VPG Vishay Precision Group Inc

Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (NYSE: VPG), a leading producer of precision sensors and systems, today announced its results for its fiscal 2017 third quarter and nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017.

Third Quarter Highlights:

• Growth in revenues to $62.8 million, up 15.3% year-over- year
• Earnings increased to $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $0.08 reported last year
• Adjusted diluted EPS* increased 29% to $0.27 compared to prior year $0.21
• Gross margin for the quarter is 38.6% as compared to 37.2% in the prior year’s third quarter
• Operating margin for the quarter is 8.5%, adjusted operating margin* for the quarter is 9.2%
• Cash from operations was $7.5 million with free cash flow* of $6.4 million
• Book-to-bill remains strong at 1.12, continues to reflect broadly improving end-markets

Ziv Shoshani, Chief Executive Officer of VPG, commented, “Our operating performance in the third quarter reveals our ability to capitalize on an improved business climate across our end markets. We had good margins, solid cash generation and continued to capture opportunity, reflected in our steady, strong book-to-bill. We are remaining focused and working hard to ensure we deliver sustained progress.”

The Company grew third fiscal quarter 2017 net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders to $4.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $1.1 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the third fiscal quarter of 2016. This growth was achieved despite a foreign currency exchange rates headwind that reduced net income by $0.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share relative to the third quarter of last year.

In the nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017, net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders grew to $9.9 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the nine fiscal months ended 2016. This growth was achieved despite a negative impact from foreign currency exchange rates of $2.1 million, or $0.16 per diluted share as compared to the prior year’s nine-month period.

Included within Other Income (Expense) Other, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, is net proceeds of $1.5 million related to a one time lease termination payment at the Company’s Tianjin, People's Republic of China location. The relocation of operations in Tianjin has been completed.

Third fiscal quarter 2017 adjusted net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders grew 29% to $3.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders of $2.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the comparable prior year period.

Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 adjusted net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders grew by 54% to $10.0 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders of $6.5 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, for the comparable prior year period.

The reconciliation table within this release reconciles the Company's non-GAAP measures, which are provided for comparison with other results, to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

Segments

Foil Technology Products segment revenues grew 22.9% to $29.3 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2017, up from $23.9 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2016 and approximately even sequentially with the second fiscal quarter of 2017. The year-over-year increase in revenues was attributable to precision resistors growth in all regions within the test and measurement market. The increase was also attributable to the advance sensors products for the force measurement market in Asia and Pacific Instruments products for avionics, military and space end markets in the Americas.

Gross profit margin for the segment was 41.7% for the third fiscal quarter of 2017 (41.9% excluding a purchase accounting adjustment of $0.1 million for the Pacific Instruments acquisition), up 5.5 percentage points from 36.2% (36.4% excluding a purchase accounting adjustment of $0.1 million for the Pacific Instruments acquisition) in the third fiscal quarter of 2016. The year-over-year improvement in gross margin mainly reflects higher volume and manufacturing efficiencies. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustments, the third fiscal quarter gross profit margin was consistent with the 41.9% reported in the second fiscal quarter of 2017.

Force Sensors segment revenues grew 9.0% to $16.6 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2017, up from $15.2 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2016; sequential revenue increased 6.0% up from $15.7 million in the second quarter of 2017. The year-over-year increase in revenues was attributable to OEM customers in the precision weighing end market in Europe. The increase in sequential revenue was attributable to OEM customers in the force measurement market and distribution customers for precision weighing in the Americas and a positive exchange rate impact.

Gross profit margin for Force Sensors was 28.6% for the third fiscal quarter of 2017, a decrease compared to 31.0% in the third fiscal quarter of 2016 and 28.9% in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. Gross margins were down compared to the prior year period due to manufacturing inefficiencies related to increased production at our facility in India and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates offset by an increase in volume. The third fiscal quarter gross margin of 28.6% is consistent with the second fiscal quarter of 2017.

Weighing and Control Systems segment revenues grew by 9.7% to $16.9 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2017, up from $15.4 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2016; sequential revenue decreased 2.7% from $17.4 million in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. The increased sales year-over-year are primarily attributable to on-board weighing products in Europe and the Americas. The sequential decrease in revenue is primarily due to the steel market in Asia and process weighing in the Americas, partially offset by a positive exchange rate impact.

Third fiscal quarter 2017 gross profit margin for the segment was 43.1%, a decline from the third fiscal quarter of 2016 of 44.9% and 45.8% reported in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. The year-over-year decrease in gross margin was primarily due to product mix while sequential gross margin declined due to a decrease in volume and product mix.

Near-Term Outlook

“In light of an improved business environment, at constant third fiscal quarter 2017 exchange rates, we expect net revenues in the range of $61.5 million to $66.5 million for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017,” concluded Mr. Shoshani.

*Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

We define “adjusted net earnings” as net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders before acquisition purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition costs, restructuring costs and associated tax effects. “Adjusted gross margin” is defined as gross margin before acquisition purchase accounting adjustments. “Adjusted operating margin” is defined as operating margin before acquisition purchase accounting adjustments, acquisition costs and restructuring costs. “Free cash flow” is defined as the amount of cash generated from operations ($7.5 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017), in excess of our capital expenditures ($1.2 million for the third fiscal quarter of 2017) net of proceeds, if any, for the sale of assets ($0.1 million in the third fiscal quarter of 2017). For a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial information, refer to the quarterly financial tables.

Conference Call and Webcast

A conference call will be held today (November 7) at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT). To access the conference call, interested parties may call 1-888-317-6003 or internationally 1-412-317-6061 and use passcode 5140000, or log on to the investor relations page of the VPG website at www.vpgsensors.com.

A replay will be available approximately one hour after the completion of the call by calling toll-free 1-877-344-7529 or internationally 1-412-317-0088 and by using the passcode 10113277. The replay will also be available on the investor relations page of the VPG website at www.vpgsensors.com for a limited time.

About VPG

Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (VPG) is an internationally recognized designer, manufacturer and marketer of: components based on its resistive foil technology; sensors; and sensor-based measurement systems specializing in the growing markets of stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. VPG is a market leader of foil technology products, providing ongoing technology innovations in precision foil resistors and foil strain gages, which are the foundation of the company's force sensors products and its weighing and control systems. The product portfolio consists of a variety of well-established brand names recognized for precision and quality in the marketplace. To learn more, visit VPG at www.vpgsensors.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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.

Such statements are based on current expectations only, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, expected, estimated, or projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include: general business and economic conditions; difficulties or delays in completing acquisitions and integrating acquired companies (including the acquisitions of Stress-Tek and Pacific Instruments); the inability to realize anticipated synergies and expansion possibilities; difficulties in new product development; changes in competition and technology in the markets that we serve and the mix of our products required to address these changes; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; difficulties in implementing our cost reduction strategies, such as underutilization of production facilities, labor unrest or legal challenges to our lay-off or termination plans, operation of redundant facilities due to difficulties in transferring production to achieve efficiencies; and other factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services, and prices that are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share amounts)   Fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Net revenues $ 62,805 $ 54,490 Costs of products sold   38,538     34,225   Gross profit 24,267 20,265 Gross profit margin 38.6 % 37.2 %   Selling, general, and administrative expenses 18,525 16,917 Acquisition costs — — Restructuring costs   423     709   Operating income 5,319 2,639 Operating margin 8.5 % 4.8 %   Other income (expense): Interest expense (472 ) (377 ) Other   1,717     (44 ) Other income (expense) - net   1,245     (421 )   Income before taxes 6,564 2,218   Income tax expense   2,239     1,135     Net earnings 4,325 1,083

Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

  70     32   Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,255   $ 1,051     Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.08 Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.08   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 13,291 13,192 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 13,470 13,422     VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share amounts)   Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Net revenues $ 184,911 $ 169,115 Costs of products sold   113,368     107,580   Gross profit 71,543 61,535 Gross profit margin 38.7 % 36.4 %   Selling, general, and administrative expenses 55,551 53,409 Acquisition costs — 414 Restructuring costs   1,292     2,395   Operating income 14,700 5,317 Operating margin 7.9 % 3.1 %   Other income (expense): Interest expense (1,392 ) (1,076 ) Other   1,034     351   Other income (expense) - net   (358 )   (725 )   Income before taxes 14,342 4,592   Income tax expense   4,398     1,164     Net earnings 9,944 3,428 Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests   75     29   Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 9,869   $ 3,399     Basic earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.74 $ 0.26 Diluted earnings per share attributable to VPG stockholders $ 0.73 $ 0.25   Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 13,253 13,185 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 13,452 13,409     VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Unaudited) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 69,891 $ 58,452 Accounts receivable, net 43,037 34,270 Inventories: Raw materials 16,487 15,647 Work in process 22,215 21,115 Finished goods   20,561     19,559   Inventories, net 59,263 56,321 Prepaid expenses and other current assets   9,923     6,831   Total current assets 182,114 155,874   Property and equipment, at cost: Land 3,428 3,344 Buildings and improvements 49,491 48,454 Machinery and equipment 92,521 89,080 Software 7,787 7,441 Construction in progress 2,338 4,340 Accumulated depreciation   (101,964 )   (97,374 ) Property and equipment, net 53,601 55,285   Goodwill 19,228 18,717   Intangible assets, net 21,025 21,585   Other assets   19,751     19,049   Total assets $ 295,719   $ 270,510     Liabilities and equity Current liabilities: Trade accounts payable $ 9,673 $ 8,264 Payroll and related expenses 14,992 11,978 Other accrued expenses 15,615 13,285 Income taxes 3,193 772 Current portion of long-term debt   2,965     2,623   Total current liabilities 46,438 36,922   Long-term debt, less current portion 30,017 33,529 Deferred income taxes 809 735 Other liabilities 13,793 13,054 Accrued pension and other postretirement costs   15,161     14,713   Total liabilities   106,218     98,953     Commitments and contingencies   Equity: Common stock 1,288 1,278 Class B convertible common stock 103 103 Treasury stock (8,765 ) (8,765 ) Capital in excess of par value 192,364 190,373 Retained earnings 38,600 28,731 Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (34,278 )   (40,337 ) Total Vishay Precision Group, Inc. stockholders' equity 189,312 171,383 Noncontrolling interests   189     174   Total equity   189,501     171,557   Total liabilities and equity $ 295,719   $ 270,510       VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited - In thousands)   Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Operating activities Net earnings $ 9,944 $ 3,428 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 7,977 8,416 Gain on disposal of property and equipment (193 ) (24 ) Share-based compensation expense 959 465 Inventory write-offs for obsolescence 1,662 1,410 Deferred income taxes 264 (1,537 ) Other (907 ) (862 ) Net changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net (7,030 ) 2,139 Inventories, net (3,280 ) (2,891 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2,937 ) (1,848 ) Trade accounts payable 1,176 453 Other current liabilities   7,166     (2,572 ) Net cash provided by operating activities   14,801     6,577     Investing activities Capital expenditures (4,366 ) (6,266 ) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 442 316 Purchase of business   —     (10,727 ) Net cash used in investing activities   (3,924 )   (16,677 )   Financing activities Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases (1,971 ) (1,599 ) Proceeds from revolving facility 27,000 17,000 Payments on revolving facility (27,000 ) (12,000 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests (60 ) (12 ) Payments of employee taxes on certain share-based arrangements   (303 )   (85 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (2,334 ) 3,304 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   2,896     288   Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,439 (6,508 )   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   58,452     62,641   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 69,891   $ 56,133     Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing transactions: Conversion of exchangeable notes to common stock $ (1,303 ) $ —             VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted Gross Profit Margin (Unaudited - In thousands)   Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Gross profit $ 24,267 $ 20,265 $ 71,543 $ 61,535 Gross profit margin 38.6 % 37.2 % 38.7 % 36.4 %  

Reconciling items affecting gross profit margin

Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments 42 46 42 537         Adjusted gross profit $ 24,309   $ 20,311   $ 71,585   $ 62,072   Adjusted gross profit margin 38.7 % 37.3 % 38.7 % 36.7 %     VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted Operating Margin (Unaudited - In thousands)   Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Operating income $ 5,319 $ 2,639 $ 14,700 $ 5,317 Operating margin 8.5 % 4.8 % 7.9 % 3.1 %  

Reconciling items affecting operating margin

Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments 42 46 42 537 Acquisition costs — — — 414 Strategic alternative evaluation costs — 1,079 — 1,079 Restructuring costs 423 709 1,292 2,395         Adjusted operating income $ 5,784   $ 4,473   $ 16,034   $ 9,742   Adjusted operating margin 9.2 % 8.2 % 8.7 % 5.8 %     VISHAY PRECISION GROUP, INC. Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings Per Share (Unaudited - In thousands, except per share data)   Fiscal quarter ended Nine fiscal months ended September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 September 30, 2017 October 1, 2016 Net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 4,255 $ 1,051 $ 9,869 $ 3,399  

Reconciling items affecting operating margin

Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments 42 46 42 537 Acquisition costs — — — 414 Strategic alternative evaluation costs — 1,079 — 1,079 Restructuring costs 423 709 1,292 2,395

Reconciling items affecting other income/expense

Net proceeds from lease termination (1,544 ) — (1,544 ) —

Less reconciling items affecting income tax expense

Tax effect of reconciling items and discrete tax items   (394 )   27     (339 )   1,317   Adjusted net earnings attributable to VPG stockholders $ 3,570   $ 2,858   $ 9,998   $ 6,507     Adjusted net earnings per diluted share $ 0.27 $ 0.21 $ 0.74 $ 0.49   Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 13,470 13,422 13,452 13,409

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VPGFor InvestorsICR, Inc.James Palczynski, 203-682-8229jp@icrinc.comorFor MediaICR, Inc.Phil Denning, 646-277-1258phil.denning@icrinc.com