RBC Bearings INC - Quarter Report: 2021 July (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 3, 2021

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 Number: 333-124824

RBC BEARINGS INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(203) 267-7001
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 ☒   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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒   No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐   No ☒

As of July 30, 2021, RBC Bearings Incorporated had 25,420,756 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes.

RBC Bearings Incorporated

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

1. Basis of Presentation

The interim consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by RBC Bearings Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The interim financial statements included with this report have been prepared on a consistent basis with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 3, 2021. We condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual audited financial statements, which we prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). As used in this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “RBC” and the “Company” mean RBC Bearings Incorporated and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates another meaning.

These statements reflect all adjustments, accruals and estimates, consisting only of items of a normal recurring nature, that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations for the interim periods presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the entire fiscal year ending April 2, 2022. The three-month periods ended July 3, 2021 and June 27, 2020 each include 13 weeks. The amounts shown are in thousands, unless otherwise indicated.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The Company’s significant accounting policies are detailed in “Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 3, 2021. Significant changes to our accounting policies as a result of adopting new accounting standards are discussed below.

Recent Accounting Standards Adopted

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The objective of this standard update is to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. This ASU also attempts to improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. This standard update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU effective April 4, 2021 and the impact of adoption was not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after April 2, 2022 are not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company operates in four business segments with similar economic characteristics, including nature of the products and production processes, distribution patterns and classes of customers. Revenue is disaggregated within these business segments by our two principal end markets: aerospace and industrial. Comparative information of the Company’s overall revenues for the three-month periods ended July 3, 2021 and June 27, 2020 are as follows:

Principal End Markets

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of orders meeting the definition of a contract in the new revenue standard for which work has not been performed or has been partially performed and excludes unexercised contract options. The duration of the majority of our contracts, as defined by ASC Topic 606, is less than one year. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient, which allows companies to exclude remaining performance obligations with an original expected duration of one year or less. The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for such contracts with a duration of more than one year was approximately $288,731 at July 3, 2021. The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 56% and 84% of the remaining performance obligations over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder recognized thereafter.

Contract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, invoicing and cash collections affect accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets) and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on the consolidated balance sheets. These assets and liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheets on an individual contract basis at the end of each reporting period.

Contract Assets (Unbilled Receivables) - Pursuant to the over-time revenue recognition model, revenue may be recognized prior to the customer being invoiced. An unbilled receivable is recorded to reflect revenue that is recognized when (1) the cost-to-cost method is applied and (2) such revenue exceeds the amount invoiced to the customer.

As of July 3, 2021 and April 3, 2021, current contract assets were $6,196 and $5,584, respectively, and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in contract assets was primarily due to the recognition of revenue related to the satisfaction or partial satisfaction of performance obligations prior to billing partially offset by amounts billed to customers during the period. As of July 3, 2021 and April 3, 2021, the Company did not have any contract assets classified as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheets. There were no impairment losses related to the Company’s contract assets during the three months ended July 3, 2021.

Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenue) - The Company may receive a customer advance or deposit, or have an unconditional right to receive a customer advance, prior to revenue being recognized. Since the performance obligations related to such advances may not have been satisfied, a contract liability is established. Advance payments are not considered a significant financing component as the timing of the transfer of the related goods or services is at the discretion of the customer.

As of July 3, 2021 and April 3, 2021, current contract liabilities were $14,624 and $16,998, respectively, and included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The decrease in current contract liabilities was primarily due to the amount of advanced payments received and reclassifications between current and noncurrent contract liabilities based on anticipated timing of performance obligations and revenue recognized during the period. For the three months ended July 3, 2021, the Company recognized revenues of $4,650 that were included in the contract liability balance as of April 3, 2021. For the three months ended June 27, 2020, the Company recognized revenues of $5,821 that were included in the contract liability balance at March 28, 2020.

As of July 3, 2021 and April 3, 2021, noncurrent contract liabilities were $9,642 and $3,754, respectively, and included within other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in noncurrent contract liabilities was primarily due to the amount of advanced payments received and reclassifications between current and noncurrent contract liabilities based on anticipated timing of performance obligations and revenue recognized during the period.

Accounts Receivable - As of July 3, 2021 and April 3, 2021, accounts receivable with customers, net, were $105,756 and $110,472, respectively.

4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) that relate to the Company are net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, and pension plan and postretirement benefits.

The following summarizes the activity within each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

5. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents then outstanding using the treasury stock method. Common share equivalents consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.

The table below reflects the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding for each period presented as well as the computation of basic and diluted net income per common share:

At July 3, 2021, 160,600 employee stock options and no restricted shares have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. At June 27, 2020, 504,768 employee stock options and 61,025 restricted shares have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The inclusion of these employee stock options and restricted shares would be anti-dilutive.

6. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash accounts primarily with Bank of America, N.A., Credit Suisse Group AG and Wells Fargo & Company. The domestic balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Company up to $250. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

At July 3, 2021, the Company held $120,320 of short-term marketable securities comprised of mutual funds as part of the Company’s investment strategy compared to $90,249 at April 3, 2021. These investments are measured at fair value by using quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. These mutual funds can be liquidated at the Company’s discretion. They are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our cash and investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we strive to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin.

7. Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the first-in, first-out method, and are summarized below:

8. Debt

The balances payable under all borrowing facilities are as follows:

The current portion of long-term debt as of July 3, 2021 includes the current portion of the Schaublin mortgage. The current portion of long-term debt as of April 3, 2021 includes the current portion of the Foreign Term Loan and the Schaublin mortgage.

Domestic Credit Facility

The Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Letter of Credit Issuer, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) provides the Company with a $250,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), which expires on January 31, 2024. Debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Agreement totaled $852 and will be amortized through January 31, 2024 along with the unamortized debt issuance costs remaining from the Company’s prior credit agreement. As of July 3, 2021, $1,022 in unamortized debt issuance costs remain.

Amounts outstanding under the Revolver generally bear interest at (a) a base rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) Wells Fargo’s prime lending rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (3) the one-month LIBOR rate plus 1%, or (b) LIBOR plus a specified margin, depending on the type of borrowing being made. The applicable margin is based on the Company’s consolidated ratio of total net debt to consolidated EBITDA at each measurement date. Currently, the Company’s margin is 0.00% for base rate loans and 0.75% for LIBOR loans.

The Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various covenants including, among other things, a financial covenant to maintain a ratio of consolidated net debt to adjusted EBITDA not greater than 3.50 to 1. The Credit Agreement allows the Company to, among other things, make distributions to shareholders, repurchase its stock, incur other debt or liens, or acquire or dispose of assets provided that the Company complies with certain requirements and limitations of the Credit Agreement. As of July 3, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

The Company’s domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the Company’s obligations and the domestic subsidiaries’ guaranty are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the domestic assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries.

Approximately $3,550 of the Revolver is being utilized to provide letters of credit to secure the Company’s obligations relating to certain insurance programs. The Company has the ability to borrow up to an additional $246,450 under the Revolver as of July 3, 2021.

Foreign Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility

On August 15, 2019, one of our foreign subsidiaries, Schaublin SA (“Schaublin”), entered into two separate credit agreements (the “Foreign Credit Agreements”) with Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd. to (i) finance the acquisition of Swiss Tool, and (ii) provide future working capital. The Foreign Credit Agreements provided Schaublin with a CHF 15,000 (approximately $15,383) term loan (the “Foreign Term Loan”), which expires on July 31, 2024 and a CHF 15,000 (approximately $15,383) revolving credit facility (the “Foreign Revolver”), which continues in effect until terminated by either Schaublin or Credit Suisse. Debt issuance costs associated with the Foreign Credit Agreements totaled CHF 270 (approximately $277) and will be amortized throughout the life of the Foreign Credit Agreements. As of July 3, 2021, approximately $90 in unamortized debt issuance costs remain.

Amounts outstanding under the Foreign Term Loan and the Foreign Revolver generally bear interest at LIBOR plus a specified margin. The applicable margin is based on Schaublin’s ratio of total net debt to consolidated EBITDA at each measurement date. Currently, Schaublin’s margin is 1.00%.

The Foreign Credit Agreements require Schaublin to comply with various covenants, which are tested annually on March 31. These covenants include, among other things, a financial covenant to maintain a ratio of consolidated net debt to adjusted EBITDA not greater than 2.50 to 1 as of March 31, 2021 and thereafter. Schaublin is also required to maintain an economic equity of CHF 20,000 at all times. The Foreign Credit Agreements allow Schaublin to, among other things, incur other debt or liens and acquire or dispose of assets provided that Schaublin complies with certain requirements and limitations of the Foreign Credit Agreements. As of July 3, 2021, Schaublin was in compliance with all such covenants.

Schaublin’s parent company, Schaublin Holding, has guaranteed Schaublin’s obligations under the Foreign Credit Agreements. Schaublin Holding’s guaranty and the Foreign Credit Agreements are secured by a pledge of the capital stock of Schaublin. In addition, the Foreign Term Loan is secured with pledges of the capital stock of the top company and the three operating companies in the Swiss Tool System group of companies.

As of July 3, 2021, there was approximately $6,188 outstanding under the Foreign Term Loan and no amounts outstanding under the Foreign Revolver. Schaublin has the ability to borrow up to an additional $16,283 under the Foreign Revolver as of July 3, 2021.

Schaublin’s required future principal payments are approximately $0 for the remainder of fiscal 2022, $0 for fiscal 2023, $2,931 for fiscal 2024 and $3,257 for fiscal 2025.

Other Notes Payable

In 2012 Schaublin purchased the land and building that it occupies for approximately $14,910. Schaublin obtained a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage of approximately $9,857 at an interest rate of 2.9%. The balance of the purchase price of approximately $5,053 was paid from cash on hand. The balance on this mortgage as of July 3, 2021 was approximately $5,678 and has been classified as Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The Company’s required future principal payments are approximately $379 for the remainder of fiscal 2022, $505 for each year from fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2026 and $3,279 thereafter.

9. Income Taxes

The Company files income tax returns in numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, with returns subject to examination for varying periods, but generally back to and including the year ending April 2, 2005. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination by the Internal Revenue Service for years ending before March 31, 2018.

The effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ended July 3, 2021 and June 27, 2020, were 15.8% and 20.0%, respectively. In addition to discrete items, the effective income tax rates for these periods are different from the U.S. statutory rates due to the foreign-derived intangible income provision and U.S. credit for increasing research activities, which decrease the rate, and state income taxes that increase the rate.

The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 of 15.8% includes $2,139 of tax benefit associated with share-based compensation, along with $160 of tax benefit for the release of unrecognized tax positions associated with a statute of limitations expiration. The effective income tax rate without discrete items for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 would have been 23.2%. The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020 of 20.0% includes $315 of tax benefit associated with share-based compensation, along with $75 of tax benefit for the release of unrecognized tax positions associated with a statute of limitations expiration. The effective income tax rate without discrete items for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020 would have been 21.3%. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that some of its unrecognized tax positions may be effectively settled within the next 12 months due to the closing of audits and the statute of limitations expiring in varying jurisdictions. The decrease in the Company’s unrecognized tax positions, pertaining primarily to federal and state credits and state tax, is estimated to be approximately $1,429.

10. Reportable Segments

The Company operates through operating segments for which separate financial information is available, and for which operating results are evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in determining resource allocation and assessing performance. Those operating segments are aggregated as reportable segments as they have similar economic characteristics, including nature of the products and production processes, distribution patterns and classes of customers.

The Company has four reportable business segments, Plain Bearings, Roller Bearings, Ball Bearings and Engineered Products, which are described below.

Plain Bearings. Plain bearings are produced with either self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs and consists of several sub-classes, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings and journal bearings. Unlike ball bearings, which are used in high-speed rotational applications, plain bearings are primarily used to rectify inevitable misalignments in various mechanical components.

Roller Bearings. Roller bearings are anti-friction bearings that use rollers instead of balls. The Company manufactures four basic types of roller bearings: heavy-duty needle roller bearings with inner rings, tapered roller bearings, track rollers and aircraft roller bearings.

Ball Bearings. The Company manufactures four basic types of ball bearings: high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section and commercial ball bearings, which are used in high-speed rotational applications.

Engineered Products. Engineered Products consists of highly engineered hydraulics, fasteners, collets and precision components used in aerospace, marine and industrial applications.

Segment performance is evaluated based on segment net sales and gross margin. Items not allocated to segment operating income include corporate administrative expenses and certain other amounts.

All intersegment sales are eliminated in consolidation.

11. Subsequent Events

On July 24, 2021, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement with ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd (“ABB”) pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire the mechanical power transmission division of ABB operated under the Dodge brand (“Dodge”). In connection with the acquisition, the Company will purchase the capital stock of certain entities, including Dodge Mechanical Power Transmission Company Inc. and certain other assets relating to ABB’s mechanical power transmission business.

The purchase price for the acquisition will be $2,900,000 in cash, subject to certain adjustments, in accordance with the Purchase Agreement.

With headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina, Dodge is a leading manufacturer of mounted bearings and mechanical products with market-leading brand recognition. Dodge manufactures a complete line of mounted bearings, enclosed gearing and power transmission components across a diverse set of industrial end markets. Dodge primarily operates across the construction and mining aftermarket, food & beverage, warehousing and general machinery verticals, with sales predominately in the Americas.

The acquisition is supported by a fully committed bridge facility. Permanent financing is expected to include an appropriate mix of cash on hand, debt and equity. The Company expects to close the transaction in our fiscal 2022 third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory review.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of these financial statements. Other than the matter noted above, no material subsequent events were identified that require disclosure.

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

Cautionary Statement as to Forward-Looking Information

The objective of the discussion and analysis is to provide material information relevant to an assessment of the financial condition and results of operations of the registrant including an evaluation of the amounts and certainty of cash flows from operations and from outside sources.

The information in this discussion contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects and plans and objectives of management are “forward-looking statements” as the term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (a) the bearing and engineered products industries are highly competitive, and this competition could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to grow; (b) the loss of a major customer, or a material adverse change in a major customer’s business, could result in a material reduction in our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (c) our results have been and are likely to continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; (d) weakness in any of the industries in which our customers operate, as well as the cyclical nature of our customers’ businesses generally, could materially reduce our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (e) future reductions or changes in U.S. government spending could negatively affect our business; (f) fluctuating supply and costs of subcomponents, raw materials and energy resources, or the imposition of import tariffs, could materially reduce our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (g) our results could be impacted by governmental trade policies and tariffs relating to our supplies imported from foreign vendors or our finished goods exported to other countries; (h) our products are subject to certain approvals and government regulations and the loss of such approvals, or our failure to comply with such regulations, could materially reduce our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (i) the retirement of commercial aircraft could reduce our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (j) work stoppages and other labor problems could materially reduce our ability to operate our business; (k) unexpected equipment failures, catastrophic events or capacity constraints could increase our costs and reduce our sales due to production curtailments or shutdowns; (l) we may not be able to continue to make the acquisitions necessary for us to realize our growth strategy; (m) businesses that we have acquired or that we may acquire in the future may have liabilities that are not known to us; (n) goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles comprise a significant portion of our total assets, and if we determine that goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles have become impaired in the future, our results of operations and financial condition in such years may be materially and adversely affected; (o) we depend heavily on our senior management and other key personnel, the loss of whom could materially affect our financial performance and prospects; (p) our international operations are subject to risks inherent in such activities; (q) currency translation risks may have a material impact on our results of operations; (r) we are subject to changes in legislative, regulatory and legal developments involving income and other taxes; (s) we may be required to make significant future contributions to our pension plan; (t) we may incur material losses for product liability and recall-related claims; (u) environmental and health and safety laws and regulations impose substantial costs and limitations on our operations, and environmental compliance may be more costly than we expect; (v) our intellectual property and proprietary information are valuable, and any inability to protect them could adversely affect our business and results of operations; in addition, we may be subject to infringement claims by third parties; (w) cancellation of orders in our backlog could negatively impact our revenues, cash flows and profitability; (x) if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud; (y) litigation could adversely affect our financial condition; (z) changes in accounting standards or changes in the interpretations of existing standards could affect our financial results; and (aa) risks associated with utilizing information technology systems could adversely affect our operations. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is contained in our periodic filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the risks identified under the heading “Risk Factors” set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 3, 2021. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statement. The following section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, which appears elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

Overview

We are a well-known international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings and components. Our precision solutions are integral to the manufacture and operation of most machines and mechanical systems, reduce wear to moving parts, facilitate proper power transmission and reduce damage and energy loss caused by friction. While we manufacture products in all major bearing categories, we focus primarily on the higher end of the bearing market where we believe our value added manufacturing and engineering capabilities enable us to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and enhance profitability. We believe our unique expertise has enabled us to garner leading positions in many of the product markets in which we primarily compete. With 43 facilities in seven countries, of which 31 are manufacturing facilities, we have been able to significantly broaden our end markets, products, customer base and geographic reach. We currently operate under four reportable business segments: Plain Bearings; Roller Bearings; Ball Bearings; and Engineered Products. The following further describes these reportable segments:

Plain Bearings. Plain bearings are produced with either self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs and consist of several sub-classes, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings and journal bearings. Unlike ball bearings, which are used in high-speed rotational applications, plain bearings are primarily used to rectify inevitable misalignments in various mechanical components.

Roller Bearings. Roller bearings are anti-friction bearings that use rollers instead of balls. We manufacture four basic types of roller bearings: heavy duty needle roller bearings with inner rings, tapered roller bearings, track rollers and aircraft roller bearings.

Ball Bearings. We manufacture four basic types of ball bearings: high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section and commercial ball bearings which are used in high-speed rotational applications.

Engineered Products. Engineered Products consist of highly engineered hydraulics, fasteners, collets, tool holders and precision components used in aerospace, marine and industrial applications.

Purchasers of bearings and engineered products include industrial equipment and machinery manufacturers, producers of commercial and military aerospace equipment, agricultural machinery manufacturers, construction, energy, mining and specialized equipment manufacturers, and marine products, automotive and commercial truck manufacturers. The markets for our products are cyclical, and we have endeavored to mitigate this cyclicality by entering into sole-source relationships and long-term purchase agreements, through diversification across multiple market segments within the aerospace and industrial segments, by increasing sales to the aftermarket, and by focusing on developing highly customized solutions.

Currently, our strategy is built around maintaining our role as a leading manufacturer of precision bearings and components through the following efforts:

We have demonstrated expertise in acquiring and integrating bearing and precision engineered component manufacturers that have complementary products or distribution channels and have provided significant margin enhancement. We have consistently increased the profitability of acquired businesses through a process of methods and systems improvement coupled with the introduction of complementary and proprietary new products. Since 1992 we have completed 26 acquisitions, which have broadened our end markets, products, customer base and geographic reach.

Outlook

Our net sales for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 decreased by 0.2% compared to the same period last fiscal year. The decrease in net sales was a result of a 31.0% increase in our industrial markets offset by an 18.3% decrease in our aerospace markets. The increase in industrial sales was driven by increases in the mining, energy, and general industrial markets. The decrease in aerospace sales was experienced both in our commercial and defense markets. Our backlog, as of July 3, 2021, was $420.2 million compared to $394.8 million as of April 3, 2021.

Our sales to industrial markets experienced growth of 31.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 as compared to the same three month period last year. This growth was evidenced across most of our industrial products both to OEM and distribution customers. The improvement in domestic and international economic conditions in recent months has been reflected through increased orders received which we expect to sustain throughout fiscal 2022.

The COVID-19 health crisis, which was declared a pandemic in March 2020, continues to impact our commercial aerospace sales in fiscal 2022 as a result of build rate changes within the industry. The commercial aerospace OEM and aftermarket will continue to be impacted by reduced air travel and changes in production rates in the first half of fiscal 2022, but are expected to grow in the second half of the year.

We experienced strong cash flow generation during the first three months of fiscal 2022 (as discussed in the section “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below). We expect this trend to continue throughout the fiscal year as customer demand continues to improve. We believe that operating cash flows and available credit under the Revolver and Foreign Revolver will provide adequate resources to fund internal growth initiatives for the foreseeable future, including at least the next 12 months. For further discussion regarding plans to fund external growth initiatives, refer to Part I, Item 1 – Note 11 “Subsequent Events.” As of July 3, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents and highly liquid marketable securities of $296.1 million of which approximately $11.8 million was cash held by our foreign operations.

The Company expects net sales to be approximately $158.0 million to $162.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022.

Results of Operations

(dollars in millions in tables)

Our net sales for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 decreased 0.2% compared to the same period last fiscal year. The decrease in net sales was a result of a 31.0% increase in our industrial markets offset by an 18.3% decrease in our aerospace markets. The increase in industrial sales was driven by increases in the mining, energy, and general industrial markets. The decrease in aerospace sales was experienced both in our commercial and defense markets.

Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was $26.0 million compared to $22.7 million for the same period last year. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was affected by $0.2 million of discrete tax benefit. Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was affected $0.9 million of after tax restructuring costs and related items and $0.1 million of losses on foreign exchange offset by $0.1 million of discrete tax benefit.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was 40.8% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to 38.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2021. The increase was primarily the result of cost efficiencies achieved through recent restructuring and consolidation efforts made throughout the company.

Selling, General and Administrative

SG&A for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 was $29.8 million, or 19.1% of net sales, as compared to $26.8 million, or 17.1% of net sales, for the same period of fiscal 2021. This is attributable to increases in personnel costs of $2.4 million, share-based compensation of $0.3 million and other costs of $0.3 million.

Other, Net

Other operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 totaled $3.2 million compared to $3.8 million for the same period last year. For the first quarter of fiscal 2022, other operating expenses were comprised mainly of $2.6 million of amortization of intangible assets and $0.6 million of restructuring costs and other items. For the first quarter of fiscal 2021, other operating expenses were comprised mainly of $1.1 million of restructuring costs and related items, $2.5 million of amortization of intangible assets and $0.2 million of other costs.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net, generally consists of interest charged on the Revolver and amortization of deferred financing fees, offset by interest income (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below). Interest expense, net, was $0.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to $0.4 million for the same period last year.

Other Non-Operating (Income)/Expense

Other non-operating income was $0.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2022, primarily comprised of dividend income received from short-term marketable securities. Other non-operating expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 was comprised of $0.1 million of foreign exchange loss offset by $0.1 million of other items.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 was $4.9 million compared to $5.7 million for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020. Our effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 was 15.8% compared to 20.0% for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020. The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 of 15.8% included $2.1 million of tax benefit associated with share-based compensation along with $0.2 million of tax benefit associated with the release of unrecognized tax positions associated with the statute of limitations expiration. The effective income tax rate without these benefits and other items for the three-month period ended July 3, 2021 would have been 23.2%. The effective income tax rate for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020 of 20.0% included $0.3 million of tax benefit associated with share-based compensation along with $0.1 million of tax benefit associated with the release of unrecognized tax positions associated with the statute of limitations expiration. The effective income tax rate without these benefits and other items for the three-month period ended June 27, 2020 would have been 21.3%.

Segment Information

(dollars in millions in tables)

We have four reportable product segments: Plain Bearings, Roller Bearings, Ball Bearings and Engineered Products. We use gross margin as the primary measurement to assess the financial performance of each reportable segment.

Plain Bearings Segment

Net sales decreased $5.6 million, or 7.0%, for the three months ended July 3, 2021 compared to the same period last year. The 7.0% decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of 17.5% in our aerospace markets offset by a 24.7% increase in the industrial markets. The decrease in aerospace net sales was driven by both the commercial and defense markets. The increase in industrial net sales was mostly driven by the mining and energy markets.

Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 43.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared to 40.7% for the same period last year. The increase in gross margin as a percentage of sales was due to cost efficiencies and product mix.

Roller Bearings Segment

Net sales increased $2.3 million, or 10.2%, for the three months ended July 3, 2021 compared to the same period last year. Our aerospace markets decreased 33.6% while our industrial markets increased by 70.2%. The increase in industrial sales were due to the mining, class 8 truck and general industrial markets. The decrease in aerospace was driven by the commercial OEM and aftermarket slightly offset by an increase in the OEM defense market.

Gross margin for the three months ended July 3, 2021 was 36.1% of net sales, compared to 36.7% in the comparable period in fiscal 2021. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales was due to product mix.

Ball Bearings Segment