10-K/A 1 a10-ka.txt 10-K/A ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K/A ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-2816 METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 36-2090085 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (IRS EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.) 7401 WEST WILSON AVENUE 60706 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (ZIP CODE) (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER (INCLUDING AREA CODE): (708) 867-6777 SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED ------------------- -------------------- None None SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: CLASS A COMMON STOCK ($.50 PAR VALUE) CLASS B COMMON STOCK ($.50 PAR VALUE) (TITLE OF CLASS) 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K (_). The aggregate market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock, $.50 par value, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 12, 2000, based upon the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that date as reported by Nasdaq was $1,550,731,000. Registrant had 34,505,152 shares of Class A, $.50 par value, and 1,109,915 shares of Class B, $.50 par value, outstanding as of July 12, 2000. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held September 12, 2000, are incorporated by reference into Part III. ================================================================================ Note to Form 10-K/A: The table reflecting the percentage of net sales by business segment in Item 1 of this Report is amended to correct the segment titles, Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 14 of this Report is amended to correct typographical errors and Exhibit 10.16 Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and the Registrant is being filed with this Report. PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966. As used herein, Methode Electronics, Inc. shall be referred to as the "Registrant" or the "Company." The Company manufactures component devices worldwide for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment. Products employ electrical, electronic and optical technologies as sensors, interconnections and controls. The business is managed on a technology product basis, with those technology segments being Electronic, Optical Subsystems and Components and Other. The business units whose results are identified in the Electronic segment principally employ electronic processes to control and convey signals. The business units whose results are identified in the Optical Subsystems and Components segment principally employ light to control and convey signals. The Other segment includes manufacturers of multi-layer printed circuit boards and bus systems as well as independent laboratories which provide services for qualification testing and certification of electronic and optical components. In September 1999 the Company exited the manufacture of printed circuitry as described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, substantially all of the Optical Subsystems and Components segment was transferred to the Company's newly formed subsidiary, Stratos Lightwave, Inc. (Stratos), effective May 28, 2000. On June 27, 2000, Stratos issued shares of common stock in an initial public offering. The Company owns 84.3% of Stratos' common stock. It is the Company's intention to distribute, at a later date, all of the shares of Stratos' common stock it owns to its shareholders contingent upon receiving a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that such distribution would be tax-free to the Company and its stockholders. The following tabulation reflects the percentage of net sales of the product segments of the Registrant for the last three fiscal years.

APRIL 30, ----------------------------------- 1998 1999 2000 ---- ---- ---- Electronic 83.4% 77.9% 74.0% Optical Subsystems and Components 8.9 14.7 20.1 Other 7.7 7.4 5.9

SALES. The sales activities of the Registrant are directed by sales managers who are supported by engineering personnel who provide technical services. The Registrant's products are sold through its sales staff and through independent manfacturers' representatives with offices throughout the world. Sales are made primarily to original equipment manufacturers and also independent distributors. SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS. Principal raw materials purchased by Registrant include ferrous and copper alloy strips, plastic molding materials, ferrules and fiber optic cable, semiconductor components, die castings and precious metals. All of these items are available from several suppliers and the Registrant generally relies on more than one for each item. PATENTS; LICENSING AGREEMENTS. The Registrant has various patents and licensing agreements, but does not consider its business to be materially dependent upon such patents and licensing agreements. SEASONALITY. The business of the Registrant is not seasonal. WORKING CAPITAL ITEMS. The Registrant is required to maintain adequate levels of inventory to meet scheduled delivery requirements of customers. It is not normal for the Registrant to carry significant amounts of finished goods, as the preponderance of orders received are for scheduled future deliveries. MATERIAL CUSTOMERS. During the year ended April 30, 2000, shipments to Daimler Chrysler AG and Ford Motor Corporation each were 10% or greater of consolidated net sales and, in the aggregate, amounted to approximately 46% of consolidated net sales. Such shipments included a wide variety of the Registrant's automotive component products. BACKLOG. The Registrant's backlog of orders for its continuing operations was approximately $65,235,000 at May 31, 1999, and $90,500,000 at May 31, 2000. It is expected that most of the total backlog at May 31, 2000, will be shipped within the current fiscal year. COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS. The markets in which the Registrant operates are highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological improvements and developments. Registrant competes with a large number of other manufacturers in each of its product areas; many of these competitors have greater resources and total sales. Price, service and product performance are significant elements of competition in the sale of Registrant's products. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Registrant maintains a Research and Development program involving a number of professional employees who devote a majority of their time to the development of new products and processes and the advancement of existing ones. Senior management of the Registrant also participates directly in the program. Expenditures for the aforementioned activities amounted to $21,120,000, $22,750,000 and $23,615,000 for the fiscal years ended April 30, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. Compliance with federal, state and local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not materially affected capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position of the Registrant. Currently there are no environmental related lawsuits or material administrative proceedings pending against the Registrant. Further information as to environmental matters affecting the Registrant is presented in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 14 (a)(1). EMPLOYEES. At April 30, 1999 and 2000, Registrant had approximately 3,800 and 3,700 employees, respectively. Registrant also from time to time employs part-time employees and hires independent contractors. Registrant's employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement, and registrant has never experienced a work stoppage. Registrant believes that it's employee relations are good. FOREIGN SALES. Information about the Registrant's operations in different geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 14 (a)(1). SIGNATURES PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED. METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ KEVIN J. HAYES ------------------------------- Kevin J. Hayes EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER & DIRECTOR Dated: August 11, 2000 12 METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES FORM 10-K ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2) LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES The following consolidated financial statements of Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8: Consolidated Balance Sheets - - April 30, 2000 and 1999. Consolidated Statements of Income - - Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - - Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - - Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements The schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inappropriate and, therefore, have been omitted. 13 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Board of Directors and Shareholders Methode Electronics, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Methode Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries at April 30, 2000 and 1999, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Chicago, Illinois June 6, 2000 14 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

APRIL 30 2000 1999 ---- ---- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 29,427,165 $ 22,764,887 Accounts receivable, less allowance (2000--$5,597,000; 1999--$2,538,000) 79,408,485 88,194,471 Inventories: Finished products 8,628,565 9,877,422 Work in process 31,284,601 25,180,203 Materials 19,004,222 14,157,216 ------------- ------------- 58,917,388 49,214,841 Current deferred income taxes 6,300,000 5,239,000 Prepaid expenses 4,532,621 5,596,373 ------------- ------------- TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 178,585,659 171,009,572 OTHER ASSETS Goodwill, less accumulated amortization (2000--$4,557,065; 1999--$3,147,426) 49,227,870 39,770,435 Intangible benefit plan asset (Note 6) 930,865 1,598,597 Cash surrender value of life insurance 9,666,892 8,590,892 Other 6,715,228 4,754,005 ------------- ------------- 66,540,855 54,713,929 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Land 2,617,382 2,551,399 Buildings and building improvements 51,100,045 45,559,211 Machinery and equipment 171,777,903 169,073,082 ------------- ------------- 225,495,330 217,183,692 Less allowances for depreciation 129,648,793 126,284,573 ------------- ------------- 95,846,537 90,899,119 ------------- ------------- 340,973,051 316,622,620 ============= ============= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 31,400,434 $ 26,131,146 Salaries, wages and payroll taxes 10,094,606 9,396,253 Other accrued expenses 12,151,774 13,539,088 Income taxes 424,278 3,308,824 Notes payable 1,165,050 4,695,741 ------------- ------------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 55,236,142 57,071,052 ACCUMULATED BENEFIT PLAN OBLIGATION (Note 6) 878,269 837,939 OTHER LIABILITIES 2,124,497 2,368,650 DEFERRED COMPENSATION 8,218,655 7,320,313 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 683,000 550,000 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 4) Common Stock, Class A 17,452,061 17,310,610 Common Stock, Class B 562,365 598,935 Stock Awards (992,839) (1,031,395) Additional paid-in capital 27,983,589 23,066,837 Retained earnings 238,898,436 215,116,544 Foreign currency translation adjustment (6,535,856) (2,730,157) ------------- ------------- 277,367,756 252,331,374 Less cost of shares in treasury 3,535,268 3,856,708 ------------- ------------- 273,832,488 248,474,666 ------------- ------------- $ 340,973,051 $ 316,622,620 ============= =============

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 15 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

YEAR ENDED APRIL 30 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- INCOME Net sales (Note 11) $422,145,674 $403,730,531 $379,299,543 Settlement of litigation -- 2,647,167 -- Other 6,520,426 4,752,350 5,806,069 ------------ ------------ ------------ 428,666,100 411,130,048 385,105,612 Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold 321,804,988 303,318,071 280,181,130 Selling and administrative expenses 58,053,338 52,206,503 49,900,088 Provision for exiting printed circuit business -- 3,100,000 -- Amortization of intangibles 1,514,960 1,284,750 1,192,388 Interest expense 305,169 551,818 265,602 ------------ ------------ ------------ 381,678,455 360,461,142 331,539,208 ------------ ------------ ------------ INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 46,987,645 50,668,906 53,566,404 Income taxes (Note 7) 16,100,000 17,850,000 18,300,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ NET INCOME $ 30,887,645 $ 32,818,906 $ 35,266,404 ============ ============ ============ Amounts per Common Share (Note 8): Net income: Basic $0.87 $0.93 $1.00 Diluted $0.87 $0.93 $1.00 Cash dividends: Class A $0.20 $0.20 $0.20 Class B $0.20 $0.20 $0.20

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 16 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998

COMMON COMMON STOCK STOCK STOCK CLASS A CLASS B AWARDS ------- ------- ------ Balance at April 30, 1997 $ 17,137,447 $ 607,225 $ (1,032,465) Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A 72,808 -- (2,272,528) Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- 2,238,323 Tax effect of Stock Awards -- -- -- Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2) 19,026 -- -- Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class A 5,288 (5,288) -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- -- Net income for the year -- -- -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- -- -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 1998 17,234,569 601,937 (1,066,670) Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A 73,039 -- (2,181,207) Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- 2,216,482 Tax effect of Stock Awards -- -- -- Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class A 3,002 (3,002) -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- -- Net income for the year -- -- -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- -- -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 1999 17,310,610 598,935 (1,031,395) Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A 61,998 -- (1,813,308) Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- 1,851,864 Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A 42,883 -- -- Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options -- -- -- Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP -- -- -- Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class A 36,570 (36,570) -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- -- Net income for the year -- -- -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- -- -- ------------ ------------ ------------ Balance at April 30, 2000 $ 17,452,061 $ 562,365 $ (992,839) ============ ============ =============

FOREIGN ADDITIONAL CURRENCY PAID-IN RETAINED TRANSLATION CAPITAL EARNINGS ADJUSTMENT ------- -------- ------------ Balance at April 30, 1997 $ 18,040,963 $161,225,847 $ 1,830,046 Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A 2,199,720 -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- -- Tax effect of Stock Awards 179,000 -- -- Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2) 601,986 -- -- Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- (2,206,109) Net income for the year -- 35,266,404 -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,094,855) -- ----------------------------------------- Balance at April 30, 1998 21,021,669 189,397,396 (376,063) Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A 2,108,168 -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- -- Tax effect of Stock Awards (63,000) -- -- Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004 -- -- -- shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- (2,354,094) Net income for the year -- 32,818,906 -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,099,758) -- ----------- ------------ ----------- Balance at April 30, 1999 23,066,837 (215,116,544) (2,730,157) Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A 1,751,310 -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- -- -- Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A 1,274,011 -- -- Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options 520,000 -- -- Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP 1,371,431 -- -- Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- -- (3,805,699) Net income for the year -- 30,887,645 -- Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,105,753) -- ----------- ------------ ----------- Balance at April 30, 2000 $27,983,589 $238,898,436 $(6,535,856) =========== ============ ===========

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

TOTAL TREASURY SHAREHOLDERS' COMPREHENSIVE STOCK EQUITY INCOME ----- ------ ------ Balance at April 30, 1997 $ (611,706) $197,197,357 -- Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- 2,238,323 -- Tax effect of Stock Awards -- 179,000 -- Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2) -- 621,012 -- Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A (161,250) (161,250) -- Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- $ (2,206,109) $ (2,206,109) Net income for the year -- 35,266,404 35,266,404 ------------ -- $ 33,060,295 ============ Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,094,855) ------------ ------------- Balance at April 30, 1998 (772,956) 226,039,882 -- Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- 2,216,482 -- Tax effect of Stock Awards -- (63,000) -- Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A (3,083,752) (3,083,752) -- Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004 -- -- -- shares of Common Stock, Class A -- (2,354,094) (2,354,094) Foreign currency translation adjustment -- 32,818,906 32,818,906 Net income for the year ------------ -- -- $ 30,464,812 ============ Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,099,758) ------------ ------------- Balance at April 30, 1999 (3,856,708) (248,474,666) -- Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Earned portion of Stock Awards -- 1,851,864 -- Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- 1,316,894 -- Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options -- 520,000 -- Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP 321,440 1,692,871 -- Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class A -- -- -- Foreign currency translation adjustment -- (3,805,699) $ (3,805,699) Net income for the year -- 30,887,645 30,887,645 ------------ $ 27,081,946 ============ Cash dividends on Common Stock -- (7,105,753) ------------ ------------- Balance at April 30, 2000 $(3,535,268) $273,832,488 =========== =============

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

YEAR ENDED APRIL 30 ------------------- 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income 30,887,645 $ 32,818,906 $ 35,266,404 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for depreciation and amortization 18,857,009 17,734,723 17,627,450 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 3,093,172 1,272,672 92,000 Provision for deferred compensation and supplemental executive benefit plan 706,404 359,616 (156,283) Provision for deferred income taxes (770,000) (1,230,000) (1,015,000) Amortization of Stock Awards 1,851,864 2,216,482 2,238,323 Provision for loss on idle equipment 1,000,000 Contribution of treasury stock to ESOP 1,200,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 5,718,667 (24,020,866) (7,095,259) Inventories (10,475,860) 1,602,072 (7,463,783) Current deferred income taxes and prepaid expenses 1,063,752 (2,583,288) 21,229 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,641,842 4,146,575 (1,226,684) ------------- ------------ -------------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 56,774,495 32,316,892 38,288,397 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of property, plant and equipment (24,668,132) (21,995,559) (23,211,297) Purchases of subsidiaries (Note 3) (13,967,375) (3,983,419) (3,847,501) Purchases of life insurance policies (1,076,000) (939,041) (971,626) Proceeds from sale of Printed Circuit Assets 3,529,019 - - Other (5,053,050) 1,795,922 (3,653,368) ------------- ------------ -------------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (41,235,538) (25,122,097) (31,683,792) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Borrowings (repayments) on lines of credit and long-term borrowings (3,580,691) 1,574,734 1,715,048 Exercise of stock options 1,316,894 Treasury stock transactions 492,871 (3,083,752) (161,250) Dividends (7,105,753) (7,099,758) (7,094,855) ------------- ------------ -------------- CASH USED IN NET FINANCING ACTIVITIES (8,876,679) (8,608,776) (5,541,057) ------------- ------------ -------------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 6,662,278 (1,413,981) 1,063,548 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 22,764,887 24,178,868 23,115,320 ------------- ------------ -------------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 29,427,165 $ 22,764,887 $ 24,178,868 ============= ============= ==============

See notes to consolidated financial statements. 18 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES APRIL 30, 2000 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries. CASH EQUIVALENTS. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are carried at their approximate fair value and classified in the balance sheet as cash equivalents. INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT. Properties are stated on the basis of cost. The Company amortizes such costs by annual charges to income, computed on the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income tax purposes. INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, "SFAS" No. 109, ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. REVENUE RECOGNITION. Revenue from product sales, net of trade discounts and allowances, is recognized when title passes which is upon shipment (FOB shipping point). The Company handles returns by replacing, repairing or issuing credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant in fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using period end exchange rates. The related translation adjustments are recorded in Shareholders' Equity. LONG-LIVED ASSETS. The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets to determine if there are indicators of impairment. When indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and intangibles, including goodwill, in relation to the operating performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying businesses. The Company adjusts the net book value of the underlying assets if the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than book value. INTANGIBLES. The excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired companies is being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 25 to 40 years. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Costs associated with the development of new products are charged to expense when incurred. Research and development costs for the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 amounted to $23,600,000, $22,750,000 and $21,120,000, respectively. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings under its short-term revolving credit agreements approximate their fair value. The weighted average interest rates on such borrowings for the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were 7.18%, 7.23% and 7.10%, respectively. USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 19 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) SEGMENT DISCLOSURES. In 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. SFAS 131 established standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in interim financial reports. It also established standards for related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption of Statement No. 131 did not affect the results of operations or financial position of the Company, but did affect the disclosure of segment information (see Note 12). COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, requires companies to report all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investment by owners and distribution to owners, in a financial statement for the period in which they were recognized. The Company has chosen to disclose Comprehensive Income, which encompasses net income and foreign currency translation adjustments, in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity RECLASSIFICATION. Certain amounts in fiscal 1999 and 1988 have been reclassified to conform to the classification in fiscal 2000. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In December 1999, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB), No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB 101 summarizes certain of the SEC staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial statements. The Company adopted SAB 101 effective February 1, 2000. Such adoption did not have an effect on the revenue recognition policy of the Company. Effective May 1, 1999, the Company adopted American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP No. 98-1 requires that entities capitalize certain costs related to internal-use software once certain criteria have been met. The adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on financial results. In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS), No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 will be effective for fiscal year ending April 30, 2001. The Company believes that this statement will not have a significant impact on financial results. 2. ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK As of May 28, 2000 the Company contributed and transferred to its then wholly-owned subsidiary, Stratos Lightwave, Inc.(Stratos), all of the assets and liabilities of its optoelectronics and fiber optic divisions and all of the capital stock and equity interest held by the Company in certain other subsidiaries that conducted the majority of its optical products business, pursuant to a master separation agreement. The optical products business transferred to Stratos represented 95% of the total assets and 85% of sales for the Optical Subsystems and Components segment at April 30, 2000 and the year then ended. In June 2000 Stratos issued 10,062,500 shares of common stock in an initial public offering. After the initial public offering, the Company owned 84.3% of Stratos' common stock outstanding. Proceeds from the offering totaled $196,500,000 net of underwriting discount and will be used by Stratos to pay $2,956,500 of additional purchase price in connection with the acquisition of Polycore Technologies, Inc. (see Note 3) and for general corporate purposes. It is the Company's intention to distribute, at a later date, all of the shares of Stratos common stock it owns to its stockholders contingent upon receiving a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that such a distribution would be tax-free to the Company and its stockholders. 20 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 2. ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK (CONTINUED) For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between the Company and Stratos at and after the separation and to provide for an orderly transition, the Company and Stratos entered into various agreements to provide services such as centralized advertising, legal, accounting, employee benefits, real estate, insurance services, information technology services, treasury and other corporate and infrastructure services. The agreements govern individual transitional services as requested by Stratos or the Company, of the other party. Such services are to be provided in accordance with the policies, procedures and practices in effect before the transfer date. The term of each agreement shall be one year (provision for extension exists) unless earlier terminated. 3. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES On December 30, 1999, the Company purchased for approximately $13,000,000 in cash, including costs of acquisition, substantially all the assets of the Optoelectronics division of Spire Corporation. On April 15, 1999, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Polycore Technologies, Inc., a developer of highly integrated data communication modules for Local Area Network equipment. The purchase price, including direct acquisition costs, for this business referred to as Stratos Micro Systems, was $795,500 in cash plus additional contingent consideration that may become due based upon the attainment of certain performance targets. Effective February 23, 2000, the Company entered into an amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement which provides that in the event the Company is part of an Initial Public Offering of shares to be accomplished not later than November 15, 2000, the sum of $2,956,500 will become payable to the seller within 30 days following the Initial Public Offering in full satisfaction of such additional contingent consideration. Effective December 1, 1998, the Company purchased for cash, all of the outstanding shares of Stratos, Ltd. (formerly AB Stratos, Ltd.) of Haverhill, England. Stratos is a developer and manufacturer of fiber optic connectivity products for harsh environments. Effective May 5, 1997, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of Adam Technologies, a designer and marketer of electronic connectors, for cash including contingent cash consideration provided certain performance targets were attained for fiscal 1998, 1999 and 2000. Such targets were substantially met and additional cash payments were made subsequent to each fiscal year end. The above-described acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and the results of operations of the acquired companies have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The excess of purchase price, if any, over net assets acquired, based on estimated fair value in these acquisitions is being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 25 to 40 years. Had these acquisitions been made as of the beginning of fiscal 1998, sales and operating results would not be materially different than reported. In April 1999, the Company made the decision to exit the printed circuit industry and divest its two board manufacturing facilities. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 the Company recorded a non-recurring charge of $3,100,000 or $1,860,000 net of tax benefits for the costs associated with the exit of the business. The charge was comprised of $1,540,000 for the write-down of the plant and equipment with a carrying value of $4,700,000 to their fair value, $600,000 for additional environmental costs directly associated with the decision to close the operations, and approximately $960,000 for other exit costs. The write-down for the plant and equipment reflected impairment in their carrying value. The fair value of the plant and equipment was based upon the estimated current value less costs to sell. The Company ceased operating both facilities as of September 30, 1999 and sold the majority of the assets for cash of approximately $3,529,000. At April 30, 2000 an accrual for costs relating to exiting the printed circuit business of $614,000 remained. The Company believes this accrual is adequate for potential losses on remaining printed circuit assets and environmental costs directly associated with closing these operations. Net sales of the Company's printed circuit board businesses were $4,608,000, $12,755,000 and $14,610,000 for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Net losses of the businesses were $661,000, $1,061,000 and $119,000 for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. 21 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PREFERRED STOCK. The Company has 50,000 authorized shares of Series A, 4% cumulative convertible Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, of which none were outstanding at April 30, 2000. COMMON STOCK. Common Stock, Class A, is entitled to dividends at least equivalent to those paid on the shares of Common Stock, Class B. The Common Stock, Class A, has more limited voting rights than the Common Stock, Class B. Generally the holders of Common Stock, Class A, are entitled to elect 25% of the Company's Board of Directors and are entitled to one-tenth of one vote per share respecting other matters. Holders of Common Stock, Class B, are entitled to one vote per share. Each share of Common Stock, Class B, is convertible into one share of Common Stock, Class A, at the option of the holder. At April 30, 2000, 3,454,104 shares of Common Stock, Class A, are reserved for future issuance in connection with the conversion of shares of Common Stock, Class B, and the Company's stock award and stock option plans. Common Stock, par value $.50 per share, authorized, issued and in treasury, was as follows:

APRIL 30, 2000 APRIL 30, 1999 COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK ---------------------------- ---------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B -------------- --------- ------------- --------- Authorized 100,000,000 5,000,000 50,000,000 5,000,000 Issued 34,904,121 1,124,731 34,621,220 1,197,871 In Treasury 419,745 12,200 459,200 12,200

STOCK AWARDS. The Company has an Incentive Stock Award Plan (Incentive Plan) which permits the issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock, Class A, to certain officers and key employees of the Company, of which 2,593,861 shares have been awarded through April 30, 2000. Pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan, the granted stock does not vest until two years after the award date. If for any reason other than retirement, disability or death an employee terminates his service before the two-year period, the stock will not vest and will be made available for future grants. There were no incentive stock awards granted for fiscal year 2000 performance. The Company also has an Incentive Stock Award Plan for Non-employee Directors which permits the issuance of up to 120,000 shares of Common Stock, Class A, to non-employee directors, of which 111,000 shares have been awarded at April 30, 2000. Shares awarded pursuant to this plan have no vesting restrictions. STOCK OPTIONS. In fiscal 1998 the Company adopted the Methode Electronics, Inc. 1997 Stock Plan ("Plan"). The Plan awards stock options to key employees. As of April 30, 2000, the maximum number of shares that may be granted under the Plan is 2,000,000. Stock options granted to date vest over a period of six to twenty-seven months after the date of the grant and have a term of ten years. The following table summarizes the transactions pursuant to the 1997 Stock Plan:

OPTIONS OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE OPTIONS ---------------------------- ---------------------------- WTD. AVG. WTD. AVG. SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE ------ -------------- ------ -------------- April 30, 1997 - - - - Granted 205,645 $15.53 Cancelled (1,100) 15.53 -------- ------- April 30, 1998 204,545 15.53 - - Granted 250,866 14.31 Cancelled (26,280) 15.26 -------- ------ April 30, 1999 429,131 14.84 96,305 $15.53 Granted 291,180 27.18 Exercised (85,765) 15.41 Cancelled (23,083) 15.30 -------- ------ April 30, 2000 611,463 14.84 200,131 $15.34 ======== ====== ======= ======

22 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 4. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

EXERCISABLE OPTIONS OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT APRIL 30, 2000 AT APRIL 30, 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- RANGE OF AVG. REMAINING WTD. AVG. WTD. AVG. EXERCISE PRICES SHARES LIFE (YEARS) EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE ---------------- ------- -------------- -------------- ---------- -------------- $11.38 - 19.06 335,163 8.1 $14.71 200,131 $15.34 $23.28 - 35.97 253,200 9.3 25.44 - - $48.31 - 51.94 23,100 9.9 49.95 - - ------ ------- 611,463 8.7 22.99 200,131 15.34 ======= === ====== ======= =====

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123 and has not recorded any compensation expense associated with these stock options. Consistent with prior years, stock-based compensation continues to be recorded using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB No. 25 and related Interpretations. If the Company had determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

YEAR ENDED APRIL 30 ------------------------------------------------ 2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Net earnings As reported $30,887,645 $32,818,906 $35,266,404 Pro forma 29,496,659 31,888,080 35,125,502 Basic earnings per share: As reported Pro forma .87 .93 1.00 .84 .90 1.00 Diluted earnings per share: As reported .87 .93 1.00 Pro forma .83 .90 1.00

The weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $15.27, $6.27 and $5.37. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Risk free interest rate 5.9% 5.4% 5.5% Expected option life in years 6.0 6.0 6.0 Expected volatility 55.2% 43.8% 37.8% Dividend yield 0.5% 1.4% 1.3%

5. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit of its eligible full-time employees. Eligible employees are generally U.S. employees who have completed one year of service. The purpose of the Plan is to assist employees to accumulate capital ownership in the Company and through that ownership to promote in them a strong interest in the successful operation of the Company. The Company made annual contributions of $1,200,000 to the Plan during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998. The Company is in the process of terminating the ESOP and replacing this benefit with a Company contribution to the employee 401(k) savings plan equal to 3% of eligible compensation. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 6. SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN In fiscal 1992, the Company adopted an unfunded defined benefit plan covering certain key executives. Benefits under the plan are in recognition of significant contributions to the success of the Company made by the executives during their many years of service with the Company. Annual payments of $900,000 pursuant to the plan are being made through fiscal year 2001. The net periodic cost recognized as expense for this plan was as follows:

PRIOR SERVICE COSTS INTEREST TOTAL ------------------- -------- ----- 2000 $667,732 $ 78,253 $745,985 1999 667,732 131,120 798,852 1998 667,732 180,570 848,302

The weighted-average assumed discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation in all years was 6-2/3%. 7. INCOME TAXES Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at April 30 were as follows:

2000 1999 ---- ---- Deferred tax liabilities- Accelerated tax depreciation $5,528,000 $5,528,000 Deferred tax assets: Deferred compensation and Stock Awards 3,858,000 3,893,000 Inventory valuation differences 1,401,000 1,515,000 Environmental reserves 805,000 943,000 Bad debt reserves 2,168,000 985,000 Vacation accruals 1,314,000 1,202,000 Printed circuit board closure 246,000 1,000,000 Other accruals 1,353,000 679,000 ---------- ----------- Total deferred tax assets 11,145,000 10,217,000 ---------- ----------- Net deferred tax assets $5,617,000 $4,689,000 ---------- ----------- Net current deferred tax assets $6,300,000 $5,239,000 Net non-current deferred tax liabilities (683,000) (550,000) ---------- ----------- $5,617,000 $4,689,000 ========== ==========

Income taxes consisted of the following:

2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Current Federal $13,446,000 $14,545,000 $14,951,000 Foreign 744,000 1,440,000 1,268,000 State 2,680,000 3,095,000 3,096,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- 16,870,000 19,080,000 19,315,000 Deferred (credit) (770,000) (1,230,000) (1,015,000) ----------- ----------- ----------- $16,100,000 $17,850,000 $18,300,000 =========== =========== ===========

A reconciliation of the consolidated provisions for income taxes to amounts determined by applying the prevailing statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax earnings is as follows: 24 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 7. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Income tax at statutory rate $16,446,000 $17,734,000 $18,748,000 Effect of: State income taxes 1,711,000 1,799,000 1,918,000 Foreign operations with lower statutory rates (2,429,000) (1,843,000) (2,441,000) Other - net 372,000 160,000 75,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- Income tax provision $16,100,000 $17,850,000 $18,300,000 =========== =========== ===========

The Company paid income taxes of approximately $18,413,000 in 2000, $17,469,000 in 1999 and $18,415,000 in 1998. No provision has been made for income taxes of approximately $16,157,000 at April 30, 2000 which would be payable should undistributed net income of $40,851,000 of foreign operations be distributed as dividends, as the Company plans to continue these foreign operations and does not contemplate such distributions in the foreseeable future. 8. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Numerator - net income $30,887,645 $32,818,906 $35,266,404 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share-Weighted-average shares 35,308,000 35,312,000 35,262,000 Dilutive potential common shares- Employee stock awards 236,000 99,000 101,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- Denominator for diluted earnings per Share-adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions 35,544,000 35,411,000 35,363,000 =========== =========== =========== Basic and diluted earnings per share $ .87 $ .93 $ 1.00 =========== =========== ===========

Options to purchase 23,100 shares of common stock at a weighted average option price of $49.95 per share were outstanding during 2000 but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Company is involved in environmental investigation and/or remediation at certain of its present plant sites. The Company is not yet able to determine when such remediation activity will be complete. At April 30, 2000 and 1999, the Company had accruals, primarily based upon independent engineering studies, for environmental matters of approximately $2,735,000 and $3,075,000, respectively. The Company believes the provisions it has made for environmental matters are adequate to satisfy its liabilities relating to such matters. 25 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 9. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (CONTINUED) In 2000, the Company spent $420,000 on remediation cleanups and related studies compared with $624,000 in 1999 and $290,000 in 1998. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company also recorded $600,000 to provide for additional environmental costs associated with the exit of its printed circuit businesses, as well as a $1,000,000 provision for general printed circuit environmental costs not associated with the decision to exit the businesses. In 2000, the costs associated with environmental matters as they relate to day-to-day activities were not material. 10. PENDING LITIGATION Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending against the Company. The Company is of the opinion that the resolution of such litigation will not have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. 11. MATERIAL CUSTOMERS Sales to two automotive customers approximated 46%, 41% and 38% of net sales in the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. At April 30, 2000 and 1999, accounts receivable from customers in the automotive industry were approximately $37,598,000 and $43,707,000. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 45 days. Credit losses relating to all customers consistently have been within management's expectation. 12. SEGMENT INFORMATION As described in Note 1, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 in fiscal year 1999. The Company has two reportable business segments: Electronic Products and Optical Products. The Company manufactures component devices world-wide for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, automobiles, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment. Products employ electrical, electronic and optical technologies as sensors, interconnections and controls. The Company is managed on a technology product basis, with those technology segments being Electronic and Optical Subsystems and Components. The business units whose results are identified in the Electronic segment principally employ electronic processes to control and convey signals. The business units whose results are identified in the Optical Subsystems and Components segment principally employ light to control and convey signals. As described in Note 2, the Company transferred the majority of this business to a subsidiary that it intends to distribute to its shareholders in a tax-free distribution in fiscal 2001. The Company's businesses which manufacture multi-layer printed circuit boards and bus systems as well as its independent laboratories which provide services for qualification testing and certification of electronic and optical components are included in Other. In April 1999 the Company announced its decision to exit the manufacture of printed circuitry as described in Note 3. The accounting policies of the technology segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company allocates resources to and evaluates performance of its technology segments based on operating income. Transfers between technology segments are recorded using internal transfer prices set by the Company. 26 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 12. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED) The table below presents information about the Company's reportable segments:

FISCAL YEAR 2000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTICAL SUBSYSTEMS ELECTRONIC AND COMPONENTS OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED ---------- -------------- ----- ------------ ------------ Net sales to unaffiliated customers $312,327,000 $84,847,000 $24,972,000 $422,146,000 Transfers between technology segments 132,000 2,268,000 996,000 $(3,396,000) - ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Total net sales $312,459,000 $87,115,000 $25,968,000 $(3,396,000) $422,146,000 ============ =========== =========== ============ ============ Operating income $48,507,000 $12,725,000 $1,112,000 $ 62,344,000 =========== =========== ========== Corporate expenses (15,356,000) ============ Total operating income $ 46,988,000 ------------ Depreciation and amortization $12,963,000 $3,333,000 $1,537,000 $ 17,833,000 =========== ========== ========== Corporate depreciation and amortization 1,024,000 ------------ Total depreciation and amortization $ 18,857,000 ============ Identifiable assets $171,807,000 $64,395,000 $14,565,000 $250,767,000 ============ =========== =========== General corporate assets 90,206,000 ------------ Total assets $340,973,000 ============

FISCAL YEAR 1999 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTICAL SUBSYSTEMS ELECTRONIC AND COMPONENTS OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED ---------------- -------------- ----------- ------------ ------------ Net sales to unaffiliated customers $314,406,000 $59,248,000 $30,077,000 $403,731,000 Transfers between technology segments - 1,865,000 777,000 $(2,642,000) - ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Total net sales $314,406,000 $61,113,000 $30,854,000 $(2,642,000) $403,731,000 ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ Operating income (loss) $ 55,979,000 $11,730,000 $(4,829,000) $ 62,880,000 ============ =========== =========== Corporate expenses (12,211,000) ------------ Total operating income $ 50,669,000 ============ Depreciation and amortization $ 13,034,000 $ 1,837,000 $ 1,787,000 $ 16,658,000 ============ =========== =========== Corporate depreciation and amortization 1,077,000 ------------ Total depreciation and amortization $ 17,735,000 ============ Identifiable assets $178,254,000 $33,497,000 $23,075,000 $234,826,000 ============ =========== =========== General corporate assets 81,797,000 ------------ Total assets $316,623,000 ============

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 12. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

FISCAL YEAR 1998 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- OPTICAL SUBSYSTEMS ELECTRONIC AND COMPONENTS OTHER ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED ------------- -------------- ----------- -------------- ------------- Net sales to unaffiliated customers $316,265,000 $33,683,000 $29,352,000 $379,300,000 Transfers between technology segments - 316,000 925,000 $(1,241,000) - ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ Total net sales $316,265,000 $33,999,000 $30,277,000 $(1,241,000) $379,300,000 ============ =========== =========== =========== ============ Operating income $ 61,803,000 $ 2,646,000 $ 689,000 $ 65,138,000 ============ =========== =========== Corporate expenses (11,572,000) ------------ Total operating income $ 53,566,000 ============ Depreciation and amortization $ 13,772,000 $ 1,460,000 $ 1,550,000 $ 16,782,000 ============ =========== =========== Corporate depreciation and 845,000 aaaaamortization amortization ------------ amortization amortization Total depreciation and amortization $ 17,627,000 ============ Identifiable assets $167,406,000 $18,856,000 $21,864,000 $208,126,000 ============ =========== =========== General corporate assets 79,404,000 ------------ Total assets $287,530,000 ============

Information about the Company's operations in different geographic regions is as follows:

2000 1999 1998 ---- ---- ---- Net Sales: United States $331,056,000 $310,620,000 $294,886,000 Asia Pacific 16,227,000 21,955,000 22,979,000 Europe 74,863,000 71,156,000 61,435,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ $422,146,000 $403,731,000 $379,300,000 ============ ============ ============ Operating Income (Loss): United States $ 37,187,000 $ 37,710,000 $ 43,529,000 Asia Pacific (1,016,000) 2,880,000 917,000 Europe 9,434,000 9,278,000 8,091,000 Income & expenses not allocated to areas 1,383,000 801,000 1,029,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ $ 46,988,000 $ 50,669,000 $ 53,566,000 ============ ============ ============ Long-Lived Assets: United States $100,224,000 $ 84,882,000 $ 79,270,000 Asia Pacific 9,500,000 11,018,000 15,456,000 Europe 36,281,000 36,368,000 33,333,000 ------------ ------------ ------------ $146,005,000 $132,268,000 $128,059,000 ============ ============ ============

28 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 13. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the two years ended April 30, 2000.

FISCAL YEAR 2000 QUARTER ENDED JULY 31 OCTOBER 31 JANUARY 31 APRIL 30 ----------- ------------- ------------- ------------ Net sales $98,607,614 $104,359,937 $102,022,877 $117,155,246 Gross profit 24,495,714 24,100,528 23,995,371 27,749,073 Net income 8,453,898 5,403,310 7,352,775 9,677,662 Net income per Common Share 0.24 0.15 0.21 0.27

FISCAL YEAR 1999 QUARTER ENDED JULY 31 OCTOBER 31 JANUARY 31 APRIL 30 ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------ Net sales $87,961,397 $107,875,915 $ 96,387,118 $111,506,101 Gross profit 22,519,987 27,120,224 23,410,967 27,361,282 Provision for exiting printed circuit business (see Note 3) - - - 3,100,000 Net income 7,677,390 9,187,753 7,122,426 8,831,337 Net income per Common Share 0.22 0.26 0.20 0.25

29 INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number Description ------ ----------- 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (1) 3.2 Bylaws of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (1) 4.1 Article Fourth of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (included in Exhibit 3.1) 10.1 Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan dated February 24, 1977 (2)* 10.2 Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Amendment No.1(2)* 10.3 Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (2)* 10.4 Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust -- Amendment No.1 (2)* 10.5 Methode Electronics, Inc. Incentive Stock Award Plan (3)* 10.6 Methode Electronics, Inc. Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (4)* 10.7 Methode Electronics, Inc. Managerial Bonus and Matching Bonus Plan (also referred to as the Longevity Contingent Bonus Program) (4)* 10.8 Methode Electronics, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (4)* 10.9 Incentive Stock Award Plan for Non-Employee Directors (5)* 10.10 Methode Electronics, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (5)* 10.11 Methode Electronics, Inc. 401(k) Saving Trust (5)* 10.12 Methode Electronics, Inc. Electronic Controls Division Cash and Class A Common Stock Bonus Plan (6) 10.13 Methode Electronics, Inc. 1997 Stock Plan (7) 10.14 Form of Master Separation Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant (8) 10.15 Form of Initial Public Offering and Distribution Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant (8) 10.16 Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (8) 23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 27 Financial Data Schedule (8) (1) Previously filed with Registrant's Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 33-61940 filed April 30, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Previously filed with Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 2-60613 and incorporated herein by reference. (3) Previously filed with Registrant's Registration Statement No. 2-92902 filed August 23, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference. (4) Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-Q for three months ended January 31, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. (5) Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. (6) Previously filed with Registrant's S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-88036 and incorporated herein by reference. (7) Previously filed with Registrant's Statement No. 333-49671 and incorporated herein by reference. (8) Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference. *Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.

30