PLXS-2014.03.29-10Q
Table of Contents

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

FORM 10-Q

ý
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2014
or
 
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number 001-14423
 
PLEXUS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
Wisconsin
 
39-1344447
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
One Plexus Way
Neenah, Wisconsin 54956
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Telephone Number (920) 969-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code) 
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  ý    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  ý    No  ¨
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
  
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of April 28, 2014, there were 33,919,780 shares of Common Stock of the Company outstanding.



Table of Contents

PLEXUS CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
March 29, 2014
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)
Unaudited
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Net sales
$
557,616

 
$
557,824

 
$
1,091,521

 
$
1,088,356

Cost of sales
504,781

 
505,803

 
987,184

 
985,173

Gross profit
52,835

 
52,021

 
104,337

 
103,183

Selling and administrative expenses
27,790

 
28,833

 
53,926

 
58,511

Restructuring and impairment charges
6,045

 

 
9,650

 

Operating income
19,000

 
23,188

 
40,761

 
44,672

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(3,082
)
 
(3,640
)
 
(5,896
)
 
(7,360
)
Interest income
683

 
383

 
1,322

 
780

Miscellaneous
671

 

 
911

 
(475
)
Income before income taxes
17,272

 
19,931

 
37,098

 
37,617

Income tax (benefit) expense
(1,244
)
 
1,956

 
919

 
3,026

Net income
$
18,516

 
$
17,975

 
$
36,179

 
$
34,591

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.55

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.01

Diluted
$
0.53

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.00

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
33,868

 
34,286

 
33,799

 
34,253

Diluted
34,703

 
34,694

 
34,698

 
34,673

Comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
18,516

 
$
17,975

 
$
36,179

 
$
34,591

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Derivative instrument fair market value adjustment—net of income tax
1,386

 
1,234

 
863

 
723

  Foreign currency translation adjustments
(2,901
)
 
(2,035
)
 
(480
)
 
590

    Other comprehensive (loss) income
(1,515
)
 
(801
)
 
383

 
1,313

Total comprehensive income
$
17,001

 
$
17,174

 
$
36,562

 
$
35,904

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share data)
Unaudited
 
 
March 29,
2014
 
September 28,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
323,695

 
$
341,865

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,143 and $1,008, respectively
301,374

 
305,350

Inventories
462,209

 
404,020

Deferred income taxes
3,891

 
3,917

Prepaid expenses and other
25,360

 
23,870

Total current assets
1,116,529

 
1,079,022

Property, plant and equipment, net
333,315

 
325,061

Deferred income taxes
2,477

 
2,510

Other
42,421

 
41,091

     Total assets
$
1,494,742

 
$
1,447,684

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
$
3,901

 
$
3,574

Accounts payable
348,205

 
313,404

Customer deposits
43,866

 
69,295

Accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
37,031

 
42,553

Other
53,592

 
42,550

Total current liabilities
486,595

 
471,376

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion
256,090

 
257,773

Deferred income taxes
2,128

 
2,128

Other liabilities
13,450

 
17,106

Total non-current liabilities
271,668

 
277,007

     Total liabilities
758,263

 
748,383

Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 49,802 and 49,176 shares issued, respectively, and 33,867 and 33,600 shares outstanding, respectively
498

 
492

Additional paid-in capital
464,535

 
449,368

Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 15,935 and 15,576 shares, respectively
(464,525
)
 
(449,968
)
Retained earnings
715,351

 
679,172

Accumulated other comprehensive income
20,620

 
20,237

Total shareholders’ equity
736,479

 
699,301

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,494,742

 
$
1,447,684

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Unaudited
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
36,179

 
$
34,591

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
23,345

 
23,819

Amortization of intangibles
603

 
1,033

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
(254
)
 
(180
)
Deferred income taxes
(83
)
 
184

Non-cash impairment
3,160

 

Stock-based compensation expense
5,907

 
5,896

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
3,679

 
(12,241
)
Inventories
(58,381
)
 
(27,192
)
Prepaid expenses and other
(3,533
)
 
(6,947
)
Accounts payable
37,422

 
(4,470
)
Customer deposits
(25,448
)
 
60,555

Accrued liabilities and other
(2,901
)
 
(12,121
)
Cash flows provided by operating activities
19,695

 
62,927

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Payments for property, plant and equipment
(30,635
)
 
(53,301
)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
356

 
203

Cash flows used in investing activities
(30,279
)
 
(53,098
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from revolving credit facility
121,000

 

Payments on revolving credit facility, debt and capital lease obligations
(122,787
)
 
(8,816
)
Repurchases of common stock
(14,557
)
 
(21,541
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
10,833

 
116

Minimum tax withholding related to vesting of restricted stock
(1,567
)
 
(350
)
Cash flows used in financing activities
(7,078
)
 
(30,591
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(508
)
 
(350
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(18,170
)
 
(21,112
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
341,865

 
297,619

End of period
$
323,695

 
$
276,507

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PLEXUS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 29, 2014 AND MARCH 30, 2013
Unaudited
NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Plexus Corp. and its subsidiaries (together “Plexus” or the “Company”) without audit and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the consolidated financial position of the Company as of March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013, and the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, and the cash flows for the same six month periods.
Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC’s rules and regulations dealing with interim financial statements. However, the Company believes that the disclosures made in the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company’s reportable segments consist of the “Americas” (“AMER”) segment, “Asia-Pacific” (“APAC”) segment and “Europe, Middle East, and Africa” (“EMEA”) segment. Refer to Note 9, "Business Segments," for further details on reportable segments.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy described below.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company holds financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, debt, derivatives, and capital lease obligations. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, derivatives, and capital lease obligations as reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements approximate fair value. Accounts receivable were reflected at net realizable value based on anticipated losses due to potentially uncollectible balances. Anticipated losses were based on management’s analysis of historical losses and changes in customers’ credit status. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $249.2 million and $246.8 million as of March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt was $250.0 million for both the periods ended March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013. The Company uses quoted market prices when available or discounted cash flows to calculate the fair value of its debt. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, long-term debt (including the current portion) would be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described below. Refer to Note 5, "Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements," for further details on derivatives.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (or exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The input levels are:

Level 1: Quoted (observable) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability.
NOTE 2—INVENTORIES

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Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market value. The stated cost is comprised of direct materials, labor, and overhead. The major classes of inventories, net of applicable lower of cost or market write-downs, were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
March 29,
2014
 
September 28,
2013
Raw materials
$
328,784

 
$
288,559

Work-in-process
71,613

 
57,883

Finished goods
61,812

 
57,578

 
$
462,209

 
$
404,020

Per contractual terms, customer deposits are received by the Company to offset obsolete and excess inventory risks. The total amount of customer deposits related to inventory and included within current liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013 was $40.3 million and $51.6 million, respectively. The decrease in the customer deposits balance is primarily related to the return of $11.0 million of inventory-related deposits to Juniper Networks, Inc. ("Juniper"), a former customer, in the first fiscal quarter of 2014.

NOTE 3—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following categories (in thousands):
 
 
March 29,
2014
 
September 28,
2013
Land, buildings and improvements
$
263,848

 
$
212,195

Machinery and equipment
326,470

 
312,941

Computer hardware and software
95,819

 
91,565

Construction in progress
21,191

 
67,518

 
707,328

 
684,219

Less: accumulated depreciation
374,013

 
359,158

 
$
333,315

 
$
325,061


The reduction in the construction in progress balance at March 29, 2014 was primarily due to the capitalization of assets related to the construction of the Company's new manufacturing facility in Neenah, Wisconsin that opened in the fiscal first quarter of 2014. The most significant component of the construction in progress balance at March 29, 2014 is related to footprint expansion in Guadalajara, Mexico whereas the major component of the construction in progress balance at September 28, 2013 was related to facility construction in Neenah.
NOTE 4—DEBT
On May 15, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year, $250 million senior unsecured credit facility that terminates on May 15, 2017 (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility includes a $160 million revolving credit facility and a $90 million term loan. The revolving credit facility may be increased by $100 million (the "increase option") to $260 million generally by mutual agreement of the Company, the lenders, the letter of credit issuers and the administrative agent named in the related credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), subject to certain customary conditions. Quarterly principal repayments of the term loan of $3.75 million per quarter began on June 29, 2012 and ended on March 28, 2013. The final $75 million payment is due on May 15, 2017. In the fiscal second quarter of 2014, the Company borrowed and repaid $76.0 million under the revolving credit facility. As of March 29, 2014, the Company had term loan borrowings of $75 million and no revolving borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.
The financial covenants (as defined under the Credit Agreement) require that the Company maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of March 29, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Facility, at the Company's option, bear interest at a defined base rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin based upon the Company's leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. Rates would increase upon negative changes in specified Company financial metrics and would decrease to no less than LIBOR plus 1.00% or base rate plus 0% upon reduction in the current total leverage ratio. As of March 29, 2014, the Company had a borrowing rate of LIBOR plus 1.13%. As of March 29,

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2014, all outstanding debt under the Credit Facility is effectively at a fixed interest rate as a result of the interest rate swap contract discussed in Note 5, "Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements." There is no floating rate debt outstanding under the Credit Facility as of March 29, 2014. The Company is also required to pay an annual commitment fee on the unused revolver credit commitment based on the Company's leverage ratio; the fee was 0.2% as of March 29, 2014.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company incurred approximately $0.9 million in new debt issuance costs in connection with the Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the five-year term of the Credit Facility.
The Company also has outstanding 5.20% Senior Notes, due on June 15, 2018 (the “Notes”); $175 million principal of the Notes was outstanding as of both March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013. At March 29, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants relating to the Notes, which are consistent with those in the Credit Agreement discussed above.
NOTE 5—DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
All derivatives are recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated fair value. The Company uses derivatives to manage the variability of foreign currency obligations and interest rates. The Company has cash flow hedges related to variable rate debt and forecasted foreign currency obligations, in addition to fair value hedges to manage foreign currency exposures associated with certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of the cash flows. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives related to recognized foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are recorded in "Other income (expense)" in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
The Company enters into forward currency exchange contracts on a rolling basis. The Company had cash flow hedges outstanding with a notional value of $76.6 million as of March 29, 2014. These forward currency contracts fix the exchange rates for the settlement of future foreign currency obligations that have yet to be realized. The total fair value of the cash flow hedges was a $0.1 million liability as of March 29, 2014 and a $1.0 million liability as of September 28, 2013.
In addition, the Company had fair value derivatives outstanding with a notional value of $102.8 million as of March 29, 2014. The Company has not designated these derivative instruments as hedging instruments. The net settlement amount (fair value) related to these contracts is recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as either a current or long-term asset or liability, depending on the term, and as an element of other income (expense). The total fair value of these derivatives was a $0.3 million asset as of March 29, 2014. No contracts were outstanding as of September 28, 2013.
On June 4, 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract to replace the three interest rate swap contracts that matured on April 4, 2013, as described below. The June 4, 2013 interest rate swap contract is related to the $75.0 million term loan under the Credit Facility. This interest rate swap pays the Company variable interest at the one month LIBOR rate, and the Company pays the counterparty a fixed interest rate. The fixed interest rate for the contract is 0.875%. Based on the terms of the interest rate swap contract and the underlying debt, the interest rate contract was determined to be effective, and thus qualifies as a cash flow hedge. As such, any changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. The total fair value of the interest rate swap contract was a $0.2 million asset as of March 29, 2014 and a $0.03 million asset as of September 28, 2013. The notional amount of the Company’s interest rate swap was $75.0 million as of both March 29, 2014 and September 28, 2013.
The Company previously entered into three interest rate swap contracts related to the term loans under its prior credit facility that had an initial total notional value of $150 million and matured on April 4, 2013, which resulted in a $2.0 million discrete tax benefit in the three months ended June 29, 2013. The fixed interest rates for each of these contracts were 4.415%, 4.490% and 4.435%, respectively. These interest rate swap contracts were originally entered into to convert $150 million of the variable rate term loan under the prior credit facility into fixed rate debt. Based on the terms of the interest rate swap contracts and the underlying debt, these interest rate contracts were determined to be effective, and thus qualified as a cash flow hedge. As such, any changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps were recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings were affected by the variability of cash flows. The total fair value of these interest rate swap contracts was a $0.1 million liability as of March 30, 2013.
The tables below present information regarding the fair values of derivative instruments (as defined in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies") and the effects of derivative instruments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: 

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Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
In thousands of dollars
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Interest rate swaps
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
193

 
$
34

 
Current
liabilities – other
 
$

 
$

Forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$

 
$

 
Current
liabilities – other
 
$
58

 
$
999


Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
In thousands of dollars
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
September 28, 2013
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Forward contracts
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
309

 
$

 
Current
liabilities – other
 
$

 
$


The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months Ended
In thousands of dollars
Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive
Income (“OCI”) on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
Interest rate swaps
$
(77
)
 
$
1,610

 
Interest income (expense)
 
$
(133
)
 
$
(62
)
 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Forward contracts
$
643

 
$
(177
)
 
Selling and administrative expenses
 
$
(790
)
 
$
179

 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Treasury rate locks
$

 
$

 
Interest income (expense)
 
$
81

 
$
81

 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Income tax (benefit) expense
$

 
$

 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
22

 
$

 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$

 
$

 


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Table of Contents

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
for the Six Months Ended
In thousands of dollars
Derivatives in
Cash Flow
Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive
Income (“OCI”) on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Reclassified
from Accumulated
OCI into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Amount of Gain or
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
 
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30,
2013
Interest rate swaps
$
(108
)
 
$
805

 
Interest income (expense)
 
$
(265
)
 
$
(848
)
 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Forward contracts
$
(100
)
 
$
(98
)
 
Selling and administrative expenses
 
$
(1,040
)
 
$
672

 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Treasury rate locks
$

 
$

 
Interest income (expense)
 
$
160

 
$
160

 
Other income (expense)
 
$

 
$

Income tax (benefit) expense
$

 
$

 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
74

 
$

 
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$

 
$



For the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, the derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments resulted in the recognition of a $0.2 million gain and a $0.3 million gain, respectively, recorded in other income (expense) on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, when the fixed interest rate for the Company's issuance of $175 million of Notes was determined, all three related treasury rate lock contracts that were previously entered into settled and the Company received proceeds of $2.3 million, which is being amortized over the seven year term of the related debt.

The following table lists the fair values of assets/(liabilities) of the Company’s derivatives as of March 29, 2014, by input level as defined above (in thousands):
 
Derivatives
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Interest rate swaps
 
$

 
$
193

 
$

 
$
193

Foreign currency forward contracts - designated as hedging instruments
 
$

 
$
(58
)
 
$

 
$
(58
)
Foreign currency forward contracts - not designated as hedging instruments
 
$

 
$
309

 
$

 
$
309

The fair value of interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts is determined using a market approach which includes obtaining directly or indirectly observable values from third parties active in the relevant markets. The primary input in the fair value of the interest rate swaps is the relevant LIBOR forward curve. Inputs in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts include prevailing forward and spot prices for currency and interest rate forward curves.
NOTE 6—EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the amounts utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

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Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
18,516

 
$
17,975

 
$
36,179

 
$
34,591

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
33,868

 
34,286

 
33,799

 
34,253

Dilutive effect of share-based awards outstanding
835

 
408

 
899

 
420

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
34,703

 
34,694

 
34,698

 
34,673

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.55

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.07

 
$
1.01

Diluted
$
0.53

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.00


For the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights ("SARs") for approximately 0.5 million and 0.6 million shares, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' and stock-settled SARs' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares and, therefore, their effect would be anti-dilutive.

For both the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, stock options and stock-settled SARs for approximately 2.3 million shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options' and stock-settled SARs' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the Company's common shares and, therefore, their effect would be anti-dilutive.

The Company's stock repurchase programs impacted the number of shares outstanding for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 as compared to the three and six months ended March 30, 2013. Refer to Note 12, "Shareholders' Equity" for further information on the Company's stock repurchase programs.

NOTE 7—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company recognized $3.3 million and $5.9 million of compensation expense associated with stock-based awards for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, respectively, and $3.1 million and $5.9 million for the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, respectively.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of stock options and stock-settled SARs. The Company uses the fair value at the date of grant to value restricted stock units ("RSUs") and unrestricted stock awards. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the stock-based awards’ vesting period.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company modified its long-term incentive strategy to include grants of performance share units ("PSUs"). The initial grants of PSUs were made during the fiscal second quarter of 2014, although performance goals were set in the fiscal first quarter. The Company uses the Monte Carlo valuation model to determine the fair value of PSUs at the date of grant. The PSUs are payable in shares and vest based on the relative total shareholder return of the Company's common stock as compared to the Russell 3000 Index during a three year performance period. The number of shares that may be issued pursuant to PSUs ranges from zero to 0.1 million. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the PSUs’ vesting period.
NOTE 8—INCOME TAXES
Income tax (benefit) expense for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 was a $1.2 million benefit and a $0.9 million expense, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 were (7.2) percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, as compared to 9.8 percent and 8.0 percent for the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, respectively. The decrease in the tax expense and effective tax rate for the quarter and fiscal-year-to-date, as compared to the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, was primarily the result of discrete items occurring in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. These discrete items were substantially related to the completion of U.S. federal and state audits during the quarter, which resulted in the reversal of approximately $3.7 million of previously established reserves for uncertain tax positions.
As demonstrated in recent quarters, the Company's effective tax rate fluctuates depending on the geographic distribution of its worldwide earnings.
There were no material additions to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits recorded for uncertain tax positions as of March 29, 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 year end. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to the

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remaining uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The amount of interest and penalties recorded for both the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 was not material.
It is reasonably possible that a number of uncertain tax positions may be settled within the next 12 months. The Company is currently under examination by various state taxing authorities in the U.S. The Company is not currently undergoing any tax examinations in any of the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company has significant operations.
The Company maintains valuation allowances when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. During the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, the Company continued to record a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets in the U.S., Germany, Romania and the U.K., as it is more likely than not that these assets will not be fully realized based primarily on historical performance. The Company will continue to provide a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets in each of the applicable jurisdictions going forward until the need for a valuation allowance is eliminated. The need for a valuation allowance will be eliminated when the Company determines it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
NOTE 9—BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Reportable segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or group, in assessing performance and allocating resources.
The Company uses an internal management reporting system, which provides important financial data to evaluate performance and allocate the Company’s resources on a regional basis. Net sales for segments are attributed to the region in which the product is manufactured or service is performed. The services provided, manufacturing processes used, class of customers serviced and order fulfillment processes used are similar and generally interchangeable across the segments. A segment’s performance is evaluated based upon its operating income (loss). A segment’s operating income (loss) includes its net sales less cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses, but excludes corporate and other costs, interest expense, other income (loss), and income taxes. Corporate and other costs primarily represent corporate selling and administrative expenses, and restructuring and impairment costs, if any. These costs are not allocated to the segments, as management excludes such costs when assessing the performance of the segments. Inter-segment transactions are generally recorded at amounts that approximate arm’s length transactions. The accounting policies for the regions are the same as for the Company taken as a whole.

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Information about the Company’s three reportable segments for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively, follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMER
$
279,271

 
$
259,857

 
$
544,280

 
$
518,881

APAC
265,582

 
288,269

 
535,733

 
560,698

EMEA
32,240

 
34,942

 
59,054

 
63,112

         Elimination of inter-segment sales
(19,477
)
 
(25,244
)
 
(47,546
)
 
(54,335
)
 
$
557,616

 
$
557,824

 
$
1,091,521

 
$
1,088,356

Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMER
$
14,868

 
$
16,496

 
$
31,924

 
$
35,774

APAC
34,312

 
26,906

 
66,254

 
52,106

EMEA
(1,448
)
 
835

 
(3,913
)
 
613

         Corporate and other costs
(28,732
)
 
(21,049
)
 
(53,504
)
 
(43,821
)
 
$
19,000

 
$
23,188

 
$
40,761

 
$
44,672

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Interest expense
$
(3,082
)
 
$
(3,640
)
 
$
(5,896
)
 
$
(7,360
)
         Interest income
683

 
383

 
1,322

 
780

         Miscellaneous
671

 

 
911

 
(475
)
     Income before income taxes
$
17,272

 
$
19,931

 
$
37,098

 
$
37,617

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 29,
2014
 
September 28,
2013
 
 
 
 
Total assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        AMER
$
450,774

 
$
423,048

 
 
 
 
        APAC
888,278

 
828,672

 
 
 
 
        EMEA
109,920

 
111,977

 
 
 
 
        Corporate
45,770

 
83,987

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,494,742

 
$
1,447,684

 
 
 
 
NOTE 10—GUARANTEES
The Company offers certain indemnifications under its customer manufacturing agreements. In the normal course of business, the Company may from time to time be obligated to indemnify its customers or its customers’ customers against damages or liabilities arising out of the Company’s negligence, misconduct, breach of contract, or infringement of third party intellectual property rights. Certain agreements have extended broader indemnification, and while most agreements have contractual limits, some do not. However, the Company generally does not provide for such indemnities and seeks indemnification from its customers for damages or liabilities arising out of the Company’s adherence to customers’ specifications or designs or use of materials furnished, or directed to be used, by its customers. The Company does not believe its obligations under such indemnities are material.
In the normal course of business, the Company also provides its customers a limited warranty covering workmanship, and in some cases materials, on products manufactured by the Company. Such warranty generally provides that products will be free from defects in the Company’s workmanship and meet mutually agreed-upon specifications for periods generally ranging from 12 months to 24 months. If a product fails to comply with the Company’s limited warranty, the Company’s obligation is generally limited to correcting, at its expense, any defect by repairing or replacing such defective product. The Company’s warranty generally excludes defects resulting from faulty customer-supplied components, design defects or damage caused by any party or cause other than the Company.
The Company provides for an estimate of costs that may be incurred under its limited warranty at the time product revenue is recognized and establishes additional reserves for specifically identified product issues. These costs primarily include labor and

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materials, as necessary, associated with repair or replacement and are included in the Company’s accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in other current accrued liabilities. The primary factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the value and the number of shipped units and historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims. As these factors are impacted by actual experience and future expectations, the Company assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.
Below is a table summarizing the activity related to the Company’s limited warranty liability for fiscal 2013 and for the six months ended March 29, 2014 (in thousands): 
 
 
Limited warranty liability, as of September 29, 2012
$
5,145

Accruals for warranties issued during the period
1,168

Settlements (in cash or in kind) during the period
(371
)
Limited warranty liability, as of September 28, 2013
5,942

Accruals for warranties issued during the period
3,626

Settlements (in cash or in kind) during the period
(1,276
)
Limited warranty liability, as of March 29, 2014
$
8,292

NOTE 11—LITIGATION
The Company is party to lawsuits in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe that these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material positive or adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 12—SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
On August 19, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $30 million of its common stock. During the three months ended March 29, 2014, the Company repurchased 185,117 shares for approximately $7.6 million, at an average price of $41.18 per share. For the six months ended March 29, 2014, the Company repurchased 359,001 shares for approximately $14.6 million, at an average price of $40.55 per share. These shares were recorded as treasury stock. In addition, as of March 29, 2014, the Company had a commitment of approximately $0.4 million to purchase 9,449 shares, which were purchased before March 29, 2014, but settled after the end of the fiscal second quarter.
On October 23, 2012, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of its common stock. During the three months ended March 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 614,683 shares for approximately $15.5 million, at an average price of $25.17 per share. For the six months ended March 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 877,105 shares for approximately $21.5 million, at an average price of $24.56 per share. The Company repurchased 1,821,698 shares under this program in fiscal 2013 for approximately $49.9 million, at an average price of $27.37 per share. These shares were recorded as treasury stock.

NOTE 13—RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS
Restructuring and impairment costs, primarily incurred in the Company's AMER segment, largely relate to the consolidation of the Company's facilities in the Fox Cities (Neenah and Appleton), Wisconsin and the relocation of manufacturing operations from Juarez, Mexico to Guadalajara, Mexico. These charges are recorded within restructuring and impairment charges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Restructuring liabilities are recorded within other accrued liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
For the three months ended March 29, 2014, the Company incurred restructuring and impairment costs of $6.0 million, which consisted of the following:
$3.2 million of fixed asset impairment at the Company's Juarez facility;
$2.2 million of severance from the anticipated reduction of the Company's workforce in Juarez; and
$0.6 million of moving costs to consolidate three existing Fox Cities facilities into the new Neenah manufacturing facility.
For the six months ended March 29, 2014, the Company incurred restructuring and impairment costs of $9.7 million, which consisted of the following:
$3.2 million of fixed asset impairment at the Company's Juarez facility;

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$2.6 million of severance from the reduction of the Company's workforce in Juarez, the Fox Cities and the United Kingdom; and
$3.9 million of rent, moving and associated costs resulting from the early exit of operating leases for two existing Neenah facilities and the consolidation of three existing Fox Cities facilities into the new Neenah manufacturing facility.

The Company cannot recognize an income tax benefit for restructuring and impairment costs due to existing tax losses in these jurisdictions.

The Company's restructuring accrual activity for the three months ended March 29, 2014 is included in the table below (in millions):
 
 
 
Employee
 
Lease
 
 
 
Fixed
 
Termination
 
Obligations
 
 
 
Asset
 
and Severance
 
and Other
 
 
 
Impairment
 
Costs
 
Exit Costs
 
Total
Accrual balance, December 28, 2013
$

 
$
0.3

 
$
2.6

 
$
2.9

  Restructuring and impairment costs
3.2

 
2.2

 
0.6

 
6.0

  Amounts utilized
(3.2
)
 

 
(1.8
)
 
(5.0
)
Accrual balance, March 29, 2014
$

 
$
2.5

 
$
1.4

 
$
3.9


The Company's restructuring accrual activity for the six months ended March 29, 2014 is included in the table below (in millions):
 
 
 
Employee
 
Lease
 
 
 
Fixed
 
Termination
 
Obligations
 
 
 
Asset
 
and Severance
 
and Other
 
 
 
Impairment
 
Costs
 
Exit Costs
 
Total
Accrual balance, September 28, 2013
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

  Restructuring and impairment costs
3.2

 
2.6

 
3.9

 
9.7

  Amounts utilized
(3.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.5
)
 
(5.8
)
Accrual balance, March 29, 2014
$

 
$
2.5

 
$
1.4

 
$
3.9


All impairment costs were expensed in the three months ended March 29, 2014. The restructuring accrual balance is expected to be utilized by the end of the fiscal first quarter of 2015.
NOTE 14—NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued final guidance that changes the criteria for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The revised guidance defines a discontinued operation as (1) a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed of by sale, disposed of other than by sale or is classified as held for sale that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results or (2) an acquired business or nonprofit activity that is classified as held for sale on the date of acquisition. The guidance does not change the presentation requirements for discontinued operations in the statement where net income is presented but does require the reclassification of assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation in the statement of financial position for all prior periods presented. The guidance is effective prospectively for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years, and for all businesses that, on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in previously issued financial statements. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance for unrecognized tax benefits that exist along with a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The guidance requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for an net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when (1) the uncertain tax position would reduce the NOL or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and (2) the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. This guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption and retrospective application are permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance that permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (also referred to as the Overnight Index Swap Rate, or "OIS") to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to Treasury obligations of the U.S. government ("UST") and the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. This update is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or results of operations.
In March 2013, the FASB issued amended guidance for cumulative translation adjustments upon derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. These amendments provide guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments when a reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity.  In addition, these amendments provide guidance on the release of cumulative translation adjustment in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions.  The amendments are effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

“SAFE HARBOR” CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:
The statements contained in this Form 10-Q that are guidance or which are not historical facts (such as statements in the future tense and statements including believe, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, goal, target and similar terms and concepts), including all discussions of periods which are not yet completed, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk of customer delays, changes, cancellations or forecast inaccuracies in both ongoing and new programs; the poor visibility of future orders, particularly in view of changing economic conditions; the adequacy of restructuring and similar charges as compared to actual expenses; the economic performance of the industries, sectors and customers we serve; the effects of the volume of revenue from certain sectors or programs on our margins in particular periods; our ability to secure new customers, maintain our current customer base and deliver product on a timely basis; the particular risks relative to new or recent customers or programs, which risks include customer and other delays, start-up costs, potential inability to execute, the establishment of appropriate terms of agreements, and the lack of a track record of order volume and timing; the risks of concentration of work for certain customers; our ability to manage successfully a complex business model characterized by high customer and product mix, low volumes and demanding quality, regulatory, and other requirements; the risk that new program wins and/or customer demand may not result in the expected revenue or profitability; the fact that customer orders may not lead to long-term relationships; the effects of shortages and delays in obtaining components as a result of economic cycles or natural disasters; the risks associated with excess and obsolete inventory, including the risk that inventory purchased on behalf of our customers may not be consumed or otherwise paid for by the customer, resulting in an inventory write-off; the weakness of areas of the global economy; the effect of changes in the pricing and margins of products; the effect of start-up costs of new programs and facilities, such as our new facilities in China, Romania and the United States, our announced plans to open a new facility in Mexico and our other recent, planned and potential future expansions, closures or replacements; increasing regulatory and compliance requirements; possible unexpected costs and operating disruption in transitioning programs; raw materials and component cost fluctuations; the potential effect of fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which we transact business; the potential effects of regional results on our taxes and ability to use deferred tax assets; the potential effect of world or local events or other events outside our control (such as drug cartel-related violence in Mexico, changes in oil prices, terrorism and weather events); the impact of increased competition; and other risks detailed below in “Risk Factors”, otherwise herein, and in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings (particularly in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013).
OVERVIEW
Plexus Corp. and its subsidiaries (together “Plexus,” the “Company,” or “we”) participate in the Electronic Manufacturing Services (“EMS”) industry. We deliver optimized Product Realization solutions through a unique Product Realization Value Stream services model. This customer focused services model seamlessly integrates innovative product conceptualization, design, commercialization, manufacturing, fulfillment and sustaining services to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions for customers in the Americas ("AMER"), Asia-Pacific ("APAC") and Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") regions. Customer service is provided to over 140 branded product companies in the Networking/Communications, Healthcare/Life Sciences, Industrial/Commercial and Defense/Security/Aerospace market sectors. Our customers’ products typically require exceptional production and supply-chain flexibility, necessitating an optimized demand-pull-based manufacturing and supply chain solution across an integrated global platform. Many of our customers’ products require complex configuration management and direct order fulfillment to their customers across the globe. In such cases we provide global logistics management and after-market service and repair. Our customers’ products may have stringent requirements for quality, reliability and regulatory compliance. We offer our customers the ability to outsource all phases of product realization, including product specifications; development, design and design verification; regulatory compliance support; prototyping and new product introduction; manufacturing test equipment development; materials sourcing, procurement and supply-chain management; product assembly/manufacturing, configuration and test; order fulfillment, logistics and service/repair.
We provide most of our contract manufacturing services on a turnkey basis, which means that we procure some or all of the materials required for product assembly. We provide some services on a consignment basis, which means that the customer supplies the necessary materials, and we provide the labor and other services required for product assembly. Turnkey services require material procurement and warehousing, in addition to manufacturing, and involve greater resource investments than consignment services. Other than certain test equipment and software used for internal operations, we do not design or manufacture our own proprietary products.

The following information should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, the “Risk Factors” section in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 and our “Safe Harbor” Cautionary Statement included above.

Recent Developments
Construction of the Company's new leased Guadalajara, Mexico manufacturing facility, which will replace a leased facility in Juarez, Mexico, as announced in the fiscal second quarter of 2014, is currently on schedule for completion in the fiscal third quarter of 2014. Consolidation of the existing Juarez facility into the new Guadalajara facility resulted in $5.4 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the second fiscal quarter of 2014. The consolidation is expected to result in approximately $2.0 million of additional restructuring charges through the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Our new Neenah, Wisconsin manufacturing facility opened in the fiscal first quarter of 2014. Consolidation of the three former facilities in Neenah and Appleton, Wisconsin (the "Fox Cities") into our new facility resulted in $0.6 million and $4.0 million of restructuring charges in the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, respectively. No further restructuring charges are expected related to the consolidation of these facilities.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Performance Summary
The following table presents selected consolidated financial data (dollars in millions, except per share data):
 

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Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Net sales
$
557.6

 
$
557.8

 
$
1,091.5

 
$
1,088.4

Gross profit
52.8

 
52.0

 
104.3

 
103.2

Gross margin
9.5
%
 
9.3
%
 
9.6
%
 
9.5
%
Operating income
19.0

 
23.2

 
40.8

 
44.7

Operating margin
3.4
%
 
4.2
%
 
3.7
%
 
4.1
%
Net income
18.5

 
18.0

 
36.2

 
34.6

Earnings per share (diluted)
$
0.53

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.00

Return on invested capital
 
 
 
 
14.1
%
 
12.7
%
Net sales. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, net sales decreased by $0.2 million, compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. As expected, there was no revenue from Juniper Networks, Inc. (“Juniper”), which disengaged from the Company in fiscal 2013, in the three months ended March 29, 2014, as compared to Juniper related revenue of $91.7 million, or 16% of net sales, in the same period of fiscal 2013. This decrease was largely offset by a $54.4 million increase in net sales from three large customers in the networking/communications sector, resulting primarily from new product ramps and expansion of end-market demand as well as a $37.0 million increase in the healthcare/life sciences sector driven primarily by new product ramps and market share gains. We expect no further revenue from Juniper in fiscal 2014.
For the six months ended March 29, 2014, net sales increased by $3.1 million, or 0.3 percent, compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013. The net increase was the result of offsetting factors. A $92.5 million increase in revenue from three customers in the networking/communications sector was driven by new product ramps and end-market demand; an increase in net sales of $68.7 million was primarily a result of new product ramps and market share gains in the healthcare/life sciences sector. These increases were largely offset by a $155.9 million decrease in revenue from Juniper. Juniper-related revenue was not significant to our net sales for the six months ended March 29, 2014, as compared to Juniper related revenue of 14% of our net sales in the same period of fiscal 2013.
Our net sales by market sector for the indicated periods were as follows (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Market Sector
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Networking/Communications
$
162.4

 
$
212.5

 
$
325.4

 
$
411.3

Industrial/Commercial
144.6

 
139.7

 
280.2

 
270.7

Healthcare/Life Sciences
166.4

 
129.2

 
331.3

 
262.2

Defense/Security/Aerospace
84.2

 
76.4

 
154.6

 
144.2

 
$
557.6

 
$
557.8

 
$
1,091.5

 
$
1,088.4

Networking/Communications. Net sales for the networking/communications sector decreased $50.1 million for the three months ended March 29, 2014 as compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily a result of a reduction in net sales to Juniper of $91.7 million, partially offset by an increase of $54.4 million in net sales to three customers in this sector as a result of new product ramps and expansion of end-market demand.
Net sales for the networking/communications sector decreased $85.9 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 as compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily a result of a reduction in net sales to Juniper of $155.9 million, partially offset by an increase of $92.5 million in net sales to three customers in this sector as a result of new product ramps and expansion of end-market demand.
Industrial/Commercial. Net sales for the industrial/commercial sector increased $4.9 million for the three months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. The increase was driven by $17.2 million in incremental revenue from three customers due to a new customer engagement, new product ramps and increased end-market demand. This was partially offset by an $11.2 million reduction in revenue from a key customer due to loss of market share with its customers.

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Net sales for the industrial/commercial sector increased $9.5 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013. The increase was largely driven by $32.4 million in incremental revenue from three customers due to a new customer engagement, new product ramps and increased end-market demand, as well as revenue increases from various other customers. This was partially offset by a $15.2 million reduction in revenue due to a customer disengagement and a $15.4 million reduction in revenue from a key customer due to loss of market share with its customers.
Healthcare/Life Sciences. Net sales for the healthcare/life sciences sector increased $37.2 million for the three months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013; $26.1 million of the increase was due to new program ramps with two existing key customers with the remainder resulting from increased net sales to various customers within the sector as a result of new program ramps and increased end-market demand.
Net sales for the healthcare/life sciences sector increased $69.1 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013; $41.9 million of the increase was due to new program ramps with two existing key customers with the remainder resulting from increased net sales to various customers within the sector as a result of new program ramps and increased end-market demand.
Defense/Security/Aerospace. Net sales for the defense/security/aerospace sector increased $7.8 million for the three months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. The increase was driven by $21.6 million in increased revenue from four customers, primarily due to new product ramps and increased end-market demand. This was partially offset by a $14.6 million reduction in revenue as a result of softening end-market demand for one customer in this sector.
Net sales for the defense/security/aerospace sector increased $10.4 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013. The increase was largely the result of $38.2 million in increased revenue from four customers primarily as a result of new product ramps and increased demand. This was partially offset by a $31.6 million reduction in revenue as a result of softening end-market demand for one customer in this sector.
Gross profit. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, gross profit increased $0.8 million, or 1.5 percent, compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. Overall gross margin increased to 9.5 percent from 9.3 percent. Contribution margin increased by $6.0 million primarily as a result of favorable changes in customer mix and supply chain productivity in the APAC region. This favorable effect was largely offset by a $5.2 million increase in fixed costs primarily due to our investment in a new manufacturing facility in Neenah, ramp up of new business in the AMER region and increased depreciation and personnel expenses associated with our new manufacturing facility in Romania, which opened in June 2013.
For the six months ended March 29, 2014, gross profit increased $1.1 million, or 1.1 percent, compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013 in line with the percentage increase in net sales. Overall gross margin increased to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent. Contribution margin increased by $10.1 million primarily as a result of favorable changes in customer mix and supply chain productivity in the APAC region. This favorable effect was largely offset by an $8.9 million increase in fixed costs due to our investment in a new manufacturing facility in Neenah, ramp up of new business in the AMER region and increased depreciation and personnel expenses associated with our new manufacturing facility in Romania.
Operating income. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, operating income decreased $4.2 million compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013. A $1.0 million decrease in selling and administrative expenses (“S&A”) as compared to the prior year period was offset by $6.0 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the three months ended March 29, 2014 primarily related to the planned closure of our Juarez facility. As a result, operating margin decreased to 3.4 percent for the three months ended March 29, 2014 from 4.2 percent for the three months ended March 30, 2013.
For the six months ended March 29, 2014, operating income decreased $3.9 million compared to the six months ended March 30, 2013. A $4.6 million decrease in S&A expenses as compared to the prior year period was offset by $9.7 million of restructuring and impairment charges in the six months ended March 29, 2014 primarily related to the consolidation of facilities into our new Neenah manufacturing facility, which opened in the fiscal first quarter of 2014, and the planned closure of our Juarez facility. As a result, operating margin decreased to 3.7 percent for the six months ended March 29, 2014 from 4.1 percent for the six months ended March 30, 2013.

Other income (expense). Other expense decreased to $1.7 million and $3.7 million for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, respectively, as compared to $3.3 million and $7.1 million for the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, respectively. The decrease in other expense for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was primarily the result of a $0.6 million decrease in interest expense related to lower fixed interest rates resulting from interest rate swaps, a $0.6 million increase in currency exchange gain and a $0.3 million increase in interest income in the current period as compared to the prior year period. The decrease in other expense for the six months ended March 29, 2014 was primarily the result of a $1.5 million decrease in interest expense related to lower fixed interest rates resulting from interest rate swaps, a $1.1 million increase in

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currency exchange gain and a $0.5 million increase in interest income in the current period as compared to the prior year period.
Income taxes. Effective annual income tax rates for the indicated periods were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Effective tax rate
(7.2
)%
 
9.8
%
 
2.5
%
 
8.0
%
Income tax (benefit) expense was a $1.2 million benefit as compared to a $2.0 million expense for the three months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. Income tax expense decreased to $0.9 million from $3.0 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. Income tax (benefit) expense for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 was favorably impacted by $3.7 million of discrete tax items recorded during the current quarter primarily related to the completion of federal and state audits during the quarter. The Company has not recognized an income tax benefit for restructuring and impairment costs due to existing tax losses in the jurisdictions where the costs are deductible for tax purposes.
The impact of discrete items on the Company's income tax expense is reflected in the following table (dollars in millions):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
Income tax (benefit) expense, as reported
$
(1.2
)
 
$
2.0

 
$
0.9

 
$
3.0

Impact of discrete tax items
3.7
 
(0.5)
 
3.8
 
(0.2)
Income tax expense, as adjusted*
$
2.5

 
$
1.5

 
$
4.7

 
$
2.8

*The Company believes that the non-GAAP presentation of income tax expense, as adjusted provides a more accurate representation and allows for a more meaningful comparison of reporting periods by eliminating discrete benefits unrelated to operations in those periods.
The increase in the adjusted tax expense for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, as compared to the three and six months ended March 30, 2013, is primarily due to increased earnings in China. A tax holiday that reduced the tax rate for an entity in China expired on December 31, 2013; the Company anticipates that the expiration of this tax holiday will have a negligible impact on the annualized effective tax rate for fiscal 2014.
Our effective tax rate varies from the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent primarily as a result of the amount of earnings from different U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, and tax holidays granted to our subsidiary in Malaysia, where we derive a significant portion of our earnings. The Company's effective tax rate fluctuates depending on the geographic distribution of its worldwide earnings.
The estimated annual effective tax rate for all of fiscal 2014 is expected to be between 8 percent and 10 percent.
Net income. Net income for the three months ended March 29, 2014 increased by $0.5 million, or 2.8 percent, to $18.5 million from $18.0 million for the three months ended March 30, 2013. Net income for the six months ended March 29, 2014 increased by $1.6 million, or 4.6 percent, to $36.2 million from $34.6 million for the six months ended March 30, 2013. Net income increased in both periods as a result of decreased other expense combined with decreased income tax expense, as discussed above.
Diluted earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share, with and without restructuring and impairment costs and discrete tax items for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013 was as follows:

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Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
 
March 29, 2014
 
March 30, 2013
Diluted earnings per share, as reported
$
0.53

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.00

Impact of restructuring and impairment charges
0.18

 

 
0.28

 

Impact of discrete tax items
(0.11
)
 

 
(0.11
)
 

Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted*
$
0.60

 
$
0.52

 
$
1.21

 
$
1.00

*The Company believes that the non-GAAP presentation of diluted earnings per share excluding restructuring and impairment costs and discrete tax items provides a more meaningful comparison of reporting periods by eliminating charges and discrete benefits unrelated to operations in those periods.
Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.53 and $1.04 for the three and six months ended March 29, 2014 as compared to $0.52 and $1.00 for the three and six months ended March 30, 2013. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was unfavorably impacted by $6.0 million of restructuring and impairment costs and favorably impacted by $3.7 million of discrete tax items. Diluted earnings per share was unfavorably impacted by $9.7 million of restructuring and impairment costs and favorably impacted by $3.8 million of discrete tax items recorded during the six months ended March 29, 2014. The increase in diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was primarily the result of the decreases in cost of sales, S&A expenses, other income (expense) and the discrete items noted above offset by restructuring and impairment costs. The increase in diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 29, 2014 was primarily the result of increased revenue combined with decreases in cost of sales, S&A expenses, other income (expense) and discrete tax items offset by restructuring and impairment costs. See Note 13, "Restructuring and Impairment Costs," in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”). We use a 5-5 financial model which is aligned with our business strategy, and includes a ROIC goal of 500 basis points over our weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) and a 5% operating margin target. Our primary focus is our ROIC goal, which is designed to create shareholder value and generate enough cash to self-fund our targeted organic revenue growth rate of 12%.
We review our internal calculation of WACC annually, and our estimated WACC is 11.0% for fiscal 2014. By exercising discipline to generate ROIC in excess of our WACC, our goal is to create value for our shareholders. ROIC was 14.1% and 12.7% for the six months ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. The current period ROIC of 14.1% was calculated excluding restructuring and impairment charges of $9.7 million and $3.7 million of discrete tax benefits. The period over period increase in ROIC was due to higher annualized operating income, offset by higher average invested capital (as defined below).
We define ROIC as tax-effected annualized operating income, excluding special items such as restructuring and impairment charges and discrete tax benefits, divided by average invested capital over a rolling three-quarter period for the second quarter. Invested capital is defined as equity plus debt, less cash and cash equivalents. Other companies may not define or calculate ROIC in the same way. ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure which should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Non-GAAP financial measures, including ROIC, are used for internal management assessments because such measures provide additional insight into ongoing financial performance. In particular, we provide ROIC because we believe it offers insight into the metrics that are driving management decisions. We view ROIC as an important measure in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our long-term capital requirements. We also use ROIC as a performance criteria in determining certain elements of compensation.
For a reconciliation of ROIC to our financial statements that were prepared using GAAP, see exhibit 99.1 to this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS
A further discussion of financial performance by reportable segment is presented below (dollars in millions):
 

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Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMER
$
279.3

 
$
259.8

 
$
544.3

 
$
518.9

APAC
265.6

 
288.3

 
535.7

 
560.7

EMEA
32.2

 
34.9

 
59.1

 
63.1

Elimination of inter-segment sales
(19.5
)
 
(25.2
)
 
(47.6
)
 
(54.3
)
 
$
557.6

 
$
557.8

 
$
1,091.5

 
$
1,088.4

Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMER
$
14.8

 
$
16.5

 
$
31.9

 
$
35.8

APAC
34.3

 
26.9

 
66.3

 
52.1

EMEA
(1.4
)
 
0.8

 
(3.9
)
 
0.6

Corporate and other costs
(28.7
)
 
(21.0
)
 
(53.5
)
 
(43.8
)
 
$
19.0

 
$
23.2

 
$
40.8

 
$
44.7

Americas (AMER): Net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2014 increased $19.5 million, or 7.5 percent, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $21.1 million increase in net sales from a networking/communications sector customer as a result of new product ramps, a $10.1 million increase in net sales from a networking/communications sector customer as a result of expanded end-market demand and $30.1 million in increased revenue from various other customers primarily due to increased end-market demand, market share gains and new product ramps. These increases were partially offset by reduced sales of $38.6 million to Juniper. Operating income for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $1.7 million, or 10.3 percent, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to restructuring and impairment costs associated with the planned facility closure in Juarez.
Net sales for the six months ended March 29, 2014 increased $25.4 million, or 4.9 percent, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $46.6 million increase in net sales from two networking/communications sector customers as a result of increased end-market demand and new product ramps and $19.3 million in net sales to a new customer in the industrial/commercial sector. The remainder of the revenue increase was derived from various customers. This increase was partially offset by $63.3 million of reduced sales to Juniper. Operating income for the six months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $3.9 million, or 10.9 percent, as compared to the prior year period, due primarily to $9.7 million of restructuring and impairment charges related to the consolidation of facilities into our new Neenah manufacturing facility, which opened in the fiscal first quarter of 2014, and the planned facility relocation from Juarez to Guadalajara, partially offset by an increase of $2.7 million due to the increase in net sales and $3.1 million primarily resulting from favorable changes in customer mix.
Asia-Pacific (APAC): Net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $22.7 million, or 7.9 percent, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net sales as compared to the prior period was driven by $53.1 million of reduced sales to Juniper, partially offset by $24.9 million of increased net sales to a customer in the networking/communications sector driven by new product ramps, as well as increases in net sales to various other customers resulting from new program ramps and market share gains. Operating income for the three months ended March 29, 2014 increased $7.4 million, or 27.5 percent, as compared to the prior year period due primarily to favorable changes in customer mix and supply chain productivity.
Net sales for the six months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $25.0 million, or 4.5 percent, as compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net sales as compared to the prior period was driven by $92.6 million of reduced sales to Juniper, partially offset by $79.2 million of increased net sales to three key customers as a result of new product ramps and increased end-market demand. Operating income for the six months ended March 29, 2014 increased $14.2 million, or 27.3 percent, as compared to the prior year period due primarily to favorable changes in customer mix and supply chain productivity.
Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA): Net sales for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $2.7 million, or 7.7 percent, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to $4.1 million in decreased sales resulting from the disengagement of two customers. Operating loss for the three months ended March 29, 2014 increased $2.2 million, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to increased fixed manufacturing expenses, in both Romania and the United Kingdom, resulting from increased depreciation and personnel expenses associated with facility expansions.
Net sales for the six months ended March 29, 2014 decreased $4.0 million, or 6.4 percent, as compared to the prior year period due to $6.4 million of decreased sales from the disengagement of two customers. Operating loss for the six months ended

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March 29, 2014 was $3.9 million, as compared to operating income of $0.6 million in the prior year period, primarily due to increased fixed manufacturing expenses, in both Romania and the United Kingdom, resulting from increased depreciation and personnel expenses associated with facility expansions.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents were $323.7 million as of March 29, 2014 compared to $341.9 million as of September 28, 2013. The decrease in the balance of our cash and cash equivalents was due primarily to the return of $26.3 million in customer deposits to Juniper in the first fiscal quarter of 2014.
As of March 29, 2014, approximately 92% of our cash balance was held outside of the U.S. by our foreign subsidiaries. Certain foreign countries impose taxes and overall penalties on transfers of cash; however, our intent is to permanently reinvest funds held in these countries. If this cash were remitted to the U.S., additional tax obligations may result that would reduce the amount of cash ultimately available to us in the U.S. Currently, we believe that cash held in the U.S., together with cash available under U.S. credit facilities and cash from foreign subsidiaries that could be remitted to the U.S. without tax consequences, will be sufficient to meet our U.S. liquidity needs for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows. The table below shows a summary of cash flows for the periods presented (dollars in millions):
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Cash provided by operating activities
$
19.7

 
$
62.9

Cash used in investing activities
(30.3
)
 
(53.1
)
Cash used in financing activities
$
(7.1
)
 
$
(30.6
)
Operating Activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $19.7 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014, as compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $62.9 million for the six months ended March 30, 2013. Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased primarily due to the net cash flow impact of Juniper customer deposits related to its disengagement offset by decreased working capital needs exclusive of customer deposits.

The following table shows a summary of cash cycle days for the periods indicated (in days):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Days in accounts receivable
49

 
55

Days in inventory
84

 
87

Days in accounts payable
(63
)
 
(61
)
Days in cash deposits
(8
)
 
(17
)
Annualized cash cycle
62

 
64

We calculate days in accounts receivable as accounts receivable for the respective quarter divided by annualized sales for the respective quarter by day. We calculate days in inventory, accounts payable, and cash deposits as each balance sheet line item for the respective quarter divided by annualized cost of sales for the respective quarter by day.
Days in accounts receivable for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased by six days compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013 primarily because of the increase in sales due to new product ramps with a key customer whose payment terms are shorter than our average customer.
Days in inventory for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased by three days compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013, primarily due to the elimination of inventory held for Juniper, offset by increased inventory balances to support forecasted revenue.
Days in accounts payable for the three months ended March 29, 2014 increased by two days compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013, primarily due to increased purchases from suppliers to support forecasted revenue and improved payment terms with suppliers.

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Days in cash deposits for the three months ended March 29, 2014 decreased by nine days compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013, primarily as a result of the return of $26.3 million of deposits returned to Juniper in the disengagement process.
We calculate annualized cash cycle as the sum of days in accounts receivable and days in inventory, less days in accounts payable and days in cash deposits. For the three months ended March 29, 2014 annualized cash cycle days improved by two days compared to the three months ended March 30, 2013 due to the factors noted above.
Free Cash Flow. Free cash flow (“FCF”), which we define as cash flow provided by (used in) operations less capital expenditures, decreased for the six months ended March 29, 2014, to a utilization of $10.9 million, as compared to a surplus of $9.6 million for the six months ended March 30, 2013. The primary use of cash was to fund capital expenditures for facility construction in Neenah and Guadalajara.
Non-GAAP financial measures, including FCF, are used for internal management assessments because such measures provide additional insight into ongoing financial performance. In particular, we provide FCF because we believe it offers insight into the metrics that are driving management decisions. We view FCF as an important financial metric as it demonstrates our ability to generate cash and allows us to pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value. FCF is a non-GAAP financial measure which should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of our financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

For a reconciliation of FCF to our financial statements that were prepared using GAAP, see below (in millions):
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
Cash provided by operating activities
$
19.7

 
$
62.9

Capital expenditures
(30.6
)
 
(53.3
)
Free cash flow
$
(10.9
)
 
$
9.6

Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $30.3 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014 as compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $53.1 million for the six months ended March 30, 2013. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased primarily due to the completion of facility construction in Neenah.

We utilized available cash and operating cash flows as the sources for funding our operating requirements. We currently estimate capital expenditures for fiscal 2014 to be approximately $75 million of which $30.6 million of expenditures were made through the second quarter of fiscal 2014. A significant portion of the remaining fiscal 2014 capital expenditures is anticipated to be used to support new program ramps and leasehold improvements for our new manufacturing facility in Guadalajara. We believe the estimated capital expenditures will continue to be funded from operations, and may be supplemented by short-term borrowings, if required.

Financing Activities. Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $7.1 million for the six months ended March 29, 2014, as compared to $30.6 million for the six months ended March 30, 2013. In the three and six months ended March 29, 2014, we borrowed and repaid $76.0 million and $121.0 million, respectively, under our revolving credit facility (described below). Cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended March 29, 2014 were comprised primarily of $14.6 million of purchases of common stock as part of our stock repurchase program as well as payments on capital leases. Cash flows used in financing activities in the six months ended March 29, 2014 were offset by $10.8 million of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options. Cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended March 30, 2013 were comprised primarily of purchases of common stock as part of our stock repurchase program as well as payments on debt and capital leases.

On August 29, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $30 million of its common stock. As of March 29, 2014, the Company had repurchased 359,001 shares for approximately $14.6 million, at an average price of $40.55 per share. These shares were recorded as treasury stock. In addition, as of March 29, 2014, the Company had a commitment of approximately $0.4 million to purchase 9,449 shares, which were purchased before March 29, 2014, but settled after the end of the fiscal second quarter. It is anticipated that this program will continue to be funded with existing cash and is expected to be executed on a relatively consistent basis during the remainder of fiscal 2014.


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On May 15, 2012, the Company entered into a five-year, $250 million senior unsecured credit facility that terminates on May 15, 2017 (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility includes a $160 million revolving credit facility and a $90 million term loan. The revolving credit facility potentially may be increased by $100 million (the "increase option") to $260 million generally by mutual agreement of the Company, the lenders, the letter of credit issuers and the administrative agent named in the related credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), subject to certain customary conditions. Quarterly principal repayments of the Credit Facility term loan of $3.75 million per quarter ended on March 28, 2013. The final $75 million payment is due on May 15, 2017.
The financial covenants (as defined under the Credit Agreement) require that the Company maintain, as of each fiscal quarter end, a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of March 29, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility, at the Company's option, bear interest at a defined base rate or the LIBOR rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin based upon the Company's leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. Rates would increase upon negative changes in specified Company financial metrics and would decrease upon reduction in the current total leverage ratio, to no less than LIBOR plus 1.00% or the base rate plus 0%. We are also required to pay an annual commitment fee on the unused revolver credit commitment based on our leverage ratio; the fee was 0.2% as of March 29, 2014. On June 4, 2013, the Company entered into a new interest rate swap associated with the term loan which extends through May 5, 2017. As of March 29, 2014, all outstanding debt under the Credit Facility is effectively at a fixed interest rate as a result of a fixed interest rate swap contract. There is no floating rate debt outstanding under the Credit Facility as of March 29, 2014.
The Note Purchase Agreement related to the $175.0 million in principal amount of the Company's 5.20% Senior Notes, due on June 15, 2018 (the "Notes"), contains certain financial covenants, which include a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a minimum net worth test, all as defined in the agreements. As of March 29, 2014, we were in compliance with all such covenants relating to the Notes and the related Note Purchase Agreement, which are consistent with those in the Credit Agreement discussed above.
The Credit Facility and Note Purchase Agreement allow for the future payment of cash dividends or the future repurchases of shares provided that no event of default (including any failure to comply with a financial covenant) exists at the time of, or would be caused by, the dividend payment or the share repurchases. We have not paid cash dividends in the past and do not currently anticipate paying them in the future. However, we evaluate from time to time potential uses of excess cash, which in the future may include share repurchases above those already authorized, a special dividend or recurring dividends.

Based on current expectations, we believe that our projected cash flows from operations, available cash and cash equivalents, potential borrowings under the Credit Facility, and our leasing capabilities should be sufficient to meet our working capital and fixed capital requirements for the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future. If our future financing needs increase, we may need to arrange additional debt or equity financing. Accordingly, we evaluate and consider from time to time various financing alternatives to supplement our financial resources. However, particularly due to the current uncertainty of the credit and financial markets, we cannot be assured that we will be able to make any such arrangements on acceptable terms.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET OBLIGATIONS

Our disclosures regarding contractual obligations and commercial commitments are located in various parts of our regulatory filings. Information in the following table provides a summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of March 29, 2014 (dollars in millions):

 
Payments due by fiscal year
Contractual Obligations
Total
 
Remaining 2014
 
2015-2016
 
2017-2018
 
2019 and thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-Term Debt Obligations (1,2)
$
291.4

 
$
5.1

 
$
20.4

 
$
265.9

 
$

Capital Lease Obligations
11.2

 
2.6

 
7.9

 
0.7

 

Operating Lease Obligations
40.4

 
6.5

 
15.0

 
6.7

 
12.2

Purchase Obligations (3)
455.5

 
431.2

 
23.8

 
0.2

 
0.3

Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Balance Sheet (4)
9.5

 
1.0

 
1.4

 
0.4

 
6.7

Other Long-Term Liabilities not on the Balance Sheet (5)
6.6

 
4.6

 
2.0

 

 

Total Contractual Cash Obligations
$
814.6

 
$
451.0

 
$
70.5

 
$
273.9

 
$
19.2


1)
Includes amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of March 29, 2014, the outstanding balance was $75.0 million. The amounts listed above include interest; see Note 4 in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

2)
Includes $175.0 million in principal amount of Notes issued in fiscal 2011. The amounts listed above include interest; see Note 4, "Debt," in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

3)
As of March 29, 2014, purchase obligations consist of purchases of inventory and equipment in the ordinary course of business.

4)
As of March 29, 2014, other long-term obligations on the balance sheet included deferred compensation obligations to certain of our former and current executive officers, as well as other key employees, and an asset retirement obligation. We have excluded from the above table the impact of approximately $2.5 million, as of March 29, 2014, related to unrecognized income tax benefits. The reduction in the balance as compared to fiscal 2013 year end was primarily due to the completion of U.S. federal and state audits during the first six months of fiscal 2014. The Company cannot make reliable estimates of the future cash flows by period related to this obligation.

5)
As of March 29, 2014, other long-term obligations not on the balance sheet consisted of a commitment for salary continuation in the event employment of one executive officer of the Company is terminated without cause as well as commitments to complete a new manufacturing facility in Guadalajara.
DISCLOSURE ABOUT CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2013 annual report on Form 10-K. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, there were no material changes to these policies.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 14 in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange and interest rates. We selectively use financial instruments to reduce such risks.
Foreign Currency Risk
We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Our policy is to selectively hedge our foreign currency denominated transactions in a manner that partially offsets the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We typically use foreign currency contracts to hedge only those currency exposures associated with certain assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies. Corresponding gains and losses on the underlying transaction generally offset the gains and losses on these foreign currency hedges. Our international operations create potential foreign exchange risk.
Our percentages of transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar for the indicated periods were as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
March 29,
2014
 
March 30,
2013
 
March 29,
2014

March 30,
2013
Net sales
8
%
 
8
%
 
8
%
 
7
%
Total costs
13
%
 
14
%
 
13
%
 
14
%
The Company has evaluated the potential foreign currency exchange rate risk on transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar for the periods presented above. Based on the Company’s overall currency exposure, as of March 29, 2014 a 10 percent change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to our other transactional currencies would not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Interest Rate Risk
We have financial instruments, including cash equivalents, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. We consider the use of interest rate swaps based on existing market conditions and have entered into interest rate swaps for our term loans. For more information, refer to Note 5, "Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements," in Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest rate swap agreements are subject to the further risk that the counterparties to these agreements may fail to comply with their obligations thereunder.
The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal, while maximizing yields without significantly increasing market risk. To achieve this, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents in a variety of highly rated securities, money market funds and certificates of deposit, and limit the amount of principal exposure to any one issuer.
As of March 29, 2014, our only material interest rate risk is associated with our term loan under our Credit Facility. Through the use of interest rate swaps, as described above, we fixed the basis on which we pay interest, and the borrowings under the Note Purchase Agreement are based on a fixed interest rate, thus eliminating much of our interest rate risk.

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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures: The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information the Company must disclose in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed and evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s management, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective (a) in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act, and (b) in assuring that information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting: During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, there have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls: Our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on the effectiveness of controls, we have nonetheless reached the conclusion that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors
In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed herein, particularly those discussed in the “Safe Harbor” Cautionary Statement and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part I, Item 2, see the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013.

ITEM 2.     Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of Proceeds

The following table provides the specified information about the repurchases of shares by the Company during the three months ended March 29, 2014.

Period


Total number
of shares purchased


Average
price paid
per share
Total number
of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
Maximum approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs*
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 29, 2013 to January 25, 2014
54,506

$
42.65

54,506

 
$
20,741,169

 
 
 
 
 
 
January 26 to February 22, 2014
56,901

$
39.52

56,901

 
$
18,492,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
February 23 to March 29, 2014
73,710

$
41.37

73,710

 
$
15,442,684

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
185,117

$
41.18

185,117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* On August 19, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $30 million of its common stock. As of March 29, 2014, the Company had repurchased 359,001 shares for approximately $14.6 million, at an average price of $40.55 per share. These shares were recorded as treasury stock. In addition, as of March 29, 2014, the Company had a commitment of approximately $0.4 million to purchase 9,449 shares, which were purchased before March 29, 2014, but settled after the end of the fiscal second quarter.



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ITEM 6.    Exhibits
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of the CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of the CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1
 
Reconciliation of ROIC to GAAP Financial Statements
101
 
The following materials from Plexus Corp.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2014, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Plexus Corp.
 
 
Registrant
 
 
 
Date: 5/01/14
 
/s/ Dean A. Foate        
 
 
Dean A. Foate
 
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: 5/01/14
 
/s/ Ginger M. Jones
 
 
Ginger M. Jones
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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