,980     $ 75,353  
     Asia
    43,795       48,100       78,642       90,137  
     Europe
    7,227       9,061       15,217       18,165  
Total segment sales
    86,477       96,249       165,839       183,655  
Reconciling item:
                               
     Intersegment sales
    (13,255 )     (17,076 )     (27,056 )     (33,079 )
Net sales
  $ 73,222     $ 79,173     $ 138,783     $ 150,576  
                                 
Income (loss) from operations:
                               
    North America
  $ 1,953     $ 2,584     $ 4,263     $ 4,276  
    Asia
    523       (3,017 )     (1,039 )     (1,129 )
    Europe
    (113 )     593       573       1,227  
    $ 2,363     $ 160     $ 3,797     $ 4,374  



Sales volumes were down across all operating segments in both the second quarter and first half of 2012 as compared to the same periods of 2011. The decrease in sales in North America primarily related to reduced demand in 2012 for Bel’s module products which are manufactured in China.  Thus, the decrease in North American sales caused a corresponding decrease in intersegment sales of module products from Asia to North America.  The Company also experienced reduced sales volume of ICM and DC-DC products in Asia in the first quarter of 2012, partially due to a labor shortage.  Customer demand rebounded late in the first quarter, especially for labor-intensive ICM products.  The Company made progress in expanding its workforce in the PRC during the second quarter of 2012 to accommodate a higher volume of manufacturing, resulting in increased sales and income from operations in Asia in the second quarter, as compared to the first quarter 2012 results.

Overview of Financial Results

Sales for the second quarter of 2012 decreased by 7.5% to $73.2 million from $79.2 million for the second quarter of 2011.  Bel’s operating profit for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $2.4 million, an improvement compared to both the $1.4 million reported for the first quarter of 2012, and the $0.2 million reported for last year’s second quarter.  Selling, general and administrative expense was $0.9 million lower in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to reduced legal costs.   Other factors impacting the second quarter results included $0.2 million of restructuring charges and a $0.5 million impairment charge on one of the Company’s investments.  Net earnings were $1.5 million for the second quarter of 2012 as compared to a net loss of $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2011.   Additional details related to these factors affecting the second quarter results are described in the Results of Operations section below.

Sales for the first six months of 2012 decreased by 7.8% to $138.8 million from $150.6 million for the first six months of 2011.  Bel’s operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $3.8 million as compared to $4.4 million reported for last year’s first half.  Selling, general and administrative expense was $2.2 million lower in the first half of 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011, primarily due to reduced legal costs.  Other factors impacting the six-month results included $0.4 million of restructuring charges and a $0.5 million impairment charge on one of the Company’s investments.   Net earnings were $2.3 million for the first half of 2012 as compared to $2.7 million for the first half of 2011.   Additional details related to these factors affecting the results for the six months ending June 30, 2012 are described in the Results of Operations section below.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, investments, SERP expense, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The discussion of new financial accounting standards applicable to the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1. “Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies” included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements (unaudited).”
 
Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, the percentage relationship to net sales of certain items included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
 
 

     
Percentage of Net Sales
 
Percentage of Net Sales
     
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
     
June 30,
 
June 30,
     
2012
 
2011
   
2012
 
2011
 
                       
Net sales
 
         100.0
 %
         100.0
 %
 
         100.0
 %
         100.0
 %
Cost of sales
 
           83.4
 
           82.6
   
           83.7
 
           81.4
 
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense
 
           13.0
 
           13.2
   
           13.2
 
           13.6
 
Restructuring charge
 
             0.3
 
               -
   
             0.3
 
               -
 
Litigation charges
 
               -
 
             4.1
   
               -
 
             2.1
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
 
             0.1
 
               -
   
             0.1
 
               -
 
Impairment of investment
 
           (0.7)
     -    
           (0.3)
    -  
Gain on sale of investment
 
               -
 
             0.2
   
               -
 
             0.1
 
Interest income and other, net
 
             0.1
 
             0.1
   
             0.1
 
             0.1
 
Earnings before provision for income taxes
 
             2.7
 
             0.5
   
             2.5
 
             3.1
 
Provision for income taxes
 
             0.7
 
             1.2
   
             0.8
 
             1.3
 
Net earnings (loss)
 
             2.0
 
           (0.7)
   
             1.7
 
             1.8
 



The following table sets forth the year over year percentage decrease of certain items included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

   
Decrease from
 
Decrease from
   
Prior Period
 
Prior Period
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30, 2012
 
June 30, 2012
   
Compared with
 
Compared with
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
June 30, 2011
 
June 30, 2011
                 
Net sales
 
(7.5)
 %
   
(7.8)
 %
Cost of sales
 
(6.6)
     
(5.2)
 
SG&A expense
 
(8.9)
     
(10.7)
 
Net earnings (loss)
 
354.9
     
(12.4)
 


Sales

Net sales decreased 7.5% from $79.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011 to $73.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Net sales decreased 7.8% from $150.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011 to $138.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The Company’s net sales by major product line for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Interconnect products
  $ 27,368       37 %   $ 28,830       36 %   $ 54,609       39 %   $ 55,800       37 %
Magnetic products
    24,558       34 %     20,691       26 %     43,757       32 %     42,674       28 %
Module products
    18,608       25 %     26,475       34 %     35,324       25 %     46,406       31 %
Circuit protection products
    2,688       4 %     3,177       4 %     5,093       4 %     5,696       4 %
    $ 73,222       100 %   $ 79,173       100 %   $ 138,783       100 %   $ 150,576       100 %


Revenue in Bel’s interconnect product line in the first half of 2012 was essentially flat with the prior year, as growth in Cinch’s commercial aerospace business in North America and its military business in Europe was more than offset by decreases in passive connectors.  Sales of magnetic products, which include Bel’s MagJack and other integrated connector module (ICM) products, rebounded in the second quarter of 2012 and finished the first half of 2012 slightly ahead of the same period last year.  Demand for these products increased following the Lunar New Year holiday, at a time when Bel was experiencing labor shortages.  While the Company has made progress in expanding its workforce in the PRC to accommodate the increased demand for magnetic products, there continue to be some labor shortages.  Backlog for Bel’s magnetics product group increased by approximately $11.9 million by the end of the second quarter of 2012 from $17.8 million at December 31, 2011.    Module sales were down in the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year, due to a decrease in customer demand during 2012.

Cost of Sales

The Company’s cost of sales as a percentage of consolidated net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was comprised of the following:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
2012
 
2011
Material costs
45.6%
 
51.4%
 
45.6%
 
50.2%
Labor costs
15.4%
 
10.5%
 
14.6%
 
9.9%
Research and development expenses
4.2%
 
3.7%
 
4.5%
 
3.9%
Other expenses
18.2%
 
17.0%
 
19.0%
 
17.4%
   Total cost of sales
83.4%
 
82.6%
 
83.7%
 
81.4%

 
19

The most significant factor contributing to the increase in cost of sales as a percentage of sales relates to higher labor costs in Asia during 2012, as discussed in “Trends Affecting our Business” above.  The increase in other expenses noted in the table above primarily relates to higher overhead costs at certain of the manufacturing facilities.  At the PRC factories, increases in subcontracting expenses, rent and utilities contributed to higher overhead costs.  Cinch’s factory in Vinita, Oklahoma experienced higher overhead costs related to repairs and maintenance, utilities and training. These increases in cost of sales as a percentage of sales were partially offset by a reduction in material costs as a percentage of sales.  As the Company’s module product line has high material content, the reduction in module sales during the first half of 2012 resulted in a lower percentage of material costs as compared to the first half of 2011.
 
Included in cost of sales are research and development (R&D) expenses of $3.1 million and $2.9 million for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively and $6.3 million and $5.9 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The majority of the increase relates to the inclusion of GigaCom R&D expenses, which have been included in Bel’s results since its acquisition in March 2012.  The Company also incurred expenses during the first quarter of 2012 related to the relocation of Bel’s European R&D headquarters for integrated modules to a new high-technology center in Maidstone, England.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense (“SG&A”)

The dollar amount of SG&A expense was $0.9 million lower during the three months ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011.  The decrease primarily related to a $0.7 million reduction in legal and professional fees in the second quarter of 2012.  There was heightened legal activity in the second quarter of 2011 due to the SynQor and Halo lawsuits.  As these lawsuits were largely resolved by the end of 2011, associated legal costs were significantly lower in 2012.  Other variances in overall SG&A expense include a $0.1 million reduction in bad debt expense and a $0.1 million decrease in acquisition-related costs.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the dollar amount of SG&A expense was $2.2 million lower as compared to the same period of 2011.  The decrease primarily related to a $1.3 million reduction in legal and professional fees in the first half of 2012, as discussed above.  Other variances in overall SG&A expense include a $0.2 million reduction in bad debt expense, a $0.2 million decrease in commissions as a result of lower sales, a $0.2 million decrease in acquisition-related costs and a $0.1 million increase in the cash surrender value of the Company’s COLI (corporate-owned life insurance) policies.

Litigation Charges

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded a $2.6 million litigation charge related to its lawsuit with Halo and an additional litigation charge of $0.6 million related to the SynQor lawsuit, as further described in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restructuring Charge

The Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively.  See “2012 Restructuring Program” below for further discussion.

Impairment of Investment

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $0.5 million related to its remaining investment in Pulse Electronics (“Pulse”) common stock.

Gain on Sale of Investment

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company recorded a $0.1 million gain on the sale of a portion of its investment in Pulse common stock.

Provision for Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which the pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which the Company operates, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe’s tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company’s three geographical segments.

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $0.5 million compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011.  The Company’s earnings before income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were approximately $1.6 million higher than the same period in 2011.  The Company’s effective tax rate, the income tax provision as a percentage of earnings before provision for income taxes, was 25.4% and 254.3% for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.   The decrease in the effective tax rate during the three months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2011 is primarily attributable to lower pretax profit in the North America segment, a pretax loss in the European segment compared to a pretax profit in the second quarter of 2011 and a profit in the Asia segment compared to a loss in the second quarter of 2011, which was principally attributable to litigation charges in the second quarter of 2011 with minimal tax benefit.

The provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was $1.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  The Company's earnings before income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2012 were approximately $1.2 million lower than the same period in 2011.  The Company’s effective tax rate was 32.6% and 42.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively.   The decrease in the effective tax rate during the six months ended June 30, 2012 is primarily attributable to lower pretax earnings in the North America and European segments. This was offset, in part, by the reversal of a portion of the liability for uncertain tax positions related to the IRS audit discussed in Note 7. “Income Taxes” included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements (unaudited)”. Additionally, the Asia segment incurred litigation charges in the second quarter of 2011 with minimal tax benefit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, the Company has financed its capital expenditures primarily through cash flows from operating activities and has financed acquisitions both through cash flows from operating activities and borrowings.  Management believes that the cash flow from operations after payments of dividends combined with its existing capital base and the Company’s available line of credit will be sufficient to fund its operations for at least the next twelve months.  Such statement constitutes a Forward-Looking Statement.  Factors which could cause the Company to require additional capital include, among other things, a softening in the demand for the Company’s existing products, an inability to respond to customer demand for new products, potential acquisitions (as discussed below) requiring substantial capital, future expansion of the Company’s operations and net losses that would result in net cash being used in operating, investing and/or financing activities which result in net decreases in cash and cash equivalents.  Net losses may impact availability under our credit facility and preclude the Company from raising debt or equity financing in the capital markets on affordable terms or otherwise.
 
At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $32.6 million and $40.2 million, respectively, of cash and cash equivalents was held by foreign subsidiaries of the Company.  Management’s intention is to permanently reinvest the majority of these funds outside the U.S. and there are no current plans that would indicate a need to repatriate them to fund the Company’s U.S. operations.  In the event these funds were needed for Bel’s U.S. operations, the Company would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds.

The Company has an unsecured credit agreement in the amount of $30 million, which expires on June 30, 2014.  There have not been any borrowings under the credit agreement during 2012 or 2011 and, as such, there was no balance outstanding as of June 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.  At those dates, the entire $30 million line of credit was available to the Company to borrow.  The credit agreement bears interest at LIBOR plus 0.75% to 1.25% based on certain financial statement ratios maintained by the Company.  The Company is in compliance with its debt covenants as of June 30, 2012.

2012 Restructuring Program

During 2012, the Company identified a series of initiatives aimed at streamlining operations, reducing overhead costs, and improving Bel’s overall profitability (the “Program”).  In relation to the restructuring steps identified to date, the Company anticipates the total costs associated with the overall Program to be approximately $4.6 million, with anticipated annualized savings of $4.2 million once the Program is fully implemented.  Management is still in the process of evaluating certain areas and additional initiatives as well as the related estimated costs and savings will be added to the Program as they are identified.  The Company has recorded $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, related to the Program.  The anticipated amount of annualized savings from the Program represents a Forward-Looking Statement.

On July 12, 2012, as part of the Program, Bel announced that it will close its Cinch North American manufacturing facility in Vinita, Oklahoma by year end, and move the operation to a new facility in McAllen, Texas.  The new facility is just across the Mexican border from Bel’s existing Reynosa factory, where some of the processes for many of the Vinita parts are currently performed. Management believes that having the facilities closer together will lower transportation and logistics costs, as well as reduce lead times for customers. In May 2012, the Company entered into a new facility lease in McAllen, Texas in conjunction with this transition.  The Company’s overall commitment under the terms of the lease is approximately $1.9 million, and will be incurred over the term of the lease, which is expected to commence in September 2012 and is due to expire in March 2023.  The estimated costs associated with the transition out of Vinita, Oklahoma account for $4.3 million of the total costs noted above and include estimated severance costs related to the 120+ people currently employed at the Vinita facility, as well as transportation costs and, depending upon the manner of disposition of assets in Vinita which has not yet been determined, impairment charges of up to $1.1 million related to property, plant and equipment at the Vinita facility.  Management anticipates annualized savings of $3.3 million related to the Vinita portion of the Program.

Actual savings from the Program in general and the relocation from Vinita could materially differ from the amounts that the Company has projected, due principally to uncertainties associated with modifying existing approaches to operations.

Acquisitions

On March 9, 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of GigaCom Interconnect with a cash payment of £1.7 million (approximately $2.7 million). GigaCom Interconnect, located in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a supplier of expanded beam fiber optic technology and a participant in the development of next-generation commercial aircraft components. GigaCom Interconnect has become part of Bel’s Cinch business. Management believes that GigaCom’s offering of expanded beam fiber optic products, which are replacing traditional copper-based components due to their superior performance, reliability and lighter weight, will enhance Cinch’s position within the growing aerospace and military markets.
 
On July 31, 2012, the Company consummated its acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Fibreco Ltd. (“Fibreco”) with a cash payment of £8.8 million (approximately $13.9 million). Fibreco, located in the United Kingdom, is a supplier of a broad range of expanded beam fiber optic components for use in military communications, outside broadcast and offshore exploration applications.  Fibreco will become part of Bel’s interconnect product group under the Cinch Connector business. Management believes that the addition of Fibreco’s fiber optic-based product line to Cinch’s broad range of copper-based products will increase Cinch’s presence in emerging fiber applications within the military, aerospace and industrial markets. In addition, management believes the acquisition provides access to a range of customers for the recently acquired GigaCom Interconnect EBOSA® product.

The Company is actively pursuing additional acquisition candidates, including an acquisition larger in size than the recent acquisitions discussed above.

Stock Buyback Program

In July 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, from time to time, of up to $10 million of the Company’s outstanding Class B common shares in open market, privately negotiated or block transactions at the discretion of Bel’s management.

Cash Flows

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents decreased by $6.4 million. This resulted primarily from a $2.7 million payment for the acquisition of GigaCom, $2.3 million paid for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and $1.6 million for payments of dividends, offset by $0.2 million provided by operating activities.  As compared to the six months ended June 30, 2011, cash provided by operating activities decreased by $16.6 million.  During the six months ended June 30, 2012, accounts receivable increased by $4.4 million due to a $4.6 million increase in sales during the second quarter of 2012 as compared to fourth quarter 2011 sales.  This compares to a decrease in accounts receivable of $4.3 million during the first half of 2011, accounting for $8.7 million of the reduction in cash provided by operations during the first half of 2012 as compared to 2011. In addition, the Company experienced a $4.2 million increase in inventory levels during the six months ended June 30, 2012 related to heightened demand for certain products, as compared to decrease in inventory of $1.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable comprised approximately 46.7% and 48.0% of the Company’s total assets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Company’s current ratio (i.e., the ratio of current assets to current liabilities) was 4.8 to 1 and 4.9 to 1 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  Historically, fluctuations of the U.S. Dollar against other major currencies have not significantly affected the Company’s foreign operations as most sales have been denominated in U.S. Dollars or currencies directly or indirectly linked to the U.S. Dollar.  Most significant expenses, including raw materials, labor and manufacturing expenses, are incurred primarily in U.S. Dollars or the Chinese Renminbi, and to a lesser extent in British Pounds and Mexican Pesos.  The Chinese Renminbi appreciated by approximately 3.5% in the first six months of 2012 as compared to the same period of 2011.  Future appreciation of the Renminbi would result in the Company’s incurring higher costs for all expenses incurred in the PRC.  Refer to Item 7A, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for further discussion of market risks.


Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures:  As of the end of the Company’s most recently completed fiscal quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting:  There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
PART II.     Other Information

Item 1.                   Legal Proceedings

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Note 11. “Legal Proceedings” included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements (unaudited).”

 
 



Item 6.  Exhibits
 
   
(a) Exhibits:
 
   
31.1*
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
31.2*
Certification of the Vice President of Finance pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 32.1**
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 32.2**
Certification of the Vice President of Finance pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS***
XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE***
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
   

*   Filed herewith.
       ** Submitted herewith.
      *** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed herewith, is not a part of a registration statement or Prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.



 


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.



 
BEL FUSE INC.
August 6, 2012
 
By:
  /s/ Daniel Bernstein
 
Daniel Bernstein
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
By:
  /s/ Colin Dunn
 
Colin Dunn
 
Vice President of Finance and Secretary


















EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 31.1* - Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2* - Certification of the Vice President of Finance pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1** - Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2** - Certification of the Vice President of Finance pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101.INS*** – XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit 101.SCH*** – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Exhibit 101.CAL*** – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.DEF*** – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.LAB*** – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.PRE*** – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


*   Filed herewith.
       ** Submitted herewith.
      *** XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed herewith, is not a part of a registration statement or Prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.