8-K

STRATTEC SECURITY CORP (STRT)

8-K 2023-08-10 For: 2023-08-10
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Added on April 06, 2026

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  August 10, 2023

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Wisconsin
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
0-25150 39-1804239
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(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer I.D. Number)
3333 West Good Hope Road<br><br> <br>Milwaukee, WI 53209
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(414) 247-3333
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(Registrant's telephone number; including area code)

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

Title of each class Trading symbol(s) Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock, $.01 par value STRT The Nasdaq Global Stock Market

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following

    provisions \(see General Instruction A.2. below\):
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging Growth Company ☐

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



Section 2 – Financial Information

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On August 10, 2023, STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION issued a press release (the "Press Release")

    announcing results for the fiscal fourth quarter and year ended July 2, 2023.  A copy of the Press Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.  The attached Exhibit 99.1 is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K.

The information in this Form 8-K and the Exhibit attached hereto shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
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99.1 Press Release of STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION, issued August 10, 2023.
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104 – Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURE

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

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION
Date:  August 10, 2023
By: /s/ Dennis Bowe
Dennis Bowe, Vice President and CFO


Exhibit 99.1

    ![](image00002.jpg)

FOR RELEASE AT 3:00 PM CDT

Contact:  Dennis Bowe

Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

414-247-3399

www.strattec.com

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION

REPORTS FISCAL 2023 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR

OPERATING RESULTS

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – August 10, 2023 -- STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (“STRATTEC” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:STRT) today reported operating results for the fiscal fourth quarter ended July 2, 2023.  Despite higher net sales, the comparative current year fourth quarter operating profit results were lower than the results in the same period for the prior year due to higher manufacturing input costs and a stronger Mexican Peso against the U.S. dollar, which was partially offset by lower engineering costs associated with a customer reimbursement of engineering development costs.


Fourth Quarter Overview

Net sales for the fourth quarter ended July 2, 2023 were $132.2 million, compared to net sales of $123.1 million for the fourth quarter ended July 3, 2022. Net loss was $2.7 million in the current year fourth quarter, compared to net income of $384,000 in the prior year fourth quarter.  Diluted loss per share for the current year fourth quarter was $0.69 compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.10 in the prior year fourth quarter.  The current year fourth quarter included a $4.7 million net loss associated with an Equity Restructuring Agreement (described below) equating to a loss per share of $1.19.

On June 30^th^, the Company announced that it had entered into and subsequently completed the transactions contemplated by an Equity Restructuring Agreement (Restructuring Agreement) between the Company and WITTE Automotive GmbH (WITTE) related to both the Company's Vehicle Access Systems Technologies LLC (VAST LLC) joint venture and its STRATTEC Power Access LLC (SPA) joint venture.  Under the terms of the Restructuring Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to WITTE its one-third interest in VAST LLC for a net purchase price of $18,500,000 plus the Company received ownership of:  (1) WITTE's 20% minority interest in STRATTEC Power Access LLC (SPA); and (2) the net assets of VAST LLC's Korea branch office, which now operates as a newly registered Korea branch of the Company.  Of the aforementioned $4.7 million net loss for the Equity Restructuring Agreement, $4.4 million was related to tax effects, primarily a $2.2 million China non-resident capital gain tax and a valuation allowance of $1.4 million related to our assessment of the future realization of U.S. capital loss carryforwards.

Full Year Earnings Overview

For the year ended July 2, 2023, the Company’s net sales were $492.9 million compared to net sales of $452.3 million in the prior year. Net loss during the current year was $6.7 million compared to net income of $7.0 million in the prior year.  Diluted loss per share was $1.70 for the year ended July 2, 2023 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.79 during the prior year ended July 3, 2022. As referenced in the fourth quarter overview, the current year included a $4.7 million net loss associated with the aforementioned Equity Restructuring Agreement equating to a loss per share of $1.20.


Discussion of Quarterly Results

Net sales to each of our customers in the current year quarter and prior year quarter were as follows (in millions):

Three Months Ended
July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022
General Motors Company $ 39.1 $ 38.6
Ford Motor Company 26.6 21.8
Stellantis 22.3 20.6
Tier 1 Customers 20.1 16.5
Commercial and Other OEM Customers 14.5 14.9
Hyundai / Kia 9.6 10.7
TOTAL $ 132.2 $ 123.1

It is important to note that the prior year quarter sales included an additional 53rd week of sales.   The quarter-over-quarter sales increase of $9.1 million would have been $16.7 million had the prior year not included that extra week.  The increase in net sales between quarters was due to improved global semiconductor chip availability in the current year quarter relative to the prior year quarter, which positively impacted sales to General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company, Stellantis and Tier 1 Customers.  Specifically, sales growth to General Motors Company in the current year quarter was attributed to higher production volumes of pickup trucks and SUVs for which we supply components.  The increased sales between quarters for Ford Motor Company was due to higher production volumes of their pickup trucks, while Stellantis’s growth was attributed to higher production volumes of their minivan.  The increased sales for Tier One customers includes other components sold for both the GM Pickup Trucks and SUVs and the Stellantis minivan.  The decrease in sales for Hyundai/Kia was due to lower production volumes in the quarter for the Kia minivan.


Despite improved fixed cost absorption associated with 7.4% higher net sales in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter, gross profit margins declined to 9.3% from 11.3% in the prior year quarter primarily due to higher cost of purchased materials, increased costs in our Mexican operations related to the mandatory minimum wage increase enacted by the Mexican Government effective January 1, 2023, and an unfavorable average U.S. dollar / Mexican Peso exchange rate between quarters.

Engineering, Selling, and Administrative expenses decreased $1.5 million in the current year quarter compared with the prior year quarter due to a customer reimbursement of engineering development costs, which costs were mostly incurred during the nine-month period ended April 2, 2023.

Included in Other (Expense) Income, Net in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter were the following items (in thousands of dollars):

July 2, July 3,
2023 2022
Equity Loss of VAST LLC Joint Venture $ (375 ) $ (764 )
Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Loss) Gain (725 ) 358
Other 11 (260 )
$ (1,089 ) $ (666 )

The equity loss of VAST LLC in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter was lower due to improved profitability in VAST China partially offset by a loss of $466,000 on the disposition of VAST LLC’s Brazilian subsidiary.

Frank Krejci, STRATTEC President and CEO commented: “While the fourth quarter generated positive operational results, 2023 has been a challenging fiscal year for us financially.  However, the restructuring of our partnership within VAST provides us with a stronger balance sheet, 100% ownership in our award-winning power products business, and greater focus on our strategic initiatives in the years ahead while still being able to collaborate with our former VAST partners on mutually beneficial opportunities.


In the quarter we grew our sales compared to the prior year quarter and saw improvement in the cost of some key raw materials. However, those positives were offset by continued inflationary pressure from our component suppliers, significantly higher government mandated wages in our Mexican operations and a weakening U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso.  For the year the Mexican government mandated wage increases and a weaker U.S. Dollar/Mexican Peso relationship resulted in more than a $10 million deterioration in our margins.

Our Team has demonstrated great resiliency overcoming adversity during these difficult times.  As we enter a new fiscal year, we will remain highly motivated to continue improving the overall profitability of the business. Final resolution of the protracted inflation related pricing negotiations with our customers is particularly important and impactful.  We will continue implementing new ideas for additional cost efficiencies, adding vertical integration opportunities, and launching new products and programs with improved economics and margins.”

STRATTEC designs, develops, manufactures and markets automotive Access Control Products, including mechanical locks and keys, electronically enhanced locks and keys, steering column and instrument panel ignition lock housings, latches, power sliding side door systems, power liftgate systems, power tailgate systems, power deck lid systems, door handles and related products. These products are provided to customers in North America, and on a global basis through a strategic and supply relationship with WITTE Automotive of Velbert, Germany and ADAC Automotive of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Under this relationship, STRATTEC, WITTE and ADAC market and manufacture each company’s products to global customers under the “VAST Automotive Group” brand name.  STRATTEC’s history in the automotive business spans over 110 years.


Certain statements contained in this release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” and “would.”   Such forward-looking statements in this release are inherently subject to many uncertainties in the Company’s operations and business environment.  These uncertainties include general economic conditions, in particular, relating to the automotive industry, consumer demand for the Company’s and its customers’ products, competitive and technological developments, customer purchasing actions, changes in warranty provisions and customers’ product recall policies, work stoppages at the Company or at the location of its key customers as a result of labor disputes, foreign currency fluctuations, uncertainties stemming from U.S. trade policies, tariffs and reaction to same from foreign countries, the volume and scope of product returns or customer cost reimbursement actions, adverse business and operational issues resulting from semiconductor chip supply shortages and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and costs of operations (including fluctuations in the cost, and factors impacting the availability, of necessary raw materials).  Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.  In addition, such uncertainties and other operational matters are discussed further in the Company’s quarterly and annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION

Condensed Results of Operations

(In Thousands except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Fourth Quarter Ended Year Ended
July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022 July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022
Net Sales $ 132,219 $ 123,073 $ 492,946 $ 452,265
Cost of Goods Sold 119,951 109,177 450,794 396,249
Gross Profit 12,268 13,896 42,152 56,016
Engineering, Selling & Administrative Expenses 10,975 12,436 48,241 47,119
Income (Loss) from Operations 1,293 1,460 (6,089 ) 8,897
Interest Expense (369 ) (62 ) (960 ) (221 )
Other (Expense) Income, net (1,089 ) (666 ) (619 ) 583
(Loss) Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Non- Controlling Interest (165 ) 732 (7,668 ) 9,259
Provision for Income Taxes 2,919 76 1,281 415
Net (Loss) Income (3,084 ) 656 (8,949 ) 8,844
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (384 ) 272 (2,279 ) 1,828
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION $ (2,700 ) $ 384 $ (6,670 ) $ 7,016
(Loss) Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ (0.69 ) $ 0.10 $ (1.70 ) $ 1.82
Diluted $ (0.69 ) $ 0.10 $ (1.70 ) $ 1.79
Average Basic Shares Outstanding 3,928 3,876 3,921 3,861
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 3,928 3,920 3,921 3,910
Other
Capital Expenditures $ 3,646 $ 4,781 $ 17,370 $ 14,188
Depreciation $ 4,340 $ 4,655 $ 17,485 $ 19,379

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION

Condensed Balance Sheet Data

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 20,571 $ 8,774
Receivables, net 89,811 75,827
Inventories, net 77,597 80,482
Customer Tooling in Progress, net 20,800 10,828
Other Current Assets 17,003 12,321
Total Current Assets 225,782 188,232
Investment in Joint Ventures - 26,654
Other Long-term Assets 20,702 12,519
Property, Plant and Equipment, net 94,446 91,729
$ 340,930 $ 319,134
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $ 57,927 $ 43,950
Other 51,059 37,579
Total Current Liabilities 108,986 81,529
Accrued Pension and Postretirement Obligations 2,363 2,588
Borrowings Under Credit Facility 13,000 11,000
Other Long-term Liabilities 5,557 4,070
Shareholders' Equity 334,683 342,568
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (14,194 ) (18,588 )
Less: Treasury Stock (135,526 ) (135,580 )
Total STRATTEC SECURITY
CORPORATION Shareholders' Equity 184,963 188,400
Non-Controlling Interest 26,061 31,547
Total Shareholders' Equity 211,024 219,947
$ 340,930 $ 319,134

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION

Condensed Cash Flow Statement Data

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

Fourth Quarter Ended Year Ended
July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022 July 2, 2023 July 3, 2022
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (Loss) Income $ (3,084 ) $ 656 $ (8,949 ) $ 8,844
Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Income to
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Depreciation 4,340 4,655 17,485 19,379
Equity Loss (Earnings) in Joint Ventures 375 764 (1,559 ) (177 )
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss (Gain) 821 (313 ) 2,935 (237 )
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Peso Contracts 534 116 627 (384 )
Stock Based Compensation Expense 327 267 1,466 1,140
Loss on Settlement of Pension Obligation - - 217 -
Deferred Income Taxes (4,937 ) (1,986 ) (4,937 ) (1,986 )
Change in Operating Assets/Liabilities 4,437 (5,669 ) 2,670 (16,820 )
Other, net (230 ) 163 140 677
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 2,583 (1,347 ) 10,095 10,436
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in Joint Ventures (41 ) (75 ) (278 ) (150 )
Proceeds from Sale of VAST LLC 26,170 - 26,170 -
Purchase of VAST Korea 354 - 354 -
Additions to Property, Plant & Equipment (3,646 ) (4,781 ) (17,370 ) (14,188 )
Proceeds on Sales of Property, Plant & Equipment 10 5 25 5
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities 22,847 (4,851 ) 8,901 (14,333 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings on Line of Credit Facility 4,000 2,000 17,000 13,000
Payments on Line of Credit Facility (12,000 ) (3,000 ) (15,000 ) (14,000 )
Purchase of Non-Controlling Interest (9,019 ) - (9,019 ) -
Dividends Paid to Non-controlling Interest - (600 ) (600 ) (1,800 )
Option Exercises & Employee Stock Purchases 19 24 183 908
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (17,000 ) (1,576 ) (7,436 ) (1,892 )
Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations on Cash 55 89 237 98
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash & Cash Equivalents 8,485 (7,685 ) 11,797 (5,691 )
Cash & Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of Period 12,086 16,459 8,774 14,465
End of Period $ 20,571 $ 8,774 $ 20,571 $ 8,774