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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q 
(Mark one)
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 29, 2018
OR
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___ to ___
 
Commission file number 0-20388
LITTELFUSE, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
36-3795742
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
8755 West Higgins Road, Suite 500
 
Chicago, Illinois
60631
(Address of principal executive offices)
(ZIP Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 773-628-1000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange
On Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one): Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Smaller reporting company [ ] Emerging growth company [ ]
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

As of October 29, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 25,156,759 shares of Common Stock, net of Treasury Shares.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
PART I
 
Item 1.
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 29, 2018 (unaudited) and December 30, 2017
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 (unaudited) and September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 (unaudited) and September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 (unaudited) and September 30, 2017 (unaudited)
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.


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LITTELFUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
(in thousands)
 
September 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
498,215

 
$
429,676

Short-term investments
 
35

 
35

Trade receivables, less allowances (September 29, 2018 - $36,392; December 30, 2017 - $27,516)
 
251,644

 
182,699

Inventories
 
247,255

 
140,789

Prepaid income taxes and income taxes receivable
 
6,802

 
1,689

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
48,683

 
37,452

Total current assets
 
1,052,634


792,340

Property, plant, and equipment:
 
 

 
 

Land
 
29,528

 
9,547

Buildings
 
119,380

 
86,599

Equipment
 
569,550

 
505,838

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(374,575
)
 
(351,407
)
Net property, plant, and equipment
 
343,883


250,577

Intangible assets, net of amortization
 
377,151

 
203,850

Goodwill
 
830,354

 
453,414

Investments
 
29,084

 
10,993

Deferred income taxes
 
8,979

 
11,858

Other assets
 
21,401

 
17,070

Total assets
 
$
2,663,486


$
1,740,102

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
129,871

 
$
101,844

Accrued payroll
 
52,208

 
49,962

Accrued expenses
 
74,084

 
48,994

Accrued severance
 
901

 
1,459

Accrued income taxes
 
36,746

 
16,285

Current portion of long-term debt
 
10,076

 
6,250

Total current liabilities
 
303,886


224,794

Long-term debt, less current portion
 
690,637

 
489,361

Deferred income taxes
 
49,262

 
17,069

Accrued post-retirement benefits
 
32,901

 
18,742

Other long-term liabilities
 
67,404

 
62,580

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 34,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued, September 29, 2018–25,630,347; December 30, 2017–22,713,198
 
254

 
229

Treasury stock, at cost: 475,994 and 439,598 shares, respectively
 
(48,546
)
 
(41,294
)
Additional paid-in capital
 
830,612

 
310,012

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(97,631
)
 
(63,668
)
Retained earnings
 
834,577

 
722,140

Littelfuse, Inc. shareholders’ equity
 
1,519,266


927,419

Non-controlling interest
 
130

 
137

Total equity
 
1,519,396


927,556

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
2,663,486


$
1,740,102

 See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LITTELFUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
Net sales
 
$
439,191

 
$
317,889

 
$
1,316,187

 
$
916,685

Cost of sales
 
259,597

 
184,238

 
817,983

 
536,776

Gross profit
 
179,594


133,651


498,204


379,909

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
69,782

 
56,759

 
220,540

 
156,899

Research and development expenses
 
20,454

 
11,991

 
65,742

 
36,872

Amortization of intangibles
 
13,130

 
6,292

 
38,501

 
18,407

Total operating expenses
 
103,366


75,042


324,783


212,178

Operating income
 
76,228


58,609


173,421


167,731

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
5,775

 
3,467

 
16,980

 
9,868

Foreign exchange loss (gain)
 
982

 
632

 
(6,372
)
 
(1,483
)
Other expense (income), net
 
1,259

 
(1,013
)
 
(2,362
)
 
(962
)
Income before income taxes
 
68,212

 
55,523

 
165,175

 
160,308

Income taxes
 
14,666

 
12,715

 
33,275

 
29,970

Net income
 
$
53,546


$
42,808


$
131,900


$
130,338

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
2.13

 
$
1.88

 
$
5.31

 
$
5.75

Diluted
 
$
2.10

 
$
1.87

 
$
5.23

 
$
5.69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
25,109

 
22,713

 
24,817

 
22,678

Diluted
 
25,471

 
22,953

 
25,212

 
22,906

 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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LITTELFUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
Net income
 
$
53,546

 
$
42,808

 
$
131,900

 
$
130,338

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and postemployment adjustment, net of tax
 
(115
)
 
(60
)
 
648

 
(441
)
Unrealized loss on investments
 

 
(1,710
)
 

 
(1,235
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(7,832
)
 
1,531

 
(24,816
)
 
2,912

Comprehensive income
 
$
45,599


$
42,569


$
107,732


$
131,574

 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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LITTELFUSE, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
131,900

 
$
130,338

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
37,559

 
28,228

Amortization of intangibles
 
38,501

 
18,407

Provision for bad debts
 
83

 
1,586

Deferred revenue
 
3,965

 

Non-cash inventory charges
 
36,927

 
1,607

Impairment charges
 
1,125

 

Loss on sale of property, plant, and equipment
 
511

 
584

Stock-based compensation
 
23,153

 
12,437

Unrealized gain on investments
 
(350
)
 

Deferred income taxes
 
(10,979
)
 
1,863

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Trade receivables
 
(20,588
)
 
(26,792
)
Inventories
 
(17,624
)
 
(17,159
)
Accounts payable
 
17,033

 
9,448

Accrued expenses (including post-retirement)
 
11,523

 
1,757

Accrued payroll and severance
 
(5,330
)
 
(3,788
)
Accrued income taxes
 
14,543

 
7,267

Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(9,836
)
 
15,537

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
252,116


181,320

 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
 
(313,475
)
 
(38,610
)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
 

 
3,739

Decrease in entrusted loan
 

 
3,599

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 
(55,946
)
 
(48,470
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
 
858

 
541

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(368,563
)

(79,201
)
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
Proceeds of revolving credit facility
 
60,000

 
15,000

Proceeds of term loan
 
75,000

 

Net proceeds from senior notes payable
 
175,000

 
125,000

Payments of term loan
 
(42,525
)
 
(4,687
)
Payments of revolving credit facility
 
(60,000
)
 
(112,500
)
Net proceeds (payments) related to stock-based award activities
 
17,920

 
(2,336
)
Payments of entrusted loan
 

 
(3,599
)
Debt issuance costs
 
(878
)
 
(2
)
Cash dividends paid
 
(29,258
)
 
(23,367
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
195,259

 
(6,491
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(10,273
)
 
2,076

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
68,539

 
97,704

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
429,676

 
275,124

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
498,215


$
372,828

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Fair value of commitment to purchase non-controlling interest of Monolith
 
$
5,000

 
$
9,000

 
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 
 
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information
 
Nature of Operations 
 
Littelfuse, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of leading technologies in circuit protection, power control and sensing. The Company has products in automotive and commercial vehicles, industrial applications, data and telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and appliances. With a diverse and extensive product portfolio of fuses, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, relays and sensors, the Company works with its customers to build safer, more reliable and more efficient products for the connected world in virtually every market that uses electrical energy. The Company has a network of global engineering centers and labs that develop new products and product enhancements, provides customer application support and test products for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
 
Basis of Presentation 
 
The Company’s accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in the consolidated balance sheets, statements of net income and comprehensive income and cash flows prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading. They have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017, which should be read in conjunction with the disclosures therein. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual operating results.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Adoption
 
On December 31, 2017, the Company adopted new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers using the modified retrospective method. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue Disaggregation
 
The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by primary business units for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 29, 2018
(in thousands)
 
Electronics
Segment
 
Automotive
Segment
 
Industrial
Segment
 
 
Total
Electronics – Passive Products and Sensors
 
$
124,174

 
$

 
$

 
$
124,174

Electronics – Semiconductor
 
172,298

 

 

 
172,298

Passenger Car Products
 

 
57,761

 

 
57,761

Automotive Sensors
 

 
27,311

 

 
27,311

Commercial Vehicle Products
 

 
29,344

 

 
29,344

Industrial Products
 

 

 
28,303

 
28,303

Total
 
$
296,472


$
114,416


$
28,303


$
439,191


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Nine Months Ended September 29, 2018
(in thousands)
 
Electronics
Segment
 
Automotive
Segment
 
Industrial
Segment
 
 
Total
Electronics – Passive Products and Sensors
 
$
366,990

 
$

 
$

 
$
366,990

Electronics – Semiconductor
 
493,250

 

 

 
493,250

Passenger Car Products
 

 
184,922

 

 
184,922

Automotive Sensors
 

 
89,362

 

 
89,362

Commercial Vehicle Products
 

 
93,434

 

 
93,434

Industrial Products
 

 

 
88,229

 
88,229

Total
 
$
860,240


$
367,718


$
88,229


$
1,316,187

 
See Note 13, Segment Information for net sales by segment and countries.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
The Company recognizes revenue on product sales in the period in which the Company satisfies its performance obligation and control of the product is transferred to the customer. The Company’s sales arrangements with customers are predominately short term in nature and generally provide for transfer of control at the time of shipment as this is the point at which title and risk of loss of the product transfers to the customer. At the end of each period, for those shipments where title to the products and the risk of loss and rewards of ownership do not transfer until the product has been received by the customer, the Company adjusts revenues and cost of sales for the delay between the time that the products are shipped and when they are received by the customer. The amount of revenue recorded reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for goods and may include adjustments for customer allowance, rebates and price adjustments. The Company’s distribution channels are primarily through direct sales and independent third-party distributors.
 
The Company has elected the practical expedient under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 340-40-25-4 to expense commissions when incurred as the amortization period of the commission asset the Company would have otherwise recognized is less than one year.
 
Revenue and Billing
 
The Company generally accepts orders from customers through receipt of purchase orders or electronic data interchange based on written sales agreements and purchasing contracts. Contract pricing and selling agreement terms are based on market factors, costs, and competition. Pricing is often negotiated as an adjustment (premium or discount) from the Company’s published price lists. The customer is invoiced when the Company’s products are shipped to them in accordance with the terms of the sales agreement. As the Company’s standard payment terms are less than one year, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 606-10-32-18 to not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component. The Company also elected the practical expedient provided in ASC 606-10-25-18B to treat all product shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities, and therefore recognize the gross revenue associated with the contract, inclusive of any shipping and handling revenue. This is similar to the Company’s prior practice and therefore the effect of the new guidance is immaterial.
 
Ship and Debit Program
 
Some of the terms of the Company’s sales agreements and normal business conditions provide customers (distributors) the ability to receive price adjustments on products previously shipped and invoiced. This practice is common in the industry and is referred to as a “ship and debit” program. This program allows the distributor to debit the Company for the difference between the distributors’ contracted price and a lower price for specific transactions. Under certain circumstances (usually in a competitive situation or large volume opportunity), a distributor will request authorization for pricing allowances to reduce its price. When the Company approves such a reduction, the distributor is authorized to “debit” its account for the difference between the contracted price and the lower approved price. The Company establishes reserves for this program based on historic activity and actual authorizations for the debit and recognizes these debits as a reduction of revenue.






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Return to Stock 
 
The Company has a return to stock policy whereby certain customers, with prior authorization from Littelfuse management, can return previously purchased goods for full or partial credit. The Company establishes an estimated allowance for these returns based on historic activity. Sales revenue and cost of sales are reduced to anticipate estimated returns.
 
Volume Rebates
 
The Company offers volume based sales incentives to certain customers to encourage greater product sales. If customers achieve their specific quarterly or annual sales targets, they are entitled to rebates. The Company estimates the projected amount of rebates that will be achieved by the customer and recognizes this estimated cost as a reduction to revenue as products are sold.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-07 “Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost,” which changed the presentation of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost (net benefit cost) within the Statement of Income. Under the previous guidance, net benefit cost was reported as an employee cost within operating income. The amendment required the bifurcation of net benefit cost, with the service cost component to be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating income while the other components will be reported separately outside of income from operations. ASU No. 2017-07 was effective for the first quarter of 2018 with the Company adopting the new standard on December 31, 2017.
 
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which addressed certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU requires the Company to recognize any changes in the fair value of certain equity investments in net income. Previously these changes were recognized in other comprehensive income ("OCI"). The Company adopted the new standard on December 31, 2017, on a modified retrospective basis, recognizing the cumulative effect as a $9.8 million increase to retained earnings. As a result of the adoption of the new standard and change in fair value of our equity investments, for the nine months ended September 29, 2018, the Company recognized an unrealized loss of $0.3 million in Other (income) expense, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income.
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.” This ASU provides a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance. The guidance permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new standard with restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new standard with disclosure of results under old standards. The Company adopted the new standard on December 31, 2017 using the modified retrospective method, however, no adjustment to retained earnings was needed. The new guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income. See the Revenue Recognition section above for further discussion.
 
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, "Income Taxes” (Topic 740). This ASU update requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of many intercompany asset transfers at the transaction date. The seller and buyer will immediately recognize the current and deferred income tax consequences of an intercompany transfer of an asset other than inventory. The tax consequences were previously deferred. The Company adopted the new standard on December 31, 2017 and it did not have a material impact.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases of greater than twelve months. The accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will require a modified retrospective transition. The Company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2019. The Company has made progress on assessing the Company’s portfolio of leases and compiling a central repository of all active leases. We are in the process of assessing the design of the future lease process and drafting a policy to address the new standard requirements. Key lease data elements are being evaluated including developing a methodology for determining the incremental borrowing rate across all countries where we have operations. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting standard will have on its Consolidated

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Financial Statements, the Company expects to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for its operating leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheet upon adoption.
 
In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company has not yet completed its assessment and therefore has not yet elected an accounting policy.
 
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which permits the reclassification of tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of the Tax Act. The standard also requires entities to disclose whether or not they elected to reclassify the tax effects related to the Tax Act as well as their policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard allows the option of applying either a retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods in which the effect of the Tax Act is recognized, or applying the amendments in the period of adoption, meaning an adjustment is made to shareholder’s equity as of the beginning of the reporting period. ASU 2018-02 will be effective in the first quarter of 2019; however early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods, including the reporting period in which the Tax Act was enacted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2018-02 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." ASU 2018-13 modified the disclosure requirements in Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurement," based on the FASB Concepts Statement, "Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting - Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements," including consideration of costs and benefits. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The company is currently evaluating the potential effects of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14 "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which amends ASC 715-20, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General. The amended guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing and adding certain disclosures for these plans. The eliminated disclosures include (a) the amounts in OCI expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year, and (b) the effects of a one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the net periodic benefit costs and the benefit obligation for post-retirement health care benefits. Additional disclosures include descriptions of significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period. The adoption of this guidance will modify our disclosures but will not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force).” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license).  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
2. Acquisitions
 
The Company accounts for acquisitions using the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” in which assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. The operating results of the acquired business are included in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of the acquisition.
 
IXYS Corporation
 
On January 17, 2018, the Company acquired IXYS Corporation (“IXYS”), a global pioneer in the power semiconductor and integrated circuit markets with a focus on medium to high voltage power control semiconductors across the industrial, communications, consumer and medical markets. IXYS has a broad customer base, serving more than 3,500 customers through

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its direct sales force and global distribution partners. The acquisition of IXYS is expected to accelerate the Company’s growth across the power control market driven by IXYS’s extensive power semiconductor portfolio and technology expertise. With IXYS, the Company will be able to diversify and expand its presence within industrial electronics markets, leveraging the strong IXYS industrial OEM customer base. The Company also expects to increase long-term penetration of its power semiconductor portfolio in automotive markets, expanding its global content per vehicle.

Upon completion of the acquisition, at IXYS stockholders’ election and subject to proration, each share of IXYS common stock, par value $0.01 per share, owned immediately prior to the effective time was canceled and extinguished and automatically converted into the right to receive: (i) $23.00 in cash (subject to applicable withholding tax), without interest (referred to as the cash consideration), or (ii) 0.1265 of a share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Littelfuse (referred to as the stock consideration). IXYS stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Littelfuse common stock that the IXYS stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive. Additionally, each outstanding option to purchase shares of IXYS common stock granted under an IXYS equity plan were assumed by Littelfuse and converted into an option to acquire (i) a number of shares of Littelfuse common stock equal to the number of shares of IXYS common stock subject to such option immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by 0.1265, rounded down to the nearest whole share, with (ii) an exercise price per share of Littelfuse common stock equal to the exercise price of such IXYS stock option immediately prior to the effective time divided by 0.1265, rounded up to the nearest whole cent.
 
Based on the $207.5 per share opening price of Littelfuse common stock on January 17, 2018, the consideration IXYS stockholders received in exchange of their IXYS common stock in the acquisition had a value of $814.8 million comprised of $380.6 million of cash and $434.2 million of Littelfuse stock. In addition to the consideration transferred related to IXYS common stock, the value of consideration transferred, and included in the purchase price, related to IXYS stock options that were converted to Littelfuse stock options, or cash settled, had a value of $41.7 million. As a result, total consideration was valued at $856.5 million.
 
The total purchase price of $856.5 million has been allocated, on a preliminary basis, to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the completion of the acquisition, based on preliminary estimated fair values. The purchase price allocation is preliminary because the evaluations necessary to assess the fair values of the net assets acquired are still in process. The primary area that is not yet finalized relates to the completion of the computation of the adoption of the Tax Act. As a result, these allocations are subject to change during the purchase price allocation period as the computation is finalized.
 
The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the IXYS acquisition:
 
(in thousands)
Purchase Price
Allocation
Total purchase consideration:
 
Cash, net of cash acquired
$
302,865

Cash settled stock options
3,622

Littelfuse stock
434,192

Converted stock options
38,109

Total purchase consideration
$
778,788

Allocation of consideration to assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
Current assets, net
$
155,930

Property, plant, and equipment
77,442

Intangible assets
212,720

Goodwill
379,619

Other non-current assets
31,570

Other non-current liabilities
(78,493
)
 
$
778,788

 
Included in IXYS’s current assets, net was approximately $49.1 million of receivables. All IXYS goodwill, other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Electronics segment and primarily reflected in the Americas and European geographic areas. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the Company’s expected future product sales and synergies from

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combining IXYS’s products and technology with the Company’s existing electronics product portfolio. Goodwill resulting from the IXYS acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
Included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 are net sales of approximately $99.7 million and $286.2 million, respectively, and a income (loss) before income taxes of $6.2 million and $(25.5) million, respectively, since the January 17, 2018 acquisition of IXYS. The Company recognized approximately $4.3 million and $11.8 million of stock compensation expense related to IXYS stock options converted to Littelfuse stock options during the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018, of which $4.5 million was recognized immediately as it related to prior service periods.

As required by purchase accounting rules, the Company recorded a $36.9 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date based on the preliminary valuation. The step-up was fully amortized as a non-cash charge to cost of goods sold during the first and second quarters of 2018, as the acquired inventory was sold, and reflected as other non-segment costs.
 
During the nine months ended September 29, 2018, the Company incurred approximately $11.0 million of legal and professional fees related to this acquisition which were primarily recognized as selling, general, and administrative expenses. These costs were reflected as other non-segment costs.
 
2017 Acquisitions
 
U.S. Sensor
 
On July 7, 2017, the Company acquired the assets of U.S. Sensor Corporation (“U.S. Sensor”). The acquisition purchase price of $24.3 million, net of the finalization of an income tax gross up which was settled in the fourth quarter of 2017, was funded with available cash. The acquired business expands the Company’s existing sensor portfolio in several key electronics and industrial end markets. U.S. Sensor manufactures a variety of high quality negative temperature coefficient thermistors as well as thermistor probes and assemblies. Product lines also include thin film platinum resistance temperature detectors (“RTDs”) and RTD assemblies.
 
The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the U.S. Sensor acquisition:
 
(in thousands)
Purchase Price
Allocation
Total purchase consideration:
 
Cash
$
24,340

Allocation of consideration to assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
Current assets, net
$
4,635

Patented and unpatented technologies
1,090

Trademarks and tradenames
200

Non-compete agreement
50

Customer relationships
2,830

Goodwill
16,075

Current liabilities
(540
)
 
$
24,340

 
Included in U.S. Sensor’s current assets, net was approximately $1.5 million of receivables. All U.S. Sensor goodwill, other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Electronics segment and reflected in the United States geographic area. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the Company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining U.S. Sensor’s products and technology with the Company’s existing electronics product portfolio. Goodwill for the above acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
As required by purchase accounting rules, the Company recorded a $1.6 million step-up of inventory to its fair value as of the acquisition date based on the preliminary valuation. The step-up was amortized as a non-cash charge to cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2017, as the acquired inventory was sold, and reflected as other non-segment costs.


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Monolith
 
In December 2015, the Company invested $3.5 million in the preferred stock of Monolith Semiconductor Inc. (“Monolith”), a U.S. start-up Company developing silicon carbide technology, which represented approximately 12% of the common stock of Monolith on an as-converted basis. The Company accounted for its investment in Monolith under the cost method with any changes in value recorded in other comprehensive income. The value of the Monolith investment was $3.5 million at December 31, 2016.
 
On February 28, 2017, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and the stockholders of Monolith (“Securities Purchase Agreement”) and conditioned on Monolith achieving a product development milestone and other provisions, the Company acquired 62% of the outstanding common stock of Monolith for $15.0 million. The Securities Purchase Agreement includes provisions whereby the Company will acquire the remaining outstanding stock of Monolith (“non-controlling interest”) at a time or times based on Monolith meeting certain technical and sales targets. During the first quarter of 2018, Monolith met the next set of technical and sales targets. As a result, and pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, in April 2018 the Company acquired an additional 19% of the outstanding common stock of Monolith for $5.0 million, of which $4.0 million was paid to the stockholders of Monolith. On October 5, 2018, the Company acquired the remaining 19% outstanding common stock for $5.0 million.
 
The additional investment, in the first quarter of 2017, resulted in the Company gaining control of Monolith and was accounted for as a step-acquisition with the fair value of the original investment immediately before the acquisition estimated to be approximately $3.5 million. As the fair value of the investment immediately prior to the transaction equaled the carrying value, there was no impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Net Income. As the Securities Purchase Agreement includes an obligation of the Company to mandatorily redeem the non-controlling interest for cash, the fair value of the non-controlling interest was recognized as a liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The original investment of $3.5 million, additional cash consideration of $14.2 million (net of cash acquired), and the non-cash consideration of the fair value of the commitment to purchase the non-controlling interest of $9.0 million resulted in a purchase price of $26.7 million. Changes in the fair value of the non-controlling interest are recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Net Income.
 
Commencing March 1, 2017, Monolith was reflected as a consolidated subsidiary within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Had the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2017, the impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.
 
The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Monolith acquisition:
 
(in thousands)
Purchase Price
Allocation
Total purchase consideration:
 
Original investment
$
3,500

Cash, net of cash acquired
14,172

Non-cash, fair value of commitment to purchase non-controlling interest
9,000

Total purchase consideration
$
26,672

Allocation of consideration to assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
Current assets, net
$
891

Property, plant, and equipment
789

Patented and unpatented technologies
6,720

Non-compete agreement
140

Goodwill
20,641

Current liabilities
(639
)
Other non-current liabilities
(1,870
)
 
$
26,672

 

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Included in Monolith’s current assets, net was approximately $0.7 million of receivables. All Monolith goodwill, other assets and liabilities were recorded in the Electronics segment and reflected in the United States geographic area. The goodwill resulting from this acquisition consists largely of the Company’s expected future product sales and synergies from combining Monolith’s products and technology with the Company’s existing electronics product portfolio. Goodwill for the above acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Pro Forma Results
 
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis, the combined results of operations of the Company and IXYS as though the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2017. The Company has not included pro forma results of operations for U.S. Sensor or Monolith as these results were not material to the Company. The pro forma amounts presented are not necessarily indicative of either the actual consolidated results had the IXYS acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2017 or of future consolidated operating results.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30,
2017
Net sales
 
$
439,191

 
$
405,573

Income before income taxes
 
71,737

 
50,883

Net income
 
56,060

 
40,004

Net income per share — basic
 
2.23

 
1.61

Net income per share — diluted
 
$
2.18

 
$
1.59


 
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
Net sales
 
$
1,332,900

 
$
1,171,283

Income before income taxes
 
228,503

 
102,429

Net income
 
179,264

 
95,047

Net income — basic
 
7.17

 
3.84
Net income — diluted
 
$
7.16

 
$
3.78

 
Pro forma results presented above primarily reflect the following adjustments:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
 
September 29,
2018
 
September 30,
2017
Amortization(a)
 
$
3,104

 
$
(6,304
)
 
$
8,289

 
$
(18,905
)
Depreciation
 

 
139

 

 
417

Transaction costs(b)
 

 

 
9,976

 
(9,976
)
Amortization of inventory step-up(c)
 

 

 
36,927

 
(36,927
)
Stock compensation(d)
 
421

 
(426
)
 
5,110

 
(6,206
)
Interest expense(e)
 

 
(2,582
)
 

 
(7,746
)
Income tax impact of above items
 
$
(1,011
)
 
$
2,906

 
$
(14,290
)
 
$
25,802


(a)
The amortization adjustment for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 primarily reflects the reduction of amortization expense in the period related to the Order backlog intangible asset. The Order backlog has a useful life of twelve months and will be fully amortized in the fiscal 2017 pro forma results. The amortization adjustment for the three

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and nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflects incremental amortization resulting for the measurement of intangibles at their fair values.
(b)
The transaction cost adjustments reflect the reversal of certain bank and attorney fees from the nine months ended September 29, 2018 and recognition of those fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(c)
The amortization of inventory step-up adjustment reflects the reversal of the amount recognized during the nine months ended September 29, 2018 and the recognition of the full amortization during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The inventory step-up was amortized over five months as the inventory was sold.
(d)
The stock compensation adjustment reflects the reversal of the portion of stock compensation for IXYS stock options that were converted to Littelfuse stock options and expensed immediately during the nine months ended September 29, 2018. The adjustment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect the incremental stock compensation for the converted stock options.
(e)
The interest expense adjustment reflects incremental interest expense related to the financing of the transaction.

3. Inventories
 
The components of inventories at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
September 29
2018
 
December 30
2017
Raw materials
 
$
69,575

 
$
39,030

Work in process
 
83,115

 
27,454

Finished goods
 
94,565

 
74,305

Total
 
$
247,255


$
140,789

 
 
4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
The amounts for goodwill and changes in the carrying value by segment for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Electronics
 
Automotive
 
Industrial
 
Total
As of December 30, 2017
 
$
278,959

 
$
135,829

 
$
38,626

 
$
453,414

Additions(a)
 
380,199

 

 

 
380,199

Currency translation
 
(1,090
)
 
(2,040
)
 
(129
)
 
(3,259
)
As of September 29, 2018
 
$
658,068


$
133,789


$
38,497


$
830,354


(a)The additions resulted from the acquisition of IXYS and an immaterial acquisition.

The components of other intangible assets at September 29, 2018 are as follows:
 
(in thousands, except weighted average useful life)
 
Weighted
Average
Useful Life (Years)
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
Net Book
Value
Patents, licenses and software
 
10.5
 
$
192,215

 
$
71,451

 
$
120,764

Distribution network
 
12.6
 
44,098

 
34,214

 
9,884

Customer relationships, trademarks, and tradenames
 
18
 
312,267

 
69,478

 
242,789

Order backlog
 
0.3
 
12,420

 
8,706

 
3,714

Total
 
 
 
$
561,000


$
183,849


$
377,151

 




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During the nine months ended September 29, 2018, the Company recorded additions to other intangible assets of $212.7 million, related to the IXYS acquisition, the components of which were as follows:
 
(in thousands, except weighted average useful life)
 
Weighted
Average
Useful Life (Years)
 
 
 
Amount
Patents, licenses and software
 
8
 
$
51,500

Customer relationships, trademarks, and tradenames
 
17.2
 
148,800

Order backlog
 
1
 
12,420

Total
 
 
 
$
212,720


During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, the Company recorded amortization expense of $13.1 million and $38.5 million and $6.3 million and $18.4 million, respectively, for intangible assets with definite lives.
 
Estimated annual amortization expense related to intangible assets with definite lives as of September 29, 2018 is as follows:

 
(in thousands)
Amount
2018
$
53,383

2019
40,454

2020
40,237

2021
38,403

2022
37,506

2023 and thereafter
206,586

Total
$
416,569

 
 

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5. Debt
 
The carrying amounts of debt at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
September 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
Term Loan
 
$
155,000

 
$
122,500

Euro Senior Notes, Series A due 2023
 
136,819

 
139,623

Euro Senior Notes, Series B due 2028
 
111,092

 
113,369

U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2022
 
25,000

 
25,000

U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2027
 
100,000

 
100,000

U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2025
 
50,000

 

U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2030
 
125,000

 

Other
 
2,694

 

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(4,892
)
 
(4,881
)
Total debt
 
700,713


495,611

Less: Current maturities
 
(10,076
)
 
(6,250
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
690,637


$
489,361

 
Revolving Credit Facility / Term Loan
 
On March 4, 2016, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders for up to $700.0 million. The Credit Agreement consisted of an unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) of $575.0 million and an unsecured term loan credit facility (“Term Loan”) of up to $125.0 million. In addition, the Company had the ability, from time to time, to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan by up to an additional $150.0 million, in the aggregate, in each case in minimum increments of $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions and the agreement of participating lenders.
 
On October 13, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the Revolving Credit Facility from $575.0 million to $700.0 million and increase the Term Loan from $125.0 million to $200.0 million and to extend the expiration date from March 4, 2021 to October 13, 2022. The Credit Agreement also includes the option for the Company to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan by up to an additional $300.0 million, in the aggregate, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. Term Loans may be made in up to two advances. The first advance of $125.0 million occurred on October 13, 2017 and the second advance of $75.0 million occurred on January 16, 2018. For the Term Loan, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments of 1.25% of the original term loan ($2.5 million with the second advance on January 16, 2018) through maturity, with the remaining balance due on October 13, 2022. In addition to the quarterly principal payments, the Company paid an additional $35.0 million of principal on the term loan during the nine months ended September 29, 2018.

Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either LIBOR, fixed for interest periods of one, two, three or six-month periods, plus 1.00% to 2.00%, or at the bank’s Base Rate, as defined, plus 0.00% to 1.00%, based upon the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined. The Company is also required to pay commitment fees on unused portions of the credit agreement ranging from 0.15% to 0.25%, based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement. The credit agreement includes representations, covenants and events of default that are customary for financing transactions of this nature. The effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 3.49% at September 29, 2018.
 
As of September 29, 2018, the Company had $0.1 million outstanding in letters of credit and had available $699.9 million of borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. At September 29, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.
 
Senior Notes
 
On December 8, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold €212 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. The funding date for the Euro denominated senior notes

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occurred on December 8, 2016 for €117 million in aggregate amount of 1.14% Senior Notes, Series A, due December 8, 2023 (“Euro Senior Notes, Series A due 2023”), and €95 million in aggregate amount of 1.83% Senior Notes, Series B due December 8, 2028 (“Euro Senior Notes, Series B due 2028”) (together, the “Euro Senior Notes”). Interest on the Euro Senior Notes is payable semiannually on June 8 and December 8, commencing June 8, 2017.
 
On December 8, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $125 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. On February 15, 2017, $25 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.03% Senior Notes, Series A, due February 15, 2022 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2022”), and $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.74% Senior Notes, Series B, due February 15, 2027 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2027”) (together, the “U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027”) were funded. Interest on the U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027 is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 2017.
 
On November 15, 2017, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $175 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. On January 16, 2018, $50 million aggregate principal amount of 3.48% Senior Notes, Series A, due February 15, 2025 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2025”) and $125 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.78% Senior Notes, Series B, due February 15, 2030 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2030”) (together the “U.S. Senior Notes due 2025 and 2030” and with the Euro Senior Notes and the U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027, the “Senior Notes”) were funded. Interest on the U.S. Senior Notes due 2025 and 2030 is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2018.
 
The Senior Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. The Senior Notes are general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company.
 
The Senior Notes are subject to certain customary covenants, including limitations on the Company’s ability, with certain exceptions, to engage in mergers, consolidations, asset sales and transactions with affiliates, to engage in any business that would substantially change the general business of the Company, and to incur liens. In addition, the Company is required to satisfy certain financial covenants and tests relating to, among other matters, interest coverage and leverage. At September 29, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Notes.
 
The Company may redeem the Senior Notes upon the satisfaction of certain conditions and the payment of a make-whole amount to noteholders, and are required to offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at par following certain events, including a change of control.


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6. Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
 
For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, a three-level hierarchy of measurements based upon observable and unobservable inputs is used to arrive at fair value. Observable inputs are developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions about valuation based on the best information available in the circumstances. Depending on the inputs, the Company classifies each fair value measurement as follows:
 
Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
 
Level 2—Valuations based upon quoted prices for similar instruments, prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations, all of whose significant inputs are observable, and
 
Level 3—Valuations based upon one or more significant unobservable inputs.
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value and their classification in the valuation hierarchy.
 
Investments in Equity Securities
 
Investments in equity securities listed on a national market or exchange are valued at the last sales price and classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy and recorded in investments and other assets.
 
Mutual Funds
 
The Company has a non-qualified Supplemental Retirement and Savings Plan which provides additional retirement benefits for certain management employees and named executive officers by allowing participants to defer a portion of their annual compensation. The Company maintains accounts for participants through which participants make investment elections. The marketable securities are classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy as they are maintained in mutual funds with readily determinable fair value and recorded in other assets.
 
There were no changes during the quarter ended September 29, 2018 to the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure asset and liability fair values on a recurring basis. As of September 29, 2018, and December 30, 2017, the Company did not hold any non-financial assets or liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
The following table presents assets measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of September 29, 2018:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Investments in equity securities
 
$
12,204

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,204

Mutual funds
 
10,546

 

 

 
10,546













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The following table presents assets measured at fair value by classification within the fair value hierarchy as of December 30, 2017:
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
(in thousands)
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Investments in equity securities
 
$
10,993

 
$

 
$

 
$
10,993

Mutual funds
 
7,962

 

 

 
7,962

 
In addition to the methods and assumptions used for the financial instruments recorded at fair value as discussed above, the following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of other financial instruments that are not marked to market on a recurring basis. The Company’s other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and its long-term debt. Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable approximate their fair values. The Company’s revolving and term loan debt facilities’ fair values approximate book value at September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, as the rates on these borrowings are variable in nature.
 
The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company’s Euro Senior Notes, Series A and Series B and USD Senior Notes, Series A and Series B, as of September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
 
September 29, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Euro Senior Notes, Series A due 2023
 
$
136,819

 
$
135,392

 
$
139,623

 
$
138,294

Euro Senior Notes, Series B due 2028
 
111,092

 
108,511

 
113,369

 
111,579

USD Senior Notes, Series A due 2022
 
25,000

 
24,052

 
25,000

 
24,737

USD Senior Notes, Series B due 2027
 
100,000

 
94,474

 
100,000

 
99,992

USD Senior Notes, Series A due 2025
 
50,000

 
47,333

 

 

USD Senior Notes, Series B due 2030
 
125,000

 
115,231

 

 


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7. Benefit Plans
 
The Company has company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans covering employees in the U.K., Germany, the Philippines, China, Japan, and France. The amount of the retirement benefits provided under the plans is based on years of service and final average pay.
 
The Company recognizes interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and amortization of prior service, net within Other expense (income), net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income. The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017 were as follows: 
 
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
 
$
533

 
$
408

 
$
1,599

 
$
1,224

Interest cost
 
501

 
360

 
1,503

 
1,080

Expected return on plan assets
 
(540
)
 
(476
)
 
(1,620
)
 
(1,428
)
Amortization of prior service
 
74

 
84

 
222

 
252

Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
568


$
376


$
1,704


$
1,128

 
The Company expects to make approximately $2.3 million of cash contributions to its pension plans in 2018.

8. Shareholders’ Equity
 
The following table sets forth the changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended September 29, 2018:
 
(in thousands)
 
Littelfuse,
Inc.
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Non-
controlling
Interest
 
Total
Balance at December 30, 2017
 
927,419

 
137

 
927,556

Net income
 
131,900

 

 
131,900

Other comprehensive loss
 
(24,168
)
 

 
(24,168
)
Stock-based compensation
 
23,153

 

 
23,153

Withheld shares on restricted share units for withholding taxes
 
(7,252
)
 

 
(7,252
)
Stock options exercised
 
25,171

 

 
25,171

Issuance of common stock(a)
 
472,301

 

 
472,301

Cash dividends paid
 
(29,258
)
 

 
(29,258
)
Non-controlling interest
 

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Balance at September 29, 2018
 
1,519,266


130


1,519,396

 
(a)
The issuance of common stock (2,092,491 shares) during the nine months ended September 29, 2018 relates to the acquisition of IXYS. See Note 2, Acquisitions for further discussion.

As of October 29, 2018, the Company has repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock totaling $35.9 million since the quarter ended September 29, 2018.



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9. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income


Change in other comprehensive (loss) income by component were as follows:
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 29, 2018
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of Tax
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of Tax
Defined benefit pension plans adjustments
 
$
(115
)
 
$

 
$
(115
)
 
$
(149
)
 
$
89

 
$
(60
)
Unrealized loss on investments
 

 

 

 
(1,710
)
 

 
(1,710
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(7,832
)
 

 
(7,832
)
 
1,531

 

 
1,531

Total change in other comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(7,947
)
 
$

 
$
(7,947
)
 
$
(328
)
 
$
89

 
$
(239
)

(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of Tax
 
Pre-tax
 
Tax
 
Net of Tax
Defined benefit pension plans adjustments
 
$
630

 
$
(18
)
 
$
648

 
$
(585
)
 
$
144

 
$
(441
)
Unrealized loss on investments
 

 

 

 
(1,235
)
 

 
(1,235
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(24,816
)
 

 
(24,816
)
 
2,912

 

 
2,912

Total change in other comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(24,186
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(24,168
)
 
$
1,092

 
$
144

 
$
1,236


The following table sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component for the nine months ended September 29, 2018:
 

(in thousands)
 
Pension and
postretirement
liability and
reclassification
adjustments
 
Unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments
 
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustment
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Balance at December 30, 2017
 
$
(10,836
)
 
$
9,795

 
$
(62,627
)
 
$
(63,668
)
Cumulative effect adjustment (a)
 

 
(9,795
)
 

 
(9,795
)
Activity in the period
 
648

 

 
(24,816
)
 
(24,168
)
Balance at September 29, 2018
 
$
(10,188
)
 
$

 
$
(87,443
)
 
$
(97,631
)

(a)
The Company adopted ASU 2016-01 on December 31, 2017 on a modified retrospective basis, recognizing the cumulative effect as a $9.8 million increase to retained earnings. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information, for further discussion.












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Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to earnings for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 and the three and nine months September 30, 2017 were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Pension and Postemployment plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service
 
$
74

 
$
84

 
$
222

 
$
252


The Company recognizes net periodic pension cost, which includes amortization of prior service costs, in both selling, general, and administrative expenses and cost of sales within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Income, depending on the functional area of the underlying employees included in the plans.


10. Income Taxes
 
The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 were 21.5% and 20.1%, respectively, compared to effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of 22.9% and 18.7%, respectively.
 
The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was lower than the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to a third quarter 2017 accrual for taxes on certain undistributed earnings of non-US affiliates, offset in part by the impact of US tax reform and the acquisition of IXYS. The effective tax rate of the first nine months of 2018 is higher than the effective tax rates for the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to the impact of U.S. tax reform and the acquisition of IXYS. The effective tax rates for the 2017 periods were lower than the then applicable 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax jurisdictions.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"). Among other things, the Tax Act reduces the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, adds base broadening provisions which limit deductions and address excessive international tax planning, imposes a one-time tax (the “Toll Charge”) on accumulated earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries and enables repatriation of earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries free of U.S. federal income tax. Other than the Toll Charge (which, except for the IXYS impact, is applicable to the Company for 2017), the provisions will generally be applicable to the Company in 2018 and beyond.
 
In accordance with the guidance provided in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 118, in the fourth quarter of 2017 the Company recorded a charge of $47.0 million as a provisional reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act, including $49.0 million for the Toll Charge net of $2.0 million for other net tax benefits. The Company did not adjust the provisional reasonable estimate in the first nine months of 2018. In addition, the Company recorded a preliminary estimate of $8.0 million for the Toll Charge associated with IXYS as part of the IXYS acquisition purchase price allocation (this estimate reflects a reduction of $2.0 million recorded in the third quarter of 2018). This estimate was reflected in the opening balance sheet as an increase to goodwill and other long-term liabilities. The Company is continuing to analyze the Tax Act and plans to finalize the 2017 provisional reasonable estimate within the measurement period outlined in SAB No. 118 and the IXYS Toll Charge estimate during the purchase price allocation period. The final charges may differ from the estimates if provisions of the Tax Act, and their interaction with other provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, are interpreted differently than interpretations made by the Company in determining the estimates, whether through issuance of administrative guidance, or through further review of the Tax Act by the Company and its advisors. Aside from these interpretation issues, the final charges may differ from the estimates due to refinements of accumulated non-U.S. earnings and tax pool data.
 
The Company has elected to pay the 2017 Littelfuse Toll Charge and will elect to pay the 2018 IXYS Toll Charge over the eight-year period prescribed by the Tax Act. The long-term portion of these Toll Charges totaling $29.7 million (which includes the 2017 Littelfuse provisional reasonable estimate and the 2018 IXYS provisional estimate, partially offset by foreign tax credits, other current deductions and the actual 2018 and anticipated 2019 annual installment payments) is recorded in the Other long-term liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 29, 2018.
 
The Company recognized deferred tax liabilities of $12.0 million ($11.8 million for non-U.S. taxes and $0.2 million for U.S. state taxes) as of December 30, 2017 related to taxes on certain non-U.S. earnings which are not considered to be permanently reinvested. Some of these taxes may provide a U.S. federal income tax benefit as a foreign tax credit. However, due to uncertainty in regard

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to the Tax Act’s provisions, no such tax benefit was recorded as of December 30, 2017, and no such tax benefit was recorded in the first nine months of 2018. The Company will reconsider this provisional conclusion when it finalizes its 2017 preliminary reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act, based upon interpretations and administrative guidance as of that time.
 
One of the base broadening provisions of the Tax Act is commonly referred to as the “GILTI” provisions. In accordance with guidance issued by the FASB staff, the Company has not adopted an accounting policy for GILTI. Thus, deferred taxes were computed without consideration of the possible future impact of the GILTI provisions. The Company intends to adopt an accounting policy for GILTI within the measurement period outlined in SAB 118. Although such an accounting policy has not been adopted, the Company considered GILTI when determining the current portion of income tax expense recorded for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018.
 
Although certain administrative guidance has been issued, the appropriate application of many provisions of the Tax Act remain uncertain. The Company used its best judgement as to the application of these provisions in determining its income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018. Adjustments to income tax expense related to the first nine months of 2018 may be necessary if provisions of the Tax Act, and their interaction with other provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, are interpreted differently than interpretations made by the Company in determining its estimates, whether through issuance of administrative guidance, or through further review of the Tax Act by the Company and its advisors.

11. Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income as reported
 
53,546

 
42,808

 
131,900

 
130,338

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
25,109

 
22,713

 
24,817

 
22,678

Effect of dilutive securities
 
362

 
240

 
395

 
228

Diluted
 
25,471


22,953


25,212


22,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
2.13

 
1.88

 
5.31

 
5.75

Diluted earnings per share
 
2.10

 
1.87

 
5.23

 
5.69

 
Potential shares of common stock relating to stock options excluded from the earnings per share calculation because their effect would be anti-dilutive were 38,082 and 30,579 for the three months ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, and 39,446 and 35,858 for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
 
12. Related Party Transactions
 
As a result of the Company’s acquisition of IXYS, the Company has equity ownerships in various investments that are accounted for under the equity method. The following is a description of the investments and related party transactions.
 
Powersem GmbH: The Company owns 45% of the outstanding equity of Powersem GmbH (“Powersem”), a module manufacturer based in Germany. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018, the Company recorded revenues of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively from sales of products to Powersem for use as components in their products. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018, the Company purchased $1.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively of products from Powersem. At September 29, 2018, the accounts receivable balance from Powersem was $0.1 million and the accounts payable balance to Powersem was $0.2 million.
 

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EB Tech Ltd.: The Company owns approximately 20% of the outstanding equity of EB Tech Ltd. (“EB Tech”), a company with expertise in radiation technology based in South Korea. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018 EB Tech rendered processing services for the Company totaling approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. As of September 29, 2018, the Company’s accounts payable balance to EB Tech was $0.1 million.
 
Automated Technology, Inc.: The Company owns approximately 24% of the outstanding common shares of Automated Technology, Inc (“ATEC”), a supplier located in the Philippines that provides assembly and test services. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2018, ATEC rendered assembly and test services to the Company totaling approximately $2.5 million and $7.7 million, respectively. As of September 29, 2018, the Company’s accounts payable balance to ATEC was $0.6 million.
 
13. Segment Information
 
The Company and its subsidiaries design, manufacture and sell components and modules for circuit protection, power control and sensing throughout the world. The Company reports its operations by the following segments: Electronics, Automotive, and Industrial. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, and about which separate financial information is regularly evaluated by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The CODM allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information about its revenue and operating income (loss) before interest and taxes, but does not evaluate the operating segments using discrete balance sheet information.

Sales, marketing, and research and development expenses are charged directly into each operating segment. Manufacturing, purchasing, logistics, customer service, finance, information technology, and human resources are shared functions that are allocated back to the three operating segments. The Company does not report inter-segment revenue because the operating segments do not record it. Certain expenses, determined by the CODM to be strategic in nature and not directly related to segments current results, are not allocated but identified as “Other”. Additionally, the Company does not allocate interest and other income, interest expense, or taxes to operating segments. These costs are not allocated to the segments, as management excludes such costs when assessing the performance of the segments. Although the CODM uses operating income (loss) to evaluate the segments, operating costs included in one segment may benefit other segments. Except as discussed above, the accounting policies for segment reporting are the same as for the Company as a whole.

Electronics Segment: Consists of one of the broadest product offerings in the industry, including fuses and fuse accessories, positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) resettable fuses, polymer electrostatic discharge (“ESD”) suppressors, varistors, gas discharge tubes; semiconductor and power semiconductor products such as discrete transient voltage suppressor (“TVS”) diodes, TVS diode arrays, protection and switching thyristors, silicon carbide, metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (“MOSFETs”) and silicon carbide diodes; and insulated gate bipolar transistors (“IGBT”) technologies. The segment covers a broad range of end markets, including automotive electronics, industrial applications, data and telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and appliances.

Automotive Segment: Consists of a wide range of circuit protection, power control and sensing technologies for global original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), Tier-I suppliers and parts distributors in the automotive, commercial vehicle, and agricultural and construction equipment industries. Passenger car fuse products include fuses and fuse accessories for internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid and electric vehicles, which are blade fuses, battery cable protectors, varistors, high-current fuses, and high-voltage fuses. Commercial vehicle products include fuses, switches, relays, and power distribution modules for the commercial vehicle industry. Automotive sensor products include a wide range of automotive and commercial vehicle sensors designed to monitor the passenger compartment occupants and environment as well as the vehicle’s powertrain, emissions, speed and suspension.

Industrial Segment: Consists of power fuses, protection relays and controls and other circuit protection products for use in heavy industrial applications such as mining, oil and gas, energy storage, construction, HVAC systems, elevator and other industrial equipment.

 

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Segment information is summarized as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electronics
 
$
296,472

 
$
175,899

 
$
860,240

 
$
499,052

Automotive
 
114,416

 
113,797

 
367,718

 
338,094

Industrial
 
28,303

 
28,193

 
88,229

 
79,539

Total net sales
 
$
439,191

 
$
317,889

 
$
1,316,187

 
$
916,685

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electronics
 
$
15,898

 
$
8,986

 
$
45,227

 
$
26,080

Automotive
 
5,891

 
5,622

 
17,830

 
16,572

Industrial
 
1,364

 
1,338

 
4,291

 
3,982

Other
 
3,105

 

 
8,712

 

Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
26,258


$
15,946


$
76,060


$
46,634

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electronics
 
$
72,464

 
$
44,345

 
$
193,739

 
$
122,518

Automotive
 
10,863

 
16,821

 
44,965

 
47,599

Industrial
 
4,134

 
3,757

 
14,123

 
5,769

Other(a)
 
(11,233
)
 
(6,314
)
 
(79,406
)
 
(8,155
)
Total operating income
 
$
76,228


$
58,609


$
173,421


$
167,731

Interest expense
 
5,775

 
3,467

 
16,980

 
9,868

Foreign exchange loss (gain)
 
982

 
632

 
(6,372
)
 
(1,483
)
Other expense (income), net
 
1,259

 
(1,013
)
 
(2,362
)
 
(962
)
Income before income taxes
 
$
68,212

 
$
55,523

 
$
165,175

 
$
160,308

 
(a) Included in “Other” Operating income (loss) for the 2018 third quarter is $11.2 million ($79.4 million year-to-date) of charges primarily related to IXYS acquisition, which include $36.9 million year-to-date of purchase accounting inventory step-up charges previously recorded during the first and second quarters of 2018, $2.5 million ($16.3 million year-to-date) in acquisition-related and integration costs primarily related to legal, accounting and other expenses, $3.1 million ($8.7 million year-to-date) in backlog amortization costs, $4.6 million ($9.4 million year-to-date) of severance and other restructuring charges, and $4.5 million year-to-date stock compensation expense recognized immediately upon close for converted IXYS options related to prior services periods. In addition, there were $1.0 million ($3.6 million year-to-date) of severance, other restructuring charges and acquisition-related expenses for other contemplated acquisitions which included $1.1 million year-to-date associated with the exit of the Custom business in the second quarter.

The third quarter of 2017 includes approximately $6.3 million of non-segment charges ($8.2 million year-to-date). These charges were primarily attributable to acquisition-related and integration costs related to legal, accounting and other expenses associated with completed or contemplated acquisitions of approximately $4.8 million ($6.6 million year-to-date), including $1.6 million ($1.6 million year-to-date) of purchase accounting inventory charges related to the Company's 2017 acquisition of U.S. Sensor and $1.5 million ($1.5 million year-to-date) of charges related to restructuring and production transfers in our Asia operations.
 







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The Company’s net sales by country are as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Net sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
125,867

 
$
103,233

 
$
386,980

 
$
290,538

China(a)
 
117,813

 
82,986

 
352,097

 
240,731

Other countries(b)
 
195,511

 
131,670

 
577,110

 
385,416

Total net sales
 
$
439,191


$
317,889


$
1,316,187


$
916,685

 
(a)
Includes mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

(b)
Each country included in other countries are less than 10% of net sales.
 
The Company’s long-lived assets by country, as of September 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, were as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
September 29,
2018
 
December 30,
2017
Long-lived assets
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
66,098

 
$
23,490

China(a)
 
89,856

 
86,866

Mexico
 
69,395

 
62,510

Germany
 
37,281

 
1,082

Philippines
 
31,589

 
31,129

Other countries
 
49,664

 
45,500

Total long-lived assets
 
$
343,883


$
250,577

 
(a)
Includes mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

The Company’s additions to long-lived assets by country were as follows:
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)
 
September 29, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Additions to long-lived assets
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
5,636

 
$
2,752

China(a)
 
19,043

 
22,165

Mexico
 
14,089

 
15,041

Germany
 
5,917

 
67

Philippines
 
6,133

 
2,018

Other countries
 
5,128

 
6,427

Total additions to long-lived assets
 
$
55,946


$
48,470

 
(a)
Includes mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
 
 
 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”).
 
Certain statements in this section and other parts of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws and are entitled to the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. These statements include statements regarding the Company’s future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to product demand and market acceptance; economic conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; product quality problems or product recalls; capacity and supply difficulties or constraints; coal mining exposures reserves; failure of an indemnification for environmental liability; exchange rate fluctuations; commodity price fluctuations; the effect of the Company's accounting policies; labor disputes; restructuring costs in excess of expectations; pension plan asset returns less than assumed; uncertainties related to political or regulatory changes; the risk that expected benefits, synergies and growth prospects of the Company’s completed acquisition of IXYS Corporation (“IXYS”) may not be achieved in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that IXYS’s business may not be successfully integrated with the Company’s; the risk that the Company and IXYS will be unable to retain and hire key personnel; and the risk that disruption from the acquisition may adversely affect the Company’s or IXYS’ business and their respective relationships with customers, suppliers or employees; and other risks which may be detailed in the Company's other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those set forth under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, new information or otherwise.
 
This report, including the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, should be read in conjunction with information provided in the consolidated financial statements and the related Notes thereto appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017. 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is designed to provide information that is supplemental to, and should be read together with, the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Information in MD&A is intended to assist the reader in obtaining an understanding of (i) the consolidated financial statements, (ii) the changes in certain key items within those financial statements from year-to-year, (iii) the primary factors that contributed to those changes, and (iv) any changes in known trends or uncertainties that we are aware of and that may have a material effect on future performance. In addition, MD&A provides information about the Company’s segments and how the results of those segments impact the results of operations and financial condition as a whole.



 

 


 

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Executive Overview
 
Founded in 1927, Littelfuse is a global manufacturer of leading technologies in circuit protection, power control and sensing. The Company has products in automotive and commercial vehicles, industrial applications, data and telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and appliances. With a diverse and extensive product portfolio of fuses, semiconductors, polymers, ceramics, relays and sensors, the Company works with its customers to build safer, more reliable and more efficient products for the connected world in virtually every market that uses electrical energy.
 
The Company maintains a network of global laboratories and engineering centers that develop new products and product enhancements, provide customer application support and test products for safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. The Company conducts its business through three reportable segments: Electronics, Automotive, and Industrial. For each of these segments, the Company designs, manufactures and sells circuit protection products that protect against electrostatic discharge, power surges, short circuits, voltage spikes and other harmful occurrences; power control products that safely and efficiently control power to mitigate equipment damage, minimize electrical hazards and improve productivity; and sensor products used to identify and detect temperature, proximity, flow speed and fluid level in various applications. The Company’s customer base includes original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs"), Tier One automotive suppliers, and distributors.


Executive Summary
 
For the third quarter of 2018, the Company recognized net sales of $439.2 million compared to $317.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 representing an increase of $121.3 million, or 38.2%. The increase was primarily driven by the acquisition of IXYS, which added $99.7 million in sales. Additionally, net sales increased in the Electronics segment driven by higher volumes due to strong demand across various end markets and geographies within the segment.The Company recognized net income of $53.5 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to net income of $42.8 million, or $1.87 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net income reflects operating income increases across the Electronics segment, partially offset by lower operating income in the Automotive segment. Additionally, the per share results reflect an increase in the weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 2.1 million resulting from the shares issued in conjunction with the acquisition of IXYS.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $252.1 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 as compared to $181.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities reflected higher earnings and favorable working capital management, which more than offset higher payments related to acquisition and integration costs and higher cash tax payments.
 
On July 6, 2018, the Trump administration imposed Section 301 tariffs on certain products (known as List1) that are imported into the United States where the country of origin is China. Additionally, on August 23, 2018, List 2 was put into effect which imposed an additional 25% tariff to products on the list items. These tariffs primarily impact the Electronics segment and to a lesser extent our Automotive segment. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on our future results of operations.

In September 2018, the European Union began applying the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) to all new car registrations, which defines a global standard for acceptable European Union wide emissions. As a result of this incoming standard, there has been a slow down in the European passenger car market as manufacturers need to validate and test new cars under the new regulatory standards.

Results of Operations
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s condensed consolidated results of operations for the periods presented. The third quarter of 2018 includes $11.2 million ($79.4 million year-to-date) of non-segment charges primarily related to the IXYS acquisition, which includes $36.9 million year-to-date of purchase accounting inventory step-up charges previously recorded during the first and second quarters of 2018, $2.5 million ($16.3 million year-to-date) in acquisition-related and integration costs related to legal, accounting and other expenses $3.1 million ($8.7 million year-to-date) in backlog amortization costs, $4.6 million ($9.4 million year-to-date) of severance and other restructuring charges, $4.5 million year-to-date stock compensation expense recognized immediately upon close for converted IXYS options related to prior services periods. In addition, for the three months ended September 29, 2018, there were charges of $1.0 million ($3.6 million year-to-date) of severance, other restructuring charges and acquisition-related charges, of which $1.1 million of charges associated with the exit of the Custom business in the second quarter.
 

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The third quarter of 2017 includes approximately $6.3 million of non-segment charges ($8.2 million year-to-date). These charges were primarily attributable to acquisition-related and integration costs related to legal, accounting and other expenses associated with completed or contemplated acquisitions of approximately $4.8 million ($6.6 million year-to-date), including $1.6 million ($1.6 million year-to-date) of purchase accounting inventory charges related to the Company’s 2017 acquisition of U.S. Sensor and $1.5 million ($1.5 million year-to-date) of charges related to restructuring and production transfers in our Asia operations.
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
Net sales
 
$
439,191

 
$
317,889

 
$
121,302

 
38.2
%
 
$
1,316,187

 
$
916,685

 
$
399,502

 
43.6
%
Gross profit
 
179,594

 
133,651

 
45,943

 
34.4
%
 
498,204

 
379,909

 
118,295

 
31.1
%
Operating expenses
 
103,366

 
75,042

 
28,324

 
37.7
%
 
324,783

 
212,178

 
112,605

 
53.1
%
Operating income
 
76,228

 
58,609

 
17,619

 
30.1
%
 
173,421

 
167,731

 
5,690

 
3.4
%
Income before income taxes
 
68,212

 
55,523

 
12,689

 
22.9
%
 
165,175

 
160,308

 
4,867

 
3.0
%
Income taxes
 
14,666

 
12,715

 
1,951

 
15.3
%
 
33,275

 
29,970

 
3,305

 
11.0
%
Net income
 
$
53,546

 
$
42,808

 
$
10,738

 
25.1
%
 
$
131,900

 
$
130,338

 
$
1,562

 
1.2
%

Net Sales
 
Net sales increased $121.3 million or 38.2%, for the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 with increases of $99.7 million resulting from incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition partially offset by $1.5 million of unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates. The remaining increase in net sales was driven by higher volume primarily in the Electronics businesses and higher volume in the Industrial segment.
 
Net sales for the first nine months of 2018 increased $399.5 million, or 43.6%, compared to the first nine months of 2017 with increases of $286.2 million and $6.5 million resulting from incremental net sales related to the IXYS and U.S. Sensor acquisitions, respectively and $20.0 million of favorable changes in foreign exchange rates. The remaining increase in net sales was driven by higher volume across all three segments.
 
Gross Profit
 
Gross profit was $179.6 million, or 40.9% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $133.7 million, or 42.0% of net sales, in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in gross profit reflects the impact of the IXYS acquisition and volume growth in Electronics and Industrial segments. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to unfavorable mix in products from the IXYS acquisition, which historically has lower gross margin.
 
Gross profit was $498.2 million, or 37.9% of net sales, in the first nine months of 2018, compared to $379.9 million, or 41.4% of net sales in the first nine months of 2017. The increase in gross profit reflects the IXYS acquisition and volume growth and expense leverage across all segments. The decrease in gross margin is primarily due to the purchase accounting inventory charges of $36.9 million which negatively impacted gross margin by 2.8 percentage points.

Operating Expenses
 
Total operating expenses were $103.4 million, or 23.5% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $75.0 million, or 23.6% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in operating expenses of $28.3 million is primarily due to incremental operating expenses related to the IXYS acquisition and an increase of $6.8 million in amortization expense resulting from the acquisition of IXYS.
 
Total operating expense for the first nine months of 2018 was $324.8 million, or 24.7% of net sales, compared to $212.2 million, or 23.1% of net sales, for the first nine months of 2017. The increase in operating expenses of $112.6 million is primarily due to incremental operating expenses related to the IXYS and U.S. Sensor acquisitions, an increase in amortization expense of $20.1 million resulting from the acquisition of IXYS as well as higher acquisition-related and integration costs of $11.9 million. Total operating expenses as a percent of net sales increased from 23.1% for the first nine months of 2017 to 24.7% for the first nine months of 2018 primarily due to the higher amortization expense and acquisition-related and integration charges noted above.
 

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Operating Income
 
Operating income was $76.2 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 30.1%, for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $58.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in operating income is due to the acquisition of IXYS and higher volume due to the strong demand across various end markets and geographies within our Electronics segment that was partially offset by lower operating income in the Automotive segment. Operating margins decreased from 18.4% in the third quarter of 2017 to 17.4% in the third quarter of 2018 driven by higher amortization expense, restructuring and integration charges.
 
Operating income for the first nine months of 2018 was $173.4 million compared to $167.7 million for the first nine months of 2017. The increase in operating income is primarily due to the acquisition of IXYS and higher volume in the electronics and industrial businesses partially offset by $36.9 million of purchase accounting inventory charges, higher acquisition and integration charges and amortization expense. Operating margins decreased from 18.3% to 13.2% in 2018 driven by the purchase accounting inventory charges, higher amortization expense and acquisition and integration charges that negatively impacted margins by 2.8%, 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively.
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
Income before income taxes was $68.2 million, or 15.5% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $55.5 million, or 17.5% of net sales, for the third quarter of 2017. In addition to the factors impacting comparative results for operating income discussed above, income before taxes was impacted by increased interest expense of $2.3 million associated with increased borrowings for the IXYS acquisition and other expense of $1.3 million as a result of unrealized investment losses associated with our equity investments during the three months ended September 29, 2018 as compared to other income of $1.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017
 
Income before income taxes for the first nine months of 2018 was $165.2 million, or 12.5% of net sales compared to $160.3 million, or 17.5% of net sales, for the first nine months of 2017. In addition to the factors impacting comparative results for operating income discussed above income before income taxes was favorably impacted by increases in foreign exchange gains of $4.9 million and increases in other income of $1.4 million primarily due to unrealized investment gains in our equity investments partially offset by higher interest expense of $7.1 million mainly resulting from increased borrowings for the IXYS acquisition.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income tax expense was $14.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 21.5%, for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $12.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 22.9%, for the third quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 was lower than the effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to a third quarter 2017 accrual of taxes on certain undistributed earnings of non-US affiliates, offset in part by the impact of U.S. tax reform and the acquisition of IXYS. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was lower than the then applicable 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax jurisdictions.

Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2018 was $33.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 20.1%, compared to income tax expense of $30.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 18.7%, for the first nine months of 2017. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2018 was higher than the effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to the impact of U.S. tax reform and the acquisition of IXYS. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2017 was lower than the then applicable 35% U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to income earned in lower tax jurisdictions.

Segment Results of Operations
 
The Company reports its operations by the following segments: Electronics, Automotive and Industrial. Segment information is described more fully in Note 13, Segment Information, of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.
 







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The following table is a summary of the Company’s net sales by segment:
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
Electronics
 
$
296,472

 
$
175,899

 
$
120,573

 
68.5
%
 
$
860,240

 
$
499,052

 
$
361,188

 
72.4
%
Automotive
 
114,416

 
113,797

 
619

 
0.5
%
 
367,718

 
338,094

 
29,624

 
8.8
%
Industrial
 
28,303

 
28,193

 
110

 
0.4
%
 
88,229

 
79,539

 
8,690

 
10.9
%
Total
 
$
439,191

 
$
317,889

 
$
121,302

 
38.2
%
 
$
1,316,187

 
$
916,685

 
$
399,502

 
43.6
%
 
Electronics Segment
 
The Electronics segment net sales increased $120.6 million, or 68.5%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition of $99.7 million and the strong demand across various end markets and geographies within our Electronics segment.
 
The Electronics segment net sales increased $361.2 million, or 72.4%, in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS and U.S. Sensor acquisitions of $286.2 million and $6.5 million, respectively, higher volume driven by the continued strong demand across various end markets and geographies within our Electronics segment and favorable foreign exchange impacts of $7.9 million.
 
Automotive Segment
 
The Automotive segment net sales increased $0.6 million, or 0.5%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 due to increased volume in automotive sensors and commercial vehicle businesses offset by lower volumes in the Passenger Car Products and unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates of $0.8 million.
 
The Automotive segment net sales increased $29.6 million, or 8.8%, in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 due to increased volume across all businesses with the commercial vehicle and sensor businesses having the most growth and favorable changes in foreign exchange rates of $11.6 million.
 
Industrial Segment
 
The Industrial segment net sales increased slightly by $0.1 million, or 0.4%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to higher volume across the power fuse and relay businesses despite the full exit of the Custom business during the second quarter of 2018.
 
The Industrial segment net sales increased $8.7 million, or 10.9% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 due to higher volumes primarily in the power fuse and relay operations.

Geographic Net Sales Information
 
Net sales by geography represent net sales to customer or distributor locations. The following table is a summary of the Company’s net sales by geography:
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
First Nine Months
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
%
Change
Americas
 
$
156,852

 
$
115,499

 
$
41,353

 
35.8
%
 
$
442,200

 
$
328,563

 
$
113,637

 
34.6
%
Europe
 
89,090

 
63,365

 
25,725

 
40.6
%
 
297,884

 
182,534

 
115,350

 
63.2
%
Asia-Pacific
 
193,249

 
139,025

 
54,224

 
39.0
%
 
576,103

 
405,588

 
170,515

 
42.0
%
Total
 
$
439,191

 
$
317,889

 
$
121,302

 
38.2
%
 
$
1,316,187

 
$
916,685

 
$
399,502

 
43.6
%

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Americas
 
Net sales in the Americas increased $41.4 million, or 35.8%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 driven by incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisitions of $25.0 million, continued strong volumes in the passives, electronic sensors, auto sensors, commercial vehicles, and relays partially offset by lower volumes in passenger car and exit from the Custom business.
 
Net sales in the Americas increased $113.6 million, or 34.6%, in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 driven by incremental net sales related to the IXYS and U.S. Sensor acquisitions of $68.9 million and $5.5 million, respectively, increased volume in the Electronics, Automotive and Industrial segments and favorable foreign currency effects of $0.6 million
 
Europe 
 
European net sales increased $25.7 million, or 40.6%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net sales was primarily due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition of $31.0 million partially offset by lower passenger car volumes in the Automotive segment and unfavorable foreign currency effects of $0.8 million.
 
European net sales increased $115.4 million, or 63.2%, in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 . The increase in net sales was primarily due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition of $86.7 million with strong growth especially in the passive and sensor businesses in the Electronics segment and continued growth in commercial vehicle, automotive sensor businesses as well as favorable foreign currency effects of $14.4 million partially offset by lower volumes in the passenger car business.
 
Asia-Pacific 
 
Asia-Pacific net sales increased $54.2 million, or 39.0%, in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017. The increase in net sales was primarily due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition of $43.7 million and higher volumes in the Electronics passives and sensor businesses partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency effects of $0.6 million.
 
Asia-Pacific net sales increased $170.5 million, or 42.0%, in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017. The increase in net sales was primarily due to incremental net sales related to the IXYS acquisition of $130.6 million and higher volumes in the Electronics and Automotive segments as well as favorable foreign currency effects of $5.0 million.


Liquidity and Capital Resources 
 
The Company has historically supported its liquidity needs through cash flows from operations. Management expects that the Company’s (i) current level of cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, (ii) current and forecasted cash flows from operations, (iii) availability under existing funding arrangements, and (iv) access to capital in the capital markets will provide sufficient funds to support the Company’s operations, capital expenditures, investments, and debt obligations on both a short-term and long-term basis.

Revolving Credit Facility/Term Loan
 
On March 4, 2016, the Company entered into a five-year credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders for up to $700.0 million. The Credit Agreement consisted of an unsecured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Credit Facility”) of $575.0 million and an unsecured term loan credit facility (“Term Loan”) of up to $125.0 million. In addition, the Company had the ability, from time to time, to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan by up to an additional $150.0 million, in the aggregate, in each case in minimum increments of $25.0 million, subject to certain conditions and the agreement of participating lenders.
 
On October 13, 2017, the Company amended the Credit Agreement to increase the Revolving Credit Facility from $575.0 million to $700.0 million and increase the Term Loan from $125.0 million to $200.0 million and to extend the expiration date from March 4, 2021 to October 13, 2022. The Credit Agreement also includes the option for the Company to increase the size of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan by up to an additional $300.0 million, in the aggregate, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement. Term Loans may be made in up to two advances. The first advance of $125.0 million

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occurred on October 13, 2017 and the second advance of $75.0 million occurred on January 16, 2018. For the Term Loan, the Company is required to make quarterly principal payments of 1.25% of the original term loan ($2.5 million with the second advance on January 16, 2018) through maturity, with the remaining balance due on October 13, 2022. In addition to the quarterly principal payments, the Company paid $35.0 million of additional principal on the term loan during the nine months ended September 29, 2018.

Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either LIBOR, fixed for interest periods of one, two, three or six-month periods, plus 1.00% to 2.00%, or at the bank’s Base Rate, as defined, plus 0.00% to 1.00%, based upon the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined. The Company is also required to pay commitment fees on unused portions of the credit agreement ranging from 0.15% to 0.25%, based on the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement. The credit agreement includes representations, covenants and events of default that are customary for financing transactions of this nature. The effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 3.49% at September 29, 2018.
 
As of September 29, 2018, the Company had $0.1 million outstanding in letters of credit and had available $699.9 million of borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. At September 29, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. Further information regarding the Company’s credit agreement is provided in Note 5, Debt, of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.
 
Senior Notes
 
On December 8, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold €212 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. The funding date for the Euro denominated senior notes occurred on December 8, 2016 for €117 million in aggregate amount of 1.14% Senior Notes, Series A, due December 8, 2023 (“Euro Senior Notes, Series A due 2023”), and €95 million in aggregate amount of 1.83% Senior Notes, Series B due December 8, 2028 (“Euro Senior Notes, Series B due 2028”) (together, the “Euro Senior Notes”). Interest on the Euro Senior Notes is payable semiannually on June 8 and December 8, commencing June 8, 2017.
 
On December 8, 2016, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $125 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. On February 15, 2017, $25 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.03% Senior Notes, Series A, due February 15, 2022 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2022”), and $100 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.74% Senior Notes, Series B, due February 15, 2027 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2027”) (together, the “U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027”) were funded. Interest on the U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027 is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15, commencing August 15, 2017.
 
On November 15, 2017, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $175 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes in two series. On January 16, 2018, $50 million aggregate principal amount of 3.48% Senior Notes, Series A, due February 15, 2025 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series A due 2025”) and $125 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.78% Senior Notes, Series B, due February 15, 2030 (“U.S. Senior Notes, Series B due 2030”) (together the “U.S. Senior Notes due 2025 and 2030” and with the Euro Senior Notes and the U.S. Senior Notes due 2022 and 2027, the “Senior Notes”) were funded. Interest on the U.S. Senior Notes due 2025 and 2030 is payable semiannually on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2018. Further information regarding the Company’s Senior Notes is provided in Note 5, Debt, of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.

Dividends
 
During July 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.37 to $0.43. This equates to an annualized dividend of $1.72 per share.


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Cash Flow Overview
 
 
 
First Nine Months
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
252,116

 
$
181,320

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(368,563
)
 
(79,201
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
195,259

 
(6,491
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(10,273
)
 
2,076

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
68,539

 
97,704

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
429,676

 
275,124

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
498,215

 
$
372,828

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities
 
Operating cash inflows are largely attributable to sales of the Company’s products. Operating cash outflows are largely attributable to recurring expenditures for raw materials, labor, rent, interest, taxes and other operating activities.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $252.1 million for the first nine months of 2018, compared to $181.3 million during the nine months September 30, 2017. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by higher earnings and favorable working capital management that more than offset higher payments related to acquisition and integration costs and higher cash taxes. 
 
Cash Flow from Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $368.6 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2018, compared to $79.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net cash used for the acquisition of IXYS was $306.5 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 as compared to net cash used for the acquisition of a majority stake in Monolith of $38.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Capital expenditures were $55.9 million, representing an increase of $7.5 million compared to 2017. 
 
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $195.3 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2018 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company had $310.0 million of proceeds from the credit facility, term loan and senior notes payable partially offset by payments $102.5 million on the credit facility and term loan during the nine months ended September 29, 2018 as compared to $140.0 million of proceeds from the credit facility and senior notes payable and $117.2 million of payments on the credit facility and term loan during the nine months September 30, 2017. Additionally, dividends paid increased $5.9 million from $23.4 million in 2017 to $29.3 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2018.
 

Share Repurchase Program
 
The Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under a program for the period May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019 (“Share Repurchase Program”). The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the third quarter of 2018.

As of October 29, 2018, the Company has repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock totaling $35.9 million since the quarter ended September 29, 2018.







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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 29, 2018, the Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules. Specifically, the Company was not liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by third parties, the Company was not directly liable for the debt of any unconsolidated entity and the Company did not have any retained or contingent interest in assets. The Company does not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In connection with the preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company uses estimates and makes judgments and assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and the related disclosures. The assumptions, estimates, and judgments are based on historical experience, current trends, and other factors the Company believes are relevant at the time it prepares the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
The significant accounting policies and critical accounting estimates are consistent with those discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information, to the consolidated financial statements and the MD&A section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017. During the three months ended September 29,2018, there were no significant changes in the application of critical accounting policies.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize, on the balance sheet, assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases of greater than twelve months. The accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Adoption will require a modified retrospective transition. The Company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2019. The Company has made progress on assessing the Company’s portfolio of leases and compiling a central repository of all active leases. We are in the process of assessing the design of the future lease process and drafting a policy to address the new standard requirements. Key lease data elements are being evaluated including developing a methodology for determining the incremental borrowing rate across all countries where we have operations. While the Company has not yet completed its evaluation of the impact the new lease accounting standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company expects to recognize right of use assets and  lease liabilities for its operating leases in the Consolidated Balance Sheet upon adoption.
 
In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") provisions of the Tax Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company has not yet completed its assessment and therefore has not yet elected an accounting policy.
 
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02 “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which permits the reclassification of tax effects stranded in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of the Tax Act. The standard also requires entities to disclose whether or not they elected to reclassify the tax effects related to the Tax Act as well as their policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard allows the option of applying either a retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods in which the effect of the Tax Act is recognized, or applying the amendments in the period of adoption, meaning an adjustment is made to shareholder’s equity as of the beginning of the reporting period. ASU 2018-02 will be effective in the first quarter of 2019; however early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods, including the reporting period in which the Tax Act was enacted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2018-02 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." ASU 2018-13 modified the disclosure requirements in Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurement," based on the FASB Concepts Statement, "Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting - Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements," including consideration of costs and benefits. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The company is currently evaluating the potential effects of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.


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In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14 "Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which amends ASC 715-20, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General. The amended guidance modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other post-retirement plans by removing and adding certain disclosures for these plans. The eliminated disclosures include (a) the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit costs over the next fiscal year, and (b) the effects of a one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the net periodic benefit costs and the benefit obligation for post-retirement health care benefits. Additional disclosures include descriptions of significant gains and losses affecting the benefit obligation for the period. The adoption of this guidance will modify our disclosures but will not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force).” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license).   The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
 
See Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2017. During the nine months ended September 29, 2018, there have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
 
In connection with the preparation of this report, management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 29, 2018. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the quarter ended September 29, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
The Company acquired IXYS Corporation on January 17, 2018. IXYS Corporation operated with a different internal control environment than that of Littelfuse, Inc. The Company’s evaluation of IXYS’s internal controls over financial reporting and integration of IXYS into the Company’s internal control structure is ongoing. Otherwise, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended September 29, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 
 
None.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 
 
During the nine months ended September 29, 2018, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our year ended December 30, 2017.
 
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
None.
 
Purchases of Equity Securities
 
None.
 
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 
 
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 
 
None.
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION 
 
None.
 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 
Exhibit
Description
 
 
 
 
10.1*
 
 
 
 
10.2*
 
 
 
 
10.3*
 
 
 
 
10.4*
 
 
 
 
10.5*
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
 
32.1**
 
 
 
 
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
+
Certain schedules and exhibits omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The registrant agrees to furnish supplementary a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.
 
*
Filed herewith.
 
**
Furnished herewith.


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SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2018, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Littelfuse, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Meenal A. Sethna
 
 
 
Meenal A. Sethna
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: October 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Jeffrey G. Gorski
 
 
 
Jeffrey G. Gorski
 
 
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer


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