METHODE ELECTRONICS INC
10-K/A, 2000-08-11
ELECTRONIC CONNECTORS
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<PAGE>

================================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K/A

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

                    For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2000

                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-2816

                            METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

             DELAWARE                                       36-2090085
  (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                         (IRS EMPLOYER
  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                       IDENTIFICATION NO.)

         7401 WEST WILSON AVENUE                               60706
            CHICAGO, ILLINOIS                                (ZIP CODE)
 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER (INCLUDING AREA CODE): (708) 867-6777

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

                                                      NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS                            ON WHICH REGISTERED
        -------------------                           --------------------
               None                                          None

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
                      CLASS A COMMON STOCK ($.50 PAR VALUE)
                      CLASS B COMMON STOCK ($.50 PAR VALUE)
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)

       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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained, to the best of Registrant's
knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K (_).

       The aggregate market value of the Class A and Class B Common Stock, $.50
par value, held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 12, 2000, based upon
the average of the closing bid and asked prices on that date as reported by
Nasdaq was $1,550,731,000.

       Registrant had 34,505,152 shares of Class A, $.50 par value, and
1,109,915 shares of Class B, $.50 par value, outstanding as of July 12, 2000.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

       Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be
held September 12, 2000, are incorporated by reference into Part III.
================================================================================

<PAGE>



     Note to Form 10-K/A: The table reflecting the percentage of net sales by
business segment in Item 1 of this Report is amended to correct the segment
titles, Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 14 of this
Report is amended to correct typographical errors and Exhibit 10.16 Form of
Tax Sharing Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and the Registrant is
being filed with this Report.



                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

       Methode Electronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1946 as an Illinois
corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in 1966. As used herein, Methode
Electronics, Inc. shall be referred to as the "Registrant" or the "Company."

       The Company manufactures component devices worldwide for Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of information processing and networking
equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics,
automobiles, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment. Products employ
electrical, electronic and optical technologies as sensors, interconnections
and controls. The business is managed on a technology product basis, with
those technology segments being Electronic, Optical Subsystems and Components
and Other. The business units whose results are identified in the Electronic
segment principally employ electronic processes to control and convey
signals. The business units whose results are identified in the Optical
Subsystems and Components segment principally employ light to control and
convey signals. The Other segment includes manufacturers of multi-layer
printed circuit boards and bus systems as well as independent laboratories
which provide services for qualification testing and certification of
electronic and optical components. In September 1999 the Company exited the
manufacture of printed circuitry as described in Note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements.

       As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,
substantially all of the Optical Subsystems and Components segment was
transferred to the Company's newly formed subsidiary, Stratos Lightwave, Inc.
(Stratos), effective May 28, 2000. On June 27, 2000, Stratos issued shares of
common stock in an initial public offering. The Company owns 84.3% of
Stratos' common stock. It is the Company's intention to distribute, at a
later date, all of the shares of Stratos' common stock it owns to its
shareholders contingent upon receiving a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service that such distribution would be tax-free to the Company and its
stockholders.

       The following tabulation reflects the percentage of net sales of the
product segments of the Registrant for the last three fiscal years.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               APRIL 30,
                                  -----------------------------------
                                     1998        1999        2000
                                     ----        ----        ----
        <S>                          <C>          <C>         <C>
        Electronic                   83.4%        77.9%       74.0%
        Optical Subsystems
          and Components              8.9         14.7        20.1
        Other                         7.7          7.4         5.9

</TABLE>



       SALES. The sales activities of the Registrant are directed by sales
managers who are supported by engineering personnel who provide technical
services. The Registrant's products are sold through its sales staff and
through independent manfacturers' representatives with offices throughout
the world. Sales are made primarily to original equipment manufacturers and
also independent distributors.

       SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS. Principal raw materials
purchased by Registrant include ferrous and copper alloy strips, plastic molding
materials, ferrules and fiber optic cable, semiconductor components, die
castings and precious metals. All of these items are available from several
suppliers and the Registrant generally relies on more than one for each item.

       PATENTS; LICENSING AGREEMENTS. The Registrant has various patents and
licensing agreements, but does not consider its business to be materially
dependent upon such patents and licensing agreements.

       SEASONALITY. The business of the Registrant is not seasonal.

       WORKING CAPITAL ITEMS. The Registrant is required to maintain adequate
levels of inventory to meet scheduled delivery requirements of customers. It is
not normal for the Registrant to carry significant amounts of finished goods, as
the preponderance of orders received are for scheduled future deliveries.

       MATERIAL CUSTOMERS. During the year ended April 30, 2000, shipments to
Daimler Chrysler AG and Ford



<PAGE>

Motor Corporation each were 10% or greater of consolidated net sales and, in the
aggregate, amounted to approximately 46% of consolidated net sales. Such
shipments included a wide variety of the Registrant's automotive component
products.

       BACKLOG. The Registrant's backlog of orders for its continuing operations
was approximately $65,235,000 at May 31, 1999, and $90,500,000 at May 31, 2000.
It is expected that most of the total backlog at May 31, 2000, will be shipped
within the current fiscal year.

       COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS. The markets in which the Registrant operates are
highly competitive and characterized by rapid changes due to technological
improvements and developments. Registrant competes with a large number of other
manufacturers in each of its product areas; many of these competitors have
greater resources and total sales. Price, service and product performance are
significant elements of competition in the sale of Registrant's products.

       RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Registrant maintains a Research and Development
program involving a number of professional employees who devote a majority of
their time to the development of new products and processes and the advancement
of existing ones. Senior management of the Registrant also participates directly
in the program. Expenditures for the aforementioned activities amounted to
$21,120,000, $22,750,000 and $23,615,000 for the fiscal years ended April 30,
1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.

       ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. Compliance with federal, state and local
provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment has not
materially affected capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position
of the Registrant. Currently there are no environmental related lawsuits or
material administrative proceedings pending against the Registrant. Further
information as to environmental matters affecting the Registrant is presented in
Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 14 (a)(1).

       EMPLOYEES. At April 30, 1999 and 2000, Registrant had approximately 3,800
and 3,700 employees, respectively. Registrant also from time to time employs
part-time employees and hires independent contractors. Registrant's employees
are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement, and registrant has
never experienced a work stoppage. Registrant believes that it's employee
relations are good.

       FOREIGN SALES. Information about the Registrant's operations in different
geographic regions is summarized in Note 12 to the consolidated financial
statements included in Item 14 (a)(1).






<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

       PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) 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.

                                 METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC.
                                        (Registrant)

                             By:   /s/ KEVIN J. HAYES
                                -------------------------------
                                       Kevin J. Hayes
                              EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,
                              CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER & DIRECTOR


Dated:  August 11, 2000





                                       12

<PAGE>

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                    FORM 10-K

                             ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2)

         LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

       The following consolidated financial statements of Methode Electronics,
Inc. and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:

       Consolidated Balance Sheets - - April 30, 2000 and 1999.

       Consolidated Statements of Income - - Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999
and 1998.

       Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - - Years Ended April 30,
2000, 1999 and 1998

       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - - Years Ended April 30, 2000,
1999 and 1998

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

       The schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inappropriate and, therefore, have been omitted.

                                    13

<PAGE>

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Board of Directors and Shareholders
Methode Electronics, Inc.


       We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Methode
Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2000 and 1999, and the
related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2000. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

       We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

       In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Methode
Electronics, Inc. and subsidiaries at April 30, 2000 and 1999, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended April 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.


                                                      ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
June 6, 2000

                                    14

<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    APRIL 30
                                                            2000               1999
                                                            ----               ----
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents                            $  29,427,165    $  22,764,887
  Accounts receivable, less allowance
    (2000--$5,597,000; 1999--$2,538,000)                  79,408,485       88,194,471
  Inventories:
    Finished products                                      8,628,565        9,877,422
    Work in process                                       31,284,601       25,180,203
    Materials                                             19,004,222       14,157,216
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                          58,917,388       49,214,841
  Current deferred income taxes                            6,300,000        5,239,000
  Prepaid expenses                                         4,532,621        5,596,373
                                                       -------------    -------------
                    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                 178,585,659      171,009,572

OTHER ASSETS
  Goodwill, less accumulated amortization
     (2000--$4,557,065; 1999--$3,147,426)                 49,227,870       39,770,435
  Intangible benefit plan asset (Note 6)                     930,865        1,598,597
  Cash surrender value of life insurance                   9,666,892        8,590,892
  Other                                                    6,715,228        4,754,005
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                          66,540,855       54,713,929
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
  Land                                                     2,617,382        2,551,399
  Buildings and building improvements                     51,100,045       45,559,211
  Machinery and equipment                                171,777,903      169,073,082
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                         225,495,330      217,183,692
  Less allowances for depreciation                       129,648,793      126,284,573
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                          95,846,537       90,899,119
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                         340,973,051      316,622,620
                                                       =============    =============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable                                     $  31,400,434    $  26,131,146
  Salaries, wages and payroll taxes                       10,094,606        9,396,253
  Other accrued expenses                                  12,151,774       13,539,088
  Income taxes                                               424,278        3,308,824
  Notes payable                                            1,165,050        4,695,741
                                                       -------------    -------------
                    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES             55,236,142       57,071,052

ACCUMULATED BENEFIT PLAN OBLIGATION (Note 6)                 878,269          837,939
OTHER LIABILITIES                                          2,124,497        2,368,650
DEFERRED COMPENSATION                                      8,218,655        7,320,313
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                        683,000          550,000
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 4)
  Common Stock, Class A                                   17,452,061       17,310,610
  Common Stock, Class B                                      562,365          598,935
  Stock Awards                                              (992,839)      (1,031,395)
  Additional paid-in capital                              27,983,589       23,066,837
  Retained earnings                                      238,898,436      215,116,544
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                 (6,535,856)      (2,730,157)
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                         277,367,756      252,331,374
  Less cost of shares in treasury                          3,535,268        3,856,708
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                         273,832,488      248,474,666
                                                       -------------    -------------
                                                       $ 340,973,051    $ 316,622,620
                                                       =============    =============
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                    15

<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 YEAR ENDED APRIL 30
                                                      2000             1999           1998
                                                      ----             ----           ----
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>
INCOME
  Net sales (Note 11)                              $422,145,674   $403,730,531   $379,299,543
  Settlement of litigation                                   --      2,647,167             --
  Other                                               6,520,426      4,752,350      5,806,069
                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------

                                                    428,666,100    411,130,048    385,105,612

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of products sold                             321,804,988    303,318,071    280,181,130
  Selling and administrative expenses                58,053,338     52,206,503     49,900,088
  Provision for exiting printed circuit business             --      3,100,000             --
  Amortization of intangibles                         1,514,960      1,284,750      1,192,388
  Interest expense                                      305,169        551,818        265,602
                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------

                                                    381,678,455    360,461,142    331,539,208
                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------


         INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                  46,987,645     50,668,906     53,566,404


Income taxes (Note 7)                                16,100,000     17,850,000     18,300,000
                                                   ------------   ------------   ------------

                        NET INCOME                 $ 30,887,645   $ 32,818,906   $ 35,266,404
                                                   ============   ============   ============


Amounts per Common Share (Note 8):
  Net income:
    Basic                                             $0.87          $0.93         $1.00
    Diluted                                           $0.87          $0.93         $1.00
  Cash dividends:
    Class A                                           $0.20          $0.20         $0.20
    Class B                                           $0.20          $0.20         $0.20
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                    16

<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


Years Ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      COMMON         COMMON
                                                                       STOCK         STOCK          STOCK
                                                                      CLASS A       CLASS B         AWARDS
                                                                      -------       -------         ------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance at April 30, 1997                                         $ 17,137,447   $    607,225   $ (1,032,465)
Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A            72,808           --       (2,272,528)
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                            --             --        2,238,323
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                                --             --             --
Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2)             19,026           --             --
Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A            --             --             --
Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        5,288         (5,288)          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                   --             --             --
Net income for the year                                                   --             --             --
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                            --             --             --
                                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------
Balance at April 30, 1998                                           17,234,569        601,937     (1,066,670)
Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A            73,039           --       (2,181,207)
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                            --             --        2,216,482
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                                --             --             --
Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A           --             --             --
Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        3,002         (3,002)          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                   --             --             --
Net income for the year                                                   --             --             --
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                            --             --             --
                                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------
Balance at April 30, 1999                                           17,310,610        598,935     (1,031,395)
Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A            61,998           --       (1,813,308)
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                            --             --        1,851,864
Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A          42,883           --             --
Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options                              --             --             --
Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP        --             --             --
Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                       36,570        (36,570)          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                   --             --             --
Net income for the year                                                   --             --             --
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                            --             --             --
                                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------
Balance at April 30, 2000                                         $ 17,452,061   $    562,365   $   (992,839)
                                                                  ============   ============   =============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                  FOREIGN
                                                                   ADDITIONAL                     CURRENCY
                                                                   PAID-IN        RETAINED      TRANSLATION
                                                                   CAPITAL        EARNINGS       ADJUSTMENT
                                                                   -------        --------      ------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>            <C>
Balance at April 30, 1997                                         $ 18,040,963   $161,225,847   $  1,830,046
Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A         2,199,720         --               --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                          --             --               --
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                             179,000         --               --
Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2)            601,986         --               --
Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A          --             --               --
Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                       --             --               --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 --             --         (2,206,109)
Net income for the year                                                 --         35,266,404           --
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                          --         (7,094,855)          --
                                                                   -----------------------------------------
Balance at April 30, 1998                                           21,021,669    189,397,396       (376,063)
Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A         2,108,168        --                 --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                          --            --                 --
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                             (63,000)       --                 --
Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A         --            --                 --
Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004            --            --                 --
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                       --            --                 --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                 --            --          (2,354,094)
Net income for the year                                                 --         32,818,906            --


Cash dividends on Common Stock                                          --         (7,099,758)           --
                                                                   -----------   ------------    -----------
Balance at April 30, 1999                                           23,066,837   (215,116,544)    (2,730,157)
Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A         1,751,310         --                --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                           --            --                --
Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A       1,274,011         --                --
Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options                           520,000         --                --
Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP   1,371,431         --                --
Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        --            --                --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                  --            --         (3,805,699)
Net income for the year                                                  --        30,887,645            --
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                           --        (7,105,753)           --
                                                                   -----------   ------------    -----------
Balance at April 30, 2000                                          $27,983,589   $238,898,436    $(6,535,856)
                                                                   ===========   ============    ===========

</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                     TOTAL
                                                                      TREASURY     SHAREHOLDERS'   COMPREHENSIVE
                                                                       STOCK         EQUITY            INCOME
                                                                       -----         ------            ------
                                                                   <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance at April 30, 1997                                          $  (611,706)  $197,197,357             --
Stock Award grant of 145,616 shares of Common Stock, Class A             --             --                --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                           --         2,238,323             --
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                               --           179,000             --
Issuance of 38,052 shares of Common Stock, Class A (Note 2)              --           621,012             --
Purchase of treasury stock 10,000 shares Common Stock, Class A        (161,250)      (161,250)            --
Conversion of 10,577 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 10,577
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        --             --                --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                  --      $ (2,206,109)  $ (2,206,109)
Net income for the year                                                  --        35,266,404     35,266,404
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                         --                     $ 33,060,295
                                                                                                ============
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                           --        (7,094,855)
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Balance at April 30, 1998                                             (772,956)   226,039,882             --
Stock Award grant of 146,078 shares of Common Stock, Class A             --              --               --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                           --         2,216,482             --
Tax effect of Stock Awards                                               --           (63,000)            --
Purchase of treasury stock 275,000 shares Common Stock, Class A     (3,083,752)    (3,083,752)            --
Conversion of 6,004 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 6,004             --              --               --
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        --        (2,354,094)    (2,354,094)
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                  --        32,818,906     32,818,906
Net income for the year                                                                         ------------
                                                                         --              --     $ 30,464,812
                                                                                                ============
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                           --        (7,099,758)
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Balance at April 30, 1999                                            (3,856,708) (248,474,666)           --
Stock Award grant of 123,995 shares of Common Stock, Class A             --              --              --
Earned portion of Stock Awards                                           --         1,851,864            --
Exercise of options for 85,765 shares of Common Stock, Class A           --         1,316,894            --
Tax effect of Stock Awards and Stock Options                             --           520,000            --
Contributions and sales of 39,455 shares of Treasury Stock to ESOP      321,440     1,692,871            --
Conversion of 73,140 shares of Common Stock, Class B to 73,140
  shares of Common Stock, Class A                                        --              --              --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                                  --        (3,805,699)  $ (3,805,699)
Net income for the year                                                  --        30,887,645     30,887,645
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                $ 27,081,946
                                                                                                ============
Cash dividends on Common Stock                                           --        (7,105,753)
                                                                   ------------  -------------
Balance at April 30, 2000                                          $(3,535,268)  $273,832,488
                                                                   ===========   =============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          YEAR ENDED APRIL 30
                                                                                          -------------------
                                                                              2000               1999               1998
                                                                              ----               ----               ----
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>               <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income                                                                30,887,645       $ 32,818,906      $  35,266,404
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
      Provision for depreciation
        and amortization                                                    18,857,009         17,734,723         17,627,450
      Provision for losses on accounts receivable                            3,093,172          1,272,672             92,000
      Provision for deferred compensation and
         supplemental executive benefit plan                                   706,404            359,616           (156,283)
      Provision for deferred income taxes                                     (770,000)        (1,230,000)        (1,015,000)
      Amortization of Stock Awards                                           1,851,864          2,216,482          2,238,323
      Provision for loss on idle equipment                                   1,000,000
      Contribution of treasury stock to ESOP                                 1,200,000
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
          Accounts receivable                                                5,718,667        (24,020,866)        (7,095,259)
          Inventories                                                      (10,475,860)         1,602,072         (7,463,783)
          Current deferred income
            taxes and prepaid expenses                                       1,063,752         (2,583,288)            21,229
          Accounts payable and
            accrued expenses                                                 3,641,842          4,146,575         (1,226,684)
                                                                         -------------       ------------      --------------
                           NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES        56,774,495         32,316,892         38,288,397

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of property, plant and
    equipment                                                              (24,668,132)       (21,995,559)       (23,211,297)
  Purchases of subsidiaries (Note 3)                                       (13,967,375)        (3,983,419)        (3,847,501)
  Purchases of life insurance policies                                      (1,076,000)          (939,041)          (971,626)
  Proceeds from sale of Printed Circuit Assets                               3,529,019                  -                  -
  Other                                                                     (5,053,050)         1,795,922         (3,653,368)
                                                                         -------------       ------------      --------------
                               NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES       (41,235,538)       (25,122,097)       (31,683,792)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Borrowings (repayments) on lines of
    credit and long-term borrowings                                         (3,580,691)         1,574,734          1,715,048
  Exercise of stock options                                                  1,316,894
  Treasury stock transactions                                                  492,871         (3,083,752)          (161,250)
  Dividends                                                                 (7,105,753)        (7,099,758)        (7,094,855)
                                                                         -------------       ------------      --------------
                               CASH USED IN NET FINANCING ACTIVITIES        (8,876,679)        (8,608,776)        (5,541,057)
                                                                         -------------       ------------      --------------

                    INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS         6,662,278         (1,413,981)         1,063,548

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                              22,764,887         24,178,868         23,115,320
                                                                         -------------       ------------      --------------

                            CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR        29,427,165       $ 22,764,887      $  24,178,868
                                                                         =============       =============     ==============
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                    18

<PAGE>

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                 APRIL 30, 2000


1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

       PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

       CASH EQUIVALENTS. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased are carried at their approximate fair value and
classified in the balance sheet as cash equivalents.

       INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in,
first-out method) or market.

       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT. Properties are stated on the basis of
cost. The Company amortizes such costs by annual charges to income, computed on
the straight-line method using estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years for
buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment for
financial reporting purposes. Accelerated methods are generally used for income
tax purposes.

       INCOME TAXES. Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method
as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, "SFAS" No. 109,
ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax
rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to
reverse.

       REVENUE RECOGNITION. Revenue from product sales, net of trade discounts
and allowances, is recognized when title passes which is upon shipment (FOB
shipping point). The Company handles returns by replacing, repairing or issuing
credit for defective products when returned. Return costs were not significant
in fiscal years 2000, 1999 and 1998.

       FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The results of operations of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange
rates during the year, while the assets and liabilities are translated using
period end exchange rates. The related translation adjustments are recorded in
Shareholders' Equity.


       LONG-LIVED ASSETS. The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets to
determine if there are indicators of impairment. When indicators of impairment
are present, the Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and
equipment and intangibles, including goodwill, in relation to the operating
performance and future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying businesses. The
Company adjusts the net book value of the underlying assets if the sum of the
expected future cash flows is less than book value.


       INTANGIBLES. The excess of purchase price over the estimated fair value
of net assets of acquired companies is being amortized on a straight-line basis
over periods ranging from 25 to 40 years.

       RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS. Costs associated with the development of
new products are charged to expense when incurred. Research and development
costs for the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 amounted to $23,600,000,
$22,750,000 and $21,120,000, respectively.

       FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The carrying amounts of the
Company's borrowings under its short-term revolving credit agreements
approximate their fair value. The weighted average interest rates on such
borrowings for the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 were 7.18%, 7.23%
and 7.10%, respectively.

       USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial
statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

                                    19

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


1.     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

       SEGMENT DISCLOSURES. In 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131
DISCLOSURES ABOUT SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE AND RELATED INFORMATION. SFAS 131
established standards for the way that public business enterprises report
information about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires
that those enterprises report selected information about operating segments in
interim financial reports. It also established standards for related disclosures
about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption
of Statement No. 131 did not affect the results of operations or financial
position of the Company, but did affect the disclosure of segment information
(see Note 12).

       COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 130, REPORTING COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, requires companies to report all
changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investment by
owners and distribution to owners, in a financial statement for the period in
which they were recognized. The Company has chosen to disclose Comprehensive
Income, which encompasses net income and foreign currency translation
adjustments, in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity

       RECLASSIFICATION. Certain amounts in fiscal 1999 and 1988 have been
reclassified to conform to the classification in fiscal 2000.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

       In December 1999, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB), No.
101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements." SAB 101 summarizes certain
of the SEC staff's views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to
revenue recognition in financial statements. The Company adopted SAB 101
effective February 1, 2000. Such adoption did not have an effect on the revenue
recognition policy of the Company.

       Effective May 1, 1999, the Company adopted American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position No. 98-1, "Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP No. 98-1
requires that entities capitalize certain costs related to internal-use software
once certain criteria have been met. The adoption of this statement did not have
a significant impact on financial results.

       In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS), No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires
companies to record derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or
liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes
in the values of those derivatives would be accounted for depending on the
use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS No.
133 will be effective for fiscal year ending April 30, 2001. The Company
believes that this statement will not have a significant impact on financial
results.

2.     ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK

       As of May 28, 2000 the Company contributed and transferred to its then
wholly-owned subsidiary, Stratos Lightwave, Inc.(Stratos), all of the assets
and liabilities of its optoelectronics and fiber optic divisions and all of
the capital stock and equity interest held by the Company in certain other
subsidiaries that conducted the majority of its optical products business,
pursuant to a master separation agreement. The optical products business
transferred to Stratos represented 95% of the total assets and 85% of sales
for the Optical Subsystems and Components segment at April 30, 2000 and the
year then ended. In June 2000 Stratos issued 10,062,500 shares of common
stock in an initial public offering. After the initial public offering, the
Company owned 84.3% of Stratos' common stock outstanding.

       Proceeds from the offering totaled $196,500,000 net of underwriting
discount and will be used by Stratos to pay $2,956,500 of additional purchase
price in connection with the acquisition of Polycore Technologies, Inc. (see
Note 3) and for general corporate purposes. It is the Company's intention to
distribute, at a later date, all of the shares of Stratos common stock it owns
to its stockholders contingent upon receiving a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service that such a distribution would be tax-free to the Company and its
stockholders.

                                    20

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

2.     ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK (CONTINUED)

       For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between
the Company and Stratos at and after the separation and to provide for an
orderly transition, the Company and Stratos entered into various agreements to
provide services such as centralized advertising, legal, accounting, employee
benefits, real estate, insurance services, information technology services,
treasury and other corporate and infrastructure services. The agreements govern
individual transitional services as requested by Stratos or the Company, of the
other party. Such services are to be provided in accordance with the policies,
procedures and practices in effect before the transfer date. The term of each
agreement shall be one year (provision for extension exists) unless earlier
terminated.

3.  ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

       On December 30, 1999, the Company purchased for approximately $13,000,000
in cash, including costs of acquisition, substantially all the assets of the
Optoelectronics division of Spire Corporation.

       On April 15, 1999, the Company purchased substantially all of the
assets of Polycore Technologies, Inc., a developer of highly integrated data
communication modules for Local Area Network equipment. The purchase price,
including direct acquisition costs, for this business referred to as Stratos
Micro Systems, was $795,500 in cash plus additional contingent consideration
that may become due based upon the attainment of certain performance targets.
Effective February 23, 2000, the Company entered into an amendment to the
Asset Purchase Agreement which provides that in the event the Company is part
of an Initial Public Offering of shares to be accomplished not later than
November 15, 2000, the sum of $2,956,500 will become payable to the seller
within 30 days following the Initial Public Offering in full satisfaction of
such additional contingent consideration.

       Effective December 1, 1998, the Company purchased for cash, all of the
outstanding shares of Stratos, Ltd. (formerly AB Stratos, Ltd.) of Haverhill,
England. Stratos is a developer and manufacturer of fiber optic connectivity
products for harsh environments.

       Effective May 5, 1997, the Company purchased all of the outstanding
shares of Adam Technologies, a designer and marketer of electronic connectors,
for cash including contingent cash consideration provided certain performance
targets were attained for fiscal 1998, 1999 and 2000. Such targets were
substantially met and additional cash payments were made subsequent to each
fiscal year end.

       The above-described acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting, and the results of operations of the acquired companies
have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from their
respective dates of acquisition. The excess of purchase price, if any, over net
assets acquired, based on estimated fair value in these acquisitions is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 25 to 40 years. Had
these acquisitions been made as of the beginning of fiscal 1998, sales and
operating results would not be materially different than reported.


       In April 1999, the Company made the decision to exit the printed
circuit industry and divest its two board manufacturing facilities. In the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1999 the Company recorded a non-recurring charge of
$3,100,000 or $1,860,000 net of tax benefits for the costs associated with
the exit of the business. The charge was comprised of $1,540,000 for the
write-down of the plant and equipment with a carrying value of $4,700,000 to
their fair value, $600,000 for additional environmental costs directly
associated with the decision to close the operations, and approximately
$960,000 for other exit costs. The write-down for the plant and equipment
reflected impairment in their carrying value. The fair value of the plant and
equipment was based upon the estimated current value less costs to sell. The
Company ceased operating both facilities as of September 30, 1999 and sold
the majority of the assets for cash of approximately $3,529,000. At April 30,
2000 an accrual for costs relating to exiting the printed circuit business of
$614,000 remained. The Company believes this accrual is adequate for
potential losses on remaining printed circuit assets and environmental costs
directly associated with closing these operations. Net sales of the Company's
printed circuit board businesses were $4,608,000, $12,755,000 and $14,610,000
for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Net losses of the businesses
were $661,000, $1,061,000 and $119,000 for fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.


                                    21

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

4.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

       PREFERRED STOCK. The Company has 50,000 authorized shares of Series A, 4%
cumulative convertible Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, of which none
were outstanding at April 30, 2000.

       COMMON STOCK. Common Stock, Class A, is entitled to dividends at least
equivalent to those paid on the shares of Common Stock, Class B. The Common
Stock, Class A, has more limited voting rights than the Common Stock, Class B.
Generally the holders of Common Stock, Class A, are entitled to elect 25% of the
Company's Board of Directors and are entitled to one-tenth of one vote per share
respecting other matters. Holders of Common Stock, Class B, are entitled to one
vote per share. Each share of Common Stock, Class B, is convertible into one
share of Common Stock, Class A, at the option of the holder. At April 30, 2000,
3,454,104 shares of Common Stock, Class A, are reserved for future issuance in
connection with the conversion of shares of Common Stock, Class B, and the
Company's stock award and stock option plans.

       Common Stock, par value $.50 per share, authorized, issued and in
treasury, was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   APRIL 30, 2000                    APRIL 30, 1999
                                    COMMON STOCK                      COMMON STOCK
                            ----------------------------      ----------------------------
        <S>                 <C>                <C>            <C>                <C>
                                 CLASS A        CLASS B            CLASS A        CLASS B
                            --------------     ---------      -------------      ---------
        Authorized             100,000,000     5,000,000         50,000,000      5,000,000
        Issued                  34,904,121     1,124,731         34,621,220      1,197,871
        In Treasury                419,745        12,200            459,200         12,200
</TABLE>

       STOCK AWARDS. The Company has an Incentive Stock Award Plan (Incentive
Plan) which permits the issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
Class A, to certain officers and key employees of the Company, of which
2,593,861 shares have been awarded through April 30, 2000. Pursuant to the terms
of the Incentive Plan, the granted stock does not vest until two years after the
award date. If for any reason other than retirement, disability or death an
employee terminates his service before the two-year period, the stock will not
vest and will be made available for future grants. There were no incentive
stock awards granted for fiscal year 2000 performance.

       The Company also has an Incentive Stock Award Plan for Non-employee
Directors which permits the issuance of up to 120,000 shares of Common Stock,
Class A, to non-employee directors, of which 111,000 shares have been awarded at
April 30, 2000. Shares awarded pursuant to this plan have no vesting
restrictions.

       STOCK OPTIONS. In fiscal 1998 the Company adopted the Methode
Electronics, Inc. 1997 Stock Plan ("Plan"). The Plan awards stock options to key
employees. As of April 30, 2000, the maximum number of shares that may be
granted under the Plan is 2,000,000. Stock options granted to date vest over a
period of six to twenty-seven months after the date of the grant and have a term
of ten years.

       The following table summarizes the transactions pursuant to the 1997
Stock Plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                          OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                  EXERCISABLE OPTIONS
                                      ----------------------------        ----------------------------
                                                      WTD. AVG.                            WTD. AVG.
                                      SHARES        EXERCISE PRICE        SHARES        EXERCISE PRICE
                                      ------        --------------        ------        --------------
         <S>                          <C>           <C>                   <C>           <C>
         April 30, 1997                  -                 -                 -                  -
            Granted                   205,645            $15.53
            Cancelled                  (1,100)            15.53
                                      --------          -------
         April 30, 1998               204,545             15.53               -                  -
            Granted                   250,866             14.31
            Cancelled                 (26,280)            15.26
                                      --------           ------
         April 30, 1999               429,131             14.84             96,305            $15.53
            Granted                   291,180             27.18
            Exercised                  (85,765)           15.41
            Cancelled                  (23,083)           15.30
                                      --------           ------
         April 30, 2000                611,463            14.84            200,131            $15.34
                                      ========           ======            =======            ======
</TABLE>

                                    22

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

4.     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      EXERCISABLE OPTIONS
                        OPTIONS OUTSTANDING AT APRIL 30, 2000                          AT APRIL 30, 2000
         ----------------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------
             RANGE OF                          AVG. REMAINING       WTD. AVG.                     WTD. AVG.
          EXERCISE PRICES         SHARES        LIFE (YEARS)     EXERCISE PRICE     SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE
         ----------------         -------     --------------     --------------   ----------   --------------
         <S>      <C>             <C>         <C>                <C>              <C>          <C>
         $11.38 - 19.06           335,163          8.1               $14.71          200,131       $15.34
         $23.28 - 35.97           253,200          9.3                25.44                -            -
         $48.31 - 51.94            23,100          9.9                49.95                -            -
                                   ------                                            -------
                                  611,463          8.7                22.99          200,131        15.34
                                  =======          ===               ======          =======        =====
</TABLE>

       The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123
and has not recorded any compensation expense associated with these stock
options. Consistent with prior years, stock-based compensation continues to be
recorded using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB No. 25 and related
Interpretations. If the Company had determined compensation cost based on the
fair value at the grant date consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net
income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 YEAR ENDED APRIL 30
                                                   ------------------------------------------------
                                                        2000            1999             1998
                                                        ----            ----             ----
         <S>                                          <C>              <C>             <C>
         Net earnings
             As reported                              $30,887,645      $32,818,906     $35,266,404
             Pro forma                                 29,496,659       31,888,080      35,125,502
         Basic earnings per share:
              As reported
              Pro forma
                                                              .87              .93            1.00
                                                              .84              .90            1.00
         Diluted earnings per share:
             As reported                                      .87              .93            1.00
             Pro forma                                        .83              .90            1.00
</TABLE>

       The weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during
fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998 was $15.27, $6.27 and $5.37. The fair value of each
option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       2000         1999         1998
                                                       ----         ----         ----
         <S>                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
         Risk free interest rate                        5.9%         5.4%         5.5%
         Expected option life in years                  6.0          6.0          6.0
         Expected volatility                           55.2%        43.8%        37.8%
         Dividend yield                                 0.5%         1.4%         1.3%
</TABLE>

5.  EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

       The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit
of its eligible full-time employees. Eligible employees are generally U.S.
employees who have completed one year of service. The purpose of the Plan is to
assist employees to accumulate capital ownership in the Company and through that
ownership to promote in them a strong interest in the successful operation of
the Company. The Company made annual contributions of $1,200,000 to the Plan
during fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998. The Company is in the process of terminating
the ESOP and replacing this benefit with a Company contribution to the employee
401(k) savings plan equal to 3% of eligible compensation.


<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

6.  SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE BENEFIT PLAN

       In fiscal 1992, the Company adopted an unfunded defined benefit plan
covering certain key executives. Benefits under the plan are in recognition of
significant contributions to the success of the Company made by the executives
during their many years of service with the Company. Annual payments of $900,000
pursuant to the plan are being made through fiscal year 2001.

       The net periodic cost recognized as expense for this plan was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         PRIOR SERVICE COSTS      INTEREST         TOTAL
                         -------------------      --------         -----
<S>                             <C>               <C>             <C>
         2000                 $667,732            $ 78,253        $745,985
         1999                  667,732             131,120         798,852
         1998                  667,732             180,570         848,302

</TABLE>

       The weighted-average assumed discount rate used to measure the projected
benefit obligation in all years was 6-2/3%.

7.  INCOME TAXES

       Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities at April 30 were as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 2000                  1999
                                                                 ----                  ----
         <S>                                                  <C>                   <C>
         Deferred tax liabilities-
            Accelerated tax depreciation                      $5,528,000            $5,528,000

         Deferred tax assets:
            Deferred compensation and
              Stock Awards                                     3,858,000             3,893,000
            Inventory valuation differences                    1,401,000             1,515,000
            Environmental reserves                               805,000               943,000
            Bad debt reserves                                  2,168,000               985,000
            Vacation accruals                                  1,314,000             1,202,000
            Printed circuit board closure                        246,000             1,000,000
            Other accruals                                     1,353,000               679,000
                                                              ----------            -----------
               Total deferred tax assets                      11,145,000            10,217,000
                                                              ----------            -----------
            Net deferred tax assets                           $5,617,000            $4,689,000
                                                              ----------            -----------
            Net current deferred tax assets                   $6,300,000            $5,239,000
            Net non-current deferred tax
              liabilities                                      (683,000)             (550,000)
                                                              ----------            -----------
                                                              $5,617,000            $4,689,000
                                                              ==========            ==========
</TABLE>


         Income taxes consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           2000               1999                1998
                                           ----               ----                ----
         <S>                              <C>                  <C>                <C>
         Current
              Federal                     $13,446,000          $14,545,000        $14,951,000
              Foreign                         744,000            1,440,000          1,268,000
              State                         2,680,000            3,095,000          3,096,000
                                          -----------          -----------        -----------
                                           16,870,000           19,080,000         19,315,000
         Deferred (credit)                   (770,000)          (1,230,000)        (1,015,000)
                                          -----------          -----------        -----------
                                          $16,100,000          $17,850,000        $18,300,000
                                          ===========          ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

       A reconciliation of the consolidated provisions for income taxes to
amounts determined by applying the prevailing statutory federal income tax rate
of 35% to pre-tax earnings is as follows:

                                    24

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

7.  INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  2000              1999              1998
                                                  ----              ----              ----
       <S>                                    <C>               <C>                <C>
       Income tax at
         statutory rate                       $16,446,000       $17,734,000        $18,748,000
       Effect of:
         State income taxes                     1,711,000         1,799,000          1,918,000
         Foreign operations with
           lower statutory rates               (2,429,000)       (1,843,000)        (2,441,000)
         Other - net                              372,000           160,000             75,000
                                              -----------       -----------        -----------
       Income tax provision                   $16,100,000       $17,850,000        $18,300,000
                                              ===========       ===========        ===========
</TABLE>

       The Company paid income taxes of approximately $18,413,000 in 2000,
$17,469,000 in 1999 and $18,415,000 in 1998. No provision has been made for
income taxes of approximately $16,157,000 at April 30, 2000 which would be
payable should undistributed net income of $40,851,000 of foreign operations be
distributed as dividends, as the Company plans to continue these foreign
operations and does not contemplate such distributions in the foreseeable
future.

8.     EARNINGS PER SHARE

       The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  2000              1999               1998
                                                                  ----              ----               ----
        <S>                                                   <C>               <C>                <C>
        Numerator - net income                                $30,887,645       $32,818,906        $35,266,404

        Denominator:
          Denominator for basic earnings per
             share-Weighted-average shares                     35,308,000        35,312,000         35,262,000
               Dilutive potential common shares-
                 Employee stock awards                            236,000            99,000            101,000
                                                              -----------       -----------        -----------
        Denominator for diluted earnings per
             Share-adjusted weighted-average
                 shares and assumed conversions                35,544,000        35,411,000         35,363,000
                                                              ===========       ===========        ===========
        Basic and diluted earnings per share                  $       .87       $       .93        $      1.00
                                                              ===========       ===========        ===========
</TABLE>


       Options to purchase 23,100 shares of common stock at a weighted average
option price of $49.95 per share were outstanding during 2000 but were not
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options
exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares
and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

9.     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

       The Company is involved in environmental investigation and/or remediation
at certain of its present plant sites. The Company is not yet able to determine
when such remediation activity will be complete.

       At April 30, 2000 and 1999, the Company had accruals, primarily based
upon independent engineering studies, for environmental matters of approximately
$2,735,000 and $3,075,000, respectively. The Company believes the provisions it
has made for environmental matters are adequate to satisfy its liabilities
relating to such matters.

                                    25

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

9.     ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS (CONTINUED)

       In 2000, the Company spent $420,000 on remediation cleanups and related
studies compared with $624,000 in 1999 and $290,000 in 1998. In the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company also recorded $600,000 to provide for
additional environmental costs associated with the exit of its printed circuit
businesses, as well as a $1,000,000 provision for general printed circuit
environmental costs not associated with the decision to exit the businesses. In
2000, the costs associated with environmental matters as they relate to
day-to-day activities were not material.

10.    PENDING LITIGATION

       Certain litigation arising in the normal course of business is pending
against the Company. The Company is of the opinion that the resolution of such
litigation will not have a significant effect on the consolidated financial
statements of the Company.

11.    MATERIAL CUSTOMERS

       Sales to two automotive customers approximated 46%, 41% and 38% of net
sales in the years ended April 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. At April 30, 2000 and
1999, accounts receivable from customers in the automotive industry were
approximately $37,598,000 and $43,707,000.

       Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 to 45 days. Credit losses
relating to all customers consistently have been within management's
expectation.


12.    SEGMENT INFORMATION

       As described in Note 1, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 in fiscal
year 1999. The Company has two reportable business segments: Electronic
Products and Optical Products.



       The Company manufactures component devices world-wide for Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of information processing and networking
equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics,
automobiles, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment. Products employ
electrical, electronic and optical technologies as sensors, interconnections
and controls. The Company is managed on a technology product basis, with
those technology segments being Electronic and Optical Subsystems and
Components.



       The business units whose results are identified in the Electronic segment
principally employ electronic processes to control and convey signals.




       The business units whose results are identified in the Optical
Subsystems and Components segment principally employ light to control and
convey signals. As described in Note 2, the Company transferred the majority
of this business to a subsidiary that it intends to distribute to its
shareholders in a tax-free distribution in fiscal 2001.


       The Company's businesses which manufacture multi-layer printed circuit
boards and bus systems as well as its independent laboratories which provide
services for qualification testing and certification of electronic and optical
components are included in Other. In April 1999 the Company announced its
decision to exit the manufacture of printed circuitry as described in Note 3.

       The accounting policies of the technology segments are the same as those
described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company
allocates resources to and evaluates performance of its technology segments
based on operating income. Transfers between technology segments are recorded
using internal transfer prices set by the Company.

                                    26

<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES


12.  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

       The table below presents information about the Company's reportable
segments:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              FISCAL YEAR 2000
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    OPTICAL
                                                                  SUBSYSTEMS
                                                  ELECTRONIC     AND COMPONENTS     OTHER        ELIMINATIONS    CONSOLIDATED
                                                  ----------     --------------     -----        ------------    ------------
<S>                                              <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Net sales to unaffiliated customers              $312,327,000      $84,847,000    $24,972,000                    $422,146,000
Transfers between technology segments                 132,000        2,268,000        996,000    $(3,396,000)               -
                                                 ------------      -----------    -----------    ------------    ------------
                            Total net sales      $312,459,000      $87,115,000    $25,968,000    $(3,396,000)    $422,146,000
                                                 ============      ===========    ===========    ============    ============

Operating income                                  $48,507,000      $12,725,000     $1,112,000                    $ 62,344,000
                                                  ===========      ===========     ==========
Corporate expenses                                                                                                (15,356,000)
                                                                                                                 ============
                     Total operating income                                                                      $ 46,988,000
                                                                                                                 ------------

Depreciation and amortization                     $12,963,000       $3,333,000     $1,537,000                    $ 17,833,000
                                                  ===========       ==========     ==========
Corporate depreciation and amortization                                                                             1,024,000
                                                                                                                 ------------
        Total depreciation and amortization                                                                      $ 18,857,000
                                                                                                                 ============

Identifiable assets                              $171,807,000      $64,395,000    $14,565,000                    $250,767,000
                                                 ============      ===========    ===========
General corporate assets                                                                                           90,206,000
                                                                                                                 ------------
                               Total assets                                                                      $340,973,000
                                                                                                                 ============
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            FISCAL YEAR 1999
                                            -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    OPTICAL
                                                                  SUBSYSTEMS
                                               ELECTRONIC        AND COMPONENTS     OTHER       ELIMINATIONS    CONSOLIDATED
                                            ----------------     --------------   -----------   ------------    ------------
<S>                                         <C>                    <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
Net sales to unaffiliated customers             $314,406,000       $59,248,000   $30,077,000                   $403,731,000
Transfers between technology segments                      -         1,865,000       777,000   $(2,642,000)                -
                                                ------------       -----------   -----------   -----------     ------------
                            Total net sales     $314,406,000       $61,113,000   $30,854,000   $(2,642,000)    $403,731,000
                                                ============       ===========   ===========   ===========     ============
Operating income (loss)                         $ 55,979,000       $11,730,000   $(4,829,000)                  $ 62,880,000
                                                ============       ===========   ===========
Corporate expenses                                                                                              (12,211,000)
                                                                                                               ------------
                     Total operating income                                                                    $ 50,669,000
                                                                                                               ============
Depreciation and amortization                   $ 13,034,000       $ 1,837,000   $ 1,787,000                   $ 16,658,000
                                                ============       ===========   ===========
Corporate depreciation and amortization                                                                           1,077,000
                                                                                                               ------------
        Total depreciation and amortization                                                                    $ 17,735,000
                                                                                                               ============

Identifiable assets                             $178,254,000       $33,497,000   $23,075,000                   $234,826,000
                                                ============       ===========   ===========
General corporate assets                                                                                         81,797,000
                                                                                                               ------------
                               Total assets                                                                    $316,623,000
                                                                                                               ============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

12.  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       FISCAL YEAR 1998
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             OPTICAL
                                                           SUBSYSTEMS
                                             ELECTRONIC   AND COMPONENTS     OTHER      ELIMINATIONS    CONSOLIDATED
                                           -------------  --------------  -----------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>             <C>
Net sales to unaffiliated customers         $316,265,000   $33,683,000    $29,352,000                  $379,300,000
Transfers between technology segments                  -       316,000        925,000   $(1,241,000)              -
                                            ------------   -----------    -----------   -----------    ------------
                      Total net sales       $316,265,000   $33,999,000    $30,277,000   $(1,241,000)   $379,300,000
                                            ============   ===========    ===========   ===========    ============
Operating income                            $ 61,803,000   $ 2,646,000    $   689,000                  $ 65,138,000
                                            ============   ===========    ===========
Corporate expenses                                                                                      (11,572,000)
                                                                                                       ------------
               Total operating income                                                                  $ 53,566,000
                                                                                                       ============

Depreciation and amortization               $ 13,772,000   $ 1,460,000    $ 1,550,000                  $ 16,782,000
                                            ============   ===========    ===========
Corporate depreciation and                                                                                  845,000
aaaaamortization amortization                                                                          ------------
amortization amortization
  Total depreciation and amortization                                                                  $ 17,627,000
                                                                                                       ============
Identifiable assets                         $167,406,000   $18,856,000    $21,864,000                  $208,126,000
                                            ============   ===========    ===========
General corporate assets                                                                                 79,404,000
                                                                                                       ------------
                         Total assets                                                                  $287,530,000
                                                                                                       ============
</TABLE>


       Information about the Company's operations in different geographic
regions is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             2000              1999               1998
                                             ----              ----               ----
         <S>                             <C>                <C>                 <C>
         Net Sales:
           United States                 $331,056,000       $310,620,000       $294,886,000
           Asia Pacific                    16,227,000         21,955,000         22,979,000
           Europe                          74,863,000         71,156,000         61,435,000
                                         ------------       ------------       ------------
                                         $422,146,000       $403,731,000       $379,300,000
                                         ============       ============       ============
         Operating Income (Loss):
           United States                 $ 37,187,000       $ 37,710,000       $ 43,529,000
           Asia Pacific                    (1,016,000)         2,880,000            917,000
           Europe                           9,434,000          9,278,000          8,091,000
         Income & expenses
           not allocated to areas           1,383,000            801,000          1,029,000
                                         ------------       ------------       ------------
                                         $ 46,988,000       $ 50,669,000       $ 53,566,000
                                         ============       ============       ============
         Long-Lived Assets:
           United States                 $100,224,000       $ 84,882,000       $ 79,270,000
           Asia Pacific                     9,500,000         11,018,000         15,456,000
           Europe                          36,281,000         36,368,000         33,333,000
                                         ------------       ------------       ------------
                                         $146,005,000       $132,268,000       $128,059,000
                                         ============       ============       ============

</TABLE>



                                    28
<PAGE>

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                   METHODE ELECTRONICS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

13.    SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

       The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations
for the two years ended April 30, 2000.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               FISCAL YEAR 2000
                                                                 QUARTER ENDED
                                            JULY 31         OCTOBER 31       JANUARY 31         APRIL 30
                                          -----------     -------------    -------------      ------------
         <S>                              <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>
         Net sales                        $98,607,614      $104,359,937     $102,022,877      $117,155,246
         Gross profit                      24,495,714        24,100,528       23,995,371        27,749,073
         Net income                         8,453,898         5,403,310        7,352,775         9,677,662
         Net income per
           Common Share                          0.24              0.15             0.21              0.27
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FISCAL YEAR 1999
                                                                     QUARTER ENDED
                                                 JULY 31        OCTOBER 31       JANUARY 31        APRIL 30
                                              ------------    -------------     ------------     ------------
         <S>                                  <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>
         Net sales                             $87,961,397     $107,875,915     $ 96,387,118     $111,506,101
         Gross profit                           22,519,987       27,120,224       23,410,967       27,361,282
         Provision for exiting
           printed circuit business
            (see Note 3)                                 -                -                -        3,100,000
         Net income                              7,677,390        9,187,753        7,122,426        8,831,337
         Net income per
          Common Share                                0.22             0.26             0.20             0.25
</TABLE>


                                    29
<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Exhibit
     Number                                           Description
     ------                                           -----------
     <S>            <C>
        3.1         Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (1)
        3.2         Bylaws of Registrant, as amended and currently in effect (1)
        4.1         Article Fourth of Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended and
                    currently in effect (included in Exhibit 3.1)
       10.1         Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan dated February 24, 1977 (2)*
       10.2         Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust Amendment No.1(2)*
       10.3         Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (2)*
       10.4         Methode Electronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust -- Amendment No.1 (2)*
       10.5         Methode Electronics, Inc. Incentive Stock Award Plan (3)*
       10.6         Methode Electronics, Inc. Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (4)*
       10.7         Methode Electronics, Inc. Managerial Bonus and Matching Bonus Plan (also referred
                    to as the Longevity Contingent Bonus Program) (4)*
       10.8         Methode Electronics, Inc. Capital Accumulation Plan (4)*
       10.9         Incentive Stock Award Plan for Non-Employee Directors (5)*
       10.10        Methode Electronics, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (5)*
       10.11        Methode Electronics, Inc. 401(k) Saving Trust (5)*
       10.12        Methode Electronics, Inc. Electronic Controls Division Cash and Class A Common
                    Stock Bonus Plan (6)
       10.13        Methode Electronics, Inc. 1997 Stock Plan (7)
       10.14        Form of Master Separation Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant (8)
       10.15        Form of Initial Public Offering and Distribution Agreement between
                    Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant (8)
       10.16        Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between Stratos Lightwave, Inc. and Registrant
        21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant (8)
       23.1         Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
        27          Financial Data Schedule (8)

       (1)          Previously filed with Registrant's Form S-3 Registration
                    Statement No. 33-61940 filed April 30, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference.
       (2)          Previously filed with Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 2-60613  and
                    incorporated herein by reference.
       (3)          Previously filed with Registrant's Registration Statement No. 2-92902 filed August
                    23, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference.
       (4)          Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-Q for three months ended January 31,
                    1994, and incorporated herein by reference.
       (5)          Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1994, and
                    incorporated herein by reference.
       (6)          Previously filed with Registrant's S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-88036 and
                    incorporated herein by reference.
       (7)          Previously filed with Registrant's Statement No. 333-49671 and incorporated herein
                    by reference.
       (8)          Previously filed with Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2000,
                    and incorporated herein by reference.
                    *Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an
                    exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
                    </TABLE>


                                    30


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