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Since my last article about Methode Electronics, Inc. ( MEI ), I have been following it in hopes of opening a position if the situation improves. In that time, the company’s strategic direction did not change much; MEII’m an independent equity trader and licensed financial advisor focused on uncovering high-upside opportunities in overlooked sectors — especially small-caps, energy, commodities, and special situations. My investment strategy is rooted in the CAN SLIM framework but goes further. I look for fu ...

Core Insights - Methode Electronics (MEI) has not significantly changed its strategic direction since the last analysis, indicating a stable but potentially stagnant position in the market [1] Company Analysis - The company is being monitored for potential investment opportunities as the situation evolves, reflecting a cautious approach to entering a position [1] - The focus is on identifying high-upside opportunities in overlooked sectors, particularly small-cap stocks, energy, and commodities, which may suggest a strategic interest in these areas [1] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy employed is based on the CAN SLIM framework, emphasizing fundamental momentum indicators such as Earnings Per Share (EPS), Return on Equity (ROE), and revenue growth [1] - Additional analytical tools like GARCH and Granger causality are utilized to assess risk and volatility, indicating a sophisticated approach to market analysis [1] - The strategy aims to build conviction through a combination of technical, fundamental, and macroeconomic factors, highlighting a comprehensive investment methodology [1]

Core Viewpoint - Methode Electronics reported disappointing fiscal second quarter results, leading to a significant drop in stock value, with shares falling nearly 11% despite a slight increase in the S&P 500 index [1]. Financial Performance - In the fiscal second quarter of 2026, Methode's net sales were just under $247 million, reflecting a 16% year-over-year decline [2]. - The company's net loss, not in accordance with GAAP, increased to $9.9 million ($0.28 per share) from a loss of $1.6 million in the previous year [2]. - Methode's sales exceeded the average analyst estimate of slightly over $236 million but fell short of the consensus estimate of $0.25 per share for GAAP net loss [3]. Segment Performance - All three reporting segments of Methode experienced sales declines, with the interface unit suffering the most at a 39% decrease, attributed to falling volume sales of touch panels for appliances [3]. - The industrial products segment declined by 3%, while the automotive products segment saw a 24% decrease [3]. Market Position and Guidance - Methode's current market capitalization is not specified, but the stock price is currently at $7.74, with a day’s range between $7.19 and $8.06 [4]. - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance for fiscal 2026, expecting sales between $900 million and $1 billion, and non-GAAP EBITDA between $70 million and $80 million, without providing bottom-line forecasts [5]. Market Sentiment - The company appears to be negatively impacted by developments in all three of its target markets, compounded by a cautious U.S. consumer sentiment, suggesting potential further declines in share price [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2026 were $247 million, up 3% sequentially, but down 16% year-over-year from $292.6 million in Q2 2025 [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2026 was $17.6 million, down $9.1 million from the same period last year, but increased by $1.9 million sequentially [11] - Adjusted net loss for Q2 2026 was $6.7 million, a $11.9 million change from fiscal 2025, with a sequential reduction of $1.1 million [11] - Free cash flow usage was $11.6 million in Q2 2026, an improvement of $46.8 million year-over-year from a usage of $58.4 million in Q2 2025 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The power solutions segment is expected to maintain sales in line with fiscal 2025, with a focus on data centers and vehicle electrification as growth drivers [6][8] - Data center revenue for Q2 2026 was in line with expectations, showing potential for growth as the company transitions to vendor-managed inventory [22][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales represented 44% of total sales, with EVs accounting for 41% of that, indicating a significant reliance on the automotive sector [19][52] - EV exposure in North America is limited, with total revenue year-to-date for EVs being less than $12 million [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a transformation to improve operational performance, focusing on leadership upgrades and cross-functional teamwork [6][10] - A strategic relocation of the corporate headquarters to Southfield, Michigan, aims to enhance operational efficiency and customer proximity [7] - The company is committed to long-term growth investments aligned with megatrends in data centers and vehicle electrification [6][8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of fiscal 2026, expecting stronger results compared to the first half [14][15] - The company is focused on improving execution and reliability, which is reflected in the financial results [10][16] - External market volatility, including tariffs and economic turbulence, continues to pose challenges, affecting revenue predictability [36][67] Other Important Information - The company reaffirmed its full-year sales guidance of $900 million to $1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $70 million to $80 million [14][15] - The transition to vendor-managed inventory for data center customers involved a $10 million inventory bill [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in the power business regarding EV and data center growth - Management noted that EV headwinds have already impacted revenue, particularly in North America, while data center growth is expected to accelerate [19][22] Question: Guidance comfort level for the lower or upper end - Management indicated that external volatility prevents narrowing guidance, maintaining a cautious outlook [36] Question: Improvement in industrial operating profit - The improvement is attributed to better plant performance rather than solely data center growth [37] Question: Roadmap to returning to profitability - The focus will be on cost-cutting and ramping up new programs, with expectations for revenue growth as market conditions improve [41][42] Question: Cash outflow in the quarter - The cash outflow was attributed to seasonal timing and increased receivables, with some collections occurring after the quarter ended [62][65] Question: Tariff impacts and updates - No new updates on tariffs were provided, with ongoing efforts to manage their impact on operations [67] Question: Outlook for calendar year 2026 in problematic end markets - Management anticipates slight improvements in the automotive sector and commercial vehicles, particularly in the latter half of fiscal 2026 [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the quarter were $247 million, up 3% sequentially, but down 16% year-over-year from $292.6 million in fiscal 2025 [4][11] - Adjusted EBITDA rose 12% sequentially to $18 million, but decreased by $9.1 million compared to the same period last year [4][11] - Adjusted net loss for the second quarter was $6.7 million, a $11.9 million change from fiscal 2025, with a sequential reduction of $1.1 million [11] - Free cash flow improved by $47 million year-over-year, with a usage of $11.6 million in the second quarter compared to $58.4 million in the same quarter last year [5][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The power solutions segment is aligned with key megatrends, including data centers and vehicle electrification, with expectations for long-term growth [6][8] - Data center activity generated over $80 million in annual sales last year, with continued growth anticipated [7][8] - The company expects power sales in fiscal 2026 to be in line with fiscal 2025, with a sales acceleration expected in the future [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive sales represent 44% of total sales, with EVs accounting for 41% of that, but North American EV sales were less than $12 million year-to-date [19][20] - The company has faced headwinds in the EV market primarily due to delays in launches, particularly in North America [19][20] - The data center segment is expected to grow, with the transition to vendor-managed inventory providing opportunities for market share [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a transformation to improve operational performance, with significant management attention on facilities in Egypt and Mexico [5][6] - A strategic relocation of the corporate headquarters to Southfield, Michigan, aims to enhance operational efficiency and customer proximity [7] - The company is focused on leveraging synergies and improving execution to build credibility with customers and shareholders [10][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the second half of fiscal 2026 being stronger, reaffirming full-year sales guidance of $900 million to $1 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million to $80 million [5][14] - The company is navigating a dynamic operating environment with external volatility impacting revenue predictability [34][66] - There is confidence in the company's ability to return to profitability through cost-cutting and revenue growth initiatives [41][42] Other Important Information - The fiscal 2026 is a 52-week year, while fiscal 2025 was a 53-week year, affecting year-over-year comparisons [11] - The company ended the quarter with $118.5 million in cash, up $21.5 million year-over-year, and net debt decreased by $29.6 million [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in the power business regarding EV and data center growth - Management noted that EV headwinds have already been accounted for, with optimism about data center growth and the impact of vendor-managed inventory [19][21] Question: Guidance comfort level for the second half of the year - Management indicated that external volatility prevents narrowing guidance, but performance has improved compared to previous periods [34] Question: Improvement in industrial operating profit - The improvement is attributed to better plant performance rather than solely data center growth [36] Question: Roadmap to returning to profitability - The focus will be on cost-cutting and ramping up new programs, with expectations for revenue growth as market conditions improve [41][42] Question: Cash outflow in the quarter and receivables - The cash outflow was seasonal, with some receivables collected after the quarter ended [62][64] Question: Tariff impacts and updates - There are no new updates on tariffs, and the company continues to work with customers to mitigate impacts [65] Question: Outlook for calendar year 2026 in problematic end markets - Management expects slight improvements in the automotive sector and commercial vehicles in the latter half of fiscal 2026 [68]

Financial Performance - Q2 Fiscal Year 2026 - Net sales for Fiscal 2Q'26 were $247 million[6], a 16% decrease compared to the $292.6 million in 2Q'25[18] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal 2Q'26 was $18 million[6], while in 2Q'25 it was $26.7 million[19] - Free cash flow improved by $47 million in 2Q'26 compared to the prior year[6] - Net debt reduced by $29.6 million, a 12% year-over-year decrease[25] Financial Performance - 1H Fiscal Year 2026 - Net sales for Fiscal 1H'26 were $487 million[6] - Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal 1H'26 was $33 million[6] - Free cash flow for Fiscal 1H'26 was +$6 million[6] Guidance and Outlook - Fiscal year 2026 sales guidance reaffirmed at $900 million to $1 billion[7] - Fiscal year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance reaffirmed at $70 million to $80 million[7] - Capital expenditures are expected to be between $24 million and $29 million for fiscal year 2026[27] Strategic Focus - Aligning product portfolio with megatrends, including data centers and vehicle electrification[9] - Power Solutions offerings net sales increased from $116 million in FY22 to $252 million in FY25[13]

Financial Performance - Net sales decreased by $45.7 million, or 15.6%, to $246.9 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $292.6 million in the same period of 2024 [122]. - Net sales decreased by $63.7 million, or 11.6%, to $487.4 million in the six months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $551.1 million in the same period of 2024 [123]. - Net loss for the three months ended November 1, 2025, was $9.9 million, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million for the same period in 2024, indicating a significant increase in losses [135]. - The company experienced a net loss of $20.2 million for the six months ended November 1, 2025, compared to a net loss of $19.9 million for the same period in 2024 [169]. Cost and Expenses - Cost of products sold decreased by $35.5 million, or 15.1%, to $199.2 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, representing 80.7% of net sales [124]. - Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $3.6 million, or 8.5%, to $39.0 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025 [127]. - Interest expense, net was $5.7 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $6.2 million in the same period of 2024 [130]. - Income tax expense was $5.7 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $3.2 million in the same period of 2024 [133]. Segment Performance - Automotive segment net sales decreased by $35.0 million, or 24.1%, to $110.5 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $145.5 million in the same period in 2024 [138]. - Gross profit for the automotive segment fell by $12.0 million, or 84.5%, to $2.2 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, with gross profit margins decreasing to 2.0% from 9.8% in the prior year [142]. - Industrial segment net sales increased by $7.5 million, or 3.1%, to $250.4 million in the six months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $242.9 million in the same period in 2024 [148]. - Industrial segment gross profit rose by $11.3 million, or 16.0%, to $82.1 million in the six months ended November 1, 2025, with gross profit margins increasing to 32.8% from 29.1% in the prior year [150]. - Interface segment net sales decreased by $6.2 million, or 39.5%, to $9.5 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $15.7 million in the same period in 2024 [154]. - Interface segment gross profit decreased by $2.4 million, or 46.2%, to $2.8 million in the three months ended November 1, 2025, with gross profit margins decreasing to 29.5% from 33.1% in the prior year [155]. Liquidity and Capital Structure - As of November 1, 2025, the company had $118.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, with $61.5 million held in subsidiaries outside the U.S. [160]. - The company has a share buyback authorization of up to $200.0 million, which commenced on June 17, 2024, with no shares purchased as of November 1, 2025 [161]. - The outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility was $294.5 million in euro-denominated borrowings and $40.0 million in U.S. denominated borrowings as of November 1, 2025 [167]. - Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.7 million for the six months ended November 1, 2025, compared to a net cash used of $37.1 million for the same period in 2024 [170]. - Capital expenditures were $11.3 million for the six months ended November 1, 2025, down from $24.0 million in the same period in 2024 [171]. - The company paid cash dividends of $4.7 million in the six months ended November 1, 2025, compared to $10.0 million in the same period in 2024 [173]. Compliance and Financial Agreements - The company was not in compliance with a covenant restricting certain restricted payments for the quarter ended August 2, 2025, leading to a waiver agreement with Bank of America [164]. - The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a secured multicurrency revolving credit facility of $400 million, maturing on October 31, 2027 [166]. - The company anticipates compliance with financial covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement based on current projections, but future compliance is uncertain [168]. Market Challenges - The company continues to face supply chain challenges, particularly in procuring automotive-grade semiconductors, which may impact financial results [118]. - The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been slower than anticipated, potentially affecting the company's financial condition [117].

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