METHODE ELECTRONICS INC

Previous wording

We are, and in the future may be, subject to securities class action and other litigation, which may harm our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We are, and in the future may be, subject to securities class action and other litigation, as well as government investigations and inquiries, which may harm our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

We are involved in legal proceedings related to various matters, including securities litigation, and may become involved in other legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the future. For example, as discussed further in Note 12, “Contingencies” to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Report, on August 26, 2024, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a putative class action lawsuit alleging that the Company, its former Chief Executive Officer, and its former Chief Financial Officer violated the federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements relating to our business, operations and prospects, including in respect of our transition to production of more specialized components for manufacturers of electric vehicles and our operations at our facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The complaint seeks unspecified money damages along with equitable relief and costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations but there can be no assurance as to outcome. An unfavorable outcome in this litigation and other legal proceedings may have a material effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity of the Company. This type of litigation can also result in substantial costs, and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. Additionally, the dramatic increase in the cost of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance may cause us to opt for lower overall policy limits or to forgo insurance that we may otherwise rely on to cover any significant defense costs, settlements, and damages awarded to plaintiffs, or incur substantially higher costs to maintain the same or similar coverage. These factors may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified executive officers and members of our board of directors.

Current wording

We are involved in legal proceedings related to various matters, including securities litigation, and may become involved in other legal proceedings, as well as government investigations and inquiries, that arise from time to time in the future. For example, as discussed further in Note 12, “Contingencies” to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Report, on August 26, 2024, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a putative class action lawsuit alleging that the Company, its former Chief Executive Officer, and its former Chief Financial Officer violated the federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements relating to our business, operations and prospects, including in respect of our transition to production of more specialized components for manufacturers of electric vehicles and our operations at our facility in Monterrey, Mexico. The complaint seeks unspecified money damages along with equitable relief and costs and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees. Another purported shareholder filed a substantially similar action against the same defendants and a former Chief Operating Officer of the Company on October 7, 2024. In addition, on November 26, 2024, a purported shareholder filed a derivative lawsuit on behalf of the Company against the current members of the Company’s Board of Directors, as well as certain former directors and executives, alleging that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties by allowing the Company to issue various statements that are alleged to have been false or misleading for the same reasons alleged in the securities class action complaints. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself against the allegations but there can be no assurance as to outcome. An unfavorable outcome in this litigation and other legal proceedings may have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity of the Company. This type of litigation can also result in substantial costs, and a diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. In addition, the Company received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 1, 2024 seeking documents and information relating to, among other things, the Company’s operations in certain foreign countries, and certain financial reporting and accounting relating thereto, compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-corruption laws, and material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting previously reported in its public filings. This request may lead to the assertion of claims or the commencement of legal proceedings against the Company, which in turn may lead to material fines, penalties or other liabilities. The subpoena and similar requests could result in costs to the Company, including the expendit…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

On March 31, 2021, as subsequently amended on June 16, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 14, 2024 (the “2021 Buyback Authorization”). On June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a new share buyback authorization, commencing on June 17, 2024, for the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 17, 2026 (the “2024 Buyback Authorization”). Purchases under these programs may be made on the open market, including pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or in private transactions. Prior to its expiration, we had purchased and retired $134.6 million of common stock under the 2021 Buyback Authorization. No further shares can be purchased under the 2021 Buyback Authorization. We have not made any purchases under the 2024 Buyback Authorization.

Current wording

On June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a share buyback authorization, commencing on June 17, 2024, for the purchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock through June 17, 2026 (the “2024 Buyback Authorization”). Purchases under the 2024 Buyback Authorization may be made on the open market, including pursuant to purchase plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or in private transactions. We have not made any purchases under the 2024 Buyback Authorization.