METHODE ELECTRONICS INC

Current report

In the past several months, the U.S. administration has proposed and imposed extensive tariffs on many countries where we do business including a number of broad, product specific tariffs most notably with respect to the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. As such, there is continued uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and various other countries with respect to tariffs, trade policies, government regulations, treaties and trade agreements. Depending upon the continued duration and potential expansion of these tariffs, as well as our ability to mitigate their impact, these tariffs and other regulatory actions could materially affect our business, including in the form of an increase in cost of goods sold, decreased margins, increased pricing for customers, disruptions in our supply chain, impaired ability to compete effectively, and reduced sales. If changes in trade policy cause increased prices for vehicles, consumer demand may decline, prompting a reduction in global vehicle production volumes, which is a material driver of our operations, sales and profitability.

Current report

Although the exception for USMCA-qualifying goods is expected to remain in place, the extent and permanence of this exception has not been confirmed by the current U.S. Administration. In addition to potential increases in customs duties and tariffs in the U.S. and other countries, the USMCA is subject to renewal in 2026. There can be no assurance that the USMCA will be renewed or, if renewed, any newly negotiated terms in the USMCA will not adversely affect our business.

Current report

Our product portfolio exposes us to several categories that are highly contested in the expanding international trade disputes. For example, because we provide parts to automotive OEMs, some of our finished goods are classified as auto parts and subject to additional tariffs. Our products made for commercial vehicle customers could be potentially exposed to similar tariffs. We also utilize semiconductors and copper--and to a lesser extent--steel and aluminum in our products. This means we are exposed to increased costs for inbound components and could potentially be added as derivative products for tariff purposes in the future. Should any of these tariffs expand, raw materials and finished goods that we import will face higher prices, which could lead to reduced margins or increased prices that could, in turn, cause decreased customer demand.

Current report

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Current report

The information set forth under the subheading “Revolving credit facility” contained in Note 8, “Debt” to the Company’s

Current report

condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I. Financial Information – Item 1. Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q is

Current report

incorporated herein by reference into this Item 3.

Current report

Waiver Letter regarding Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Current report

Because we are filing this Quarterly Report within four business days after the triggering event, we are making the following disclosure under this Item 5, “Other Information” instead of filing (as and to the extent required) a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 1.01, Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement, and Item 2.03, Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

Current report

On September 8, 2025, the Company entered into a Waiver Letter (the “Waiver Letter”) among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other Lenders party thereto.

Current report

The Waiver Letter acknowledged that an event of default under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2022, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time (which credit agreement, as previously amended by the first amendment, the second amendment and the third amendment thereto, is referred to solely in this Item 5, “Other Information” section of this Quarterly Report as the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the other Lenders party thereto and the other parties thereto, occurred as the result of the Company making approximately $2.8 million of restricted payments during the quarter ended August 2, 2025, which was in excess of the $2.5 million general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries during the quarter ended August 2, 2025. In addition, among other things, the Waiver Letter:

Current report

(i) Reduced, for the quarter ending November 1, 2025, the general basket exception to a covenant restricting certain restricted payments (including dividends) by the Company and its subsidiaries by the amount of excess restricted payments made during the quarter ended August 2, 2025 (which change reduced such basket exception from $2.5 million to approximately $2.2 million for the quarter ending November 1, 2025); and

Current report

(ii) Waived the acknowledged event of default.

Current report

The foregoing description of the Waiver Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Waiver Letter, which is filed as Exhibit 10.7 to this Quarterly Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Current report

Trading Arrangements

Previous report

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 report

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 Quarterly 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 and February 4, 2025, respectively, two purported shareholders filed derivative lawsuits 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 …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous report

As of March 4, 2025, the U.S. has enacted a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 20% tariff on goods imported from China. Canada has announced a plan to imminently introduce 25% tariffs on a rolling schedule on a variety of U.S. goods, and Mexico has also indicated that it intends to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. We do not know when such tariffs will take effect, how long any of these tariffs will last, or if some products may initially or eventually be subject to a different rate or be exempted. We continue to monitor statements made and actions taken by the U.S. government regarding tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from Mexico, Canada, and other countries. We continue to also monitor similar actions by other countries with which we do business. It is possible other countries may impose retaliatory tariffs on goods imported into their countries from the U.S.