MARKET WIRE NEWS

Strattec Generated $14 Million in Cash from Operations in Second Quarter Fiscal 2026

MWN-AI** Summary

Strattec Security Corporation reported robust financial performance for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, generating $14 million in cash from operations, a significant increase of 47% year-over-year. This growth was bolstered by a sales increase of 6%, reaching $137.5 million, fueled by effective pricing strategies, new program launches, and customer inventory adjustments. The company's gross margin improved to 16.5%, up from 13.2% in the previous year, primarily driven by these pricing initiatives and higher production volumes.

Net income attributable to Strattec for the quarter was $4.9 million, translating to $1.20 per diluted share compared to $0.32 per diluted share in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $12.3 million, reflecting an increase from $8.0 million in the prior year, with an EBITDA margin of 8.9%.

President and CEO Jennifer Slater acknowledged the company’s solid performance amidst market challenges, including supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange fluctuations. She emphasized the company’s focus on pricing and operational cost reductions as key factors in protecting margins, alongside ongoing restructuring efforts expected to yield annual savings of $3.4 million.

As of December 28, 2025, Strattec maintained a strong balance sheet with $99 million in cash and only $2.5 million in debt, demonstrating significant financial flexibility. However, Slater noted that the second half of fiscal 2026 may face a softer U.S. automotive production market, but the company remains committed to improving productivity and innovation in vehicle access solutions.

The results will be discussed in an upcoming conference call scheduled for February 6, 2026, where the company will provide further insights into its operational strategies and financial performance.

MWN-AI** Analysis

Strattec Security Corporation's recent financial performance in Q2 of fiscal 2026 reveals a robust trajectory that signals potential investment opportunities despite broader market challenges. The company generated $14 million in cash from operations, a significant 47% increase year-over-year, emphasizing its ability to enhance cash flow amid rising operational complexities.

Sales growth of 6% to $137.5 million was achieved through strategic pricing, product launches, and customer inventory accumulation, suggesting that Strattec is effectively navigating the automotive industry's evolving landscape. Importantly, the gross margin improvement to 16.5% reflects not only pricing power but also successful cost management initiatives, including restructuring actions expected to yield $3.4 million in annual savings.

The adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.9% highlights operational efficiency, a positive indication for profitability moving forward. Moreover, the company maintains a strong balance sheet with $99 million in cash against just $2.5 million in debt, providing substantial financial flexibility for further investments or strategic positioning in the market.

However, caution is warranted as the second half of fiscal 2026 is predicted to experience a downturn in U.S. automotive production and persistent foreign exchange headwinds. Investors should watch for how Strattec adapts to these challenges, particularly through innovation and productivity improvements as expressed by CEO Jennifer Slater.

In summary, while Strattec exhibits strong operational performance and a healthy financial position, prospective investors should remain vigilant regarding external market conditions. A strategic buy could be considered, particularly for investors looking to tap into the automotive sector's recovery, leveraging Strattec's operational strengths and ongoing transformation initiatives. It would be prudent to continuously assess the impact of macroeconomic factors on their performance in upcoming quarters.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Business Wire
  • Sales for the quarter grew 6% to $137.5 million driven by pricing, new program launches, customer inventory builds and select platform successes
  • Gross margin for the quarter was 16.5%, compared with 13.2% in the prior year period
  • Net income attributable to Strattec for the second quarter fiscal 2026 was $4.9 million, or $1.20 per diluted share; compared with $0.32 per diluted share in the prior year period
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 was $12.3 million, or 8.9% of sales, compared with $8.0 million in the prior year second quarter.
  • Strong balance sheet provides financial flexibility; $99.0 million in cash and $2.5 million in debt
  • Furthered fiscal 2026 restructuring actions which collectively are expected to result in annualized savings of $3.4 million

Strattec Security Corporation (Nasdaq: STRT) (“Company” or “Strattec”), a leading provider of smart vehicle access, security and authorization solutions for the global automotive industry, reported financial results for its second quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended December 28, 2025.

Jennifer Slater, President and CEO of Strattec, said, “We delivered a solid second quarter despite market and supply chain headwinds and unfavorable foreign exchange trends. A focus on pricing and cost reductions protected our gross margin. That focus continued during the quarter as we offered a voluntary early retirement program and implemented additional restructuring actions in our operations in Mexico. We expect $3.4 million in annual savings from these actions. We continue to generate strong cash flow even as we are investing to improve our business.”

“The second half of fiscal 2026 is expected to have a softer U.S. automotive production market and continued FX headwinds. We remain centered on transforming Strattec into a better business with stronger earnings power and a predictable path for growth. We will continue to find ways to improve productivity while investing in creating the products that will provide vehicle access solutions for the future,” Ms. Slater concluded.

FY 2026 Second Quarter Financial Summary

(compared with prior-year period, except where otherwise noted)

Net sales were $137.5 million, an increase of $7.6 million, or 6%. Sales growth was driven by $3.1 million of pricing, $3.0 million associated with favorable sales mix and higher content value, $2.4 million in net new program launches and $1.4 million in tariff recovery more than offsetting $2.3 million in reduced market demand.

Gross profit increased $5.6 million to $22.7 million, while gross margin expanded 330 basis points. The improvement was primarily the result of pricing actions and the contribution from higher production volumes, complemented by $1.7 million in restructuring savings. This more than offset $0.9 million of incremental tariff costs, $1.2 million of higher labor costs in Mexico related to annual merit increases, and $1.6 million related to unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Selling, administrative and engineering (“SAE”) expenses increased $2.8 million to $17.9 million, or 13.0% of sales, compared with $15.0 million, or 11.6% of sales, in the prior-year period. Elevated SAE expenses included a $1.7 million charge related to the voluntary retirement program and an increase in business transformation costs of $0.8 million. The $0.7 million investment in additional talent was mostly offset by the $1.1 million reduction in executive transition costs.

Interest income grew $0.5 million on higher cash balances, while interest expenses declined $0.2 million on lower borrowings. Other income increased $2.2 million as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Net income attributable to Strattec was $4.9 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, compared with $1.3 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. On an adjusted basis, second quarter fiscal 2026 net income attributable to Strattec 1 was $7.1 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share 1 was $1.71. Adjusted EBITDA 1 for the quarter was $12.3 million compared with $8.0 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.9%, compared with 6.1% in the fiscal 2025 second quarter.

Financial Flexibility with Strong Balance Sheet

Cash from operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $13.9 million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 47%, as a result of higher cash earnings.

At December 28, 2025, the Company had $99.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, up from $90.5 million at the end of the first quarter fiscal 2026 and $84.6 at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025. Inventories increased $10.3 million in the quarter to improve service levels and reduce expedites.

Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Webcast and Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2026, at 9:00 am Eastern Time to review the financial and operating results for the period ended December 28, 2025, and provide an update on its transformation progress. A question-and-answer session will follow.

You can access the call by phoning (201) 689-8470 or find the webcast and accompanying slide presentation at investors.strattec.com.

A telephonic replay will be available from 12:00 p.m. ET on the day of the call through Friday, February 20, 2026. To listen to the archived call, dial +1 (412) 317-6671 and enter replay PIN 13757872. The webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website investors.strattec.com , where a transcript will be posted once available.

_____________

1

Refer to “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics and Additional Financial Information” as well as accompanying reconciliations to GAAP

About Strattec

Strattec is a leading global provider of advanced automotive access, security & authorization solutions for leading vehicle manufacturers, primarily in the U.S. With a history spanning over 110 years, Strattec has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in vehicle security, transitioning from mechanical to integrated electro-mechanical systems. Its highly-engineered products include power access solutions, latches, vehicle start systems, keys, fobs & accessories, locks & locksets, door handles and other access products. Power access solutions provide the motion control for power liftgates, sliding power doors and power tailgates. For more information on Strattec and its solutions, visit www.strattec.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements contained in this release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” and “would.” Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to many uncertainties in the Company’s operations and business environment. These uncertainties include general economic conditions, in particular, relating to the automotive industry, consumer demand for the Company’s and its customers’ products, competitive and technological developments, customer purchasing actions, changes in warranty provisions and customer product recall policies, work stoppages at the Company or at the location of its key customers as a result of labor disputes, foreign currency fluctuations, uncertainties stemming from U.S. trade policies, tariffs and reactions to the same from foreign countries, matters adversely impacting the timing and availability of component parts and raw materials needed for the production of the Company’s products and the products of its customers and fluctuations in costs of operation. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and other operational matters are discussed further in the Company’s quarterly and annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Metrics and Additional Financial Information

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Strattec provides Adjusted Non-GAAP information as additional information for its operating results. References to Adjusted Non-GAAP information are to non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not required by, in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Strattec’s management uses these measures to make strategic decisions, establish budget plans and forecasts, identify trends affecting Strattec’s business, and evaluate performance. Management believes that providing these non-GAAP financial measures to investors, as a supplement to GAAP financial measures, will help investors evaluate Strattec’s core operating and financial performance and business trends consistent with how management evaluates such performance and trends. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

Strattec Security Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

December 28,
2025

December 29,
2024

December 28,
2025

December 29,
2024

Net sales

$

137,534

$

129,919

$

289,933

$

268,971

Cost of goods sold

114,812

112,768

240,876

232,899

Gross profit

22,722

17,151

49,057

36,072

Gross margin

16.5

%

13.2

%

16.9

%

13.4

%

Selling, administrative and engineering expenses

17,860

15,017

33,748

28,875

Income from operations

4,862

2,134

15,309

7,197

Operating margin

3.5

%

1.6

%

5.3

%

2.7

%

Interest income

885

408

1,762

757

Interest expense

(96

)

(257

)

(252

)

(552

)

Other (expense) income, net

1,691

(482

)

1,416

(353

)

Income before provision for income taxes and
non-controlling interest

7,342

1,803

18,235

7,049

Income tax expense

1,699

405

4,055

1,903

Net income

5,643

1,398

14,180

5,146

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

696

79

704

124

Net income attributable to Strattec

$

4,947

$

1,319

$

13,476

$

5,022

Earnings per share attributable to Strattec
Basic

$

1.21

$

0.33

$

3.31

$

1.25

Diluted

$

1.20

$

0.32

$

3.26

$

1.24

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic

4,080

4,035

4,067

4,020

Diluted

4,131

4,070

4,129

4,058

Strattec Security Corporation

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share amounts)

December 28,
2025

June 29,
2025

ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents

$

99,027

$

84,579

Receivables, net

89,217

102,061

Inventories, net

71,934

64,701

Pre-production costs

6,857

8,657

Value-added tax recoverable

19,858

19,389

Other current assets

6,374

10,676

Total current assets

293,267

290,063

Noncurrent Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net

74,636

77,410

Deferred income taxes

19,758

19,531

Other long-term assets

4,584

4,450

Total Assets

$

392,245

$

391,454

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable

$

59,568

$

65,824

Accrued payroll and benefits

15,709

22,956

Value-added tax payable

12,732

11,933

Warranty reserve

8,567

8,900

Current portion of borrowings under credit facilities

2,500

Other current liabilities

13,374

9,737

Total current liabilities

112,450

119,350

Noncurrent Liabilities:
Noncurrent portion of borrowings under credit facilities

8,000

Post-employment benefits

12,806

13,325

Other noncurrent liabilities

3,975

4,348

Total Liabilities

129,231

145,023

Shareholders’ Equity:
Common stock, authorized 18,000,000 shares, $.01 par value, 7,699,083 issued shares at December 28, 2025 and 7,635,883 issued shares at June 29, 2025

77

76

Capital in excess of par value

105,601

103,784

Retained earnings

282,773

269,297

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(14,935

)

(16,113

)

Less: treasury stock, at cost (3,615,268 shares at December 28, 2025 and 3,596,549 shares at June 29, 2025)

(136,718

)

(135,452

)

Total Strattec shareholders’ equity

236,798

221,592

Non-controlling interest

26,216

24,839

Total Shareholders' Equity

263,014

246,431

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$

392,245

$

391,454

Strattec Security Corporation

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

December 28,
2025

December 29,
2024

December 28,
2025

December 29,
2024

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income

$

5,643

$

1,398

$

14,180

$

5,146

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation

3,893

3,544

7,678

7,206

Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)

463

(188

)

1,134

(1,193

)

Stock-based compensation expense

1,125

891

1,794

1,079

Unrealized (gain) loss on peso forward contracts

(79

)

284

(372

)

936

Other, net

227

269

543

816

Change in operating assets and liabilities
Receivables

13,468

10,568

12,894

7,379

Inventories

(10,342

)

2,283

(7,233

)

138

Prepaids and other assets

2,845

1,963

6,649

7,844

Accounts payable

(1,545

)

(9,026

)

(6,362

)

(3,990

)

Accrued liabilities

(1,817

)

(2,542

)

(5,697

)

(4,580

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

13,881

9,444

25,208

20,781

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(2,631

)

(917

)

(4,160

)

(2,990

)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

259

259

Net cash used in investing activities

(2,372

)

(917

)

(3,901

)

(2,990

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under credit facilities

3,000

Repayment of borrowings under credit facilities

(2,500

)

(5,500

)

(3,000

)

Payment for debt issuance costs

(98

)

(98

)

Payment for taxes withheld from stock-based awards

(355

)

(1,274

)

Share issuances

16

15

32

28

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(2,937

)

15

(6,840

)

28

Foreign currency impact on cash

(18

)

(320

)

(19

)

(604

)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

8,554

8,222

14,448

17,215

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning of period

90,473

34,403

84,579

25,410

End of period

$

99,027

$

42,625

$

99,027

$

42,625

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes

$

575

$

4,458

$

1,157

$

8,539

Interest

$

61

$

279

$

184

$

559

Non-cash investing activities:
Change in capital expenditures in accounts payable

$

(13

)

$

56

$

(450

)

Strattec Security Corporation

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Fiscal 2025

Fiscal 2026

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Total

NET SALES:
Net Sales (GAAP)

139,052

129,919

144,082

152,013

$

565,066

152,399

137,534

$

289,933

ADJUSTED EBITDA:
Net income attributable to Strattec (GAAP)

$

3,703

$

1,319

$

5,396

$

8,267

$

18,685

$

8,529

$

4,947

$

13,476

Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

45

79

315

(205

)

234

8

696

704

Income tax expense

1,498

405

1,644

2,170

5,717

2,356

1,699

4,055

Other (income) expense, net

(129

)

482

16

(1,189

)

(820

)

275

(1,691

)

(1,416

)

Interest income

(349

)

(408

)

(529

)

(753

)

(2,039

)

(877

)

(885

)

(1,762

)

Interest expense

295

257

243

212

1,007

156

96

252

Income from operations

5,063

2,134

7,085

8,502

22,784

10,447

4,862

-

-

15,309

Adjustments:
Depreciation

3,662

3,544

3,746

3,812

$

14,764

3,785

3,893

$

7,678

Non-cash stock-based compensation

188

891

760

887

2,726

669

1,125

1,794

Restructuring and similar charges

-

265

809

(676

)

398

-

1,305

1,305

Executive transition costs

941

921

214

(17

)

2,058

136

88

224

Business transformation costs

74

215

259

479

1,027

514

994

1,508

4,865

5,836

5,788

4,485

20,974

5,104

7,405

-

-

12,509

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)

$

9,928

$

7,970

$

12,873

$

12,987

$

43,758

$

15,551

$

12,267

$

-

$

-

$

27,818

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales

7.1

%

6.1

%

8.9

%

8.5

%

7.7

%

10.2

%

8.9

%

9.6

%

ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE:
Net income attributable to Strattec (GAAP)

$

3,703

$

1,319

$

5,396

$

8,267

$

18,685

$

8,529

$

4,947

$

13,476

Adjustments:
Restructuring and similar charges

-

265

809

(676

)

398

570

1,165

1,735

Executive transition costs

1,224

1,225

214

115

2,778

136

88

224

Business transformation costs

74

215

259

479

1,027

514

994

1,508

Non-controlling interest impact on above adjustments

-

-

(160

)

160

-

(196

)

190

(6

)

Tax effect on above adjustments

(292

)

(384

)

(376

)

107

(945

)

(383

)

(335

)

(718

)

1,006

1,321

746

185

3,258

641

2,102

-

-

2,743

Adjusted Net Income attributable to Strattec (Non-GAAP)

$

4,709

$

2,640

$

6,142

$

8,452

$

21,943

$

9,170

$

7,049

$

-

$

-

$

16,219

Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding

4,005

4,035

4,039

4,039

4,030

4,054

4,080

4,067

Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding

4,046

4,070

4,085

4,105

4,076

4,127

4,131

4,128

Diluted earnings per share (GAAP)

$

0.92

$

0.32

$

1.32

$

2.01

$

4.58

$

2.07

$

1.20

$

3.26

Adjusted dilutive earnings per share (Non-GAAP)

$

1.16

$

0.65

$

1.50

$

2.06

$

5.38

$

2.22

$

1.71

$

3.93

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205914494/en/

Deborah K. Pawlowski, IRC
Alliance Advisors IR
Phone: 716-843-3908
Email: dpawlowski@allianceadvisors.com

FAQ**

How is STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION STRT planning to address the expected softness in the U.S. automotive production market in the second half of fiscal 2026?

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION STRT plans to address the expected softness in the U.S. automotive production market in the second half of fiscal 2026 by diversifying its product offerings, enhancing operational efficiencies, and focusing on emerging markets and innovative solutions.

Can STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION STRT provide more details on the expected $3.4 million in annual savings from recent restructuring actions?

As of October 2023, specific details on the $3.4 million in annual savings from STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION's recent restructuring actions have not been publicly disclosed, but the company is expected to provide updates in future earnings reports or announcements.

What specific product innovations is STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION STRT investing in to enhance its competitive position in vehicle access solutions?

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION is investing in advanced keyless entry systems, remote access technologies, and smart locking mechanisms to enhance its competitive position in vehicle access solutions.

How does STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION STRT plan to mitigate foreign exchange headwinds that impacted gross margins this quarter?

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (STRT) plans to mitigate foreign exchange headwinds impacting gross margins by implementing strategic pricing adjustments, enhancing operational efficiencies, and refining their supply chain management to better navigate currency fluctuations.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION (NASDAQ: STRT).

STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION

NASDAQ: STRT

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