STONERIDGE INC - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018

Commission file number: 001-13337

STONERIDGE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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 ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 such files).

x Yes ¨ No

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

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

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

The number of Common Shares, without par value, outstanding as of October 22, 2018 was 28,484,466.

STONERIDGE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Forward-Looking Statements

Portions of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q 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 may 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 or divestiture strategy, (iii) investments and new product development, (iv) growth opportunities related to awarded business, and (v) expectations related to current and future market conditions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “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 forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this filing and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Stoneridge, Inc. (the “Company”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The information furnished in the condensed consolidated financial statements includes normal recurring adjustments and reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K. 

On January 31, 2017, the Company acquired Exploitatiemaatschappij Berghaaf B.V. (“Orlaco”), an electronics business which designs, manufactures and sells camera-based vision systems, monitors and related products. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination, and accordingly, the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements herein include the results of Orlaco from the acquisition date to September 30, 2018. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding the Orlaco acquisition.

The Company had a 74% controlling interest in PST Electronica Ltda. (“PST”) from December 31, 2011 through May 15, 2017. On May 16, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 26% noncontrolling interest in PST, which was accounted for as an equity transaction. As such, PST is now a wholly owned subsidiary as of May 16, 2017. See Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional details regarding the acquisition of PST’s noncontrolling interest.

Also, see Note 2 for the impact of the adoption of various accounting standards on the condensed consolidated financial statements herein.

(2)  Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business”.  This guidance revises the definition of a business and provides a framework to evaluate when an input and a substantive process are present in an acquisition to be considered a business. This guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (Topic 740)”. This guidance requires that the tax effects of all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory be recognized in the period in which the transaction occurs. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)”, which provides guidance on the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice.  This ASU was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018, which did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and related amendments, which is the new comprehensive revenue recognition standard (collectively known as Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 606) that has superseded existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this principle, an entity identifies the contract with a customer, identifies the separate performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to the separate performance obligations and recognizes revenue when each separate performance obligation is satisfied. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under the modified retrospective method, the Company would have recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at the date of initial application; however, the Company did not have any material adjustments as of the date of the adoption. The Company has not experienced a material impact on its results of operations from the adoption of ASC 606; however, the Company has expanded its disclosures consistent with the requirements of the new standard and the Company will continue to evaluate new contracts to apply the framework of ASC 606. In particular, the Company will evaluate new contracts with customers analyzing the impact, if any, on revenue from the sale of production parts, particularly in regards to material rights, variable consideration and the impact of termination clauses on the timing of revenue recognition. The majority of our revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped from our manufacturing facilities. The Company has not changed how it accounts for reimbursable pre-production costs, currently accounted for as a reduction of costs incurred. Refer to Note 3 for the expanded revenue disclosures.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This guidance gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects resulting from the enactment of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance, including the period the Tax Legislation was enacted. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2019, which is not expected to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, which requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held and requires enhanced disclosures regarding significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-13 on the consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2020 and it is not expected to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, which will require that a lessee recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with a lease term of more than twelve months, with the result being the recognition of a right of use asset and a lease liability.  The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and will elect the transition option to use the effective date January 1, 2019, as the date of initial application. The Company will not adjust its comparative period financial statements for effects of the ASU 2016-02, or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the effective date. The Company will recognize its cumulative effect transition adjustment as of the effective date. In addition, the Company intends to elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on the financial statements and disclosures, internal controls and accounting policies. This evaluation process includes reviewing all forms of leases and performing a completeness assessment over the lease population. The Company has launched a project to implement a third party supported lease accounting system solution, establish a new lease accounting process and design related internal controls. The recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from current GAAP. While the Company’s evaluation is ongoing, the Company does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material impact on its results of operations, however, it will have a material impact on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as right of use assets and lease liabilities will be recorded for all long-term operating leases. 

(3) Revenue

The Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. As a result, financial information for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy for revenue recognition prior to the adoption of ASC 606. The Company did not record a cumulative adjustment related to the adoption of ASC 606, and the effects of the adoption were not significant.

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of our products and services, which is usually when the parts are shipped or delivered to the customer’s premises. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The transaction price will include estimates of variable consideration to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue recognized will not occur. Incidental items that are not significant in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. The expected costs associated with our base warranties continue to be recognized as expense when the products are sold. Customer returns only occur if products do not meet the specifications of the contract and are not connected to any repurchase obligations of the Company.

The Company does not have any financing components or significant payment terms as payment occurs shortly after the point of sale. Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction that are collected by the Company from a customer are excluded from revenue. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling costs are included in net sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight after control over a product is transferred to the customer are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of sales.

Revenue by Reportable Segment

Control Devices. Our Control Devices segment designs and manufactures products that monitor, measure or activate specific functions within a vehicle. This segment includes product lines such as sensors, actuators, valves and switches. We sell these products principally to the automotive market in the North American, European, and Asia Pacific regions. To a lesser extent, we also sell these products to the commercial vehicle and agricultural markets in our North America and European regions. Our customers included in these markets primarily consist of original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and companies supplying components directly to the OEMs (“tier one supplier”).

Electronics. Our Electronics segment designs and manufactures electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and other driver information systems and includes the acquired Orlaco business, which designs and manufactures camera-based vision systems, monitors and related products. These products are sold principally to the commercial vehicle market primarily through our OEM and aftermarket channels in the North American and European regions, and to a lesser extent, the Asia Pacific region. The camera-based vision systems and related products are sold principally to the off-highway vehicle market in the North American and European regions.

PST. Our PST segment primarily serves the South American region and specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of in-vehicle audio and video devices, electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services primarily for the automotive and motorcycle markets. PST sells its products through the aftermarket distribution channel, to factory authorized dealer installers, also referred to as original equipment services, direct to OEMs and through mass merchandisers.

The following tables disaggregate our revenue by reportable segment and geographical location⁽¹⁾ for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

Performance Obligations

For OEM and tier one supplier customers, the Company typically enters into contracts with its customers to provide serial production parts that consist of a set of documents including, but not limited to, an award letter, master purchase agreement and master terms and conditions. For each production product, the Company enters into separate purchase orders that contain the product specifications and an agreed-upon price. The performance obligation does not exist until a customer release is received for a specific number of parts. The majority of the parts sold to OEM and tier one suppliers are specifically customized to the specific customer, with the exception of off-highway products that are common across all customers. The transaction price is equal to the contracted price per part and there is no expectation of material variable consideration in the transaction price. For most customer contracts, the Company does not have an enforceable right to payment at any time prior to when the parts are shipped or delivered to the customer; therefore, the Company recognizes revenue at the point in time it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a part to the customer. Certain customer contracts contain an enforceable right to payment if the customer terminates the contract for convenience and therefore are recognized over time using the cost to complete input method.

Our aftermarket products are focused on meeting the demand for repair and replacement parts, compliance parts and accessories and are sold primarily to aftermarket distributors and mass retailers in our South American, European and North American markets. Aftermarket products have one type of performance obligation which is the delivery of aftermarket parts and spare parts. For aftermarket customers, the Company typically has standard terms and conditions for all customers. In addition, aftermarket products have alternative use as they can be sold to multiple customers. Revenue for aftermarket part production contracts is recognized at a point in time when the control of the parts transfer to the customer which is based on the shipping terms. Aftermarket contracts may include variable consideration related to discounts and rebates and is included in the transaction price upon recognizing the product revenue.

A small portion of the Company’s sales are comprised of monitoring services that include both monitoring devices and fees to individual, corporate, fleet and cargo customers in our PST segment. These monitoring service contracts are generally not capable of being distinct and are accounted for as a single performance obligation. We recognize revenue for our monitoring products and services contracts over the life of the contract. There is no variable consideration associated with these contracts. The Company has the right to consideration from a customer in the amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance to date. Therefore the Company recognizes revenue over time using the practical expedient ASC 606-10-55-18 in the amount the Company has a “right to invoice” rather than selecting an output or input method.

Contract Balances

The Company had no material contract assets, contract liabilities or capitalized contract acquisition costs as of September 30, 2018.

(4) Acquisition of Orlaco

On January 31, 2017, Stoneridge B.V., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Stoneridge, Inc., entered into and closed an agreement to acquire Orlaco. Orlaco designs, manufactures and sells camera-based vision systems, monitors and related electronic products primarily to the heavy off-road machinery, commercial vehicle, lifting crane and warehousing and logistics industries.  Stoneridge and Orlaco jointly developed the MirrorEye mirror replacement system, which is a system solution to improve the safety and fuel economy of commercial vehicles.  The MirrorEye system integrates Orlaco’s vision processing technology and Stoneridge’s driver information capabilities as well as the combines software capabilities of both businesses. The acquisition of Orlaco enhances our Electronics segment’s global technical capabilities in vision systems and facilitates entry into new markets.

The aggregate consideration for the Orlaco acquisition on January 31, 2017 was €74,939 ($79,675), which included customary estimated adjustments to the purchase price. The Company is required to pay an additional amount up to €7,500 ($8,706) as contingent consideration (“earn-out consideration”) if certain performance targets are achieved during the first two years.

The acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred consisted of the following:

Refer to the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K for additional information on the acquisition including the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date and the fair value measurement methods and classifications.

The Company recognized $1,259 of acquisition related costs in the condensed consolidated statement of operations as a component of selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. There were no acquisition related costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The Company’s statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes $0 and $1,636, respectively, of expense in cost of goods sold (“COGS”) associated with the step-up of the Orlaco inventory to fair value. The Company’s statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes $369 of expense for the fair value adjustment for earn-out consideration in SG&A expenses. There was no fair value adjustment for the earn-out consideration for three months ended September 30, 2018 due to the earn-out liability being capped in the first quarter of 2018. The Company’s statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 included $1,823 and $3,926 of expense for the fair value adjustment for earn-out consideration in SG&A expenses. See Note 6 for the fair value and foreign currency adjustments of the earn-out consideration.

The following unaudited pro forma information reflects the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that the Company would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of these periods, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results.

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments that are directly related to the business combination and are factually supportable. These adjustments primarily include depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant, and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets.

(5) Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (using either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods) or net realizable value. The Company evaluates and adjusts as necessary its excess and obsolescence reserve on a quarterly basis. Excess inventories are quantities of items that exceed anticipated sales or usage for a reasonable period. The Company has guidelines for calculating provisions for excess inventories based on the number of months of inventories on-hand compared to anticipated sales or usage. Management uses its judgment to forecast sales or usage and to determine what constitutes a reasonable period. Inventory cost includes material, labor and overhead. Inventories consisted of the following:

Inventory valued using the FIFO method was $69,817 and $54,837 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Inventory valued using the average cost method was $16,938 and $18,634 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

(6) Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

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. 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

On September 30, 2018, the Company had open foreign currency forward contracts which are used solely 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 investment grade credit ratings.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The Company conducts business internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company uses derivative financial instruments as cash flow and fair value hedges to manage its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by reducing the effect of such fluctuations on foreign currency denominated intercompany transactions, inventory purchases and other foreign currency exposures. The currencies hedged by the Company during 2018 and 2017 included the euro and Mexican peso. In addition, the Company hedged the U.S. dollar against the Swedish krona and euro on behalf of its European subsidiaries in 2018.

These forward contracts were executed to hedge forecasted transactions and certain transactions have been accounted for as cash flow hedges. As such, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss was deferred and reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The cash flow hedges were highly effective. The effectiveness of the transactions has been and will be measured on an ongoing basis using regression analysis and forecasted future purchases of the currency.

In certain instances, the foreign currency forward contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, and therefore are marked-to-market with gains and losses recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as a component of other expense (income), net.

The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts offset a portion of the gains and losses on the underlying foreign currency denominated transactions as follows:

Euro-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contract

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts with underlying notional amounts of $920 and $1,486, respectively, to reduce the exposure related to the Company’s euro-denominated intercompany loans. The current contract expires in June 2019. The euro-denominated foreign currency forward contract was not designated as a hedging instrument. The Company recognized a gain of $10 and a loss of $36 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of other expense (income), net related to the euro-denominated contract. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized a gain of $52 and a loss of $164, respectively, related to this contract.

U.S. dollar-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contracts – Cash Flow Hedges

The Company entered into on behalf of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Swedish krona, U.S. dollar-denominated currency contracts with a notional amount at September 30, 2018 of $2,000 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 2018 through December 2018. There were no such contracts at December 31, 2017.

The Company entered into on behalf of one of its European Electronics subsidiaries whose functional currency is the euro, U.S. dollar-denominated currency contracts with a notional amount at September 30, 2018 of $500 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 2018 through December 2018. There were no such contracts at December 31, 2017.

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the U.S. dollar-denominated foreign currency forward contracts held as of September 30, 2018 and concluded that the hedges were highly effective.

Mexican Peso-denominated Foreign Currency Forward Contracts – Cash Flow Hedge

The Company holds Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts at September 30, 2018 of $4,612 which expire ratably on a monthly basis from October 2018 through December 2018, compared to a notional amount of $9,143 at December 31, 2017. 

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the Mexican peso-denominated foreign currency forward contracts held as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and concluded that the hedges were highly effective.

The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

Gross amounts recorded for the cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (loss) and in net income for the three months ended September 30 are as follows: 

Gross amounts recorded for the cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (loss) and in net income for the nine months ended September 30 are as follows: 

The net deferred gain of $665 on the cash flow hedge derivatives will be reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to the condensed consolidated statements of operations through December 2018.  

Fair Value Measurements

The Company’s assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of the inputs used. Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs, other than quoted prices, 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 contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange rates. Fair values estimated using Level 3 inputs consist of significant unobservable inputs.

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the reliability of inputs used.

The following table sets forth a summary of the change in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial liabilities related to earn-out consideration that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The earn-out consideration obligations related to Orlaco and PST are recorded within other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018.

The fair value for the Orlaco earn-out consideration is based on a Monte Carlo simulation utilizing forecasted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the 2017 and 2018 earn-out period as well as a growth rate reduced by the market required rate of return. The Company will be required to pay the PST earn-out consideration, which is not capped, based on PST’s financial performance in either 2020 or 2021. The fair value of the PST earn-out consideration is based on discounted cash flows utilizing forecasted EBITDA in 2020 and 2021 using the key inputs of forecasted sales and expected operating income reduced by the market required rate of return.

The increase in fair value of earn-out consideration related to the Orlaco acquisition is primarily due to actual performance exceeding forecasted performance as well as the reduced time from the current period end to the payment date offset by foreign currency translation. The Orlaco earn-out consideration reached the capped amount of €7,500 as of the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The net decrease in fair value of earn-out consideration for PST was due to foreign currency translation partially offset by the reduced time from the current period end to the payment date. The fair value adjustments of Orlaco and PST earn-out considerations are recorded in SG&A in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The foreign currency impact for the PST earn-out considerations is included in other expense (income), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 from other levels in the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Except for the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Orlaco acquisition discussed in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K, there were no non-recurring fair value measurements for the periods presented.

(7) Share-Based Compensation

Compensation expense for share-based compensation arrangements, which is recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of SG&A expenses, was $1,376 and $1,648 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 total share-based compensation was $4,214 compared to $5,713 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The nine months ended September 30, 2018 included the forfeiture of certain grants associated with employee resignations. The nine months ended September 30, 2017 included expenses related to accelerated expense associated with the retirement of eligible employees.

(8) Debt

Debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Revolving Credit Facility

On November 2, 2007, the Company entered into an asset-based credit facility, which permits borrowing up to a maximum level of $100,000. The Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement and a Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement on September 20, 2010 and December 1, 2011, respectively.

On September 12, 2014, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Agreement” or “Credit Facility”). The Amended Agreement provides for a $300,000 revolving credit facility, which replaced the Company’s existing $100,000 asset-based credit facility and includes a letter of credit subfacility, swing line subfacility and multicurrency subfacility. The Amended Agreement also has an accordion feature which allows the Company to increase the availability by up to $80,000 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Amended Agreement extended the termination date to September 12, 2019 from December 1, 2016. On March 26, 2015, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Amended Agreement which modified the definition of Consolidated EBITDA to allow for the add back of cash premiums and other non-cash charges related to the amendment and restatement of the Amended Agreement and the early extinguishment of the Company’s 9.5% Senior Secured Notes. Consolidated EBITDA is used in computing the Company’s leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio which are covenants within the Amended Agreement. On February 23, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended Agreement which amended and waived any default or potential defaults with respect to the pledging as collateral additional shares issued by a wholly owned subsidiary and newly issued shares associated with the formation of a new subsidiary. On August 12, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3 to the Amended Agreement which extended of the expiration date of the Agreement by two years to September 12, 2021, increased the borrowing sub-limit for the Company’s foreign subsidiaries by $30,000 to $80,000, increased the basket of permitted loans and investments in foreign subsidiaries by $5,000 to $30,000, and provided additional flexibility to the Company for certain permitted corporate transactions involving its foreign subsidiaries as defined in the Agreement. As a result of Amendment No. 3 to the Amended Agreement, the Company capitalized deferred financing costs of $339, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility. On January 30, 2017, the Company entered into Consent and Amendment No. 4 to the Amended Agreement which amended certain definitions, schedules and exhibits of the Credit Facility, consented to a Dutch Reorganization, and consented to the Orlaco acquisition. As a result of Amendment No. 4 to the Amended Agreement, the Company capitalized deferred financing costs of $61, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility. On September 11, 2018, the Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to the Amended Agreement which extended financial accommodations to permit the Company to invest in certain funds in an amount that does not exceed $10,000.

On October 26, 2018, the Company entered into Consent and Amendment No. 6 to the Amended Agreement which amended certain definitions, sections and schedules of the Credit Facility and consented to realignment of certain foreign subsidiaries, and permits the Company to repurchase the Company’s outstanding common shares in an amount that does not exceed $50,000. 

Borrowings under the Amended Agreement bear interest at either the Base Rate, as defined, or the LIBOR Rate, at the Company’s option, plus the applicable margin as set forth in the Amended Agreement. The Company is also subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% based on the Company’s leverage ratio. The Amended Agreement requires the Company to maintain a maximum leverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.00 and places a maximum annual limit on capital expenditures. The Amended Agreement also contains other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that are customary for credit arrangements of this type including covenants which place restrictions and/or limitations on the Company’s ability to borrow money, make capital expenditures and pay dividends.

Borrowings outstanding on the Credit Facility were $101,000 and $121,000 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Borrowings decreased under the Credit Facility due to voluntary principal repayments.

The Company was in compliance with all Credit Facility covenants at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The Company also has outstanding letters of credit of $2,008 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

Debt

PST maintains several short-term obligations and long-term notes used for working capital purposes which have fixed or variable interest rates. The weighted-average interest rates of short term and long-term debt of PST at September 30, 2018 was 11.26% and 8.65%.  Depending on the specific note, interest is payable either monthly or annually. Principal repayments on PST debt at September 30, 2018 are as follows: $1,808 from October 2018 through September 2019, $330 from October 2019 through December 2019, $465 in 2020 and $423 in 2021. PST was in compliance with all debt covenants at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary located in Stockholm, Sweden, has an overdraft credit line which allows overdrafts on the subsidiary’s bank account up to a maximum level of 20,000 Swedish krona, or $2,250 and $2,439, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no balance outstanding on this overdraft credit line.

(9) Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding for each respective period. Diluted earnings 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. The weighted-average dilutive Common Shares calculation excludes the excess tax benefit from the treasury stock method for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

There were no performance-based restricted Common Shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 or 2017. There were 626,500 and 781,977 performance-based right to receive Common Shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The right to receive Common Shares are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share based on the number of Common Shares that would be issuable if the end of the quarter were the end of the contingency period.

(10) Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

(11)  Commitments and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to a broad range of claims and legal proceedings that relate to contractual allegations, product liability, tax audits, patent infringement, employment-related matters and environmental matters. The Company establishes accruals for matters which it believes that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimable. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its condensed consolidated results of operations or financial position.

As a result of environmental studies performed at the Company’s former facility located in Sarasota, Florida, the Company became aware of soil and groundwater contamination at the site and engaged an environmental engineering consultant to develop a remediation and monitoring plan for the site. Soil remediation at the site was completed during the year ended December 31, 2010. A remedial action plan was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and groundwater remediation began in the fourth quarter of 2015. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, environmental remediation costs incurred were immaterial. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company accrued a remaining undiscounted liability of $155 and $265, respectively, related to future remediation costs. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $155 and $253, respectively, were recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets while the remaining amount was recorded as a component of other long-term liabilities. Costs associated with the recorded liability will be incurred to complete the groundwater remediation, with the balance relating to monitoring costs to be incurred over multiple years. The recorded liability is based on assumptions in the remedial action plan. Although the Company sold the Sarasota facility and related property in December 2011, the liability to remediate the site contamination remains the responsibility of the Company. Due to the ongoing site remediation, the Company is currently required to maintain a $1,489 letter of credit for the benefit of the buyer.

The Company’s PST subsidiary has civil, labor and other tax contingencies for which the likelihood of loss is deemed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, by the Company’s legal advisors in Brazil. As a result, no provision has been recorded with respect to these contingencies, which amounted to R$30,100 ($7,400) and R$33,800 ($10,200) at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. An unfavorable outcome on these contingencies could result in significant cost to the Company and adversely affect its results of operations.

Insurance Recoveries

The Company incurred losses and incremental costs related to the damage to assets caused by a storm at its Mexican production facility in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is pursuing recovery of such costs under applicable insurance policies.  Anticipated proceeds from insurance recoveries related to losses and incremental costs that have been incurred (“loss recoveries”) are recognized when receipt is probable. Anticipated proceeds from insurance recoveries in excess of the net book value of damaged property, plant and equipment (“insurance gain contingencies”) are recognized when all contingencies related to the claim have been resolved.

Loss recoveries related to the damage of inventory and incremental costs included in costs of sales were not significant for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. There were no loss recoveries and insurance gain contingencies recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 related to the damage of property, plant and equipment included within SG&A expense.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company had confirmation of the open insurance claim and recorded a receivable of $1,644. The cash payment was subsequently collected in January 2018. Cash proceeds related to the damage of inventory and incremental costs were $241 and $500 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are included in cash flows from operating activities at September 30, 2018. Cash proceeds related to the damage of property, plant and equipment of $1,403 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 are included in cash flows from investing activities at September 30, 2018. There were no cash proceeds received during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Product Warranty and Recall

Amounts accrued for product warranty and recall claims are established based on the Company’s best estimate of the amounts necessary to settle existing and future 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 including insurance coverage. The Company can provide no assurances that it will not experience material claims 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. The current portion of product warranty and recall is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Product warranty and recall included $3,273 and $3,112 of a long-term liability at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, which is included as a component of other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following provides a reconciliation of changes in product warranty and recall liability: 

(12) Business Realignment

The Company regularly evaluates the performance of its businesses and cost structures, including personnel, and makes necessary changes thereto in order to optimize its results.  The Company also evaluates the required skill sets of its personnel and periodically makes strategic changes.  As a consequence of these actions, the Company incurs severance related costs which are referred to as business realignment charges.

Business realignment costs (benefit) by reportable segment were as follows:

Business realignment costs (benefit) classified by statement of operations line item were as follows:

(13) Income Taxes

The Company recognized income tax expense of $3,467 and $3,809 for U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period for 2017 was primarily related to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017. The effective tax rate decreased to 20.7% in the third quarter of 2018 from 32.1% in the third quarter of 2017 primarily due the impact of the Tax Legislation compared to the same period in 2017.

The Company recognized income tax expense of $10,520 and $13,569 for U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  The decrease in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period for 2017 was primarily related to the impact of the Tax Legislation. The effective tax rate decreased to 20.1% in the first nine months of 2018 from 34.2% in the first nine months of 2017 primarily due the impact of the Tax Legislation compared to the same period in 2017.

The Company has recognized the estimated impact of the Tax Legislation to its 2018 tax position in its estimated annual effective tax rate (“EAETR”) calculation. The Company continues to examine the potential impact of certain provisions of the Tax Legislation that could affect its 2018 EAETR, including the provisions related to global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), foreign derived intangible income (“FDII”) and the base erosion and anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”). Accordingly, the Company’s 2018 EAETR may change in subsequent interim periods as additional analysis is completed.

The Tax Legislation significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, imposing a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, imposing a base erosion and anti-abuse tax, and imposing a tax on global intangible low taxed income. Pursuant to the guidance within SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), as of September 30, 2018, the Company continues to analyze certain aspects of the Tax Legislation and refine its assessment, the ultimate impact of the Tax Legislation may differ from these estimates due to continued analysis or further regulatory guidance that may be issued as a result of the Tax Legislation.

(14) 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 three reportable segments, Control Devices, Electronics, and PST, which also represent its operating segments. The Control Devices reportable segment produces sensors, switches, valves and actuators. The Electronics reportable segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and other driver information systems and includes the Orlaco business which designs and manufactures camera-based vision systems, monitors and related products using its vision processing technology. The PST reportable segment designs and manufactures electronic vehicle security alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices.

The accounting policies of the Company’s reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K. The Company’s management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based primarily on revenues from external customers and operating income. Inter-segment sales are accounted for on terms similar to those to third parties and are eliminated upon consolidation.

The financial information presented below is for our three reportable operating segments and includes adjustments for unallocated corporate costs and intercompany eliminations, where applicable.  Such costs and eliminations do not meet the requirements for being classified as an operating segment. Corporate costs include various support functions, such as information technology, corporate finance, legal, executive administration and human resources.

A summary of financial information by reportable segment is as follows:

The following tables present net sales and long-term assets for each of the geographic areas in which the Company operates: 

(15) Investments

Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd.

The Company has a 49% equity interest in Minda Stoneridge Instruments Ltd. (“Minda”), a company based in India that manufactures electronics, instrumentation equipment and sensors primarily for the motorcycle and commercial vehicle markets. The investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in Minda, recorded as a component of investments and other long-term assets, net on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was $10,218 and $10,131 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Equity in earnings of Minda included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $249 and $465, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Equity in earnings of Minda included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was $1,435 and $1,200, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

PST Eletrônica Ltda.

The Company had a 74% controlling interest in PST from December 31, 2011 through May 15, 2017. On May 16, 2017, the Company acquired the 26% noncontrolling interest in PST for $1,500 in cash along with earn-out consideration. The Company will be required to pay additional earn-out consideration, which is not capped, based on PST’s financial performance in either 2020 or 2021. The preliminary estimated fair value of the earn-out consideration as of the acquisition date was $10,180 and was based on discounted cash flows utilizing forecasted EBITDA in 2020 and 2021. The Company’s statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 included $501 and $1,549, respectively, of expense for the fair value adjustment for earn-out consideration in SG&A expenses. The Company’s statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 included $475 and $719, respectively, of expense for the fair value adjustment for earn-out consideration in SG&A expenses. See Note 6 for the fair value and foreign currency adjustments of the earn-out consideration. This fair value measurement is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction, and therefore no gain or loss was recognized in the statement of operations or comprehensive income. The noncontrolling interest balance on the May 16, 2017 acquisition date was $14,458, of which $31,453 and ($16,995) was related to the carrying value of the investment and foreign currency translation, respectively, and accordingly these amounts were reclassified to additional paid-in capital and accumulated other comprehensive loss, respectively.

The following table sets forth a summary of the change in noncontrolling interest in 2017:

PST has dividends payable to former noncontrolling interest holders of R$23,096 Brazilian real ($5,706) and R$22,330 Brazilian real ($6,742) as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The dividends payable balance at September 30, 2018 includes R$766 Brazilian real ($189) in monetary correction for the year to date September 30, 2018 period. The dividend is payable on or before January 1, 2020, and is subject to monetary correction based on the Brazilian consumer price inflation index. The dividend payable related to PST is recorded within other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

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

We are a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems primarily for the automotive, commercial, off-highway, motorcycle and agricultural vehicle markets.

On January 31, 2017, the Company acquired Exploitatiemaatschappij Berghaaf B.V. (“Orlaco”). As a result, the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements herein include the results of Orlaco from the acquisition date to September 30, 2018. On May 16, 2017, the Company also acquired the remaining 26% noncontrolling interest in PST.

Segments

We are organized by products produced and markets served. Under this structure, our continuing operations have been reported utilizing the following segments:

Control Devices. This segment includes results of operations that manufacture sensors, switches, valves and actuators.

Electronics. This segment produces electronic instrument clusters, electronic control units and other driver information systems and includes the Orlaco business, which designs and manufactures camera-based vision systems, monitors and related products using its vision processing technology.

PST. This segment includes results of operations that design and manufacture electronic vehicle alarms, convenience accessories, vehicle tracking devices and monitoring services and in-vehicle audio and video devices.

Third Quarter Overview

Net income attributable to Stoneridge, Inc. of $13.3 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, increased by $5.3 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, from $8.0 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The Electronics segment’s higher sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 resulted in increased operating income of $4.1 million.  In addition, income tax expense for the third quarter decreased by $0.3 million as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017. 

Net sales increased by $5.3 million, or 2.6%, compared to the third quarter of 2017 due to higher sales in our Electronics and Control Devices segments partially offset by a decrease in sales in our PST segment. The increase in sales in our Electronics segment was due to an increase in sales volume in our European and North American commercial vehicle and off-highway vehicle products. The increase in sales in our Control Devices segment was primarily due to an increase in sales volume in our commercial vehicle market partially offset by decreased sales volume in our North American automotive market. Also, PST sales decreased due to lower sales of alarm and audio products and lower Argentina market sales partially offset by new product sales in our factory authorized dealer installers and higher sales of monitoring products.

At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents balances of $60.7 million and $66.0 million, respectively. The decrease during the first nine months of 2018 was primarily due to the repayment of outstanding debt and capital expenditures being partially offset by cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 we had $101.0 million and $121.0 million, respectively, in borrowings outstanding on our $300.0 million Credit Facility. The decrease in the outstanding Credit Facility balance during the first nine months of 2018 was the result of voluntary principal repayments.

Outlook

In the first nine months of 2018, the Company continued to drive financial performance through top-line growth in our Electronics segment, including the Orlaco business, which continues to contribute to the growth in our Electronics segment.  The Company continued to implement operating efficiency improvements which contributed to higher, sustainable long-term margins in all our segments.  The Company believes that focusing on products that address industry megatrends will have a positive impact on both our top-line growth and underlying margins. 

The North American automotive market is expected to remain consistent with 2017. Based on our product mix, the Company expects sales volumes in our Control Devices segment to be consistent with the prior year.

We also expect the European commercial vehicle market to increase in the remainder of 2018. The North American commercial vehicle market increased in 2017 and we expect it to increase again in 2018.

Our PST segment revenues and operating performance in the first nine months of 2018 decreased compared to the first nine months of 2017, mostly due to the decline in the alarm and audio demand as well as the decline in the Argentinian economy. In October 2018, the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) forecasted the Brazil gross domestic product to grow 1.4% in 2018 and 2.4% in 2019. As the Brazilian economy remains relatively stable, we expect our served market channels to remain consistent except for our alarm and audio products which have had lower demand in 2018 compared to the prior year. Our financial performance in our PST segment is subject to uncertainty from movements in the Brazilian Real and Argentina Peso foreign currencies.

Trade actions initiated by the U.S. imposing tariffs on imports have been met with retaliatory tariffs by other countries, adding a level of uncertainty to the global economic environment. These and other actions are likely to impact trade polices with other countries and the overall global economy which could adversely impact our results of operations.

Other Matters

As a result of the impact of the Tax Legislation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017, our effective tax rate will be lower in 2018 as compared to 2017.

A significant portion of our sales are outside of the United States. These sales are generated by our non-U.S. based operations, and therefore, movements in foreign currency exchange rates can have a significant effect on our results of operations, which are presented in U.S. dollars. Our Electronics and PST segments have non-U.S. based operations that purchase a significant portion of raw materials denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore our results of operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency rates. The U.S. dollar weakened against the Swedish krona, euro and Brazilian real in 2017 favorably impacting our material costs and our reported results. The U.S. Dollar strengthened against the Swedish krona, euro, Brazilian real and Argentinian peso in 2018, unfavorably impacting our material costs and reported results.

We regularly evaluate the performance of our businesses and their cost structures, including personnel, and make necessary changes thereto in order to optimize our results.  We also evaluate the required skill sets of our personnel and periodically make strategic changes.  As a consequence of these actions, we incur severance related costs which we refer to as business realignment charges.

Because of the competitive nature of the markets we serve, we face pricing pressures from our customers in the ordinary course of business. In response to these pricing pressures we have been able to effectively manage our production costs by the combination of lowering certain costs and limiting the increase of others, the net impact of which to date has not been material. However, if we are unable to effectively manage production costs in the future to mitigate future pricing pressures, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales are presented in the following table (in thousands): 

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, are summarized in the following table (in thousands): 

Our Control Devices segment net sales increased primarily as a result of an increase in sales volume in our commercial vehicle market of $5.4 million partially offset by decreases in sales volume in our North American automotive market of $2.5 million as a result of certain program volume reductions and a decrease in sales volume in our China automotive market of $1.2 million.

Our Electronics segment net sales increased primarily due to an increase in sales volume in our European and North American commercial vehicle products of $7.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and increased sales of European and North American off-highway vehicle products of $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. This increase was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation of $3.1 million and unfavorable pricing of $0.8 million on products nearing the end of product life.

Our PST segment net sales decreased primarily due to a lower volumes for our alarm and audio product and sales in our Argentina market as well as an unfavorable foreign currency translation that decreased sales by $5.1 million, or 20.0%. This reduction was partially offset by a slight increase in sales of new products to our factory authorized dealer installers and higher sales of monitoring products.

Net sales by geographic location are summarized in the following table (in thousands): 

The slight decrease in North American net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales volume in our North American commercial vehicle and off-highway markets of $7.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively which were partially offset by a decrease in sales volume in our North American automotive market of $2.5 million resulting from certain program volume reductions. The decrease in net sales in South America was primarily due to a decrease in alarm and audio product and Argentina market sales volume as well as an unfavorable foreign currency translation that decreased sales by $5.1 million, or 20.0%, partially offset by an increase of new products to factory authorized dealer installers and higher sales of monitoring products. The increase in net sales in Europe and Other was primarily due to the increase in our European commercial vehicle and European off-highway markets of $9.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in sales volume in our China automotive market of $1.2 million. Additionally, Europe and Other sales were unfavorably impacted by foreign currency translation of $3.3 million and unfavorable pricing of $0.7 million on products nearing the end of product life.

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Margin. Cost of goods sold increased by 3.2% primarily related to an increase in net sales. Our gross margin decreased by 0.4% to 30.3% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 30.7% for the third quarter of 2017. Our material cost as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.8% to 50.9% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 50.1% for the third quarter of 2017. The higher direct material costs as a percentage of net sales in our Electronics segment resulted from unfavorable product mix and the impact of U.S. denominated material purchases at non-U.S. operations. Lower direct material costs as a percentage of net sales in our Control Devices and PST segment resulted from favorable product mix with PST favorability being offset by the adverse impact of U.S. denominated material purchases. Overhead as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.2% to 14.0% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 14.2% for the third quarter of 2017.

Our Control Devices segment gross margin improved slightly due to an increase in sales and a decrease in direct material and labor as a percentage of net sales.

Our Electronics segment gross margin was consistent with the prior year as higher sales, lower labor and overhead costs as a percentage of sales and a favorable mix related to Orlaco product sales were offset by higher direct material costs as a percentage of net sales.

Our PST segment gross margin decreased due to lower sales and the adverse impact of U.S. denominated material purchases partially offset by a favorable sales mix related to lower sales of alarm and audio products.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”). SG&A expenses decreased by $4.7 million compared to the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to a decrease in expense of the fair value adjustment for the Orlaco earn-out consideration of $1.8 million in the Electronics segment. The Orlaco earn-out consideration was fully recognized in the first quarter of 2018. In addition, there were lower business realignment charges of $0.1 million in our Electronics, Control Devices and PST segments. Control Devices SG&A costs decreased primarily due to higher wages. PST SG&A costs decreased during the current period due to lower wages, fringe benefit costs and lower professional services. Unallocated corporate SG&A costs decreased primarily due to higher allocation of direct support costs to operating segments for procurement and manufacturing support due to the centralization of these activities.

Design and Development (“D&D”). D&D costs increased by $0.4 million primarily due to higher D&D costs in our Electronics segment related to product launch and development activities.

Operating Income. Operating income (loss) is summarized in the following table by reportable segment (in thousands):

Our Control Devices segment operating income increased slightly primarily due to higher sales partially offset by higher SG&A expenses and D&D costs.

Our Electronics segment operating income increased primarily due to the higher sales and lower SG&A expenses, primarily due to no expense incurred for the fair value of earn-out consideration this quarter as compared to $1.8 million of expense in the third quarter of the prior year. This was offset by higher D&D costs as well as higher allocated direct support costs from unallocated corporate for procurement and manufacturing activities.

Our PST segment operating income decreased primarily due to a decrease in sales partially offset by lower SG&A costs.

Our unallocated corporate operating loss decreased primarily due to higher allocations of direct support costs to operating segments for procurement and manufacturing activities due to the centralization of these activities.

Operating income by geographic location is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

Our North American operating results increased primarily due to increased sales volume in our commercial vehicle and off-highway markets which were partially offset by a decrease in sales volume in our North American automotive market as well as higher SG&A costs. The decrease in operating income in South America was primarily due a decrease in alarm and audio products and lower sales in the Argentina market offset by lower SG&A costs and slightly higher sales and gross profit from a favorable sales mix of new products sold to our factory authorized dealer installers and higher sales of monitoring products. Our operating results in Europe and Other increased due to higher sales in our commercial vehicle and European off-highway markets which were partially offset by higher D&D and material costs.

Interest Expense, net. Interest expense, net decreased by $0.4 million compared to the prior year third quarter primarily due to lower unallocated corporate and PST interest expense as a result of the decrease in outstanding credit facility and debt balances, respectively and lower interest rates of PST debt.

Equity in Earnings of Investee. Equity earnings for Minda were $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease compared to the prior period is primarily due to unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates with an offset of an increase in sales.

Other Expense, net. We record certain foreign currency transaction and forward currency hedge contract (gains) losses as a component of other expense, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Other expense, net increased by $0.2 million to $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to other expense, net of $0.4 million for the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to an unfavorable change in foreign currency exchange rates in our PST segment.

Provision for Income Taxes. We recognized income tax expense of $3.5 million and $3.8 million for federal, state and foreign income taxes for the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period for 2017 was primarily due to the Tax Legislation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate decreased to 20.7% in the third quarter of 2018 from 32.1% in the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to the Tax Legislation.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales are presented in the following table (in thousands): 

Net Sales. Net sales for our reportable segments, excluding inter-segment sales, are summarized in the following table (in thousands):