kn-20210331

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021.

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-36102

Knowles Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware			90-1002689
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1151 Maplewood Drive, Itasca, IL

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

60143

(Zip Code)

(630) 250-5100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share

New York Stock Exchange

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 ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☑ 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.

Large accelerated filer

☑

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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☑

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of April 23, 2021 was 92,793,450.

Ta ble of Contents

Knowles Corporation

Form 10-Q

Table of Contents


		Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION		1
Item 1.	Financial Statements	1
	Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020	1
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020	2
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) at March 31 , 202 1 and December 31, 20 20	3
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31 , 202 1	4
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020	5
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	6
Forward-Looking Statements		21
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	33
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	33

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION		33
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	33
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	33
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	34


Item 6.	Exhibits	34
SIGNATURES		35

Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

KNOWLES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in millions, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Revenues	$	201.0	$	163.1
Cost of goods sold	123.0		105.5

Restructuring charges - cost of goods sold	—		1.4
Gross profit	78.0		56.2
Research and development expenses	23.3		25.7
Selling and administrative expenses	36.2		36.2

Restructuring charges	0.2		3.9
Operating expenses	59.7		65.8
Operating earnings (loss)	18.3		(9.6)
Interest expense, net	4.0		3.7
Other income, net	(0.9)		(2.7)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	15.2		(10.6)
Provision for income taxes	2.7		2.2
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	12.5		(12.8)
Earnings from discontinued operations, net	—		3.7
Net earnings (loss)	$	12.5	$	(9.1)

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
Basic	$	0.14	$	(0.14)
Diluted	$	0.13	$	(0.14)

Earnings per share from discontinued operations:
Basic	$	—	$	0.04
Diluted	$	—	$	0.04

Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.14	$	(0.10)
Diluted	$	0.13	$	(0.10)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	92,263,705		91,795,980
Diluted	94,983,586		91,795,980

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

KNOWLES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

(in millions)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Net earnings (loss)	$	12.5	$	(9.1)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax



Foreign currency translation	(3.6)		(7.5)

Employee benefit plans:


Amortization or settlement of actuarial losses and prior service costs	0.2		(0.1)
Net change in employee benefit plans	0.2		(0.1)

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges:
Unrealized net losses arising during period	(0.8)		(1.2)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings	(1.0)		0.1
Total cash flow hedges	(1.8)		(1.1)

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5.2)		(8.7)

Comprehensive earnings (loss)	$	7.3	$	(17.8)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

KNOWLES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)


	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	181.6	$	147.8

Receivables, net of allowances of $1.6	114.7		131.4
Inventories, net	142.3		130.1
Prepaid and other current assets	12.0		10.3

Total current assets	450.6		419.6
Property, plant, and equipment, net	183.6		191.5
Goodwill	910.0		910.0
Intangible assets, net	75.4		78.7
Operating lease right-of-use assets	21.5		23.3
Other assets and deferred charges	34.2		31.8

Total assets	$	1,675.3	$	1,654.9

Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	167.3	$	165.1
Accounts payable	81.0		70.3
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	22.5		30.4
Operating lease liabilities	10.0		10.2
Other accrued expenses	19.2		18.6
Federal and other taxes on income	2.2		2.7
Total current liabilities	302.2		297.3


Deferred income taxes	2.0		2.0
Long-term operating lease liabilities	16.6		18.7
Other liabilities	30.5		32.8
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0.3		0.6
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	—		—
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 93,837,670 and 92,759,307 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021, respectively, and 92,689,912 and 91,611,549 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020, respectively	0.9		0.9
Treasury stock - at cost; 1,078,363 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020	(16.2)		(16.2)
Additional paid-in capital	1,600.7		1,587.8
Accumulated deficit	(156.0)		(168.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(105.7)		(100.5)

Total stockholders' equity	1,323.7		1,303.5

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,675.3	$	1,654.9

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

KNOWLES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in millions)

(unaudited)


	Common Stock		Treasury Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	0.9	$	(16.2)	$	1,587.8	$	(168.5)	$	(100.5)	$	1,303.5
Net earnings	—		—		—		12.5		—		12.5
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		—		—		—		(5.2)		(5.2)





Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		11.1		—		—		11.1

Common stock issued for exercise of stock options	—		—		8.4		—		—		8.4
Tax on restricted and performance stock unit vesting	—		—		(6.6)		—		—		(6.6)



Balance at March 31, 2021	$	0.9	$	(16.2)	$	1,600.7	$	(156.0)	$	(105.7)	$	1,323.7


	Common Stock		Treasury Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	0.9	$	—	$	1,574.7	$	(175.1)	$	(112.0)	$	1,288.5
Net loss	—		—		—		(9.1)		—		(9.1)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		—		—		—		(8.7)		(8.7)
Repurchase of common stock	—		(15.0)		—		—		—		(15.0)




Stock-based compensation expense	—		—		3.5		—		—		3.5

Common stock issued for exercise of stock options and other	—		—		0.4		—		—		0.4
Tax on restricted and performance stock unit vesting	—		—		(5.8)		—		—		(5.8)



Balance at March 31, 2020	$	0.9	$	(15.0)	$	1,572.8	$	(184.2)	$	(120.7)	$	1,253.8

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

KNOWLES CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020
Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss)	$	12.5	$	(9.1)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash from operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization	15.1		15.3
Stock-based compensation	11.1		3.5

Non-cash interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs	2.3		2.1

Write-off of fixed assets	—		1.3
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets	(0.3)		0.1
Deferred income taxes	—		(0.5)





Other, net	(1.5)		(4.1)
Changes in assets and liabilities (excluding effects of foreign exchange):
Receivables, net	16.6		38.8
Inventories, net	(12.9)		(22.1)
Prepaid and other current assets	(3.3)		(5.6)

Accounts payable	10.8		(6.3)
Accrued compensation and employee benefits	(7.7)		(10.3)
Other accrued expenses	0.1		—
Accrued taxes	(0.9)		(2.9)
Other non-current assets and non-current liabilities	(2.2)		(1.7)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	39.7		(1.5)

Investing Activities


Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(5.2)		(7.8)





Purchase of investments	(2.1)		—
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.3		—
Net cash used in investing activities	(7.0)		(7.8)

Financing Activities

Borrowings under revolving credit facility	—		100.0




Repurchase of common stock	—		(15.0)
Tax on restricted and performance stock unit vesting	(6.6)		(5.8)
Payments of finance lease obligations	(0.6)		(0.5)


Proceeds from exercise of stock-based awards	8.4		0.2






Net cash provided by financing activities	1.2		78.9

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.1)		(0.2)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	33.8		69.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	147.8		78.4


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	181.6	$	147.8

Supplemental information - cash paid for:
Income taxes	$	4.5	$	5.4
Interest	$	0.4	$	0.4

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

Description of Business - Knowles Corporation (NYSE:KN) is a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and speakers, audio processing, and precision device solutions, serving the consumer electronics, communications, medtech, defense, electric vehicle, and industrial markets. The Company uses its leading position in SiSonicTM micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") microphones and strong capabilities in audio processing technologies to optimize audio systems and improve the user experience in mobile, ear, and Internet of Things ("IoT") applications. Knowles is also a leader in acoustic components, high-end capacitors, and mmWave radio frequency solutions for a diverse set of markets. The Company's focus on the customer, combined with its unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, rigorous testing, and global scale, enable the Company to deliver innovative solutions that optimize the user experience. References to "Knowles," "the Company," "we," "our," and "us" refer to Knowles Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Financial Statement Presentation - The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP” or “U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. Management uses historical experience and all available information to make these estimates, including considerations for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the macroeconomic environment. The situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be complex and rapidly evolving. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic or fully ascertain its impact on the Company’s future results and market capitalization, which could adversely impact estimates such as the recoverability of goodwill and long-lived assets and the realizability of deferred tax assets. The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of results for these interim periods.

On February 24, 2020, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of the Company's common stock. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the Company based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors, and will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The Company is not obligated to purchase any shares under the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number, and share price of shares repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. Any shares repurchased will be held as treasury stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Non-cash Investing Activities - Purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable at March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $2.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively. These non-cash amounts are not reflected as outflows to "Additions to property, plant, and equipment" within "Investing Activities" of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the respective periods.

Leases not yet Commenced - As of March 31, 2021, the Company has an operating lease for a research and development facility in Santa Clara, California that has not yet commenced with total fixed lease payments of approximately $5 million. The lease is expected to commence in fiscal 2021 with a lease term of approximately five years. The Company plans to sublet a significant portion of the facility due to the restructuring of the Intelligent Audio product line. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company determined a loss was probable and reasonably estimable under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 450, Contingencies, based on its plans and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on market conditions. The resulting estimated liability of $2.2 million, which will reduce the operating lease right-of-use asset upon lease commencement, is recorded in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

2. Recent Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06 to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The standard eliminates certain accounting models that separated embedded conversion features from host contracts for convertible instruments, requiring bifurcation only if the convertible feature qualifies as a derivative under ASC 815 or for convertible instruments issued at a substantial premium. In addition, the guidance requires the if-converted method of calculating diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments, which eliminates the use of the treasury stock method for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares. The standard is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard can be adopted on a modified retrospective basis to transactions outstanding as of the adoption date or on a fully retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company plans to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2022. The Company does not expect the standard to impact the Consolidated Financial Statements as all currently outstanding convertible instruments will mature prior to the adoption date. See Note 8. Borrowings for detail on the Company's outstanding convertible instruments.

3. Disposed and Discontinued Operations

Management and the Board of Directors periodically conduct strategic reviews of the Company's businesses.

On November 28, 2017, the Company completed the sale of its high-end oscillators business (“Timing Device Business”), part of the Precision Devices (“PD”) segment, for $130.0 million, plus purchase price adjustments for a net amount of $135.1 million. On July 7, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its speaker and receiver product line (“Speaker and Receiver Product Line”) for $45.0 million in cash, less purchase price adjustments for a net amount received of $40.6 million.

In accordance with ASC 205-20, Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations, the results of operations and financial positions of the Timing Device Business and Speaker and Receiver Product Line have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented as these disposals represent strategic shifts that had a major effect on the Company's results of operations.

Summarized results of the Company's discontinued operations are as follows:


(in millions)	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
Revenues	$	—







Operating income	—


Earnings from discontinued operations before taxes	—
Benefit from income taxes (1)	(3.7)
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	3.7

(1) The Company recorded a tax benefit for a refund received during the first quarter of 2020 related to the Timing Device Business.

Discontinued operations had no impact on the Company's results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are summarized below:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Liabilities of discontinued operations:
Federal and other taxes on income (1)	$	0.3	$	—
Total current liabilities	0.3		—
Other liabilities (1)	—		0.6
Total liabilities	$	0.3	$	0.6

(1) These accruals are attributable to an unrecognized tax benefit related to the Speaker and Receiver Product Line.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

4. Inventories, net

The following table details the major components of inventories, net:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Raw materials	$	93.2	$	89.7
Work in progress	33.5		31.0
Finished goods	55.7		48.4
Subtotal	182.4		169.1
Less reserves	(40.1)		(39.0)
Total	$	142.3	$	130.1

5. Property, Plant, and Equipment, net

The following table details the major components of property, plant, and equipment, net:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Land	$	7.9	$	8.0
Buildings and improvements	116.4		111.9
Machinery, equipment, and other	550.6		562.8
Subtotal	674.9		682.7
Less accumulated depreciation	(491.3)		(491.2)
Total	$	183.6	$	191.5

Depreciation expense totaled $11.8 million and $12.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

There were no changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for each major class of intangible assets are as follows:


	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
(in millions)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Trademarks	$	1.0	$	0.4	$	1.0	$	0.4
Patents	40.8		37.3		40.8		36.1
Customer relationships	12.0		5.7		12.0		5.2
Developed technology	36.5		8.2		36.5		6.7
Non-competition agreements	1.8		0.8		1.8		0.7
Total	92.1		52.4		92.1		49.1
Unamortized intangible assets:
Trademarks	32.0				32.0
IPR&D (1)	3.7				3.7
Total	35.7				35.7
Total intangible assets, net	$	75.4			$	78.7

(1) The in-process research and development ("IPR&D") project is expected to be complete in 2021. Upon completion of the underlying project, IPR&D will be reclassified as a definite-lived intangible asset and amortized over its estimated useful life.

Amortization expense totaled $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Amortization expense for the next five years, based on current definite-lived intangible balances, is estimated to be as follows:


(in millions)
Q2-Q4 2021	$	9.7
2022	7.7
2023	7.1
2024	7.0
2025	6.6

7. Restructuring and Related Activities

Restructuring and related activities are designed to better align the Company's operations with current market conditions through targeted facility consolidations, headcount reductions, and other measures to further optimize operations.

No restructuring charges were recorded within Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recorded restructuring charges within Operating expenses of $0.2 million for severance pay and benefits.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1.4 million within Gross profit, primarily for fixed asset write-off costs directly associated with actions to restructure the Intelligent Audio product line. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company also recorded restructuring charges of $3.9 million within Operating expenses, primarily for actions associated with rationalizing the workforce.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The following table details restructuring charges incurred by reportable segment for the periods presented:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		2020
Audio	$	0.2	$	4.1
Precision Devices	—		—
Corporate	—		1.2
Total	$	0.2	$	5.3

The following table details the Company’s severance and other restructuring accrual activity:


(in millions)	Severance Pay and Benefits		Contract Termination and Other Costs		Total
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	1.9	$	0.7	$	2.6

Restructuring charges	0.2		—		0.2
Payments	(0.9)		(0.2)		(1.1)

Balance at March 31, 2021	$	1.2	$	0.5	$	1.7

The severance and restructuring accruals are recorded in the following line items on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Other accrued expenses	$	1.7	$	2.4
Other liabilities	—		0.2
Total	$	1.7	$	2.6

8. Borrowings

Borrowings (net of debt issuance costs, debt discount, and amortization) consist of the following:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
3.25% convertible senior notes	$	167.3	$	165.1
Revolving credit facility	—		—
Total	167.3		165.1
Less current maturities	167.3		165.1
Total long-term debt	$	—	$	—

Total debt principal payments over the next five years are as follows:


(in millions)	Q2-Q4 2021		2022		2023		2024		2025
Debt principal payments	$	172.5	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due November 1, 2021

In May 2016, the Company issued $172.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due November 1, 2021 ("the Notes"), unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted pursuant to their terms. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 each year and commenced on November 1, 2016.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The Notes are governed by an Indenture (the "Indenture") between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association as trustee. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver cash, shares of the Company's common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of common stock, at the Company's election. The Company’s current intent is to settle the principal amount of the Notes in cash at maturity. The initial conversion rate is 54.2741 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The initial conversion price is $18.4250 per share of common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, upon the occurrence of a make-whole fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), the Company may be required, in certain circumstances, to increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares for a holder that elects to convert its Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding August 1, 2021, the Notes will be convertible only under the following circumstances:


=			during any calendar quarter and only during such calendar quarters, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
=			during the five business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or
=			upon the occurrence of specified corporate events.

On or after August 1, 2021 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their Notes, in multiples of $1,000 principal amount, at the option of the holder regardless of the foregoing circumstances. As of March 31, 2021, no event has occurred that would permit the conversion of the Notes. The Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations.

In accounting for the issuance of the Notes, the Company separated the Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature. The carrying amount of the equity component representing the conversion option was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the face value of the Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount is amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.

In accounting for the transaction costs related to the Notes issuance, the Company allocated the total amount incurred to the liability and equity components based on their relative values. Issuance costs attributable to the liability component, totaling $5.0 million, are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes, and issuance costs attributable to the equity component, totaling $1.3 million, were netted with the equity component in stockholders' equity.

The Notes consist of the following:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Liability component:
Principal	$	172.5	$	172.5
Less debt issuance costs and debt discount, net of amortization	(5.2)		(7.4)
Total	167.3		165.1
Less current maturities (1)	167.3		165.1
Long-term portion	$	—	$	—

Equity component (2)	$	29.9	$	29.9

(1) There are no required principal payments due until maturity in November 2021.

(2) Recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within additional paid-in capital, inclusive of the $1.3 million of issuance costs in equity.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The total estimated fair value of the Notes at March 31, 2021 was $201.2 million. The fair value was determined based on the closing trading price of the Notes as of the last trading day for the first quarter of 2021.

The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Notes:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		2020
3.25% coupon	$	1.4	$	1.4
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0.3		0.2
Amortization of debt discount	1.9		1.8
Total	$	3.6	$	3.4

Note Hedges

To minimize the impact of potential economic dilution upon conversion of the Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the “Note Hedges”) with respect to its common stock. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company paid an aggregate amount of $44.5 million for the Note Hedges. The Note Hedges will expire upon maturity of the Notes. The Note Hedges are intended to offset the potential dilution upon conversion of the Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion of the Notes in the event that the market value per share of the Company's common stock, as measured under the Note Hedges, is greater than the strike price of the Note Hedges, which initially corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the conversion rate of the Notes. The Note Hedges are separate transactions entered into by the Company, and are not part of the Notes or the Warrants, and have been accounted for as part of additional paid-in capital. Holders of the Notes do not have any rights with respect to the Note Hedges.

Warrants

In addition to the Note Hedges, in the second quarter of 2016, the Company entered into warrant transactions, whereby the Company sold warrants to acquire shares of the Company's common stock at a strike price of $21.1050 per share (the “Warrants”). The Company received aggregate proceeds of $39.1 million from the sale of the Warrants. If the market price per share of the Company's common stock for the reporting period, as measured under the Warrants, exceeds the strike price of the Warrants, the Warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company's common stock, unless the Company elects, subject to certain conditions, to settle the Warrants in cash. The Warrants are separate transactions entered into by the Company, and are not part of the Notes or the Note Hedges, and have been accounted for as part of additional paid-in capital. Holders of the Notes and Note Hedges do not have any rights with respect to the Warrants.

Revolving Credit Facility

There were no revolving credit facility borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

On September 4, 2020, the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement (the "New Credit Agreement"). The New Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "New Credit Facility") with borrowings in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $400.0 million. The New Credit Agreement serves as refinancing of indebtedness and terminates the Company's Revolving Credit Facility Agreement dated as of October 11, 2017 ("Prior Credit Facility"). The Prior Credit Facility consisted of a $400.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility.

Commitments under the New Credit Facility will terminate, and loans outstanding thereunder will mature, on January 2, 2024; provided, that if all the Notes have not been repaid, refinanced, and/or converted to common stock of the Company by August 2, 2021 (the "Springing Maturity Test Date"), then the commitments under the New Credit Facility will terminate, and the loans outstanding thereunder will mature, on such earlier date unless, from and after the Springing Maturity Test Date and for so long as the Notes have not been repaid, refinanced, and/or converted to common stock of the Company, the Company does not maintain liquidity (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) for any period of three consecutive business days of $150.0 million or more.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The New Credit Agreement includes requirements, to be tested quarterly, that the Company maintains (i) a minimum ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of 3.25 to 1.0 (the "Interest Coverage Ratio"), (ii) a maximum ratio of Consolidated total indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA of 3.75 to 1.0 (the "Total Leverage Ratio"), and (iii) a maximum ratio of senior secured indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDA of 3.25 to 1.0 (the "Senior Secured Leverage Ratio"). For these ratios, Consolidated EBITDA and consolidated interest expense are calculated using the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters in a manner defined in the New Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with these covenants and it expects to remain in compliance with all of its debt covenants over the next twelve months.

The interest rates under the New Credit Facility will be, at the Borrowers' option (1) LIBOR (or, in the case of borrowings under the New Credit Facility denominated in Euro, EURIBOR) plus the rates per annum determined from time to time based on the total leverage ratio of the Company as of the end of and for the most recent period of four fiscal quarters for which financial statements have been delivered (the "Applicable Margin"); or (2) in the case of borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars, alternate base rate ("ABR") (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) plus the Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin for LIBOR could range from 1.50% to 2.50% while the Applicable Margin for ABR could range from 0.50% to 1.50%. Prior to the discontinuation of the relevant LIBOR reference rate on June 30, 2023, the Company and its lenders will agree on an ABR to address the replacement of LIBOR for the remaining life of the New Credit Facility.

The interest rate under the New Credit Facility is variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and the Applicable Margin. In addition, a commitment fee accrues on the average daily unused portion of the New Credit Facility at a rate of 0.225% to 0.375%.

There were no borrowings outstanding under the New Credit Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The weighted-average interest rate on the Company's borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility was 3.09% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The weighted-average commitment fee on the revolving lines of credit was 0.27% and 0.23% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

9. Other Comprehensive Earnings

The amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2021						March 31, 2020
(in millions)	Pre-tax		Tax		Net of tax		Pre-tax		Tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation	$	(3.6)	$	—	$	(3.6)	$	(7.5)	$	—	$	(7.5)
Employee benefit plans	0.2		—		0.2		0.2		(0.3)		(0.1)
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges	(1.9)		0.1		(1.8)		(1.2)		0.1		(1.1)

Total other comprehensive loss	$	(5.3)	$	0.1	$	(5.2)	$	(8.5)	$	(0.2)	$	(8.7)

The following tables summarize the changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


(in millions)	Cash flow hedges		Employee benefit plans		Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments		Total
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	1.6	$	(22.1)	$	(80.0)	$	(100.5)


Other comprehensive (loss) earnings, net of tax	(1.8)		0.2		(3.6)		(5.2)

Balance at March 31, 2021	$	(0.2)	$	(21.9)	$	(83.6)	$	(105.7)


(in millions)	Cash flow hedges		Employee benefit plans		Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	0.5	$	(18.7)	$	(93.8)	$	(112.0)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1.1)		(0.1)		(7.5)		(8.7)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	(0.6)	$	(18.8)	$	(101.3)	$	(120.7)

The following tables summarize the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings:


		Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	Statement of Earnings Line	2021		2020
Pension and post-retirement benefit plans:
Amortization or settlement of actuarial losses and prior service costs	Other income, net	$	0.2	$	0.2
Tax	Provision for income taxes	—		(0.3)
Net of tax		$	0.2	$	(0.1)

Cash flow hedges:
Net (gains) losses reclassified into earnings	Cost of goods sold	$	(1.3)	$	0.1
Tax	Provision for income taxes	0.3		—
Net of tax		$	(1.0)	$	0.1


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

10. Income Taxes

Income taxes for the interim periods presented have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements on the basis of an estimated annual effective tax rate ("ETR"). The determination of the consolidated provision for income taxes requires management to make certain judgments and estimates. Changes in the estimated level of annual pre-tax earnings or loss, tax laws, and changes resulting from tax audits can affect the overall ETR, which impacts the level of income tax expense or benefit and net income or loss. Judgments and estimates related to the Company’s projections and assumptions are inherently uncertain and therefore, actual results could differ materially from projections.

The Company's ETR from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was a 17.8% provision and a 20.8% provision, respectively. The Company accrues taxes in various countries where it generates income and applies a valuation allowance in other jurisdictions (primarily the U.S.), which resulted in the provision for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

The Company's ETR is favorably impacted by tax holidays granted to the Company in Malaysia effective through December 31, 2021. These tax holidays are subject to the Company's annual satisfaction of certain conditions, including investment and sales thresholds. If the Company fails to satisfy such conditions, the Company's ETR may be significantly adversely impacted. The continuing operations benefit of our tax holidays in Malaysia for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was approximately $2.4 million, or $0.03 on a per share basis. The continuing operations benefit of these incentives for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was approximately $1.3 million, or $0.01 on a per share basis.

11. Equity Incentive Program

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings totaled $11.1 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Stock Options and SSARs

The expense related to stock options granted in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the assumptions shown in the table below:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021	2020
Risk-free interest rate	0.06%	1.42%
Dividend yield	—%	—%
Expected life (years)	4.5	4.3	to	4.5
Volatility	36.0%	38.8%	to	40.6%

Fair value at date of grant	$6.14	$5.56	to	$5.95


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company's stock-settled stock appreciation right ("SSAR") and stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (in millions, except share and per share amounts):


	SSARs						Stock Options
	Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Number of Shares	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Outstanding at December 31, 2020	596,537	$	22.72				5,765,903	$	17.44
Granted	—	—					214,982	20.60

Exercised	—	—					(524,864)	15.92
Forfeited	—	—					(60,045)	16.54
Expired	(106,477)	22.17					(838,666)	29.53
Outstanding at March 31, 2021	490,060	$	22.84	$	—	1.4	4,557,310	$	15.54	$	24.6	3.3

Exercisable at March 31, 2021	490,060	$	22.84	$	—	1.4	3,566,031	$	14.99	$	21.2	2.6

There was no unrecognized compensation expense related to SSARs at March 31, 2021. At March 31, 2021, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options not yet exercisable of $5.0 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

RSUs

The following table summarizes the Company's restricted stock unit ("RSU") activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Share units	Weighted-average grant date fair value
Unvested at December 31, 2020	1,909,786	$	16.14
Granted	914,083	20.60

Vested (1)	(757,961)	15.79
Forfeited	(54,828)	17.22
Unvested at March 31, 2021	2,011,080	$	18.23

(1) The number of RSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements.

At March 31, 2021, $28.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.

PSUs

The Company grants performance share units (“PSUs”) to senior management. In each case, the awards will cliff vest three years following the grant date. PSUs will be settled in shares of the Company's common stock. Depending on the Company's overall performance relative to the applicable measures, the size of the PSU awards are subject to adjustment, up or down, resulting in awards at the end of the performance period that can range from 0% to 225% of target. The Company will ratably recognize the expense over the applicable service period for each grant of PSUs and adjust the expense for the expected achievement of performance conditions as appropriate. The fair value of PSUs is determined by using a Monte Carlo simulation. For the awards granted in February 2021, the number of PSUs that may be earned and vest is based on total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to the component companies of the Russell 2000 Index over a three-year performance period.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on unique and unprecedented challenges to the Company, particularly in the hearing health and medtech markets. Many of the Company's executive compensation programs were affected, including outstanding PSU awards. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s overall business performance, effective February 8, 2021, the Company’s Compensation Committee approved certain modifications to PSUs granted in February 2018, 2019, and 2020.

For the awards granted in February 2018 (the “2018 PSUs”), the number of PSUs that may be earned and vest was originally based on the Company’s revenues and stock price performance over a three-year performance period. The modified award is based on the Company’s revenues and stock price performance over three separate one-year performance periods to isolate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's fiscal 2020 performance. In addition, the performance periods corresponding to fiscal 2018 and 2019 were weighted at 25% each while the performance period corresponding to fiscal 2020 was weighted at 50%, given the impact of fiscal 2020 performance on shareholders. Service conditions were not modified. The modification of the 2018 PSUs affected nine employees and resulted in total incremental compensation expense of $3.9 million, which was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 as there was no remaining service period. In February 2021, the 2018 PSUs were converted from 329,092 PSUs to 190,544 shares of common stock based on achievement of the modified conditions.

For the awards granted in February 2019 (the “2019 PSUs”), the number of PSUs that may be earned and vest was originally based on the Company's revenues and TSR relative to the component companies of the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index over a three-year performance period. The modified award is based on the Company’s revenues and TSR relative to the component companies of the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index over three separate one-year performance periods to isolate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's fiscal 2020 performance. Each period is weighted equally, as the Company expects to face challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic in fiscal 2021. Service conditions were not modified. The modification of the 2019 PSUs affected eight employees and resulted in total incremental compensation expense of $2.4 million, which will be recognized over the remaining service period. Incremental compensation expense is subject to adjustment for the expected achievement of the performance condition based on fiscal 2021 revenues.

For the awards granted in February 2020 (the “2020 PSUs”), the number of PSUs that may be earned and vest was originally based on TSR relative to the component companies of the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index over a three-year performance period. The modified award replaces the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index with the Russell 2000 Index. The Company is a member of the Russell 2000 Index, which represents a broader, more diversified index that better aligns with the Company's strategy. Service conditions were not modified. The modification of the 2020 PSUs affected eight employees and resulted in total incremental compensation expense of $4.7 million, which will be recognized over the remaining service period.

The following table summarizes the Company's PSU activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021:


	Share units	Weighted-average grant date fair value
Unvested at December 31, 2020	920,973	$	16.04
Granted	277,183	28.46

Vested (1)	(329,092)	13.75
Forfeited	(84,493)	17.16
Unvested at March 31, 2021	784,571	$	21.27

(1) The number of PSUs vested includes shares that the Company withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements.

At March 31, 2021, $16.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

12. Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were computed as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)	2021		2020
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	12.5	$	(12.8)
Earnings from discontinued operations, net	—		3.7
Net earnings (loss)	$	12.5	$	(9.1)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.14	$	(0.14)
Earnings from discontinued operations, net	—		0.04
Net earnings (loss)	$	0.14	$	(0.10)

Weighted-average shares outstanding	92,263,705		91,795,980

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.13	$	(0.14)
Earnings from discontinued operations, net	—		0.04
Net earnings (loss)	$	0.13	$	(0.10)

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	94,983,586		91,795,980

As the Company intends to settle the principal amount of the Notes in cash, the treasury stock method was used to calculate any potential dilutive effect of the conversion option on diluted earnings per share, if applicable. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted-average number of anti-dilutive potential common shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation above was 1,768,440 and 5,381,017, respectively.

13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. The majority of these claims and proceedings relate to commercial, warranty, employment, and intellectual property matters. Although the ultimate outcome of any legal proceeding or claim cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including management’s assessment of the merits of the particular claim, the Company believes that, apart from the action set forth below, the disposition of these legal proceedings or claims, individually or in the aggregate, after taking into account recorded accruals and the availability and limits of insurance coverage, will not have a material adverse effect on its cash flow, results of operations, or financial condition.

As previously disclosed, the Company is party to a representative action filed in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County under the Private Attorneys General Act, Consuelo Andrade, individually and on behalf of other similarly situated vs. Novacap LLC et al. (Case No. 20STCV21805). The complaint was filed on June 5, 2020 and, as amended, alleges that the Company incorrectly calculated overtime rate of pay, incorrectly paid overtime, and provided inaccurate wage statements, to certain non-exempt employees at the Company’s Valencia, California manufacturing facility in violation of California law. The action sought penalties, attorneys' fees, and other relief. After participating in voluntary mediation in February 2021, the parties agreed to a class-wide (except for employees who opt out) settlement, the amount of which was not material to our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. This settlement, if approved by the Court, would include settlement of all penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act, the California Labor Code, and other federal and state wage and hour statutes, attorneys’ fees and costs, class representative enhancements, and claims administration fees.


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The Company owns many patents and other intellectual property pertaining to its products, technology, and manufacturing processes. Some of the Company's patents have been and may continue to be infringed upon or challenged by others. In appropriate cases, the Company has taken and will take steps to protect and defend its patents and other intellectual property, including through the use of legal proceedings in various jurisdictions around the world. Such steps have resulted in and may continue to result in retaliatory legal proceedings, including litigation or other legal proceedings in various jurisdictions and forums around the world alleging infringement by the Company of patents owned by others. The costs of investigations and legal proceedings relating to the enforcement and defense of the Company’s intellectual property may be substantial. Additionally, in multi-forum disputes, the Company may incur adverse judgments with regard to certain claims in certain jurisdictions and forums while still contesting other related claims against the same opposing party in other jurisdictions and forums.

Intellectual Property Infringement Claims

The Company may, on a limited customer specific basis, provide contractual indemnities for certain losses that arise out of claims that its products infringe on the intellectual property of others. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, the Company has not made significant payments under such indemnity arrangements. The Company’s legal accruals associated with these indemnity arrangements were not significant at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

14. Segment Information

The Company's two reportable segments are Audio and Precision Devices. Information regarding the Company's reportable segments is as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		2020
Revenues:
Audio	$	163.1	$	120.1
Precision Devices	37.9		43.0
Total revenues	$	201.0	$	163.1

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes:
Audio	$	30.4	$	(6.1)
Precision Devices	4.5		7.1
Total segments	34.9		1.0
Corporate expense / other	15.7		7.9
Interest expense, net	4.0		3.7
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations	15.2		(10.6)
Provision for income taxes	2.7		2.2
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	12.5	$	(12.8)

Information regarding assets of the Company's reportable segments:


	Total Assets
(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Audio	$	1,497.3	$	1,470.4
Precision Devices	173.6		179.2
Corporate / eliminations	4.4		5.3

Total	$	1,675.3	$	1,654.9


Table of Contents			NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
			(unaudited)

The following table details revenues by geographic location. Revenues are attributed to regions based on the location of the Company's direct customer, which in some instances is an intermediary and not necessarily the end user. The Company's businesses are based primarily in Asia, North America, and Europe.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		2020
Asia	$	148.1	$	109.7
United States	31.5		29.3
Europe	19.2		22.4
Other Americas	1.2		0.6
Other	1.0		1.1
Total	$	201.0	$	163.1

Receivables, net from contracts with customers were $105.0 million and $123.8 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, our total remaining performance obligations are immaterial.

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to our operations, results of operations, our continued business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and other matters that are based on our current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target,” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of our management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements, including risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses to it, including but not limited to, the impact on our supply chain, customer demand, and costs associated with our operations. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:


o			unforeseen changes in MEMS microphone demand from our largest customers, in particular, two North American, a Korean, and Chinese original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") customers;
o			our ongoing ability to execute our strategy to diversify our end markets and customers;
o			our ability to stem or overcome price erosion in our segments;
o			fluctuations in our stock's market price;
o			fluctuations in operating results and cash flows;
o			our ability to prevent or identify quality issues in our products or to promptly remedy any such issues that are identified;
o			the timing of OEM product launches;
o			risks associated with increasing our inventories in advance of anticipated orders by customers;
o			global economic instability;
o			the impact of changes to laws and regulations that affect the Company’s ability to offer products or services to customers in different regions;
o			risks associated with shareholder activism, including proxy contests;
o			our ability to achieve continued reductions in our operating expenses;
o			the ability to qualify our products and facilities with customers;
o			our ability to obtain, enforce, defend, or monetize our intellectual property rights;
o			difficulties or delays in and/or the Company's inability to realize expected cost synergies from its acquisitions;
o			increases in the costs of critical raw materials and components;
o			availability of raw materials and components;
o			managing new product ramps and introductions for our customers;
o			our dependence on a limited number of large customers;
o			our ability to maintain and expand our existing relationships with leading OEMs in order to maintain and increase our revenue;
o			increasing competition and new entrants in the market for our products;
o			our ability to develop new or enhanced products or technologies in a timely manner that achieve market acceptance;
o			our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, and test our products and sub-components;
o			escalating international trade tensions, new or increased tariffs, and trade wars among countries;
o			financial risks, including risks relating to currency fluctuations, credit risks, and fluctuations in the market value of the Company;
o			market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices, particularly for various precious metals used in our manufacturing operation; and
o			changes in tax laws, changes in tax rates, and exposure to additional tax liabilities.

A more complete description of these risks, uncertainties, and other factors can be found under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. We do not undertake to update or revise our forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

We are a market leader and global provider of advanced micro-acoustic microphones and speakers, audio processing, and precision device solutions, serving the consumer electronics, communications, medtech, defense, electric vehicle, and industrial markets. We use our leading position in SiSonic™ micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") microphones and strong capabilities in audio processing technologies to optimize audio systems and improve the user experience in mobile, ear, and Internet of Things ("IoT") applications. We are also a leader in acoustic components, high-end capacitors, and mmWave radio frequency ("RF") solutions for a diverse set of markets. Our focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary manufacturing techniques, rigorous testing, and global scale, enables us to deliver innovative solutions that optimize the user experience. References to "Knowles," the "Company," "we," "our," or "us" refer to Knowles Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

We are organized into two reportable segments based on how management analyzes performance, allocates capital, and makes strategic and operational decisions. These segments were determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 280 - Segment Reporting and are comprised of (i) Audio and (ii) Precision Devices ("PD"). The segments are aligned around similar product applications serving our key end markets, to enhance focus on end market growth strategies.

•Audio Segment

Our Audio group designs and manufactures innovative audio products, including microphones, balanced armature speakers, and audio processors used in applications that serve the mobile, ear, and IoT markets. Locations include the sales, support, and engineering facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in Asia.

•PD Segment

Our PD group specializes in the design and delivery of high performance capacitor products and mmWave RF solutions for technically demanding applications. Our high performance capacitor products are used in applications such as power supplies and medical implants, which sell to a diverse set of customers for mission critical applications across the communications, medtech, defense, electric vehicle, and industrial markets. Our mmWave RF solutions primarily solve high frequency filtering challenges for our military customers, who use them in their satellite communication and radar systems, as well as our telecommunications infrastructure customers deploying mmWave 5G base stations. Locations include the sales, support, engineering, and manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

We sell our products directly to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and to their contract manufacturers and suppliers and to a lesser extent through distributors worldwide.

COVID-19 Impact

During 2020 and continuing into 2021, COVID-19, the most recently discovered coronavirus, spread throughout areas of the world where we operate. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. This has resulted in global business disruption, which has impacted our business operations, results of operations, customer demand, and the productivity of our facilities, particularly in China, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

We took various steps to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and to protect the health and safety of our employees. Such steps included, but were not limited to, significantly reducing employee travel; having office workers work remotely; suspending our share repurchase program; suspending annual wage increases; temporarily reducing salaries of employees, including the CEO and executive team; and reducing the cash compensation of our board of directors. Most restrictions have been lifted at our facilities and the majority of our office workers have now returned to working on-site. In locations where public health protocols have accommodated returning to work at our facilities, we implemented additional safety measures, including increased frequency in cleaning and disinfecting as well as hygiene and social distancing practices. During the third quarter of 2020, as our end markets began to show signs of recovery and we generated better than expected operating cash flow, we reinstated employee salaries including executive management salaries. We also restored the cash compensation for our board of directors and resumed the share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The situation related to COVID-19 continues to be complex and rapidly evolving. We cannot reasonably estimate the duration of the pandemic or fully ascertain its impact to our future results. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we will continue to actively monitor developments and business conditions and may take further actions that alter business operations as may be required by applicable authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, suppliers, stockholders, and communities. It is not clear what potential effects any such alterations or modifications may have on our business, including the effects on our financial results.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to the GAAP financial measures included in this item, we have presented certain non-GAAP financial measures. We use non-GAAP measures as supplements to our GAAP results of operations in evaluating certain aspects of our business, and our executive management team and Board of Directors focus on non-GAAP items as key measures of our performance for business planning purposes. These measures assist us in comparing our performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in our opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. We believe that our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that we use internally for purposes of assessing our core operating performance. The Company does not consider these non-GAAP financial measures to be a substitute for the information provided by GAAP financial results. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, see the reconciliation included herein.

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Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except per share amounts)	2021		2020
Revenues	$	201.0	$	163.1

Gross profit	$	78.0	$	56.2
Non-GAAP gross profit	$	78.4	$	58.2

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	19.2	$	(6.9)

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	34.3	$	5.5

Provision for income taxes	$	2.7	$	2.2
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes	$	4.4	$	0.4

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	12.5	$	(12.8)
Non-GAAP net earnings from continuing operations	$	27.8	$	3.2

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted	$	0.13	$	(0.14)
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.29	$	0.03

Revenues

Revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were $201.0 million, compared with $163.1 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $37.9 million or 23.2%. Audio revenues increased $43.0 million, primarily due to higher shipping volumes as market conditions have improved from 2020, which was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher 2021 shipping volumes were driven by MEMS microphones in the computing, IoT, and mobile markets. The computing market has benefited from the work-from-home and remote-learning trends, while the IoT and mobile markets have returned to pre-pandemic shipping volumes. Hearing health shipping volumes have also returned to pre-pandemic levels. The increased shipping volumes were partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products. PD revenues decreased $5.1 million, primarily due to lower demand from the defense and medtech markets, partially offset by an increase in the electric vehicle market. The defense and medtech markets have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2021.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold ("COGS") for the first quarter of 2021 was $123.0 million, compared with $105.5 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $17.5 million or 16.6%. This increase was primarily the result of higher shipping volumes, partially offset by the benefits of productivity initiatives and higher factory capacity utilization.

Restructuring Charges

During the first quarter of 2021, there were no restructuring charges recorded within Gross profit. We recorded restructuring charges of $0.2 million within Operating expenses for severance pay and benefits.

During the first quarter of 2020, we recorded restructuring charges of $1.4 million within Gross profit, primarily for fixed asset write-off costs directly associated with actions to restructure the Intelligent Audio product line. We also recorded restructuring charges of $3.9 million within Operating expenses, primarily for actions associated with rationalizing the workforce.

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Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Profit

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2021 was $78.0 million, compared with $56.2 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $21.8 million or 38.8%. Gross profit margin (gross profit as a percentage of revenues) for the first quarter of 2021 was 38.8%, compared with 34.5% for the first quarter of 2020. The increases were primarily due to higher shipping volumes, product cost reductions, and higher factory capacity utilization, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products. Our 2020 plant productivity was negatively impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-GAAP gross profit for the first quarter of 2021 was $78.4 million, compared with $58.2 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $20.2 million or 34.7%. Non-GAAP gross profit margin (non-GAAP gross profit as a percentage of revenues) for the first quarter of 2021 was 39.0%, compared with 35.7% for the first quarter of 2020. The increases were primarily due to higher shipping volumes, product cost reductions, and higher factory capacity utilization, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products. Our 2020 plant productivity was negatively impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were $23.3 million, compared with $25.7 million for the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $2.4 million or 9.3%. Research and development expenses as a percentage of revenues for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 were 11.6% and 15.8%, respectively. The decrease in expenses was primarily driven by lower operating costs in our Audio segment as a result of headcount reductions in our Intelligent Audio product line, partially offset by higher incentive compensation costs and increased spending in MEMS microphones. The decrease in expenses as a percentage of revenues was primarily due to the increase in our revenues.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2021 were consistent with the first quarter of 2020. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the first quarter of 2021 and 2020 were 18.0% and 22.2%, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense in 2021 increased due to certain modifications made to previously granted performance share units ("PSU's") due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while stock-based compensation expense in 2020 was lower due to a change in estimated attainment of certain performance targets for the PSU awards due to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For additional information on stock-based compensation expense, refer to Note 11. Equity Incentive Program to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The stock-based compensation expense increase was primarily offset by decreases in our legal, compensation, and travel expenses. Legal expenses decreased due to reduced activity related to the protection of our intellectual property. The decrease in compensation and travel expenses was primarily driven by operating cost reduction efforts and our prior year restructuring actions, which were implemented to minimize the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in expenses as a percentage of revenues was due to the increase in our revenues.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2021 was $4.0 million, compared with $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $0.3 million. The increase in interest expense is primarily due to higher amortization of debt discount and issuance costs. For additional information on borrowings and interest expense, refer to Note 8. Borrowings to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Other Income, net

Other income for the first quarter of 2021 was $0.9 million, compared with income of $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2020, a change of $1.8 million. The change is primarily due to the impacts from foreign currency exchange rate changes.

Provision for Income Taxes and Non-GAAP Provision for Income Taxes

The effective tax rate ("ETR") from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021 was a 17.8% provision, compared with a 20.8% provision for the first quarter of 2020. The Company accrues taxes in various countries where it generates income and applies a valuation allowance in other jurisdictions (primarily the U.S.), which resulted in the provision for both the first quarter of 2021 and 2020.

The non-GAAP ETR from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021 was a 13.7% provision, compared with an 11.1% provision for the first quarter of 2020. The change in the non-GAAP ETR was due to the mix of earnings and losses by taxing jurisdictions.

The ETR and non-GAAP ETR deviate from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate, mainly due to the taxing jurisdictions where we generate taxable income or loss, the favorable impact of our significant tax holidays in Malaysia, and judgments as to the realizability of our deferred tax assets. A significant portion of our pre-tax income is subject to a lower tax rate as a result of our Malaysian tax holidays, subject to our annual satisfaction of certain conditions we expect to continue to satisfy. Unless extended or renegotiated, our existing significant tax holiday in Malaysia will expire on December 31, 2021. For additional information on these tax holidays, refer to Note 10. Income Taxes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations

Earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021 was $12.5 million, compared with a $12.8 million loss for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $25.3 million. As described above, the increase is primarily due to higher revenues, higher gross profit margin, and lower operating expenses.

Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

Earnings before interest and income taxes ("EBIT") from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021 was $19.2 million, compared with a $6.9 million loss before interest and income taxes from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $26.1 million. The increase in EBIT was primarily due to higher revenues, higher gross profit margin, and lower operating expenses.

Adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2021 was $34.3 million, compared with $5.5 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $28.8 million. Adjusted EBIT margin (adjusted EBIT from continuing operations as a percentage of revenues) for the first quarter of 2021 was 17.1%, compared with 3.4% for the first quarter of 2020. The increases in Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin were primarily due to higher revenues, higher non-GAAP gross profit margin, and lower non-GAAP operating expenses.

Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net

Earnings from discontinued operations was $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared with no impact in the first quarter of 2021. We recorded a tax benefit for a refund received during the first quarter of 2020 related to the Timing Device Business.

Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations and Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.13 for the first quarter of 2021, compared with a $0.14 loss per share for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $0.27. As described above, the increase is primarily due to higher gross profit and lower operating expenses.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.29 for the first quarter of 2021, compared with earnings of $0.03 for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $0.26. As described above, the increase is primarily due to higher non-GAAP gross profit and lower non-GAAP operating expenses.

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Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Measures to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
(in millions, except share and per share amounts)	2021		2020
Gross profit	$	78.0	$	56.2
Stock-based compensation expense	0.4		0.5

Restructuring charges	—		1.4
Production transfer costs (2)	—		0.1

Non-GAAP gross profit	$	78.4	$	58.2





















Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	12.5	$	(12.8)
Interest expense, net	4.0		3.7
Provision for income taxes	2.7		2.2
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	19.2		(6.9)
Stock-based compensation expense	11.1		3.5
Intangibles amortization expense	3.3		3.3

Restructuring charges	0.2		5.3
Production transfer costs (2)	—		0.1
Other (3)	0.5		0.2
Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	34.3	$	5.5

Interest expense, net	$	4.0	$	3.7
Interest expense, net non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (4)	1.9		1.8
Non-GAAP interest expense	$	2.1	$	1.9

Provision for income taxes	$	2.7	$	2.2
Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (5)	1.7		(1.8)
Non-GAAP provision for income taxes	$	4.4	$	0.4

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	12.5	$	(12.8)
Non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (6)	15.1		12.4
Interest expense, net non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (4)	1.9		1.8
Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments (5)	1.7		(1.8)
Non-GAAP net earnings from continuing operations	$	27.8	$	3.2

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	0.13	$	(0.14)
Earnings per share non-GAAP reconciling adjustment	0.16		0.17
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.29	$	0.03



Diluted average shares outstanding	94,983,586		91,795,980
Non-GAAP adjustment (7)	754,450		3,180,724
Non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding (7)	95,738,036		94,976,704

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(1) In addition to the GAAP financial measures included herein, Knowles has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain amounts that are included in the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Knowles believes that non-GAAP measures are useful as supplements to its GAAP results of operations to evaluate certain aspects of its operations and financial performance, and its management team primarily focuses on non-GAAP items in evaluating Knowles' performance for business planning purposes. Knowles also believes that these measures assist it with comparing its performance between various reporting periods on a consistent basis, as these measures remove from operating results the impact of items that, in Knowles' opinion, do not reflect its core operating performance. Knowles believes that its presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with the same information that Knowles uses internally for purposes of assessing its core operating performance.

(2) Production transfer costs represent duplicate costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to facilities primarily in Asia. These amounts are included in the corresponding Gross profit and Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes for each period presented.

(3) In 2021, Other expenses represent the ongoing net lease cost (income) related to facilities not used in operations. In 2020, Other expenses represent expenses related to shareholder activism.

(4) Under GAAP, certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) upon conversion are required to be separately accounted for as liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. Accordingly, for GAAP purposes we are required to recognize imputed interest expense on the Company’s $172.5 million of convertible senior notes due 2021 that were issued in a private placement in May 2016. The imputed interest rate is 8.12% for the convertible notes due 2021, while the actual coupon interest rate of the notes was 3.25%. The difference between the imputed interest expense and the coupon interest expense is excluded from management’s assessment of the Company’s operating performance because management believes that this non-cash expense is not indicative of its core, ongoing operating performance.

(5) Income tax effects of non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are calculated using the applicable tax rates in the jurisdictions of the underlying adjustments.

(6) The non-GAAP reconciling adjustments are those adjustments made to reconcile Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes to Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes.

(7) The number of shares used in the diluted per share calculations on a non-GAAP basis excludes the impact of stock-based compensation expense expected to be incurred in future periods and not yet recognized in the financial statements, which would otherwise be assumed to be used to repurchase shares under the GAAP treasury stock method. In addition, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions to offset any potential dilution from the convertible notes. Although the anti-dilutive impact of the convertible note hedges is not reflected under GAAP, the Company includes the anti-dilutive impact of the convertible note hedges in non-GAAP diluted average shares outstanding, if applicable.

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Segment Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

The following is a summary of the results of operations of our two reportable segments: Audio and Precision Devices.

See Note 14. Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements for (i) a reconciliation of segment revenues to our consolidated revenues and (ii) a reconciliation of segment earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes to our consolidated earnings (loss) from continuing operations.

Audio


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		Percent of Revenues	2020		Percent of Revenues
Revenues	$	163.1		$	120.1



Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	30.4	18.6%	$	(6.1)	NM (2)
Stock-based compensation expense	3.1			3.4
Intangibles amortization expense	2.8			2.6

Restructuring charges	0.2			4.1


Other (1)	0.4			—
Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	36.9	22.6%	$	4.0	3.3%

(1) Other represents the ongoing net lease cost (income) related to facilities not used in operations.
(2) Not meaningful.

Revenues

Revenues were $163.1 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $120.1 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $43.0 million or 35.8%. Revenues increased primarily due to higher shipping volumes as market conditions have improved from 2020, which was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher 2021 shipping volumes were driven by MEMS microphones in the computing, IoT, and mobile markets. The computing market has benefited from the work-from-home and remote-learning trends, while the IoT and mobile markets have returned to pre-pandemic shipping volumes. Hearing health shipping volumes have also returned to pre-pandemic levels. The increased shipping volumes were partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products.

Earnings (Loss) and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

EBIT was $30.4 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with a loss of $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $36.5 million. The increases were primarily due to higher revenues, higher gross profit margin, lower legal expenses in connection with the protection of our intellectual property, lower operating costs, and a reduction in restructuring charges. The gross profit margin increase was driven by higher shipping volumes, product cost reductions, and higher factory capacity utilization, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products. Our reduction in operating costs was primarily driven by headcount reductions in our Intelligent Audio product line, which optimized the workforce. Our 2020 plant productivity was negatively impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Adjusted EBIT was $36.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $32.9 million. Adjusted EBIT margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 22.6%, compared to 3.3% for the first quarter of 2020. The increases were primarily due to higher revenues, higher gross profit margin, lower legal expenses in connection with the protection of our intellectual property, and lower operating costs. The gross profit margin increase was driven by higher shipping volumes, product cost reductions, and higher factory capacity utilization, partially offset by lower average pricing on mature products. Our reduction in operating costs was primarily driven by headcount reductions in our Intelligent Audio product line, which optimized the workforce. Our 2020 plant productivity was negatively impacted by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Precision Devices


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		Percent of Revenues	2020		Percent of Revenues
Revenues	$	37.9		$	43.0



Earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	4.5	11.9%	$	7.1	16.5%
Stock-based compensation expense	0.8			0.1
Intangibles amortization expense	0.5			0.7


Production transfer costs (1)	—			0.1

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes	$	5.8	15.3%	$	8.0	18.6%

(1) Production transfer costs represent duplicate costs incurred to migrate manufacturing to existing facilities. These amounts are included in earnings from continuing operations before interest and income taxes for each period presented.

Revenues

Revenues were $37.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $43.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $5.1 million or 11.9%. Revenues decreased primarily due to lower demand from the defense and medtech markets, partially offset by an increase in the electric vehicle market. The defense and medtech markets have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the first quarter of 2021.

Earnings and Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Interest and Income Taxes

EBIT was $4.5 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $7.1 million for the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $2.6 million. EBIT margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 11.9%, compared to 16.5% for the first quarter of 2020. The decreases were primarily driven by lower shipping volumes, increased stock-based compensation expense, and lower factory capacity utilization, partially offset by the benefits of productivity initiatives.

Adjusted EBIT was $5.8 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared with $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of $2.2 million. Adjusted EBIT margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 15.3%, compared with 18.6% for the first quarter of 2020. The decreases were primarily driven by lower shipping volumes and lower factory capacity utilization, partially offset by the benefits of productivity initiatives.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have generated and expect to continue to generate positive cash flow from operations. Our ability to fund our operations and capital needs will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and access to capital markets. We believe that our future cash flow from operations and access to capital markets will provide adequate resources to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, strategic investments, and share repurchases. We have secured a revolving line of credit in the United States from a syndicate of commercial banks to provide additional liquidity. Furthermore, if we were to require additional cash above and beyond our cash on the balance sheet, the free cash flow generated by the business, and availability under our revolving credit facility, we would most likely seek to raise long-term financing through the U.S. debt or bank markets.

In May 2016, we sold $172.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due November 1, 2021 ("the Notes") and concurrently entered into convertible note hedge transactions with respect to our common stock to minimize the potential dilution upon conversion of the Notes. The Company’s current intent is to settle the principal amount of the Notes in cash at maturity. In addition, we entered into warrant transactions whereby we sold warrants to acquire shares of our common stock at a strike price of $21.1050 per share. The Notes will mature in 2021, unless earlier converted. The Notes are unsecured, senior obligations and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears. The Notes will be convertible into cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination thereof, at our election. We have primarily used the net proceeds to reduce borrowings outstanding. For additional information, refer to Note 8. Borrowings to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 24, 2020, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program of up to $100 million of our common stock. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by us based on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors, and will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in either the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number, and share price of shares repurchased will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, and applicable legal requirements. Any shares repurchased will be held as treasury stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

On September 4, 2020, we entered into a new Credit Agreement (the "New Credit Agreement"). The New Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "New Credit Facility") with borrowings in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $400.0 million. For additional information, refer to Note 8. Borrowings to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, as well as any debt that we may incur in the future, will depend on our ability in the future to generate cash from operations and financings. Due to the global nature of our operations, a significant portion of our cash is generated and typically held outside the United States. Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $181.6 million and $147.8 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Of these amounts, cash held by our non-U.S. operations totaled $134.0 million and $101.4 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

To the extent we repatriate these funds to the U.S., we may be required to pay U.S. state income taxes and applicable foreign withholding taxes on those amounts during the period when such repatriation occurs. Management will continue to reassess our need to repatriate the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries.

Cash Flow Summary

Cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities as reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are summarized in the following table:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)	2021		2020
Net cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	39.7	$	(1.5)
Investing activities	(7.0)		(7.8)
Financing activities	1.2		78.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(0.1)		(0.2)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	33.8	$	69.4

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Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities in 2021 increased $41.2 million compared to 2020, primarily due to an improvement in net earnings, which was largely driven by higher revenues, improved gross profit margins, and lower operating expenses. In addition, cash provided by the net sum of favorable changes in accounts payable, inventories, and accounts receivable were higher in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the first quarter of 2020.

Investing Activities

The cash used in investing activities during 2021 was primarily driven by capital expenditures to support product innovation and cost savings. The cash used in investing activities during 2020 was driven by capital expenditures to support our manufacturing capacity expansion.

In 2021, we expect capital expenditures to be in the range of 5.0% to 7.0% of revenues.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities during 2021 is primarily related to the net proceeds of $8.4 million from the exercise of options, partially offset by the $6.6 million payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards. Cash provided by financing activities during 2020 is primarily related to the borrowings under our revolving credit facility of $100.0 million, partially offset by the $15.0 million of repurchases of common stock and the $5.8 million payment of taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards.

Contingent Obligations

We are involved in various legal proceedings, claims, and investigations arising in the ordinary course of business. Legal contingencies are discussed in Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Borrowings

Borrowings (net of debt issuance costs, debt discount, and amortization) consist of the following:


(in millions)	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
3.25% convertible senior notes	$	167.3	$	165.1
Revolving credit facility	—		—
Total	167.3		165.1
Less current maturities	167.3		165.1
Total long-term debt	$	—	$	—

Commitments under the New Credit Facility will terminate, and loans outstanding thereunder will mature, on January 2, 2024; provided, that if all the Notes have not been repaid, refinanced, and/or converted to our common stock by August 2, 2021 (the "Springing Maturity Test Date"), then the commitments under the New Credit Facility will terminate, and the loans outstanding thereunder will mature, on such earlier date unless, from and after the Springing Maturity Test Date and for so long as the Notes have not been repaid, refinanced, and/or converted to our common stock, we do not maintain liquidity (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) for any period of three consecutive business days of $150.0 million or more.

The interest rate under the New Credit Facility is variable based on LIBOR at the time of the borrowing and our total leverage ratio. Based upon our total leverage ratio, our borrowing rate could range from LIBOR + 1.50% to LIBOR + 2.50%. In addition, a commitment fee accrues on the average daily unused portion of the New Credit Facility at a rate of 0.225% to 0.375%. At March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all covenants under these facilities.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition is based on our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures. In preparing these financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements. Estimates are revised periodically. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The information concerning our critical accounting policies can be found under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2021. There are no material changes in our previously reported critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Standards

The adoption of recent accounting standards, as included in Note 2. Recent Accounting Standards to our Consolidated Financial Statements, has not had and is not expected to have a significant impact on our revenue, earnings, or liquidity.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, there were no material changes to the information on market risk exposure disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk as of December 31, 2020, refer to Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer ("CEO") and chief financial officer ("CFO"), the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is (1) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first quarter of 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by intentionally falsified documentation, by collusion of two or more individuals within Knowles or third parties, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For a discussion of contingencies related to legal proceedings, see Note 13. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Except as otherwise noted above, there have been no material developments in legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases was $83.8 million.

Item 6. Exhibits


31.1			Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2			Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1			Joint Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101			The following financial information from Knowles Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags.

104			The cover page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


		KNOWLES CORPORATION

Date:	April 27, 2021	/s/ John S. Anderson
		John S. Anderson
		Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)