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Vishay Intertechnology 10-K 2011 UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 or ¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______ to _______ Commission file number 1-7416
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
63 Lancaster Avenue
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2143 (Address of principal executive offices) (610) 644-1300
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. (Check one):
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ($7.43 on July 3, 2010), assuming conversion of all of its Class B common stock held by non-affiliates into common stock of the registrant, was $1,278,000,000. There is no non-voting stock outstanding.
As of February 24, 2011, registrant had 150,916,175 shares of its common stock and 14,352,839 shares of its Class B common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010
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PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Our Business
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (“Vishay,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. Semiconductors include MOSFETs, diodes, and optoelectronic components. Passive electronic components include resistive products, capacitors, and inductors. Discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components are essential elements of virtually every type of electronic circuit. They support the microprocessor chips and other integrated circuits (“ICs”) that coordinate and control the functions of electronic devices and equipment. We offer our customers “one-stop shop” access to one of the most comprehensive electronic component product lines of any manufacturer in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Our semiconductor components are used for a wide variety of functions, including power control, power conversion, power management, signal switching, signal routing, signal blocking, signal amplification, two-way data transfer, one-way remote control, and circuit isolation. Our passive components are used to restrict current flow, suppress voltage increases, store and discharge energy, control alternating current (“AC”) and voltage, filter out unwanted electrical signals, and perform other functions. Our components are used in virtually every type of product that contains electronic circuitry, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, power supplies, military, aerospace, and medical markets.
On July 6, 2010, we completed the spin-off of our measurements and foil resistor businesses into an independent, publicly-traded company named Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (“Vishay Precision Group” or “VPG”) through a tax-free stock dividend to our stockholders.
The Vishay Story
In the 1950’s, Dr. Felix Zandman, Vishay’s founder, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer, was issued patents for his PhotoStress® coatings and instruments, used to reveal and measure the distribution of stresses in structures such as airplanes and cars under live load conditions. His research in this area led him to develop Bulk Metal® foil resistors – ultra-precise, ultra-stable resistors with performance far beyond any other resistor available to date.
In 1962, Dr. Zandman, with the financial help of the late Alfred P. Slaner, founded Vishay to develop and manufacture Bulk Metal® foil resistors. Concurrently, J.E. Starr developed foil resistance strain gages, which also became part of Vishay. Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, Vishay established itself as a technical and market leader in foil resistors, PhotoStress® products, and strain gages. These products became part of Vishay Precision Group, which was spun off on July 6, 2010.
In 1985, Vishay began to expand its product line through various strategic acquisitions, including the resistor companies Dale Electronics, Draloric Electronic, and Sfernice. In the early 1990’s, Vishay applied its acquisition strategy to the capacitor market, with the major acquisitions of Sprague Electric, Roederstein, and Vitramon. In 2002, Vishay acquired BCcomponents, the former passive components business of Philips Electronics and Beyschlag, which greatly enhanced Vishay’s global market position in passive components. Over the years, we have made several smaller passive components acquisitions to gain market share, penetrate different geographic markets, enhance new product development, round out our product lines, or grow our high margin niche businesses. These include Electro-Films, Cera-Mite, and Spectrol in 2000; Tansitor and North American Capacitor Company (Mallory) in 2001; the thin film interconnect business of Aeroflex in 2004; Phoenix do Brasil in 2006; and the wet tantalum capacitor business of KEMET Corporation in 2008.
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In the late 1990’s, Vishay began expanding its product lines to include discrete semiconductors. In 1998, Vishay acquired the Semiconductor Business Group of TEMIC, which included Telefunken and an 80.4% interest in Siliconix, producers of MOSFETs, RF transistors, diodes, optoelectronics, and power and analog switching integrated circuits. Vishay’s next semiconductor acquisition came in 2001, with the purchase of the infrared components business of Infineon Technologies, which was followed the same year by Vishay’s acquisition of General Semiconductor, a leading global manufacturer of rectifiers and diodes. In 2005, Vishay made a successful tender offer for the minority interest in Siliconix. In 2007, Vishay acquired the Power Control Systems business of International Rectifier, further enhancing our product offerings. These acquisitions propelled Vishay into the top ranks of discrete semiconductor manufacturers.
We also acquired several businesses as part of our Measurements Group’s strategy of vertical market integration. The measurements business became part of VPG, which was spun off on July 6, 2010.
Vishay was incorporated in Delaware in 1962 and maintains its principal executive offices at 63 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355-2143. Our telephone number is (610) 644-1300.
Our Competitive Strengths
Strong Track Record of Growth through Acquisitions
Since 1985, we have expanded our product line through various strategic acquisitions, growing from a small manufacturer of precision resistors and resistance strain gages to one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of a broad line of electronic components. We have successfully integrated the acquired companies within our existing management and operational structure, reducing selling, general, and administrative expenses through the integration or elimination of redundant sales and administrative functions, creating manufacturing synergies, while improving customer service.
Broad Market Penetration
We have the broadest product line of discrete semiconductors and passive components among our competitors. Our broad product portfolio allows us to penetrate markets in all industry segments and all regions, which reduces our exposure to a particular end market or geographic location. The net revenues, excluding VPG, were attributable to customers in the following regions:
The share of net revenues, excluding VPG, by end market was as follows:
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Global Technology Leader
We were founded based on the inventions of Dr. Felix Zandman and we continue to emphasize technological innovation as a driver of growth. Many of our products and manufacturing techniques, technologies, and packaging methods have been invented, designed, and developed by Dr. Zandman, our engineers, and scientists. We are currently a worldwide technology and market leader in wirewound and other power resistors, leaded film resistors, thin film SMD resistors, wet and conformal-coated tantalum capacitors, capacitors for power electronics, power rectifiers, low-voltage power MOSFETs, and infrared components.
Operational Excellence
We are a leading manufacturer in our industry, with a broad product portfolio, access to multiple end markets, and geographic diversity. We have solid, well-established relationships with our customers and strong distribution channels. Our senior management team is highly experienced, with deep industry knowledge. Over the past two decades, our management team has successfully restructured our company and integrated several acquisitions. We can adapt our operations to changing economic conditions, as demonstrated by the significant, rapid cost-cutting initiatives in response to the global economic recession of 2008-2009, our ability to significantly reduce working capital investment and continue to generate cash during the recession, and our ability to capitalize on improving market conditions in 2010.
Research and Development Provides Customer-Driven Growth Solutions
We maintain strategically placed application and product support centers where proximity to customers and our manufacturing locations enables us to more easily gauge and satisfy the needs of local markets. The breadth of our product portfolio along with the proximity of our field application engineers to customers provides increased opportunities to have our components selected and designed into new end products by customers in all relevant market segments. We also maintain research and development personnel and promote programs at a number of our production facilities to develop new products and new applications of existing products, and to improve manufacturing processes and technologies.
Strong Free Cash Flow Generation
We refer to the amount of cash generated from operations in excess of our capital expenditure needs and net of proceeds from the sale of assets as “free cash.” Due to our strong operational management, cost control measures, efficient capital expenditures, broad product portfolio, and strong market position, we have generated positive “free cash” in each of the past 14 years and “free cash” in excess of $80 million in each of the past 9 years. We expect the benefits of our restructuring and other cost cutting measures in prior periods will continue our strong “free cash” generation going forward.
Financial Strength and Flexibility
As of December 31, 2010, our cash balance exceeded our debt balance by $466 million. We also maintain a credit facility, which provides a revolving commitment of up to $450 million through December 1, 2015, of which $210 million was available as of December 31, 2010. Our net cash position, available revolving commitment, and strong “free cash” flow generation provides financial strength and flexibility and reduces our exposure to future economic uncertainties.
Our Key Challenges
Economic Environment
Our business and operating results have been and will continue to be impacted by the global economy and in the local economies in which our customers operate. Our revenues are dependent on end markets that are impacted by consumer and industrial demand, and our operating results can be adversely affected by reduced demand in those markets.
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Competition
Our business is highly competitive worldwide, with low transportation costs and few import barriers. Our major competitors, some of which are larger than us, have significant financial resources and technological capabilities. To continue to grow our business successfully, we need to continually develop, introduce, and market new and innovative products, to modify existing products, to respond to technological change, and to customize certain products to meet customer requirements.
Continuing to Grow through Acquisitions
Our long-term historical growth in revenues and net earnings has resulted in large part from our strategy of growth through acquisitions. For this strategy to remain successful, we need to continue to identify attractive and available acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions on favorable terms, and integrate new businesses, manufacturing processes, employees, and logistical arrangements into our existing management and operating infrastructure.
Continuous Innovation and Protection of Intellectual Property
Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under, numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.
For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A.
Key Business Strategies
Since our first acquisition in 1985, we have pursued a business strategy that principally consists of the following elements:
Growth through Strategic Acquisitions
We expect to continue to expand within the electronic components industry, primarily through the acquisition of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product innovation, quality, and reliability, strong customer bases, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and technical expertise.
Cost Management
Over the past several years we implemented programs to optimize our labor distribution across the globe. After successfully realigning our labor distribution, our focus is directed to controlling fixed costs and reducing variable costs.
Invest in Innovation to Drive Growth
We expect to continue to use our research and development (“R&D”), engineering, and product marketing resources to continually roll out new and innovative products. Our ability to react to changing customer needs and industry trends will continue to be key to our success. We intend to leverage our insights into customer demand to continually develop and roll out new innovative products within our existing lines and to modify our existing core products to make them more appealing, addressing changing customer needs and industry trends.
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Customer Service Excellence
We maintain significant production facilities in those regions where we market the bulk of our products in order to enhance the service and responsiveness that we provide to our customers. We aim to further strengthen our relationships with customers and strategic partners by providing broad product lines that allow us to provide “one-stop shop” service, whereby they can streamline their design and purchasing processes by ordering multiple types of products.
Products
We design, manufacture, and market electronic components that cover a wide range of functions and technologies. Our product portfolio includes:
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We promote our ability to provide “one-stop shop” service to customers, whereby they can streamline their design and purchasing processes by ordering multiple types of products from Vishay. Our technical sales force consisting of field application engineers offers customers the complete breadth of the Vishay portfolio for their applications. We aim to use this broad portfolio to increase opportunities to have our components selected and “designed in” to new end products.
Product Segments
Our products can be divided into two general classes: semiconductors and passive components. Semiconductors are sometimes referred to as “active components” because they require power to function whereas passive components do not require power to function. Our semiconductor and passive components products are further categorized based on their functionality for financial reporting purposes. See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on revenues, income, and total assets by segment.
Semiconductors
Our semiconductor products include MOSFETs, Diodes, and Optoelectronic Components. Semiconductors are typically used to perform functions such as switching, amplifying, rectifying, routing, or transmitting electrical signals, power conversion, and power management.
MOSFETs Segment
Our MOSFETs business is a growing business in both the commodity and non-commodity markets in which we enjoy a good reputation and strong brand recognition (Siliconix). MOSFETs function as solid-state switches to control power in multiple applications, including mobile phones, notebook and desktop computers, tablet computers, digital cameras, televisions, DC/DC and AC/DC switch mode power supplies, solar inverters, automotive and industrial systems. We are a leader in low-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs and also offer high-voltage MOSFETs. Our MOSFETs product line includes low- and medium-voltage TrenchFET MOSFETs, high-voltage planar MOSFETs, high voltage Super Junction MOSFETs, power integrated circuits (power ICs), and integrated function power devices. We are a recognized technology leader with a tradition of innovation in MOSFET wafer design, packaging, and performance.
Diodes Segment
Our Diodes business is a solid business with a strong market presence in both the commodity and non-commodity markets. The products that comprise our Diodes business represent our broadest product line and include rectifiers, small signal diodes, protection diodes, thyristors/SCRs and power modules. The primary application of rectifiers, found inside the power supplies of virtually all electronic equipment, is to derive DC power from the AC supply. Vishay is the worldwide leader in rectifiers, having a broad technology base and a good position in automotive, industrial, computer and consumer markets. Our rectifier innovations include TMBS® using Trench MOS barrier Schottky rectifier technology, which reduces power loss and improves the efficiency of end systems and eSMP®, the best in class high-current density surface mount packages. Our wide selection of small signal diodes consist of the following functions: switching, tuning, band-switching, RF attenuation and voltage regulation (Zener). They are available in various glass and plastic packaging options and generally are used in electronic circuits, where small currents and high frequencies are involved. Vishay is also one of the market leaders for TVS (transient voltage suppressor) diodes. The portfolio of protection diodes includes ESD protection and EMI filter. Our thyristors or SCR (silicon-controlled rectifiers) are very popular in the industrial high-voltage AC power control applications. The fast growing markets of solar inverter and HEV/EV are the focus of our power modules business (IGBT or MOSFET modules). These modules can be customized to fit in different customer design requirements.
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Optoelectronics Components Segment
Our Optoelectronic Components business has a strong market presence in both the commodity and non-commodity markets. Optoelectronic components emit light, detect light, or do both. Our broad range of standard and customer specific optoelectronic components includes infrared (“IR”) emitters and detectors, IR remote control receivers, optocouplers, solid-state relays, optical sensors, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), 7-segment displays, and IR data transceiver modules (IrDA®). Our IR remote control receivers are designed for use in infrared remote control, data transmission, and light barrier applications in end products including televisions, set-top boxes, notebook computers, and audio systems. We are a leading manufacturer of IR remote control receivers. Our optocouplers electrically isolate input and output signals. Uses include switch-mode power supplies, consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, solar inverters, and industrial systems. Our IR data transceiver modules are used for short range, two-way, high-speed, and secure wireless data transfer between electronic devices such as home medical appliances, mobile phones, industrial data loggers, and metering. Our LEDs are designed for backlighting and illumination in automotive and other applications. Our LEDs include ultra-bright as well as small surface-mount packages, with products available in all standard colors including white.
Passive components
Our passive components include resistors, capacitors, and magnetics such as inductors and transformers. Passive components are used to store electrical charges, to limit or resist electrical current, and to help in filtering, surge suppression, measurement, timing, and tuning applications.
Resistors and Inductors Segment
Our Resistors and Inductors business is our original business. We maintain the broadest portfolio of resistor products worldwide. The business is solid, predictable, and growing at stable selling prices. We are a market leader with a strong technology base, many specialty products, and strong brand recognition (Dale, Draloric, Beyschlag, and Sfernice). We focus on higher value markets in specialized industries, while maintaining a complete portfolio of commodity products. We do not aim to be the volume leader in commodity markets.
Resistors are basic components used in all forms of electronic circuitry to adjust and regulate levels of voltage and current. They vary widely in precision and cost, and are manufactured from numerous materials and in many forms. Linear resistive components are classified as variable or fixed, depending on whether or not their resistance is adjustable. Non-linear resistors function by varying in resistance under influence of temperature (thermistors) or voltage (varistors). They can be used in temperature-measuring applications or as current or voltage-limiting devices. We manufacture virtually all types of fixed resistors, both in discrete and network forms, as well as many variable types.
Vishay resistor innovations include Power Metal Strip® technology. These resistors feature very low resistance and are used to measure changes in current flow (current sensing) or divert current flow (shunting).
Inductors use an internal magnetic field to change AC current phase and resist AC current. Inductor applications include controlling AC current and voltage, filtering out unwanted electrical signals, and energy storage. Vishay inductor innovations include IHLP® low-profile, high-current inductor technology with industry-leading specifications. Our low-profile, high-current inductors save circuit board space and power in voltage regulator module (“VRM”) and DC to DC converter applications. In addition, we are a worldwide leader in custom magnetic solutions focusing on high performance and high reliability.
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Capacitors Segment
Our Capacitors business consists of a broad range of reliable, high-quality products. We have a strong presence worldwide in specialty markets based on our product performance and reliability and strong brand recognition (Sprague, Vitramon, Roederstein, BCcomponents, and ESTA). We focus on higher value markets in specialized industries, while maintaining a complete portfolio of commodity products. We do not aim to be the volume leader in commodity markets. Capacitors are used in almost all electronic circuits. They store energy and discharge it when needed. Important applications for capacitors include electronic filtering for linear and switching power supplies; decoupling and bypass of electronic signals for integrated circuits and circuit boards; and frequency control, timing and conditioning of electronic signals for a broad range of applications.
We manufacture products based on all major capacitor technologies: tantalum (molded chip tantalum, coated chip tantalum, solid through-hole tantalum, and wet tantalum), ceramic (multilayer chip and ceramic disc), film, power, heavy-current, and aluminum electrolytic. Our capacitors range from tiny surface-mount devices for hearing aids and mobile devices to large power correction capacitors used in renewable energy, heavy industry, and electrical power grids. We are a recognized technology leader in many product ranges, securing our strong position in military and medical markets, and in a wide range of industrial and automotive applications. Our wet tantalum and MicroTan™ technologies are market leaders.
Military Qualifications
We have qualified certain of our products under various military specifications approved and monitored by the United States Defense Electronic Supply Center (“DESC”), and under certain European military specifications. DESC qualification levels are based in part upon the rate of failure of products. In order to maintain the classification level of a product, we must continuously perform tests on the product and the results of these tests must be reported to the DESC. If the product fails to meet the requirements for the applicable classification level, the product’s classification may be reduced to a lower level. During the time that the DESC classification level is reduced for a product with military application, net revenues and earnings attributable to that product may be adversely affected.
Manufacturing Operations
In order to better serve our customers, we maintain production facilities in locations where we market the bulk of our products, such as the United States, Germany, and Asia. To optimize production efficiencies, we have whenever practicable established manufacturing facilities in countries, such as the Czech Republic, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, and the Philippines, where we can benefit from lower labor and tax costs and also benefit from various government incentives, including grants and tax relief.
One of our most sophisticated manufacturing operations is the production of power semiconductor components. This manufacturing process involves two phases of production: wafer fabrication and assembly (or packaging). Wafer fabrication subjects silicon wafers to various thermal, metallurgical, and chemical process steps that change their electrical and physical properties. These process steps define cells or circuits within numerous individual devices (termed “dies” or “chips”) on each wafer. Assembly is the sequence of production steps that divides the wafer into individual chips and encloses the chips in structures (termed “packages”) that make them usable in a circuit. Both wafer fabrication and assembly phases incorporate wafer level and device level electrical testing to ensure that device design integrity has been achieved.
In the United States, our manufacturing facilities are located in California, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont. In Asia, our main manufacturing facilities are located in the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), India, and Malaysia. In Europe, our main manufacturing facilities are located in Germany, France, and the Czech Republic. We have substantial manufacturing facilities in Israel (see “Israeli Government Incentives” below). We also have manufacturing facilities in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the Philippines. Over the past several years, we have invested substantial resources to increase the efficiency of our plants, which we believe will further reduce production costs.
The majority of our manufacturing operations have received ISO 9001 approval and others are actively pursuing such approval. ISO 9001 is a comprehensive set of quality program standards developed by the International Standards Organization.
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See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for financial information by geographic area.
Sources of Supplies
Although most materials incorporated in our products are available from a number of sources, certain materials, including plastics and metals, are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers or are subject to significant price volatility.
Silicon wafers are the most important raw material for the manufacturing of our semiconductor products. Silicon wafers are manufactured from high-purity silicon, a metalloid. There have at times been industry-wide shortages of high-purity silicon resulting primarily from growing demand of the electronic component and solar power industries, and limited growth in high-purity silicon manufacturing capacities. Shifts in demand for high-purity silicon and in turn, silicon wafers, have resulted in significant fluctuation in prices of silicon wafers.
We are a major consumer of the world’s annual production of tantalum, a metal used in the manufacturing of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder. We acquire tantalum powder and wire from all of them under short-term commitments.
Palladium, a metal used to produce multi-layer ceramic capacitors, is currently found primarily in South Africa and Russia. Palladium is a commodity metal that is subject to price volatility. We periodically enter into short-term commitments to purchase palladium.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products, such as copper, are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget.
Israeli Operations
We have substantial manufacturing operations in Israel, where we benefit from the government’s grant and tax incentive programs. These programs have contributed substantially, predominantly in previous years, to our growth and profitability.
The current benefits derived under these programs are not material to our consolidated results. Because of our significant presence in Israel, the availability of these incentive programs could have a significant positive effect on us if we relocate manufacturing capacity or develop new product lines in Israel. However, there are no substantial plans that would allow us to earn additional benefits. Effective January 2011, the corporate tax rate in Israel will decrease.
We could be materially adversely affected if events were to occur in the Middle East that interfered with our operations in Israel. However, we have not experienced any material interruption in our Israeli operations during our 40 years of operations there, in spite of several Middle East crises, including wars.
Inventory and Backlog
We manufacture both standardized products and those designed and produced to meet customer specifications. We maintain an inventory of standardized components and monitor the backlog of outstanding orders for our products.
We include in our backlog only open orders that we expect to ship in the next twelve months. Many of our customers encounter uncertain and changing demand for their products. They typically order products from us based on their forecasts. If demand falls below customers’ forecasts, or if customers do not control their inventory effectively, they may cancel or reschedule the shipments included in our backlog, in many instances without the payment of any penalty. Therefore, our backlog at any point in time is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
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Customers and Marketing
We sell our products to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), electronic manufacturing services (“EMS”) companies, which manufacture for OEMs on an outsourcing basis, and independent distributors that maintain large inventories of electronic components for resale to OEMs and EMS companies. Excluding VPG, approximately 37% of our sales were to OEMs, approximately 56% of our sales were to distributors, and approximately 7% of our sales were to EMS companies in 2010.
Our sales organizations are regionally based. While our sales and support procedures are typically similar across all regions, we remain flexible in our ability to offer programs tailored to our customers’ specific support requirements in each local area. The aim of our sales organizations is supporting our customers across all product lines, developing new design wins, negotiating pricing and contracts, and providing general commercial support as would normally be expected of a large multi-national sales force.
We have an established Strategic Global Account program, which provides each of our top customers with a dedicated Strategic Global Account Manager. Our Strategic Global Account Managers are typically highly experienced salesmen or saleswomen who are capable of providing key customers with the coordination and management visibility required in a complex multi-product business relationship. They typically coordinate the sales, pricing, contract, logistic, quality, and other aspects of the customer’s business requirements. The Strategic Global Account Manager normally is the focal point of communication between Vishay and our main customers. We maintain a similar program for our strategic distributors as well.
We work with our customers so that our products are incorporated into the design of electronic equipment at the earliest stages of development and to provide technical and applications support. In addition to our staff of direct field sales personnel, independent manufacturers’ representatives, and distributors, our Business Development group maintains teams of dedicated Field Application Engineers (“FAEs”) to assist our customers in solving technical problems and in developing products to meet specific customer application needs using our entire product portfolio to provide support for our customers’ engineering needs. Organized by market segment, our Business Development FAEs bring specific knowledge of component applications in their areas of expertise in the automotive, telecommunications, computer, consumer/entertainment, industrial, peripherals, digital consumer, and other market segments. With the ultimate goal of a Vishay “design-in” – the process by which our customers specify a Vishay component in their products – this program offers our customers enhanced access to all Vishay technologies while at the same time increasing design wins, and ultimately sales, for us. Most importantly, the process is closely monitored via a proprietary database developed by our Business Development group. Our database captures specific design activities and allows for real-time measurement of new business potential for our management team.
Our top 30 customers have been relatively stable despite not having long-term commitments to purchase our products. With selected customers, we have signed longer term (greater than one year) contracts for specific products. Net revenues from our top 30 customers represent approximately 66% of our total net revenues. No single customer comprises more than 10% of our total net revenues. No single OEM customer comprises more than 5% of our total net revenues.
In certain areas we also work with sales representatives. The commission expense for these sales representatives is not material.
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Competition
We face strong competition in various product lines from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Our primary competitors by product type include:
There are many other companies that produce products in the markets in which we compete.
Our competitive position depends on our ability to maintain a competitive advantage on the basis of product quality, know-how, proprietary data, market knowledge, service capability, technological innovation, business reputation, and price competitiveness. Our sales and marketing programs aim to compete by offering our customers a broad range of world-class technologies and products, superior global sales and distribution support, and a secure and multi-location source of product supply.
Research and Development
Many of our products and manufacturing techniques, technologies, and packaging methods have been invented, designed, and developed by Dr. Felix Zandman, our engineers, and scientists. We maintain strategically placed design centers where proximity to customers enables us to more easily gauge and satisfy the needs of local markets. These design centers are located predominantly in the United States, Germany, Italy, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, France, and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
We also maintain research and development personnel and promote programs at a number of our production facilities to develop new products and new applications of existing products and to improve manufacturing processes and technologies. This decentralized system encourages product development at individual manufacturing facilities, closer to our customers.
Patents and Licenses
We have made a significant investment in securing intellectual property protection for our technology and products. We seek to protect our technology by, among other things, filing patent applications for technology considered important to the development of our business. We also rely upon trade secrets, unpatented know-how, continuing technological innovation, and the aggressive pursuit of licensing opportunities to help develop and maintain our competitive position.
Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. Although we have been awarded, have filed applications for, or have been licensed under, numerous patents in the United States and other countries, there can be no assurance concerning the degree of protection afforded by these patents or the likelihood that pending patents will be issued.
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We require all of our technical, research and development, sales and marketing, and management employees and most consultants and other advisors to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the entity or individual during the course of the entity’s or individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific circumstances. Substantially all of our technical, research and development, sales and marketing, and management employees have entered into agreements providing for the assignment to us of rights to inventions made by them while employed by us.
When we believe other companies are misappropriating our intellectual property rights, we vigorously enforce those rights through legal action, and we intend to continue to do so. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.”
Although we have numerous United States and foreign patents covering certain of our products and manufacturing processes, no particular patent is considered individually material to our business.
Environment, Health and Safety
We have adopted an Environmental Health and Safety Corporate Policy that commits us to achieve and maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws, to promote proper management of hazardous materials for the safety of our employees and the protection of the environment, and to minimize the hazardous materials generated in the course of our operations. This policy is implemented with accountability directly to the Board of Directors. In addition, our manufacturing operations are subject to various federal, state, and local laws restricting discharge of materials into the environment.
We are involved in environmental remediation programs at various sites currently or formerly owned by us and our subsidiaries both within and outside of the U.S., in addition to involvement as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at Superfund sites. Certain obligations as a PRP have arisen in connection with business acquisitions. The remediation programs are on-going and the ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations and alternative cleanup methods. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings.”
We are not involved in any pending or threatened proceedings that would require curtailment of our operations. We continually expend funds to ensure that our facilities comply with applicable environmental regulations. While we believe that we are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws, we cannot accurately predict future developments and do not necessarily have knowledge of all past occurrences on sites that we currently occupy. More stringent environmental regulations may be enacted in the future, and we cannot determine the modifications, if any, in our operations that any such future regulations might require, or the cost of compliance with such regulations. Moreover, the risk of environmental liability and remediation costs is inherent in the nature of our business and, therefore, there can be no assurance that material environmental costs, including remediation costs, will not arise in the future.
With each acquisition, we attempt to identify potential environmental concerns and to minimize, or obtain indemnification for, the environmental matters we may be required to address. In addition, we establish reserves for specifically identified potential environmental liabilities. We believe that the reserves we have established are adequate. Nevertheless, we have in the past and may in the future inherit certain pre-existing environmental liabilities, generally based on successor liability doctrines. Although we have never been involved in any environmental matter that has had a material adverse impact on our overall operations, there can be no assurance that in connection with any past or future acquisition we will not be obligated to address environmental matters that could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
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Employees
As of December 31, 2010, we employed approximately 22,600 full time employees, of whom approximately 90% were located outside the United States. Our future success is substantially dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical and administrative personnel. Some of our employees outside the United States are members of trade unions. Our relationship with our employees is generally good. However, no assurance can be given that, if we continue to restructure our operations in response to changing economic conditions, labor unrest or strikes will not occur.
Company Information and Website
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
In addition, our company website can be found on the Internet at www.vishay.com. The website contains information about us and our operations. Copies of each of our filings with the SEC on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, can be viewed and downloaded free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. To view the reports, access ir.vishay.com and click on “SEC Filings.”
The following corporate governance related documents are also available on our website:
To view these documents, access ir.vishay.com and click on “Corporate Governance.”
Any of the above documents can also be obtained in print by any stockholder upon request to our Investor Relations Department at the following address:
Corporate Investor Relations
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 63 Lancaster Avenue Malvern, PA 19355-2143 -17-
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
From time to time, information provided by us, including but not limited to statements in this report, or other statements made by or on our behalf, may contain “forward-looking” information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated. Set forth below are important factors that could cause our results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf:
Risks relating to our business generally
Our business is cyclical and the periods of decline we experienced in the recent past may resume and may become more pronounced.
The electronic component industry is highly cyclical and experiences periods of decline from time to time. We and others in the electronic component industry have experienced these conditions in the recent past and cannot predict when we may experience such downturns in the future. While we believe that a recovery from the recent global downturn is underway, there is no assurance that the recovery will continue at its current pace or at all, or that the conditions that contributed to the recent recessionary environment have in fact abated. A decline in product demand on a global basis could result in order cancellations and deferrals, lower average selling prices, and a material and adverse impact on our results of operations. These declines in demand are driven by market conditions in the end markets for our products. Changes in the demand mix, needed technologies, and these end markets may adversely affect our ability to match our products, inventory, and capacity to meet customer demand and could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. A slowdown in demand or recessionary trends in the global economy makes it more difficult for us to predict our future sales and manage our operations, and could adversely impact our results of operations.
We have incurred and may continue to incur restructuring costs and associated asset write-downs.
To remain competitive, particularly when business conditions are difficult, we attempt to reduce our cost structure through restructuring activities. This includes acquisition-related restructuring, where we attempt to streamline the operations of companies we acquire and achieve synergies between our acquisitions and our existing businesses. It also includes restructuring our existing businesses, where we seek to eliminate redundant facilities and staff positions and move operations, where possible, to jurisdictions with lower labor costs. We recorded restructuring and severance costs, plus related asset write-downs, in each year from 2001 to 2009 and expect to incur some level of future restructuring costs. However, we did not incur any restructuring expenses in 2010 and do not anticipate any material restructuring expenses in 2011.
Our business is cyclical and in periods of a rising economy, we may experience intense demand for our products. As a result of our restructuring activities initiated during the global economic recession, which began in the latter half of 2008 and continued into 2009, we, like many in our industry, were unable to expand our manufacturing to satisfy the intense demand from our customers and were unable to fill all of their orders in the second and third fiscal quarters of 2010 due to factors such as delays in procurement of manufacturing equipment and shortages of skilled personnel. If we continue to be unable to meet our customers’ requirements and our competitors sufficiently expand production, we could lose customers and/or market share. These losses could have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition, and results of operations.
In the past we have grown through successful integration of acquired businesses, but this may not continue.
Our long-term historical growth in revenues and net earnings has resulted in large part from our strategy of expansion through acquisitions. We may be unable to continue to identify, have the financial capabilities to acquire, or successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates. If an acquired business fails to operate as anticipated or cannot be successfully integrated with our other businesses, our results of operations, enterprise value, market value, and prospects could all be materially adversely affected.
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Our debt levels have increased and may continue to increase, which could adversely affect the perception in the financial markets of our financial condition.
The recorded value of our outstanding debt increased from approximately $347 million as of December 31, 2008 to approximately $432 million as of December 31, 2010, primarily due to our share repurchase activity that was funded through the issuance of convertible senior debentures. The carrying value of our convertible senior debentures will continue to increase as the discount associated with the debentures is amortized. Additionally, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the conditions contained in our debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. The marketplace could react negatively to our current debt levels which in turn could affect our share price and also make it more difficult to obtain financing in the future.
Significant fluctuations in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our borrowing activities and our cash balances. Our credit facility and our exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102 bear interest at variable rates based on LIBOR. A significant increase in LIBOR would significantly increase our interest expense. A general increase in interest rates would be largely offset by an increase in interest income earned on our cash balances, which are currently greater than our debt balances. However, there can be no assurance that the interest rate earned on cash balances will move in tandem with the interest rate paid on our variable rate debt.
Future acquisitions could require us to issue additional indebtedness or equity.
If we were to undertake a substantial acquisition for cash, the acquisition would likely need to be financed in part through bank borrowings or the issuance of public or private debt. This acquisition financing would likely decrease our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and adversely affect other leverage criteria. Under our existing credit facility, we are required to obtain the lenders’ consent for certain additional debt financing and to comply with other covenants including the application of specific financial ratios. We are also restricted from paying cash dividends on our capital stock. We cannot assure you that the necessary acquisition financing would be available to us on acceptable terms if and when required. If we were to undertake an acquisition for equity, the acquisition may have a dilutive effect on the interests of the holders of our common stock.
To remain successful, we must continue to innovate, and our investments in new technologies may not prove successful.
Our future operating results are dependent on our ability to continually develop, introduce, and market new and innovative products, to modify existing products, to respond to technological change, and to customize certain products to meet customer requirements. There are numerous risks inherent in this process, including the risks that we will be unable to anticipate the direction of technological change or that we will be unable to develop and market new products and applications in a timely fashion to satisfy customer demands. If this occurs, we could lose customers and experience adverse effects on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to our own research and development initiatives, we periodically invest in technology start-up enterprises, in which we may acquire a controlling or noncontrolling interest but whose technology would be available to be commercialized by us. There are numerous risks in investments of this nature including the limited operating history of such start-up entities, their need for capital, and their limited or absence of production experience, as well as the risk that their technologies may prove ineffective or fail to gain acceptance in the marketplace. Certain of our historical investments in start-up companies have not succeeded, and there can be no assurance that our current and future investments in start-up enterprises will prove successful.
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Our ability to compete effectively with other companies depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology.
Protection of intellectual property often involves complex legal and factual issues. We will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary technologies are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets. We have applied, and will continue to apply, for patents covering our technologies and products, as we deem appropriate. However, our applications may not result in issued patents. Also, our existing patents and any future patents may not be sufficiently broad to prevent others from practicing our technologies or from developing competing products. Others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies, design around our patented technologies, or may challenge or seek to invalidate our patents.
Litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights is prevalent in the electronic components industry, particularly the discrete semiconductor sector. We have on occasion been notified that we may be infringing on patent and other intellectual property rights of others. In addition, customers purchasing components from us have rights to indemnification under certain circumstances if such components violate the intellectual property rights of others. Further, we have observed that in the current business environment, electronic component and semiconductor companies have become more aggressive in asserting and defending patent claims against competitors. We will continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property rights, and may become party to disputes regarding patent licensing and cross patent licensing. Although licenses are generally offered in such situations and we have successfully resolved these situations in the past, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to future litigation alleging intellectual property rights infringement, or that we will be able to obtain licenses on acceptable terms. An unfavorable outcome regarding one of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our results are sensitive to raw material availability, quality, and cost.
Many of our products require the use of raw materials that are produced in only a limited number of regions around the world or are available from only a limited number of suppliers. Our results of operations may be materially adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price increases for these raw materials. The determination that any of the raw materials used in our products are conflict minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo could increase the probability that we will encounter the challenges noted above, incur additional expenses to comply with government regulations, and face public scrutiny. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers, which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, because we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
From time to time there have been short-term market shortages of raw materials. While these shortages have not historically adversely affected our ability to increase production of products containing these materials, they have historically resulted in higher raw material costs for us. We cannot assure you that any of these market shortages in the future would not adversely affect our ability to increase production, particularly during periods of growing demand for our products. Also, to assure availability of raw materials in times of shortage, we may enter into long-term supply contracts for these materials, which may prove costly, unnecessary, and burdensome when the shortage abates.
Our backlog is subject to customer cancellation.
Many of the orders that comprise our backlog may be canceled by our customers without penalty. Our customers may on occasion double and triple order components from multiple sources to ensure timely delivery when backlog is particularly long. They often cancel orders when business is weak and inventories are excessive, a situation that we experienced during the global economic recession. Therefore, we cannot be certain that the amount of our backlog does not exceed the level of orders that will ultimately be delivered. Our results of operations could be adversely impacted if customers cancel a material portion of orders in our backlog.
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We face intense competition in our business, and we market our products to an increasingly concentrated group of customers.
Our business is highly competitive worldwide, with low transportation costs and few import barriers. We compete principally on the bases of product quality and reliability, availability, customer service, technological innovation, timely delivery, and price. The electronic component industry has become increasingly concentrated and globalized in recent years and our major competitors, some of which are larger than us, have significant financial resources and technological capabilities.
Our customers have become increasingly concentrated in recent years, and as a result, their buying power has increased and they have had greater ability to negotiate favorable pricing and terms. This trend has adversely affected our average selling prices, particularly for commodity components.
We may not have adequate facilities to satisfy future increases in demand for our products.
Our business is cyclical and in periods of a rising economy, we may experience intense demand for our products. During such periods, we may have difficulty expanding our manufacturing to satisfy demand. Factors which could limit such expansion include delays in procurement of manufacturing equipment, shortages of skilled personnel, and physical constraints on expansion at our facilities. If we are unable to meet our customers’ requirements and our competitors sufficiently expand production, we could lose customers and/or market share. These losses could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, capacity that we add during upturns in the business cycle may result in excess capacity during periods when demand for our products recede, resulting in inefficient use of capital which could also adversely affect us.
Future changes in our environmental liability and compliance obligations may harm our ability to operate or increase our costs.
Our manufacturing operations, products and/or product packaging are subject to environmental laws and regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances, wastes and certain chemicals used or generated in our manufacturing processes, employee health and safety labeling or other notifications with respect to the content or other aspects of our processes, products or packaging, restrictions on the use of certain materials in or on design aspects of our products or product packaging, and responsibility for disposal of products or product packaging. We establish reserves for specifically identified potential environmental liabilities which we believe are adequate. Nevertheless, we have in the past and may in the future inherit certain pre-existing environmental liabilities, generally based on successor liability doctrines. Although we have never been involved in any environmental matter that has had a material adverse impact on our overall operations, there can be no assurance that in connection with any past or future acquisition or otherwise, we will not be obligated to address environmental matters that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In addition, more stringent environmental regulations may be enacted in the future, and we cannot presently determine the modifications, if any, in our operations that any such future regulations might require, or the cost of compliance with these regulations. In order to resolve liabilities at various sites, we have entered into various administrative orders and consent decrees, some of which may be, under certain conditions, reopened or subject to renegotiation.
Our products may experience a reduction in product classification levels under various military specifications.
We have qualified certain of our products under various military specifications approved and monitored by the United States Defense Electronic Supply Center and under certain European military specifications. These products are assigned certain classification levels. In order to maintain the classification level of a product, we must continuously perform tests on the product and the results of these tests must be reported to governmental agencies. If any of our products fails to meet the requirements of the applicable classification level, that product’s classification may be reduced to a lower level. A decrease in the classification level for any of our products with a military application could have an adverse impact on the net revenues and earnings attributable to that product.
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Our future success is substantially dependent on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical, managerial, marketing, finance, and administrative personnel.
Rapid changes in technologies, frequent new product introductions, and declining average selling prices over product life cycles require us to attract and retain highly qualified personnel to develop and manufacture technological innovations and bring them to market on a timely basis. Our complex operations also require us to attract and retain highly qualified administrative personnel in functions such as legal, tax, accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and treasury. The market for personnel with such qualifications is highly competitive. While we have employment agreements with certain of our executives, we have not entered into employment agreements with all of our key personnel.
The loss of the services of or the failure to effectively recruit qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Risks relating to Vishay’s operations outside the United States
We obtain substantial benefits by operating in Israel, but these benefits may not continue.
We have substantial manufacturing operations in Israel, where we benefit from the government’s grant and tax incentive programs. These programs have contributed substantially, predominantly in previous years, to our growth and profitability. There can also be no assurance that in the future the Israeli government will continue to offer new grant and tax incentive programs applicable to us or that, if it does, such programs will provide the same level of benefits we have historically received or that we will continue to be eligible to benefit from them. Any significant increase in the Israeli tax rates or reduction or elimination of the Israeli grant programs that have benefited us could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
We attempt to improve profitability by operating in countries in which labor costs are low, but the shift of operations to these regions may entail considerable expense.
Our strategy is aimed at achieving significant production cost savings through maintaining manufacturing operations in countries with lower production costs, such as the Czech Republic, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, and the Philippines. Shifting operations to low-labor-cost countries could result in under-utilization of certain plants and factories in high-labor-cost countries and capacity constraints in plants and factories located in lower-labor-cost countries. This under-utilization may result initially in production inefficiencies and higher costs. These costs include those associated with compensation in connection with work force reductions and plant closings in the higher-labor-cost countries, and start-up expenses, manufacturing and construction delays, and increased depreciation costs in connection with the initiation or expansion of production in lower-labor-cost countries. In addition, shifting operations could result in strikes or other types of labor unrest as a result of lay-offs or termination of employees in high-labor-cost countries.
We are subject to the risks of political, economic, and military instability in countries outside the United States in which we operate.
We have operations outside the United States, and approximately 77% of our revenues during 2010 (excluding VPG) were derived from sales to customers outside the United States. Some of our products are produced in countries which are subject to risks of political, economic, and military instability. This instability could result in wars, riots, nationalization of industry, currency fluctuation, and labor unrest. These conditions could have an adverse impact on our ability to operate in these regions and, depending on the extent and severity of these conditions, could materially and adversely affect our overall financial condition and results of operations.
Our business has been in operation in Israel for 40 years. We have never experienced any material interruption in our operations attributable to these factors, in spite of several Middle East crises, including wars. However, we might be adversely affected if events were to occur in the Middle East that interfered with our operations in Israel.
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We are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risks which may impact our results of operations.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to market values of transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. From time to time, we utilize forward contracts to hedge a portion of projected cash flows from these exposures. As of December 31, 2010, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Germany, Israel, and Asia. We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies. Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, but these subsidiaries also have significant transactions in local currencies. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is mitigated to the extent that the costs incurred and the revenues earned in a particular currency offset one another. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is more pronounced in situations where, for example, production labor costs are predominantly paid in local currencies while the sales revenue for those products is denominated in U.S. dollars. This is particularly the case for products produced in Israel, the Czech Republic, and China.
A change in the mix of the currencies in which we transact our business could have a material effect on results of operations. Furthermore, the timing of cash receipts and disbursements could have a material effect on our results of operations, particularly if there are significant changes in exchange rates in a short period of time.
Risks related to our capital structure
The holders of our Class B common stock have effective voting control of our company.
We have two classes of common stock: common stock and Class B common stock. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, while the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held. Currently, the holders of Class B common stock hold approximately 48.5% of the voting power of Vishay. Directly, through family trusts, and as voting trustee under a voting trust agreement, Dr. Felix Zandman, our Executive Chairman and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer, has sole or shared voting power over substantially all of the outstanding Class B common stock. As a result, the holders of Class B common stock effectively can cause the election of directors and approve other actions as stockholders without the approval of our other stockholders.
We have a staggered board of directors which could make a takeover of Vishay difficult.
Our staggered board of directors might discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of our company by a third party and could discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. Also, as a consequence of our staggered board, directors may not be removed without cause, even though a majority of stockholders may wish to do so.
Our reluctance to issue substantial additional shares in order not to dilute the interests of our existing stockholders could impede growth.
Our overall long-term business strategy has historically included a strong focus on acquisitions financed alternatively through cash on hand, the incurrence of indebtedness, and the issuance of equity, directly or indirectly by refinancing acquisition debt. We may in the future be presented with attractive investment or strategic opportunities that, because of their size and our financial condition at the time, would require the issuance of substantial additional amounts of our common stock. If such opportunities were to arise, our Board of Directors would need to consider the potentially dilutive effect on the interests and voting power of our existing stockholders. In particular, our Board of Directors believes that it is in our best interest to ensure the continued vision and influence of our founder, Dr. Felix Zandman, over our corporate affairs. Dr. Zandman currently has effective voting control over our company through our Class B common stock, by direct ownership, family trusts, and a voting trust agreement, such that he has approximately 48.5% of our outstanding voting power. The reluctance to issue additional shares could impede our future growth.
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Our outstanding convertible debentures and exchangeable notes may impact the trading price of our common stock.
We believe that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, convertible or exchangeable debt instruments employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to these instruments. Investors that employ a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to convertible or exchangeable debt instruments typically implement that strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the convertible or exchangeable instrument and dynamically adjusting their short position while they hold the instrument. The implementation of this strategy by investors in our convertible debentures and exchangeable notes, as well as related market regulatory actions, could have a significant impact on the trading prices of our common stock, and the trading prices and liquidity of our convertible debentures and exchangeable notes. The price of our common stock and our convertible debentures and exchangeable notes could also be affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who view our convertible debentures or exchangeable notes as more attractive means of equity participation in us.
Risks related to the spin-off of the Vishay Precision Group
If the VPG spin-off transaction is determined to be taxable for income tax purposes, we and our stockholders that are subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax could incur substantial income tax liabilities.
The VPG spin-off transaction was conditioned upon Vishay’s receipt of a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and an opinion of tax counsel (the “Opinion”) confirming that the VPG spin-off transaction should qualify as tax-free to us and our stockholders. The ruling and opinions rely on certain facts, assumptions, and representations from us regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ businesses and other matters. Any inaccuracy in these facts, assumptions, or representations could invalidate the ruling, and we and our stockholders could be subject to substantial income tax liabilities.
Notwithstanding the private letter ruling and Opinion, the IRS or state or local tax authorities (collectively with the IRS, the “Tax Authorities”) could determine on audit that the VPG spin-off transaction should be treated as a taxable transaction if the Tax Authorities determine that any of these facts, assumptions, or representations are not correct or have been violated, or for other reasons, including as a result of significant changes in the stock ownership of our company or VPG after the spin-off.
Under the tax matters agreement between our company and VPG, VPG generally would be required to indemnify our company against its taxes resulting from the failure of the VPG spin-off transaction to qualify as tax-free (“Transaction Taxes”) as a result of (i) any action by VPG or any of its affiliates following the completion of the spin-off that would reasonably be expected to prevent the spin-off from qualifying as a tax-free transaction to us and our stockholders (ii) any action by VPG or its affiliates following the completion of the spin-off that would be inconsistent with any material information or representation made in connection with the private letter ruling obtained by us from the IRS and/or with the Opinion or (iii) certain other actions taken by VPG. However, in the event that Transaction Taxes are incurred for any other reason, we would not be entitled to indemnification.
In addition, due to the potential impact of significant stock ownership changes on the taxability of the spin-off to us, we and VPG may determine not to enter into transactions that might otherwise be advantageous, such as issuing equity securities to satisfy financing needs or acquiring businesses or assets with equity securities, if such issuances would exceed certain thresholds and such actions could be considered part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the spin-off.
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Vishay Precision Group is using the Vishay name under license from us, which could result in product and market confusion.
Vishay Precision Group has a worldwide, perpetual and royalty-free license from us to use the “Vishay” mark as part of its corporate name and in connection with the manufacture, sale, and marketing of the products and services that comprise its measurements and foil resistors businesses. The license of the Vishay name to Vishay Precision Group is important because we anticipate that the success of Vishay Precision Group will depend in no small measure on the reputation of the Vishay brand for these products and services built over many years. Nonetheless, there exists the risk that the use by Vishay Precision Group could cause confusion in the marketplace over the products of the two companies, and that any negative publicity associated with a product or service of Vishay Precision Group following the spin-off could be mistakenly attributed to our company.
General Economic and Business Risks
In addition to the risks relating specifically to our business, a variety of other factors relating to general conditions could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. These factors include:
Our common stock, traded on the New York Stock Exchange, has in the past experienced, and may continue to experience, significant fluctuations in price and volume. We believe that the financial performance and activities of other publicly traded companies in the electronic component industry could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially without regard to our operating performance.
We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new factors emerge from time to time. Other unknown and unpredictable factors also could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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Item 2. PROPERTIES
Our business has approximately 42 manufacturing locations. Our manufacturing facilities include owned and leased locations. Some locations include both owned and leased facilities in the same location. The list of manufacturing facilities below excludes manufacturing facilities that are presently idle due to our restructuring activities. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for further information related to our restructuring efforts, as well as additional information in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Cost Management.”
In the opinion of management, our properties and equipment generally are in good operating condition and are adequate for our present needs. We do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities.
The principal locations of our owned manufacturing facilities, along with available space including administrative offices, are as follows:
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The principal locations of our leased manufacturing facilities, along with available space including administrative offices, are as follows:
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time we are involved in routine litigation incidental to our business. Management believes that such matters, either individually or in the aggregate, should not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Intellectual Property Matters
We are engaged in discussions with various parties regarding patent licensing and cross patent licensing issues. In addition, we have observed that in the current business environment, electronic component and semiconductor companies have become more aggressive in asserting and defending patent claims against competitors. We will continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property rights, and we may become party to disputes regarding patent licensing and cross patent licensing. An unfavorable outcome regarding one of these intellectual property matters could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
When we believe other companies are misappropriating our intellectual property rights, we vigorously enforce those rights through legal action, and we intend to continue to do so. During the past few years, we settled several suits which we had initiated to enforce our intellectual property rights. We are receiving royalties on sales of these companies’ products which use our technology. We are continuing to assert our legal rights against other parties which we believe are misappropriating our intellectual property rights.
Siliconix Stockholder Matters
Proctor Litigation
In January 2005, an amended class action complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California on behalf of all non-Vishay stockholders of Siliconix against Vishay, Ernst & Young LLP (the independent registered public accounting firm that audits the Company’s financial statements), Dr. Felix Zandman, Executive Chairman and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer of Vishay, and as a nominal defendant, Siliconix. The suit made various claims against Vishay and the other defendants for actions allegedly taken in respect of Siliconix during the period when Vishay owned an 80.4% interest in Siliconix. The action, which we refer to as the Proctor litigation on account of the lead plaintiff, sought injunctive relief and unspecified damages.
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In May 2005, Vishay successfully completed a tender offer to acquire all shares of Siliconix that were not already owned by Vishay. Following the announcement of Vishay’s intent to make this tender offer, several purported class-action complaints were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery. These actions were consolidated into a single class action and a settlement agreement was reached with the plaintiffs, who effectively represented all non-Vishay stockholders of Siliconix. The settlement agreement was approved by the Delaware Court of Chancery in October 2005.
The plaintiffs in the Proctor litigation filed an amended complaint in the Superior Court of California in November 2005. In June 2006, the Delaware Court of Chancery issued a permanent injunction restraining the Proctor plaintiffs from prosecuting the Proctor action. An appeal of the injunction order brought by a former stockholder of Siliconix was dismissed by the Delaware Supreme Court in January 2007.
Also in June 2006, the Proctor litigation was removed from the Superior Court of California to federal District Court there. The District Court granted a motion by Ernst & Young to dismiss the complaint and a motion by Vishay for summary judgment, effective October 15, 2007. The Proctor plaintiffs thereafter filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On October 9, 2009, the Court of Appeals issued a decision affirming the dismissal of Proctor’s class action claim and remanded the remaining two claims to state court. On February 10, 2011, the Superior Court ruled in Vishay’s favor, but granted the plaintiff twenty days to amend its complaint.
Environmental Matters
Vishay is involved in environmental remediation programs at various sites currently or formerly owned by Vishay and its subsidiaries both within and outside of the U.S., in addition to involvement as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at Superfund sites. Certain obligations as a PRP have arisen in connection with business acquisitions. The remediation programs are on-going and the ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the interpretation of applicable laws and regulations, and alternative cleanup methods. See also Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. REMOVED AND RESERVED
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers as of February 25, 2011:
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Dr. Felix Zandman, a founder of the Company, has been Chairman of the Board since 1989, and has been a Director of the Company since its inception in 1962. Dr. Zandman became Chief Technical and Business Development Officer on January 1, 2005. Dr. Zandman was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from its inception in 1962 through December 31, 2004, when Dr. Gerald Paul was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Zandman had been President of the Company from its inception through March 1998.
Dr. Gerald Paul was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2005. Dr. Paul has served as a Director of the Company since 1993, and has been President of the Company since March 1998. Dr. Paul also was Chief Operating Officer from 1996 to 2006. Dr. Paul previously was an Executive Vice President of the Company from 1996 to 1998, and President of Vishay Electronic Components, Europe from 1994 to 1996. Dr. Paul has been Managing Director of Vishay Electronic GmbH, a subsidiary of the Company, since 1991. Dr. Paul has been employed by Vishay and a predecessor company since 1978.
Marc Zandman was appointed Chief Administration Officer as of January 1, 2007. Mr. Zandman has been Vice-Chairman of the Board since 2003, a Director of the Company since 2001, and President of Vishay Israel Ltd. since 1998. Mr. Zandman was Group Vice President of Vishay Measurements Group from 2002 to 2004. He also serves as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Vishay Precision Group. Mr. Zandman has served in various other capacities with the Company since 1984. He is the son of Dr. Felix Zandman, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer.
Dr. Lior E. Yahalomi was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective September 1, 2008. Dr. Yahalomi has been employed by the Company since 2006 and was Sr. Vice President – Mergers and Acquisitions, from June 2006 to September 2008. Dr. Yahalomi has held several executive positions in the technology, financial services, and venture capital industries, including Managing Partner of CMGI’s @Ventures Technology Fund, Vice President for New Ventures of Gateway, and Senior Vice President for Global Business Development of a business unit of GE Capital. He is also a Leadership Board Member of the Global Consulting Practicum at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
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PART II
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VSH. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape for the indicated fiscal quarters. We do not currently pay cash dividends on our capital stock. Our policy is to retain earnings to support the growth of our business and we do not intend to change this policy at the present time. In addition, we are restricted from paying cash dividends under the terms of our revolving credit agreement. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements. Holders of record of our common stock totaled approximately 1,400 at February 24, 2011. Because many of the shares of our common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners represented by these stockholders of record.
The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, the high and low sales prices of our common stock.
At February 24, 2011, we had outstanding 14,352,839 shares of Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, each of which entitles the holder to ten votes. The Class B common stock generally is not transferable except in certain very limited instances, and there is no market for those shares. The Class B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into common stock on a share for share basis. Substantially all of the Class B common stock is owned by Dr. Felix Zandman, our Executive Chairman and Chief Technical and Business Development Officer; family trusts controlled by Dr. Zandman and Mrs. Ruta Zandman, a director; the estate of Mrs. Luella B. Slaner, a former director; the children of Mrs. Slaner; and trusts for the benefit of the grandchildren of Mrs. Slaner, either directly or beneficially. Directly, through family trusts, and as voting trustee under a voting trust agreement, Dr. Zandman has sole or shared voting power over substantially all of the outstanding Class B common stock.
The table below summarizes our share repurchases during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010.
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Stock Performance Graph
The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Vishay’s common stock over a 5-year period with the returns on the Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Stock Index (of which Vishay is a component), the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, and a peer group of companies selected by our management. The peer group is made up of five publicly-held manufacturers of semiconductors, resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components.* Management believes that the product offerings of the companies contained in the peer group are more similar to our product offerings than those of the companies contained in any published industry index. The return of each peer issuer has been weighted according to the respective issuer’s stock market capitalization. The line graph assumes that $100 had been invested at December 31, 2005 and assumes that all dividends were reinvested. The cash equivalent of the shares received in the spin-off of VPG are included in Vishay’s results below.
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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006. This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K (in thousands, except per share amounts):
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Management believes that stating the impact on net earnings of items such as businesses that have been spun off, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges, restructuring and severance costs, asset write-downs, inventory write-downs and write-offs, gains or losses on purchase commitments, contract termination charges, special tax items, and other items is meaningful to investors because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the Company.
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Overview
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a global manufacturer and supplier of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, including power MOSFETs, power integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components manufactured by Vishay are used in virtually all types of electronic products, including those in the industrial, computer, automotive, consumer electronic products, telecommunications, power supplies, military/aerospace, and medical industries.
On July 6, 2010, we completed the spin-off of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (“VPG”) through a tax-free stock dividend to our stockholders. Our common stockholders received 1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock they held on the record date, June 25, 2010, and our Class B common stockholders received 1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock they held on the record date. Until July 6, 2010, VPG was part of Vishay and its assets, liabilities, results of operations, and cash flows are included in the balances reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the spin-off.
Prior to the completion of the spin-off of VPG, we operated in six product segments, MOSFETs, Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors and Inductors, Capacitors, and Vishay Precision Group. Following the spinoff we operate in five product segments.
Since 1985, we have pursued a business strategy of growth through acquisitions and focused research and development. Through this strategy, we have grown to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. We expect to continue our strategy of acquisitions while also maintaining a prudent capital structure.
Our business and operating results have been and will continue to be impacted by worldwide economic conditions. Our revenues are dependent on end markets that are impacted by consumer and industrial demand, and our operating results can be adversely affected by reduced demand in those global markets. For several years, we have been implementing aggressive cost reduction programs. We continue to monitor the current environment and its potential effects on our customers and the end markets that we serve. Additionally, we continue to closely monitor our costs, inventory, and capital resources to respond to changing conditions and to ensure we have the management, business processes, and resources to meet our future needs. See additional information regarding our competitive strengths and key challenges in Part I.
We utilize several financial metrics, including net revenues, gross profit margin, segment operating income, end-of-period backlog, book-to-bill ratio, inventory turnover, change in average selling prices, net debt (cash), and free cash generation to evaluate the performance and assess the future direction of our business. (See further discussion in “Financial Metrics” and “Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources.”) The improvement in global economic conditions experienced in the current year has increased overall demand for our products and the effects of the cost reductions initiated in the prior years has resulted in significant overall improvements in all key financial metrics in 2010.
Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $2.725 billion, compared to net revenues of $2.042 billion and $2.822 billion for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The net earnings attributable to Vishay stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $359.1 million, or $1.89 per diluted share, compared to a net losses attributable to Vishay stockholders of $57.2 million, or $0.31 per share, and $1,732.2 million, or $9.29 per share, for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
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The year ended December 31, 2010 includes $59.5 million of one-time tax benefits, primarily related to the reversal of deferred tax valuation allowances in the United States and Israel. The net earnings (loss) attributable to Vishay stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 include various items affecting comparability as listed in the reconciliation schedule below. The reconciliation below includes certain financial measures which are not recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), including adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as an alternative to GAAP measures of performance. Non-GAAP measures such as adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share do not have uniform definitions. These measures, as calculated by Vishay, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Management believes that these measures are meaningful because they provide insight with respect to our intrinsic operating results. Reconciling items to arrive at adjusted net earnings represent significant charges or credits that are important to understanding our intrinsic operations.
The items affecting comparability are (in thousands, except per share):
On April 7, 2008, we sold the automotive modules and subsystems business unit (“ASBU”) acquired on April 1, 2007 as part of the acquisition of the PCS business of International Rectifier. The operations of ASBU have been classified as discontinued operations for the entire period of ownership. Including the loss from discontinued operations, the net loss attributable to Vishay stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $1,732.2 million.
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Our results for the year ended December 31, 2010 represent the continuation of the upturn of our business due to increased overall demand for electronic components over the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the effects of the cost reductions initiated in the prior years that enabled us to achieve significantly higher earnings than before the beginning of the global economic recession, at similar sales volume. Our results for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were substantially impacted by the global economic recession. Due to our quick reaction to the recession, we mitigated the loss of volume that we experienced through significant reductions of fixed costs and inventories, we continued to generate positive cash flows from operations during the recession, and following several quarters of experiencing losses we began to recover from the global economic recession and produced positive net earnings beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2009.
Financial Metrics
We utilize several financial metrics to evaluate the performance and assess the future direction of our business. These key financial measures and metrics include net revenues, gross profit margin, operating margin, segment operating income, end-of-period backlog, and the book-to-bill ratio. We also monitor changes in inventory turnover and average selling prices (“ASP”).
Gross profit margin is computed as gross profit as a percentage of net revenues. Gross profit is generally net revenues less costs of products sold, but also deducts certain other period costs, particularly losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs. Losses on purchase commitments and inventory write-downs have the impact of reducing gross profit margin in the period of the charge, but result in improved gross profit margins in subsequent periods by reducing costs of products sold as inventory is used. Gross profit margin is clearly a function of net revenues, but also reflects our cost management programs and our ability to contain fixed costs.
Operating margin is computed as gross profit less operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues. We evaluate business segment performance on segment operating margin. Only dedicated, direct selling, general, and administrative expenses of the segments are included in the calculation of segment operating income. Segment operating margin is computed as operating income less items such as restructuring and severance costs, asset write-downs, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments, inventory write-downs, gain or losses on purchase commitments, global operations, sales and marketing, information systems, finance and administrative groups, and other items, expressed as a percentage of net revenues. We believe that evaluating segment performance excluding such items is meaningful because it provides insight with respect to intrinsic operating results of the segment. Operating margin is clearly a function of net revenues, but also reflects our cost management programs and our ability to contain fixed costs.
End-of-period backlog is one indicator of future revenues. We include in our backlog only open orders that we expect to ship in the next twelve months. If demand falls below customers’ forecasts, or if customers do not control their inventory effectively, they may cancel or reschedule the shipments that are included in our backlog, in many instances without the payment of any penalty. Therefore, the backlog is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
An important indicator of demand in our industry is the book-to-bill ratio, which is the ratio of the amount of product ordered during a period as compared with the product that we ship during that period. A book-to-bill ratio that is greater than one indicates that our backlog is building and that we are likely to see increasing revenues in future periods. Conversely, a book-to-bill ratio that is less than one is an indicator of declining demand and may foretell declining revenues.
We focus on our inventory turnover as a measure of how well we are managing our inventory. We define inventory turnover for a financial reporting period as our costs of products sold for the four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of the reporting period divided by our average inventory (computed using each fiscal quarter-end balance) for this same period. The inventory balance used for computation of this ratio includes tantalum inventories in excess of a one year supply, which are classified as other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements. A higher level of inventory turnover reflects more efficient use of our capital.
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Pricing in our industry can be volatile. We analyze trends and changes in average selling prices to evaluate likely future pricing. The erosion of average selling prices of established products is typical for semiconductor products. We attempt to offset this deterioration with ongoing cost reduction activities and new product introductions. Our specialty passive components are more resistant to average selling price erosion.
The quarter-to-quarter trends in these financial metrics can also be an important indicator of the likely direction of our business. The following table shows net revenues, gross profit margin, operating income, end-of-period backlog, book-to-bill ratio, the inventory turnover, and changes in ASP for our business as a whole during the five fiscal quarters beginning with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 and through the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010 (dollars in thousands):
See “Financial Metrics by Segment” below for net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, and gross profit margin broken out by segment.
We experienced the continuation of an excellent business environment in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010 with results mirroring those of the third fiscal quarter of 2010. As expected, our business began to normalize in the fourth fiscal quarter as significant shortages of supplies have been filled and backlogs, mainly at distributors, are being corrected. Despite the normalization that is occurring, the favorable pricing environment continued as average selling prices increased versus the third fiscal quarter of 2010 and fourth fiscal quarter of 2009. The favorable pricing environment and continued high levels of overall market demand for electronic components allowed us to continue our strong revenue generation at the level achieved in the third fiscal quarter and increase net revenues over the previous quarters, excluding VPG. Net revenues exclusive of VPG for the second and first fiscal quarters of 2010 and fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 were $648.7 million, $592.3 million, and $560.1 million, respectively.
Due to the pre-crisis sales volume, favorable pricing environment, and continued low fixed costs resulting from the restructuring implemented in prior periods and our on-going cost controlling initiatives, gross margins remained at historically high levels.
The decrease in the book-to-bill ratio underlines the normalization of our business that we are experiencing. Due in part to the normalization of orders and increases in average sales prices in the fourth fiscal quarter, the book-to-bill ratio declined to 0.83 from 1.04 in the third fiscal quarter of 2010 despite continued strong overall volume demand for our products. The book-to-bill ratios for distributors and original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) were 0.71 and 0.97, respectively, versus ratios of 0.95 and 1.16, respectively, during the third fiscal quarter of 2010. We expect our current revenue trends to continue despite the decrease in the book-to-bill ratio due to historically high backlogs and a recent improvement in orders for our products.
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Financial Metrics by Segment
The following table shows net revenues, book-to-bill ratio, gross profit margin, and segment operating margin broken out by segment for the five fiscal quarters beginning with the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009 through the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010 (dollars in thousands):
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Acquisition and Divestiture Activity
As part of our growth strategy, we seek to expand through targeted acquisitions of other manufacturers of electronic components that have established positions in major markets, reputations for product quality and reliability, and product lines with which we have substantial marketing and technical expertise. This includes exploring opportunities to acquire targets to gain market share, penetrate different geographic markets, enhance new product development, round out our product lines, or grow our high margin niche market businesses. Acquisitions of passive components businesses would likely be made to strengthen and broaden our position as a specialty product supplier; acquisitions of discrete semiconductor businesses would be made to increase market share and to generate synergies. To limit our financial exposure, we have implemented a policy not to pursue acquisitions if our post-acquisition debt would exceed 2.5x our pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”). For these purposes, we will calculate pro forma EBITDA as the adjusted EBITDA of Vishay and the target for Vishay’s four preceding fiscal quarters, with a pro forma adjustment for savings which management estimates would have been achieved had the target been acquired by Vishay at the beginning of the four fiscal quarter period.
We did not announce or complete any acquisitions in 2009 or 2010. There is no assurance that we will be able to identify and acquire suitable acquisition candidates at price levels and on terms and conditions we consider acceptable.
We completed the spin-off of Vishay Precision Group, Inc. in 2010 and completed three strategic acquisitions in 2008. We also divested certain non-core businesses acquired in the 2008 transactions.
Spin-off of Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
On October 27, 2009, we announced that we intended to spin off our measurements and foil resistors businesses into an independent, publicly-traded company to be named Vishay Precision Group, Inc.
On July 6, 2010, we completed the spin-off through a tax-free stock dividend to our stockholders. Our common stockholders received 1 share of VPG common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay common stock they held on the record date, June 25, 2010, and our Class B common stockholders received 1 share of VPG Class B common stock for every 14 shares of Vishay Class B common stock they held on the record date. Upon completion of the spin-off, certain executive officers received bonuses aggregating approximately $2.1 million, which is reflected in the results for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Until July 6, 2010, VPG was part of Vishay and its assets, liabilities, results of operations, and cash flows are included in the balances reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the spin-off. The product lines that comprise VPG are included in the VPG reporting segment. See Note 15 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information on the effect that VPG had on our consolidated results.
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2008 Activities
During 2008, we made three acquisitions. On June 30, 2008, we acquired our partner’s 51% interest in a transducer manufacturing joint venture in India for approximately $9.6 million. On July 23, 2008, we acquired Powertron GmbH, a manufacturer of specialty precision resistors, for approximately $14.3 million, including the repayment of certain debt of Powertron. On September 15, 2008, we acquired the wet tantalum capacitor business of KEMET Corporation for $35.2 million and other consideration in the form of a three-year term loan of $15 million. On May 5, 2010, KEMET prepaid the entire principal amount of the term loan plus interest.
As further described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, during 2008, we made an unsolicited offer to acquire all outstanding shares of International Rectifier Corporation (“International Rectifier”). This tender offer was terminated on October 13, 2008. We incurred $4.0 million of costs associated with the International Rectifier tender offer, which are presented as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of operations. In April 2007, we acquired the PCS business of International Rectifier. On April 7, 2008, we sold the automotive modules and subsystems business unit (“ASBU”) we had acquired as part of the acquisition of the PCS business. During the first fiscal quarter of 2008, we recorded an impairment charge of $32.3 million to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of ASBU to the selling price. We recorded an additional after tax loss of $5.7 million during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008 subsequent to the resolution of a net working capital adjustment and the resolution of certain disputes with the buyer. In June 2009, International Rectifier refunded $30.0 million of the purchase price associated with the acquisition as part of a settlement agreement. As all goodwill associated with the PCS business was written off as part of the goodwill impairment charges recorded in 2008 (see Note 3), we recorded a gain of $28.2 million during the second quarter of 2009, equal to the amount received pursuant to the settlement agreement less certain related expenses.
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Cost Management
We place a strong emphasis on controlling our costs.
The erosion of average selling prices of established products, particularly our semiconductor products, that is typical of our industry and inflation drive us to continually seek ways to reduce our variable costs. Our variable cost reduction efforts include expending capital to increase automation and maximize the efficiency in our production facilities, consolidating materials purchasing across regions and divisions to achieve economies of scale, materials substitution, maintaining an appropriate mix of in-house production and subcontractor production, increasing wafer size and shrinking dies to maximize efficiency in our semiconductor production processes, and other yield improvement activities.
Our cost management strategy also includes a focus on controlling fixed costs. After the spin-off of VPG, we seek to maintain selling, general, and administrative expenses at current quarterly levels, excluding foreign currency exchange effects and substantially independent of sales volume changes. Our fixed cost control efforts include automating administrative processes through the expansion of IT systems, gradually migrating to common IT systems across our organization, streamlining our legal entity structure, and reducing our external resource needs by utilizing more cost-effective in-house personnel, while utilizing external resources when day-to-day expertise is not required in-house.
Historically, our primary cost reduction technique was through the transfer of production to the extent possible from high-labor-cost countries, such as the United States and Western Europe, to lower-labor-cost countries, such as the Czech Republic, Israel, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the People’s Republic of China, and the Philippines. The percentage of our total headcount in lower-labor-cost countries is a measure of the extent to which we were successful in implementing this program. This percentage was 76.5% at the end of 2010 as compared to 74.6% at the end of both 2009 and 2008, and 57% when this program began in 2001. We believe that our workforce is now appropriately located to serve our customers, while maintaining lower manufacturing costs.
Between 2001 and 2007, we recorded, in the consolidated statements of operations, restructuring and severance costs totaling $223 million and related asset write-downs totaling $81 million in order to reduce our cost structure going forward. We also incurred significant costs to restructure and integrate acquired businesses, which was included in the cost of the acquisitions under then-applicable GAAP.
In response to the economic downturn which began during the latter half of 2008 and continued into 2009, we undertook significant measures to cut costs. This included a strict adaptation of manufacturing capacity to sellable volume, limiting the building of product for inventory, headcount reductions in virtually every facility and every country in which we operated, temporary layoffs and shutdowns, minimizing the use of foundries and subcontractors in order to maximize the load of our owned facilities, as well as selected plant closures. We closed two facilities in the United States and consolidated manufacturing for these product lines into other facilities. We also consolidated our optoelectronics packaging facilities in Asia. We successfully closed a film capacitor plant in Shanghai and increased production on existing equipment in Loni, India to replace the production volume of the closed plant.
We incurred restructuring and severance costs of $62.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, including $28.6 million during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, and incurred additional restructuring and severance costs of $37.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2009. These costs were incurred as part of our goal to reduce manufacturing and SG&A fixed costs in 2009 by $200 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 in response to the global economic downturn. Our fixed costs for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased by $176 million versus the comparable prior year. Of these amounts, approximately 45% reduced costs of products sold and approximately 55% reduced SG&A expenses. Some of our cost reductions realized in 2009 were the result of temporary measures, which we replaced with more permanent actions, and certain components of our costs, while fixed in that they do not vary with changes in volume, are subject to volatility. This would include, for example, the effect of certain assets that are marked-to-market through the statement of operations, and certain transactions in foreign currencies. Accordingly, there is no assurance that all of the cost reductions achieved in 2009 will be maintained in future periods.
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We have realized, and expect to continue to realize, significant annual net cost savings associated with our restructuring activities. Since the latter half of 2008, we drastically reduced our break-even point by approximately $450 million. While streamlining and reducing fixed overhead, we exercised caution so that we will not negatively impact our customer service or our ability to further develop products and processes. The risks associated with our cost reduction programs are further detailed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
We did not initiate any new restructuring projects in 2010 and thus did not record any restructuring and severance expenses during the year.
Because we believe that our manufacturing footprint is suitable to serve our customers and end markets, we do not anticipate any material restructuring expenses in 2011. However, the recurrence of a significant economic downturn may require us to implement additional restructuring initiatives.
Our long-term strategy is to grow through the integration of acquired businesses, and GAAP requires plant closure and employee termination costs that we incur in connection with our acquisition activities to be recorded as expenses in our consolidated statement of operations, as such expenses are incurred. For this reason, we expect to have some level of future restructuring expenses if we were to complete an acquisition.
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Israeli Operations
We have substantial manufacturing operations in Israel, where we benefit from the government’s grants and tax incentive programs. These benefits take the form of government grants and reduced tax rates that are lower than those in the United States. These programs have contributed substantially, predominantly in prior years, to our growth and profitability.
The current benefits derived under these programs are not material to our consolidated results. Because of our significant presence in Israel, the availability of these incentive programs could have a significant positive effect on us if we relocate manufacturing capacity or develop new product lines in Israel. However, there are no current plans that would allow us to earn significant additional benefits. Effective January 2011, the corporate tax rate in Israel will decrease.
Metals Purchase Commitments
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget. For much of 2008, these metals were trading near all-time record-high prices. During the fourth quarter of 2008, as metals prices declined significantly from these record-high prices, we entered into commitments to purchase a portion of our estimated 2009 metals needs, principally for copper and palladium. After entering into these commitments, the market prices for these metals continued to decline. As a result, we recorded losses on these adverse purchase commitments during the fourth quarter of 2008 totaling $6.0 million.
Tower Semiconductor Foundry Agreement
Our Siliconix subsidiary maintains long-term foundry agreements with subcontractors to ensure access to external front-end capacity.
In 2004, Siliconix signed a definitive long-term foundry agreement for semiconductor manufacturing with Tower Semiconductor (the “2004 Tower agreement”), pursuant to which Siliconix would purchase semiconductor wafers from and transfer certain technologies to Tower Semiconductor. Pursuant to the 2004 Tower agreement, Siliconix was required to place orders valued at approximately $200 million for the purchase of semiconductor wafers to be manufactured in Tower’s Fab 1 facility over a seven to ten year period. The 2004 Tower agreement specified minimum quantities per month and a fixed quantity for the term of the agreement. Siliconix was required to pay for any short-fall in minimum order quantities specified under the agreement through the payment of penalties equal to unavoidable fixed costs.
In March 2008, Siliconix and Tower entered into an amended and restated foundry agreement (the “2008 Tower agreement”). Pursuant to the 2008 Tower agreement, Tower continued to manufacture wafers covered by the 2004 Tower agreement, but at lower quantities and at lower prices, through 2009. Tower also manufactures wafers for other product lines acquired as part of the PCS acquisition through 2012. Siliconix must pay for any short-fall in the reduced minimum order quantities specified under the 2008 Tower agreement through the payment of penalties equal to unavoidable fixed costs.
The foundry agreement with Tower was further amended in March 2009, further reducing the quantity of commitments. As consideration, Siliconix paid $3 million to Tower, which was recorded as a component of cost of products sold. A portion of this payment would be refunded if orders exceed the minimum order commitment. As of December 31, 2010, we have been refunded the full amount of this payment, which has been recorded as a reduction of costs of products sold. In 2010, Siliconix amended its agreement with Tower to extend through the second fiscal quarter of 2015.
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Foreign Currency Translation
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. While we have in the past used forward exchange contracts to hedge a portion of our projected cash flows from these exposures, we generally have not done so in recent periods.
GAAP requires that entities identify the “functional currency” of each of their subsidiaries and measure all elements of the financial statements in that functional currency. A subsidiary’s functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates. In cases where a subsidiary is relatively self-contained within a particular country, the local currency is generally deemed to be the functional currency. However, a foreign subsidiary that is a direct and integral component or extension of the parent company’s operations generally would have the parent company’s currency as its functional currency. We have both situations among our subsidiaries.
Foreign Subsidiaries which use the Local Currency as the Functional Currency
We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the local currency as their functional currency. For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets have been translated at the rate of exchange as of the balance sheet date. Translation adjustments do not impact the results of operations and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
For those subsidiaries where the local currency is the functional currency, revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year. While the translation of revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars does not directly impact the consolidated statement of operations, the translation effectively increases or decreases the U.S. dollar equivalent of revenues generated and expenses incurred in those foreign currencies. The dollar generally was stronger in the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year, with the translation of foreign currency revenues and expenses into U.S. dollars decreasing reported revenues and expenses versus the comparable prior year periods.
Foreign Subsidiaries which use the U.S. Dollar as the Functional Currency
Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, these subsidiaries utilize the U.S. dollar as their functional currency. For those foreign subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency financial statement amounts are remeasured into U.S. dollars. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in the results of operations. While these subsidiaries transact most business in U.S. dollars, they may have significant costs, particularly payroll-related, which are incurred in the local currency. The cost of products sold and selling, general, and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been slightly favorably impacted (compared to the prior year) by local currency transactions of subsidiaries which use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
See Item 7A for additional discussion of foreign currency exchange risk.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. We identify here a number of policies that entail significant judgments or estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue on product sales during the period when the sales process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with terms of an agreement of sale, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed or determinable. For a small percentage of sales where title and risk of loss passes at point of delivery, we recognize revenue upon delivery to the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. We historically have had agreements with distributors that provided limited rights of product return. We have modified these arrangements to allow distributors a limited credit for unsaleable products, which we term a “scrap allowance.” Consistent with industry practice, we also have a “stock, ship and debit” program whereby we consider, and grant at our discretion, requests by distributors for credits on previously purchased products that remain in distributors’ inventory, to enable the distributors to offer more competitive pricing. In addition, we have contractual arrangements whereby we provide distributors with protection against price reductions that we initiate after the sale of product to the distributor and prior to resale by the distributor.
We record end of period accruals for each of the programs based upon our estimate of future credits under the programs that will be attributable to sales recorded through the end of the period. We calculate reductions of revenue attributable to each of the programs during any period by computing the change in the accruals from the prior period and adding the credits actually given to distributors during the period under the programs. These procedures require the exercise of significant judgments, but we believe they enable us to reasonably estimate future credits under the programs.
Recording and monitoring of these accruals takes place at our subsidiaries and divisions, with input from sales and marketing personnel and review, assessment, and, if necessary, adjustment by corporate management. While our subsidiaries and divisions utilize different methodologies based on their individual experiences, all of the methodologies take into account certain elements that management considers relevant, such as sales to distributors during the relevant period, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. In our judgment, the different methodologies provide us with equally reliable estimates upon which to base our accruals. We do not track the credits that we record against specific products sold from distributor inventories, so as to directly compare revenue reduction for credits recorded during any period with credits ultimately awarded in respect of products sold during that period. Nevertheless, we believe that we have an adequate basis to assess the reasonableness and reliability of our estimates.
We recognize royalty revenue in accordance with agreed upon terms when performance obligations are satisfied, the amount is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. We earn royalties at the point of sale of products which incorporate licensed intellectual property. The amount of royalties recognized is determined based on our licensees’ periodic reporting to us and judgments and estimates by Vishay management that we believe are reasonable. However, it is possible that actual results may differ from our estimates.
Accounts Receivable
Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets. We are required to estimate the collectibility of our receivables and to establish allowances for the amount of receivables that will prove uncollectible. We base these allowances on our historical collection experience, the length of time our receivables are outstanding, the financial circumstances of individual customers, and general business and economic conditions. Due to Vishay’s large number of customers and their dispersion across many countries and industries, we have limited exposure to concentrations of credit risk.
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Inventories and Purchase Commitments
We value our inventories at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined under the first-in, first-out method and market based upon net realizable value. The valuation of our inventories requires our management to make market estimates. For work in process goods, we are required to estimate the cost to completion of the products and the prices at which we will be able to sell the products. For finished goods, we must assess the prices at which we believe the inventory can be sold. Inventories are also adjusted for estimated obsolescence and written down to net realizable value based upon estimates of future demand, technology developments and market conditions.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget. We record losses and related liabilities when the contractually obligated purchase price under our purchase commitments exceed quoted market prices for the metals.
After entering into commitments to purchase a portion of our estimated 2009 metals needs, principally for copper and palladium, the market prices for these metals declined below our contractually obligated purchase price. As a result, we recorded losses on these adverse purchase commitments during the fourth quarter of 2008. These losses, which aggregate to $6.0 million, are recorded on a separate line in the consolidated statement of operations.
Estimates of Restructuring and Severance Costs and Purchase-Related Restructuring Costs
Our restructuring activities are designed to reduce both fixed and variable costs in our existing and acquired entities. Restructuring costs, including acquisition-related restructuring costs, are expensed during the period in which we determine that we will incur those costs, and all of the requirements for accrual are met. We did not initiate any new restructuring projects in 2010 and thus did not record any restructuring and severance expenses during the year. In 2009 and 2008, we recorded restructuring and severance costs of approximately $37.9 million and $62.5 million, respectively.
Because these costs are recorded based upon estimates, our actual expenditures for the restructuring activities may differ from the initially recorded costs. If this happens, we will have to adjust our estimates in future periods, either by recording additional expenses in future periods, if our initial estimates were too low, or by reversing part of the charges that we recorded initially, if our initial estimates were too high.
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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of a business acquired over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment at least annually. These impairment tests must be performed more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
GAAP prescribes a two-step method for determining goodwill impairment. In the first step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit and compare the fair value to the net book value of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach). The comparable companies utilized in our evaluation are generally the members of our peer group included in the presentation of our stock performance graph in Item 5 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In step two, we determine the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if we had acquired those business units. Specifically, we must allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the implied fair value of goodwill. The impairment loss is measured as the difference between the book value of the goodwill and the implied fair value of the goodwill computed in step two.
Fair value of reporting units, and the underlying assets and liabilities of those reporting units, is measured at a point in time, and reflects specific market conditions as of the measurement date. We performed our annual impairment test as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter. In light of a sustained decline in market capitalization that we and our peer group companies experienced in each successive quarter of 2008, and other factors, we determined that impairment tests were necessary as of the end of the second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters of 2008, and recorded goodwill impairment charges in each of those quarters. The interim test performed as of the last day of the third fiscal quarter of 2008, was effectively our annual impairment test for 2008. Subsequent to recording these impairment charges, there was no remaining goodwill recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. In total, we recorded goodwill impairment charges aggregating $1,696.2 million in year ended December 31, 2008.
The determination of the fair value of the reporting units and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within those reporting units requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which we compete; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures. The allocation requires several analyses to determine fair value of assets and liabilities including, among others, completed technology, tradenames, in-process research and development, customer relationships, and certain property and equipment (valued at replacement costs).
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. In addition, changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit or the amount of the goodwill impairment charge.
The goodwill impairment charge is noncash in nature and did not affect our liquidity, cash flows from operating activities, or debt covenants, and will not have a material impact on future operations.
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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
We assess the impairment of our long-lived assets, other than goodwill and tradenames, including property and equipment, long-term prepaid assets, and identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level of independent cash flows and evaluated as a group. Factors we consider important, which could trigger an impairment review, include significant changes in the manner of our use of the assets, changes in historical or projected operating performance, and significant negative economic trends. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from such asset group are separately identifiable and are less than the carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair market value of the long-lived asset group, primarily determined using discounted future cash flows.
Indefinite-lived intangible assets (which for us are comprised entirely of tradenames) are not amortized, but similar to goodwill, are tested for impairment at least annually. These tests are performed more frequently if there are triggering events. The fair value of the tradenames is measured as the discounted cash flow savings realized from owning such tradenames and not having to pay a royalty for their use.
Prior to completing the interim assessment of goodwill for impairment during the second, third, and fourth fiscal quarters of 2008, we performed a recoverability test of certain long-lived assets and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets. As a result of those assessments, we recorded indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges totaling $27 million during the third fiscal quarter of 2008. There was no impairment identified through the annual impairment tests completed in 2010 or 2009.
We did not record any fixed asset write-downs during the year ended December 31, 2010. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we recorded asset write-downs of $0.7 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Fixed asset write-downs included amounts to reduce the carrying value of certain buildings which had been vacated as part of our restructuring activities, based on expected future selling prices or the present value of expected rental receipts. Fixed asset write-downs also included charges to write down certain equipment to salvage value after we determined that it would not be used at other Vishay locations subsequent to the completion of our restructuring plans.
The evaluation of the recoverability of long-lived assets, and the determination of their fair value, requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the identification of the asset group at the lowest level of independent cash flows and the principal asset of the group; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.
The evaluation of the fair value of indefinite-lived trademarks also requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the assumed market-royalty rate; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. In addition, changes in underlying assumptions would have a significant impact on the conclusion that an asset group’s carrying value is recoverable, that an indefinite-lived asset is not impaired, or the determination of any impairment charge if it was determined that the asset values were indeed impaired.
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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans involves numerous assumptions and estimates. The discount rate at which obligations could effectively be settled and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets are two critical assumptions in measuring the cost and benefit obligations of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Other important assumptions include the anticipated rate of future increases in compensation levels, estimated mortality, and for postretirement medical plans, increases or trends in health care costs. Management reviews these assumptions at least annually. We use independent actuaries to assist us in formulating assumptions and making estimates. These assumptions are updated periodically to reflect the actual experience and expectations on a plan specific basis as appropriate.
Our defined benefit plans are concentrated in the United States, Germany, and the Republic of China (Taiwan). Plans in these countries comprise approximately 95% of our retirement obligations at December 31, 2010. In the U.S., we utilize published long-term high quality bond indices to determine the discount rate at the measurement date. In Germany and the Republic of China (Taiwan), we utilize published long-term government bond rates to determine the discount rate at the measurement date. We utilize bond yields at various maturity dates that reflect the timing of expected future benefit payments. We believe the discount rates selected are the rates at which these obligations could effectively be settled.
Within the U.S., we establish strategic asset allocation percentage targets and appropriate benchmarks for significant asset classes with the aim of achieving a prudent balance between return and risk. Many of our non-U.S. plans are unfunded based on local laws and customs. For those non-U.S. plans that do maintain investments, their asset holdings are primarily cash and fixed income securities, based on local laws and customs. We set the expected long-term rate of return based on the expected long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this rate, we consider historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, advice from pension consultants and investment advisors, and current economic and capital market conditions. The expected return on plan assets is incorporated into the computation of pension expense. The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred. The net deferral of past asset losses (gains) affects the calculated value of plan assets and, ultimately, future pension expense (income).
We expect net periodic pension cost in 2011 to approximate net periodic pension cost recognized in 2010.
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2008, we adopted amendments to our principal U.S. defined benefit pension plans, such that effective January 1, 2009, the plans were frozen. Pursuant to these amendments, no new employees may participate in the plans, no further participant contributions will be required or permitted, and no further benefits shall accrue after December 31, 2008. As a result of these amendments, net periodic pension cost for 2010 and 2009 did not include any service cost, thus partially offsetting the increases due to increased amortization of actuarial losses and lower expected returns on plan assets. To mitigate the loss in benefits of these employees, effective January 1, 2009, we increased the company-match portion of our 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for employees impacted by the pension freeze.
We believe that the current assumptions used to estimate plan obligations and annual expenses are appropriate. However, if economic conditions change or if our investment strategy changes, we may be inclined to change some of our assumptions, and the resulting change could have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations and on the consolidated balance sheet.
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Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course of business, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We establish reserves for tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. These reserves are established when we believe that certain positions might be challenged despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances and the provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate.
These accruals are based on management’s best estimate of potential tax exposures. When particular matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters could be recognized as a reduction to our effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable resolution of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.
We file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in multiple U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service concluded its examinations of Vishay’s U.S. federal tax returns for all tax years through 2002. Because of net operating losses, our U.S. federal tax returns for 2003 and later years remain subject to examination. Examinations of most principal subsidiaries in Israel through the 2007 tax year were concluded in 2010. The tax returns of significant non-U.S. subsidiaries are currently under examination in Germany (2005 through 2008), India (2004 through 2009), China (2006 through 2009), and the Republic of China (Taiwan) (2000 through 2008). We and our subsidiaries are also subject to income taxes in other taxing jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world, many of which are still open to examinations.
We account for uncertainty in income tax positions using the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements as prescribed in GAAP. For a tax benefit to be recognized, a tax position must be “more likely than not” to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities.
We have recorded deferred tax assets representing future tax benefits, but may not be able to realize these future tax benefits in certain jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the expected future realizability of these deferred tax assets. We periodically evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets by assessing the valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include deferred tax liabilities, our forecast of future taxable income, and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. In 2010, we reversed $57.9 million of valuation allowances in the U.S. and Israel, resulting in a one-time tax benefit. In January 2011, a new tax law was enacted in Israel which effectively lowers the corporate income tax rate on certain types of income earned after December 31, 2010. Accordingly, our deferred tax assets in Israel will be written down to reflect the lower tax rate, and we anticipate a one-time tax expense in the first fiscal quarter of 2011 of approximately $10 million.
Substantially all earnings generated by our non-U.S. subsidiaries are deemed to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal and state income taxes on these foreign earnings. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries.
Additional information about income taxes is included in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Results of Operations
Statement of operations’ captions as a percentage of net revenues and the effective tax rates were as follows:
Net Revenues
Net revenues were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Changes in net revenues were attributable to the following:
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The recovery of our business that we began experiencing in the second half of 2009 continued throughout 2010 due to historically high overall demand for electronic components, a favorable pricing environment, and the effects of our restructuring programs initiated in the prior year and our on-going cost controlling programs. Our results have dramatically improved versus our 2009 results, which were substantially impacted by the global economic recession. Despite some normalization of our business in the fourth fiscal quarter, overall demand remains strong especially in the automotive segment. We expect our current revenue levels to continue despite the slight decline in the book-to-bill ratio due to high backlogs for our products and recent increases in orders.
All regions and virtually all of our end markets were heavily impacted by the global economic recession, which was seen in the decline in sales volume in 2009 compared to 2008. The relatively stronger U.S. dollar further decreased the amount reported for revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 versus the year ended December 31, 2008. During the second half of 2009, we experienced the beginning of the world economic and electronics market recovery across all geographies, all markets, and all sales channels that continued throughout 2010.
We deduct, from the sales that we record to distributors, allowances for future credits that we expect to provide for returns, scrapped product, and price adjustments under various programs made available to the distributors. We make deductions corresponding to particular sales in the period in which the sales are made, although the corresponding credits may not be issued until future periods. We estimate the deductions based on sales levels to distributors, inventory levels at the distributors, current and projected market trends and conditions, recent and historical activity under the relevant programs, changes in program policies, and open requests for credits. We recorded deductions from gross sales under our distributor incentive programs of $71.8 million, $59.6 million, and $77.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, or, as a percentage of gross sales 2.6%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, respectively. Actual credits issued under the programs for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 were approximately $60.9 million, $67.5 million, and $79.9 million, respectively. Increases and decreases in these incentives are largely attributable to the then-current business climate.
Royalty revenues, included in net revenues on the consolidated statements of operations, were $5.8 million, $5.7 million, and $3.0 million, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
Gross Profit and Margins
Gross profit margins for the year ended December 31, 2010 were 29.6%, as compared to 19.0% for year ended December 31, 2009. The gross profit margin for the year ended December 31, 2010 was 29.4% excluding VPG. This increase in gross profit margin reflects manufacturing efficiencies from significantly higher volume, increased average selling prices, and the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs initiated in prior years.
Gross profit margins for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 19.0%, as compared to 21.2% for year ended December 31, 2008. This decrease in gross profit margin reflects significantly lower volume, lower average selling prices, and a less favorable product mix, which was partially offset by fixed cost reductions, positive foreign currency effects, and generally lower precious metals and raw materials costs.
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Segments
Analysis of revenues and gross profit margins for our segments is provided below.
MOSFETs
Net revenues of the MOSFETs segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Changes in MOSFETs segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the MOSFETs segment was as follows:
The increase in gross profit margin from 2009 to 2010 reflects significantly higher volume, increased average selling prices, improved product mix, and the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs. The decrease in gross profit margin from 2008 to 2009 reflects significantly lower volume and lower average selling prices, partially offset by the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs.
Our MOSFETs segment suffered significantly from low sales volume during the global economic recession. Following several quarters of accelerated recovery, the business has been quickly normalizing after reaching pre-crisis levels of manufacturing and sales in the third fiscal quarter of 2010. Strong demand, shortages of supply, and customer requested expedites have led to price increases versus the prior year, while the normalization of leadtimes and backlog have led to price decreases versus the third fiscal quarter as the competitive nature of the business starts to prevail again. We expect segment net revenues to be seasonally weaker in the first fiscal quarter of 2011.
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Diodes
Net revenues of the Diodes segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Changes in Diodes segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Diodes segment was as follows:
The increase in gross profit margin from 2009 to 2010 reflects significantly higher volume, increased average selling prices, improved product mix, and the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs. The decrease in gross profit margin from 2008 to 2009 reflects significantly lower volume and lower average selling prices, partially offset by the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs.
Our Diodes segment suffered significantly from low sales volume during the global economic recession. Following the substantial recovery, the business has normalized after reaching pre-economic crisis level of sales in the second fiscal quarter of 2010. Despite distributors adapting their backlog to shorter leadtimes, the backlog remains very high. Strong demand, shortages of supply, and customer requested expedites have led to price increases versus the prior year and prior quarter. Despite a book-to-bill ratio below 1.0 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we continue to expect strong segment net revenues due to a very high backlog.
Optoelectronic Components
Net revenues of the Optoelectronic Components segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
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Changes in Optoelectronic Components segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Optoelectronic Components segment was as follows:
The increase in gross profit margin from 2009 to 2010 reflects significantly higher volume, improved product mix, and the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs, partially offset by modestly lower average selling prices and exchange rate effects. The decrease in gross profit margin from 2008 to 2009 reflects significantly lower volume and lower average selling prices, partially offset by the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs.
Our Optoelectronic Components segment suffered significantly from low sales volume during the global economic recession. Following the substantial recovery, the business has normalized after reaching pre-economic crisis levels. Average selling prices have stabilized as indicated by a slight decrease versus the prior year, but increases versus the third fiscal quarter of 2010 and fourth fiscal quarter of 2009. Despite a book-to-bill ratio below 1.0 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we continue to expect strong segment net revenues due to a high backlog.
Resistors and Inductors
Net revenues of the Resistors and Inductors segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Changes in Resistors and Inductors segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
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Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Resistors and Inductors segment was as follows:
The increase in gross profit margin from 2009 to 2010 reflects significantly higher volume, the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs, and improved product mix, partially offset by foreign currency effects. The increase in gross margin from 2008 to 2009 is due to lower fixed costs, partially offset by lower volume and slightly lower average selling prices.
In light of the economic challenges experienced in 2009, our Resistors and Inductors segment maintained a respectable gross margin percentage. Average selling prices have been generally stable versus the prior year and have slightly increased versus the third fiscal quarter of 2010 and fourth fiscal quarter of 2009. The business has achieved pre-economic crisis sales levels and continues to enjoy strong demand from the automotive and industrial markets. Despite a book-to-bill ratio below 1.0 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we continue to expect strong segment net revenues due to a high backlog.
Capacitors
Net revenues of the Capacitors segment were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Changes in Capacitors segment net revenues were attributable to the following:
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues for the Capacitors segment was as follows:
Significantly higher volume, increased average selling prices, and the effects of our fixed cost reduction programs, partially offset by foreign currency effects, have led to the increase in gross margin from 2009 to 2010. The increase in gross margin from 2008 to 2009 is due to lower fixed costs and higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower volume.
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In light of the economic challenges experienced in 2009, our Capacitors segment maintained a respectable gross margin percentage. Continued strong demand, shortages of supply, and customer requested expedites have led to substantial price increases versus the prior year and third fiscal quarter of 2010. The business has achieved pre-economic crisis sales levels and continues to enjoy strong demand from the automotive and industrial markets. Despite the normalization of the backlog that began in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, the backlog remains very high. Despite a book-to-bill ratio below 1.0 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we continue to expect strong segment net revenues due to the very high backlog.
Vishay Precision Group
We completed the spin-off of VPG on July 6, 2010. Net revenues and gross margin percentage for the periods that VPG was included in our consolidated results were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):
VPG accounted for $35.4 million (including $8.4 million of costs associated with the spin-off) of SG&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 and $43.4 million and $51.7 million, respectively, of SG&A expenses for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. The overall increase in SG&A expenses, excluding VPG, in the year ended December 31, 2010 versus the year ended December 31, 2009 is primarily attributable to the resumption of bonus programs and the discontinuation of short-work and temporary shut-downs, which is partially offset by the effects of our cost controlling initiatives. The decrease in SG&A as a percentage of revenues is primarily due to the increase in revenues and the effects of our cost controlling initiatives. The overall decrease in total SG&A expenses in the year ended December 31, 2009 versus the year ended December 31, 2008 is primarily attributable to our cost controlling initiatives. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of revenues is primarily due to the decrease in revenues. Several items included in SG&A expenses impact the comparability of these amounts, as summarized below (in thousands):
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The decrease in amortization expense from 2009 to 2010 is principally due to the distribution of intangible assets to VPG in connection with the spin-off. The increase in amortization expense from 2008 to 2009 is principally due to the initiation of amortization of certain tradenames after determining that these intangible assets were impaired and no longer should be considered indefinite-lived during the third fiscal quarter of 2008.
The transition services agreements were associated with our acquisition of the PCS business.
Of the $7.6 million net gains on sales of assets in 2008, approximately $4.5 million was realized in a single transaction.
Restructuring and Severance Costs and Related Asset Write-Downs
We did not initiate any new restructuring programs during the year ended December 31, 2010 and thus did not record any restructuring and severance expenses during the year. Our restructuring activities in prior years were designed to reduce both fixed and variable costs. These activities included the closing of facilities and the termination of employees. Because costs are recorded based upon estimates, actual expenditures for the restructuring activities may differ from the initially recorded costs. If the initial estimates are too low or too high, we could be required either to record additional expenses in future periods or to reverse previously recorded expenses. We anticipate that we will realize the benefits of our restructuring through lower labor costs and other operating expenses in future periods. Due to our acquisition strategy, we expect to continue to incur some level of future restructuring expenses, but do not anticipate any material restructuring expenses during 2011 as explained in “Cost Management” above and in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.
Other Income (Expense)
2010 Compared to 2009
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by $0.7 million versus the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase is primarily due to interest on convertible senior debentures due 2040 that were issued on November 9, 2010.
The following table analyzes the components of the line “Other” on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
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2009 Compared to 2008
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 decreased by $28.3 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease is primarily due to the repayment of the convertible subordinated notes on August 1, 2008 and lower interest rates on our variable rate debt.
The following table analyzes the components of the line “Other” on the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
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Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2010, the effective tax rate was 11.2%. The effective tax rate is less than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of earnings in foreign jurisdictions and the release of deferred tax asset valuation allowances. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we recorded a negative effective tax rate, tax expense on a pre-tax loss, primarily because we recorded tax expense on earnings in certain jurisdictions while realizing losses in other jurisdictions without recording tax benefits. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were -42.3% and -0.7%, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized no tax benefit associated with the executive employment agreement charge of $57.8 million discussed in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements. We recorded no tax expense associated with the gain of $28.2 million recognized upon reimbursement of purchase price described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 include certain discrete tax items for changes in uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, tax rates, actual and anticipated repatriation of cash to the United States, and other related items. These items total $(59.5) million (tax benefit), $2.0 million, and $36.9 million in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
Additionally, the relatively low effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was principally attributable to the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges recorded in 2008. The vast majority of our goodwill was not deductible for income tax purposes. We recognized tax benefits of $55.2 million during 2008, associated with the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges.
In connection with the repurchase of the convertible subordinated notes on August 1, 2008, we repatriated approximately $250 million of cash from non-U.S. subsidiaries, incurring additional tax expense. Substantially all cash and profits generated by foreign subsidiaries are expected to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely.
We operate in a global environment with significant operations in various locations outside the United States. Accordingly, the consolidated income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting our earnings and the applicable tax rates in the various locations where we operate. Part of our strategy is to achieve cost savings through the transfer and expansion of manufacturing operations to countries where we can take advantage of lower labor costs and available tax and other government-sponsored incentives. Accordingly, our effective tax rate is generally less than the U.S. statutory tax rate. Changes in the effective tax rate are largely attributable to changes in the mix of pretax income among our various taxing jurisdictions.
The effective tax rates for 2009 and 2008 reflect the fact that we could not recognize for accounting purposes the tax benefit of losses incurred in certain jurisdictions, although these losses may be available to offset future taxable income. Under applicable accounting guidance, we may not recognize deferred tax assets for loss carryforwards in jurisdictions where there is a recent history of cumulative losses, where there is no taxable income in the carryback period, where there is insufficient evidence of future earnings to overcome the loss history and where there is no other positive evidence, such as the likely reversal of taxable temporary differences, that would result in the utilization of loss carryforwards for tax purposes. Following the significant upturn in the economy in 2010 and the issuance of convertible debentures in November 2010, we were able to reverse some of these valuation allowances.
Additional information about income taxes is included in Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
We focus on our ability to generate cash flows from operations. The cash generated from operations is used to fund our capital expenditure plans, and cash in excess of our capital expenditure needs is available to fund our acquisition strategy and to reduce debt levels. We have generated cash flows from operations in excess of $200 million in each of the past 9 years, and cash flows from operations in excess of $100 million in each of the past 16 years. A portion of the cash flows from operations was generated by the Vishay Precision Group which was spun off on July 6, 2010.
We refer to the amount of cash generated from operations in excess of our capital expenditure needs and net of proceeds from the sale of assets as “free cash,” a measure which management uses to evaluate our ability to fund acquisitions and repay debt. Vishay has generated positive “free cash” in each of the past 14 years, and “free cash” in excess of $80 million in each of the past 9 years. In this volatile economic environment, we continue to focus on the generation of free cash, including an emphasis on cost controls.
We continued to generate strong cash flows from operations and free cash during the year ended December 31, 2010. There is no assurance, however, that we will be able to continue to generate cash flows from operations and free cash at the same levels, or at all, going forward if, among other things, the current recovery stalls or does not continue as expected.
During 2010, we capitalized on favorable credit market conditions and our business performance to secure new financing and repurchase shares of our common stock.
On November 3, 2010, we announced the offering of $275 million principal amount of 2.25% convertible senior debentures due 2040 to qualified institutional investors. We used the net proceeds from this offering, together with new net borrowings under our credit facility and cash on hand, to repurchase 21,721,959 shares of common stock at $12.66 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $275 million. The use of low-coupon, long-dated convertible debentures was a more efficient means to finance the repurchase versus repatriation of non-U.S. cash. The transactions closed on November 9, 2010. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.
On December 1, 2010, we entered into a Credit Agreement with a consortium of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank (“2010 Credit Facility”). On December 1, 2010, we borrowed $240 million under the 2010 Credit Facility to repay the outstanding amounts under our previously existing revolving credit facility with a consortium of banks led by Comerica Bank (“Comerica Facility”) that was scheduled to expire on April 20, 2012. The 2010 Credit Facility provides a revolving commitment of up to $450 million through December 1, 2015. The 2010 Facility also provides for the ability for us to request up to $100 million of incremental commitments, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. At December 31, 2010, $240 million was outstanding under the 2010 Credit Facility. At December 31, 2009, we had a term loan balance of $87.5 million and $125.0 million outstanding under the Comerica Facility.
Borrowings under the 2010 Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on our then current leverage ratio. Based on our leverage ratio at December 1, 2010, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.65%. We are also required to pay facility commitment fees of 0.35% per annum on the entire commitment amount.
The borrowings under the 2010 Credit Facility are secured by a lien on substantially all assets located in the United States, including accounts receivable, inventory, machinery and equipment, and general intangibles (but excluding real estate, intellectual property registered or licensed for use in, or arising under the laws of, any country other than the United States, and bank and securities accounts) of Vishay and certain significant domestic subsidiaries, and pledges of stock in certain significant domestic and foreign subsidiaries and are guaranteed by certain significant subsidiaries. Certain of our subsidiaries are permitted to borrow under the 2010 Credit Facility, subject to the satisfaction of specified conditions. Any borrowings by these subsidiaries under the 2010 Credit Facility are guaranteed by Vishay. The 2010 Credit Facility also includes restrictions on, among other things, incurring indebtedness, incurring liens on its assets, making investments and acquisitions, making asset sales, and paying cash dividends and making other restricted payments, and requires us to comply with other covenants, including the maintenance of specific financial ratios.
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The financial maintenance covenants include (a) an interest expense coverage ratio of not less than 2.00 to 1; and (b) a leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1. The computation of these ratios is prescribed in Article 6 of the Credit Agreement between Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., which has been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 10.1 to our current report on Form 8-K filed December 1, 2010.
We were in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2010. Our leverage ratio and interest expense coverage ratio were 0.86 to 1 and 42.51 to 1, respectively.
We expect to continue to be in compliance with these covenants based on current projections. We also have mechanisms, including deferral of capital expenditures and other discretionary spending, to facilitate on-going compliance.
If we are not in compliance with all of the required financial covenants, the credit facility could be terminated by the lenders, and all amounts outstanding pursuant to the credit facility could become immediately payable. Additionally, our exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102 and our convertible senior debentures have cross-default provisions that could accelerate repayment in the event the indebtedness under the credit facility is accelerated.
During 2010, we made regular principal repayments on our term loan of $12.5 million, and refinanced the remaining $75 million first with our Comerica Facility in connection with the convertible debenture offering and then with the 2010 Credit Facility. We also made other principal payments totaling $17.1 million and transferred approximately $12 million of debt in connection with the spin-off (including approximately $10 million of exchangeable unsecured notes due 2102).
The following table summarizes the components of net debt (cash) at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):
*Represents the carrying amount of the convertible debentures, which is comprised of the principal amount of the debentures, net of the unamortized discount and the associated embedded derivative liability.
Measurements such as “free cash” and “net debt” do not have uniform definitions and are not recognized in accordance with GAAP. Such measures should not be viewed as alternatives to GAAP measures of performance or liquidity. However, management believes that “free cash” is a meaningful measure of our ability to fund acquisitions and repay debt, and that an analysis of “net debt” assists investors in understanding aspects of our cash and debt management. These measures, as calculated by Vishay, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
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Approximately 96% of our December 31, 2010 cash and cash equivalents balance was held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. At the present time, we expect the remaining cash and profits generated by foreign subsidiaries will continue to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. If additional cash is needed to be repatriated to the United States, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits), state income taxes, incremental foreign income taxes, and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries.
Our financial condition as of December 31, 2010 continued to be strong, with a current ratio (current assets to current liabilities) of 3.4 to 1, as compared to a ratio of 3.5 to 1 as of December 31, 2009. This decrease is primarily due to an increase in trade accounts payable, payroll related liabilities, and other accrued expenses due to the increase in production volume, resumption of bonus programs, and the discontinuation of short-work and temporary shut-downs, partially offset by an increase in the cash balance at December 31, 2010. Our ratio of total debt to Vishay stockholders’ equity was 0.29 to 1 at December 31, 2010 as compared to a ratio of 0.22 to 1 at December 31, 2009. This decrease is primarily due to an increase in debt due to the convertible senior debenture issuance.
Cash flows provided by continuing operating activities were $545.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to cash flows provided by operations of $290.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. This increase is principally due to significantly better operating results in the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, partially offset by unfavorable changes in net working capital during the year ended December 31, 2010.
Cash paid for property and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $145.4 million, as compared to $50.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. As a result of the economic uncertainty and to preserve cash, we significantly curtailed our capital spending in 2009. The reduced level of capital spending was temporary and not sustainable. We expect capital spending to increase to approximately $150 million in 2011.
Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes a net cash inflow of $15.0 million, representing the receipt of the term loan extended to KEMET as part of the wet tantalum business acquisition in 2008. Cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes a net cash inflow of $28.2 million, representing a partial refund of purchase price, net of related expenses, subsequent to entering a settlement agreement with International Rectifier Corporation. This settlement is more fully described in Note 2 to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. Cash used for investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 included a total $74.2 million paid for the acquisitions of our partner’s 51% interest in a transducer manufacturing joint venture, Powertron GmbH, and the KEMET wet tantalum business. Included in the amount is the $15 million loan extended to KEMET as part of the wet tantalum business acquisition that was subsequently repaid in 2010.
Cash used by discontinued operating activities of $0.1 million and $3.2 million for years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, reflect payments to settle certain outstanding disputes with the buyer of the ASBU business. The expenses associated with these cash payments were accrued in the fourth quarter of 2008. Cash used by discontinued operating activities of $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily reflects receivables collected by Vishay and remitted to the purchaser of the ASBU business pursuant to the transaction agreement. Cash provided by discontinued investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 reflects the proceeds of sale of the ASBU business, net of capital spending for information technology systems.
We have had at least $125 million outstanding on our revolving credit facilities since August 2008 when we repurchased our convertible subordinated notes. The timing of scheduled payments for certain liabilities requires us to draw additional amounts on our credit facility periodically, usually for U.S. cash flow needs. We historically repaid all amounts drawn in excess of $125 million to meet these short-term financing needs on a quarterly basis and the amounts outstanding on our credit facility can be significantly higher between quarterly reporting periods. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2010, we also used our credit facilities to refinance our $75 million term loan balance that would have been due in 2011. The $240 million that we borrowed on December 1, 2010 under the 2010 Credit Facility to repay the outstanding amounts under the Comerica Facility remains outstanding as of December 31, 2010. For 2010, the average outstanding balance on our credit facilities calculated at fiscal month-ends was $168.0 million. For 2010, the highest amount outstanding on our credit facilities at a month end was $240.0 million.
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Management expects to continue to maintain an outstanding balance of at least $240 million on the 2010 Credit Facility, and to periodically use the credit facility to meet short-term financing needs, but expects that cash on-hand and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our longer-term financing needs related to normal operating requirements, obligations under restructuring and acquisition integration programs, and our research and development and capital expenditure plans. Acquisition activity may require additional borrowing under our credit facility or may otherwise require us to incur additional debt.
Contractual Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2010 we had contractual obligations as follows (in thousands):
Commitments for long-term debt are based on the amount required to settle the obligation. Accordingly, the discount associated with our convertible debentures due 2040 is excluded from the calculation of long-term debt commitments in the table above.
Commitments for interest payments on long-term debt are cash commitments based on the stated maturity dates of each agreement, one of which bears a maturity date of 2102, and include commitment fees under our revolving credit facility, which expires on December 1, 2015. Commitments for interest payments on long-term debt exclude non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of the discount associated with our convertible debentures due 2040.
Various factors could have a material effect on the amount of future principal and interest payments. Among other things, approximately $370 million of our outstanding debt instruments are convertible into or exchangeable for common stock at the option of the holder. Also, although we intend to net share settle our convertible senior debentures due 2040, we have the option to settle these instruments in shares of common stock pursuant to the indenture governing these debentures. Additionally, interest commitments for our variable-rate exchangeable notes due 2102 and revolving credit facility are based on the rate prevailing at December 31, 2010, but actual rates are variable and are certain to change over time.
Letters of credit totaling $8.2 million were originally issued under the Comerica Facility and remain outstanding at December 31, 2010. These letters of credit are used primarily to secure self-insurance programs and will be replaced by letters of credit under the 2010 Credit Facility as they expire in the next year.
Our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010 includes approximately $54.3 million of liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions in multiple taxing jurisdictions where we conduct business. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, combined with the difficulty in predicting when tax audits throughout the world may be concluded, we cannot make reliable estimates of the timing of cash outflows relating to these liabilities. Accordingly, the uncertain tax positions are classified as payments due after five years, although actual timing of payments may be sooner.
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There are certain guarantees and indemnifications extended among Vishay and VPG in accordance with the terms of the Master Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement. The guarantees primarily relate to certain contingent tax liabilities included in the Tax Matters Agreement. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Tax Matters Agreement. These obligations were not material to us as of December 31, 2010, and are included in the uncertain tax positions disclosed above.
We maintain long-term foundry agreements with subcontractors to ensure access to external front-end capacity for our semiconductor products. The purchase commitments in the table above include the estimated minimum commitments for silicon wafers under these agreements. Our actual purchases in future periods are expected to be greater than these minimum commitments.
GAAP requires that management evaluate if purchase commitments are at prices in excess of current market price. The purchase commitments for silicon wafers described above are for the manufacture of proprietary products using Vishay Siliconix-owned technology licensed to this subcontractor by Siliconix, and accordingly, management can only estimate the “market price” of the wafers which are the subject of these commitments. Management believes that these commitments are at prices which are not in excess of estimated current market prices.
As more fully described in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements, on May 13, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated employment agreement with Dr. Felix Zandman, our Executive Chairman, Chief Technical and Business Development Office, and founder. Pursuant to the amended and restated employment agreement, Dr. Zandman received $10 million upon signing the agreement and five additional annual payments of $10 million each, one of which was paid in 2010.
For a further discussion of our long-term debt, pensions and other postretirement benefits, leases, uncertain tax positions, executive employment agreements, and purchase commitments, see Notes 5, 6, 11, and 13 to our consolidated financial statements.
We do not participate in, nor have we created, any off-balance sheet variable interest entities or other off-balance sheet financing, other than the operating leases described above.
Inflation
Normally, inflation does not have a significant impact on our operations as our products are not generally sold on long-term contracts. Consequently, we can adjust our selling prices, to the extent permitted by competition, to reflect cost increases caused by inflation.
See also Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Commodity Price Risk” for additional related information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
As more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, new accounting guidance became effective in 2010 or will become effective in future periods.
The adoption of the new guidance described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk Disclosure
We are exposed to certain financial risks, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We manage our exposure to these market risks through internally established policies and procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. Our policies do not allow speculation in derivative instruments for profit or execution of derivative instrument contracts for which there are no underlying exposures. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes and we are not a party to any leveraged derivatives. We monitor our underlying market risk exposures on an ongoing basis and believe that we can modify or adapt our hedging strategies as needed.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our borrowing activities and our cash balances. On a selective basis, we have in the past entered into interest rate swap or cap agreements to reduce the potential negative impact that increases in interest rates could have on our outstanding variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 we did not have any outstanding interest rate swap or cap agreements.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates on our exchangeable notes due 2102. The exchangeable notes, of which $95 million are outstanding, bear interest at LIBOR (reset quarterly).
The interest paid on our credit facility is based on a LIBOR spread. At December 31, 2010, we had $240 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility. The present amounts outstanding under the revolving credit commitment bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.65%.
Our convertible senior debentures due 2040 bear interest at a fixed rate, and accordingly are not subject to interest rate fluctuation risks.
At December 31, 2010, we have $897.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, which earns interest at various variable rates.
Based on the debt and cash positions at December 31, 2010, we would expect a 50 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates to increase or decrease our annualized net earnings by approximately $2.1 million.
See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our long-term debt. Also see “Economic Outlook and Impact on Operations and Future Financial Results” included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional discussion of market risks.
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Foreign Exchange Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks, particularly due to market values of transactions in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries. From time to time, we utilize forward contracts to hedge a portion of projected cash flows from these exposures. As of December 31, 2010, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts.
Our significant foreign subsidiaries are located in Germany, Israel, and Asia. We finance our operations in Europe and certain locations in Asia in local currencies. Our operations in Israel and most significant locations in Asia are largely financed in U.S. dollars, but these subsidiaries also have significant transactions in local currencies. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is mitigated to the extent that the costs incurred and the revenues earned in a particular currency offset one another. Our exposure to foreign currency risk is more pronounced in Israel, the Czech Republic, and China because the percentage of expenses denominated in Israeli shekels, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi to total expenses is much greater than the percentage of sales denominated in Israeli shekels, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi to total sales. Therefore, if the Israeli shekel, Czech koruna, and Chinese renminbi strengthen against all or most of our other major currencies, our operating profit is reduced. We also have a higher percentage of Euro-denominated sales than expenses. Therefore, when the Euro strengthens against all or most of our other major currencies, our operating profit is increased. Accordingly, we monitor several important cross-rates.
We have performed sensitivity analyses as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, using a model that measures the change in the values arising from a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar, with all other variables held constant. The foreign currency exchange rates we used were based on market rates in effect at December 31, 2010 and 2009. The sensitivity analyses indicated that a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in foreign currency exchange rates would impact our net earnings by approximately $19.9 million and $6.4 million at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, although individual line items in our consolidated statement of operations would be materially affected. For example, a 10% weakening in all foreign currencies would increase the U.S. dollar equivalent of operating income generated in foreign currencies, which would be offset by foreign exchange losses of our foreign subsidiaries that have significant transactions in U.S. dollars or have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
A change in the mix of the currencies in which we transact our business could have a material effect on the estimated impact of the hypothetical 10% movement in the value of the U.S. dollar. Furthermore, the timing of cash receipts and disbursements could result in materially different actual results versus the hypothetical 10% movement in the value of the U.S. dollar, particularly if there are significant changes in exchange rates in a short period of time.
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Commodity Price Risk
Although most materials incorporated in our products are available from a number of sources, certain materials are available only from a relatively limited number of suppliers or are subject to significant price volatility. Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected if we have difficulty obtaining these raw materials, the quality of available raw materials deteriorates, or there are significant price changes for these raw materials. The determination that any of the raw materials used in our products are conflict minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo could increase the probability that we will encounter the challenges noted above, incur additional expenses to comply with government regulations, and face public scrutiny. For periods in which the prices of these raw materials are rising, we may be unable to pass on the increased cost to our customers which would result in decreased margins for the products in which they are used. For periods in which the prices are declining, we may be required to write down our inventory carrying cost of these raw materials, since we record our inventory at the lower of cost or market. Depending on the extent of the difference between market price and our carrying cost, this write-down could have a material adverse effect on our net earnings. We also may need to record losses for adverse purchase commitments for these materials in periods of declining prices.
Silicon wafers are the most important raw material for the manufacturing of our semiconductor products. Silicon wafers are manufactured from high-purity silicon, a metalloid. There have at times been industry-wide shortages of high-purity silicon resulting primarily from growing demand of the electronic component and solar power industries, and limited growth in high-purity silicon manufacturing capacities. Shifts in demand for high-purity silicon and in turn, silicon wafers, have resulted in significant fluctuation in prices of silicon wafers.
We are a major consumer of the world’s annual production of tantalum, a metal used in the manufacturing of tantalum capacitors. There are few suppliers that process tantalum ore into capacitor grade tantalum powder. We acquire tantalum powder and wire from all of them under short-term commitments. See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for information on our previous long-term tantalum purchase commitments, which expired in 2006.
Palladium, a metal used to produce multi-layer ceramic capacitors, is currently found primarily in South Africa and Russia. Palladium is a commodity metal that is subject to price volatility. We periodically enter into short-term commitments to purchase palladium.
Certain metals used in the manufacture of our products, such as copper, are traded on active markets, and can be subject to significant price volatility. Our policy is to enter into short-term commitments to purchase defined portions of annual consumption of these metals if market prices decline below budget. For much of 2008, these metals were trading near all-time record-high prices. During the fourth quarter of 2008, as metals prices declined significantly from these record-high prices, we entered into commitments to purchase a portion of our estimated 2009 metals needs, principally for copper and palladium. After entering into these commitments, the market prices for these metals continued to decline. As a result, we recorded losses on these adverse purchase commitments during the fourth quarter of 2008.
We estimate that a 10% increase or decrease in the costs of raw materials subject to commodity price risk would decrease or increase our net earnings by $12.5 million, assuming that such changes in our costs have no impact on the selling prices of our products and that we have no pending commitments to purchase metals at fixed prices.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item are included herein, commencing on page F-1 of this report.
None.
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Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are: (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 based on the framework set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.
Ernst & Young LLP has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report which is included herein on page F-3.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Certifications
The certifications of our CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have also filed with the New York Stock Exchange the most recent Annual Certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We have a code of ethics applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller, and financial managers. The text of this code has been posted on our website. To view the code, go to our website at ir.vishay.com and click on Corporate Governance. You can obtain a printed copy of this code, free of charge, by contacting us at the following address:
Corporate Investor Relations
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. 63 Lancaster Avenue Malvern, PA 19355-2143 It is our intention to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or any waiver from, a provision of this code by posting such information on our website, at the aforementioned address and location.
Certain information required under this Item with respect to our Executive Officers is set forth in Part I hereof under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
Other information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information required under this Item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2010, our most recent fiscal year end, and is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents Filed as Part of Form 10-K
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____________________
* Confidential treatment has been requested by, and accorded to, VPG with respect to certain portions of this Exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately by VPG with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated below.
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-1
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on the Consolidated Financial Statements The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2011 F-2
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.:
We have audited Vishay Intertechnology Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Vishay Intertechnology Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. and our report dated February 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 25, 2011 F-3
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except share amounts)
Continues on following page.
F-4
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued) (In thousands, except share amounts)
See accompanying notes.
F-5
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except per share)
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