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

FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)

[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2017
or
[    ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________ to ____________

Commission File No. 0-11676
_____________________

BEL FUSE INC.
206 Van Vorst Street
Jersey City, NJ  07302
(201) 432-0463

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

NEW JERSEY
 
22-1463699
(State of  incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X]
No [   ]
     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [X]
No [   ]
     
Indicate by checkmark 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 [X]
Non-accelerated filer [    ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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 Act).
[   ]
 
Yes [   ]
 
 
 
 
No [X]


Title of Each Class
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 as of August 1, 2017
Class A Common Stock ($0.10 par value)
 
2,174,912
Class B Common Stock ($0.10 par value)
 
9,868,902



BEL FUSE INC.
       
INDEX
       
     
Page
Part I
   
       
 
Item 1.
2
       
     
   
2
       
     
   
3
       
     
   
4
       
     
   
5
       
   
6 - 14
       
 
Item 2.
 
   
15 - 21
       
 
Item 3.
 
   
21
       
 
Item 4.
21
       
Part II
   
       
 
Item 1.
21
       
 
Item 1A.
21
       
 
Item 2.
22
       
 
Item 6.
23
       
   
24
 
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The terms the "Company," "Bel," "we," "us," and "our" as used in this report refer to Bel Fuse Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.

The Company's consolidated operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability, including the risk factors described in Item 1A of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a result of these and other factors, the Company may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis, which could materially and adversely affect its business, consolidated financial condition, operating results, and common stock prices.  Furthermore, this document and other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") contain certain forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Forward-Looking Statements") with respect to the business of the Company.  Forward-Looking Statements are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Forward-Looking Statements can be identified by such words as "anticipates," "believes," "plan," "assumes," "could," "should," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "potential," "seek," "predict," "may," "will" and similar references to future periods.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are Forward-Looking Statements.  These Forward-Looking Statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Item 1A of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these Forward-Looking Statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these Forward-Looking Statements which may be necessary to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Any Forward-Looking Statement made by the Company is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made.



 
PART I.  Financial Information

Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
           
 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
58,663
   
$
73,411
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,692
               
  in 2017 and $1,781 in 2016
   
89,228
     
74,416
 
Inventories
   
102,992
     
98,871
 
Other current assets
   
10,500
     
8,744
 
    Total current assets
   
261,383
     
255,442
 
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
44,947
     
48,755
 
Intangible assets, net
   
72,108
     
74,828
 
Goodwill
   
19,358
     
17,951
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,262
     
3,410
 
Other assets
   
27,881
     
26,354
 
    Total assets
 
$
429,939
   
$
426,740
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
48,821
   
$
47,235
 
Accrued expenses
   
29,167
     
31,549
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
14,440
     
11,395
 
Other current liabilities
   
5,074
     
2,148
 
    Total current liabilities
   
97,502
     
92,327
 
 
               
Long-term Liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
   
116,075
     
129,850
 
Liability for uncertain tax positions
   
27,339
     
27,458
 
Minimum pension obligation and unfunded pension liability
   
17,498
     
16,900
 
Deferred income taxes
   
1,597
     
1,460
 
Other liabilities
   
305
     
311
 
    Total liabilities
   
260,316
     
268,306
 
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock, no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Class A common stock, par value $.10 per share, 10,000,000 shares
               
    authorized; 2,174,912 shares outstanding at each date (net of
               
    1,072,769 treasury shares)
   
217
     
217
 
Class B common stock, par value $.10 per share, 30,000,000 shares
               
     authorized; shares outstanding: 9,869,102 in 2017 and 9,851,652
               
     in 2016 (net of 3,218,307 treasury shares)
   
987
     
985
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
27,089
     
27,242
 
Retained earnings
   
165,200
     
161,287
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(23,870
)
   
(31,297
)
    Total stockholders' equity
   
169,623
     
158,434
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
429,939
   
$
426,740
 
 
               
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
                       
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
 
                       
Net sales
 
$
131,617
   
$
131,622
   
$
245,285
   
$
252,805
 
Cost of sales
   
102,575
     
105,930
     
192,965
     
204,040
 
Gross profit
   
29,042
     
25,692
     
52,320
     
48,765
 
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
   
21,858
     
17,966
     
43,010
     
35,636
 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
   
-
     
(2,611
)
   
-
     
105,972
 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
   
42
     
-
     
42
     
-
 
Restructuring charges
   
138
     
373
     
171
     
601
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
7,004
     
9,964
     
9,097
     
(93,444
)
 
                               
Interest expense
   
(1,586
)
   
(1,505
)
   
(3,010
)
   
(3,706
)
Interest income and other, net
   
(6
)
   
184
     
48
     
224
 
Earnings (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes
   
5,412
     
8,643
     
6,135
     
(96,926
)
 
                               
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
   
2,292
     
(14,133
)
   
2,269
     
(19,005
)
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders
 
$
3,120
   
$
22,776
   
$
3,866
   
$
(77,921
)
 
                               
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) per common share:
                               
Class A common share - basic and diluted
 
$
0.24
   
$
1.83
   
$
0.30
   
$
(6.31
)
Class B common share - basic and diluted
 
$
0.26
   
$
1.93
   
$
0.33
   
$
(6.61
)
 
                               
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
                               
Class A common share - basic and diluted
   
2,175
     
2,175
     
2,175
     
2,175
 
Class B common share - basic and diluted
   
9,859
     
9,729
     
9,852
     
9,715
 
 
                               
Dividends paid per common share:
                               
Class A common share
 
$
0.06
   
$
0.06
   
$
0.12
   
$
0.12
 
Class B common share
 
$
0.07
   
$
0.07
   
$
0.14
   
$
0.14
 
 
                               
 
                               
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
                       
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
 
                       
Net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders
 
$
3,120
   
$
22,776
   
$
3,866
   
$
(77,921
)
 
                               
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $153 in the three months
                               
   ended June 30, 2017, $0 in the three months ended June 30, 2016, $184 in
                               
   the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $0 in the six months ended
                               
    June 30, 2016
   
5,661
     
(4,071
)
   
7,572
     
(3,043
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities arising during the period,
                               
net of taxes of $7 in the three months ended June 30, 2017, $33 in the
                               
three months ended June 30, 2016, $(170) in the six months ended June 30,
                               
2017 and $60 in the six months ended June 30, 2016
   
12
     
54
     
(267
)
   
98
 
Change in unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of $32 in the three months
                               
ended June 30, 2017, $32 in the three months ended June 30, 2016, $65 in
                               
the six months ended June 30, 2017 and $104 in the six months ended
                               
 June 30, 2016
   
61
     
66
     
122
     
500
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
5,734
     
(3,951
)
   
7,427
     
(2,445
)
 
                               
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
8,854
   
$
18,825
   
$
11,293
   
$
(80,366
)
 
                               
 
                               
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 




BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(unaudited)
 
  
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
 
           
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
3,866
   
$
(77,921
)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net
               
 cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
10,476
     
10,968
 
Stock-based compensation
   
1,545
     
1,399
 
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
   
-
     
105,972
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
670
     
1,052
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(826
)
   
(6,704
)
Net unrealized losses (gains) on foreign currency revaluation
   
2,107
     
(582
)
Other, net
   
892
     
1,180
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable, net
   
(13,843
)
   
3,320
 
Inventories
   
(2,658
)
   
(1,550
)
Account payable
   
492
     
944
 
Accrued expenses
   
(2,409
)
   
(4,134
)
Other operating assets/liabilities, net
   
(694
)
   
(17,610
)
      Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(382
)
   
16,334
 
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(2,243
)
   
(3,698
)
Proceeds from disposal/sale of property, plant and equipment
   
10
     
1
 
       Net cash used in investing activities
   
(2,233
)
   
(3,697
)
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayments of long-term debt
   
(15,400
)
   
(27,380
)
Dividends paid to common stockholders
   
(1,562
)
   
(1,540
)
Payment of deferred financing costs
   
-
     
(718
)
Borrowings under revolving credit line
   
6,000
     
-
 
Repayments of revolving credit line
   
(2,000
)
   
-
 
Reduction in notes payable
   
(213
)
   
(114
)
       Net cash used in financing activities
   
(13,175
)
   
(29,752
)
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
1,042
     
(457
)
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(14,748
)
   
(17,572
)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
   
73,411
     
85,040
 
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
 
$
58,663
   
$
67,468
 
 
               
 
               
Supplementary information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
    Income tax payments, net of refunds received
 
$
881
   
$
746
 
    Interest payments
 
$
2,336
   
$
2,654
 
 
               
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

BEL FUSE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the periods presented herein have been prepared by the Company and are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented have been made.  The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Bel Fuse Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Certain information and footnote disclosures required under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted from the following condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations, including the interim reporting requirements, of the SEC.  The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company's significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.  There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2017.

All amounts included in the tables to these notes to condensed consolidated financial statements, except per share amounts, are in thousands.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statements of cash flows.  Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies (including tax benefits of dividends on share-based payment awards) should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit on the statements of operations. Under current GAAP, excess tax benefits are recognized in additional paid-in capital while tax deficiencies are recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or on the statements of operations.  The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017.  Certain provisions required retrospective/modified retrospective transition while others were applied prospectively. In accordance with this guidance, the Company reclassified $1.7 million of cumulative excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings within the equity section of the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2017.  The Company has elected to continue its method of estimating forfeitures in determining its stock-based compensation expense throughout the year.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires entities to measure most inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein.  We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2017.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic - 205-40) ("ASU 2014-15"). This ASU requires management to evaluate whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the standard requires management's mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern to be disclosed in the financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this amendment on December 31, 2016. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.  Current U.S. GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party.  The new guidance eliminates the exception and requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs.  This accounting guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, and should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to provide a new comprehensive model for lease accounting.  Under this guidance, lessees and lessors should apply a "right-of-use" model in accounting for all leases (including subleases) and eliminate the concept of operating leases and off-balance sheet leases.  Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as a finance or operating lease. Similar modifications have been made to lessor accounting in-line with revenue recognition guidance. This guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The amendments also require certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. Early adoption is permitted.  The updated guidance requires a modified retrospective adoption. We are currently in the process of evaluating this new standard update.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  This guidance primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments.  Under the new guidance, entities will be required to measure certain equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net earnings, unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception.  The new standard is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017.  We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers.  Subsequently, the FASB issued several other updates related to revenue recognition (collectively with ASU 2014-09, the "new revenue standards").

The Company is still in the process of evaluating the financial statement impacts of the new revenue standards. While we have not yet quantified the related impacts, based on the work performed to date, we anticipate there to be changes with respect to the timing of revenue recognition for certain custom products that have no alternative use for which the Company is entitled to payment as production progresses, as well as the timing of revenue recognition in arrangements for which the customer takes the Company's products from a facility holding consignment inventory, among other areas. The Company is also in the process of reviewing its current systems, internal controls and processes, and evaluating any necessary changes to support the implementation of the new revenue standards, which we expect to implement by the end of 2017.

The new revenue standards become effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018.  We anticipate using the modified retrospective approach to adopting the new revenue standards where we recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standards as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

In preparation for adoption of the new guidance, we have reviewed representative samples of contracts and other forms of agreements with customers globally and are evaluating the provisions under the five-step model specified by the new revenue standards. In addition, we continue to monitor additional interpretive guidance related to the new revenue standards as it becomes available, as well as comparing our conclusions on specific interpretative issues to other peers in our industry, to the extent that such information is available.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017.  The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-04 for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and the guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"), to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 provides a framework that gives entities a basis for making reasonable judgments about whether a transaction involves an asset or a business. The Company is required to adopt ASU 2017-01 for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods, and the guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis.  Early application is permitted for transactions for which the acquisition date occurs before the issuance date or effective date of the amendments, only when the transaction has not been reported in financial statements that have been issued.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07").  This guidance requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost.  ASU 2017-07 also provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allow only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization.  This guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods.  Certain of the provisions within this guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis, while other aspects will be applied on a prospective basis, in accordance with ASU 2017-07.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09").  This update provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718.  This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017.  Early adoption is permitted.  The amendments in this update will be applied prospectively to any awards modified on or after the adoption date.


2.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share under the two-class method for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
 
                       
Numerator:
                       
Net earnings (loss)
 
$
3,120
   
$
22,776
   
$
3,866
   
$
(77,921
)
Less dividends declared:
                               
     Class A
   
131
     
131
     
261
     
261
 
     Class B
   
689
     
678
     
1,388
     
1,360
 
Undistributed earnings (loss)
 
$
2,300
   
$
21,967
   
$
2,217
   
$
(79,542
)
 
                               
Undistributed earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:
                         
     Class A undistributed earnings (loss)
 
$
399
   
$
3,856
   
$
385
   
$
(13,979
)
     Class B undistributed earnings (loss)
   
1,901
     
18,111
     
1,832
     
(65,563
)
     Total undistributed earnings (loss)
 
$
2,300
   
$
21,967
   
$
2,217
   
$
(79,542
)
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) allocation - basic and diluted:
                               
     Class A net earnings (loss)
 
$
530
   
$
3,987
   
$
646
   
$
(13,718
)
     Class B net earnings (loss)
   
2,590
     
18,789
     
3,220
     
(64,203
)
     Net earnings (loss)
 
$
3,120
   
$
22,776
   
$
3,866
   
$
(77,921
)
 
                               
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
                               
     Class A - basic and diluted
   
2,175
     
2,175
     
2,175
     
2,175
 
     Class B - basic and diluted
   
9,859
     
9,729
     
9,852
     
9,715
 
 
                               
Net earnings (loss) per share:
                               
     Class A - basic and diluted
 
$
0.24
   
$
1.83
   
$
0.30
   
$
(6.31
)
     Class B - basic and diluted
 
$
0.26
   
$
1.93
   
$
0.33
   
$
(6.61
)



3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants based upon the best use of the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Entities are required to use a fair value hierarchy which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets;

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs about which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company held certain financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These consisted of securities that are among the Company's investments in a rabbi trust which are intended to fund the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") obligations.  The securities that are held in the rabbi trust are categorized as available-for-sale securities and are included as other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  The gross unrealized gains associated with the investment securities held in the rabbi trust were $0.2 million and $0.7 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Such unrealized gains are included, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our available-for-sale securities, which primarily consist of investments held in a rabbi trust of $1.7 million at each date are measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) inputs.  The Company does not have any financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3, and there were no transfers in or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the six months ended June 30, 2017 or June 30, 2016.  There were no changes to the Company's valuation techniques used to measure asset fair values on a recurring or nonrecurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2017.

There were no financial assets accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The Company has other financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued expenses and notes payable, which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.  The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based on interest rates that are currently available for debt issuances with similar terms and maturities.  At June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of total debt was $133.4 million and $144.3 million, respectively, compared to a carrying amount of $130.5 million and $141.2 million, respectively.  The Company did not have any other financial liabilities within the scope of the fair value disclosure requirements as of June 30, 2017.

Nonfinancial assets and liabilities, such as goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets, are accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  These items are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event or in the case of goodwill, on at least an annual basis. During the first quarter of 2016, management determined that sufficient indicators of potential impairment existed to require an interim goodwill impairment analysis for all of the Company's reporting units.  These indicators included the recent business performance of those reporting units, combined with the long-term market conditions and business trends within the reporting units. As a result, the Company recorded provisional non-cash goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges totaling $108.6 million during the first quarter of 2016.  During the second quarter of 2016, the Company finalized its interim impairment test, which resulted in a $2.6 million reduction to the provisional impairment charge recorded during the first quarter of 2016.  There were no triggering events that occurred during the first half of 2017 that would warrant interim impairment testing.


4. INVENTORIES

The components of inventories are as follows:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Raw materials
 
$
43,827
   
$
43,376
 
Work in progress
   
20,278
     
18,008
 
Finished goods
   
38,887
     
37,487
 
Inventories
 
$
102,992
   
$
98,871
 




5.
 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Land
 
$
2,250
   
$
2,234
 
Buildings and improvements
   
30,444
     
30,061
 
Machinery and equipment
   
114,628
     
113,780
 
Construction in progress
   
2,302
     
3,029
 
 
   
149,624
     
149,104
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
(104,677
)
   
(100,349
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
44,947
   
$
48,755
 


Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $3.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $7.0 million and $7.4 million, respectively.

6.
ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Sales commissions
 
$
2,213
   
$
2,066
 
Subcontracting labor
   
1,308
     
1,370
 
Salaries, bonuses and related benefits
   
15,497
     
17,587
 
Warranty accrual
   
2,417
     
2,718
 
Other
   
7,732
     
7,808
 
 
 
$
29,167
   
$
31,549
 

A tabular presentation of the activity within the warranty accrual account for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is presented below:

 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Balance, January 1
 
$
2,718
   
$
3,659
 
Charges and costs accrued
   
27
     
91
 
Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties
               
(including changes in estimates)
   
(282
)
   
(735
)
Less repair costs incurred
   
(119
)
   
(278
)
Currency translation
   
73
     
(19
)
Balance, June 30
 
$
2,417
   
$
2,718
 



7.
 DEBT

The Company has a Credit and Security Agreement (as amended, the "CSA") consisting of (i) a term loan, with outstanding borrowings of $128.4 million and $143.8 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively and (ii) a $50 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"), with $4.0 million and $0 outstanding borrowings at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  At June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying value of the debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet is reflected net of deferred financing costs of $1.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
The weighted-average interest rate in effect was 3.50% at June 30, 2017 and 3.06% at December 31, 2016 and consisted of LIBOR plus the Company's credit spread, as determined per the terms of the CSA.  The Company incurred $1.6 million and $1.5 million of interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $3.0 million and $3.7 million of interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The CSA contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and events of default and financial covenants that measure (i) the ratio of the Company's total funded indebtedness, on a consolidated basis, to the amount of the Company's consolidated EBITDA, as defined, ("Leverage Ratio") and (ii) the ratio of the amount of the Company's consolidated EBITDA to the Company's consolidated fixed charges. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSA would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due thereunder and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.  At June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants, including its most restrictive covenant, the Leverage Ratio.
 
 
8.  INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 and for state examinations before 2010.   Regarding foreign subsidiaries, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for years before 2006 in Asia and generally 2009 in Europe.

As a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible that the related unrecognized benefits for tax positions taken regarding previously filed tax returns may change materially from those recorded as liabilities for uncertain tax positions in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2017.  The Company's liabilities for uncertain tax positions totaled $28.4 million and $27.8 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, of which $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, is included in other current liabilities.  These amounts, if recognized, would reduce the Company's effective tax rate.  As of June 30, 2017, $0.4 million of the Company's liabilities for uncertain tax positions was reversed and approximately $1.1 million are expected to be reversed during the next twelve months by way of expiration of the related statute of limitations.

In connection with the acquisition of the Power-One Power Solutions business ("Power Solutions") from ABB Ltd. ("ABB") in 2014, the Company assumed a liability for additional uncertain tax positions related to various tax matters for the years 2007 through 2013.  From the date of acquisition through June 30, 2017, the Company has recorded $4.9 million of interest and penalties pertaining to this issue, of which $2.6 million was reversed during 2016 in relation to the settlement of the exposure.  The Company will continue to accrue approximately $0.7 million annually until the issues are resolved.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the current provision for income taxes.  During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in interest and penalties in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the reversal of such interest and penalties.  There were no reversals of interest or penalties in the three or six months ended June 30, 2017.  The Company has approximately $2.6 million and $2.2 million, accrued for the payment of such interest and penalties at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, which is included in both other current liabilities and liability for uncertain tax positions in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company continues to monitor proposed legislation affecting the taxation of transfers of U.S. intangible property and other potential tax law changes.


9. RETIREMENT FUND AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN

The Company maintains the Bel Fuse Inc. Employees' Savings Plan, a defined contribution plan that is intended to meet the applicable requirements for tax-qualification under sections 401(a) and (k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $0.3 million in both periods. The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $0.6 million in both periods.  As of June 30, 2017, the plan owned 42,642 and 145,524 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.  Effective January 1, 2017, the Company's matching contribution will be made in the form of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A common stock.  During 2016, the employer match was made in cash.

The Company's subsidiaries in Asia have a retirement fund covering substantially all of their Hong Kong based full-time employees.  The expense for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $0.1 million in both periods. The expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  As of June 30, 2017, the plan owned 3,323 and 17,342 shares of Bel Fuse Inc. Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.

The Company maintains a SERP, which is designed to provide a limited group of key management and other key employees of the Company with supplemental retirement and death benefits.  As discussed in Note 3 above, the Company has investments in a rabbi trust which are intended to fund the obligations of the SERP.    The SERP expense for the periods and amounts presented below is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations based upon the classification of plan participants.

The components of SERP expense are as follows:


 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Service cost
 
$
175
   
$
148
   
$
350
   
$
296
 
Interest cost
   
168
     
165
     
337
     
330
 
Net amortization
   
94
     
98
     
187
     
196
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
437
   
$
411
   
$
874
   
$
822
 

The following amounts are recognized net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
Prior service cost
 
$
1,055
   
$
1,172
 
Net loss
   
2,900
     
2,970
 
 
 
$
3,955
   
$
4,142
 



10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized below:

 
 
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
 
 
           
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of ($800) at
           
  June 30, 2017 and ($984) at December 31, 2016
 
$
(21,405
)
 
$
(28,976
)
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of
               
  $92 at June 30, 2017 and $263 at December 31, 2016
   
157
     
424
 
Unfunded SERP liability, net of taxes of ($1,333) at June 30, 2017
               
  and ($1,398) at December 31, 2016
   
(2,622
)
   
(2,745
)
 
               
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
$
(23,870
)
 
$
(31,297
)



Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component during the six months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows.  All amounts are net of tax.

 
       
Unrealized Holding
       
 
     
 
 
Foreign Currency
   
Gains on
       
 
     
 
 
Translation
   
Available-for-
   
Unfunded
 
 
     
 
 
Adjustment
   
Sale Securities
   
SERP Liability
 
 
 
Total
 
 
                 
 
     
Balance at January 1, 2017
 
$
(28,976
)
 
$
424
   
$
(2,745
)
 
 
$
(31,297
)
     Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
   
7,571
     
(267
)
   
-
 
 
   
7,304
 
     Amount reclassified from accumulated other
                       
 
       
          comprehensive loss
   
-
     
-
     
123
 
 (a)
   
123
 
     Net current period other comprehensive income
   
7,571
     
(267
)
   
123
 
 
   
7,427
 
 
                       
 
       
Balance at June 30, 2017
 
$
(21,405
)
 
$
157
   
$
(2,622
)
 
 
$
(23,870
)
 
                       
 
       
(a) This reclassification relates to the amortization of prior service costs and gains/losses associated with the Company's SERP plan.
 
This expense is allocated between cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense based upon the employment classification of the plan participants.
 
      
                       
 
       



11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

The Company is party to a number of legal actions and claims, none of which individually or in the aggregate, in the opinion of management, are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In connection with the acquisition of Power Solutions, there is an ongoing claim by the Arezzo Revenue Agency in Italy concerning certain tax matters related to what was then Power-One Asia Pacific Electronics Shenzhen Co. Ltd. (now Bel Power Solutions Asia Pacific Electronics Shenzhen Co. Ltd, or "BPS China") for the years 2004 to 2006.  In September 2012, the Tax Court of Arezzo ruled in favor of BPS China and cancelled the claim.  In February 2013, the Arezzo Revenue Agency filed an appeal of the Tax Court's ruling. The hearing of the appeal was held on October 2, 2014.  On October 13, 2014, BPS China was informed of the Regional Tax Commission of Florence ruling which was in favor of the Arezzo Revenue Agency and against BPS China.  An appeal was filed on July 18, 2015 before the Regional Tax Commission of Florence and rejected.  On December 5, 2016, the Arezzo Revenue Agency filed an appeal with the Supreme Court and BPS China filed a counter-appeal on January 4, 2017.   The Supreme Court has yet to render its judgment.  The estimated liability related to this matter is approximately $12.0 million and has been included as a liability for uncertain tax positions on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  As Bel is fully indemnified in this matter per the terms of the stock purchase agreement with ABB, a corresponding other asset for indemnification is also included in other assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

In 2015, the Company was provided notice of a potential patent infringement claim by Setec Netzwerke AG ("Setec"), a German company, for the alleged infringement of their patent EP 306 934 B1.  Setec subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Company and three of its subsidiaries in Dusseldorf, Germany on January 29, 2016 for patent infringement.  The Company filed its defense to Setec's complaint and a nullity lawsuit against Setec's patent on August 31, 2016.  The Court hearing on infringement took place on March 23, 2017.  Upon hearing argument from both parties, the Court issued a decision on April 6, 2017 staying the infringement case pending resolution of the nullity lawsuit.  The nullity lawsuit is currently pending before the Patent Court in Munich, Germany. The Company does not have enough information at this time in order to make any further conclusions or assessments as to infringement or any potential damages.

The Company is not a party to any other legal proceeding, the adverse outcome of which is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

12.  SEGMENTS

The Company operates in one industry with three reportable operating segments, which are geographic in nature.  The segments consist of North America, Asia and Europe.  The primary criteria by which financial performance is evaluated and resources are allocated are net sales and income from operations.  The following is a summary of key financial data:

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net Sales to External Customers:
                       
    North America
 
$
64,905
   
$
67,349
   
$
125,335
   
$
133,650
 
    Asia
   
46,071
     
43,724
     
81,883
     
79,485
 
    Europe
   
20,641
     
20,549
     
38,067
     
39,670
 
 
 
$
131,617
   
$
131,622
   
$
245,285
   
$
252,805
 
 
                               
Net Sales:
                               
North America
 
$
67,970
   
$
70,475
   
$
131,125
   
$
139,730
 
Asia
   
70,419
     
66,969
     
126,830
     
126,617
 
Europe
   
23,416
     
23,432
     
43,801
     
45,805
 
Less intercompany net sales
   
(30,188
)
   
(29,254
)
   
(56,471
)
   
(59,347
)
 
 
$
131,617
   
$
131,622
   
$
245,285
   
$
252,805
 
 
                               
Income (Loss) from Operations:
                               
North America
 
$
948
   
$
1,392
   
$
1,678
   
$
(41,796
)
Asia
   
5,314
     
5,451
     
6,350
     
(33,358
)
Europe
   
742
     
3,121
     
1,069
     
(18,290
)
 
 
$
7,004
   
$
9,964
   
$
9,097
   
$
(93,444
)

Net Sales – Segment net sales are attributed to individual segments based on the geographic source of the billing for such customer sales.  Intercompany sales include finished products manufactured in foreign countries which are then transferred to the United States and Europe for sale; finished goods manufactured in the United States which are transferred to Europe and Asia for sale; and semi-finished components manufactured in the United States which are sold to Asia for further processing.

Income from operations represents net sales less operating costs and expenses and does not include any amounts related to intercompany transactions.

The following items are included in the segment data presented above:

Impairment Charges – The Company recorded a $106.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to its goodwill and trademarks during the first half of 2016 ($108.6 million recorded during the first quarter of 2016, offset by a $2.6 million reduction upon finalization of the impairment charge during the second quarter of 2016).  Of this charge, $44.0 million was recorded in the Company's North America operating segment, $41.7 million was recorded in its Asia operating segment and $20.3 million was recorded in its Europe operating segment.


13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In connection with its acquisition of Power Solutions, the Company acquired a 49% interest in a joint venture in the People's Republic of China ("PRC").  The joint venture may purchase raw components and other goods from the Company and may sell finished goods to the Company as well as to other third parties.  The Company did not purchase any inventory from the joint venture during the three or six months ended June 30, 2017 or 2016.  At June 30, 2017, the Company owed the joint venture approximately $0.5 million, which is included in accounts payable on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Subsequent to June 30, 2017, the Company divested its 49% interest in the joint venture in exchange for an extinguishment of the accounts payable balance of $0.5 million.  As the interest in the joint venture had a carrying value of zero, a $0.5 million gain will be recorded during the third quarter of 2017 related to this divestiture.



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

The information in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") should be read in conjunction with the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes set forth in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our MD&A set forth in Item 7 of Part II of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our consolidated financial statements and related notes set forth in Item 8 of Part II of our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," below and "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information," above, and the information referenced therein, for a description of risks that we face and important factors that we believe could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. All amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding and all dollars are in millions, except per share amounts or where otherwise noted. When we cross-reference to a "Note," we are referring to our "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements," unless the context indicates otherwise.  All amounts noted within the tables are in thousands and amounts and percentages are approximate due to rounding.


Overview

Our Company

We design, manufacture and market a broad array of products that power, protect and connect electronic circuits.  These products are primarily used in the networking, telecommunications, computing, military, aerospace, transportation and broadcasting industries.  Bel's portfolio of products also finds application in the automotive, medical and consumer electronics markets.

We operate through three geographic segments:  North America, Asia and Europe.  In the six months ended June 30, 2017, 51% of the Company's revenues were derived from North America, 33% from Asia and 16% from its Europe operating segment.  By product group, 35% of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2017 related to the Company's connectivity solutions products, 33% in power solutions and protection products and 32% in magnetic products.

Our operating expenses are driven principally by the cost of labor where the factories that Bel uses are located, the cost of the materials that we use and our ability to effectively and efficiently manage overhead costs.  As labor and material costs vary by product line and region, any significant shift in product mix can have an associated impact on our costs of sales.  Costs are recorded as incurred for all products manufactured.  Such amounts are determined based upon the estimated stage of production and include labor cost and fringes and related allocations of factory overhead. Our products are manufactured at various facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Dominican Republic, England, Czech Republic, Slovakia and the PRC.

In the PRC, where we generally enter into processing arrangements with several independent third-party contractors and also have our own manufacturing facilities, the availability of labor is cyclical and is significantly affected by the migration of workers in relation to the annual Lunar New Year holiday as well as economic conditions in the PRC.  In addition, we have little visibility into the ordering habits of our customers and we can be subjected to large and unpredictable variations in demand for our products.  Accordingly, we must continually recruit and train new workers to replace those lost to attrition each year and be able to address peaks in demand that may occur from time to time.  These recruiting and training efforts and related inefficiencies, and overtime required in order to meet demand, can add volatility to the costs incurred by us for labor in the PRC.

Key Factors Affecting our Business

The Company believes the key factors affecting Bel's results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and/or future results include the following:

·
Revenues – Following seven consecutive quarters of year-over-year sales declines, sales in the second quarter of 2017 recovered to the same level as last year's second quarter.  This was largely due to general market improvement and the resulting increase in demand for our products.  Top line sales growth continues to be a company-wide priority.

·
Product Mix – Material and labor costs vary by product line and any significant shift in product mix between higher- and lower-margin product lines will have a corresponding impact on the Company's gross margin percentage.  In general, our connectivity products have the highest contribution margins, our magnetic products are less profitable than the connectivity products and our power products are on the lower end of our profit margin range.  Fluctuations in sales volume among our product groups will have a corresponding impact on Bel's profit margins.

·
Restructuring – We continue to closely monitor the performance of the Power Solutions business, and anticipate implementing certain actions designed to enable this business to improve its contribution to our consolidated results which may result in restructuring costs being incurred during the second half of 2017.

·
Impact of Foreign CurrencySince we are a U.S. domiciled company, we translate our foreign currency-denominated financial results into U.S. dollars.  Due to the changes in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, translating our financial results and the revaluation of certain intercompany transactions to and from foreign currencies to U.S. dollars may result in a favorable or unfavorable impact to our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.  The Company monitors changes in foreign currencies and implements pricing actions to help mitigate the impact that changes in foreign currencies may have on its operating results. See Selling, General and Administrative Expense below for further details.

·
Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") System Implementation – We are currently engaged in a multi-year process of conforming the majority of our operations onto one global ERP system.  We currently estimate total costs over the next three years to be between $4 million to $5 million.  During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company incurred consulting costs in connection with this implementation of $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which are included in SG&A in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. We anticipate future expenses of approximately $0.5 million per quarter through the remainder of 2017. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below for further information.

·
Effective Tax Rate – The Company's effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which our pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which we operate, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe's tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company's three geographical segments.

We saw partial recovery of our top line sales base in the second quarter of 2017, as signaled by the improvement in our book-to-bill ratio in the first quarter.  There was an increase in demand for products in each of our product groups since year-end and backlog remained strong in the second quarter, an indication of an upturn in general market conditions.  We have also been very active on the product development side, launching products that support initiatives such as OCP (Open Compute Program) and CORD (Central Office Rearchitected as a Datacenter) and other applications including marine broadcasting and industrial within our Power Solutions and Protection group.  Our connectivity products are being used in new military programs, both in the U.S. and Europe.  The aerospace segment continues to have a positive outlook for our connectivity products in the second half of 2017 with the ramp up in build rates of commercial aircraft.  Within our Magnetics solutions group, demand has been strong for our established 1-gig and 10-gig ICMs as well as our recently introduced 2.5-gig and 5-gig variants.  A primary focus of our management and sales teams continues to be top line sales growth, and the increase in sales experienced in the second quarter was an initial milestone toward meeting our corporate objectives of long-term sales growth.

Summary by Operating Segment

Net sales to external customers by operating segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
    North America
 
$
64,905
     
49
%
 
$
67,349
     
51
%
 
$
125,335
     
51
%
 
$
133,650
     
53
%
    Asia
   
46,071
     
35
%
   
43,724
     
33
%
   
81,883
     
33
%
   
79,485
     
31
%
    Europe
   
20,641
     
16
%
   
20,549
     
16
%
   
38,067
     
16
%
   
39,670
     
16
%
 
 
$
131,617
     
100
%
 
$
131,622
     
100
%
 
$
245,285
     
100
%
 
$
252,805
     
100
%



The decline in North America sales noted above was primarily due to a reduction in Power Solutions sales in North America of $1.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and of $5.7 million during the first half of 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016.  North America segment sales were also impacted by a decline in sales of our modular plugs and cable assemblies within our Stewart Connector business where two major customers merged and in-sourced much of these products.  This resulted in lower sales of $1.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and of $2.9 million during the first half of 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016.  The increase in sales in Asia noted in the table above was primarily driven by increased demand for our ICM products which are manufactured in that region. See Net Sales, Magnetic Solutions, below.

Net sales and income from operations by operating segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows. Segment net sales are attributed to individual segments based on the geographic source of the billing for customer sales.


 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Total segment sales:
                       
     North America
 
$
67,970
   
$
70,475
   
$
131,125
   
$
139,730
 
     Asia
   
70,419
     
66,969
     
126,830
     
126,617
 
     Europe
   
23,416
     
23,432
     
43,801
     
45,805
 
Total segment sales
   
161,805
     
160,876
     
301,756
     
312,152
 
Reconciling item:
                               
     Intersegment sales
   
(30,188
)
   
(29,254
)
   
(56,471
)
   
(59,347
)
Net sales
 
$
131,617
   
$
131,622
   
$
245,285
   
$
252,805
 
 
                               
Income from operations:
                               
    North America
 
$
948
   
$
1,392
   
$
1,678
   
$
(41,796
)
    Asia
   
5,314
     
5,451
     
6,350
     
(33,358
)
    Europe
   
742
     
3,121
     
1,069
     
(18,290
)
 
 
$
7,004
   
$
9,964
   
$
9,097
   
$
(93,444
)


The non-cash impairment charge recorded during the first half of 2016 related to goodwill and other intangible assets impacted all of the Company's operating segments in the six-month period ended June 30, 2016, and the $2.6 million reduction in the impairment charge during the second quarter of 2016 reduced the impairment charge for the North America and Europe segments.  See Note 12, Segments, for the allocation of this charge by operating segment.  Excluding this impairment charge, income from operations by operating segment for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $2.2 million for North America, $8.3 million for Asia and $2.0 million for Europe.  Excluding the impairment charge, income from operations in North America decreased by $0.5 million in the first half of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 primarily due to a $3.4 million reduction of value-added tax (VAT) expenses as discussed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expense section below during the 2016 period, which did not occur in 2017.  This was partially offset by lower incentive compensation recorded in North America in the first half of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016.  Excluding the impairment charge, Asia operating income was $1.9 million lower in the first half of 2017 largely due to a $1.8 million reduction of VAT expenses in Asia recorded during the first half of 2016, which did not occur in 2017.  The decline in Europe operating income in the first half of 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016 resulted from lower sales in Europe in 2017 coupled with an unfavorable variance in foreign currency exchange (a loss of $1.5 million in the first half of 2017 as compared to a gain of $0.3 million in the first half of 2016).

Net Sales

The Company's net sales by major product line for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Magnetic solutions
 
$
43,501
     
33
%
 
$
40,487
     
31
%
 
$
78,466
     
32
%
 
$
74,836
     
30
%
Connectivity solutions
   
43,831
     
33
%
   
44,899
     
34
%
   
85,513
     
35
%
   
88,343
     
35
%
Power solutions and protection
   
44,285
     
34
%
   
46,236
     
35
%
   
81,306
     
33
%
   
89,626
     
35
%
 
 
$
131,617
     
100
%
 
$
131,622
     
100
%
 
$
245,285
     
100
%
 
$
252,805
     
100
%


Magnetic Solutions:

Demand for our ICM/TRP products remained steady in the second quarter of 2017 for both our established 1-gig and 10-gig ICMs as well as our recently released 2.5-gig and 5-gig variants.  A new product introduction at one of our large OEM customers in the second quarter of 2017 prompted a further increase in demand for our ICM products.

Power Solutions and Protection:

The decline in power solutions and protection products during the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the same quarter of 2016 was primarily attributable to a $2.9 million reduction in Power Solutions sales.  Sales within the Power Solutions business continued to trend downward throughout 2016 and into the first quarter of 2017, as new projects were moving through the 18-24 month design-to-market cycle and the NPS product line (sold in 2015) began to transition off of its 2-year manufacturing services agreement. While sales from the acquired Power Solutions business continued to decline on a year-over-year basis, they did show a 15.9% increase in sales compared to the first quarter of 2017.  The year-over-year decline was partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in sales of our AC/DC converter products at our Bel Power Europe group in Italy (acquired in 2012) and higher circuit protection product sales of $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2016.

Connectivity Solutions:

The reduction in sales of connectivity solutions products in the second quarter and first half of 2017 primarily relate to lower demand for plugs and structured cabling within our Stewart Connector business where two of our major customers merged and in-sourced much of these products.  The remainder is largely tied to the deferral in construction spending, which started to rebound toward the end of the second quarter.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:


 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
 
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Material costs
   
40.7
%
   
42.2
%
   
40.4
%
   
41.7
%
Labor costs
   
10.2
%
   
10.1
%
   
10.2
%
   
10.3
%
Research and development expenses
   
5.2
%
   
4.8
%
   
5.5
%
   
5.1
%
Other expenses
   
21.8
%
   
23.4
%
   
22.6
%
   
23.6
%
   Total cost of sales
   
77.9
%
   
80.5
%
   
78.7
%
   
80.7
%
 
                               


Material costs as a percentage of sales were lower during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016, primarily due to the decline in sales within our power solutions and protection group, as those products carry a higher material content than our other product lines.

Labor costs as a percentage of sales were relatively flat during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016 as the increase in sales of our labor-intensive magnetic products was offset by cost savings realized from our recent restructuring efforts and lower incentive compensation recorded during the 2017 periods.

Included in cost of sales is research and development ("R&D") expense of $6.9 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $13.5 million and $13.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The other expenses noted in the table above include fixed cost items such as support labor and fringe, depreciation and amortization, and facility costs (rent, utilities, insurance).  In total, these other expenses decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 by $2.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2016.  The largest driver of the decrease in fixed costs was in support labor and fringe expense, which declined by $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2017 and by $2.6 million in the first half of 2017 as compared to the same periods of 2016, due to lower incentive compensation in the 2017 periods and cost savings from the restructuring efforts implemented in 2016.


Selling, General and Administrative Expense ("SG&A")

SG&A expense increased $3.9 million and $7.4 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively, as compared with the same periods of 2016.  These increases consisted of the following:

 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
 
Compared to Same Period of 2016
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
June 30, 2017
   
June 30, 2017
 
VAT expenses
 
$
2,358
   
$
5,155
 
Net foreign currency exchange gains/losses
   
2,502
     
2,689
 
ERP system implementation consulting costs
   
639
     
1,088
 
Salaries and fringe benefits
   
(1,029
)
   
(1,375
)
Other
   
(578
)
   
(183
)
     Total increase
 
$
3,892
   
$
7,374
 

The variance in VAT expenses related to settlement of a tax liability which was originally recorded during the acquisition of the Power Solutions business.  This acquired operating tax exposure was settled in full by the end of the second quarter of 2016, resulting in a reversal of these amounts in SG&A.

The unfavorable variance in net foreign currency exchange was primarily due to the translation of intercompany balances between U.S. and foreign subsidiaries.  For further information related to our ERP system implementation consulting costs, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section below.  The reduction in salaries and fringe benefits relates to lower compensation costs recorded during the 2017 periods and cost savings realized from recent restructuring efforts.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company recorded a $106.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to its goodwill and trademarks during the first half of 2016 ($108.6 million recorded during the first quarter of 2016, reduced by $2.6 million upon finalization of the estimates and assumptions that supported the impairment charge during the second quarter of 2016).  The impairment charge did not impact our cash expenditures, liquidity, financial performance, compliance with our debt covenants or affect the ongoing business.

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate will fluctuate based on the geographic segment in which the pretax profits are earned.  Of the geographic segments in which the Company operates, the U.S. has the highest tax rates; Europe's tax rates are generally lower than U.S. tax rates; and Asia has the lowest tax rates of the Company's three geographical segments.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $2.3 million and ($14.1) million, respectively.  The Company's earnings (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were approximately $3.2 million lower than the same period in 2016, primarily attributable to a decrease in the Europe segment income.  The Company's effective tax rate was 42.3% and (163.5%) for the three month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The change in the effective tax rate during the three months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016, is primarily attributable to the settlement of liabilities for uncertain tax positions and, to a lesser extent, the finalization of the goodwill impairment during the 2016 period.  Additionally, the increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, is attributable to U.S. and foreign taxes accrued for gains recognized on a Bel Fuse legal entity restructuring transaction.

The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 was $2.3 million and ($19.0) million, respectively.  The Company's earnings (loss) before benefit for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were approximately $103 million higher than the same period in 2016, primarily attributable to the $106.0 million impairment of the goodwill and intangible assets during the six months ended June 30, 2016.  The Company's effective tax rate was 37.0% and (19.6%) for the six month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The change in the effective tax rate during the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period of 2016, is primarily attributable to the tax effect related to the impairment of the goodwill and intangible assets, as well as the settlement of the liability for uncertain tax positions in 2016.  Additionally, the increase in the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016, is attributable to U.S. and foreign taxes accrued for gains recognized on a Bel Fuse legal entity restructuring transaction.



Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of cash are the collection of trade receivables generated from the sales of our products and services to our customers and amounts available under our existing lines of credit, including our credit facility. Our primary uses of cash are payments for operating expenses, investments in working capital, capital expenditures, interest, taxes, dividends, debt obligations and other long-term liabilities. We believe that our current liquidity position and future cash flows from operations will enable us to fund our operations in the next twelve months.

Cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries of the Company amounted to $49.1 million at June 30, 2017 and $61.1 million at December 31, 2016 (representing 84% and 83%, respectively, of total cash and cash equivalents at each period-end).  Management's intention is to permanently reinvest the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries and there are no current plans that would indicate a need to repatriate those earnings to fund the Company's U.S. operations.  In the event foreign earnings were needed to fund the Company's U.S. operations and were repatriated by way of a taxable distribution, the Company would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds.

Cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable comprised approximately 34.4% of the Company's total assets at June 30, 2017 and 34.6% of total assets at December 31, 2016. The Company's current ratio (i.e., the ratio of current assets to current liabilities) was 2.7 to 1 at June 30, 2017 and 2.8 to 1 at December 31, 2016.

On June 19, 2014, the Company entered into a senior Credit and Security Agreement ("CSA") (see Note 7, Debt, for additional details).  The CSA, as amended, contains customary representations and warranties, covenants and events of default and financial covenants that measure (i) the ratio of the Company's total funded indebtedness, on a consolidated basis, to the amount of the Company's consolidated EBITDA, as defined ("Leverage Ratio"), and (ii) the ratio of the amount of the Company's consolidated EBITDA to the Company's consolidated fixed charges. If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSA would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due thereunder and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.

At June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants, including its most restrictive covenant, the Leverage Ratio.  The unused credit available under the credit facility at June 30, 2017 was $46.0 million, of which we had the ability to borrow $41.8 million without violating our Leverage Ratio covenant based on the Company's existing consolidated EBITDA.

We are currently engaged in a multi-year process of conforming the majority of our operations onto one global ERP system.  The ERP is designed to improve the efficiency of our supply chain and financial transaction processes, accurately maintain our books and records, and provide information important to the operation of the business to our management team. The implementation of the ERP is being conducted by business unit on a three phase approach over the next three years. We currently estimate total costs over the next three years to be between $4 million to $5 million. We recognized third-party consulting costs of $0.6 million and $1.1 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.  These costs are included in SG&A on the condensed consolidated financial statements.  Upon completion of the implementation of the new ERP, we anticipate lower maintenance and lower external information and technology support fees resulting in annual savings of approximately $2 million. The preceding sentence represents a Forward-Looking Statement.  See "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."

Cash Flows

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company's cash and cash equivalents decreased by $14.7 million.  This decrease was due to the following:

·
net cash used in operating activities of $0.4 million;
·
purchases of property, plant and equipment of $2.2 million;
·
dividend payments of $1.6 million; and
·
repayments of long-term debt of $15.4 million.

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, accounts receivable increased by $13.8 million primarily due to higher sales volume in the second quarter of 2017 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.  Days sales outstanding (DSO) increased to 62 days at June 30, 2017 from 54 days at December 31, 2016, primary due the extension of credit terms with one of our large customers, as well as the increase in revenue (and resulting accounts receivable balance) in our Asia segment where DSO tends to be higher as compared to our other geographic segments.  Inventory levels were up by $2.7 million at June 30, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016 as raw materials and work in progress balances increased from year-end levels to accommodate the recent increase in demand for our products.



Critical Accounting Policies

Management's discussion and analysis of Bel's financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, goodwill, intangible assets, investments, warranties, SERP expense, income taxes and contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The discussion of new financial accounting standards applicable to the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 to the Company's Financial Statements, "Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies," included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk primarily from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in interest rates associated with its long-term debt.  There have not been any material changes with regard to market risk during the six months ended June 30, 2017.  Refer to Item 7A, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for further discussion of market risks.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures:  As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Finance concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in internal controls over financial reporting:  There has not been any change in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.     Other Information

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

The information called for by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to Note 11 of the Company's Financial Statements, under "Legal Proceedings", as set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We are also involved in various other legal actions incidental to our business. We believe, after consulting with counsel, that the disposition of these other legal proceedings and matters will not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. Except as required by the federal securities law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any risk factor, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's purchase of shares of its Class A Common Stock during each calendar month in the quarter ended June 30, 2017:

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
   
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
 
                         
April 1 - April 30, 2017
   
14,792
   
$
21.11
     
14,792
     
-
 
May 1 - May 31, 2017
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
June 1 - June 30, 2017
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
                                 
Total
   
14,792
   
$
21.11
     
14,792
     
-
 

Pursuant to the Bel Fuse Inc. Employees' Savings Plan (the "Employees' Savings Plan"), the Company makes matching contributions of pre-tax elective deferral contributions made by associates.  Effective for matching contributions made for years after 2016, the Employees' Savings Plan provides for matching contributions to be invested in shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. The trustees of the Employees' Savings Plan adopted a "10b5-1 Plan," in accordance with guidelines specified by Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to make open market purchases of shares of Class A Common Stock with such matching contributions.  The purchases in the table above were made under the 10b5-1 Plan. The maximum dollar amount for cumulative purchases under the 10b5-1 Plan during the plan period (March 10, 2017 to August 15, 2017) will not exceed $650,000.  At June 30, 2017, there were no further shares available for purchase under the 10b5-1 Plan, as the maximum dollar amount for cumulative purchases had been met.



Item 6.  Exhibits
 
   
(a) Exhibits:
 
   
   
31.1*
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
31.2*
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 32.1**
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 32.2**
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
   
 
*  Filed herewith.
**  Submitted herewith.
 

 
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.



 
BEL FUSE INC.
August 4, 2017
 
By:
/s/ Daniel Bernstein
 
Daniel Bernstein
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
By:
/s/ Craig Brosious
 
Craig Brosious
 
Vice President of Finance and Secretary
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 31.1* - Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 31.2* - Certification of the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.1** - Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 32.2** - Certification of the Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Exhibit 101.INS* – XBRL Instance Document

Exhibit 101.SCH* – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Exhibit 101.CAL* – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.DEF* – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.LAB* – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Exhibit 101.PRE* – XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
*  Filed herewith.
** Submitted herewith.
 

 

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