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STONERIDGE INC - Annual Report: 2009 (Form 10-K)

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

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

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

For the transition period from ________to ________

Commission file number: 001-13337

STONERIDGE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
34-1598949
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio
44484
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(330) 856-2443
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

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

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, without par value
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 o Yes x No

  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
o Yes x No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x Yes o No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
o Yes o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 

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

As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Shares, without par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $72.1 million.  The closing price of the Common Shares on June 30, 2009 as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $4.80 per share.  As of June 30, 2009, the number of Common Shares outstanding was 25,175,801.

The number of Common Shares, without par value, outstanding as of February 19, 2010 was 25,968,765.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010, into Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
 


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
   
Page No.
PART I
Item 1.
Business
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
7
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
10
Item 2.
Properties
11
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
12
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
12
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
13
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
15
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
32
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
33
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
75
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
75
Item 9B.
Other Information
77
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
77
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
77
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
77
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
78
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
78
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules                                                                                                                          
78
     
 
Signatures                                                                                                                          
79


 
PART I

Item 1.  Business.

Overview

Founded in 1965, Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”) is an independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.  Our custom-engineered products are predominantly sold on a sole-source basis and consist of application-specific control devices, sensors, vehicle management electronics and power and signal distribution systems.  These products comprise the elements of every vehicle’s electrical system, and individually interface with a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems to (i) activate equipment and accessories, (ii) display and monitor vehicle performance and (iii) control and distribute electrical power and signals.  Our products improve the performance, safety, convenience and environmental monitoring capabilities of our customers’ vehicles.  As such, the growth in many of the product areas in which we compete is driven by the increasing consumer desire for safety, security and convenience.  This is coupled with the need for original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) to meet safety requirements in addition to the general trend of increased electrical and electronic content per vehicle.  Our technology and our partnership-oriented approach to product design and development enables us to develop next-generation products and to excel in the transition from mechanical-based components and systems to electrical and electronic components, modules and systems.

Products

We conduct our business in two reportable segments: Electronics and Control Devices. The Company’s operating segments are aggregated based on sharing similar economic characteristics.  Other aggregation factors include the nature of the products offered and management and oversight responsibilities.   The core products of the Electronics reportable segment include vehicle electrical power and distribution systems and electronic instrumentation and information display products. The core products of the Control Devices reportable segment include electronic and electrical switch products, control actuation devices and sensors.  We design and manufacture the following vehicle products:

Electronics. The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution.  These products collect, store and display vehicle information such as speed, pressure, maintenance data, trip information, operator performance, temperature, distance traveled and driver messages related to vehicle performance.  In addition, power distribution systems regulate, coordinate and direct the operation of the entire electrical system within a vehicle compartment.  These products use state-of-the-art hardware, software and multiplexing technology and are sold principally to the medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

Control Devices. The Control Devices reportable segment produces products that monitor, measure or activate a specific function within the vehicle.  Product lines included within the Control Devices segment are sensors, switches, actuators, as well as other electronic products.  Sensor products are employed in most major vehicle systems, including the emissions, safety, powertrain, braking, climate control, steering and suspension systems.  Switches transmit a signal that activates specific functions.  Hidden switches are not typically seen by vehicle passengers, but are used to activate or deactivate selected functions.  Customer activated switches are used by a vehicle's operator or passengers to manually activate headlights, rear defrosters and other accessories.  In addition, the Control Devices segment designs and manufactures electromechanical actuator products that enable users to deploy power functions in a vehicle and can be designed to integrate switching and control functions.  We sell these products principally to the automotive market.
 
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The following table presents net sales by reportable segment, as a percentage of total net sales:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Electronics
    63 %     69 %     61 %
Control Devices
    37       31       39  
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %

For further information related to our reportable segments and financial information about geographic areas, see Note 12, “Segment Reporting,” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Production Materials

The principal production materials used in the manufacturing process for both reportable segments include: copper wire, zinc, cable, resins, plastics, printed circuit boards, and certain electrical components such as microprocessors, memory devices, resistors, capacitors, fuses, relays and connectors.  We purchase such materials pursuant to both annual contract and spot purchasing methods.  Such materials are available from multiple sources, but we generally establish collaborative relationships with a qualified supplier for each of our key production materials in order to lower costs and enhance service and quality.  As demand for our production materials increases as a result of a recovering economy, we may have difficulties obtaining adequate production materials from our suppliers to satisfy our customers.  Any extended period of time, which we cannot obtain adequate production material or which we experience an increase in the price of the production material could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Patents and Intellectual Property

Both of our reportable segments maintain and have pending various U.S. and foreign patents and other rights to intellectual property relating to our business, which we believe are appropriate to protect the Company's interests in existing products, new inventions, manufacturing processes and product developments. We do not believe any single patent is material to our business, nor would the expiration or invalidity of any patent have a material adverse effect on our business or ability to compete. We are not currently engaged in any material infringement litigation, nor are there any material infringement claims pending by or against the Company.

Industry Cyclicality and Seasonality

The markets for products in both of our reportable segments have historically been cyclical. Because these products are used principally in the production of vehicles for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets, sales, and therefore results of operations, are significantly dependent on the general state of the economy and other factors, like the impact of environmental regulations on our customers, which affect these markets. A decline in medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle production of our principal customers could adversely impact the Company.  Approximately 67%, 70% and 60% of our net sales in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were derived from the medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.  Approximately 33%, 30% and 40% of our net sales in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were made to the automotive market.

 
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Customers

We are dependent on several customers for a significant percentage of our sales. The loss of any significant portion of our sales to these customers or the loss of a significant customer would have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.  We supply numerous different parts to each of our principal customers.  Contracts with several of our customers provide for supplying their requirements for a particular model, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years. Therefore, the loss of a contract for a major model or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or group of related models sold by any of our major customers could have a material adverse impact on the Company. We may also enter into contracts to supply parts, the introduction of which may then be delayed or not used at all.  We also compete to supply products for successor models and are therefore subject to the risk that the customer will not select the Company to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.  In addition, we sell products to other customers that are ultimately sold to our principal customers.

The following table presents the Company’s principal customers, as a percentage of net sales:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Navistar International
    27 %     26 %     20 %
Deere & Company
    12       10       7  
Ford Motor Company
    9       6       8  
General Motors
    5       4       6  
Chrysler LLC
    4       6       5  
MAN AG
    3       4       6  
Other
    40       44       48  
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %

Backlog

Our products are produced from readily available materials and have a relatively short manufacturing cycle; therefore our products are not on backlog status.  Each of our production facilities maintains its own inventories and production schedules.  Production capacity is adequate to handle current requirements and can be expanded to handle increased growth if needed.

Competition

Markets for our products in both reportable segments are highly competitive.  The principal methods of competition are technological innovation, price, quality, service and timely delivery.  We compete for new business both at the beginning of the development of new models and upon the redesign of existing models.  New model development generally begins two to five years before the marketing of such models to the public.  Once a supplier has been selected to provide parts for a new program, an OEM customer will usually continue to purchase those parts from the selected supplier for the life of the program, although not necessarily for any model redesigns.

Our diversity in products creates a wide range of competitors, which vary depending on both market and geographic location.  We compete based on strong customer relations and a fast and flexible organization that develops technically effective solutions at or below target price.  We compete against the following primary competitors:

Electronics.  Our primary competitors include Actia Automotive, AEES Platinum Equity Bosch, Continental AG, Delphi, Leoni, Nexans and Yazaki.

Control Devices.  Our primary competitors include BEI Duncan Electronics, Bosch, Continental AG, Delphi, Denso, Hella, Methode Electronics and TRW.

 
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Product Development

Our research and development efforts for both reportable segments are largely product design and development oriented and consist primarily of applying known technologies to customer generated problems and situations.  We work closely with our customers to creatively solve problems using innovative approaches.  The majority of our development expenses are related to customer-sponsored programs where we are involved in designing custom-engineered solutions for specific applications or for next generation technology.  To further our vehicles platform penetration, we have also developed collaborative relationships with the design and engineering departments of key customers.  These collaborative efforts have resulted in the development of new and complimentary products and the enhancement of existing products.

Development work at the Company is largely performed on a decentralized basis.  We have engineering and product development departments located at a majority of our manufacturing facilities.  To ensure knowledge sharing among decentralized development efforts, we have instituted a number of mechanisms and practices whereby innovation and best practices are shared.  The decentralized product development operations are complimented by larger technology groups in Canton, Massachusetts, Lexington, Ohio and Stockholm, Sweden.

We use efficient and quality oriented work processes to address our customers’ high standards.  Our product development technical resources include a full complement of computer-aided design and engineering (“CAD/CAE”) software systems, including (i) virtual three-dimensional modeling, (ii) functional simulation and analysis capabilities and (iii) data links for rapid prototyping.  These CAD/CAE systems enable the Company to expedite product design and the manufacturing process to shorten the development time and ultimately time to market.

We have further strengthened our electrical engineering competencies through investment in equipment such as (i) automotive electro-magnetic compliance test chambers, (ii) programmable automotive and commercial vehicle transient generators, (iii) circuit simulators and (iv) other environmental test equipment.  Additional investment in product machining equipment has allowed us to fabricate new product samples in a fraction of the time required historically.  Our product development and validation efforts are supported by full service, on-site test labs at most manufacturing facilities, thus enabling cross-functional engineering teams to optimize the product, process and system performance before tooling initiation.

We have invested, and will continue to invest in technology to develop new products for our customers.  Product development costs incurred in connection with the development of new products and manufacturing methods, to the extent not recoverable from the customer, are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses, as incurred.  Such costs amounted to approximately $33.0 million, $45.5 million and $45.2 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, or 6.9%, 6.0% and 6.2% of net sales for these periods.

We will continue shifting our investment spending toward the design and development of new products rather than focusing on sustaining existing product programs for specific customers.  The typical product development process takes three to five years to show tangible results.  As part of our effort to shift our investment spending, we reviewed our current product portfolio and adjusted our spending to either accelerate or eliminate our investment in these products, based on our position in the market and the potential of the market and product.

Environmental and Other Regulations

Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things, emissions to air, discharge to water and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste and other materials. We believe that our business, operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations.

Employees

As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 5,200 employees, approximately 1,500 of whom were salaried and the balance of whom were paid on an hourly basis.  Except for certain employees located in Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, our employees are not represented by a union. Our unionized workers are not covered by collective bargaining agreements.  We believe that relations with our employees are good.

 
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Joint Ventures

We form joint ventures in order to achieve several strategic objectives including gaining access to new markets, exchanging technology and intellectual capital, broadening our customer base and expanding our product offerings.  Specifically we have formed joint ventures in Brazil, PST Eletrônica S.A. (“PST”) and India, Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”) and continue to explore similar business opportunities in other global markets.  We have a 50% interest in PST and a 49% interest in Minda.  We entered into our PST joint venture in October 1997 and our Minda joint venture in August 2004.  Each of these investments is accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Our joint ventures have contributed positively to our financial results in 2009, 2008 and 2007.  Equity earnings by joint venture for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
PST
  $ 7,385     $ 12,788     $ 10,351  
Minda
    390       702       542  
Total equity earnings of investees
  $ 7,775     $ 13,490     $ 10,893  

In Brazil, our PST joint venture, which is an electronic system provider focused on security and convenience applications primarily for the vehicle and motorcycle industry, generated net sales of $140.7 million, $174.3 million and $133.0 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We received dividend payments of $7.3 million, $4.2 million and $5.6 million from PST in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Executive Officers of the Company

Each executive officer of the Company is appointed by the Board of Directors, serves at its pleasure and holds office until a successor is appointed, or until the earlier of death, resignation or removal.  The Board of Directors generally appoints executive officers annually.  The executive officers of the Company are as follows:

Name
 
Age
 
Position
John C. Corey
 
62
 
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
George E. Strickler
 
62
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
Thomas A. Beaver
 
56
 
Vice President of the Company and Vice President of Global Sales and Systems Engineering
 
Mark J. Tervalon
Michael D. Sloan
 
43
53
 
Vice President of the Company and President of the Stoneridge Electronics Division
Vice President of the Company and President of the Control Devices Division
 

John C. Corey, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Mr. Corey has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since being appointed by the Board of Directors in January 2006.  Mr. Corey has served as a Director on the Board of Directors since January 2004.  Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Corey served from October 2000, as President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Safety Components International, a supplier of airbags and components, with worldwide operations.   Mr. Corey has served as a director and Chairman of the Board of Haynes International, Inc., a producer of metal alloys since 2004. 

George E. Strickler, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Strickler has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since joining the Company in January of 2006.  Mr. Strickler was appointed Treasurer of the Company in February 2007.  Prior to his employment with the Company, Mr. Strickler served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Republic Engineered Products, Inc. (“Republic”), from February 2004 to January of 2006.  Before joining Republic, Mr. Strickler was BorgWarner Inc.’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from February 2001 to November 2003.
 
 
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Thomas A. Beaver, Vice President of the Company and Vice President of Global Sales and Systems Engineering. Mr. Beaver has served as Vice President of the Company and Vice President of Global Sales and Systems Engineering since January of 2005.  Prior to that, Mr. Beaver served as Vice President of Stoneridge Sales and Marketing from January 2000 to January 2005.

Mark J. Tervalon, Vice President of the Company and President of the Stoneridge Electronics Division.  Mr. Tervalon has served as President of the Stoneridge Electronics Division and Vice President of the Company since August of 2006.  Prior to that, Mr. Tervalon served as Vice President and General Manager of the Electronic Products Division from May 2002 to December 2003 when he became Vice President and General Manager of the Stoneridge Electronics Group until August 2006.

Michael D. Sloan, Vice President of the Company and President of the Control Devices Division.  Mr. Sloan has served as President of the Control Devices Division since July of 2009 and Vice President of the Company since December of 2009.  Prior to that, Mr. Sloan served as Vice President and General Manager of Stoneridge Hi-Stat from February 2004 to July 2009.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge through our website (www.stoneridge.com), our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, all amendments to those reports, and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with the SEC.  Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Whistleblower Policy and Procedures and the charters of the Board’s Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees are posted on our website as well.  Copies of these documents will be available to any shareholder upon request.  Requests should be directed in writing to Investor Relations at 9400 East Market Street, Warren, Ohio 44484.

The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company.

 
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Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

Set forth below are some of the principal risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual business results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. In addition, future results could be materially affected by general industry and market conditions, changes in laws or accounting rules, general U.S. and non-U.S. economic and political conditions, including a global economic slow-down, fluctuation of interest rates or currency exchange rates, terrorism, political unrest or international conflicts, political instability or major health concerns, natural disasters, commodity prices or other disruptions of expected economic and business conditions. These risk factors should be considered in addition to our cautionary comments concerning forward-looking statements in this Annual Report, including statements related to markets for our products and trends in our business that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Our separate section to follow, "Forward-Looking Statements," on page 31 should be considered in addition to the following statements.

Our business is cyclical and seasonal in nature and downturns in the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets could reduce the sales and profitability of our business.
 
The demand for our products is largely dependent on the domestic and foreign production of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicles.  The markets for our products have historically been cyclical, because new vehicle demand is dependent on, among other things, consumer spending and is tied closely to the overall strength of the economy. Because our products are used principally in the production of vehicles for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets, our net sales, and therefore our results of operations, are significantly dependent on the general state of the economy and other factors which affect these markets.  A decline in medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle production could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. In 2009, approximately 67% of our net sales were derived from the medium- and heavy-duty truck, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets and approximately 33% were made to the automotive market.  Seasonality experienced by the automotive industry also impacts our operations.

We may not realize sales represented by awarded business.

We base our growth projections, in part, on commitments made by our customers.  These commitments generally renew annually during a program life cycle.  If actual production orders from our customers do not approximate such commitments, it could adversely affect our business.

The prices that we can charge some of our customers are predetermined and we bear the risk of costs in excess of our estimates.
 
Our supply agreements with some of our customers require us to provide our products at predetermined prices.  In some cases, these prices decline over the course of the contract and may require us to meet certain productivity and cost reduction targets.  In addition, our customers may require us to share productivity savings in excess of our cost reduction targets.  The costs that we incur in fulfilling these contracts may vary substantially from our initial estimates.  Unanticipated cost increases or the inability to meet certain cost reduction targets may occur as a result of several factors, including increases in the costs of labor, components or materials.  In some cases, we are permitted to pass on to our customers the cost increases associated with specific materials. Cost overruns that we cannot pass on to our customers could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are dependent on the availability and price of raw materials.
 
We require substantial amounts of raw materials and substantially all raw materials we require are purchased from outside sources.  The availability and prices of raw materials may be subject to curtailment or change due to, among other things, new laws or regulations, suppliers’ allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by suppliers, changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels. As demand for our raw materials increases as a result of a recovering economy, we may have difficulties obtaining adequate raw materials from our suppliers to satisfy our customers.  Any extended period of time, which we cannot obtain adequate raw material or which we experience an increase in the price of the raw material could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 
 
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The loss or insolvency of any of our major customers would adversely affect our future results.
 
We are dependent on several principal customers for a significant percentage of our net sales.  In 2009, our top three principal customers were Navistar International, Deere & Company and Ford Motor Company, which comprised 27%, 12% and 9% of our net sales respectively.  In 2009, our top ten customers accounted for 69% of our net sales.  The loss of any significant portion of our sales to these customers or any other customers would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.  The contracts we have entered into with many of our customers provide for supplying the customers’ requirements for a particular model, rather than for manufacturing a specific quantity of products. Such contracts range from one year to the life of the model, which is generally three to seven years.  These contracts are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing and generally may be terminated by our customers at any time.  Therefore, the loss of a contract for a major model or a significant decrease in demand for certain key models or group of related models sold by any of our major customers could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition by reducing cash flows and our ability to spread costs over a larger revenue base. We also compete to supply products for successor models and are subject to the risk that the customer will not select us to produce products on any such model, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.  In addition, we have significant receivable balances related to these customers and other major customers that would be at risk in the event of their bankruptcy.  
 
Consolidation among vehicle parts customers and suppliers could make it more difficult for us to compete favorably.
 
The vehicle part supply industry has undergone a significant consolidation as OEM customers have sought to lower costs, improve quality and increasingly purchase complete systems and modules rather than separate components. As a result of the cost focus of these major customers, we have been, and expect to continue to be, required to reduce prices. Because of these competitive pressures, we cannot assure you that we will be able to increase or maintain gross margins on product sales to our customers.  The trend toward consolidation among vehicle parts suppliers is resulting in fewer, larger suppliers who benefit from purchasing and distribution economies of scale.  If we cannot achieve cost savings and operational improvements sufficient to allow us to compete favorably in the future with these larger, consolidated companies, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Adverse effects from the bankruptcy emergence of significant competitors.

Recently, a few of our significant competitors filed and emerged from bankruptcy protection.  The bankruptcy of these competitors has allowed them to eliminate or substantially reduce contractual obligations, including significant amounts of debt and avoid liabilities.  The elimination or reduction of these obligations has made these competitors stronger financially, which could have an adverse effect on our competitive position and results of operations.

Our physical properties and information systems are subject to damage as a result of disasters, outages or similar events.
 
Our offices and facilities, including those used for design and development, material procurement, manufacturing, logistics and sales are located throughout the world and are subject to possible destruction, temporary stoppage or disruption as a result of any number of unexpected events.  If any of these facilities or offices were to experience a significant loss as a result of any of the above events, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue, and result in large expenses to repair or replace these facilities or offices.

In addition, network and information system shutdowns caused by unforeseen events such as power outages, disasters, hardware or software defects; computer viruses and computer security breaks pose increasing risks.  Such an event could also result in the disruption of our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue, and result in large expenditures necessary to repair or replace such network and information systems. 

 
8

 

We must implement and sustain a competitive technological advantage in producing our products to compete effectively.
 
Our products are subject to changing technology, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to alternative products introduced by competitors.  Our success will depend on our ability to continue to meet customers’ changing specifications with respect to quality, service, price, timely delivery and technological innovation by implementing and sustaining competitive technological advances.  Our business may, therefore, require significant ongoing and recurring additional capital expenditures and investment in product development and manufacturing and management information systems.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve the technological advances or introduce new products that may be necessary to remain competitive.  Our inability to continuously improve existing products, to develop new products and to achieve technological advances could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
We may experience increased costs associated with labor unions that could adversely affect our financial performance and results of operations.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 5,200 employees, approximately 1,500 of whom were salaried and the balance of whom were paid on an hourly basis. Certain employees located in Mexico, Sweden, and the United Kingdom are represented by a union but not collective bargaining agreements.  We cannot assure you that our employees will not be covered by collective bargaining agreements in the future or that any of our facilities will not experience a work stoppage or other labor disruption.  Any prolonged labor disruption involving our employees, employees of our customers, a large percentage of which are covered by collective bargaining agreements, or employees of our suppliers could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition by disrupting our ability to manufacture our products or the demand for our products.
 
Compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations could be costly and require us to make significant expenditures.
 
Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing, among other things:
 
 
·
the discharge of pollutants into the air and water;
 
 
·
the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste and other materials;
 
 
·
the cleanup of contaminated properties; and
 
 
·
the health and safety of our employees.
 
We believe that our business, operations and facilities have been and are being operated in compliance in all material respects with applicable environmental and health and safety laws and regulations, many of which provide for substantial fines and criminal sanctions for violations.  The operation of our manufacturing facilities entails risks and we cannot assure you that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in connection with these operations.  In addition, potentially significant expenditures could be required in order to comply with evolving environmental, health and safety laws, regulations or requirements that may be adopted or imposed in the future.
 
We may incur material product liability costs.
 
We are subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products results in personal injury or death and we cannot assure you that we will not experience material product liability losses in the future.  We maintain insurance against such product liability claims, but we cannot assure you that such coverage will be adequate for liabilities ultimately incurred or that it will continue to be available on terms acceptable to us.  In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recalls involving such products.  A successful claim brought against us that exceeds available insurance coverage or a requirement to participate in any product recall could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
 
9

 

Disruptions in the financial markets are adversely impacting the availability and cost of credit which could negatively affect our business.
 
Our senior notes with a face value of $183.0 million at December 31, 2009 mature on May 1, 2012.  Our asset-based credit facility with a maximum borrowing level of $100.0 million expires on November 1, 2011.  Collectively these (“debt instruments”) will need to be refinanced prior to their respective maturities.  Disruptions in the financial markets, including the bankruptcy, insolvency or restructuring of certain financial institutions, and the general lack of liquidity continue to adversely impact the availability and cost of credit for many companies, including us.  We may be required to refinance these debt instruments at terms and rates that are less favorable than our current rates and terms, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to risks related to our international operations.
 
Approximately 19.1% of our net sales in 2009 were derived from sales outside of North America. Non-current assets outside of North America accounted for approximately 8.1% of our non-current assets as of December 31, 2009.  International sales and operations are subject to significant risks, including, among others:
 
 
·
political and economic instability;
 
 
·
restrictive trade policies;
 
 
·
economic conditions in local markets;
 
 
·
currency exchange controls;
 
 
·
labor unrest;
 
 
·
difficulty in obtaining distribution support and potentially adverse tax consequences; and
 
 
·
the imposition of product tariffs and the burden of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export laws.
 
Additionally, to the extent any portion of our net sales and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  

We face risks through our equity investments in companies that we do not control.

Our consolidated results of operations include significant equity earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized $7.8 million of equity earnings and received $7.3 million in cash dividends from our unconsolidated subsidiaries.  Our equity investments may not always perform at the levels we have seen in recent years.

Our annual effective tax rate could be volatile and materially change as a result of changes in mix of earnings and other factors.

The overall effective tax rate is equal to our total tax expense as a percentage of our total earnings before tax.  However, tax expense and benefits are not recognized on a global basis but rather on a jurisdictional or legal entity basis.  Losses in certain jurisdictions provide no current financial statement tax benefit.  As a result, changes in the mix of earnings between jurisdictions, among other factors, could have a significant impact on our overall effective tax rate.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
None.

 
10

 

Item 2.  Properties.

The Company and its joint ventures currently own or lease 17 manufacturing facilities that are in use, which together contain approximately 1.6 million square feet of manufacturing space.  Of these manufacturing facilities, 11 are used by our Electronics reportable segment, three are used by our Control Devices reportable segment and three are owned by our joint venture companies.  The following table provides information regarding our facilities:

   
Owned/
     
Square
Location
 
Leased
 
Use
 
Footage
Electronics
           
Juarez, Mexico
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing/Division Office
 
183,854
Portland, Indiana
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing
 
182,000
Chihuahua, Mexico
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing
 
135,569
Tallinn, Estonia
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing
 
85,911
Walled Lake, Michigan
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing/Division Office
 
78,225
Orebro, Sweden
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing
 
77,472
Mitcheldean, England
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing (Vacant)
 
74,790
Monclova, Mexico
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing
 
68,436
Chihuahua, Mexico
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing
 
61,619
El Paso, Texas
 
Leased
 
Warehouse
 
50,000
Chihuahua, Mexico
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing
 
49,805
Stockholm, Sweden
 
Leased
 
Engineering Office/Division Office
 
37,714
Dundee, Scotland
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing/Sales Office/Engineering Office
 
32,753
Portland, Indiana
 
Leased
 
Warehouse
 
25,000
Warren, Ohio
 
Leased
 
Engineering Office/Division Office
 
24,570
Chihuahua, Mexico
 
Leased
 
Engineering Office/Manufacturing
 
10,000
Bayonne, France
 
Leased
 
Sales Office/Warehouse
 
9,655
Madrid, Spain
 
Leased
 
Sales Office/Warehouse
 
1,560
Rome, Italy
 
Leased
 
Sales Office
 
1,216
             
Control Devices
           
Lexington, Ohio
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing/Division Office
 
219,612
Canton, Massachusetts
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing
 
132,560
Sarasota, Florida
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing (Vacant)
 
115,000
Suzhou, China
 
Leased
 
Manufacturing/Warehouse/Division Office
 
25,737
Sarasota, Florida
 
Owned
 
Warehouse (Vacant)
 
7,500
Lexington, Ohio
 
Leased
 
Warehouse
 
5,000
Lexington, Ohio
 
Leased
 
Warehouse
 
4,000
             
Corporate
           
Novi, Michigan
 
Leased
 
Sales Office/Engineering Office
 
9,400
Warren, Ohio
 
Owned
 
Headquarters
 
7,500
Stuttgart, Germany
 
Leased
 
Sales Office/Engineering Office
 
1,000
Seoul, South Korea
 
Leased
 
Sales Office
 
330
Shanghai, China
 
Leased
 
Sales Office
 
323
             
Joint Ventures
           
Manaus, Brazil
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing
 
102,247
Pune, India
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing/Engineering Office/Sales Office
 
80,000
São Paulo, Brazil
 
Owned
 
Manufacturing/Engineering Office/Sales Office
 
52,178
Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
Leased
 
Sales Office
 
3,551
 
 
11

 
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  However, we do not believe that any of the litigation in which we are currently engaged, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position or results of operations.  We are subject to the risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of any of our products causes personal injury or death to users of our products and there can be no assurance that we will not experience any material product liability losses in the future.  We maintain insurance against such product liability claims.  In addition, if any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to participate in a government-imposed or customer OEM-instituted recall involving such products.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)
 
 
12

 

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “SRI.”  As of February 19, 2010, we had 25,968,765 Common Shares without par value, issued and outstanding, which were owned by approximately 300 registered holders, including Common Shares held in the names of brokers and banks (so-called “street name” holdings) who are record holders with approximately 1,600 beneficial owners.

The Company has not historically paid or declared dividends, which are restricted under both the senior notes and the asset-based credit facility, on our Common Shares.  We may only pay cash dividends in the future if immediately prior to and immediately after the payment is made, no event of default shall have occurred and outstanding indebtedness under our asset-based credit facility is not greater than or equal to $20.0 million before and after the payment of the dividend.  We currently intend to retain earnings for acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes and reduction in outstanding indebtedness.  Accordingly, we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

High and low sales prices (as reported on the NYSE composite tape) for our Common Shares for each quarter ended during 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
 
High
   
Low
 
2009
 
March 31
  $ 4.76     $ 1.51  
   
June 30
  $ 4.80     $ 2.04  
   
September 30
  $ 7.08     $ 3.85  
   
December 31
  $ 9.28     $ 6.78  
2008
 
March 31
  $ 14.15     $ 6.97  
   
June 30
  $ 17.98     $ 13.04  
   
September 30
  $ 19.06     $ 11.25  
   
December 31
  $ 10.32     $ 2.42  
 
The Company did not repurchase any Common Shares in 2009 or 2008.

 
13

 
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total return of a hypothetical investment in our Common Shares with the cumulative total return of hypothetical investments in the Hemscott Group–Industry Group 333 (Automotive Parts) Index and the NYSE Market Index based on the respective market price of each investment at December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 assuming in each case an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2004, and reinvestment of dividends.
  
commonshares

   
2004
   
2005
   
2006
   
2007
   
2008
   
2009
 
Stoneridge, Inc
  $ 100     $ 44     $ 54     $ 53     $ 30     $ 60  
Hemscott Group–Industry Group 333 Index
  $ 100     $ 109     $ 132     $ 143     $ 87     $ 112  
NYSE Market Index
  $ 100     $ 89     $ 100     $ 108     $ 47     $ 102  
 
For information on “Related Stockholder Matters” required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K, refer to Item 12 of this report.
 
 
14

 
 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth selected historical financial data and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes related thereto and other financial information included elsewhere herein.  The selected historical data was derived from our consolidated financial statements.

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Statement of Operations Data:
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net sales:
                             
Electronics
  $ 311,268     $ 533,328     $ 458,672     $ 456,932     $ 401,663  
Control Devices
    176,815       236,038       289,979       271,943       291,434  
Eliminations
    (12,931 )     (16,668 )     (21,531 )     (20,176 )     (21,513 )
Consolidated
  $ 475,152     $ 752,698     $ 727,120     $ 708,699     $ 671,584  
                                         
Gross profit
  $ 87,985     $ 166,287     $ 167,723     $ 158,906     $ 148,588  
                                         
Operating income (loss) (A)
  $ (18,243 )   $ (43,271 )   $ 34,799     $ 35,063     $ 23,303  
                                         
Equity in earnings of investees
  $ 7,775     $ 13,490     $ 10,893     $ 7,125     $ 4,052  
                                         
Income (loss) before income taxes (A)
                                       
Electronics
  $ (13,911 )   $ 38,713     $ 20,692     $ 20,882     $ (216 )
Control Devices
    (5,712 )     (78,858 )     15,825       13,987       19,429  
Corporate interest
    (21,782 )     (20,708 )     (21,969 )     (21,622 )     (22,994 )
Other corporate activities
    8,079       10,078       8,676       6,392       8,217  
Consolidated.
  $ (33,326 )   $ (50,775 )   $ 23,224     $ 19,639     $ 4,436  
                                         
Net income (loss) (A), (B)
  $ (32,323 )   $ (97,527 )   $ 16,671     $ 14,513     $ 933  
                                         
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    82       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Net income (loss) attributable to Stoneridge, Inc.
                                       
and Subsidiaries (A), (B)
  $ (32,405 )   $ (97,527 )   $ 16,671     $ 14,513     $ 933  
                                         
Basic net income (loss) per share (A), (B)
  $ (1.37 )   $ (4.17 )   $ 0.72     $ 0.63     $ 0.04  
                                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share (A), (B)
  $ (1.37 )   $ (4.17 )   $ 0.71     $ 0.63     $ 0.04  
                                         
Other Data:
                                       
Product development expenses
  $ 32,993     $ 45,509     $ 45,223     $ 40,840     $ 39,193  
Capital expenditures.
  $ 11,998     $ 24,573     $ 18,141     $ 25,895     $ 28,934  
Depreciation and amortization (C)
  $ 19,939     $ 26,399     $ 28,503     $ 26,180     $ 26,157  
                                         
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
                                       
Working capital
  $ 142,896     $ 160,387     $ 184,788     $ 135,915     $ 116,689  
Total assets
  $ 362,525     $ 382,437     $ 527,769     $ 501,807     $ 463,038  
Long-term debt, less current portion
  $ 183,431     $ 183,000     $ 200,000     $ 200,000     $ 200,000  
Shareholders' equity
  $ 74,057     $ 91,758     $ 206,189     $ 178,622     $ 153,991  
 

(A)
Our 2008 operating loss, loss before income taxes, net loss, net loss attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries and related basic and diluted loss per share amounts includes a non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment loss of $65,175.
 
(B)
Our 2008 net loss, net loss attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries and related basic and diluted loss per share amounts includes a non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $62,006.
 
(C)
These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on fixed and certain finite-lived intangible assets.

 
15

 

Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

The following Management Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”).  This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

We are an independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, net sales were $475.2 million, a decrease of $277.5 million compared with $752.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The decrease in our net sales was primarily due to the severe reduction in sales volumes that we experienced in all of our markets in 2009.  Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $32.4 million, or $(1.37) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $97.5 million, or $(4.17) per diluted share, for 2008.  In 2008, we recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million and a non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $62.0 million.  There was no goodwill impairment recognized in 2009.

Our 2009 results were negatively affected by the decline in the North American and European commercial and North American automotive vehicle markets as well as the economy as a whole.  Production volumes in the North American automotive vehicle market declined by 32.3% during the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.  These automotive market production volume reductions had a negative effect on our North American automotive market net sales of approximately $41.9 million, primarily within our Control Devices segment.  Net sales to the automotive market outside of North America declined by approximately $19.0 million between the current and prior years due to volume reductions.  The commercial vehicle market production volumes in Europe and North America declined by 64.1% and 39.8%, respectively, during the current year when compared to the prior year, which resulted in lower net sales of approximately $158.5 million, primarily within our Electronics segment.  Our agricultural net sales also decreased during the current year due to volume reductions.  These volume reductions had a negative effect on our net sales of approximately $26.6 million, which was primarily within our Electronics segment.  In aggregate, production declines had an unfavorable effect on our consolidated net sales of approximately $246.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  In addition, our results were affected by foreign currency exchange rates.  Foreign exchange translation adversely affected our net sales by approximately $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.  Product pricing had a minimal effect on our current year net sales when compared to our net sales for the 2008 year.  Our gross margin percentage decreased from 22.1% for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 18.5% for the current year, primarily due to the significant reductions in customer production schedules for the markets that we serve.

Our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased from $136.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $102.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  This $33.4 million or 24.6% decrease in SG&A, was primarily due to reduced compensation and compensation related expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2009 of approximately $21.0 million as a result of lower headcount and incentive compensation expenses.  These reduced compensation and compensation related expenses are largely due to cost benefits realized in the current year from prior period restructuring initiatives.  In addition, our design and development costs decreased between periods due to customers delaying new product launches in the near term as well as planned reductions in our design activities.  Our design and development costs declined by approximately $8.8 million between the two periods, excluding compensation and compensation related expenses.  In addition to our restructuring initiatives, we reduced discretionary spending in 2009, which has reduced our current year cost structure.

Affecting our profitability were restructuring initiatives that began in the fourth quarter of 2007 to improve the Company’s manufacturing efficiency and cost position by ceasing manufacturing operations at our Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom locations.  These restructuring initiatives continued throughout 2008 and 2009, primarily in the form of headcount reductions to adjust our headcount levels to reflect current market conditions.  The related 2009 expenses of $3.7 million were primarily comprised of one-time termination benefits.  The 2008 expenses of $15.4 million were primarily comprised of one-time termination benefits, line-transfer expenses and contract termination costs.  Restructuring expenses that were general and administrative in nature were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as restructuring charges, while the remaining restructuring related expenses were included in cost of goods sold.

 
16

 
 
In 2009, our PST Eletrônica S.A. (“PST”) joint venture in Brazil, which is an electronic system provider focused on security and convenience applications primarily for the vehicle and motorcycle industry also experienced declines in net sales as a result of the world-wide economic recession, resulting in equity earnings declining from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $7.4 million in the current year.  However, our dividend payments received from PST increased from $4.2 million in 2008 to $7.3 million in 2009.  We currently hold a 50% equity interest in PST.  Foreign currency fluctuations did not have a significant effect on the results of PST.

On October 13, 2009, we acquired a 51% membership interest in Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”) for a purchase price of approximately $6.0 million, net of cash acquired.  Results of operations of BCS were included in our consolidated results from the date of acquisition within our Electronics reportable segment.  As a result of the acquisition, we have preliminarily allocated the BCS purchase price to net tangible assets acquired, intangible assets, goodwill and noncontrolling interest, of $0.9 million, $1.1 million, $9.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively as of the acquisition date.

Outlook

During the second half of 2009 the North American automotive vehicle market began to recover, which had a favorable effect on our Control Devices segment’s results.  While we do not expect a full recovery within the domestic automotive vehicle market in 2010, we do expect volumes to increase from 2009 levels.

The North American commercial vehicle market improved slightly during the latter part of 2009, however the European commercial vehicle market continued to decline throughout 2009.  We believe that net sales will increase slightly in 2010 due to increased demand for the products we produce.

Through our restructuring initiatives initiated in prior years, we have been able to reduce our cost structure.  Our fixed overhead costs are lower due to the cessation of manufacturing at our Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean United Kingdom locations while our selling, general and administrative costs are lower due to an overall reduction in employees.  As sales volumes increase in 2010, we expect our operating margin will benefit from our reduced cost structure.

Results of Operations

We are primarily organized by markets served and products produced.  Under this organizational structure, our operations have been aggregated into two reportable segments: Electronics and Control Devices.  The Electronics reportable segment includes results of operations that design and manufacture electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution.  The Control Devices reportable segment includes results from our operations that design and manufacture electronic and electromechanical switches, control actuation devices and sensors.

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2008

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
             
   
2009
   
2008
   
$ Decrease
   
% Decrease
Electronics
  $ 301,424       63.4 %   $ 520,936       69.2 %   $ (219,512 )     (42.1 ) %
Control Devices
    173,728       36.6       231,762       30.8       (58,034 )     (25.0 ) %
Total net sales
  $ 475,152       100.0 %   $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ (277,546 )     (36.9 ) %

Our Electronics segment was adversely affected by reduced volume in our served markets by approximately $198.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.  The decrease in net sales for our Electronics segment was primarily due to volume declines in our North American and European commercial vehicle production.  Commercial vehicle market production volumes in Europe and North America declined by 64.1% and 39.8%, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the prior year.   The reductions in European and North American commercial vehicle production negatively affected net sales in our Electronics segment for the year ended December 31, 2009 by approximately $65.3 million or 42.3% and $88.7 million or 37.3%, respectively.  The balance of the decrease was primarily related to volume declines in the agricultural and automotive vehicle markets of approximately $22.6 million and $21.5 million, respectively.  In addition, our Electronics segment net sales were unfavorably affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $15.3 million in 2009 when compared to 2008.

 
17

 
 
Our Control Devices segment was adversely affected by reduced volume in our served markets by approximately $49.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.  The decrease in net sales for our Control Devices segment was primarily attributable to production volume reductions at our major customers in the North American automotive vehicle market.  Production volumes in the North American automotive vehicle market declined by 32.3% during the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.  Volume reductions within the automotive market of our Control Devices segment reduced net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 by approximately $39.4 million, or 20.7%, when compared to the prior year.  In addition, our current year net sales were adversely affected by sales losses during the year ended December 31, 2009 of approximately $10.0 million.  These sales losses were primarily a result of our products being decontented or removed from certain customer products.  The balance of the decrease was related to volume declines in the agricultural and commercial vehicle markets of approximately $5.6 million and $4.4 million, respectively during the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.

Net sales by geographic location for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
             
   
2009
   
2008
   
$ Decrease
   
% Decrease
North America
  $ 384,467       80.9 %   $ 557,990       74.1 %   $ (173,523 )     (31.1 ) %
Europe and other
    90,685       19.1       194,708       25.9       (104,023 )     (53.4 ) %
Total net sales
  $ 475,152       100.0 %   $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ (277,546 )     (36.9 ) %
 
The North American geographic location consists of the results of our operations in the United States and Mexico.

The decrease in North American net sales was primarily attributable to lower sales volume in our North American commercial vehicle, automotive and agricultural markets.  These lower volume levels had a negative effect on our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 of $93.1 million, $41.9 million and $25.8 million for our North American commercial vehicle, automotive vehicle and agricultural markets, respectively.  Our decrease in net sales outside North America was primarily due to lower sales volumes in the European commercial and automotive vehicle markets, which had a negative effect on net sales for the year ended December 31, 2009 of approximately $65.4 million and $19.0 million, respectively.  In addition, our 2009 net sales outside of North America were negatively affected by foreign currency fluctuations of approximately $15.3 million.
 
 
18

 

Consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
$ Increase /
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Decrease)
 
Net Sales
  $ 475,152       100.0 %   $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ (277,546 )
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    387,167       81.5       586,411       77.9       (199,244 )
Selling, general and administrative
    102,583       21.6       135,992       18.1       (33,409 )
Goodwill impairment charge
    -       -       65,175       8.7       (65,175 )
Restructuring charges
    3,645       0.8       8,391       1.1       (4,746 )
                                         
Operating Loss
    (18,243 )     (3.9 )     (43,271 )     (5.8 )     25,028  
                                         
Interest expense, net
    21,965       4.6       20,575       2.7       1,390  
Equity in earnings of investees
    (7,775 )     (1.6 )     (13,490 )     (1.8 )     5,715  
Other expense, net
    893       0.2       419       0.1       474  
                                         
Loss Before Income Taxes
    (33,326 )     (7.1 )     (50,775 )     (6.8 )     17,449  
                                         
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (1,003 )     (0.2 )     46,752       6.2       (47,755 )
                                         
Net Loss
    (32,323 )     (6.9 ) %     (97,527 )     (13.0 ) %     65,204  
                                         
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    82       - %     -       - %     82  
                                         
Net Loss Attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
  $ (32,405 )     (6.9 ) %   $ (97,527 )     (13.0 ) %   $ 65,122  

Cost of Goods Sold.  The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was due to the significant decline in volume of our European and North American commercial and automotive vehicle markets net sales during 2009.  A portion of our cost structure is fixed in nature, such as overhead and depreciation costs.  These fixed costs combined with significantly lower net sales have increased our cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales.  In addition, our cost of goods sold for 2008 included approximately $7.0 million of restructuring charges.  In 2009, there was approximately $0.1 million of restructuring costs included in cost of goods sold.  Our material cost as a percentage of net sales for our Electronics segment for 2009 and 2008 was 55.4% and 51.8%, respectively.  This increase is primarily due to significantly lower volume from our military related commercial vehicle products in the current year.  Our materials cost as a percentage of sales for the Control Devices segment increased from 50.7% for 2008 to 52.9% for 2009.  Our material costs as a percent of sales increased during the current period due to the outsourcing of a stamping operation and inventory related charges.  As a result of outsourcing the stamping operation, the entire cost of the stamping was included in direct material.  Prior to outsourcing the stamping operation, the cost was split between direct labor, direct material and overhead.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Design and development expenses included in SG&A were $33.0 million and $45.5 million for 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Design and development expenses for our Electronics and Control Devices segments decreased from $29.5 million and $16.0 million for 2008 to $19.5 million and $13.5 million for 2009, respectively.  The decrease in design and development costs for both segments was a result of our customers delaying new product launches in the near term as well as planned reductions in our design activities.  As a result of our product platform launches scheduled for 2010 and in the future, we believe that our design and development costs will increase in 2010 from our 2009 level.  The decrease in SG&A costs excluding design and development expenses was due to lower employee related costs of approximately $17.3 million caused by reduced headcount and lower incentive compensation expenses, company-wide.  These current year cost reductions are benefits related to a combination of restructuring initiatives incurred in prior periods and temporary cost control measures, such as wage and benefit freezes and unpaid leaves.  Our SG&A costs increased as a percentage of net sales because net sales declined faster than we were able to reduce our SG&A costs.

Goodwill Impairment Charge.  A goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million was recorded during 2008.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, as a result of the deterioration of the global economy and its effects on the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, we recognized the goodwill impairment charge within our Control Devices reportable segment.  There were no similar impairment charges taken in 2009.

 
19

 

Restructuring Charges. Costs from our restructuring initiatives for 2009 decreased compared to 2008. Costs incurred during 2009 related to restructuring initiatives amounted to approximately $3.7 million and were primarily comprised of one-time termination benefits.  Restructuring related expenses of $3.6 million that were general and administrative in nature were included in our consolidated statement of operations as restructuring charges, while the remaining $0.1 million of restructuring related expenses was included in cost of goods sold.  These restructuring actions were in response to the depressed conditions in the European and North American commercial vehicle markets as well as the North American automotive vehicle market.  Restructuring charges for 2008 were approximately $15.4 million and were comprised of one-time termination benefits and line-transfer expenses related to our initiative to improve the Company’s manufacturing efficiency and cost position by ceasing manufacturing operations at our Control Devices segment facility in Sarasota, Florida and our Electronics segment facility in Mitcheldean, United Kingdom.  Restructuring related expenses of $8.4 million that were general and administrative in nature were included in our consolidated statements of operations as restructuring charges, while the remaining $7.0 million of restructuring related expenses were included in cost of goods sold.  These initiatives were substantially completed in 2009.

Restructuring charges, general and administrative in nature, recorded by reportable segment during the year ended December 31, 2009 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Electronics
   
Control Devices
   
Total Consolidated Restructuring Charges
 
Severance costs
  $ 2,237     $ 1,034     $ 3,271  
Contract termination costs
    374       -       374  
Total restructuring charges
  $ 2,611     $ 1,034     $ 3,645  
 
Severance costs relate to a reduction in workforce.  Contract termination costs represent expenditures associated with long-term lease obligations that were cancelled as part of the restructuring initiatives.

Restructuring charges, general and administrative in nature, recorded by reportable segment during the year ended December 31, 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Electronics
   
Control Devices
   
Total Consolidated Restructuring Charges
 
Severance costs
  $ 2,564     $ 2,521     $ 5,085  
Contract termination costs
    1,305       -       1,305  
Other exit costs
    23       1,978       2,001  
Total restructuring charges
  $ 3,892     $ 4,499     $ 8,391  
 
Other exit costs include miscellaneous expenditures associated with exiting business activities, such as the transferring of production equipment.

Equity in Earnings of Investees.  The decrease in equity earnings of investees was predominately attributable to the decrease in equity earnings recognized from our PST joint venture.  Equity earnings for PST declined from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease was caused by a 19.3% decline in PST’s net sales.

 
20

 
 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes.  Income (loss) before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended
December 31,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
Electronics
  $ (13,911 )   $ 38,713     $ (52,624 )     (135.9 ) %
Control Devices
    (5,712 )     (78,858 )     73,146       92.8 %
Other corporate activities
    8,079       10,078       (1,999 )     (19.8 ) %
Corporate interest expense, net
    (21,782 )     (20,708 )     (1,074 )     (5.2 ) %
Loss before income taxes
  $ (33,326 )   $ (50,775 )   $ 17,449       34.4 %


The decrease in our profitability in the Electronics reportable segment was primarily related to the significant decline in net sales, primarily related to volume declines in 2009 when compared to 2008.  Volume reductions reduced our net sales within the Electronics segment by approximately $198.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.

The decrease in loss before income taxes in the Control Devices reportable segment was primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million recognized in 2008.  Additionally, the Control Devices segment recognized an additional $7.8 million of restructuring related expenses in 2008 as compared to 2009.  Volume reductions reduced our net sales within the Control Devices segment by approximately $49.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year.

The increase in interest expense, net from 2008 to 2009 was a result of a lower amount of interest income realized in the current year to offset our interest expense.  The decreased interest income is attributable to lower yields on investments during 2009 when compared to 2008.

The decrease in income before income taxes from other corporate activities was primarily due to a decrease in equity earnings from our PST joint venture of $5.4 million in 2009 when compared to 2008.  This was partially offset by reduced compensation and compensation related costs recognized during 2009 when compared to 2008, due to cost reduction initiatives.  Compensation and compensation related costs were approximately $1.7 million lower in 2009 than they were in 2008.

Loss before income taxes by geographic location for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
$ Increase
   
% Increase
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
North America
  $ (16,715 )     50.2 %   $ (47,795 )     94.1 %   $ 31,080       65.0 %
Europe and other
    (16,611 )     49.8       (2,980 )     5.9       (13,631 )  
NM
 
Loss before income taxes
  $ (33,326 )     100.0 %   $ (50,775 )     100.0 %   $ 17,449       34.4 %
 
NM - not meaningful

North America loss before income taxes includes interest expense of approximately $21.4 million and $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Our North American 2008 profitability was adversely affected by the $65.2 million goodwill impairment charge.  Excluding the goodwill impairment charge, the decrease in our profitability in North America was primarily attributable to lower commercial and automotive vehicle sales volumes during the year ended December 31, 2009 of approximately $93.1 million and $41.9 million, respectively, when compared to 2008.  The decrease in profitability outside North America was primarily due to lower sales volumes within our European commercial vehicle market of approximately $65.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

 
21

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes.  We recognized a provision (benefit) for income taxes of $(1.0) million, or 3.0% of our pre-tax net loss, and $46.8 million, or (92.1) % of pre-tax net income, for federal, state and foreign income taxes for 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate for 2009 decreased compared to 2008 primarily as a result of the difference in the amount of valuation allowance recorded against our domestic deferred tax assets. Prior to 2008 the Company had not provided a valuation allowance against its domestic deferred tax assets, therefore the amount of valuation allowance provided in 2008 was based on the total domestic deferred tax asset amount. The amount of valuation allowance provided in 2009 is significantly less than 2008 as it relates only to the change in domestic deferred tax assets from 2008 to 2009.   Due to the impairment of goodwill in 2008, the Company is in a cumulative loss position for the period 2007-2009 and has provided a valuation allowance offsetting federal, state and certain foreign net deferred tax assets.  Additionally, the 2008 effective tax rate was negatively affected by non-deductible goodwill.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared To Year Ended December 31, 2007

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
Electronics
  $ 520,936       69.2 %   $ 441,717       60.7 %   $ 79,219       17.9 %
Control Devices
    231,762       30.8       285,403       39.3       (53,641 )     (18.8 ) %
Total net sales
  $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ 727,120       100.0 %   $ 25,578       3.5 %

The increase in net sales for our Electronics segment was primarily due to new business sales of military related products and increased sales volume in 2008.  Contractual price reductions and foreign currency exchange rates negatively affected net sales by approximately $2.0 million in 2008.

The decrease in net sales for our Control Devices segment was primarily attributable to production volume reductions at our major customers in the North American automotive market.  Additionally, our 2008 net sales were $3.3 million lower than 2007 net sales due to a customer cancelation of our pressure sensor product at our Sarasota, Florida, facility.  The contract for this business was scheduled to expire in 2009.

Net sales by geographic location for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
  
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
North America
  $ 557,990       74.1 %   $ 522,730       71.9 %   $ 35,260       6.7 %
Europe and other
    194,708       25.9       204,390       28.1       (9,682 )     (4.7 ) %
Total net sales
  $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ 727,120       100.0 %   $ 25,578       3.5 %

The increase in North American sales was primarily attributable to new business sales of military related electronics products.  The increase was partially offset by lower sales volume in our North American automotive market.  Our decrease in sales outside North America was primarily due to reduced European commercial vehicle sales volume and reduced volume in automotive products.
 
 
22

 
 
Consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are presented in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
$ Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
 
Net Sales
  $ 752,698       100.0 %   $ 727,120       100.0 %   $ 25,578  
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    586,411       77.9       559,397       76.9       27,014  
Selling, general and administrative
    136,563       18.1       133,708       18.4       2,855  
Gain on sale of property, plant & equipment, net
    (571 )     (0.1 )     (1,710 )     (0.2 )     1,139  
Goodwill impairment charge
    65,175       8.7       -       -       65,175  
Restructuring charges
    8,391       1.1       926       0.1       7,465  
 
                                       
Operating Income (Loss)
    (43,271 )     (5.7 )     34,799       4.8       (78,070 )
                                         
Interest expense, net
    20,575       2.7       21,759       3.0       (1,184 )
Equity in earnings of investees
    (13,490 )     (1.8 )     (10,893 )     (1.5 )     (2,597 )
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    770       0.1       -       -       770  
Other (income) expense, net
    (351 )     -       709       0.1       (1,060 )
                                         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    (50,775 )     (6.7 )     23,224       3.2       (73,999 )
                                         
Provision for income taxes
    46,752       6.2       6,553       0.9       40,199  
                                         
Net Income (Loss)
  $ (97,527 )     (12.9 ) %   $ 16,671       2.3 %   $ (114,198 )

Cost of Goods Sold. The increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was primarily due to $7.0 million of restructuring expenses included in cost of goods sold for 2008.  The negative impact of restructuring expenses was partially offset by a more favorable product mix and new business sales.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Product development expenses included in SG&A were $45.5 million and $45.2 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase was primarily related to development spending in the areas of instrumentation and wiring.

The Company intends to reallocate its resources to focus on the design and development of new products rather than primarily focusing on sustaining existing product programs.  The increase in SG&A expenses, excluding product development expenses was due primarily to compensation related items in 2008.

Gain on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment, net.  The gain for 2008 was primarily a result of selling manufacturing lines which was part of the line transfer initiative at our Mitcheldean, United Kingdom facility.  The gain for the year ended December 31, 2007 was primarily attributable to the sale of non-strategic assets including two idle facilities and the Company airplane.

Goodwill Impairment Charge.  A goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008.  During the fourth quarter, as a result of the deterioration of the global economy and its effects on the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, we were required to perform an additional goodwill impairment test subsequent to our annual October 1, 2008 test.  The result of the December 31, 2008 impairment test was that our goodwill was determined to be significantly impaired and was written off.  The goodwill related to two reporting units in the Control Devices segment.

Restructuring Charges. The increase in restructuring charges that were general and administrative in nature, were primarily the result of the ratable recognition of one-time termination benefits that were due to employees and the cancellation of certain contracts upon the closure of our Sarasota, Florida, and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom, locations.  Additionally, in 2008, we announced additional restructuring initiatives at our Canton, Massachusetts, Orebro, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia locations.  The majority of this charge resulted in the recognition of one-time termination benefits that were due to affected employees.  No fixed-asset impairment charges were incurred because the assets were transferred to our other locations for continued production.  Restructuring expenses that were general and administrative in nature were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as restructuring charges, while the remaining restructuring related expenses were included in cost of goods sold.

 
23

 

Restructuring charges recorded by reportable segment during the year ended December 31, 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Electronics
   
Control Devices
   
Total Consolidated Restructuring Charges
 
Severance costs
  $ 2,564     $ 2,521     $ 5,085  
Contract termination costs
    1,305       -       1,305  
Other exit costs
    23       1,978       2,001  
Total restructuring charges
  $ 3,892     $ 4,499     $ 8,391  
 
Severance costs relate to a reduction in workforce.  Contract termination costs represent expenditures associated with long-term lease obligations that were cancelled as part of the restructuring initiatives.  Other exit costs include miscellaneous expenditures associated with exiting business activities, such as the transferring of production equipment.

Restructuring charges recorded by reportable segment during the year ended December 31, 2007 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Electronics
   
Control Devices
   
Total Consolidated Restructuring Charges
 
Severance costs
  $ 542     $ 357     $ 899  
Other exit costs
    -       27       27  
Total restructuring charges
  $ 542     $ 384     $ 926  
 
Restructuring related expenses, general and administrative in nature, for the year ended December 31, 2007 were primarily severance costs as a result of the ratable recognition of one-time termination benefits that were due to employees upon the closure of our Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom locations that were announced in 2007.

Equity in Earnings of Investees. The increase was predominately attributable to the increase in equity earnings recognized from our PST joint venture.  The increase primarily reflects higher volume for PST’s security product lines and favorable exchange rates throughout most of 2008.

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes.  Income (loss) before income taxes is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended
December 31,
   
$ Increase /
   
% Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
Electronics
  $ 38,713     $ 20,692     $ 18,021       87.1 %
Control Devices
    (78,858 )     15,825       (94,683 )  
NM
 
Other corporate activities
    10,078       8,676       1,402       16.2 %
Corporate interest expense
    (20,708 )     (21,969 )     1,261       5.7 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (50,775 )   $ 23,224     $ (73,999 )     (318.6 ) %
 
NM - not meaningful

 
24

 

The increase in income before income taxes in the Electronics segment was related to higher net sales, which  increased by $79.2 million in  2008.  This was partially offset by increased restructuring related expenses of $3.4 million in 2008 when compared to 2007.

The decrease in income before income taxes in the Control Devices reportable segment was primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million recognized in 2008.  Additionally, net sales reduced by $53.6 million and the segment recognized an additional $4.1 million of restructuring related expenses in 2008.

The increase in income before income taxes from other corporate activities was primarily due to an increase in equity earnings from our PST joint venture of $2.4 million in 2008.

Income (loss) before income taxes by geographic location for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
             
   
2008
   
2007
   
$ Decrease
   
% Decrease
North America
  $ (47,795 )     94.1 %   $ 12,405       53.4 %   $ (60,200 )     (485.3 ) %
Europe and other
    (2,980 )     5.9       10,819       46.6       (13,799 )     (127.5 ) %
Income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (50,775 )     100.0 %   $ 23,224       100.0 %   $ (73,999 )     (318.6 ) %

Our North American 2008 profitability was adversely affected by the $65.2 million goodwill impairment charge, which was offset by new business sales of electronic products.  Other factors impacting the 2008 results were increased restructuring related expenses of $8.9 million and lower North American automotive production.  The decrease in profitability outside North America was primarily due to increased restructuring related expenses of $6.5 million and design and development expenses.  The decrease was partially offset by increased European commercial vehicle production during the first half of 2008.

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized a provision for income taxes of $46.8 million, or (92.1)% of pre-tax loss, and $6.6 million, or 28.2% of pre-tax income, for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2008 was primarily attributable to the recording of a valuation allowance against our domestic deferred tax assets. Due to the impairment of goodwill the Company was in a cumulative loss position for the period 2006-2008. Pursuant to the accounting guidance the Company was required to record a valuation allowance. Additionally, the effective tax rate was unfavorably affected by the costs incurred to restructure our United Kingdom operations. Since we do not believe that the related tax benefit of those losses will be realized, a valuation allowance was recorded against the foreign deferred tax assets associated with those foreign losses. Finally, offsetting the impact of the current year valuation allowances, the effective tax rate was favorably impacted by a combination of audit settlements, successful litigation and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation.  We believe that we should ultimately generate sufficient U.S. taxable income during the remaining tax loss and credit carry forward periods in order to realize substantially all of the benefits of the net operating losses and credits before they expire.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Summary of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

               
$ Increase /
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Decrease)
 
Cash provided by (used for):
                 
Operating activities
  $ 13,824     $ 42,456     $ (28,632 )
Investing activities
    (17,764 )     (23,901 )     6,137  
Financing activities
    336       (16,231 )     16,567  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    2,819       (5,556 )     8,375  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (785 )   $ (3,232 )   $ 2,447  
 
 
25

 

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to lower earnings, partially offset by lower inventory balances at December 31, 2009 when compared to December 31, 2008.  In particular, we reduced inventories in 2009 because of lower production requirements and the reduction of inventory safety stock resulting from the transfer of production from our Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom factories to other Stoneridge facilities during the last six months of 2008.

The decrease in net cash used for investing activities reflects a decrease in cash used for capital projects of approximately $12.6 million offset by an increase in business acquisitions of $5.0 million in 2009.  We acquired a 51% membership interest in BCS during 2009.  Capital expenditures were lower for the year ended December 31, 2009 when compared to the prior year due to our customers delaying new product launches.  We believe that our capital expenditures will increase as the markets that we serve continue to recover.

The decrease in net cash used by financing activities was primarily due to cash used to purchase and retire $17.0 million in face value of the Company’s senior notes during 2008.  There was no similar activity during 2009.

Summary of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

               
$ Increase /
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
(Decrease)
 
Cash provided by (used for):
                 
Operating activities
  $ 42,456     $ 33,525     $ 8,931  
Investing activities
    (23,901 )     (5,826 )     (18,075 )
Financing activities
    (16,231 )     900       (17,131 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (5,556 )     1,443       (6,999 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (3,232 )   $ 30,042     $ (33,274 )
 
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to lower accounts receivable balances in the current year due to lower fourth quarter net sales.

The increase in net cash used for investing activities reflects an increase in cash used for capital projects.  The increase was due in part to the expansion of our Lexington facility during 2008.  In addition, 2007 net cash used for investing activities includes the proceeds from the sale of non-strategic assets, including two idle facilities and the Company airplane.

The increase in net cash used by financing activities was primarily due to cash used to purchase and retire $17.0 million in par value of the Company’s senior notes during 2008.

As discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we have entered into foreign currency forward contracts with a notional value of $52.2 million and $44.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The purpose of these investments is to reduce exposure related to our British pound and Swedish krona-denominated receivables and Mexican peso-denominated payables.  The estimated fair value of the British pound contract at December 31, 2009 and 2008, per quoted market sources, was approximately $30 thousand and $2.1 million, respectively.  The estimated fair market value of the Mexican peso-denominated contracts at December 31, 2009 and 2008, per quoted market sources, was approximately $1.7 million and $(2.9) million, respectively.

The following table summarizes our future cash outflows resulting from financial contracts and commitments, as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

   
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
2-3 years
   
4-5 years
   
After 5 years
 
Debt
  $ 183,704     $ 273     $ 183,407     $ 24     $ -  
Operating leases
    21,361       5,516       7,642       5,111       3,092  
Employee benefit plans
    8,809       727       1,552       1,681       4,849  
Total contractual obligations
  $ 213,874     $ 6,516     $ 192,601     $ 6,816     $ 7,941  
 
 
26

 

These future cash outlows for benefit plans were prior to placing our wholly owned subsidiary, Stoneridge Pollak Limited into administration in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2010.

Management will continue to focus on reducing its weighted average cost of capital and believes that cash flows from operations and the availability of funds from our asset-based credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our future growth and operating needs.  We expect working capital levels to increase to coincide with higher expected future sales levels.

As outlined in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements, our asset-based credit facility, permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100.0 million.  This facility provides us with lower borrowing rates and allows us the flexibility to refinance our outstanding debt.  At December 31, 2009, there were no borrowings on this asset-based credit facility.  The available borrowing capacity on this credit facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had borrowing capacity of $54.1 million and $57.7 million, respectively, based on eligible current assets.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  We believe that we will be in compliance with all covenants in 2010.

On October 13, 2009, BCS entered into a master revolving note (the “Revolver”), which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $3.0 million.  At December 31, 2009, BCS had approximately $0.7 million in borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, which are included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accrued expenses and other.  The Revolver expires on October 1, 2010.  Interest is payable monthly at the prime referenced rate plus a 2.25% margin.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the revolver was 5.5%.  The Company is a guarantor as it relates to the Revolver.

As of December 31, 2009, the Company’s $183.0 million senior notes were redeemable at 101.917%.  Given the Company’s senior notes are redeemable, we may seek to retire the senior notes through a redemption, cash purchases, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.  Such redemptions, purchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.  The amounts involved may be material.

BCS had an installment note (“installment note”) of approximately $0.5 million and other notes payable for the purchase of various fixed assets (“fixed asset notes”) of approximately $0.2 million as of the acquisition date.  Interest on the installment notes is the prime referenced rate plus a 2.25% margin.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the installment note was 5.5%.  The installment note calls for monthly installment payments of principal and interest and matures in 2012.  The weighted average interest rate on the fixed asset notes was 6.6% at December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2009, the principal amounts due on the installment and fixed asset notes was approximately $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.    The Company is a guarantor as it relates to the installment note.

As outlined in Note 2, the October 13, 2009 BCS purchase agreement provides that the Company may be required to make additional payments to the previous owners of BCS for its 51% membership interest based on BCS achieving financial performance targets as defined by the purchase agreement.  The maximum amount of additional payments to the prior owners of BCS is $3.2 million per year in 2011, 2012 and 2013 are contingent upon BCS achieving profitability targets based on earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments to BCS of approximately $0.5 million in 2011 and 2012 based on BCS achieving annual revenue targets in 2010 and 2011, respectively.  The purchase agreement provides the Company with the option to purchase the remaining 49% interest in BCS in 2013 at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement.  If the Company does not exercise this option then the minority owners of BCS have the option in 2014 to purchase the Company’s 51% interest in BCS at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement or to jointly market BCS for sale.  BCS’s results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations from its date of acquisition.

At December 31, 2009, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of approximately $91.9 million, of which $57.1 million was held domestically and $34.8 million was held in foreign locations.  None of our cash balance was restricted at December 31, 2009.

 
27

 

Inflation and International Presence

Given the current economic climate and recent fluctuations in certain commodity prices, we believe that an increase in such items could significantly affect our profitability.  Furthermore, by operating internationally, we are affected by foreign currency exchange rates and the economic conditions of certain countries.  Based on the current economic conditions in these countries, we believe we are not significantly exposed to adverse exchange rate risk or economic conditions.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Estimates.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate estimates and assumptions used in our financial statements.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We believe the following are “critical accounting policies” – those most important to the financial presentation and those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments.  We recognize revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns of products sold based on authorized returns, at the point of passage of title, which is generally at the time of shipment.  We often enter into agreements with our customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life.  Once such agreements are entered into, it is our obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle.  These agreements are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing.  In certain limited instances, we may be committed under existing agreements to supply products to our customers at selling prices which are not sufficient to cover the direct cost to produce such products.  In such situations, we recognize losses immediately.  There were no such significant instances of this in 2009.  These agreements generally may also be terminated by our customers at any time.

On an ongoing basis, we receive blanket purchase orders from our customers, which include pricing terms.  Purchase orders do not always specify quantities.  We recognize revenue based on the pricing terms included in our purchase orders as our products are shipped to our customers.  We are asked to provide our customers with annual cost reductions as part of certain agreements.  In addition, we have ongoing adjustments to our pricing arrangements with our customers based on the related content, the cost of our products and other commercial factors.  Such pricing adjustments are recognized as they are negotiated with our customers.

Warranties. Our warranty reserve is established based on our best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates.  This estimate is based on historical trends of units sold and payment amounts, combined with our current understanding of the status of existing claims.  To estimate the warranty reserve, we are required to forecast the resolution of existing claims as well as expected future claims on products previously sold.  Although we believe that our warranty reserve is adequate and that the judgment applied is appropriate, such amounts estimated to be due and payable could differ materially from what will actually transpire in the future.  Our customers are increasingly seeking to hold suppliers responsible for product warranties, which could negatively impact our exposure to these costs.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We have concentrations of sales and trade receivable balances with a few key customers. Therefore, it is critical that we evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet their financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected.  Additionally, we review historical trends for collectability in determining an estimate for our allowance for doubtful accounts.  If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount.  We do not have collateral requirements with our customers.
 
 
28

 

Contingencies. We are subject to legal proceedings and claims, including product liability claims, commercial or contractual disputes, environmental enforcement actions and other claims that arise in the normal course of business.  We routinely assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as ranges of probable losses, by consulting with internal personnel principally involved with such matters and with our outside legal counsel handling such matters.

We have accrued for estimated losses when it is probable that a liability or loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  Contingencies by their nature relate to uncertainties that require the exercise of judgment both in assessing whether or not a liability or loss has been incurred and estimating that amount of probable loss.  The reserves may change in the future due to new developments or changes in circumstances.  The inherent uncertainty related to the outcome of these matters can result in amounts materially different from any provisions made with respect to their resolution.

Inventory Valuation. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out method for U.S. inventories and by the first-in, first-out method for non-U.S. inventories.  Where appropriate, standard cost systems are utilized for purposes of determining cost and the standards are adjusted as necessary to ensure they approximate actual costs.  Estimates of the lower of cost or market value of inventory are determined based upon current economic conditions, historical sales quantities and patterns and, in some cases, the specific risk of loss on specifically identified inventories.

Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  The valuation methodologies employed by the Company use subjective measures including forward looking financial information and discount rates that directly impact the resulting fair values used to test the Company’s business units for impairment.  See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for more information on our application of this accounting standard, including the valuation techniques used to determine the fair value of goodwill.

Share-Based Compensation. The estimate for our share-based compensation expense involves a number of assumptions.  We believe each assumption used in the valuation is reasonable because it takes into account the experience of the plan and reasonable expectations.  We estimate volatility and forfeitures based on historical data, future expectations and the expected term of the share-based compensation awards.  The assumptions, however, involve inherent uncertainties.  As a result, if other assumptions had been used, share-based compensation expense could have varied.

Pension Benefits.  The amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to pension benefits are determined from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are assumptions including expected return on plan assets, discount rates at which the liabilities could be settled at December 31, 2009, rate of increase in future compensation levels and mortality rates.  These assumptions are updated annually and are disclosed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

The expected long-term return on assets is determined as a weighted average of the expected returns for each asset class held by the defined-benefit pension plan at the date.  The expected return on bonds has been based on the yield available on similar bonds (by currency, issuer and duration) at that date.  The expected return on equities is based on an equity risk premium of return above that available on long-term government bonds of a similar duration and the same currency as the liabilities.

Discount rates for our defined benefit pension plan in the United Kingdom are determined using the weighted average long-term sterling AA corporate bond.  On December 31, 2009, the yield was approximately 5.7%.

Deferred Income Taxes.  Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the basis of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws and regulations.  Our deferred tax assets include, among other items, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits that can be used to offset taxable income in future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods.  These deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits will begin to expire, if unused, no later than 2026 and 2021, respectively.  The Company believes that it should ultimately generate sufficient U.S. taxable income during the remaining tax loss and credit carry forward periods in order to realize substantially all of the benefits of the net operating losses and credits before they expire.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC Topic 740), requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.  This assessment requires significant judgment, and in making this evaluation, the Company considers available positive and negative evidence, including past results, the existence of cumulative losses in recent periods, and our forecast of taxable income for the current year and future years and tax planning strategies.

 
29

 

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company concluded that it was no longer more-likely-than-not that we would realize our U.S. deferred tax assets. As a result we provided a full valuation allowance, net of certain future reversing taxable temporary differences, with respect to our U.S. deferred tax assets. This conclusion did not change for 2009. To the extent that realization of a portion or all of the tax assets becomes more-likely-than-not to be realized based on changes in circumstances a reversal of that portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance will be recorded.

The Company does not provide deferred income taxes on unremitted earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are deemed permanently reinvested.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (ASC Topic 815-10) which expands the quarterly and annual disclosure requirements about the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.  The adoption of ASC Topic 815 did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Restructuring.  We have recorded restructuring charges in the recent period in connection with improving manufacturing efficiency and cost position by transferring production to other locations.  These charges are recorded when management has committed to a plan and incurred a liability related to the plan.  Also in connection with this initiative, we recorded liabilities for severance costs.  No fixed-asset impairment charges were incurred because assets are primarily being transferred to our other locations for continued production.  Estimates for work force reductions and other costs savings are recorded based upon estimates of the number of positions to be terminated, termination benefits to be provided and other information as necessary.  Management evaluates the estimates on a quarterly basis and will adjust the reserve when information indicates that the estimate is above or below the initial estimate.  For further discussion of our restructuring activities, see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

New accounting standards to be implemented:

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (ASC Topic 810-10).  This updated guidance requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; to eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; to add an additional reconsideration event for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. This update became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

New accounting standards implemented:

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (ASC Topic 820-10), which provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC Topic 820-10 was effective for financial assets and financial liabilities in years beginning after November 15, 2007 and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities in years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The provisions of ASC Topic 820-10 were applied prospectively.  The Company adopted ASC Topic 820-10 for financial assets and liabilities in 2008 and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities in 2009 with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805).  This standard improves reporting by creating greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations.  Additionally, ASC Topic 805 requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and other users all of the information they need to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination.  ASC Topic 805 was effective for financial statements issued for years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of ASC Topic 805 did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ASC Topic 810-10-65).  This guidance improves the relevance, comparability and transparency of financial information provided to investors by requiring all entities to report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries in the same way.  Additionally, it eliminates the diversity that currently exists in accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests by requiring they be treated as equity transactions.  We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2009.  In connection with our acquisition of BCS during 2009, we recorded $4.4 of noncontrolling interest as a component of shareholders’ equity as of the acquisition date.

In December 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (ASC Topic 715-20-65).  This guidance requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of plan assets, the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  This guidance was effective for the Company beginning with its year ending December 31, 2009.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Forward-Looking Statements

Portions of this report contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, our directors or officers with respect to, among other things, our (i) future product and facility expansion, (ii) acquisition strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, and (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business.  Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions.  The forward-looking statements in this report are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

 
·
the loss or bankruptcy of a major customer;
 
 
·
the costs and timing of facility closures, business realignment, or similar actions;
 
 
·
a significant change in medium- and heavy-duty, automotive, agricultural or off-highway vehicle production;
 
 
·
our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;
 
 
·
a significant change in general economic conditions in any of the various countries in which we operate;
 
 
·
labor disruptions at our facilities or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;
 
 
·
the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis;
 
 
·
the amount of debt and the restrictive covenants contained in our credit facility;
 
 
·
customer acceptance of new products;
 
 
·
capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates or market perceptions;
 
 
·
the successful integration of any acquired businesses;
 
 
·
the occurrence or non-occurrence of circumstances beyond our control; and
 
 
·
those items described in Part I, Item IA (“Risk Factors”).
 
 
31

 
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate Risk

From time to time, we are exposed to certain market risks, primarily resulting from the effects of changes in interest rates.  Our senior notes with a face value of $183.0 million have a fixed rate.  We currently have no amounts outstanding on our revolving credit facility.  At this time, we do not use financial instruments to manage this risk.

Commodity Price Risk

Given the current economic climate and recent fluctuations in certain commodity costs, we currently are experiencing an increased risk, particularly with respect to the purchase of copper, zinc, resins and certain other commodities.  In the past, we managed this risk through a combination of fixed price agreements, staggered short-term contract maturities and commercial negotiations with our suppliers.  In the future if we believe that the terms of a fixed price agreement become beneficial to us, we will enter into another such instrument.  We may also consider pursuing alternative commodities or alternative suppliers to mitigate this risk over a period of time.  The recent increase in certain commodity costs has negatively affected our operating results.

In September 2008, we entered into a fixed price swap contract for 1.4 million pounds of copper, which lasted through December 2009.  We continue to monitor the fixed price commodity market and will pursue a contract if we believe that the terms of the contract become beneficial to us.  The purpose of this contract was to reduce our price risk as it relates to copper prices.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We use derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency forward contracts, to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions and other foreign currency exposures.  As discussed in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, we have entered into foreign currency forward contracts that had a notional value of $52.2 million and $44.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The purpose of these foreign currency contracts is to reduce exposure related to the Company’s British pound and Swedish krona-denominated receivables as well as to reduce exposure to future Mexican peso-denominated purchases.  The estimated fair value of these contracts at December 31, 2009 and 2008, per quoted market sources, was approximately $1.7 million and $(0.8) million, respectively.  The Company’s foreign currency option contracts expire during 2010.  We do not expect the effects of this risk to be material in the future based on the current operating and economic conditions in the countries in which we operate.

A hypothetical pre-tax gain (loss) in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted currency exchange rates would be approximately $0.7 million or $(0.9) million for the Company’s British pound and Swedish krona-denominated receivables, as of December 31, 2009.  A hypothetical pre-tax gain (loss) in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted currency exchange rates would be approximately $4.2 million or $(5.2) million for the Company’s Mexican peso-denominated payables as of December 31, 2009.  It is important to note that gains and losses indicated in the sensitivity analysis would generally be offset by gains and losses on the underlying exposures being hedged.  Therefore, a hypothetical pre-tax gain or loss in fair value from a 10.0% favorable or adverse change in quoted foreign currencies would not significantly affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
 
 
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Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

   
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements:
   
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
35
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
37
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
39
     
Financial Statement Schedule:
   
     
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
74

33


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, other comprehensive income (loss) and shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2009 the Company changed its method of accounting for business combinations.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 16, 2010

 
34

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
ASSETS
           
             
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 91,907     $ 92,692  
Accounts receivable, less reserves of $2,350 and $4,204, respectively
    81,272       96,535  
Inventories, net
    40,244       54,800  
Prepaid expenses and other
    17,247       10,564  
Total current assets
    230,670       254,591  
                 
Long-Term Assets:
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
    76,991       87,701  
Investments and other, net
    54,864       40,145  
Total long-term assets
    131,855       127,846  
Total Assets
  $ 362,525     $ 382,437  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 50,947     $ 50,719  
Accrued expenses and other
    36,827       43,485  
Total current liabilities
    87,774       94,204  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    183,431       183,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    17,263       13,475  
Total long-term liabilities
    200,694       196,475  
                 
Shareholders' Equity:
               
Preferred Shares, without par value, authorized 5,000 shares, none issued
    -       -  
Common Shares, without par value, authorized 60,000 shares, issued 25,301 and 24,772
               
shares and outstanding 25,000 and 24,665 shares, respectively, with no stated value
    -       -  
Additional paid-in capital
    158,748       158,039  
Common Shares held in treasury, 301 and 107 shares, respectively, at cost
    (292 )     (129 )
Accumulated deficit
    (91,560 )     (59,155 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    2,669       (6,997 )
Total Stoneridge Inc. and Subsidiaries shareholders’ equity
    69,565       91,758  
Noncontrolling interest
    4,492       -  
Total shareholders' equity
    74,057       91,758  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  $ 362,525     $ 382,437  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
35

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net Sales
  $ 475,152     $ 752,698     $ 727,120  
                         
Costs and Expenses:
                       
Cost of goods sold
    387,167       586,411       559,397  
Selling, general and administrative
    102,583       135,992       131,998  
Goodwill impairment charge
    -       65,175       -  
Restructuring charges
    3,645       8,391       926  
                         
Operating Income (Loss)
    (18,243 )     (43,271 )     34,799  
                         
Interest expense, net
    21,965       20,575       21,759  
Equity in earnings of investees
    (7,775 )     (13,490 )     (10,893 )
Other expense, net
    893       419       709  
                         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    (33,326 )     (50,775 )     23,224  
                         
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (1,003 )     46,752       6,553  
                         
Net Income (Loss)
    (32,323 )     (97,527 )     16,671  
                         
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    82       -       -  
                         
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
  $ (32,405 )   $ (97,527 )   $ 16,671  
                         
Basic net income (loss) per share
  $ (1.37 )   $ (4.17 )   $ 0.72  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    23,626       23,367       23,133  
                         
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  $ (1.37 )   $ (4.17 )   $ 0.71  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    23,626       23,367       23,548  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
36

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (32,323 )   $ (97,527 )   $ 16,671  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
                       
operating activities -
                       
Depreciation
    19,875       26,196       28,299  
Amortization
    1,053       1,320       1,522  
Deferred income taxes
    (3,200 )     46,239       3,823  
Earnings of equity method investees, less dividends received
    (474 )     (9,277 )     (5,299 )
Loss (Gain) on sale of fixed assets
    219       (571 )     (1,710 )
Share-based compensation expense
    1,252       3,425       2,431  
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
    -       770       -  
Goodwill impairment charge
    -       65,175       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities -
                       
Accounts receivable, net
    16,619       20,087       (13,424 )
Inventories, net
    17,255       (1,786 )     933  
Prepaid expenses and other
    (1,060 )     2,656       1,474  
Accounts payable
    (2,111 )     (14,769 )     (4,881 )
Accrued expenses and other
    (3,281 )     518       3,686  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    13,824       42,456       33,525  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (11,998 )     (24,573 )     (18,141 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    201       1,652       12,315  
Business acquisitions
    (5,967 )     (980 )     -  
Net cash used by investing activities
    (17,764 )     (23,901 )     (5,826 )
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Repayments of long-term debt
    -       (17,000 )     -  
Revolving credit facility borrowings
    336       -       -  
Share-based compensation activity
    -       1,322       2,119  
Premiums related to early extinguishment of debt
    -       (553 )     -  
Other financing costs
    -       -       (1,219 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    336       (16,231 )     900  
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    2,819       (5,556 )     1,443  
                         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (785 )     (3,232 )     30,042  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    92,692       95,924       65,882  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 91,907     $ 92,692     $ 95,924  
                         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for interest, net
  $ 20,981     $ 20,048     $ 20,637  
Cash paid for income taxes, net
  $ 2,319     $ 4,466     $ 3,672  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
37

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)

   
Number of Common Shares
   
Number of Treasury Shares
   
Additional Paid-in Capital
   
Common Shares Held in Treasury
   
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   
Noncontrolling Interest
   
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2006
    23,804       186     $ 150,078     $ (151 )   $ 21,701     $ 6,994     $ -     $ 178,622  
                                                                 
Net income
    -       -       -       -       16,671       -       -       16,671  
Pension liability adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       1,039       -       1,039  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       44       -       44  
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -       (37 )     -       (37 )
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       5,987       -       5,987  
Comprehensive income
                                                            23,704  
                                                                 
Exercise of share options
    164       -       1,552       -       -       -       -       1,552  
Issuance of restricted Common Shares
    447       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Forfeited restricted Common Shares
    (181 )     181       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury
    (25 )     25       -       (232 )     -       -       -       (232 )
Share-based compensation matters
    -       -       2,543       -       -       -       -       2,543  
                                                                 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2007
    24,209       392       154,173       (383 )     38,372       14,027       -       206,189  
                                                                 
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       (97,527 )     -       -       (97,527 )
Pension liability adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       (1,531 )     -       (1,531 )
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       (10 )     -       (10 )
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -       (4,977 )     -       (4,977 )
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       (14,506 )     -       (14,506 )
Comprehensive loss
                                                            (118,551 )
                                                                 
Exercise of share options
    88       -       795       -       -       -       -       795  
Issuance of restricted Common Shares
    462       (379 )     -       383       -       -       -       383  
Forfeited restricted Common Shares
    (73 )     73       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury
    (21 )     21       -       (129 )     -       -       -       (129 )
Share-based compensation matters
    -       -       3,071       -       -       -       -       3,071  
                                                                 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2008
    24,665       107       158,039       (129 )     (59,155 )     (6,997 )     -       91,758  
                                                                 
Net income (loss)
    -       -       -       -       (32,405 )     -       82       (32,323 )
Pension liability adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       (3,130 )     -       (3,130 )
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       -       6       -       6  
Unrealized gain on derivatives
    -       -       -       -       -       6,724       -       6,724  
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       6,066       -       6,066  
Comprehensive loss
                                                            (22,657 )
                                                                 
Business acquisition
    -       -       -       -       -       -       4,410       4,410  
Exercise of share options
    7       -       3       -       -       -       -       3  
Issuance of restricted Common Shares
    522       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Forfeited restricted Common Shares
    (153 )     153       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Repurchased Common Shares for treasury
    (41 )     41       -       (163 )     -       -       -       (163 )
Share-based compensation matters
    -       -       706       -       -       -       -       706  
                                                                 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2009
    25,000       301     $ 158,748     $ (292 )   $ (91,560 )   $ 2,669     $ 4,492     $ 74,057  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
38

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

1. Organization and Nature of Business

Stoneridge, Inc. and its subsidiaries are independent designers and manufacturers of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stoneridge, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”).  Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company accounts for investments in joint ventures in which it owns between 20% and 50% of equity or otherwise acquires management influence using the equity method (Note 3).

Accounting Standards Codification

During 2009, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) - Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-01, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (“ASC” or “Codification”) as the official single source of authoritative U.S. GAAP.  All existing accounting standards were superseded.  All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification will be considered non-authoritative.  The Codification also includes all relevant Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance organized using the same topical structure in separate sections within the Codification.  In order to ease the transition to the Codification, the Company is providing the Codification cross-reference alongside the references to the standards issued and adopted prior to the adoption of the Codification.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value, due to the highly liquid nature and short-term duration of the underlying securities.

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

Revenues are principally generated from the medium- and heavy-duty truck, automotive, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets.  The Company’s largest customers were Navistar International and Deere & Company, which accounted for approximately 27%, 26% and 20% and 12%, 10% and 7% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
39

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for approximately 69% and 72% of the Company’s inventories at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and by the first-in, first-out method for all other inventories.  The Company adjusts its excess and obsolescence reserve at least on a quarterly basis.  Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period.  The Company uses guidelines and judgment for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on hand compared to anticipated sales or usage.  Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consist of the following at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Raw materials
  $ 26,118     $ 32,981  
Work-in-progress
    9,137       8,876  
Finished goods
    8,226       15,890  
Total inventories
    43,481       57,747  
Less: LIFO reserve
    (3,237 )     (2,947 )
Inventories, net
  $ 40,244     $ 54,800  

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Land and land improvements
  $ 3,131     $ 3,872  
Buildings and improvements
    34,610       35,325  
Machinery and equipment
    132,936       131,061  
Office furniture and fixtures
    7,163       6,586  
Tooling
    63,566       62,163  
Information technology
    24,070       21,714  
Vehicles
    431       314  
Leasehold improvements
    2,904       2,359  
Construction in progress
    11,779       14,878  
Total property, plant and equipment
    280,590       278,272  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    (203,599 )     (190,571 )
Property, plant and equipment, net
  $ 76,991     $ 87,701  

As a result of the restructuring plan approved on October 29, 2007 (See Note 11), the manufacturing facility located in Sarasota, Florida was closed in 2008.  This facility was included within the Control Devices segment.  In 2009, the Company classified the Sarasota, Florida facility as an asset held for sale and has included the net book value of the facility of $3,757 within the December 31, 2009 consolidated balance sheet as a component of prepaid expenses and other.

 
40

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $19,875, $26,196 and $28,299, respectively.  Depreciable lives within each property classification are as follows:

Buildings and improvements
 
10–40 years
Machinery and equipment
 
3–20 years
Office furniture and fixtures
 
3–10 years
Tooling
 
2–5 years
Information technology
 
3–5 years
Vehicles
 
3–5 years
Leasehold improvements
 
3–8 years

Maintenance and repair expenditures that are not considered improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property, plant and equipment are charged to expense as incurred.  Expenditures for improvements and major renewals are capitalized.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss on the disposition is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative.

Impairment of Finite-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets with finite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  No significant impairment charges were recorded in 2009, 2008 or 2007 for finite lived assets.  Impairment would be recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recovered.  Measurement of the amount of impairment may be based on appraisal, market values of similar assets or estimated discounted future cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset.

Acquisitions

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 141(R), Business Combinations (ASC Topic 805) which requires, among other things, the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize the fair value of all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed; the recognition of acquisition-related costs in the consolidated statement of operations and contingent purchase consideration to be recognized at their fair values on the acquisition date with subsequent adjustments recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

On October 13, 2009, the Company acquired a 51% membership interest in Bolton Conductive Systems, LLC (“BCS”) for a purchase price of $5,967, net of cash acquired.  BCS designs and manufactures a wide variety of electrical solutions for the military, automotive, marine and specialty vehicle markets and is based in Walled Lake, Michigan.  The Company acquired a majority interest in BCS in order to expand its presence in the military channel.  The Company may be required to make an additional payment to the prior owners of BCS for its 51% membership interest based on BCS achieving financial performance targets as defined by the purchase agreement.  The maximum amount of additional payments to the prior owners of BCS is $3,200 per year in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and is contingent upon BCS achieving profitability targets based on earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments to BCS of $450 in 2011 and $500 in 2012 based on BCS achieving annual revenue targets in 2010 and 2011, respectively.  Per ASC Topic 805, the Company recorded $893; the fair value of the estimated future additional payments to the prior owners of BCS as of the acquisition date on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of other long-term liabilities.  The estimated future additional payments to the prior owners of BCS were based upon an analysis of forecasted operating results and the probability of achieving the forecasted targets.  The purchase agreement provides the Company with the option to purchase the remaining 49% interest in BCS in 2013 at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement.  If the Company does not exercise this option then the minority owners of BCS have the option in 2014 to purchase the Company’s 51% interest in BCS at a price determined in accordance with the purchase agreement or to jointly market BCS for sale.  BCS’s results of operations are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations from its date of acquisition.

 
41

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

The Company has preliminarily allocated the consideration transferred to net tangible assets acquired, intangible assets, goodwill and noncontrolling interest, of $927, $1,144, $9,199 and $4,410, respectively as of the acquisition date.

The Company incurred approximately $300 of acquisition costs related to the BCS purchase.  These costs are included in selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.

On March 31, 2008, the Company acquired Magnum Trade AB, a commercial vehicle aftermarket distributor operating in northern Europe for $980.

Noncontrolling Interest

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ASC Topic 810-10-65).  ASC Topic 810-10-65 requires that noncontrolling interests be reported as a component of equity; net income (loss) attributable to the parent and the noncontrolling interest be separately identified in the consolidated statement of operations; changes in a parent's ownership interest be treated as equity transactions if control is maintained; and upon a loss of control, any gain or loss on the interest be recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.  ASC Topic 810-10-65 also requires expanded disclosures to clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of BCS during 2009, it recorded $4,410 of noncontrolling interest as a component of shareholders’ equity as of the acquisition date.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is subject to an annual assessment for impairment (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) by applying a fair value-based test.

The Company performs its annual impairment test of goodwill as of the beginning of the fourth quarter.  The Company uses a combination of valuation techniques, which include consideration of a market-based approach (guideline company method) and an income approach (discounted cash flow method), in determining the fair value of the Company’s applicable reporting units in the annual impairment test of goodwill.  The Company believes that the combination of the valuation models provides a more appropriate valuation of the Company’s reporting units by taking into account different marketplace participant assumptions.  Both methods utilize market data in the derivation of a value estimate and are forward-looking in nature.  The guideline assessment of future performance and the discounted cash flow method utilize a market-derived rate of return to discount anticipated performance.

These methodologies are applied to the reporting units’ historical and projected financial performance.  The impairment review is highly judgmental and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions have a significant impact on the amount of any impairment charge recorded.  Discounted cash flow methods are dependent upon assumption of future sales trends, market conditions and cash flows of each reporting unit over several years.  Actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those previously forecasted.  Other significant assumptions include growth rates and the discount rate applicable to future cash flows.

As of the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company’s goodwill balance of $65.2 million was related to the Control Devices reportable segment.  The Company completed its annual assessment of any potential goodwill impairment as of October 1, 2008 and determined that no impairment existed.

Due to significant declines in the automotive sector and the world economy as a whole during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company performed an additional impairment test as of December 31, 2008.  The initial December 31, 2008 impairment test indicated that the carrying value of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeded the corresponding fair value of the reporting units.  The implied fair value of goodwill in these reporting units were then determined through the allocation of the fair value to the underlying assets and liabilities.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the reporting units was greater than the implied fair value; therefore the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $65.2 million, within the Control Devices reportable segment as a component of operating loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 
42

 

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from the significant deterioration in the global economic environment including tightening credit markets, stock market declines and significant reductions in current and forecasted production volumes for light and commercial vehicles during the quarter ended December 31, 2008.  This lead to a significant decline in the Company’s stock price, which resulted in a market capitalization less than the Company’s carrying value at December 31, 2008 prior to the impairment test.

During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company allocated $715 of the BCS purchase price to intangible assets related to customer relationships, with a weighted average useful life of 8.1 years and $429 to trademarks with a useful life of 3.0 years.  These intangible assets are included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of investments and other, net.  The Company recognized $64 of amortization expense in 2009 from the BCS intangible assets, which is included as a component of selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Amortization expense for these intangible assets is estimated to be $231, $231, $201, $88 and $75 for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

The Company recorded goodwill of $9,199 within the Electronics segment from the BCS acquisition.  Goodwill is included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of investments and other, net.  This goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.

In 2008, the Company recorded $544 of goodwill from the Magnum Trade AB acquisition, which is included in investments and other, net on the consolidated balance sheet.

The change in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment during 2009 and 2008 was as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
         
Control
         
Control
 
   
Electronics
   
Devices
   
Electronics
   
Devices
 
Goodwill at beginning of period
  $ 494     $ -     $ -     $ 65,176  
Goodwill acquired
    9,199       -       544       -  
Translation adjustment
    50       -       (50 )     -  
Impairment charge
    -       -       -       (65,176 )
Goodwill at end of period
  $ 9,743     $ -     $ 494     $ -  
 
The Company fully amortized its patents during the year ended December 31, 2008.  Aggregate amortization expense on patents was $203 and $204 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively and was included on the consolidated statement of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative.

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Compensation related obligations
  $ 13,553     $ 18,027  
Warranty and recall related obligations
    4,764       5,527  
Other (1)
    18,510       19,931  
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
  $ 36,827     $ 43,485  
 

 (1)           “Other” is comprised of miscellaneous accruals; none of which contributed a significant portion of the total.

 
43

 
 
STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily as a result of the goodwill impairment charge incurred, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the Company would not be able to realize its deferred tax asset in the U.S..  As a result, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $62,006 in 2008.  The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance in 2009.

The Company's policy is to provide for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties based upon management's assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  At December 31, 2009, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for any unrecognized tax benefits.  To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company's effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

Currency Translation

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries, where the local currency is the functional currency, are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the period end for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during each reporting period for the results of operations.  Adjustments resulting from translation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Foreign currency transactions are remeasured into the functional currency using translation rates in effect at the time of the transaction, with the resulting adjustments included on the consolidated statement of operations.

Revenue Recognition and Sales Commitments

The Company recognizes revenues from the sale of products, net of actual and estimated returns, at the point of passage of title, which is generally at the time of shipment.  Estimated returns are based on authorized returns.  The Company often enters into agreements with its customers at the beginning of a given vehicle’s expected production life.  Once such agreements are entered into, it is the Company’s obligation to fulfill the customers’ purchasing requirements for the entire production life of the vehicle.  These agreements are subject to renegotiation, which may affect product pricing.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors.  In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, a specific allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected.  Additionally, the Company reviews historical trends for collectability in determining an estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts.  If economic circumstances change substantially, estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be reduced by a material amount.  The Company does not have collateral requirements with its customers.

Product Warranty and Recall Reserves

Amounts accrued for product warranty and recall claims are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle future and existing claims on products sold as of the balance sheet dates.  These accruals are based on several factors including past experience, production changes, industry developments and various other considerations.  The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims in the future or that it will not incur significant costs to defend or settle such claims beyond the amounts accrued or beyond what the Company may recover from its suppliers.
 
44

 
STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
The following provides a reconciliation of changes in product warranty and recall liability for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Product warranty and recall at beginning of period
  $ 5,527     $ 5,306  
Accruals for products shipped during period
    2,166       5,487  
Aggregate changes in pre-existing liabilities due to claims developments
    1,945       1,157  
Settlements made during the period (in cash or in kind)
    (4,874 )     (6,423 )
Product warranty and recall at end of period
  $ 4,764     $ 5,527  

Product Development Expenses

Expenses associated with the development of new products and changes to existing products are charged to expense as incurred.  These costs amounted to $32,993, $45,509 and $45,223 in years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively or 6.9%, 6.0% and 6.2% of net sales for these periods.

Share-Based Compensation

At December 31, 2009, the Company had three types of share-based compensation plans: (1) Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), (2) Directors’ Share Option Plan and (3) the Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan.  One plan is for employees and two plans are for non-employee directors.  The Incentive Plan is made up of the Long-Term Incentive Plan that was approved by the Company's shareholders on September 30, 1997 and expired on June 30, 2007 and the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan that was approved by the Company's shareholders on April 24, 2006 and expires on April 24, 2016. 

Total compensation expense recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative on the consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $1,252, $3,425 and $2,431 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  There was no share-based compensation expense capitalized as inventory in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Financial Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

Financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, held by the Company include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt and foreign currency forward contracts. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable is considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  Refer to Note 9 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fair value disclosures of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts.

Common Shares Held in Treasury

The Company accounts for Common Shares held in treasury under the cost method and includes such shares as a reduction of total shareholders’ equity.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including certain self-insured risks and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because actual results could differ from those estimates, the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
 
45


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share was computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period.  Diluted net income per share was calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average of all potentially dilutive Common Shares that were outstanding during the periods presented.  For all periods in which the Company recognized a net loss, the Company has recognized zero dilutive effect from securities as no anti-dilution is permitted.  Actual weighted-average shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted net income (loss) per share were as follows:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding
    23,625,923       23,366,515       23,132,814  
Effect of dilutive securities
    -       -       415,669  
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding
    23,625,923       23,366,515       23,548,483  

Options not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share to purchase 169,750, 74,000 and 89,500 Common Shares at an average price of $9.57, $14.86 and $14.61 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  These outstanding options were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their respective exercise prices were greater than the average market price of Common Shares.

 There were 395,925 and 628,275 performance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These shares were not included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share because not all vesting conditions were achieved as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.  These shares may or may not become dilutive based on the Company’s ability to exceed future earnings thresholds.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation adjustments and gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, the effective portion of gains and losses on certain hedging activities, pension liability adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as reported on the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income (loss) and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, net of tax were as follows:

   
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
   
Pension
Liability
Adjustments
   
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Marketable
Securities
   
Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Derivatives
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Balance, January 1, 2007
  $ 8,525     $ (1,467 )   $ (64 )   $ -     $ 6,994  
Current year change
    5,987       1,039       44       (37 )     7,033  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    14,512       (428 )     (20 )     (37 )     14,027  
Current year change
    (14,506 )     (1,531 )     (10 )     (4,977 )     (21,024 )
Balance, December 31, 2008
    6       (1,959 )     (30 )     (5,014 )     (6,997 )
Current year change
    6,066       (3,130 )     6       6,724       9,666  
Balance, December 31, 2009
  $ 6,072     $ (5,089 )   $ (24 )   $ 1,710     $ 2,669  
 
46


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
     
The tax effects related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

   
Before Tax
Amount
   
Benefit /
(Provision)
   
After-Tax
Amount
 
2007
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 5,987     $ -     $ 5,987  
Pension liability adjustments
    1,039       -       1,039  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    68       (24 )     44  
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    (57 )     20       (37 )
Other comprehensive income
  $ 7,037     $ (4 )   $ 7,033  
                         
2008
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ (14,506 )   $ -     $ (14,506 )
Pension liability adjustments
    (1,531 )     -       (1,531 )
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (16 )     6       (10 )
Unrealized loss on derivatives
    (4,977 )     -       (4,977 )
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (21,030 )   $ 6     $ (21,024 )
                         
2009
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 6,066     $ -     $ 6,066  
Pension liability adjustments
    (3,130 )     -       (3,130 )
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    9       (3 )     6  
Unrealized gain on derivatives
    6,724       -       6,724  
Other comprehensive income
  $ 9,669     $ (3 )   $ 9,666  
 
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recorded valuation allowances of $1,675 and $675, respectively, which fully offset the deferred tax asset related to the pension liability adjustments.

Deferred Finance Costs

Deferred finance costs are being amortized over the life of the related financial instrument using the straight-line method. The annual amortization for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $989, $1,117 and $1,318, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (ASC Topic 810-10).  This updated guidance requires an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; to eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity; to add an additional reconsideration event for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. This update became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010.  The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to their 2009 presentation in the consolidated financial statements.
 
47


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
3. Investments

PST Eletrônica S.A.

The Company has a 50% interest in PST Eletrônica S.A. (“PST”), a Brazilian electronic system provider focused on security and convenience applications primarily for the vehicle and motorcycle industry.  The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The Company’s investment in PST was $35,824 and $31,021 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Condensed financial information for PST is as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,246     $ 5,678  
Accounts receivable, net
    21,427       12,533  
Inventories, net
    25,952       21,091  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    27,592       18,379  
Other assets
    9,489       4,272  
Total Assets
  $ 85,706     $ 61,953  
                 
Current liabilities
  $ 30,306     $ 17,268  
Long-term liabilities
    6,266       10,183  
Equity of:
               
Stoneridge
    24,567       17,251  
Others
    24,567       17,251  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 85,706     $ 61,953  

The difference between the Company’s carrying amount of its investment in PST and the Company’s underlying equity in the net assets of PST is primarily due to a net goodwill balance of $11,296 at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net sales
  $ 140,690     $ 174,305     $ 133,039  
Cost of goods sold
  $ 69,291     $ 80,924     $ 61,575  
                         
Total pre-tax income
  $ 15,623     $ 31,788     $ 25,152  
The Company's share of pre-tax income
  $ 7,812     $ 15,894     $ 12,576  

Equity in earnings of PST included in the consolidated statements of operations was $7,385, $12,788 and $10,351 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During 2009, 2008 and 2007, PST declared dividends payable to its joint venture partners, which included the Company.  The Company received dividend payments from PST of $7,301, $4,213 and $5,594 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which decreased the Company’s investment in PST.

Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.

The Company has a 49% interest in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”), a company based in India that manufactures electronics and instrumentation equipment for the motorcycle and commercial vehicle market.  The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The Company’s investment in Minda was $5,220 and $4,808 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Equity in earnings of Minda included in the consolidated statements of operations was $390, $702 and $542, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
48


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
     
4. Long-Term Debt

Senior Notes

The Company had $183.0 million of senior notes outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  During 2008, the Company purchased and retired $17.0 million in face value of the senior notes. The $183.0 million senior notes bear interest at an annual rate of 11.50% and mature on May 1, 2012.  The senior notes are redeemable, at the Company’s option, at 101.917% of the principal amount until April 30, 2010.  After April 30, 2010, the senior notes will remain redeemable at par until the maturity date.  Interest is payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year.  The senior notes do not contain restrictive financial performance covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all non-financial covenants at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Credit Facilities

On November 2, 2007, the Company entered into an asset-based credit facility, which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100.0 million.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, there were no borrowings on this asset-based credit facility.  The available borrowing capacity on this credit facility is based on eligible current assets, as defined.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had borrowing capacity of $54.1 million and $57.7 million, respectively, based on eligible current assets.  The credit facility does not contain financial performance covenants which would constrain the Company’s borrowing capacity. However, restrictions do include limits on capital expenditures, operating leases, dividends and investment activities in a negative covenant which limits investment activities to $15.0 million minus certain guarantees and obligations.  The credit facility expires on November 1, 2011 and requires a commitment fee of 0.375% on the unused balance.  Interest is payable quarterly at either (i) the higher of the prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%, plus a margin of 0.00% to 0.25% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.75%, depending upon the Company’s undrawn availability, as defined.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

On October 9, 2009, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 (the “Amendment”) to the asset based credit facility.  The Amendment enabled the Company to acquire a 51% equity interest in BCS and have an option to purchase the remaining 49% of BCS, with BCS being excluded from certain restrictive covenants in the asset based credit facility applicable to subsidiaries.  The acquisition of BCS is discussed within Note 2.  In addition, the Amendment redefines certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company as non borrowers and permits certain internal transactions that will facilitate the implementation of a more efficient cash management structure.  The Amendment did not change the Company’s borrowing capacity.

On October 13, 2009, BCS entered into a master revolving note (the “Revolver”), which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $3.0 million.  At December 31, 2009, BCS had $688 in borrowings outstanding on the Revolver, which are included on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accrued expenses and other.  The revolver expires on October 1, 2010.  Interest is payable monthly at the prime referenced rate plus a 2.25% margin.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the revolver was 5.5%.  The Company is a guarantor of BCS as it relates to the Revolver.

Installment Notes

BCS had an installment note (“installment note”) in the amount of $527 and other notes payable for the purchase of various fixed assets (“fixed asset notes”) in the amount of $231 as of the acquisition date.  Interest on the installment notes is the prime referenced rate plus a 2.25% margin.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the installment note was 5.5%.  The installment note calls for monthly installment payments of principal and interest and matures in 2012.  The weighted average interest rate on the fixed asset notes was 6.6% at December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2009, the principal amounts due on the installment and fixed asset notes was $483 and $221, respectively.  The installment and fixed asset notes require annual principal payments of $273, $250, $157, $16 and $8 in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. The Company is a guarantor of BCS on the installment note.
 
49


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
5. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents federal, state and foreign income taxes.  The components of income (loss) before income taxes and the provision (benefit) for income taxes consist of the following:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Income (loss) before income taxes:
                 
Domestic
  $ (21,282 )   $ (52,320 )   $ 9,186  
Foreign
    (12,044 )     1,545       14,038  
Total income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (33,326 )   $ (50,775 )   $ 23,224  
                         
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
                       
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ 9     $ (1,434 )   $ (55 )
State and foreign
    2,188       1,947       2,785  
Total current provision
    2,197       513       2,730  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    (1,242 )     47,590       3,450  
State and foreign
    (1,958 )     (1,351 )     373  
Total deferred provision (benefit)
    (3,200 )     46,239       3,823  
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ (1,003 )   $ 46,752     $ 6,553  

A reconciliation of the Company’s effective income tax rate to the statutory federal tax rate is as follows:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate
    (35.0 ) %     (35.0 ) %     35.0 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    1.2       (1.8 )     (1.0 )
Tax credits
    (2.8 )     (2.0 )     (4.0 )
Foreign rate differential
    0.7       (4.4 )     (10.9 )
Reduction of income tax accruals
    (0.1 )     (1.2 )     (2.4 )
Tax on foreign dividends, net of foreign tax credits
    24.4       1.8       1.8  
Reduction (increase) of deferred taxes
    2.3       (2.8 )     1.3  
Valuation allowances
    7.1       129.2       7.4  
Non-deductible goodwill
    -       9.0       -  
Other
    (0.8 )     (0.7 )     1.0  
Effective income tax rate
    (3.0 ) %     92.1 %     28.2 %

The Company recognized a provision (benefit) for income taxes of $(1,003), or 3.0%, $46,752, or (92.1)% of pre-tax loss and $6,553 or 28.2% of pre-tax income, for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The effective tax rate for 2009 decreased compared to 2008 primarily as a result of the difference in the amount of valuation allowance recorded against our domestic deferred tax assets.  Prior to 2008 the Company had not provided a valuation allowance against its domestic deferred tax assets, therefore the amount of valuation allowance provided in 2008 was based on the total domestic deferred tax asset amount as of December 31, 2008.  The amount of valuation allowance provided in 2009 is significantly less than 2008 as it relates only to the change in domestic deferred tax assets from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009.  Due to the impairment of goodwill in 2008, the Company is in a cumulative loss position for the period 2007 to 2009 and has provided a valuation allowance offsetting federal, state and certain foreign deferred tax assets.  Additionally, the 2008 effective tax rate was negatively affected by non-deductible goodwill.
 
50


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
During 2009, the Company reorganized its European legal structure and remitted earnings to the U.S..  Due to the Company’s U.S. tax position, a full U.S. tax was provided on the remittance. The reorganization did not have an impact on the overall tax benefit provided and resulting effective tax rate as without the reorganization the Company would have provided an additional valuation allowance equal to the amount of tax provided on the remittance.

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries were $2,590, $24,155 and $22,451 as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Because these earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations, no provision has been made for U.S. income taxes.  It is impracticable to determine the amount of unrecognized deferred taxes with respect to these earnings; however, foreign tax credits may be available to reduce U.S. income taxes in the event of a distribution.

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Inventories
  $ 2,049     $ 1,606  
Employee benefits
    2,461       2,568  
Insurance
    1,290       1,306  
Depreciation and amortization
    28,390       35,735  
Net operating loss carryforwards
    38,228       32,169  
General business credit carryforwards
    8,973       8,550  
Reserves not currently deductible
    6,971       7,204  
Gross deferred tax assets
    88,362       89,138  
Less: Valuation allowance
    (83,963 )     (82,379 )
Deferred tax assets less valuation allowance
    4,399       6,759  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    (1,347 )     (4,293 )
Other
    (9,297 )     (7,973 )
Gross deferred tax liabilities
    (10,644 )     (12,266 )
                 
Net deferred tax liability
  $ (6,245 )   $ (5,507 )

The valuation allowance represents the amount of tax benefit related to U.S., state and foreign net operating losses, credits and other deferred tax assets. This valuation allowance has no impact on the Company’s ability to utilize the U.S. net operating losses and credits to offset future U.S. taxable income. The Company believes that it should ultimately generate sufficient U.S. taxable income during the remaining tax loss and credit carry forward periods in order to realize substantially all of the benefits of the net operating losses and credits before they expire.

The Company has deferred tax assets for net operating loss carry forwards of $0 net of a valuation allowance of $38,228.  The net operating losses relate to U.S. federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions.  The U.S. federal net operating losses expire beginning in 2026, the state net operating losses expire at various times and the foreign net operating losses have indefinite expiration dates.  The Company has a deferred tax asset for general business credit carry forwards of $633 net of a valuation allowance of $8,340.  The U.S. federal general business credit carry forwards begin to expire in 2021 and the state tax credits expire at various times.
 
51


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (ASC Topic 740).  ASC Topic 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.  The Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 740 as of January 1, 2007.  The adoption of ASC Topic 740 did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 2,599     $ 4,618  
                 
Tax positions related to the current year:
               
Additions
    369       362  
Tax positions related to prior years:
               
Reductions
    (26 )     (84 )
                 
Settlements
    (104 )     (1,683 )
Expiration of statutes of limitation
    -       (614 )
                 
Balance at December 31
  $ 2,838     $ 2,599  
 
The liability for uncertain tax benefits is classified as a non-current liability unless it is expected to be paid within one year.  At December 31, 2009 the Company has classified $719 as a current liability and $2,119 as a reduction to non-current deferred income tax assets. Through a combination of anticipated state audit settlements and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by approximately $100 within the next 12 months.  Management is currently unaware of issues under review that could result in a significant change or a material deviation in this estimate.

If the Company’s tax positions are sustained by the taxing authorities in favor of the Company, approximately $2,707 would affect the Company’s effective tax rate.

Consistent with historical financial reporting, the Company has elected to classify interest expense and, if applicable, penalties which could be assessed related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.  For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized approximately $104 and $(246) of gross interest and penalties, respectively.  The Company has accrued approximately $530 and $426 for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. The following table summarizes the open tax years for each important jurisdiction:
 
Jurisdiction
 
Open Tax Years
U.S. Federal
 
2006-2009
France
 
2005-2009
Mexico
 
2004-2009
Spain
 
2005-2009
Sweden
 
2004-2009
United Kingdom
 
2005-2009
 
52


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
6. Operating Lease Commitments

The Company leases equipment, vehicles and buildings from third parties under operating lease agreements.

The Estate of the late D.M. Draime, former Chairman of the Board of Directors, owned 50% of Hunters Square, Inc. (“HSI”), an Ohio corporation, which owns Hunters Square, an office complex and shopping mall located in Warren, Ohio.  The estate sold its investment in HSI in 2007.  The Company leases office space in Hunters Square.  The Company pays all maintenance, tax and insurance costs related to the operation of the office.  Lease payments made by the Company to HSI were $342 in 2007.  The Company believes the terms of the lease were no less favorable to it than would be the terms of a third-party lease.

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, lease expense totaled $6,461, $7,206 and $7,114, respectively.

Future minimum operating lease commitments at December 31, 2009 are as follows:

2010
  $ 5,516  
2011
    4,394  
2012
    3,248  
2013
    2,970  
2014
    2,141  
Thereafter
    3,092  
Total
  $ 21,361  
 
7. Share-Based Compensation Plans

In October 1997, the Company adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”). The Company reserved 2,500,000 Common Shares for issuance to officers and other key employees under the Incentive Plan.  Under the Incentive Plan, as of December 31, 2009, the Company granted cumulative options to purchase 1,594,500 Common Shares to management with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of grant. The options issued cliff-vest from one to five years after the date of grant and have a contractual life of 10 years.  In addition, the Company has also issued 1,553,125 restricted Common Shares under the Incentive Plan, of which 814,250 are time-based with either graded or cliff vesting using the straight-line method while the remaining 738,875 restricted Common Shares are performance-based.  Restricted Common Shares awarded under the Incentive Plan entitle the shareholder to all the rights of Common Share ownership except that the shares may not be sold, transferred, pledged, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of during the vesting period.  The Incentive Plan expired on June 30, 2007.

In May 2002, the Company adopted the Director Share Option Plan (“Director Option Plan”).  The Company reserved 500,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Director Option Plan.  Under the Director Option Plan, the Company granted cumulative options to purchase 93,000 Common Shares to directors of the Company with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of grant.  The options granted cliff-vested one year after the date of grant and have a contractual life of 10 years.

In April 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan").  There are 1,500,000 Common Shares reserved for awards under the 2006 Plan of which the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued subject to Incentive Stock Options is 500,000.  Under the 2006 Plan, as of December 31, 2009, the Company has issued 853,934 restricted Common Shares, of which 657,900 are time-based with cliff- vesting using the straight-line method and 223,800 are performance based.
 
53


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
In 2005, pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share awards and performance-based restricted Common Share awards.  The time-based restricted Common Share awards vest over a one to four year period in equal increments on the grant-date anniversaries.  Approximately one-half of the performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from date of grant and upon achieving certain net income per share targets established by the Company.  The remaining one-half of the performance-based restricted Common Share awards also vest and are no longer  subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee for three years from date of grant and upon the Company attaining  certain targets of performance measured against a peer group’s performance in terms of total return to shareholders.  The actual number of restricted Common Shares to ultimately vest will depend on the Company’s level of achievement of the targeted performance measures and the employees’ attainment of the defined service requirements.

In 2006, pursuant to the Incentive Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share and performance-based restricted Common Share awards.  Certain time-based restricted Common Share awards cliff-vest three years after the grant date.  Other time-based restricted Common Share awards are subject to graded vesting using the straight-line method over a three or four year period.  The performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from date of grant and upon achieving certain net income per share targets established by the Company.

In 2007 pursuant to the Incentive Plan and in 2008, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share and performance-based restricted Common Share awards.  The time-based restricted Common Share awards cliff-vest three years after the grant date.  The performance-based restricted Common Share awards vest and are no longer subject to forfeiture upon the recipient remaining an employee of the Company for three years from date of grant and upon achieving certain net income per share targets established by the Company.

In 2009, pursuant to the 2006 Plan, the Company granted time-based restricted Common Share awards.  These restricted Common Share awards cliff-vest three years after the grant date.

In April 2005, the Company adopted the Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan (“Director Share Plan”).  The Company reserved 300,000 Common Shares for issuance under the Director Share Plan.  Under the Director Share Plan, the Company has cumulatively issued 225,000 restricted Common Shares.  Shares issued under the Director Share Plan during 2008 and certain shares in 2009 will cliff vest one year after the grant date.  Other shares issued under the Director Share Plan during 2009 will cliff vest six months after the date of grant.

Options

A summary of option activity under the plans noted above as of December 31, 2009, and changes during the year ended are presented below:

   
Share Options
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    197,750     $ 11.26        
Expired
    (21,000 )     12.19        
Exercised
    (7,000 )     7.93        
Outstanding and Exercisable at December 31, 2009
    169,750       11.28       2.99  

There were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and all outstanding options have vested.
 
54


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
The intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable is the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the applicable date (“Measurement Value”) and the exercise price of those options that had an exercise price that was less than the Measurement Value. The intrinsic value of options exercised is the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s Common Shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $9, $471 and $482, respectively.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the aggregate intrinsic value of both outstanding and exercisable options was $57 and $15, respectively.  The total fair value of options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2007 was $62.  

Restricted Shares

The fair value of the non-vested time-based restricted Common Share awards was calculated using the market value of the shares on the date of issuance.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value of time-based restricted Common Shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $1.84, $10.81 and $12.00, respectively.

The fair value of the non-vested performance-based restricted Common Share awards with a performance condition, requiring the Company to obtain certain net income per share targets, was estimated using the market value of the shares on the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted Common Shares as of December 31, 2009 and the changes during the year then ended, are presented below:

   
Time-Based Awards
   
Performance-Based Awards
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2008
    626,261     $ 10.18       628,275     $ 10.33  
Granted
    522,404       1.84       -       -  
Vested
    (285,796 )     8.27       (101,039 )     8.39  
Forfeited
    (21,865 )     5.53       (131,311 )     8.77  
Non-vested at December 31, 2009
    841,004       5.77       395,925       11.34  

As of December 31, 2009, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested time-based restricted Common Share awards granted was $1,374.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.48 years.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the total fair value of time-based restricted Common Share awards vested was $1,595, $1,366 and $1,541, respectively.

As of December 31, 2009, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance-based restricted Common Share awards granted was $0.  As noted above, the Company has issued and outstanding performance-based restricted Common Share awards that use different performance targets.  The awards that use net income per share as the performance target will not be expensed until it is probable that the Company will meet the underlying performance condition.

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $0, $575 and $1,409, respectively.  There was no actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from the vesting of restricted Common Shares and option exercises of the share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
55


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
8. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has certain defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plans covering substantially all of its employees in the United States and United Kingdom. Company contributions are generally discretionary.  The Company’s policy is to fund all benefit costs accrued. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, expenses related to these plans amounted to $649, $2,743 and $3,800, respectively.

Effective June 1, 2009 the Company discontinued matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan covering substantially all of its employees in the United States.

The Company has a single defined benefit pension plan that covers certain former employees in the United Kingdom.  As of December 31, 2003, employees covered under the United Kingdom defined benefit pension plan no longer accrue benefits related to future service and wage increases.

The following table sets forth the benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan; amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements; and the principal weighted average assumptions used:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 13,620     $ 22,301  
Service cost
    62       128  
Interest cost
    951       1,154  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    4,895       (2,730 )
Benefits paid
    (686 )     (1,118 )
Settlement
    -       (861 )
Translation adjustments
    1,639       (5,254 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 20,481     $ 13,620  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 11,209     $ 20,946  
Actual return on plan assets
    2,604       (3,628 )
Employer contributions
    109       238  
Benefits paid
    (686 )     (1,118 )
Settlement
    -       (696 )
Translation adjustments
    1,264       (4,533 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 14,500     $ 11,209  
                 
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 20,481     $ 13,620  
Funded status at end of year
    (5,981 )     (2,411 )
                 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance
               
sheet consist of:
               
Other long-term liabilities
    (5,981 )     (2,411 )
 
56


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Weighted average assumptions used to
           
determine benefit obligation at December 31:
           
Discount rate
    5.70 %     6.70 %
Rate of increase to pensions in payment
    3.80 %     3.30 %
Rate of future price inflation
    3.60 %     2.90 %
Measurement date
 
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
                 
Weighted average assumptions used to
               
determine net periodic benefit cost for the
               
years ended December 31:
               
Discount rate
    6.70 %     5.80 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    6.10 %     6.90 %
Rate of increase to pensions in payment
    3.30 %     3.30 %
Rate of future price inflation
    2.90 %     3.20 %
Measurement date
 
12/31/09
   
12/31/08
 
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company’s only change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) was a result of net actuarial gains incurred in 2009 for $3,009.  The Company recognized $3,492 in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income (loss) for 2009.

No net amortization on actuarial gains or losses will be recognized in the next year.

The Company’s expected long-term return on plan assets assumption is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan’s asset allocation and liability structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data and economic / financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return on assets was selected from within the reasonable range of rates determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants.

Components of net periodic pension cost (benefit) are as follows:

   
For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 62     $ 128     $ 140  
Interest cost
    951       1,154       1,180  
Expected return on plan assets
    (717 )     (1,300 )     (1,420 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    187       -       80  
Net periodic cost (benefit)
  $ 483     $ (18 )   $ (20 )
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position 132(R)-1, Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (ASC Topic 715-20-65).  This guidance requires that entities provide enhanced disclosures about how investment allocation decisions are made, the major categories of plan assets, the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value of plan assets, the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.  This Company adopted ASC Topic 715-20-65 beginning with its year ended December 31, 2009.  The adoption of ASC Topic 715-20-65 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
57


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
The Company’s defined benefit pension plan fair value weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2009 and 2008 by asset category are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Asset Category:
           
Equity securities
    81 %     69 %
Debt securities
    18       30  
Other
    1       1  
Total
    100 %     100 %

The Company’s target asset allocation, with a permitted range of ± 7.50%, as of December 31, 2009, by asset category, is as follows:

Asset Category:
     
Equity securities
    75 %
Debt securities
    25 %

The Company’s investment policy for the defined benefit pension plan includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants.  The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions.  Central to the policy are target allocation ranges (shown above) by major asset categories.  The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies. The Company and a designated third-party fiduciary periodically review the investment policy.  The policy is established and administered in a manner so as to comply at all times with applicable government regulations.

Prior to placing Stoneridge Pollak Limited (“SPL”) into administration in the United Kingdom, which is disclosed in note 15, the Company expected to contribute $97 to its defined benefit pension plan in 2010.  The following pension payments were expected to be paid prior to SPL being placed into administration:

2010
  $ 727  
2011
    760  
2012
    792  
2013
    824  
2014
    857  
2015 to 2019
    4,849  
 

The fair values of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2009, utilizing the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 9 are as follows:

         
Fair Value Estimated Using
 
   
Fair Value
   
Level 2 inputs
 
Equities:
           
   Common collective trusts
  $ 11,843     $ 11,843  
                 
Debt:
               
   Common collective trusts
    2,657       2,657  
Total
  $ 14,500     $ 14,500  
 
 
58


STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
In March 2009, the Company adopted the Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (“LTCIP”) and granted awards to certain officers and key employees.  For 2009, the awards under the LTCIP provide recipients with the right to receive cash three years from the date of grant depending on the Company’s actual earnings per share performance for a performance period comprised of 2009, 2010 and 2011 fiscal years.  The Company will record an accrual for an award to be paid in the period earned based on anticipated achievement of the performance goal.  If the participant voluntarily terminates employment or is discharged for cause, as defined in the LTCIP, the award will be forfeited.  In May 2009, the LTCIP was approved by the Company’s shareholders.  The Company has not recorded an accrual for the awards granted under the LTCIP at December 31, 2009 as the achievement of the performance goal is not considered probable at this time.

9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

A financial instrument is cash or a contract that imposes an obligation to deliver, or conveys a right to receive cash or another financial instrument.  The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered to be representative of fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior notes (fixed rate debt) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, per quoted market sources, was $180.3 million and $124.4 million, respectively.  The carrying value at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $183.0 million.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (ASC Topic 815) which expands the quarterly and annual disclosure requirements about the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.  The adoption of ASC Topic 815 did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company makes use of derivative instruments in foreign exchange and commodity price hedging programs.  Derivatives currently in use are foreign currency forward contracts.  These contracts are used strictly for hedging and not for speculative purposes.  Management believes that its use of these instruments to reduce risk is in the Company’s best interest. The counterparties to these financial instruments are financial institutions with strong credit ratings.

The Company conducts business internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk.  The Company uses derivative financial instruments as cash flow hedges to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions and other foreign currency exposures.  The currencies hedged by the Company include the British pound, Swedish krona and Mexican peso.  In certain instances, the foreign currency forward contracts are marked to market, with gains and losses recognized in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as a component of other expense (income), net.  The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts substantially offset gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency denominated transactions.  As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s British pound-denominated intercompany receivables.  This contract expires in January 2010.  In addition, at December 31, 2009 the Company held a foreign currency hedge contract to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s Swedish krona-denominated intercompany receivables.  This contract expires in February 2010.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recognized a $902 loss related to the British pound and Swedish krona contracts in the consolidated statement of operations as a component of other expense (income), net.  The Company also holds contracts intended to reduce exposure to the Mexican peso.  These contracts were executed to hedge forecasted transactions, and therefore the contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges.  These Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency option contracts expire during 2010.  The effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss is deferred and reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The Company’s expectation is that the cash flow hedges will be highly effective in the future.  The effectiveness of the transactions has been and will be measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis.
 
59

 
STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
 
In prior years, to mitigate the risk of future price volatility and, consequently, fluctuations in gross margins, the Company has entered into fixed price commodity swaps with a financial institution to fix the cost of copper purchases.   In December 2007, the Company entered into a fixed price swap contract for 1.0 million pounds of copper, which expired on December 31, 2008.  In September 2008, the Company entered into a fixed price swap contract for 1.4 million pounds of copper, which expired on December 31, 2009.  Because these contracts were executed to hedge forecasted transactions, the contracts were accounted for as cash flow hedges.  The unrealized gain or loss for the effective portion of the hedge was deferred and reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company deemed these cash flow hedges to be highly effective.  The effectiveness of the transactions was measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis.

The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
   
Notional amounts1
   
Prepaid expenses
and other assets
   
Accrued expenses and
other liabilities
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
    December 31,  
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Derivatives designated as hedging
                                   
instruments:
                                   
Forward currency contracts
  $ 43,877     $ 35,457     $ 1,710     $ -     $ -     $ 2,910  
Commodity contracts
    -       4,085       -       -       -       2,104  
      43,877       39,542       1,710       -       -       5,014  
                                                 
Derivatives not designated as hedging
                                               
instruments:
                                               
Forward currency contracts
    8,363       8,762       34       2,101       -       -  
Total derivatives
  $ 52,240     $ 48,304     $ 1,744     $ 2,101     $ -     $ 5,014  


1 - Notional amounts represent the gross contract / notional amount of the derivatives outstanding.
 
Amounts recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity and in net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
Amount of gain recorded in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
Amount of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) into net loss
 
Location of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income into net loss
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
             
Forward currency contracts
  $ 2,862     $ 1,758  
Cost of goods sold
Commodity contracts
    1,290       814  
Cost of goods sold
    $ 4,152     $ 2,572    
 
These derivatives will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to the consolidated statement of operations over the next twelve months.

Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (ASC Topic 820-10) as it relates to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.  The Company adopted ASC Topic 820 for financial assets and financial liabilities on January 1, 2008.  This guidance clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value and expands disclosures about the use of fair value measurements.  The adoption of ASC Topic 820 did not have a material effect on the Company’s fair value measurements.
 
60

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.
 
      December 31, 2009    
December 31,
 
         
Fair Value Estimated Using
   
2008
 
   
Fair Value
   
Level 1 inputs(1)
   
Level 2 inputs(2)
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Financial assets carried
                       
at fair value
                       
Available for sale security
  $ 261     $ 261     $ -     $ 252  
Forward currency contracts
    1,744       -       1,744       2,101  
Total financial assets
                               
carried at fair value
  $ 2,005     $ 261     $ 1,744     $ 2,353  
                                 
Financial liabilities carried
                               
at fair value
                               
Forward currency contracts
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,910  
Commodity hedge contracts
    -       -       -       2,104  
Total financial liabilities
                               
carried at fair value
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 5,014  
 

(1)
Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. The available for sale security is an equity security that is publically traded.

(2)
Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward currency and commodity hedge contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange rates and commodity indexes.
 
10. Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings, workers’ compensation and product liability disputes.  The Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, cash flows or the financial position of the Company.
 
61

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
11. Restructuring

On October 29, 2007, the Company announced restructuring initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost position by ceasing manufacturing operations at its Sarasota, Florida and Mitcheldean, United Kingdom locations.  During 2008, the Company began additional restructuring initiatives in our Canton, Massachusetts, Orebro, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia locations.  In response to the depressed conditions in the North American and European commercial vehicle and automotive markets, the Company also began restructuring initiatives in our Juarez, Monclova and Chihuahua, Mexico, Orebro and Bromma, Sweden, Tallinn, Estonia, Lexington, Ohio and Canton, Massachusetts locations during 2009.  In addition, during the third quarter of 2009, as part of the Company’s continuing overall restructuring initiatives the Company consolidated certain management positions at its Lexington, Ohio and Canton, Massachusetts facilities.   In connection with these initiatives, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $3,668, $15,382 and $1,027 in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Restructuring expenses that were general and administrative in nature were included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations as part of restructuring charges, while the remaining restructuring related charges were included in cost of goods sold.

The expenses related to the restructuring initiatives that belong to the Electronics reportable segment include the following:

         
Contract
             
   
Severance
   
Termination
   
Other Exit
       
   
Costs
   
Costs
   
Costs
   
Total
 
Total expected restructuring charges
  $ 5,671     $ 2,079     $ 2,504     $ 10,254  
2007 charge to expense
  $ 468     $ -     $ 103     $ 571  
Cash payments
    -       -       (103 )     (103 )
Accrued balance at December 31, 2007
    468       -       -       468  
2008 charge to expense
    2,830       1,305       2,401       6,536  
Cash payments
    (2,767 )     -       (2,221 )     (4,988 )
Accrued balance at December 31, 2008
    531       1,305       180       2,016  
2009 charge to expense
    2,237       374       -       2,611  
Foreign currency translation effect
    -       400       -       400  
Cash payments
    (2,641 )     (656 )     (180 )     (3,477 )
                                 
Accrued balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 127     $ 1,423     $ -     $ 1,550  
Remaining expected restructuring charge
  $ 136     $ -     $ -     $ 136  
 
 
62

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
The expenses related to the restructuring initiatives that belong to the Control Devices reportable segment include the following:
 
   
Severance
   
Other Exit
       
   
Costs
   
Costs
   
Total (A)
 
Total expected restructuring charges
  $ 3,912     $ 6,447     $ 10,359  
2007 charge to expense
  $ 357     $ 99     $ 456  
Cash payments
    -       -       -  
Accrued balance at December 31, 2007
    357       99       456  
2008 charge to expense
    2,521       6,325       8,846  
Cash payments
    (1,410 )     (6,024 )     (7,434 )
Accrued balance at December 31, 2008
    1,468       400       1,868  
2009 charge to expense
    1,034       23       1,057  
Cash payments
    (2,463 )     (164 )     (2,627 )
Accrued balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 39     $ 259     $ 298  


(A)
Total expected restructuring charges does not include the expected gain from the future sale of the Company’s Sarasota, Florida facility.

All restructuring charges, except for asset-related charges, result in cash outflows.   Severance costs relate to a reduction in workforce. Contract termination costs represent costs associated with long-term lease obligations that were cancelled as part of the restructuring initiatives.  Other exit costs include premium direct labor, inventory and equipment move costs, relocation expense, increased inventory carrying cost and miscellaneous expenditures associated with exiting business activities.  No fixed-asset impairment charges were incurred because assets were transferred to other locations for continued production.

12. Segment Reporting

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that are evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer.

The Company has two reportable segments: Electronics and Control Devices.  The Company’s operating segments are aggregated based on sharing similar economic characteristics.  Other aggregation factors include the nature of the products offered and management and oversight responsibilities.   The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units, driver information systems and electrical distribution systems, primarily wiring harnesses and connectors for electrical power and signal distribution.  The Control Devices reportable segment produces electronic and electromechanical switches and control actuation devices and sensors.

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”  The Company’s management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based primarily on revenues from external customers, capital expenditures and income (loss) before income taxes.  Inter-segment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.
 
 
63

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
A summary of financial information by reportable segment is as follows:
 
   
For the Years Ended
 
   
  December 31,
 
Net Sales
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Electronics
  $ 301,424     $ 520,936     $ 441,717  
Inter-segment sales
    9,844       12,392       16,955  
Electronics net sales
    311,268       533,328       458,672  
Control Devices
    173,728       231,762       285,403  
Inter-segment sales
    3,087       4,276       4,576  
Control Devices net sales
    176,815       236,038       289,979  
Eliminations
    (12,931 )     (16,668 )     (21,531 )
Total consolidated net sales
  $ 475,152     $ 752,698     $ 727,120  
                         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
                       
Electronics
  $ (13,911 )   $ 38,713     $ 20,692  
Control Devices
    (5,712 )     (78,858 )     15,825  
Other corporate activities
    8,079       10,078       8,676  
Corporate interest expense
    (21,782 )     (20,708 )     (21,969 )
Total consolidated income (loss) before income taxes
  $ (33,326 )   $ (50,775 )   $ 23,224  
                         
Depreciation and Amortizaton
                       
Electronics
  $ 9,061     $ 12,189     $ 13,392  
Control Devices
    10,591       14,130       14,823  
Corporate activities
    287       80       288  
Total consolidated depreciation and amortization (A)
  $ 19,939     $ 26,399     $ 28,503  
                         
Interest Expense (Income), net
                       
Electronics
  $ 187     $ (117 )   $ (203 )
Control Devices
    (3 )     (16 )     (7 )
Corporate activities
    21,781       20,708       21,969  
Total consolidated interest expense, net
  $ 21,965     $ 20,575     $ 21,759  
                   
Capital Expenditures
                 
Electronics
  $ 5,139     $ 11,374     $ 8,777  
Control Devices
    5,975       13,306       8,699  
Corporate activities
    884       (107 )     665  
Total consolidated capital expenditures
  $ 11,998     $ 24,573     $ 18,141  

   
  December 31,
 
Total Assets
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Electronics
  $ 163,414     $ 183,574     $ 214,119  
Control Devices
    91,631       98,608       180,785  
Corporate activities(B)
    236,110       239,425       282,695  
Eliminations
    (128,630 )     (139,170 )     (149,830 )
Total consolidated assets
  $ 362,525     $ 382,437     $ 527,769  


(A)
These amounts represent depreciation and amortization on fixed and certain intangible assets.
 
(B)
Assets located at Corporate consist primarily of cash, intercompany receivables and equity investments.
 
 
64

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
The following table presents net sales and non-current assets for the geographic areas in which the Company operates:
 
   
  For the Years Ended
 
      December 31,  
Net Sales
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
North America
  $ 384,467     $ 557,990     $ 522,730  
Europe and other
    90,685       194,708       204,390  
Total consolidated net sales
  $ 475,152     $ 752,698     $ 727,120  

      December 31,  
Non-Current Assets
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
North America
  $ 121,149     $ 110,507     $ 204,556  
Europe and other
    10,706       17,339       21,854  
Total non-current assets
  $ 131,855     $ 127,846     $ 226,410  
 
13. Guarantor Financial Information

Our senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries (Guarantor Subsidiaries). The Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries and non-wholly owned domestic subsidiaries do not guarantee the senior notes (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries).

Presented below are summarized condensed consolidating financial statements of the Parent (which includes certain of the Company’s operating units), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Company on a consolidated basis, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

These summarized condensed consolidating financial statements are prepared under the equity method.  Separate financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented based on management’s determination that they do not provide additional information that is material to investors.  Therefore, the Guarantor Subsidiaries are combined in the presentation below.
 
65

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Current Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 59,693     $ 18     $ 32,196     $ -     $ 91,907  
Accounts receivable, net
    42,804       18,136       20,332       -       81,272  
Inventories, net
    21,121       6,368       12,755       -       40,244  
Prepaid expenses and other
    (313,004 )     308,571       21,680       -       17,247  
Total current assets
    (189,386 )     333,093       86,963       -       230,670  
Long-Term Assets:
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    45,063       20,152       11,776       -       76,991  
Investments and other, net
    41,567       23       13,274       -       54,864  
Investment in subsidiaries
    395,041       -       -       (395,041 )     -  
Total long-term assets
    481,671       20,175       25,050       (395,041 )     131,855  
Total Assets
  $ 292,285     $ 353,268     $ 112,013     $ (395,041 )   $ 362,525  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current Liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 27,147     $ 15,136     $ 8,664     $ -     $ 50,947  
Accrued expenses and other
    4,172       9,952       22,703       -       36,827  
Total current liabilities
    31,319       25,088       31,367       -       87,774  
Long-Term Liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt
    183,000       -       431       -       183,431  
Other liabilities
    8,401       360       8,502       -       17,263  
Total long-term liabilities
    191,401       360       8,933       -       200,694  
Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries Shareholders' Equity
    69,565       327,820       67,221       (395,041 )     69,565  
Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       4,492       -       4,492  
Total Shareholders' Equity
    69,565       327,820       71,713       (395,041 )     74,057  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 292,285     $ 353,268     $ 112,013     $ (395,041 )   $ 362,525  
 
 
66

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
    
Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

   
  December 31, 2008
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
ASSETS
                             
Current Assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 55,237     $ 27     $ 37,428     $ -     $ 92,692  
Accounts receivable, net
    51,274       15,888       29,373       -       96,535  
Inventories, net
    28,487       10,927       15,386       -       54,800  
Prepaid expenses and other
    (304,638 )     301,387       13,815       -       10,564  
Total current assets
    (169,640 )     328,229       96,002       -       254,591  
Long-Term Assets:
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    50,458       24,445       12,798       -       87,701  
Investments and other, net
    38,984       319       842       -       40,145  
Investment in subsidiaries
    407,199       -       -       (407,199 )     -  
Total long-term assets
    496,641       24,764       13,640       (407,199 )     127,846  
Total Assets
  $ 327,001     $ 352,993     $ 109,642     $ (407,199 )   $ 382,437  
                                         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current Liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
  $ 23,778     $ 13,652     $ 13,289     $ -     $ 50,719  
Accrued expenses and other
    21,429       5,065       16,991       -       43,485  
Total current liabilities
    45,207       18,717       30,280       -       94,204  
Long-Term Liabilities:
                                       
Long-term debt
    183,000       -       -       -       183,000  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,036       401       6,038       -       13,475  
Total long-term liabilities
    190,036       401       6,038       -       196,475  
Total Shareholders' Equity
    91,758       333,875       73,324       (407,199 )     91,758  
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 327,001     $ 352,993     $ 109,642     $ (407,199 )   $ 382,437  
 
67

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net Sales
  $ 273,494     $ 132,867     $ 139,430     $ (70,639 )   $ 475,152  
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    236,881       109,199       109,087       (68,000 )     387,167  
Selling, general and administrative
    46,688       23,322       35,212       (2,639 )     102,583  
Restructuring charges
    1,065       684       1,896       -       3,645  
Operating Loss
    (11,140 )     (338 )     (6,765 )     -       (18,243 )
Interest expense (income), net
    22,263       -       (298 )     -       21,965  
Other expense (income), net
    (12,539 )     2,645       3,012       -       (6,882 )
Equity deficit from subsidiaries
    10,810       -       -       (10,810 )     -  
Loss Before Income Taxes
    (31,674 )     (2,983 )     (9,479 )     10,810       (33,326 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    649       -       (1,652 )     -       (1,003 )
Net Loss
    (32,323 )     (2,983 )     (7,827 )     10,810       (32,323 )
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       82       -       82  
Net Loss Attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
  $ (32,323 )   $ (2,983 )   $ (7,909 )   $ 10,810     $ (32,405 )
 
68

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net Sales
  $ 409,577     $ 185,747     $ 255,153     $ (97,779 )   $ 752,698  
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    339,871       147,154       194,301       (94,915 )     586,411  
Selling, general and administrative
    54,006       31,657       53,193       (2,864 )     135,992  
Goodwill impairment charge
    44,585       20,590       -       -       65,175  
Restructuring charges
    3,675       824       3,892       -       8,391  
Operating Income (Loss)
    (32,560 )     (14,478 )     3,767       -       (43,271 )
Interest expense (income), net
    21,468       -       (893 )     -       20,575  
Other income, net
    (12,648 )     -       (423 )     -       (13,071 )
Equity deficit from subsidiaries
    10,887       -       -       (10,887 )     -  
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
    (52,267 )     (14,478 )     5,083       10,887       (50,775 )
Provision for income taxes
    45,260       -       1,492       -       46,752  
Net Income (Loss)
    (97,527 )     (14,478 )     3,591       10,887       (97,527 )
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       -       -       -  
                                         
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
  $ (97,527 )   $ (14,478 )   $ 3,591     $ 10,887     $ (97,527 )

69

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

   
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net Sales
  $ 345,212     $ 205,384     $ 256,357     $ (79,833 )   $ 727,120  
                                         
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
Cost of goods sold
    286,419       160,501       189,624       (77,147 )     559,397  
Selling, general and administrative
    54,658       30,225       49,801       (2,686 )     131,998  
Restructuring charges
    458       -       468       -       926  
Operating Income
    3,677       14,658       16,464       -       34,799  
Interest expense (income), net
    23,058       -       (1,299 )     -       21,759  
Other expense (income), net
    (10,545 )     -       361       -       (10,184 )
Equity earnings from subsidiaries
    (28,673 )     -       -       28,673       -  
Income Before Income Taxes
    19,837       14,658       17,402       (28,673 )     23,224  
Provision for income taxes
    3,166       17       3,370       -       6,553  
Net Income
    16,671       14,641       14,032       (28,673 )     16,671  
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
    -       -       -       -       -  
Net Income Attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
  $ 16,671     $ 14,641     $ 14,032     $ (28,673 )   $ 16,671  
 
70

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):

   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  $ 18,391     $ 2,175     $ (6,742 )   $ 13,824  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Capital expenditures
    (8,070 )     (2,241 )     (1,687 )     (11,998 )
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
    102       57       42       201  
Business acquisitions
    (5,967 )     -       -       (5,967 )
Net cash used for investing activities
    (13,935 )     (2,184 )     (1,645 )     (17,764 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Revolving credit facility borrowings
    -       -       336       336  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    -       -       336       336  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                               
and cash equivalents
    -       -       2,819       2,819  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    4,456       (9 )     (5,232 )     (785 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
                               
of period
    55,237       27       37,428       92,692  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 59,693     $ 18     $ 32,196     $ 91,907  
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 37,167     $ 4,889     $ 400     $ 42,456  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Capital expenditures
    (14,679 )     (5,121 )     (4,773 )     (24,573 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    275       4       1,373       1,652  
Business acquisitions
    -       -       (980 )     (980 )
Net cash used for investing activities
    (14,404 )     (5,117 )     (4,380 )     (23,901 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Repayments of long-term debt
    (17,000 )     -       -       (17,000 )
Share-based compensation activity
    1,322       -       -       1,322  
Other financing costs
    (553 )     -       -       (553 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (16,231 )     -       -       (16,231 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                               
and cash equivalents
    -       -       (5,556 )     (5,556 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    6,532       (228 )     (9,536 )     (3,232 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
                               
of period
    48,705       255       46,964       95,924  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 55,237     $ 27     $ 37,428     $ 92,692
 
 
71

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
 Supplemental condensed consolidating financial statements (continued):
 
   
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Parent
   
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
  $ 20,239     $ (505 )   $ 14,091     $ (300 )   $ 33,525  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
Capital expenditures
    (9,034 )     (3,895 )     (5,212 )     -       (18,141 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    7,663       4,643       9       -       12,315  
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (1,371 )     748       (5,203 )     -       (5,826 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
Repayments of long-term debt
    -       -       (300 )     300       -  
Share-based compensation activity
    2,119       -       -       -       2,119  
Other financing costs
    (1,219 )     -       -       -       (1,219 )
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    900       -       (300 )     300       900  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
                                       
and cash equivalents
    -       -       1,443       -       1,443  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    19,768       243       10,031       -       30,042  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
                                       
of period
    28,937       12       36,933       -       65,882  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 48,705     $ 255     $ 46,964     $ -     $ 95,924  
 
72

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unless otherwise indicated)
   
14. Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2009 and 2008:

      Quarter Ended
   
Dec. 31
   
Sep. 30
   
Jun. 30
   
Mar. 31
 
2009
                       
Net sales
  $ 133,785     $ 117,992     $ 102,290     $ 121,085  
Gross profit
    28,031       27,083       13,596       19,275  
Operating income (loss)
    2,176       2,634       (14,293 )     (8,760 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    (594 )     1,502       197       (2,108 )
Net loss
    (136 )     (843 )     (19,764 )     (11,580 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    82       -       -       -  
Net loss attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    (218 )     (843 )     (19,764 )     (11,580 )
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic (A)
    (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.84 )     (0.49 )
Diluted (A)
    (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.84 )     (0.49 )
 
      Quarter Ended  
   
Dec. 31
   
Sep. 30
   
Jun. 30
   
Mar. 31
 
2008
                               
Net sales
  $ 157,965     $ 178,434     $ 213,229     $ 203,070  
Gross profit
    29,771       35,345       49,354       51,817  
Goodwill impairment charge
    65,175       -       -       -  
Operating income (loss)
    (69,076 )     935       10,757       14,113  
Provision for income taxes
    36,723       855       4,062       5,112  
Net income (loss)
    (108,394 )     (364 )     4,684       6,547  
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic (A)
    (4.63 )     (0.02 )     0.20       0.28  
Diluted (A)
    (4.63 )     (0.02 )     0.20       0.28  

(A)
Earnings per share for the year may not equal the sum of the four historical quarters earnings per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.
  
15. Subsequent Event

On February 23, 2010 the Company placed its wholly owned subsidiary, Stoneridge Pollak Limited (“SPL”) into administration in the United Kingdom.  The Company had previously ceased operations at the facility as of December 2008 as part of the restructuring initiatives announced on October 29, 2007, see Note 11.  All SPL customer contracts were transferred to other subsidiaries of the Company at the time that SPL filed for administration.  The Company is currently evaluating the effect that this filing will have on its consolidated results.  The Company anticipates recognizing a gain on the reversal of certain items included within other comprehensive income during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as a result of the administration process.
 
73

 
STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)
 
   
Balance at Beginning of Period
   
Charged to Costs and Expenses
   
Write-offs
   
Balance at End of Period
 
Accounts receivable reserves:
                       
Year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 5,243     $ 905     $ (1,412 )   $ 4,736  
Year ended December 31, 2008
    4,736       151       (683 )     4,204  
Year ended December 31, 2009
    4,204       917       (2,771 )     2,350  

   
Balance at Beginning of Period
   
Net Additions Charged to Income
   
Exchange Rate Fluctuations and Other Items
   
Balance at End of Period
 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
                       
Year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 17,380     $ (1,104 )   $ (256 )   $ 16,020  
Year ended December 31, 2008
    16,020       66,271       88       82,379  
Year ended December 31, 2009
    82,379       2,245       (661 )     83,963  
 
74

 
Item 9.  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

There has been no disagreement between the management of the Company and its independent auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices of financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope or procedure.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2009, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer (“PEO”) and principal financial officer (“PFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s PEO and PFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f).  In evaluating the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management has adopted the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2009.  Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

75

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, other comprehensive income (loss) and shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 of Stoneridge, Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated March 16, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
 
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Cleveland, Ohio
March 16, 2010
 
76

 
Item 9B.  Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by this Item 10 regarding our directors is incorporated by reference to the information under the sections and subsections entitled, “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,” “Audit Committee,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance Guidelines” contained in the Company's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010.  The information required by this Item 10 regarding our executive officers appears as a Supplementary Item following Item 1 under Part I hereof.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information under the sections and subsections “Compensation Committee,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,”  “Compensation Committee Report” and “Executive Compensation” contained in the Company's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this Item 12 (other than the information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K which is set forth below) is incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in the Company's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010.

In October 1997, we adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan for our employees, which expired on June 30, 2007. In May 2002, we adopted a Director Share Option Plan for our directors.  In April 2005, we adopted a Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan.  In April 2006, we adopted an Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan.  Our shareholders approved each plan.  Equity compensation plan information, as of December 31, 2009, is as follows:

   
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon the Exercise of Outstanding Share Options
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Share Options
   
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (1)
 
Equity compensation plans
                 
approved by shareholders
    169,750     $ 11.28       712,762  
Equity compensation plans not
                       
approved by shareholders
    -     $ -       -  
 

(1)
Excludes securities reflected in the first column, “Number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding share options.”  Also excludes 1,194,059 restricted Common Shares issued and outstanding to key employees pursuant to the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan and 59,400 restricted Common Shares issued and outstanding to directors under the Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan as of December 31, 2009.

77

 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information under the sections and subsections “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Director Independence” contained in the Company's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information under the sections and subsections “Service Fees Paid to Independent Registered Accounting Firm” and “Pre-Approval Policy” contained in the Company's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2010.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
 
 
   
Page in
Form 10-K
(a)   The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K.    
(1)  Consolidated Financial Statements:
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
34
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
35
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
37
Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
39
(2)  Financial Statement Schedule:
   
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
 
74
(3)  Exhibits:
   
See the list of exhibits on the Index to Exhibits following the signature page.
   
(b)   The exhibits listed on the Index to Exhibits are filed as part of or incorporated by reference into this report.
   
(c)   Additional Financial Statement Schedules.
   
None.
   
 
78


 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

  STONERIDGE, INC.
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ GEORGE E. STRICKLER
 
George E. Strickler
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ JOHN C. COREY
 
John C. Corey
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
 /s/ WILLIAM M. LASKY
 
William M. Lasky
Chairman of the Board of Directors
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ JEFFREY P. DRAIME
 
Jeffrey P. Draime
Director
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ DOUGLAS C. JACOBS
 
Douglas C. Jacobs
Director
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ IRA C. KAPLAN
 
Ira C. Kaplan
Director
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ KIM KORTH
 
Kim Korth
Director
   
Date:  March 15, 2010
/s/ PAUL J. SCHLATHER
 
Paul J. Schlather
Director

79

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
2.1
 
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated October 9, 2009, by and among the Company and Bolton Conductive Systems LLC, Martin Kochis, Joseph Malecke, Bolton Investments LLC, William Bolton and New Bolton Systems, filed herewith.
     
3.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
     
4.1
 
Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
     
4.2
 
Indenture dated as of May 1, 2002 among Stoneridge, Inc. as Issuer, Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc. and Stoneridge Electronics, Inc., as Guarantors, and Fifth Third Bank, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2002).
     
10.1
 
Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-33285)).
     
10.2
 
Directors’ Share Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-96953))*.
     
10.3
 
Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Share Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*.
     
10.4
 
Form of Directors’ Share Option Plan Share Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*.
     
10.5
 
Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Shares Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004)*.
     
10.6
 
Director’s Restricted Shares Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-127017))*.
     
10.7
 
Form of Director’s Restricted Shares Plan Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*.
     
10.8
 
Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Shares Grant Agreement including Performance and Time-Based Restricted Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*.
     
10.9
 
Amendment to Restricted Shares Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005)*.
     
10.10
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and John C. Corey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2006)*.
     
10.11
 
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2006)*.
     
10.12
 
Form of 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan Restricted Shares Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2006)*.
     
10.13
 
Form of 2006 Directors’ Restricted Shares Plan Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2006)*.
 
80

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
10.14
 
Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2006)*.
     
10.15
 
Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007)*.
10.16
 
Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2007 among Stoneridge, Inc., as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Business Credit, Inc., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and National City Bank, as Lead Arranger and Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 8, 2007).
     
10.17
 
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007)*.
     
10.18
 
Amended Employment Agreement between Stoneridge, Inc. and John C. Corey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008)*.
     
10.19
 
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008)*.
     
10.20
 
Amendment No. 1 dated April 24, 2009 to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 2, 2007 by and among the Company as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Business Credit, Inc., Comerica Bank, JP Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, National Association and Fifth Third Bank, as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2009).
     
10.21
 
Amendment No. 2 dated April 24, 2009 to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 2, 2007 by and among the Company as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Business Credit, Inc., Comerica Bank, JP Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, National Association and Fifth Third Bank, as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2009).
     
10.22
 
Form of Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan – Restricted Shares Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009)*.
     
10.23
 
Form of Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan – Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009)*.
     
10.24
 
Form of Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan – 2007 amendment to the restricted shares grant agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)*.
     
10.25
 
Form of Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan – 2008 amendment to the restricted shares grant agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)*.
     
10.26
 
Stoneridge, Inc. Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009)*.
     
10.27
 
Stoneridge, Inc. Officers’ and Key Employees’ Severance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2009)*.
     
10.28
 
Stoneridge, Inc. Retention Award between the Company and John C. Corey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2009)*.
 
81

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit
10.29
 
Stoneridge, Inc. Form of the Retention Awards between the Company and George E. Strickler, Mark J. Tervalon, Thomas A. Beaver and Michael D. Sloan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2009)*.
     
10.30
 
Amendment No. 3 dated October 9, 2009 to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 2, 2007 by and among the Company as Borrower, the Lending Institutions Named Therein, as Lenders, National City Business Credit, Inc., Comerica Bank, JP Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, National Association and Fifth Third Bank, as lenders, filed herewith.
     
10.31
 
Stoneridge, Inc. Form of indemnification agreement between the Company and John C. Corey, George E. Strickler, Kenneth A. Kure and James E. Malcolm filed herewith.
     
14.1
 
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
     
21.1
 
Principal Subsidiaries and Affiliates of the Company, filed herewith.
     
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith.
     
23.2
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith.
     
31.1
 
Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
31.2
 
Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
32.1
 
Chief Executive Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
32.2
 
Chief Financial Officer certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
     
99.1
 
Financial Statements of PST Eletrônica S.A., filed herewith.
     
   
*  - Reflects management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
82