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STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 March (Form 10-Q)


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

or

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

Commission file number:  1-4743

Standard Motor Products, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
 
11-1362020
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, N.Y.
 
11101
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(718) 392-0200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
Yes ☑     No ☐

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

 
Large Accelerated Filer 
Accelerated Filer ☐
 
Non-Accelerated Filer   ☐
Smaller reporting company   ☐
 
Emerging growth company    ☐
 

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 the close of business on April 30, 2019, there were 22,356,695 outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $2.00 per share.



STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Page No.

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

3




 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2018

5

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

6

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

7

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

8

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

24

 



Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

32

 

 

 

Item 4. 

Controls and Procedures

33

 


 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

34

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

34

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

35

 

 

 

Signatures

36


2

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net sales
 
$
283,766
   
$
261,826
 
Cost of sales
   
205,803
     
189,237
 
Gross profit
   
77,963
     
72,589
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
60,000
     
57,717
 
Restructuring and integration expenses
   
     
2,836
 
Other income (expense), net
   
(6
)
   
271
 
Operating income
   
17,957
     
12,307
 
Other non-operating income (expense), net
   
646
     
(31
)
Interest expense
   
1,089
     
632
 
Earnings from continuing operations before taxes
   
17,514
     
11,644
 
Provision for income taxes
   
4,410
     
3,047
 
Earnings from continuing operations
   
13,104
     
8,597
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
   
(888
)
   
(608
)
Net earnings
 
$
12,216
   
$
7,989
 
Per Share Data:
               
Net earnings per common share – Basic:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.58
   
$
0.38
 
Discontinued operations
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.02
)
Net earnings per common share – Basic
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.36
 
Net earnings per common share – Diluted:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.57
   
$
0.37
 
Discontinued operations
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.02
)
Net earnings per common share – Diluted
 
$
0.53
   
$
0.35
 
Dividend declared per share
 
$
0.23
   
$
0.21
 
Average number of common shares
   
22,421,795
     
22,498,510
 
Average number of common shares and dilutive common shares
   
22,905,364
     
22,967,281
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

3

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2019
   
2018
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
             
Net earnings
 
$
12,216
   
$
7,989
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
695
     
2,219
 
Pension and postretirement plans
   
(5
)
   
(5
)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
690
     
2,214
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
12,906
   
$
10,203
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

4

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
March 31,
2019
   
December 31,
2018
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
11,746
   
$
11,138
 
Accounts receivable, less allowances for discounts and doubtful accounts of $6,643 and $5,687 for 2019 and 2018, respectively
   
174,164
     
157,535
 
Inventories
   
365,251
     
349,811
 
Unreturned customer inventories
   
19,784
     
20,484
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
9,412
     
7,256
 
Total current assets
   
580,357
     
546,224
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $187,777 and $186,135 for 2019 and 2018, respectively
   
88,850
     
90,754
 
Operating lease right-of-use assets
   
37,301
     
 
Goodwill
   
67,370
     
67,321
 
Other intangibles, net
   
46,581
     
48,411
 
Deferred income taxes
   
41,126
     
42,334
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
   
33,703
     
32,469
 
Other assets
   
17,446
     
15,619
 
Total assets
 
$
912,734
   
$
843,132
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Notes payable
 
$
78,717
   
$
43,689
 
Current portion of other debt
   
5,023
     
5,377
 
Accounts payable
   
96,878
     
94,357
 
Sundry payables and accrued expenses
   
32,116
     
31,033
 
Accrued customer returns
   
55,318
     
57,433
 
Accrued core liability
   
28,260
     
31,263
 
Accrued rebates
   
31,357
     
28,870
 
Payroll and commissions
   
17,901
     
20,564
 
Total current liabilities
   
345,570
     
312,586
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
161
     
153
 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
   
30,130
     
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
19,996
     
18,075
 
Accrued asbestos liabilities
   
43,837
     
45,117
 
Total liabilities
   
439,694
     
375,931
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock – par value $2.00 per share:
               
Authorized – 30,000,000 shares; issued 23,936,036 shares
   
47,872
     
47,872
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
104,467
     
102,470
 
Retained earnings
   
387,170
     
380,113
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
(8,904
)
   
(9,594
)
Treasury stock – at cost (1,565,916 shares and 1,503,284 shares in 2019 and 2018, respectively)
   
(57,565
)
   
(53,660
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
473,040
     
467,201
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
912,734
   
$
843,132
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

5

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net earnings
 
$
12,216
   
$
7,989
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
6,178
     
6,016
 
Amortization of deferred financing cost
   
56
     
86
 
Increase to allowance for doubtful accounts
   
920
     
110
 
Increase to inventory reserves
   
357
     
1,223
 
Amortization of deferred gain on sale of building
   
     
(218
)
Equity (income) loss from joint ventures
   
(661
)
   
171
 
Employee stock ownership plan allocation
   
630
     
639
 
Stock-based compensation
   
1,900
     
1,917
 
(Increase) decrease in deferred income taxes
   
1,213
     
(77
)
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax
   
888
     
608
 
Change in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase in accounts receivable
   
(22,252
)
   
(20,367
)
Increase in inventories
   
(14,656
)
   
(3,390
)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(282
)
   
1,559
 
Increase in accounts payable
   
1,181
     
10,674
 
Decrease in sundry payables and accrued expenses
   
(12,911
)
   
(12,997
)
Net changes in other assets and liabilities
   
(1,503
)
   
(95
)
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(26,726
)
   
(6,152
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Acquisitions of and investments in businesses
   
     
(6,472
)
Net proceeds from sale of Grapevine, Texas facility
   
4,801
     
 
Capital expenditures
   
(3,084
)
   
(6,903
)
Other investing activities
   
29
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
   
1,746
     
(13,375
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net borrowings under line-of-credit agreements
   
35,029
     
33,000
 
Net borrowings (payments) of other debt and capital lease obligations
   
(271
)
   
1,054
 
Purchase of treasury stock
   
(5,835
)
   
(3,221
)
Increase in overdraft balances
   
1,409
     
1,885
 
Dividends paid
   
(5,159
)
   
(4,721
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
25,173
     
27,997
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
415
     
433
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
608
     
8,903
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at beginning of period
   
11,138
     
17,323
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS at end of period
 
$
11,746
   
$
26,226
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
 
$
974
   
$
480
 
Income taxes
 
$
2,156
   
$
671
 
Noncash investing activity:
               
Accrual for additional investment in China joint venture
        $ 3,473  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

6

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
(Unaudited)

   
Common
Stock
   
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
(In thousands)
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
47,872
   
$
102,470
   
$
380,113
   
$
(9,594
)
 
$
(53,660
)
 
$
467,201
 
Net earnings
   
     
     
12,216
     
     
     
12,216
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
     
     
     
690
     
     
690
 
Cash dividends paid
   
     
     
(5,159
)
   
     
     
(5,159
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
     
     
     
     
(6,327
)
   
(6,327
)
Stock-based compensation
   
     
1,252
     
     
     
648
     
1,900
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
   
     
745
     
     
     
1,774
     
2,519
 
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2019
 
$
47,872
   
$
104,467
   
$
387,170
   
$
(8,904
)
 
$
(57,565
)
 
$
473,040
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
   
Common
Stock
   
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
 
(In thousands)
                                   
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
47,872
   
$
100,057
   
$
357,153
   
$
(4,109
)
 
$
(47,319
)
 
$
453,654
 
Cumulative effect adjustment
   
     
     
(1,189
)
   
     
     
(1,189
)
Net earnings
   
     
     
7,989
     
     
     
7,989
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
   
     
     
     
2,214
     
     
2,214
 
Cash dividends paid
   
     
     
(4,721
)
   
     
     
(4,721
)
Purchase of treasury stock
   
     
     
     
     
(2,912
)
   
(2,912
)
Stock-based compensation
   
     
1,824
     
     
     
93
     
1,917
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
   
     
765
     
     
     
1,792
     
2,557
 
                                                 
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$
47,872
   
$
102,646
   
$
359,232
   
$
(1,895
)
 
$
(48,346
)
 
$
459,509
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

7

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation

Standard Motor Products, Inc. and subsidiaries (referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of premium replacement parts for motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with a complementary focus on heavy duty, industrial equipment and the original equipment market.

The accompanying unaudited financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements include our accounts and all domestic and international companies in which we have more than a 50% equity ownership, except in instances where the minority shareholder maintains substantive participating rights, in which case we follow the equity method of accounting.  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for on the equity method, as we do not have a controlling financial interest but have the ability to exercise significant influence.  All significant inter-company items have been eliminated.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year.

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated annual and quarterly financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods.  We have made a number of estimates and assumptions in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements.  We can give no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.  Some of the more significant estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, cash discounts, valuation of inventory, valuation of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, product liability exposures, asbestos, environmental and litigation matters, valuation of deferred tax assets, share based compensation and sales returns and other allowances.

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, except for changes made as a result of the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, (“ASU 2016-02”), described under the heading, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” below and in Note 3, “Leases.”

8

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Standards that were adopted

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, (“ASU 2016-02”) using the modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach provides a method for recording existing leases at adoption.  The most significant impact in adopting the new standard was the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet for operating leases, while the accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged.  The adoption of the new standard did not materially impact our consolidated statements of operations or cash flows.

In adopting ASU 2016-02, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed us to carry forward our historical lease identification and lease classifications.  In addition, upon adoption, we evaluated all of our leases, and in particular our real estate leases, to determine the appropriate lease term.  In evaluating our leases, we determined that the lease term for one of our leases should be lengthened, as we concluded that it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the five-year renewal option in the lease.  The lease term for all of our other leases remained unchanged.

Additionally, we elected to apply the provisions of ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements, which allows us to initially apply the new lease requirements as of the effective date.  Comparative financial information for the prior periods presented were not restated but instead are reported under the accounting standards in effect in those prior periods.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in the following changes in our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 (in thousands):

   
Balance at
December 31,
2018
   
Adjustments
Due to
Adoption of
ASU 2016-02
   
Balance at
January 1,
2019
 
Balance Sheet
                 
Operating lease right-of-use asset
 
$
   
$
38,580
   
$
38,580
 
Sundry payables and accrued expenses
   
31,033
     
7,232
     
38,265
 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
   
     
31,348
     
31,348
 

See Note 3 for further information regarding our adoption of ASU 2016-02.

Standards that are not yet adopted as of March 31, 2019

The following table provides a brief description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that have not yet been adopted as of March 31, 2019, and that could have an impact on our financial statements:

Standard
 
Description
 
Date of
adoption
 
Effects on the financial
statements or other significant
matters
 
ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
 
This standard is intended to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment.  ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation.  A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
 
January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted
 
The new standard should be applied prospectively.  We will consider the new standard when performing our annual impairment test and evaluate when we will adopt the new standard.
             
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses
 
This standard creates a single model to measure impairment on financial assets, which includes trade account receivables.  An estimate of expected credit losses on trade account receivables over their contractual life will be required to be recorded at inception, based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.
 
January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted
 
We do not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the manner in which we estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivable, or on our consolidated financial statements.

9

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 3.  Leases

Significant Accounting Policy

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception.  For operating leases, we include and report operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, sundry payables and accrued expenses, and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet for leases with a term longer than twelve months.  Finance leases are reported on our consolidated balance sheets in property, plant and equipment, current portion of other debt, and long-term debt.

Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the total lease payments over the lease term.  Our ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying leased asset over the existing lease term, and the corresponding lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease agreement.  As most of our leases do not provide for an implicit rate, we use our secured incremental borrowing rate based on the information available when determining the present value of our lease payments.  Our lease terms may include options to terminate, or extend, our lease when it is reasonably certain that we will execute the option.  Lease agreements may contain lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately.  Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Quantitative Lease Disclosures

We have operating and finance leases for our manufacturing facilities, warehouses, office space, automobiles, and certain equipment.  Our leases have remaining lease terms of up to ten years, some of which may include one or more five-year renewal options.  We have included the five-year renewal option for one of our leases in our operating lease payments as we concluded that it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option.  Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet.  Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  Finance leases are not material.

10

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures related to our operating leases as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

Balance Sheet Information
 
March 31,
2019
 
Assets
     
Operating lease right-of-use assets
 
$
37,301
 
         
Liabilities
       
Sundry payables and accrued expenses
 
$
8,148
 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
   
30,130
 
Total operating lease liabilities
 
$
38,278
 



Expense and Cash Flow Information
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2019
 
Lease Expense
     
Operating lease expense (a)
 
$
2,224
 
         
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
       
Cash Paid for the amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
       
Operating cash flows from operating leases
 
$
2,161
 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations:
       
Operating leases
 
$
566
 
         
(a)   Excludes expenses related to non-lease components such as maintenance, property taxes, etc., and operating lease expense for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, which is not material.
       
         
       
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term      
Operating leases
 
6.3 Years
 
       
Weighted Average Discount Rate        
Operating leases
   
3.8
%
         

Minimum Lease Payments
At March 31, 2019, we are obligated to make minimum lease payments through 2028, under operating leases, which are as follows (in thousands):

2019
 
$
6,413
 
2020
   
7,597
 
2021
   
6,983
 
2022
   
5,785
 
2023
   
5,277
 
Thereafter
   
11,316
 
Total lease payments
 
$
43,371
 
Less: Interest
   
(5,093
)
Present value of lease liabilities
 
$
38,278
 

11

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 4.  Business Acquisitions and Investments

2018 Increase in Equity Investment

Foshan GWO YNG SMP Vehicle Climate Control & Cooling Products Co. Ltd.

In April 2014, we formed a 50/50 joint venture with Gwo Yng Enterprise Co., Ltd. (“Gwo Yng”), a China-based manufacturer of air conditioner accumulators, filter driers, hose assemblies and switches for the automotive aftermarket and OEM/OES markets.  We acquired our 50% interest in the joint venture for approximately $14 million.  We determined, at that time, that due to a lack of a voting majority and other qualitative factors, we do not control the operations of the joint venture and accordingly, our investment in the joint venture was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

In March 2018, we acquired an additional 15% equity interest in the joint venture for RMB 26,475,583 (approximately $4.2 million), thereby increasing our equity interest in the joint venture to 65%.  The $4.2 million payment for our additional 15% investment was made in multiple cash installments, with $0.7 million paid in March 2018 and the balance paid on various dates throughout 2018. Although we have increased our equity interest in the joint venture to 65%, the minority shareholder will maintain participating rights that will allow it to participate in certain significant financial and operating decisions that occur in the ordinary course of business.  As a result of the existence of these substantive participating rights of the minority shareholder, we will continue to account for our investment in the joint venture under the equity method of accounting.

Note 5.  Restructuring and Integration Expenses

The aggregated liabilities included in “sundry payables and accrued expenses” and “other accrued liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet relating to the restructuring and integration activities as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019 and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Workforce
Reduction
   
Other Exit
Costs
   
Total
 
Exit activity liability at December 31, 2018
 
$
742
   
$
   
$
742
 
Restructuring and integration costs:
                       
Amounts provided for during 2019
   
     
     
 
Cash payments
   
(60
)
   
     
(60
)
Exit activity liability at March 31, 2019
 
$
682
   
$
   
$
682
 

Restructuring Costs

Plant Rationalization Program

In February 2016, in connection with our ongoing efforts to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, we finalized our intention to implement a plant rationalization initiative.  As part of the plant rationalization, all of our Grapevine, Texas production activities have been relocated to facilities in Greenville, South Carolina and Reynosa, Mexico, and certain production activities were relocated from our Greenville, South Carolina manufacturing facility to our manufacturing facility in Bialystok, Poland.  In addition, certain service functions were relocated from Grapevine, Texas to our administrative offices in Lewisville, Texas and our Grapevine, Texas facility was closed.  In December 2018, we completed the sale of the property located in Grapevine, Texas.  Net proceeds from the sale of $4.8 million were received in January 2019.

12

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

The plant rationalization program is substantially completed.  Cash payments made during the first three months of 2019 and the remaining aggregate liability related to the program as of March 31, 2019 consists of severance payments to former employees.

Activity, by segment, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to our plant rationalization program consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Engine
Management
   
Temperature
Control
   
Other
   
Total
 
Exit activity liability at December 31, 2018
 
$
   
$
304
   
$
   
$
304
 
Restructuring and integration costs:
                               
Amounts provided for during 2019
   
     
     
     
 
Cash payments
   
     
(29
)
   
     
(29
)
Exit activity liability at March 31, 2019
 
$
   
$
275
   
$
   
$
275
 

Orlando Plant Rationalization Program

In January 2017, to further our ongoing efforts to improve operating efficiencies and reduce costs, we finalized our intention to implement a plant rationalization initiative at our Orlando, Florida facility.  As part of the Orlando plant rationalization, all of our Orlando, Florida production activities have been relocated to our Independence, Kansas manufacturing facility.  In addition, certain production activities were relocated from our Independence, Kansas manufacturing facility to our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility and our Orlando, Florida facility was closed.

The Orlando plant rationalization program is substantially completed.  Cash payments made during the first three months of 2019 and the remaining aggregate liability related to the program as of March 31, 2019 consists of severance payments to former employees.

Activity, by segment, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 related to our Orlando plant rationalization program consisted of the following (in thousands):

   
Engine
Management
   
Temperature
Control
   
Other
   
Total
 
Exit activity liability at December 31, 2018
 
$
438
   
$
   
$
   
$
438
 
Restructuring and integration costs:
                               
Amounts provided for during 2019
   
     
     
     
 
Cash payments
   
(31
)
   
     
     
(31
)
Exit activity liability at March 31, 2019
 
$
407
   
$
   
$
   
$
407
 

Note 6.  Sale of Receivables

From time to time, we sell undivided interests in certain of our receivables to financial institutions.  We enter these agreements at our discretion when we determine that the cost of factoring is less than the cost of servicing our receivables with existing debt.  Under the terms of the agreements, we retain no rights or interest, have no obligations with respect to the sold receivables, and do not service the receivables after the sale.  As such, these transactions are being accounted for as a sale.

Pursuant to these agreements, we sold $171.1 million and $157.5 million of receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  A charge in the amount of $5.7 million and $5.4 million related to the sale of receivables is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  If we do not enter into these arrangements or if any of the financial institutions with which we enter into these arrangements were to experience financial difficulties or otherwise terminate these arrangements, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by delays or failures to collect future trade accounts receivable.

13

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 7.  Inventories

Inventories, which are stated at the lower of cost (determined by means of the first-in, first-out method) and net realizable value, consist of the following:

   
March 31,
2019
   
December 31,
2018
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Finished goods
 
$
239,889
   
$
226,802
 
Work in process
   
9,174
     
10,527
 
Raw materials
   
116,188
     
112,482
 
Subtotal
   
365,251
     
349,811
 
Unreturned customer inventories
   
19,784
     
20,484
 
Total inventories
 
$
385,035
   
$
370,295
 

Note 8.  Acquired Intangible Assets

Acquired identifiable intangible assets consist of the following:

   
March 31,
2019
   
December 31,
2018
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Customer relationships
 
$
87,256
   
$
87,195
 
Trademarks and trade names
   
6,800
     
6,800
 
Non-compete agreements
   
3,193
     
3,193
 
Patents
   
723
     
723
 
Supply agreements
   
800
     
800
 
Leaseholds
   
160
     
160
 
Total acquired intangible assets
   
98,932
     
98,871
 
Less accumulated amortization (1)
   
(53,184
)
   
(51,391
)
Net acquired intangible assets
 
$
45,748
   
$
47,480
 


(1)
Applies to all intangible assets, except for trademarks and trade names totaling $5.2 million, which have indefinite useful lives and, as such, are not being amortized.

Total amortization expense for acquired intangible assets was $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  Based on the current estimated useful lives assigned to our intangible assets, amortization expense is estimated to be $4.6 million for the remainder of 2019, $5.9 million in 2020, $4.5 million in 2021, $3 million in 2022 and $22.5 million in the aggregate for the years 2023 through 2031.

14

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 9.  Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

Total debt outstanding is summarized as follows:

   
March 31,
2019
   
December 31,
2018
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revolving credit facilities
 
$
78,717
   
$
43,689
 
Other (1)
   
5,184
     
5,530
 
Total debt
 
$
83,901
   
$
49,219
 
                 
Current maturities of debt
 
$
83,740
   
$
49,066
 
Long-term debt
   
161
     
153
 
Total debt
 
$
83,901
   
$
49,219
 


(1)
Other includes borrowings under our Polish overdraft facility of Zloty 19 million (approximately $5 million) and Zloty 19.9 million (approximately $5.3 million) as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Revolving Credit Facility

In December 2018, we amended our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and a syndicate of lenders.  The amended credit agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility with a line of credit of up to $250 million (with an additional $50 million accordion feature) and extends the maturity date to December 2023.  The line of credit under the amended credit agreement also allows for a $10 million line of credit to Canada as part of the $250 million available for borrowing.  Direct borrowings under the amended credit agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% based on our borrowing availability, or floating at the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based on our borrowing availability, at our option.  The amended credit agreement is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and secured by certain of our assets.

Borrowings under the amended credit agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and certain fixed assets, and those of certain of our subsidiaries.  Availability under the amended credit agreement is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, eligible drafts presented to the banks under our factoring agreements, eligible inventory, eligible equipment and eligible fixed assets.  After taking into account outstanding borrowings under the amended credit agreement, there was an additional $168.1 million available for us to borrow pursuant to the formula at March 31, 2019.  Outstanding borrowings under the amended credit agreement, which are classified as current liabilities, were $78.7 million and $43.7 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  Borrowings under the amended credit agreement have been classified as current liabilities based upon the accounting rules and certain provisions in the agreement.

At March 31, 2019, the weighted average interest rate on our amended credit agreement was 3.8%, which consisted of $75 million in direct borrowing at 3.6% and an alternative base rate loan of $3.7 million at 5.8%.  At December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on our amended credit agreement was 3.9%, which consisted of $40 million in direct borrowings at 3.4% and an alternative base rate loan of $3.7 million at 5.8%.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our average daily alternative base rate loan balance was $1.4 million compared to a balance of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and a balance of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

At any time that our borrowing availability is less than the greater of either (a) $25 million, or 10% of the commitments if fixed assets are not included in the borrowing base, or (b) $31.25 million, or 12.5% of the commitments if fixed assets are included in the borrowing base, the terms of the amended credit agreement provide for, among other provisions, a financial covenant requiring us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1:1 at the end of each fiscal quarter (rolling four quarters).  As of March 31, 2019, we were not subject to these covenants.  The amended credit agreement permits us to pay cash dividends of $20 million and make stock repurchases of $20 million in any fiscal year subject to a minimum availability of $25 million.  Provided specific conditions are met, the amended credit agreement also permits acquisitions, permissible debt financing, capital expenditures, and cash dividend payments and stock repurchases of greater than $20 million.

15

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Polish Overdraft Facility

Our Polish subsidiary, SMP Poland sp. z.o.o., has entered into an overdraft facility with HSBC Bank Polska S.A. (“HSBC Poland”) for Zloty 30 million (approximately $7.8 million).  The facility, as amended, expires in December 2019.  Borrowings under the overdraft facility will bear interest at a rate equal to WIBOR + 0.75% and are guaranteed by Standard Motor Products, Inc., the ultimate parent company.  At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, borrowings under the overdraft facility were Zloty 19 million (approximately $5 million) and Zloty 19.9 million (approximately $5.3 million), respectively.

Deferred Financing Costs

We had deferred financing costs of $1 million and $1.1 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  Deferred financing costs are related to our revolving credit facility.  Deferred financing costs as of March 31, 2019 are being amortized in the amounts of $0.2 million for the remainder of 2019, $0.2 million in 2020, $0.2 million in 2021, $0.2 million in 2022 and $0.2 million in 2023.

Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

We account for our stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation, which requires that a company measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.  The cost is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award.

Restricted and Performance Stock Grants

As part of the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, we currently grant shares of restricted stock to eligible employees and our independent directors and performance-based stock to eligible employees.  Selected executives and other key personnel are granted performance awards whose vesting is contingent upon meeting various performance measures with a retention feature.  Performance-based shares are subject to a three-year measuring period and the achievement of performance targets and, depending upon the achievement of such performance targets, they may become vested on the third anniversary of the date of grant.  Each period we evaluate the probability of achieving the applicable targets, and we adjust our accrual accordingly.  Restricted shares granted to employees become fully vested upon the third anniversary of the date of grant; and for selected key executives, certain additional restricted share grants vest 25% upon the attainment of age 60, 25% upon the attainment of age 63 and become fully vested upon the attainment of age 65.  Restricted shares granted to directors become fully vested upon the first anniversary of the date of grant.  Commencing with the 2015 grants, restricted and performance shares issued to certain key executives and directors are subject to a one or two year holding period upon the lapse of the three year vesting period.  Forfeitures on restricted stock grants are estimated at 5% for employees and 0% for executives and directors, respectively, based on our evaluation of historical and expected future turnover.

16

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Our restricted and performance-based share activity was as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2019:

   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
 
Balance at December 31, 2018
   
870,041
   
$
34.59
 
Granted
   
     
 
Vested
   
(17,807
)
   
26.50
 
Forfeited
   
(2,000
)
   
44.95
 
Balance at March 31, 2019
   
850,234
   
$
34.73
 

We recorded compensation expense related to restricted shares and performance-based shares of $1.9 million ($1.4 million, net of tax) and $1.9 million ($1.4 million, net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The unamortized compensation expense related to our restricted and performance-based shares was $13.8 million at March 31, 2019, and is expected to be recognized as they vest over a weighted average period of 4 years and 0.08 years for employees and directors, respectively.

Note 11. Employee Benefits

We provided, and continue to provide, certain medical and dental care benefits to eligible retired U.S. and Canadian employees.  The postretirement medical plans to eligible U.S. employees, other than to former union employees, and eligible Canadian employees terminated on December 31, 2016.  As related to the U.S. non-union employees, annually and through the year ended December 31, 2016, a fixed amount was credited into a Health Reimbursement account (“HRA”) to cover both medical and dental costs for all current and future eligible retirees.  Balances in the HRA accounts upon termination of the plan at December 31, 2016 remained available for use until December 31, 2018.  Any remaining balance at December 31, 2018 was forfeited.  Postretirement medical and dental benefits to the remaining eligible 19 former union employees in the U.S. will continue to be provided.  The postretirement medical and dental benefit obligation for the former union employees in the U.S. as of March 31, 2019, and the net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement benefit plans for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were not material.

We maintain a defined contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for key employees.  Under the plan, these employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation and, in addition, we may at our discretion make contributions to the plan on behalf of the employees.  In March 2019, we made company contributions to the plan of $0.3 million related to calendar year 2018.

We also have an Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust for employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  In connection therewith, we maintain an employee benefits trust to which we contribute shares of treasury stock.  We are authorized to instruct the trustees to distribute such shares toward the satisfaction of our future obligations under the plan. The shares held in trust are not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share until they are committed to be released.  The trustees will vote the shares in accordance with their fiduciary duties.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we contributed to the trust an additional 49,100 shares from our treasury and released 49,100 shares from the trust leaving 200 shares remaining in the trust as of March 31, 2019.

17

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 12. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of our financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, deferred compensation, and short term borrowings approximate their fair value.  In each instance, fair value is determined after considering Level 1 inputs under the three-level fair value hierarchy.  For fair value purposes, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those investments.  The fair value of the assets held by the deferred compensation plan are based on the quoted market prices of the underlying funds which are held in registered investment companies. The carrying value of our revolving credit facilities, classified as short term borrowings, equals fair market value because the interest rate reflects current market rates.

Note 13. Earnings Per Share

The following are reconciliations of the earnings available to common stockholders and the shares used in calculating basic and dilutive net earnings per common share (in thousands, except per share data):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Basic Net Earnings Per Common Share:
 
2019
   
2018
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
13,104
   
$
8,597
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
(888
)
   
(608
)
Net earnings available to common stockholders
 
$
12,216
   
$
7,989
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
22,422
     
22,499
 
                 
Earnings from continuing operations per common share
 
$
0.58
   
$
0.38
 
Loss from discontinued operations per common share
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.02
)
Basic net earnings per common share
 
$
0.54
   
$
0.36
 
                 
Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share:
               
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
13,104
   
$
8,597
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
(888
)
   
(608
)
Net earnings available to common stockholders
 
$
12,216
   
$
7,989
 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
22,422
     
22,499
 
Plus incremental shares from assumed conversions:
               
Dilutive effect of restricted stock and performance stock
   
483
     
468
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted
   
22,905
     
22,967
 
                 
Earnings from continuing operations per common share
 
$
0.57
   
$
0.37
 
Loss from discontinued operations per common share
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.02
)
Diluted net earnings per common share
 
$
0.53
   
$
0.35
 

The shares listed below were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented or because they were excluded under the treasury method (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Restricted and performance shares
   
252
     
277
 

18

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Note 14. Industry Segments

We have two major reportable operating segments, each of which focuses on a specific line of replacement parts.  Our Engine Management Segment manufactures and remanufactures ignition and emission parts, ignition wires, battery cables, fuel system parts and sensors for vehicle systems.  Our Temperature Control Segment manufactures and remanufactures air conditioning compressors, air conditioning and heating parts, engine cooling system parts, power window accessories and windshield washer system parts.

The following tables show our net sales, intersegment revenue and operating income by our operating segments (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Net Sales (a)
           
Engine Management
 
$
213,189
   
$
199,488
 
Temperature Control
   
68,924
     
60,231
 
All Other
   
1,653
     
2,107
 
Consolidated
 
$
283,766
   
$
261,826
 
                 
Intersegment Revenue (a)
               
Engine Management
 
$
5,349
   
$
5,991
 
Temperature Control
   
1,933
     
1,680
 
All Other
   
(7,282
)
   
(7,671
)
Consolidated
 
$
   
$
 
                 
Operating Income
               
Engine Management
 
$
22,344
   
$
17,376
 
Temperature Control
   
2,050
     
831
 
All Other
   
(6,437
)
   
(5,900
)
Consolidated
 
$
17,957
   
$
12,307
 


(a)
Segment net sales include intersegment sales in our Engine Management and Temperature Control segments.

For the disaggregation of our net sales from contracts with customers by geographic area, major product group and major sales channels for each of our segments, see Note 15, “Net Sales.”

Note 15.  Net Sales

Disaggregation of Net Sales

We disaggregate our net sales from contracts with customers by geographic area, major product group, and major sales channels for each of our segments, as we believe it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our net sales are affected by economic factors.

The following tables provide disaggregation of net sales information for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

19

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Three months ended March 31, 2019 (a)
 
Engine
Management
   
Temperature
Control
   
Other (b)
   
Total
 
Geographic Area:
                       
United States
 
$
187,894
   
$
64,851
   
$
   
$
252,745
 
Canada
   
7,066
     
3,462
     
1,653
     
12,181
 
Mexico
   
4,488
     
155
     
     
4,643
 
Europe
   
3,097
     
157
     
     
3,254
 
Other foreign
   
10,644
     
299
     
     
10,943
 
Total
 
$
213,189
   
$
68,924
   
$
1,653
   
$
283,766
 
                                 
Major Product Group:
                               
Ignition, emission control, fuel and safety related system products
 
$
176,061
   
$
   
$
1,392
   
$
177,453
 
Wire and cable
   
37,128
     
     
80
     
37,208
 
Compressors
   
     
39,811
     
(260
)
   
39,551
 
Other climate control parts
   
     
29,113
     
441
     
29,554
 
Total
 
$
213,189
   
$
68,924
   
$
1,653
   
$
283,766
 
                                 
Major Sales Channel:
                               
Aftermarket
 
$
178,539
   
$
60,541
   
$
1,653
   
$
240,733
 
OE/OES
   
29,140
     
7,875
     
     
37,015
 
Export
   
5,510
     
508
     
     
6,018
 
Total
 
$
213,189
   
$
68,924
   
$
1,653
   
$
283,766
 

Three months ended March 31, 2018 (a)
 
Engine
Management
   
Temperature
Control
   
Other (b)
   
Total
 
Geographic Area:
                       
United States
 
$
176,917
   
$
56,201
   
$
   
$
233,118
 
Canada
   
7,804
     
3,301
     
2,107
     
13,212
 
Mexico
   
4,339
     
212
     
     
4,551
 
Europe
   
3,480
     
164
     
     
3,644
 
Other foreign
   
6,948
     
353
     
     
7,301
 
Total
 
$
199,488
   
$
60,231
   
$
2,107
   
$
261,826
 
                                 
Major Product Group:
                               
Ignition, emission control, fuel and safety related system products
 
$
161,077
   
$
   
$
1,662
   
$
162,739
 
Wire and cable
   
38,411
     
     
191
     
38,602
 
Compressors
   
     
29,898
     
(56
)
   
29,842
 
Other climate control parts
   
     
30,333
     
310
     
30,643
 
Total
 
$
199,488
   
$
60,231
   
$
2,107
   
$
261,826
 
                                 
Major Sales Channel:
                               
Aftermarket
 
$
169,310
   
$
51,630
   
$
2,107
   
$
223,047
 
OE/OES
   
25,056
     
8,101
     
     
33,157
 
Export
   
5,122
     
500
     
     
5,622
 
Total
 
$
199,488
   
$
60,231
   
$
2,107
   
$
261,826
 


(a)
Segment net sales include intersegment sales in our Engine Management and Temperature Control segments.


(b)
Other consists of the elimination of intersegment sales from our Engine Management and Temperature Control segments as well as sales from our Canadian business unit that does not meet the criteria of a reportable operating segment.  Intersegment compressor sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 exceeded third party sales from our Canadian business unit.

20

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Geographic Area

We sell our line of products primarily in the United States, with additional sales in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and Latin America.  Sales are attributed to countries based upon the location of the customer.  Our sales are substantially denominated in U.S. dollars.

Major Product Group

The Engine Management segment of the Company principally generates revenue from the sale of automotive engine replacement parts including ignition, emission control, fuel and safety related system products, and wire and cable parts.  The Temperature Control segment of the Company principally generates revenue from the sale of automotive temperature control systems replacement parts including air conditioning compressors and other climate control parts.

Major Sales Channel

In the aftermarket channel, we sell our products to warehouse distributors and retailers.  Our customers buy directly from us and sell directly to jobber stores, professional technicians and to “do-it-yourselfers” who perform automotive repairs on their personal vehicles.  In the Original Equipment (“OE”) and Original Equipment Service (“OES”) channel, we sell our products to original equipment manufacturers who redistribute our products within their distribution network, independent dealerships and service dealer technicians.  Lastly, in the Export channel, our domestic entities sell to customers outside the United States.

Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies

Asbestos

In 1986, we acquired a brake business, which we subsequently sold in March 1998 and which is accounted for as a discontinued operation in the accompanying statement of operations.  When we originally acquired this brake business, we assumed future liabilities relating to any alleged exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured by the seller of the acquired brake business. In accordance with the related purchase agreement, we agreed to assume the liabilities for all new claims filed on or after September 2001. Our ultimate exposure will depend upon the number of claims filed against us on or after September 2001, and the amounts paid for settlements, awards of asbestos-related damages, and defense of such claims.  At March 31, 2019, approximately 1,490 cases were outstanding for which we may be responsible for any related liabilities.  Since inception in September 2001 through March 31, 2019, the amounts paid for settled claims are approximately $27 million.  We do not have insurance coverage for the indemnity and defense costs associated with the claims we face.

In evaluating our potential asbestos-related liability, we have considered various factors including, among other things, an actuarial study of the asbestos related liabilities performed by an independent actuarial firm, our settlement amounts and whether there are any co-defendants, the jurisdiction in which lawsuits are filed, and the status and results of such claims.  As is our accounting policy, we consider the advice of actuarial consultants with experience in assessing asbestos-related liabilities to estimate our potential claim liability.  In addition, based on the information contained in the actuarial study and all other available information considered by us, we have concluded that no amount within the range of settlement payments was more likely than any other and, therefore, in assessing our asbestos liability we compare the low end of the range to our recorded liability to determine if an adjustment is required.  The methodology used to project asbestos-related liabilities and costs in our actuarial study considered: (1) historical data available from publicly available studies; (2) an analysis of our recent claims history to estimate likely filing rates into the future; (3) an analysis of our currently pending claims; and (4) an analysis of our settlements to date in order to develop average settlement values.
21

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

In accordance with our policy of performing an annual actuarial evaluation in the third quarter of each year, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that additional provisions may be necessary, an actuarial study was performed as of August 31, 2018.  The results of the August 31, 2018 study included an estimate of our undiscounted liability for settlement payments and awards of asbestos-related damages, excluding legal costs and any potential recovery from insurance carriers, ranging from $37.1 million to $56.9 million for the period through 2061.  Based upon the results of the August 31, 2018 actuarial study, in September 2018 we increased our asbestos liability to $37.1 million, the low end of the range, and recorded an incremental pre-tax provision of $3.5 million in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.

In November 2018, we were involved in an asbestos liability case in California, in which a jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for the gross amount of $8.6 million in compensatory damages.  Of this amount, we were held responsible for approximately $7.4 million.  In February 2019, the court amended the verdict on the judgement, thereby increasing our responsibility to approximately $7.6 million.  We plan to pursue all rights of appeal.  While the verdict is being appealed, interest will accrue at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum.

As a result of the California asbestos liability case, in the fourth quarter of 2018, our actuarial firm revised the results of the August 31, 2018 study.  The results of the revised actuarial study increased the low end of the estimated range of our undiscounted liability for settlement payments and awards of asbestos-related damages, excluding legal costs and any potential recovery from insurance carriers, from $37.1 million to $46.7 million, and increased the high end of the range from $56.9 million to $83.9 million for the period through 2061.  Based upon the results of the revised actuarial study, in December 2018, and in accordance with our practice, we increased our asbestos liability to $46.7 million, the low end of the range, and recorded an additional incremental pre-tax provision of $10.1 million in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.  Future legal costs, which are expensed as incurred and reported in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, are estimated, according to the revised study, to range from $45 million to $83.1 million.

We plan to perform an annual actuarial evaluation during the third quarter of each year for the foreseeable future and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that additional provisions may be necessary. Given the uncertainties associated with projecting such matters into the future and other factors outside our control, we can give no assurance that additional provisions will not be required. We will continue to monitor events and changes in circumstances surrounding these potential liabilities in determining whether to perform additional actuarial evaluations and whether additional provisions may be necessary.  At the present time, however, we do not believe that any additional provisions would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity or consolidated financial position.

Other Litigation

We are currently involved in various other legal claims and legal proceedings (some of which may involve substantial amounts), including claims related to commercial disputes, product liability, employment, and environmental.  Although these legal claims and legal proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, based on our understanding and evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances, we believe that the ultimate outcome of these matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  We may at any time determine that settling any of these matters is in our best interests, which settlement may include substantial payments.  Although we cannot currently predict the specific amount of any liability that may ultimately arise with respect to any of these matters, we will record provisions when the liability is considered probable and reasonably estimable.  Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether an exposure can be reasonably estimated.  As additional information becomes available, we reassess our potential liability related to these matters. Such revisions of the potential liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

22

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) – (Continued)

Warranties

We generally warrant our products against certain manufacturing and other defects. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time of the product depending on the nature of the product.  As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, we have accrued $22.7 million and $20.6 million, respectively, for estimated product warranty claims included in accrued customer returns. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims.

The following table provides the changes in our product warranties (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
             
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
19,636
   
$
20,929
 
Liabilities accrued for current year sales
   
26,396
     
21,242
 
Settlements of warranty claims
   
(23,338
)
   
(21,611
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
22,694
   
$
20,560
 

Note 17.  Subsequent Event

In April 2019, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of the Pollak business of Stoneridge, Inc. for approximately $40 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.  The acquisition was funded through borrowings under our revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  Stoneridge’s Pollak business has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Canton, Massachusetts, El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, and distributes a range of engine management products including sensors, switches, and connectors.  The acquisition, to be reported as part of our Engine Management Segment, will enhance our growth opportunities in the OE/OES, heavy duty and commercial vehicle markets and add to our existing expertise in aftermarket distribution, product management and service.  We will be relocating all production to our existing facilities, and are not acquiring any of the Pollak facilities or employees.  We anticipate that the business will be fully integrated within 12 months.  Revenues generated from the acquired business were approximately $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

In connection with the acquired business, we have not yet completed our preliminary assessment of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill due to the proximity of the acquisition to the issuance of these consolidated financial statements.  Accordingly, and as permitted by FASB ASC, Business Combinations, we are unable to provide further disclosures, including the allocation of the purchase price for this acquisition in this Form 10Q.

23

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Report 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.  Forward-looking statements in this Report are indicated by words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects,” “strategies” and similar expressions. These statements represent our expectations based on current information and assumptions and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results could differ materially from those which are anticipated or projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in business relationships with our major customers and in the timing, size and continuation of our customers’ programs; changes in our receivables factoring arrangements, such as changes in terms, termination of contracts and/or the impact of rising interest rates; the ability of our customers to achieve their projected sales; competitive product and pricing pressures; increases in production or material costs, including procurement costs resulting from higher tariffs, that cannot be recouped in product pricing; the performance of the aftermarket, heavy duty, industrial equipment and original equipment markets; changes in the product mix and distribution channel mix; economic and market conditions; successful integration of acquired businesses; our ability to achieve benefits from our cost savings initiatives; product liability and environmental matters (including, without limitation, those related to asbestos-related contingent liabilities and remediation costs at certain properties); as well as other risks and uncertainties, such as those described under Risk Factors, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk and those detailed herein and from time to time in the filings of the Company with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In addition, historical information should not be considered as an indicator of future performance.  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Report.

Overview

We are a leading independent manufacturer and distributor of premium replacement parts for the engine management and temperature control systems of motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry with a complementary focus on heavy duty, industrial equipment and the original equipment market.

We are organized into two operating segments.  Each segment focuses on providing our customers with full-line coverage of premium engine management or temperature control products, and a full suite of complimentary services that are tailored to our customers’ business needs and driving end-user demand for our products.  We sell our products primarily to automotive aftermarket retailers, program distribution groups, warehouse distributors, original equipment manufacturers and original equipment service part operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia and other Latin American countries.

Our Culture

Our Company was founded on the values of ethics, integrity, common decency and respect for others.  These values are embodied in our Code of Ethics, which has been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company to serve as a statement of principles to guide our decision-making and reinforce our commitment to these values in all aspects of our business.  We believe that our commitment to our Company, our employees and the communities within which we operate has led to high employee satisfaction and low employee turnover, and our commitment to our customers, suppliers and business parties has resulted in high customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the customer awards that we routinely win, and decades-long customer relationships.  We also seek ways to positively contribute to our local communities by operating our facilities with conservation in mind, holding charitable drives, and being a good neighbor.

24

Seasonality

Historically, our operating results have fluctuated by quarter, with the greatest sales occurring in the second and third quarters of the year and revenues generally being recognized at the time of shipment. It is in these quarters that demand for our products is typically the highest, specifically in the Temperature Control Segment of our business.  In addition to this seasonality, the demand for our temperature control products during the second and third quarters of the year may vary significantly with the summer weather and customer inventories.  For example, a warm summer, as we experienced in 2018, may increase the demand for our temperature control products, while a mild summer, as we experienced in 2017, may lessen such demand.  As a result of this seasonality and variability in demand of our temperature control products, our working capital requirements typically peak near the end of the second quarter, as the inventory build‑up of air conditioning products is converted to sales and payments on the receivables associated with such sales have yet to be received. During this period, our working capital requirements are typically funded by borrowing from our revolving credit facility.

Inventory Management

We face inventory management issues as a result of overstock returns.  We permit our customers to return new, undamaged products to us within customer-specific limits (which are generally limited to a specified percentage of their annual purchases from us) in the event that they have overstocked their inventories.  In addition, the seasonality of our Temperature Control Segment requires that we increase our inventory during the winter season in preparation of the summer selling season and customers purchasing such inventory have the right to make returns.  We accrue for overstock returns as a percentage of sales after giving consideration to recent returns history.

Discounts, Allowances, and Incentives

We offer a variety of usual customer discounts, allowances and incentives.  First, we offer cash discounts for paying invoices in accordance with the specified discount terms of the invoice.  Second, we offer pricing discounts based on volume purchased from us and participation in our cost reduction initiatives.  These discounts are principally in the form of “off-invoice” discounts and are immediately deducted from sales at the time of sale. For those customers that choose to receive a payment on a quarterly basis instead of “off-invoice,” we accrue for such payments as the related sales are made and reduce sales accordingly.  Finally, rebates and discounts are provided to customers as advertising and sales force allowances, and allowances for warranty and overstock returns are also provided.  Management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends, and changes in customer demand when evaluating the adequacy of the sales returns and other allowances. Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the sales returns and other allowances in any accounting period.  We account for these discounts and allowances as a reduction to revenues, and record them when sales are recorded.

Impact of Changes in U.S. Trade Policy

In 2018, changes in U.S. trade policy, particularly as it relates to China, as with much of our industry, have resulted in the assessment of increased tariffs on goods that we import into the United States.  Although our operating results in the first quarter of 2019 have been slightly impacted by the timing of Chinese sourced products, we have taken, and continue to take, several actions to mitigate the impact of the increased tariffs, including but not limited to, price increases to our customers.  We do not anticipate that the increased tariffs will have a significant impact on our future operating results.  Although we are confident that we will be able to pass along the impact of the increased tariffs to our customers, there can be no assurances that we will be able to pass on the entire increased costs imposed by the tariffs.

25

Interim Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Sales.  Consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $283.8 million, an increase of $22 million, or 8.4%, compared to $261.8 million in the same period of 2018, with the majority of our net sales to customers located in the United States.  Consolidated net sales increased in both our Engine Management and Temperature Control Segments.

The following table summarizes consolidated net sales by segment and by major product group within each segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
Engine Management:
           
Ignition, Emission Control, Fuel and Safety Related System Products
 
$
176,061
   
$
161,077
 
Wire and Cable
   
37,128
     
38,411
 
Total Engine Management
   
213,189
     
199,488
 
Temperature Control:
               
Compressors 
   
39,811
     
29,898
 
Other Climate Control Parts
   
29,113
     
30,333
 
Total Temperature Control
   
68,924
     
60,231
 
                 
All Other
   
1,653
     
2,107
 
                 
Total
 
$
283,766
   
$
261,826
 

Engine Management’s net sales increased $13.7 million, or 6.9%, to $213.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  Net sales in ignition, emission control, fuel and safety related system products for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $176.1 million, an increase of $15 million, or 9.3%, compared to $161.1 million in the same period of 2018.  Net sales in the wire and cable product group for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $37.1 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 3.3%, compared to $38.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018.  Engine Management’s increase in net sales for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 reflects the impact of pipeline orders from certain customers in the first quarter of 2019, incremental pricing for tariff costs passed on to customers, and a general improvement in the ignition, emission control, fuel and safety related system products market.  Engine Management’s year-over-year increase in net sales was offset, in part, by the general decline in our wire and cable business due to its product lifecycle.  Overall, our customers reported Engine Management POS in the low single digits, which tends to be an indicator of long-term trends.

Temperature Control’s net sales increased $8.7 million, or 14.4%, to $68.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019.  Net sales in the compressors product group for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $39.8 million, an increase of $9.9 million, or 33.1%, compared to $29.9 million in the same period of 2018.  Net sales in the other climate control parts product group for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $29.1 million, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 4%, compared to $30.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018.  Temperature Control’s increase in net sales for the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 is primarily due to strong pre-season orders as customers rebuild their inventory levels after a very strong 2018 selling season, and to a lesser extent due to incremental pricing for tariff costs passed on to customers.  The decline in net sales in the other climate control parts product group results from the impact of the introduction of air conditioner repair kits, which are sold as a complete repair kit inclusive of the compressor and other climate control parts.  These air conditioner repair kits have been very popular and are classified as sales under the compressor product group, resulting in a shift in reported sales from the other climate control parts product group into the compressor product group.  Demand for our Temperature Control products may vary significantly with summer weather conditions and customer inventory levels.

26

Gross Margins.  Gross margins, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, decreased slightly to 27.5% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 27.7% in the first quarter of 2018.  The following table summarizes gross margins by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Engine
Management
   
Temperature
Control
   
Other
   
Total
 
2019
                       
Net sales
 
$
213,189
   
$
68,924
   
$
1,653
   
$
283,766
 
Gross margins
   
59,693
     
16,191
     
2,079
     
77,963
 
Gross margin percentage
   
28
%
   
23.5
%
   
     
27.5
%
                                 
2018
                               
Net sales
 
$
199,488
   
$
60,231
   
$
2,107
   
$
261,826
 
Gross margins
   
56,470
     
13,667
     
2,452
     
72,589
 
Gross margin percentage
   
28.3
%
   
22.7
%
   
     
27.7
%

Compared to the first three months of 2018, gross margins at Engine Management decreased 0.3 percentage points from 28.3% to 28%, while gross margins at Temperature Control increased 0.8 percentage points from 22.7% to 23.5%.  The slight gross margin percentage decrease in Engine Management compared to the prior year reflects the negative impact of product mix, and tariff costs passed on to customers without any markup offset, in part, by higher year-over-year absorption due to higher production volumes.  The gross margin percentage increase in Temperature Control compared to the prior year was attributable primarily to favorable production variances carried forward from 2018 as compared to the prior year’s unfavorable deferred production variances carried forward from 2017 offset, in part, by tariffs passed on to customers without any markup.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) increased to $60 million, or 21.1% of consolidated net sales, in the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $57.7 million, or 22% of consolidated net sales in the first quarter of 2018.  The $2.3 million increase in SG&A expenses as compared to the first quarter of 2018 is principally due to higher distribution expenses and higher costs incurred in our accounts receivable factoring program, all of which are associated with higher sales volumes, along with slightly higher other general and administrative costs.

Restructuring and Integration Expenses. We had no restructuring and integration expenses in the first three months of 2019 compared to restructuring and integration expenses of $2.8 million for the first three months of 2018.  The $2.8 million year-over-year decrease in restructuring and integration expenses reflects the impact of the completion of all our restructuring and integration programs as of December 31, 2018.  We anticipate new restructuring and integration expenses over the next 12 months related to our recent acquisition of the Pollak business of Stoneridge, Inc.

Other Income, Net. Other expense, net was $6,000 in the first quarter of 2019, compared to other income, net of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2018.  During the first quarter of 2018, we recognized a deferred gain of $0.2 million related to the sale-leaseback of our Long Island City, New York facility.  The recognition of the deferred gain related to the sale-leaseback of our Long Island City, New York facility ended in the first quarter of 2018 upon termination of the initial 10-year lease term for the facility.

Operating Income.  Operating income increased to $18 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $12.3 million in the first quarter of 2018.  The increase of $5.7 million is the result of the impact of higher consolidated net sales and lower restructuring and integration expenses offset, in part, by slightly lower gross margins as a percentage of consolidated net sales and higher SG&A expenses.

27

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net.  Other non-operating income, net was $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to other non-operating expense, net of $31,000 in the first quarter of 2018.  The year-over-year increase in other non-operating income (expense), net results primarily from the increase in year-over-year equity income from our joint ventures offset, in part, by the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $0.6 million in the same period of 2018.  The year-over-year increase in interest expense reflects the impact of both higher average outstanding borrowings in 2019 when compared to 2018, and higher year-over-year average interest rates on our revolving credit facility.

Income Tax Provision.  The income tax provision in the first quarter of 2019 was $4.4 million at an effective tax rate of 25.2% compared to $3 million at an effective tax rate of 26.2% for the same period in 2018.  The lower effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the first quarter of 2018 results primarily from the reduced state and local effective tax rate, and a change in the U.S. and foreign mix of pre-tax income.

Loss from Discontinued Operations.  During the first quarter of 2019 and 2018, the loss from discontinued operations, net of tax was $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The loss from discontinued operations, net of tax reflects legal related expenses associated with our asbestos liability, and interest accrued in the first quarter of 2019 related to the November 2018 verdict in an asbestos case in California which we are currently appealing.  As discussed more fully in Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited), we are responsible for certain future liabilities relating to alleged exposure to asbestos containing products.

Restructuring and Integration Programs

The plant rationalization program that commenced in February 2016, the wire and cable relocation program announced in October 2016, and the Orlando plant rationalization program that commenced in January 2017, were all substantially completed as of December 31, 2018.  We anticipate new restructuring and integration expenses over the next 12 months related to our recent acquisition of the Pollak business of Stoneridge, Inc.

For a detailed discussion on the restructuring and integration costs, see Note 5, “Restructuring and Integration Expenses,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities. During the first three months of 2019, cash used in operating activities was $26.7 million compared to cash used in operating activities of $6.2 million in the same period of 2018.  The increase in cash used in operating activities resulted primarily from the larger year-over-year increase in accounts receivable, the larger year-over-year increase in inventories, and the smaller increase in accounts payable, partially offset by an increase in net earnings.

Net earnings during the first quarter of 2019 were $12.2 million compared to $8 million in the first quarter of 2018.  During the first three months of 2019, (1) the increase in accounts receivable was $22.3 million compared to the year-over-year increase in accounts receivable of $20.4 million in 2018; (2) the increase in inventories was $14.7 million compared to the year-over-year increase in inventories of $3.4 million in 2018; and (3) the increase in accounts payable was $1.2 million compared to the year-over-year increase in accounts payable of $10.7 million in 2018.  The inventory increase during the first quarter of 2019 reflects the impact of the inventory build-up of air conditioning products at our Temperature Control segment in anticipation of a strong 2019 summer season.  We continue to actively manage our working capital to maximize our operating cash flow.

28

Investing Activities.  Cash provided by investing activities was $1.7 million in the first three months of 2019, compared to cash used in investing activities of $13.4 million in the same period of 2018.  Investing activities during the first three months of 2019 consisted of (1) net cash proceeds of $4.8 million received in January 2019 from the December 2018 sale of our property in Grapevine, Texas; and (2) capital expenditures of $3.1 million.  Investing activities during the first three months of 2018 consisted of (1) the payment of the third and final contribution of $5.8 million for our November 2017 acquisition of a 50% interest in a joint venture with Foshan Guangdong Automotive Air Conditioning Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of air conditioning compressors for the automotive aftermarket and the Chinese OE market; (2) the payment of the first installment of $0.7 million for our 15% increase in equity ownership in an joint venture with Gwo Yng Enterprise Co., Ltd., a China-based manufacturer of air conditioner accumulators, filter driers, hose assemblies and switches for the automotive aftermarket and OEM/OES markets; and (3) capital expenditures of $6.9 million.

Financing Activities.  Cash provided by financing activities was $25.2 million in the first three months of 2019 as compared to $28 million in the same period of 2018.  During the first three months of 2019, (1) we increased borrowings under our revolving credit facility by $35 million as compared to the increase in borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $33 million in 2018; (2) we made cash payments in the first three months of 2019 for the repurchase of shares of our common stock of $5.8 million as compared to $3.2 million in 2018; and (3) we paid dividends of $5.2 million in the first three months of 2019 as compared to $4.7 million in the comparable period last year.  In February 2019, our Board of Directors voted to increase our quarterly dividend from $0.21 per share in 2018 to $0.23 per share in 2019.

In December 2018, we amended our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent, and a syndicate of lenders.  The amended credit agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility with a line of credit of up to $250 million (with an additional $50 million accordion feature) and extends the maturity date to December 2023.  The line of credit under the amended agreement also allows for a $10 million line of credit to Canada as part of the $250 million available for borrowing.  Direct borrowings under the amended credit agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% based on our borrowing availability, or floating at the alternate base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based on our borrowing availability, at our option.  The amended credit agreement is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries and secured by certain of our assets.

Borrowings under the amended credit agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets, including accounts receivable, inventory and certain fixed assets, and those of certain of our subsidiaries.  Availability under the amended credit agreement is based on a formula of eligible accounts receivable, eligible drafts presented to the banks under our factoring agreements, eligible inventory, eligible equipment and eligible fixed assets.  After taking into account outstanding borrowings under the amended credit agreement, there was an additional $168.1 million available for us to borrow pursuant to the formula at March 31, 2019.  Outstanding borrowings under the amended credit agreement, which are classified as current liabilities, were $78.7 million and $43.7 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.  Borrowings under the amended credit agreement have been classified as current liabilities based upon the accounting rules and certain provisions in the agreement.

At March 31, 2019, the weighted average interest rate on our amended credit agreement was 3.8%, which consisted of $75 million in direct borrowings at 3.6% and an alternative base rate loan of $3.7 million at 5.8%.  At December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on our amended credit agreement was 3.9%, which consisted of $40 million in direct borrowings at 3.4% and an alternative base rate loan of $3.7 million at 5.8%.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our average daily alternative base rate loan balance was $1.4 million compared to a balance of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and a balance of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

At any time that our borrowing availability is less than the greater of either (a) $25 million, or 10% of the commitments if fixed assets are not included in the borrowing base, or (b) $31.25 million, or 12.5% of the commitments if fixed assets are included in the borrowing base, the terms of the amended credit agreement provide for, among other provisions, a financial covenant requiring us, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a fixed  charge coverage ratio of 1:1 at the end of each fiscal quarter (rolling four quarters).  As of March 31, 2019, we were not subject to these covenants.  The amended credit agreement permits us to pay cash dividends of $20 million and make stock repurchases of $20 million in any fiscal year subject to a minimum availability of $25 million.  Provided specific conditions are met, the amended credit agreement also permits acquisitions, permissible debt financing, capital expenditures, and cash dividend payments and stock repurchases of greater than $20 million.

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Our Polish subsidiary, SMP Poland sp. z.o.o., has entered into an overdraft facility with HSBC Bank Polska S.A. (“HSBC Poland”) for Zloty 30 million (approximately $7.8 million).  The facility, as amended, expires on December 2019.  Borrowings under the overdraft facility will bear interest at a rate equal to WIBOR + 0.75% and are guaranteed by Standard Motor Products, Inc., the ultimate parent company. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, borrowings under the overdraft facility were Zloty 19 million (approximately $5 million) and Zloty 19.9 million (approximately $5.3 million), respectively.

In order to reduce our accounts receivable balances and improve our cash flow, we sell undivided interests in certain of our receivables to financial institutions.  We enter these agreements at our discretion when we determine that the cost of factoring is less than the cost of servicing our receivables with existing debt.  Under the terms of the agreements, we retain no rights or interest, have no obligations with respect to the sold receivables, and do not service the receivables after the sale.  As such, these transactions are being accounted for as a sale.

Pursuant to these agreements, we sold $171.1 million and $157.5 million of receivables during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  A charge in the amount of $5.7 million and $5.4 million related to the sale of receivables is included in selling, general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  If we do not enter into these arrangements or if any of the financial institutions with which we enter into these arrangements were to experience financial difficulties or otherwise terminate these arrangements, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by delays or failures to collect future trade accounts receivable.

During 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $30 million of our common stock under stock repurchase programs.  Stock will be purchased from time to time, in the open market or through private transactions as market conditions warrant.  Under these programs, during the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased 539,760 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $24.8 million.  Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we repurchased 61,756 shares of our common stock under the programs at a total cost of $2.9 million.  As of March 31, 2018, there was approximately $2.3 million available for future stock repurchases under the programs.  During the remainder of 2018, shares were repurchased completing the 2017 Board of Directors authorizations.

In May 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional $20 million of our common stock under a new stock repurchase program.  Stock will be purchased from time to time, in the open market or through private transactions, as market conditions warrant.  Under this program, during the year ended December 31, 2018, we repurchased 201,484 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $9.3 million.  Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased 129,539 shares of our common stock under the program at a total cost of $6.3 million.  As of March 31, 2019, there was approximately $4.4 million available for future stock purchases under the program.  In April 2019, we repurchased an additional 14,400 shares of our common stock under the program at a total cost of $0.7 million, thereby reducing the amount available for future stock repurchases under the Board of Directors authorization to $3.7 million.

We anticipate that our cash flow from operations, available cash and available borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months.  Significant assumptions underlie this belief, including, among other things, that there will be no material adverse developments in our business, liquidity or capital requirements.  If material adverse developments were to occur in any of these areas, there can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our revolving credit facility in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness, or to fund our other liquidity needs.  In addition, if we default on any of our indebtedness, or breach any financial covenant in our revolving credit facility, our business could be adversely affected. For further information regarding the risks of our business, please refer to the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2018.

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The following table summarizes our contractual commitments as of March 31, 2019 and expiration dates of commitments through 2028 (a) (b) (c):

 
(In thousands)
 
2019
   
2020
   
2021
   
2022
   
2023
     
2024-2028
   
Total
 
Operating lease obligations
 
$
6,413
   
$
7,597
   
$
6,983
   
$
5,785
   
$
5,277
   
$
11,316
   
$
43,371
 
Postretirement benefits
   
31
     
36
     
32
     
29
     
25
     
76
     
229
 
Severance payments related to restructuring and integration
   
371
     
222
     
66
     
23
     
     
     
682
 
Total commitments
 
$
6,815
   
$
7,855
   
$
7,081
   
$
5,837
   
$
5,302
   
$
11,392
   
$
44,282
 


(a)
Indebtedness under our revolving credit facilities is not included in the table above as it is reported as a current liability in our consolidated balance sheets.  As of March 31, 2019, amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facilities were $78.7 million.


(b)
We anticipate total aggregate future severance payments of approximately $0.7 million related to the plant rationalization program and the Orlando plant rationalization program.  All programs were substantially completed as of December 31, 2018.


(c)
As of January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, which resulted in the recording of the lease obligations on our consolidated balance sheet.  For information related to our adoption of ASU 2016-02, see Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 3 “Leases” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

Critical Accounting Policies

We have identified several accounting policies as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations.  The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations is discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Note 1 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, except for changes made as a result of the adoption of the FASB ASU 2016-02, Leases, described under the heading, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 and in Note 3, “Leases,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

You should be aware that preparation of our consolidated quarterly financial statements in this Report requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods.  We can give no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.  Although we do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimate or in the assumptions that we use in calculating the estimate, unforeseen changes in the industry, or business could materially impact the estimate and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For a detailed discussion on recently issued accounting pronouncements and their impact on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign currency exchange and interest rates.  These exposures are actively monitored by management.  Our exposure to foreign exchange rate risk is due to certain costs, revenues and borrowings being denominated in currencies other than one of our subsidiary’s functional currency. Similarly, we are exposed to market risk as the result of changes in interest rates, which may affect the cost of our financing. It is our policy and practice to use derivative financial instruments only to the extent necessary to manage exposures.  We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  As of March 31, 2019, we do not have any derivative financial instruments.

Exchange Rate Risk

We have exchange rate exposure, primarily, with respect to the Canadian Dollar, the Euro, the British Pound, the Polish Zloty, the Mexican Peso, the Taiwan Dollar, the Chinese Yuan Renminbi and the Hong Kong Dollar.  As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our monetary assets and liabilities which are subject to this exposure are immaterial, therefore, the potential immediate loss to us that would result from a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would not be expected to have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.  This sensitivity analysis assumes an unfavorable 10% fluctuation in the exchange rates affecting the foreign currencies in which monetary assets and liabilities are denominated and does not take into account the incremental effect of such a change on our foreign currency denominated revenues.

Interest Rate Risk

We manage our exposure to interest rate risk through the proportion of fixed rate debt and variable rate debt in our debt portfolio. To manage a portion of our exposure to interest rate changes, we have in the past entered into interest rate swap agreements.  We invest our excess cash in highly liquid short-term investments.  Substantially all of our debt is variable rate debt as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

In addition, from time to time, we sell undivided interests in certain of our receivables to financial institutions.  We enter these agreements at our discretion when we determine that the cost of factoring is less than the cost of servicing our receivables with existing debt.  During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we sold $171.1 million of receivables.  Depending upon the level of sales of receivables pursuant these agreements, the effect of a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the margin rate may have an approximate $1.7 million negative impact on our earnings or cash flows during the three months ended March 31, 2019.  The charge related to the sale of receivables is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Other than the aforementioned, there have been no significant changes to the information presented in Item 7A (Market Risk) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Report.

(b)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we have not made any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, other than the changes implemented to our processes and controls related to the adoption on January 1, 2019 of ASU 2016-02, Leases.

We review, document and test our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  We may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that our systems evolve with our business. These efforts may lead to various changes in our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth in Item 1, “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Report under the captions “Asbestos” and “Other Litigation” appearing in Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information relating to the Company’s purchases of its common stock for the first quarter of 2019:

Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
(1)
   
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
   
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
may yet be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (2)
 
                         
January 1 – 31, 2019
   
   
$
     
   
$
 
February 1 – 28, 2019
   
25,000
     
49.65
     
25,000
     
9,497,059
 
March 1 – 31, 2019
   
104,539
     
48.65
     
104,539
     
4,411,697
 
Total
   
129,539
   
$
48.84
     
129,539
   
$
4,411,697
 


(1)
All shares were purchased through the publicly announced stock repurchase programs in open-market transactions.


(2)
In May 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up $20 million of our common stock under a stock repurchase program.  Stock will be purchased from time to time, in the open market or through private transactions, as market conditions warrant.  Under this program, during the year ended December 31, 2018, we repurchased 201,484 shares of our common stock at a total cost of $9.3 million.  Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, we repurchased 129,539 shares of our common stock under the program at a total cost of $6.3 million.  As of March 31, 2019, there was approximately $4.4 million available for future stock purchases under the program.  In April 2019, we repurchased an additional 14,400 shares of our common stock under the program at a total cost of $0.7 million, thereby reducing the amount available for future stock repurchases under the Board of Directors authorizations to $3.7 million.

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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
 
   
31.1
   
31.2
   
32.1
   
32.2

101.INS**
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

** In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to the Original Filing shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed.”

35

SIGNATURES

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

 
STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
Date: May 2, 2019
/s/ James J. Burke
 
James J. Burke
 
Chief Operating Officer and
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial and
 
Accounting Officer)


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